Love Was Meant to Last, a twilight fanfic

Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Twilight. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer. I do own the characters created for this storyline. Please support the official release.

Writers Note: Welcome to Love was Made to Last! Happy New Year!!!!

His words echoed in Bella's head like the inside of a bell. " It'll be like I never existed; I promise." Those words haunted her. Her heart felt missing in her chest, the void left behind when Edward disappeared and took everything with him. Those days in the woods felt like they happened only yesterday but three months had passed. Bella was a shell of herself, just existing without really existing. Her mind was gone, thinking about Edward every waking moment so she wouldn't forget. So, she wouldn't believe that she was crazy. Nothing about this was normal.

Alice, he's really gone. Each day feels like my breath has been stolen away. The nightmares … they're real. The pain I feel with each one seems like it is never-ending. I'm not doing good. I see it. I know it. But what am I meant to do without him? I wish I had your number so you could get these messages.

Charlie slammed the door on the truck and looked at his daughter. His dark, chocolate eyes were worried. His dark brows furrowed, his forehead crinkling to show his deepening concern for her. "Okay."

Bella blinked. Her swirling blue eyes seemed confused at Charlie's sudden objection. She glanced up at her dad. "Okay?"

"You're going to Florida to live with your mom," Charlie announced.

"What? I can't leave Forks." Bella felt panic shoot through her.

"This isn't normal Bella. He's gone and he's not coming back. Honey, I'm worried about you and so is your mother."

Bella shook her head, her dark hair brushing against her shoulders. "What about my friends?"

"You haven't talked to any of them in months. Paul, Jessica, the Newton boy"

"Me and Jess are going shopping this weekend." Bella lied, trying to scramble to make up reasons why she couldn't go to Florida. She couldn't leave.

Charlie raised a brow studying his daughter's face. She was too thin and the circles under her eyes were because of her lack of sleep. The nightmares plagued her every night and that was part of why he was so scared. "You're going shopping? You hate shopping."

Bella swallowed. "Well, you know. I know I need to spend more time with my friends and so, we're going to go shopping. Maybe a movie." She shrugged.

Charlie nodded. "Okay. Shopping. I like it." He approved. He was still worried about her but maybe this was the start of her getting better.

[Saturday Night]

Jessica and Bella walked out of the theater. Jessica was rambling about the movie but Bella was barely listening. She saw a group of bikers off in the distance and she saw Edward's face warning her not to do anything stupid. It made her gasp a little and Jessica looked over at the bikers and frowned. "They're creeps Bella let's go."

"I think I know one of them." Bella lied and walked towards them.

"Hey, baby." One of the guys nodded at her. He had some light scruff on his face and little hair on his head. "Curious?" he asked when she stared at the bike. "Hop on."

Bella bit her lip a little, ignoring Edward's warning, and got on the back of the bike and the man roared it to life and took off down the street. The faster he went the more Edward's face appeared before her and she felt the rush through her like adrenaline. But she had seen enough. "Stop!" she yelled out and the man brought the bike to a stop. Bella got off, running her hand through her hair a little. "Sorry." She mumbled and she hurried back to Jessica.

"Okay, adrenaline junky. Are you crazy?" Jessica exclaimed when she returned.

"I just wanted to see something."

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Are you trying to get yourself killed? He could have been a serial killer."

Bella just shook her head. She didn't have a death wish, but seeing Edward's face like that gave her a thrill, and she needed more of that.

[A week later]

Bella drove to La Push, the motorbikes she found at the scrap yard. She felt her nerves jump alive as she pulled up at Paul's house.

Paul Lahote was a friend that Bella regretted not talking to more. His mom and her dad were decent friends. Gina Lahote was an amazing woman Bella always thought. She was so great to Paul and she liked that. Paul used to come over more when Gina was coming over more and Bella had once suspected that Gina and Charlie were dating or at the very least courting each other. But now, she pulled up at his house. It was a small trailer. Gina was a single mom and a nurse so she wasn't home often, but that didn't mean anything. There was a small garage outside where Paul was now. She had taken a gamble on Paul being home. But she pulled up in her old red truck that her dad bought off Billy Black when she first came back home to Forks … before Edward.

