Chapter 11: Unexpected enemies.

Victor snarled as he prowled around the Golden Eyes house.

It was empty! The furniture had been covered in white sheets and all the doors were locked!

He had called his sister multiple times, but she never answered.

She must be having fun with the human she kidnapped. His sister was always one to play with her food and it annoyed him. He hissed in pain as he looked at the damage that strange human had done to him. There was a permanent burn scar on his back and his leg.

As vengeful as his sister was, he wasn't the type, but he couldn't let himself be outed by some weird group of humans. Besides it was weird why one of their kind would want to protect a human anyway.

He sniffed the air and smelled a faint trace of that human scent he smelled last time. He headed in that direction, only to find the same thing. The house was locked, and the furniture was gone.

Did they run away? And if so, where did they go?

He needed a plan and needed one fast. He would have to do some digging.

….

Bella hummed in contentment as she watched Paul drool over his pillow. Last night after the mind-blowing sex, she had promptly passed out and Paul had to carry her back. She just hoped he hadn't let anyone see them. It would have been embarrassing for their parents to see them streaking through the backyard after a romp in the forest.

She gently kissed him on the cheek and got up to take a shower.

Once she was done with her shower, she walked downstairs to their kitchen to find the fridge empty. It wasn't a surprise though, she figured whatever her father-in-law had made for dinner had been greedily eaten and not a drop wasted. She saw two containers set aside for her and Paul, but she doubted he would eat it. Paul having two beasts was a true carnivore. He went and hunted his food and then brought it back for her to cook. She was sure they had deer, fish, and some rabbits in the deep freeze. However, Bella would need other ingredients if she was going to make his favorite breakfast.

A yawn and a soft hello distracted her from her food troubles.

Turning around, she saw Sue dressed and ready for the day.

"Good morning, Mom. How'd you sleep? Did you guys find the guest suite suitable?"

"Suitable? Oh honey, it was excellent! Almost too extravagant! It's practically like our own apartment!" Sue said as she greeted Bella with a hug.

"Well, that was kind of the point..." she told her.

"I'm afraid I don't understand?"

Bella turned to look at her soon-to-be stepmom.

"Mom…. After Harry divorced you. You had to move in with Allison. Paul and I just wanted to give you your own space. Your sanctuary. That room you and Dad sleep in was originally yours. You've always treated Paul with kindness, and he took notice of that. You and Dad being engaged just so happened to work out."

Sue covered her hand with her mouth as she turned away from her stepdaughter. The past four years of her life had not been very good for Sue Clearwater nee Uley. She had come home from work to find her husband Harry Standing in their living room and a woman half her age sitting next to him. By his feet was someone's luggage. At that moment, Sue knew what was coming. The cracks in her marriage had grown for some time. She did her best to patch the cracks, but things just kept getting worse. It started with a lack of communication. She would try to talk to him, but he would give her short, clipped answers. Then there were the nights when he wouldn't come home. She would call but he wouldn't answer. It made it worse that they were both on the council. And that everyone on the reservation knew he was cheating. Her children began to blame her for the problems. Mainly her daughter Leah, being the third female wolf she felt entitled. When Sue looked at her husband and his mistress she knew. He had packed her bags. Without words, she picked up the bags and left.

She didn't bother to fight because it wasn't worth it. Harry hadn't been worth it. They had married young and didn't have kids until they were thirty. That had been three years ago. Sue had moved in with her sister Alisson Uley. But that was unstable because Her brother-in-law in law Joshua had a horrible temper. Alisson met with the same amount of anger and the two would argue a lot. When she and Harry divorced, he got it all. The house, the car. He was an elder and male, Chief Black favored him because they were friends. The divorce cost her everything and everyone. Her children had turned their back on her. Leah sided with her father and Seth, poor Seth he didn't know what to believe. Sue backed out gracefully, telling her children they could always come to see her since Harry banded her from the house. She would schedule times to see her children at coffee shops and outside the tribe but they never showed up.

It was hard sometimes, seeing her children at the pack bonfires and tribal gatherings with Harry and the young women he had chosen. It was even worse when they would have council meetings and she was forced to sit next to him. But Sue was loyal to her people even to a fault. She would counsel the pack as was her responsibility. Through it all, there had been a small joy in her life.

Being friends with Charlie and helping him raise Bella and seeing her become so strong. Falling in love with Charles Swan was something she would never regret. And when he proposed to her with Bella's approval, she had been so happy. She was getting a second chance.

"Mom? You alright?" Bella asked her.

Sue turned around and wiped away her tears.

"Yes, honey. Im just grateful."

