Hello, darling people, I'm back. Sorry for the delay, it's been crazy!

I still have issues with my email account and FF and I'm not getting any notifications of your reviews. Again, I want to make sure you know that I read them and I appreciate them SO MUCH!

Btw, Twin68babyA, your review made me laugh so hard and actually inspired this chapter. Because I need people like you in my life, this goes out to you. Hope you like it!

Thank you all for your support, love, and eternal patience with me.

Enjoy this chapter, and I'll upload the other later today.

WARRIOR

Chapter 4.

"Do we need to have another conversation about stranger danger, Isabella?"

I should have known that my dad would freak out about it. He was fully naming me now. Not only was he freaked out, but he was also pissed. I called Charlie on Friday night to let him know I wouldn't go home this weekend because of my ankle. He demanded to know what happened, using that chief of police tone he used sometimes and that he knew I was useless against. There was no escaping him.

So, I told him what happened. I wasn't even finished with my story when he yelled at me about stranger danger and inviting strangers into my house. He called me irresponsible and crazy, and I could have sworn a vein in his forehead protruded the longer he went into his rant.

"No, Dad." I answered when he paused after his question about stranger danger.

I mean, I got the point. He was right. It was stupid of me to invite a complete stranger into my apartment. For all I knew, he was lying about being gay and was a random crazy serial killer who staged the whole accident thing and being nice to kill me in the solitude of my apartment.

Yeap, in hindsight, I shouldn't have been so gullible.

Maybe I should watch more serial killer documentaries.

"Are you listening to me, young woman?"

Oh my god! I get it; I was irresponsible. Nothing happened but it could have been worse. I learned my lesson.

"Yes, Dad. I am listening." I would never dare to talk back to the chief when he was out. I would rather cut my tongue.

He remained silent for a few seconds, looking intently at me through the phone screen. Then, he sighed and relaxed his stance.

"You have to be more careful, Bella. You are too good and too trusting. You need to have more malice. Not everyone is out to hurt you, but not everyone should be trusted either."

I nodded. "You're right, Dad. I don't know what came over me."

I did. Edward hurt me deeply, and for a long time, I couldn't trust anyone. Jacob fought tooth and nail to earn my trust, and when he introduced me to the pack, I fought tooth and nail not to run away and hide under a rock. Finding someone who seemed genuinely happy and good-natured shook me to my core, and I recklessly put myself and my best friend in danger.

"So, tell me about this Connor guy."

I groaned. "Dad, he is gay." I rolled my eyes.

"I wasn't insinuating anything. You're the one that went there." He replied awkwardly.

"He's studying psychology and literature and is one year ahead of me."

Dad turned our call into a questioning, and I understood why he needed to make it this way. When Edward left, I was a mess for months; I didn't eat, and I wasn't sleeping well because I was plagued with nightmares and insomnia. I was a zombie with a broken heart and broken dreams.

I started waking up when Jacob started pushing my boundaries and not taking a no for an answer. If someone were to get an award for being the most annoyingly persistent person on earth, it should be him. But that meant he didn't let me fall into that dark space again. He showed me it was okay to feel the void in my chest, but it was also okay to smile and laugh again. I owed my life to him.

For Charlie, my reaction was not easy either. I had been living with him less than six months, and he already had a depressed teenager who refused to eat and couldn't get a night in without screaming the house down. Every new person who entered my life got the third degree—every single one. Jacob, Angela, the wolves, and even Kim got the third degree. Everyone took it in stride and didn't comment on it. That was one of the reasons why I decided that it was okay to trust the pack and everyone related to it. They never let me down. If anything, they took me in and held me at the center of it, protected me, and helped me grow stronger until I could get on my own two feet.

Dad questioning me about Connor was equal parts thanks to my reckless behavior and the fact that he didn't know my new friend and couldn't question him himself.

"So, he's going to your classes, taking notes for you on top of going to his own classes?"

"That's what he said." I confirmed.

Dad hummed, either unconvinced or thinking that Connor was good after all and not a serial killer. I know I shouldn't joke about it, but like I said, I learned my lesson.

Scout's honor.

"How's Billy?" I redirected the conversation.

"He's doing good. Jake took him to a new rehab center that opened in Forks, and he's been putting in some muscle. Jake says he looks healthier."

Billy had been left invalid after a car accident in which his wife, the love of his life, died. For a long time, his depression made him physically weak, but with the right support system, he slowly got over it and started taking better care of himself. He'd done some therapy sessions to strengthen his upper body and get the blood flowing to his legs. Jake was patient with his dad and helped him with the exercises every morning and every night.

"I'm glad to hear that. And you, are you eating healthy?" I worried about my dad. He was young but a bachelor and not much of a healthy cook.

His stern look made me laugh. "I'm eating my vegetables alright."

I narrowed my eyes, trying to see if he was lying to appease me and get me off his case or if he was being honest. Choosing to trust him, I nodded. "All right, chief. Any other question you want to get off your chest today?"

"Be careful, and call me if you need anything."

I smiled at him, suddenly feeling homesick. "I will. I miss you, Dad."

He softened his expression and blushed. "I miss you too, kiddo. Go to sleep."

I waved goodbye and hung up.

Angela was already sleeping, wanting to get up early tomorrow morning to avoid traffic and make the most of her time. I had teased her saying she wanted to get Jacob naked for longer, and that's why she wanted to leave early. Her smile was a confirmation that I was right. I wished her goodnight and then called my dad.

I sighed, settling into my comfy covers and resting my head on my pillow. I was about to lock my phone when an incoming text caught my attention. It was from Paul, he wanted to know if I was okay and if I needed anything.

I can skip Jake's party and be there in record time. Just say the word, baby.

This time, I don't know why I blushed. I had never blushed – not one time – from Paul's pet names. But in the intimacy of my room, reading his message, written in the dead of night, made my stomach tingle and a blush spread on my cheeks.

I replied, letting him know I was set for the weekend and would keep him updated. He responded with a "Okay. Only if you're sure." I reassured him I was, and he sent a flirty emoji blowing a heart kiss.

The tingles, which had settled down, came back in full force, the same with the blush.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts, and sent back a purple heart.

It had been the only communication I had had with either of my wolves this week. I would have to face them eventually. I sighed; that was a problem for future Bella.

Deciding that my heart, my cheeks, and my stomach couldn't take more of this flirting for today, I locked my phone and set it face down on the night table next to my bed, within reach, because I knew when I woke up tomorrow, the first thing I'd do is check on my phone for any messages from him or Sam.

I didn't know what time it was, but I was sure it was an ungodly hour, and only my love and tolerance for my best friend prevented a murder. The best friend that was shaking me vehemently and whispering my name.

"Why are you whispering? There is no one else to wake up." I finally said, opening one eye.

"I don't know. It's too early for those questions."

Yes, it was too early. I closed my eyes again, but the shaking resumed.

"What?" I mumbled.

"I'm leaving. I just wanted to say bye and ask if you need anything before I leave."

Any murder thoughts flew out the window at her thoughtful gesture. I made the effort to sit up and have a decent conversation.

"No, Ang. I don't need anything. Call me when you arrive and before you rip off Jake's clothes."

She laughed and patted my head. "I don't make any promises." She kissed my cheek then. "Go back to sleep."

I hugged her clumsily and reminded her sternly to call me.

She rolled her eyes in mock exasperation and promised to do so.