Paul walked out of the garage, curious to see Bella pulling up. He smiled a little and walked over to greet her. "Hey, you. Haven't seen you in a while." Paul was buff and large. He was a good foot taller than Bella, and even though he was wearing a hoodie, his muscles were very defined even with the extra material covering them. His dark hair was cropped short but held a little shag. His bronze skin made Bella look even paler. His eyes were dark grey, just the slightest of color made him look unique.

Bella nodded, sticking her hands in her back pockets. "Yeah. I know. So, I came to ask for a favor."

Paul grinned a little. "Uh-huh. Okay, show me what you have." He said and walked to the back of the truck. Bella pulled the tarps off to show off the two motorbikes.

"I know you like to fix things. So, I was wondering if you could help me fix these."

Paul looked the bikes over and nodded. "Yeah. Absolutely." He said and smiled at her. "Two bikes?"

"Well, you know. One for me and then … one for you." Bella reached up and tucked her hair behind her ear. Her eyes turned down towards the ground.

Paul smiled and nodded. "All right." He said and then started unloading the bikes. "You have to help though."

"O-o-of course." Bella stammered a little. She offered a little smile and helped Paul roll the bikes inside the garage.

"Could take a while," Paul said as he looked the bikes over more now that they were in the garage.

Bella just nodded. "I know. I saved them from the junkyard so I figured it would be a lot of work."

"Well, we will get them running…maybe," Paul said lightly. He studied her again. "So, your dad wants you to get out of the house more?" he asked as he grabbed a wrench and started disassembling the first bike.

Bella blushed a little. She sat down on a chair and watched Paul work. "Um. You can say that. He wanted to send me to Florida to live with Mom. But…Forks is my home." She said. She thought about what it would mean if she left Forks. She left every possibility that Edward would come back to her. She didn't want to chance being away if that happened. It made her anxious to think about leaving and so her leg started to bounce.

Paul noticed her bouncing her leg and saw that she was anxious. He reached over and set his hand on her leg to make her stop. "Hey. It's okay. You can hang around here for as long as you want."

Bella felt Paul's warm hand on her leg and it surprised her that he was warm. She had grown used to Edward's icy touch so this was different. She just nodded. "Okay."

Alice, it's been two months since I brought the bikes to Paul. School is out for the summer. Paul makes me feel … better. I lost a part of myself when you guys left. I didn't think I would ever feel whole again. I still have the pain…that feeling that something is missing but the void in my chest is starting to feel. I don't want to move on. I love him, Alice. Edward…. was my world. And I don't want to let go. I know I wasn't good enough for him. I hear his words even when I'm not asleep. For a long time, I wanted him to see that I wanted more but, in the end, I wasn't good enough. Now with Paul…he's safe and he makes me smile. He's my best friend. That used to be you. But now, Paul is my anchor in this world.

"Okay, you ready?" Paul asked as they unloaded the bikes. They were in La Push on a track that was used regularly for dirt bikes. Bella got on the bike and she felt the nerves. "This is the throttle, break and you have to kick start it here on the left side." He explained the functions of the bike.

Bella blew out her breath and kickstarted the bike and it roared to life. She rolled her hand forward and the bike jerked forward.

"Easy," Paul said, and then Bella took off fast down the track.

Bella saw Edward's face as she raced down the track. The rush that she felt from the dangerous aspect of riding a motorbike for the first time. She kept looking at Edward's image as she rushed by but didn't pay attention to the curve up ahead and she braked too hard and flipped over the front of the bike and rolled, hitting her head against a rock.

"Bella!" Paul yelled, jumped on the bike, and rushed towards her. He got for the bike quickly and went to the ground beside her, helping her into a sitting position. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

Bella sat up, a little disoriented but she looked up at Paul's concerned face. "I'm okay."

"You're bleeding," Paul said when he saw the blood trickle from her hairline.

Bella reached up and touched her head, the slick red blood covering her fingers. "Oh my god. I'm so sorry."

Paul pulled his shirt off, his muscles ripping when he did, and pressed it against her wound. "Apologizing for bleeding?"

Bella blinked a couple of times and nodded. "I guess so."

"It's just blood," Paul said and lifted his shirt to see the cut. "Doesn't look bad. Superficial. No stitches." He reassured.

Bella just nodded. "Thanks." She murmured and just stared up at him. She didn't realize before how strong he was. His skin was flawless, his eyes a different shade of dark grey. It was nearly mesmerizing. "You're sort of beautiful." She murmured.