Bella's eyes softened as she looked at her.

"Im grateful too. I thank God every day for you and Dad. Now would you mind coming with me to get some groceries?"

"Of course, dear let go."

…

Bella had to hold her breath as she and Sue got out of the car. Even after two years, everything on the reservation seemed to be the same. But as she looked at the Ateara general store, she began to feel unsure.

When she had lived here with Paul, she would come to the general store at least once a week. Joy Ateara was like a second mom to her. She and Sue helped her through many things. Because she visited their store so often, Joy had given her a job, which Bella loved. She got to help some of the older people in the community by delivering groceries and helping them pick out what they needed. However, she was in charge of balancing the store finances and making sure all their inventory was correct. She had been good at her job too! But all that ended when she had to leave her home.

Sue wrapped around her and gave her an encouraging nod.

She could do this.

….

Joy rubbed her face in exhaustion.

They had just run out of a few items and she had to reorder some more but their shipping guy was taking forever to answer the phone. She was currently on hold when she heard the bell ring for a customer.

Sighing in frustration, she went to call for her son but realized he wasn't in the store today. He was out patrolling.

She opened her mouth to call her daughter but realized she was out too! Groaning in frustration she hung up on their supplier and put on a fake smile to greet the customers.

"Good afternoon! Welcome to Ateara general store sorry for the "

Joy's words went dry in her mouth as she looked at the women waiting at the counter.

Standing there with a full cart of groceries was Sue and someone she didn't ever think she would see again.

Joy stepped around the counter to get a good look at her. Her hair was longer than before, stopping at her waist. If anything it seemed as if she had gotten skinnier than before and yet there was a happy glow in her eyes.

"Hi, Mrs. Ateara." She greeted quietly hitching a shoulder to her ear. She always did that when she was nervous.

Before Bella opened her mouth to say anything else, Joy pulled her into a bone-crushing hug.

"Oh, my sweet girl where have you been! You know I can't figure out these dumb numbers by myself!"

Both women laughed at her lame joke.

The last time Joy heard from Bella was two years ago. She had called a few hours before her shift saying an emergency had come up and she wouldn't be returning to work.

Joy knew something had been seriously wrong because she knew Bella like the back of her hand. She was loyal and disappearing wasn't part of her character. When she went to ask Charlie what was going on, her longtime friend could only shake his head and sob.

Seeing him break down shocked joy to her core. Charlie wasn't very emotional and didn't do well with tears. But that day he was heartbroken.

"They took her from me joy." He told her.

He wouldn't explain who or why just that Bella had no choice in her leaving.

So to see her here, smiling and teary-eyed, joy only hugged her tighter.

"Mrs. Ateara im-"

"What's this Mrs. Ateara nonsense? Im joy. I've always been mama joy, Why are you trying to change that now?"

Bella blushed. " I didn't think you'd be very happy to see me."

"I love you, Isabella! I've always loved you like my own daughter! I've been worried out of my mind all these years. You can't scare me like this again."

Bella shook her head.

"I won't. I promise."

"Good, now When you're ready, I want you to come back to work. If you want it anyway." Joy told her with a determined face.

Bella gave her a look of surprise.

"You want me to come back? Why? Didn't you find someone better?"

Joy laughed as she began to bag up some of the food.

"Find someone better? Yeah right, you are someone better Isabella. "She then turned her attention to Sue, who was standing there quietly.

"hey sue.."

Joy was uncomfortable. Things had been awkward between the two friends since Sue's divorce. Joy was upset at Sue because she felt like the latter should have fought harder for her marriage. She should have kicked the mistress out and put Harry on the couch. But no, she just gave up so easily.

"Hello, joy," Sue replied just as uncomfortable. As Joy stared at Sue, she noticed her former friend seemed to be glowing.

Turning her attention back to Bella, she gave the girl an earnest smile.

"Will you come to work on Monday?"

Bella smiled.

"I can't say no to you Mama Joy."

"Will you…and Sue…come to my house for dinner tomorrow?"

Both women turned to look at Sue, who seemed to be deep in thought.

"Will it be just the three of us?" Sue asked. Nervousness set through her body

"Of course," Joy told them.

"I have something even better. How about we go up to Seattle or port angles tomorrow?" Bella asked.

Joy cheered.

"I would love that. It's been a while since I left home."

With their plans made, Joy helped them finish bagging the groceries, and when Bella tried to pay, Joy refused.

"Think of it as an employee discount. Now go on, and I'll see you tomorrow."

With a kiss on the cheek and a hug for Sue, the two women left the store.