Paul helped her to her feet and dusted her off from the pine needles and leaves that stuck to her. "How hard did you hit your head?" he joked. "No more bikes. Okay?" he felt the panic slip away now that he saw she was okay. But when she wrecked on the bike, it had scared him. Bella nodded to him. He got the bikes loaded back on the truck and they got in. Bella sat in the passenger seat while Paul drove. She looked out the window and saw a bunch of guys at the cliffs. She saw someone push another over the cliff and he plummeted down into the dark waters at the cliff base.

"Oh my god!" Bella exclaimed and Paul stopped the truck. She got out and watched someone jump over the side of the cliff.

Paul smiled and set a hand on Bella's shoulder. "They're cliff jumping. It's a sport for them. Sam's gang jumps from the top. Most of us jump from the second cliff. But Sam's crew likes to be dangerous."

"You don't like Sam?" Bella asked, hearing the disdain in Paul's voice.

Paul shook his head. "Not really." He said and patted her shoulder. "Come on. Let's get some food." He said and they walked back and got in her truck.

Alice, I've decided to try. After the bikes…crashing on it. Bleeding. I was sent back to the day of my birthday. When everything happened so fast, I bled from a simple paper cut. That moment is what caused Edward to leave. But Paul didn't flinch from the blood. I know now, that Edward isn't coming back. You aren't coming back and I have to learn to live without you both.

As the lunch bell rang, Bella made her way towards the Cullen table. With school starting back up and her birthday coming up, she knew it was time to move on from the past. She took a deep breath and decided to be herself again. Instead of sitting with the Cullen's ghosts, she chose to sit at a nearby table with Mike Newton and the others. As she sat down, all eyes turned towards her.

Mike smiled. "So, you're …you're back?"

Bella nodded, offering a smile. "I guess I am."

Eric was more boisterous. "Our girl Bella is back!" and it was a small cheer at the table.

Mike smiled at Bella. "So, now that you're back. How about seeing a movie there's this one movie Love Actually and I was- "

"How about Face Punch?" Bella interjected. "Romance movies aren't my thing."

Eric cut in. "Oh yeah! Face punch we wanted to see that, Mike!"

"We should do a group thing," Bella suggested. She was oblivious to Mike's disappointment in it becoming a group affair. But he just smiled and nodded.

It was agreed now, they would go Saturday to the movies.

The week seemed to go by so fast and now it was Saturday night.

Mike studied Paul and thought that he was a rough competition for Bella. "So, uh. How old are you?" he ventured to ask.

Paul raised a brow. "Eighteen."

Bella walked up. "So, Eric has the flu so Angela is staying in to take care of him and Jessica bailed. So it's just the three of us." She said and rubbed her hands together. Nighttime in Port Angeles was starting to get cooler. It was 55 degrees outside right now and she kicked herself for not bringing her other jacket.

Paul just nodded. "It's okay." He said and the three of them went in to buy their tickets.

The theater wasn't crowded so they were able to select some seats they were centered with the screen. They say down, Paul on one side and Mike on the other side of Bella. The seats reclined and so they reclined the seats back and waited for the movie to start.

Bella thought about the darkness of the theater. Even as the movie started, she wasn't paying attention. She just got lost in her head and before she knew it the movie was over. Paul patted her arm to break her out of her thought bubble. "Oh sorry." She said and noticed Mike was already gone. "Where's Mike?"

"Bathroom. He was looking a little green. Don't think he could handle the gore. Paul said and walked with Bella out of the theater, and they hung around the bathroom area to wait on Mike. "I didn't think you liked the gore of movies like this," he said, sticking his hands in his pockets and leaning against the wall.

Bella reached up and tucked a smooth strand of her hair behind her ear. "Yeah. I love stuff like this. Me and my mom used to find the goriest movie and we would see it. She loved the Dawn of the Dead type of corniness. When we were in LA, we got to see the set for the movie World War Z. The one with Brad Pitt. She was so excited." She said with a little laugh. She felt happy recalling old memories like that.

Paul liked to see her smile. "Your mom sounds pretty awesome actually."

"She is," Bella said, and she felt a little homesick for her mom. Sometimes she wished she could just hug her. She knew she was busy with Phil, her stepdad, but this was her mom's time to have fun and not have to worry about taking care of Bella. She wanted her mom to be happy.

Mike left the bathroom. "I think I'm coming down with the flu, like Eric. I'll see you later Bella." He said and hurriedly left.

Bella frowned. "Oh no."

"Mhm. The flu." Paul said.

Bella smiled a little. "Well, I should get you back home." She said and she started to walk but then she tripped over her feet and landed against Paul. Paul's hands caught her with ease and surprisingly good reflexes. Her hands were on his biceps now She knew that his arms were large but feeling then was different.

"You good?" Paul asked.

Bella nodded, blushing from embarrassment but then she frowned. "Paul. You're burning up." She said and then reached a hand up and felt his face.

Paul felt her cool hands and it made him feel better but he was burning up. Like he could start sweating at any moment. He frowned. Something didn't feel right. "Um. I don't feel too hot." He said. "I'm grabbing Uber home Bells. I don't want to get you sick." He said and then he rushed away from her before she could say anything.

Bella watched Paul leave. She was worried about him now. She would call him later to check on him. She felt fine. It was rare that she got sick ever so she just sighed and left the theater, getting in her truck and drove home.

Alice, it's been a week now. Paul isn't answering me. His mom said that he had mono. But I'm worried. It's not like Paul to be sick and I googled it. He should be able to at least answer my texts. Am I the problem? Edward told me I wasn't good enough… I have fought myself trying to tell myself that I'm not a problem. That I'm good enough but it seems like I am failing. Have I lost Paul too? My best friend. I wish you didn't change your number, Alice.

Bella drove to La Push. The rain was falling around her as she did. Her birthday was today, but she didn't want to have any memories of today, today was a day that she needed distraction and Paul still wasn't answering her. She pulled up at his house and she saw him walking shirtless in the rain. She got out of the truck and slammed the door. "You're not sick." She accused as she stormed over to him.

Paul's dark grey eyes swept over to her disinterested. "Go home, Bella." He said his tone sharp.

Bella was taken aback. "Are you fucking kidding me?" she exclaimed. "What is wrong with you!"

"Take a hint. I didn't answer you because I didn't want to see you. I don't associate with bloodsucker lovers." His tone was still harsh.

Bella shook her head. "What are you talking about!"

"You know what I'm talking about." Paul clipped back. "Leave. Now." He growled at her.

Bella just shook her head, feeling the tears threatening to spill over. She backed away from Paul and went back to her truck. She shivered from the cold rain. But she refused to give in to the cold. She started her truck and backed away from the house and aimed her truck back towards Forks. Her thoughts raced through her head. Before long she was parking and getting out of the truck. She ventured into the woods; the same woods Edward took her to show her the meadow. The meadow that she lay in with him so many times before. She walked the rain letting up but her hair was already plastered to her face and she was cold. But she ignored it and pressed on. When she got to the meadow and stood there thinking about Edward. She wanted to scream and to cry but no sound would come from her. She looked down at her hands, seeing the white scar from James's bite. She was supposed to be a vampire. With that bite, she should have died and become a Cullen, but Edward prevented it, and she knew how because she wasn't worthy. She was worthless in his eyes. She looked up and saw Laurent and it nearly stole her breath. His dark dreads were still the same, his smooth flawless chocolate skin and his eyes, a bright red.

"Laurent." Bella murmured.

"I came to visit my new friends, but it seems they are here no longer," Laurent said his Cajun voice so smooth.

Edward's image appeared. Lie.

"They didn't leave. They're just on a vacation." She lied poorly.

Laurent's lips twitched up in a smile. "Oh, Bella you are a terrible liar." He said and flashed before her his slender hand gripping her face now. "Victoria wants you alive but I don't think I can help myself."

"You helped us before." Bella managed to get out trying to squirm out of his hold but he was a vampire and she wasn't.

"I know when I am outnumbered. You should be happy. Victoria plans on torturing you. At least with me, you'll die quick." He said and then he went rigid picking up the scent of something far worse than another vampire. He turned away from Bella and started to run.

Bella blinked and then she saw giant wolves emerge from the trees, growling and snarling and leaped after Laurent and gave chase through the woods. One of the wolves looked her way, the shaggy grey fur had a mix of some darker blues throughout but the wolf looked at her as if it was checking to make sure she was okay before it ran to follow the rest of the pack. Bella's breath whooshed out of her when she realized she was holding her breath and she turned, and her numb legs carried her as fast as they could to her truck where she could drive back home.