Just as they were loading the truck, three deep male voices alerted them they were not alone.

"Isabella?" a deep voice called.

Bella and Sue looked up.

Bella gasped and Sue twitched. Standing in front of them were Old Quill, Big Quill, and Harry Clearwater.

Big Quill stepped forward, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

Besides, Billy and old Quill, Big Quill, and her father were thick as thieves. It also helped they were distant cousins. Growing up so close, it only made sense for Charlie to make Big Quill her Godfather.

And now here he stood, looking at her as if he had seen a ghost.

"You want to explain to me where in God's green earth you have been!? I come home from a business trip to find out my goddaughter is gone! Charlie couldn't find you and when he finally did, he says your safe and that's all that matters. Do you have any idea what you put your father through? What you put me and joy through? Well? Explain yourself, young lady."

Bella turned red as her godfather yelled at her. Of course, he would be angry without an explanation. Without understanding why and how his goddaughter had disappeared.

One thing living with that Cullens taught Bella was how to de-escalate a situation. As much as she wanted to scream right back at her godfather, she couldn't.

He was hurt and it was obvious he missed her.

Her heart ached she missed him too.

" Uncle Q-" she began

"You stop this right now Quill. You should hear the whole story before you fly off the handle. Did you ever think Bella wanted to come home? Wanted to call you. Did it ever occur to you she wasn't allowed!"

Right now this was not sue Clearwater divorcee. This was elder sue a women to not be messed with.

Big Quill sighed because he knew Sue was right. He knew his goddaughter well enough to know she would just disappear for no reason.

"Come here little bee." He said as his eyes became misty. As soon as she was close enough Big Quill pulled her into a bear hug.

Bella buried her face in his chest.

"I swear I didn't want to leave. I had to.." she told him.

"I believe you… but I want an explanation." He told her.

"I know and I'll give you one but I gotta go make breakfast for Dad."

"Can't that old man feed himself?" Big Quill complained playfully.

"Not on crutches."

"crutches? What do you mean? What happened?" he questioned.

"Son, we need to go." Old Quill called interrupting them.

"You didn't know?" Bella questioned. " Dad was… hurt –"

"SON!" old Quill bellowed.

Big Quill turned to look at his father in bewilderment.

"dad? What is it? im trying to have a conversation." Big Quill argued in annoyance.

"I see that but I have something to tell you."

"Oh really like how my best friend has been hurt and none of you told me?"

Before an argument could proceed, Bella kissed her godfather on the cheek and said " I'll have Dad call you Big Q. I'll see you a little later."

As she and Sue got into the truck and pulled off, she couldn't help but notice the burning glare of Harry Clearwater.

The drive back to the house was quiet. As soon as they got through the gate, Bella opened her mouth.

"Are you okay?" she asked as she parked the truck in the driveway.

"I should be asking you that." Sue giggled. "and yes, im ok. I've been living my life in fear of my ex-husband for a long time. I know Joy gets mad at me and feels like I didn't fight but I've been fighting my whole life with my husband. I went from being a uley to a clearwater. Both prominent and respected households here on the reservation but... I just didn't have it in me anymore Bella. You have to choose your battles. I chose not to fight with someone who wasn't worth my efforts."

"So then why haven't you gotten your name changed?"

Sue laughed.

"I was going to but then your father proposed to me. so there is no point in changing it now. I'll be a swan sooner than later."

"Yes, you will. Now let go cook these guys some grub."

The front door opened to reveal Henry and Teagan.

"Big sister Bella! Where did you go!? I wanted to come!" Henry whined as he helped her get the groceries out of the car.

Bella chuckled and kissed him on the forehead.

"You such a gentleman Henry. I would have taken you honey but you were sleeping."

"Can I come next time?" Henry questioned as he sat the groceries on the kitchen counter.

"Of course. Good morning, Teagan." She greeted her sister-in-law.

"Good morning sister dear. Can I help you with anything?"

"Of course, why don't you get started on the turkey bacon? Mom, can you make the scrambled eggs? Henry, can you handle pouring juice?"

"Yes!" Henry cheered.

While the family cooked breakfast, Bella went into the deep freeze and pulled some rabbit.

Paul would be excited about this.

….

As soon as the scent of food filled the house, the men emerged from their room, gravitating towards the smell.

Her father and Julian walked into the kitchen.

"Man, it smells great in here. You ladies didn't have to cook for us." her father said as Julian helped him take a seat.

"I helped too!" Henry whined.

"Im sure you did son." Julian complimented as he picked Henry up.

Bella smiled softly and grabbed a throwover, while Julian helped her father plate his food.