When she got back home her dad was there with Harry Clearwater. She burst into the house. "Dad! It's not a bear."

"Calm down Bella. What is going on? Why are you soaking wet?" Charlie said.

"Wolves. They're huge, Dad. I just saw them in the woods."

"Why were you in the woods? Today is your birthday you should be getting ready for the dinner that- "

Bella shook her head. "Wolves dad. Wolves!"

Charlie studied her and saw how upset she was. "Okay. I'll check it out. I must go into the office to or- "

"Go. This is important."

"But your birthday."

"I don't care Dad. Wolves!" she exclaimed.

Charlie sighed and looked at Harry. "Think you can gather some of your guys to go hunting for these wolves?"

Harry nodded, startled by Bella's announcement but he nodded his agreement.

Bella watched her dad and Harry gather their jackets and head out of the hospital to investigate Bella's wolf claim. She combed her fingers through her wet hair and she shivered. Laurent would be gone by now, going back to tell Victoria that she was unprotected. She needed to think about protecting her dad. But at the same time maybe Victoria coming back would make some of the Cullen's come back. She went up the stairs and decided to take a shower to calm down. Her heart was still racing pretty fast. So she gathered her stuff and went to the bathroom and started the shower. She studied herself in the mirror as she got naked. She was so thin she realized but also saw the bruises that started forming on her pale skin where Laurent had grabbed her hard. She shook it off, stepped into the steaming shower, and let the hot water wash over her body and melt the tension.

She got out of the shower and just wrapped her towel around herself. She forgot a bra and panties in her haste to get in the shower, so she walked into her bedroom. She heard something pelting the window, like small rocks. She went to the window and looked out to see Paul standing there shirtless. She frowned and opened the window. "What?"

"Move back," Paul said and then he bounded up the tree next to Bella's window, and it was clear he was very strong with how effortlessly he made it up the tree into her bedroom.

"There's a front door." Bella pointed out.

"I know. But you didn't answer when I knocked." Paul said.

Bella sighed. "What do you want? What is going on with you? You have a tattoo now and you're being rude to me. Is this Sam's doing?"

"I'm sorry," Paul said softly. "I just … have you ever had a secret you couldn't tell. I literally can't tell you." He said, his eyes saddened by this.

Bella shook her head. "That's not good enough Paul. Is it Sam? What did they do to you?"

Paul sighed. "You already know." He shook his head. "I need you to remember. Remember the stories I told you."

"About the cold ones?"

"I guess I can see why you would only remember that part." Paul's jaw clenched a little and then stepped forward and just brought her into his arms to hug her. When he did, he felt the world shift for him, like everything that mattered before didn't matter now. Only Bella mattered to him. He inhaled her scent and everything about her was so enticing, he didn't want to let her go. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he had to, or Sam and the others would come looking for him. He forced himself to let her go. "Please remember." He murmured.

Bella looked up at Paul. His warmth had enveloped her, and she missed him. Missed hanging out with him and missed their talks. She watched him go back to the window. "There has to be something that you can do." She spoke and it made Paul pause to look back at her.

"I can't," Paul said, his throat tight.

Bella shook her head. She didn't want to accept that. "Maybe we should just leave…. go somewhere. Anywhere but here." She didn't believe she had said it out loud.

Paul frowned. "You would leave Forks…for me?"

Bella swallowed and nodded. "I would do it…. I would leave Forks just for you."

Paul was quiet for a moment, studying her as he paused at the window. "I can't run away from this Bella. But…I would run away with you…if I could. I have to go." He murmured and then he ducked out the window and jumped down. She rushed to the window to see him land gracefully and run off into the woods.

Nighttime did not treat Bella well. Her dreams haunted her with nightmares of wolves. Their glowing eyes in the darkness, the low growl. Then she dreamt of Laurent, his icy hands grabbing her by her throat, crushing her, making it hard for her to breathe. She screamed in the night, her body wrenching in the sheets on her bed. She woke with a start in the darkness of her room. Her eyes instantly danced to the corner of the room, where Edward had once stood to watch her sleep. But it was empty. She reached over to the nightstand, grabbed her phone, went to her messages, and started texting Alice's old number. She used this spot like a journal, and she had wished so many times before that Alice's number would work again, and she could talk to her friend.

Alice, what if every fairytale was real? Every scary story told to scare you…was real. Is it possible that I have been so blinded by the existence of vampires that I have forgotten to pay attention to other possibilities?

[Three Days Later]

Bella couldn't remember the story that Paul had told her on that rainy day at the beach. She tried to remember, but all she could think about were the cold ones. She knew now that the story was about the Cullens and their icy skin, the fact that they were vampires. But Paul had wanted her to try and remember the story. She wanted to remember, she truly did, but she gave up and she found herself driving back to La Push. She knocked on the door and Gina answered.

"He's not here," Gina said, her face a little sullen. She liked Bella and hated that Paul had transitioned. Had become a part of the pack. She had hoped the gene skipped him since he was already eighteen, but he wasn't so lucky.

Bella studied Gina a little. "Okay, I need to see him," she said and pushed past Gina. "Paul!" She called out and found him in his room lying down. She sighed and then glanced out the window and saw Sam, Jake, Embry, and Quil standing outside shirtless. Anger filled her and she left the house, going towards the group. "Leave Paul alone! He didn't want this!" She spat out, her blue eyes leveling on Sam first.

"What did we do? What did he tell you?" Jake bit back, venom clear in his voice. Jake was taller than Sam by a little and at one point Jake and Bella had played together as kids, but they grew apart. Besides Charlie buying the truck from Billy, she hadn't seen much of Jake. Only when she hung out with Paul before he started acting crazy.

"Nothing! He won't tell me anything because he's afraid of you!"

Jake laughed at that, and it made Bella mad, and she slapped him.

"Too late," Jared said and looked at Sam.

Sam put a hand up. "Bella, get back! Jake! Calm down!"

Jake growled and then suddenly he transformed into a large wolf, his clothes shredding in the process.

Bella gasped and turned and started running toward the house. She saw Paul rushing towards her. "Run! Paul! Run!"

Paul ignored her and leaped over Bella and transformed mid-air, growling, and snarling at Jake as he landed. In a split second, the two giant wolves were attacking each other, their large white teeth snapping one another's throats. Fur was flying around as they tumbled down a small incline into the trees.

Sam sighed. "Jared, Embry, take Bella to Emily's." He said and jogged towards the woods.

Jared and Embry went to Bella. "Guess the wolf's out of the bag now," Embry said casually and then smiled at Bella. "Come on. We'll explain more." He said and they guided her back to her truck. Jared got in the driver's seat and Bella slid in, sitting in the middle with Embry on the other side of her. She was quiet as she mulled everything over in her head. Paul was a wolf. The same wolf in the meadow where the wolves chased after Laurent. She suddenly remembered the other parts of the story that Paul had told her. The cold ones and the spirit walkers could transform into large wolves to protect their village. It was all coming back to her now and she felt stupid that she didn't remember it before.

It was a short ride and Jared parked outside of Sam's house. They all climbed out of the truck and Embry and Jared started inside the house first, but Jared hung back. "Hey, don't stare at Emily. Sam doesn't like it when you do." He warned, but Bella frowned, following Jared inside.

There was a woman, her back turned, but she had dark hair pulled back in two low ponytails. She was thin and about Bella's height. She was doing something in the kitchen.

"Are you boys hungry?" Emily asked and turned, smiling, her dark eyes landed on Bella. "Oh, who's this?" There was a disfiguring scar that went from Emily's temple to her chin. Like someone had raked something sharp across her face.

"Bella Swan," Embry said with a grin.

"So, you're the vampire girl," Emily said, her smile never leaving.

Bella nodded, rubbing a hand over her arm. "So, you're the wolf girl." She said evenly.

Emily chuckled a little. "I suppose I am. At least, I am engaged to one. Sit, eat." She said and slapped Embry and Jared's hands. "Hey, save some for your brothers, but let Bella eat first." She warned.

Bella waved a hand. "I'm not hungry." She said and then she looked up to see Sam walking into the house. He went straight to Emily and kissed her lovingly, over the scars on her face and then her nose, and then her lips. She could see how much the two were in love with each other. She looked back at Jake and Paul coming into the house. They weren't wolves now, and they were wearing clothes. Paul smiled a little and then his dark grey eyes landed on Bella. He nodded to her, motioning with his head for her to come outside with him. She went towards him, following him outside. He led her towards a path that went towards the ocean, and there was a small private beach where they could have privacy to talk.