She then went to the back porch and stared out into the forest.

A minute later, yellow eyes stared back at her.

Bella hummed a soft tune and sat down on the back stairs. He would come to her when he was ready. He was probably out patrolling on his own. Taking the lay of the land with his own eyes.

Grey paws emerged first and then a black snout along with a black body. Paul had grey tips on his ears and paws. But the rest of his body was black.

"Hello, wolf. Breakfast is ready. Would you allow Paul to come out and eat? But I did make your favorite. Rabbit, empanadas…"

Wolf's eyes went wide and then paws turned into feet.

"Rabbit Empanadas?" Paul repeated.

"Yes, honey."

"I haven't had those in a long time."

"I know."

He took big strides toward her engulfing her in a tight hug.

"I woke up and you weren't there. I thought I was dreaming."

Bella buried herself in the crook of his neck.

"Im here to stay honey."

He rumbled in content.

She wouldn't ever leave him again.

…

"You mean Big Quill saw you?" her father questioned as they sat in the living room. A movie was on for Henry's entertainment but the adults were talking.

"yes, daddy. He wants to see you. I told him you would call him."

"I can do him one better. Im gonna go see him." Her father said as he reached for crutches.

"Dad, you shouldn't be moving. You should be resting. "Bella said from Paul's lap.

"Yeah and you should be hiding from an invisible supernatural creature but here you are."

"Dad…" Bella whined.

"Don't dad me young lady. That thing is still out there."

"About that," Julian spoke. "We can deploy some of the clan to help."

He was looking at Paul.

The latter was sitting back in a recliner. His arms resting around his wife's waist. He looked like a king on his throne. Like a cat relaxed without a care in the world.

His eyes were still shielded by his shades, as were his fathers and his sisters.

Paul looked as if he hadn't heard his father but he did. He began to play with Bella's hair as he spoke.

" Teagan will guard Bella. Junior will help scout the land. Kaden will come and patrol with me."

"But since he is invisible we will need more manpower." His father argued

Paul shook his head.

"The less the better."

"Son, come on now. You are one of my strongest warriors. Are you thinking clearly?"

Paul gave his father a look. It was a look that said a thousand words.

Julian sighed in defeat.

"fine. I trust you but at least tell me what you are planning?"

"Ethanol fire!" Bella suddenly shouted.

The family stared at her in confusion. Except for Paul.

"That's a smart idea. Invisible fire for an invisible enemy." Paul explained

"Can we get flame throwers!?" Bella asked in excitement.

"No flame throwers, kitten. But we can fill your bows with ethanol." Paul hummed.

"Yes!" Bella cheered.

"Other than fighting an invisible creature, what do you plan to do with your life now that you are home?" her father asked.

Immediately Paul's father and sister began to cackle while Bella blushed.

"what? What did I say?"

Bella shook her head. But her father pushed the subject.

"What did I say? What's so funny?"

"Tell him Izzy." Teagan teased.

"Well, Dad as you know im good with math. Joy wants me to come back as her bookkeeper."

"And…" Teagan pushed.

Bella gave her sister the middle finger as she explained what she was going to do next.

"and im going to…model lingerie…"

Her father blinked, his face turning a shade of red.

"im sorry What?"

Bella sighed.

"dad. I have a degree in finance and accounting. Im the bookkeeper for the Ateara general store, plus the financial advisor to the Ferguson corporation. And im a ligenerie model. I signed my contract two years ago…but… since I had to leave, it was on pause."

"lingerie model? For who? Son, how can you be ok with this?" Charlie asked as he looked at Paul.

"My wife is her own person. We are one but she also has a say in what she wants to do with her life. Besides, she is one of my models."

"Huh?"

It was then Sue began to laugh.

"Charlie, do you know what Paul does for work?"

"I never thought to ask. He always told me he had his own business. But what exactly do you do son?"

Paul gave Charlie a cat-like smile.

" I'm a fashion designer Dad For lingerie and kitten here is going to be my top model."

…..

Tanya Denali tapped her hand nervously on the coffee table as their cousin's home phone went to the dial tone again.

"Any answer?" Kate asked.

"No. im getting worried."

"We should go see them," Carmen suggested.

"I think we should wait," Eleazar interjected.

"As do I. no point of bothering them. Maybe they are not home." Irina said.

"Or you could listen to me." a voice said.

The vampire family jumped as they looked around for the unseen person.

"Did you guys hear that?" Carmen asked as she stood closer to her mate.

And then before their eyes, a red-eyed man appeared.

"Denali coven. I have a little proposition for you."