"So, you're a werewolf," Bella said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah," Paul said lamely, his hands in his pockets as they walked. "If you have the gene…um. When bloodsuckers move into town, you trigger. The fever sets in."

Bella thought about his words. "Mono."

Paul nodded. "Yeah. I wish it was just mono."

Bella was silent as they walked more. "Can't you stop?"

Paul frowned and stopped walking to look at her. "Bella, this isn't something I can just turn off. I was born this way. Am I not the right kind of monster? Is that it?" He was upset now.

"It's not what you are…it's what you do."

"What do we do?"

"Kill people."

Paul was shocked to hear her say those words. "We don't kill anyone. We're protecting you people from the only thing that does kill people."

"Vampires?"

"Yeah."

"You can't kill a vampire."

Paul raised a brow. "We killed dreadlocks pretty easily."

"Laurent."

"Yeah, and the red-headed leech will be next."

"Victoria is here. You've seen her?" Bella felt scared suddenly.

Paul frowned, sensing her fear. He reached his hand out and put it on her arm. "Whoa. You're shaking. What's wrong?"

Bella swallowed. "Victoria. She's dangerous."

"Not for us. Bella, we will take care of her. We just…can't figure out what she wants, and why she's hanging around here so much."

"It's because of me," Bella said and took a step back. She brushed her hair off her face when the wind blew past her.

"What do you mean?"

Bella thought back to the ballet studio. When James bit her and tried to kill her. She didn't want to think about that time. About that specific memory. "Um. Because Edward he uh…he helped kill her mate and so she's hunting me." She explained.

Paul frowned, his brows creasing together. "So, she's after you for revenge." He felt angry to even think about her being in danger because of Edward. "I won't let her hurt you." He reassured her, and then he pulled her into a hug, and she let him. When his arms were around her, he felt the pull of the imprint bond that they shared. He knew that he would do anything to ensure she lived. No matter what. She meant everything to him, nothing else in this world was more important than she was.

Bella wanted to believe Paul. Believe that they would be strong enough to kill Victoria, but she realized that she was more worried about Paul getting hurt than anything.

"Come on. Emily's food is really good, and it will be nice to have Sam explain more. "Paul said gently and they started back towards the house. When they got there, everyone was alert.

"We have to go," Sam ordered.

Paul frowned. "What?"

"Now. She's back." Sam said and took to the woods.

Paul looked at Bella. "I'm sorry. I'll come find you later." He said and then followed Sam and the others into the woods.

Bella sighed and looked over at Emily, who was standing, watching them leave just like she did. "Is this all the time?"

Emily nodded. "Yes. They're doing their job to protect the town. It'll be dark soon; the clouds look like it might rain. You're welcome to stay and- "

"I should get back. Thank you though…for accepting me."

Emily smiled. "Of course. You're always welcome Bella, anytime."

Bella smiled back a little and then walked back to her truck and got in. She drove away from the house and started back towards Forks. She got lost in her thoughts and before she knew it, she was parked by the cliffside. She looked out towards the darkening sky. Edward's image appeared again. Don't.

"You don't get to tell me what to do anymore," Bella said and then she got out of the truck and started walking towards the cliff. Edward's image continued to flash, but she ignored it until she came to the top of the cliff. She looked out over the edge at the dark, angry waters. "You told me I wasn't worth it. That I wasn't good enough." She said to Edward's image. "You left me here with Victoria. Your absence is proof that you never cared." She murmured into the wind. She looked over the edge. The thrill would be something she never experienced, and she wanted that rush. She wanted to feel how it would be to fall into the cold waters and come back to the top to be reborn again. She didn't think about it anymore, she just jumped, the wind wrapping around her as she fell into the dark sea. She hit the water, and it enveloped her, stinging her skin in the exposed places. It was shocking, like a jolt to her nervous system. She opened her eyes, looking around her, and was surprised to have some visibility. She saw what looked like flames swimming her way and realized that it was Victoria. She panicked, swimming backward before hitting her head on the cliff base, and then blackness overtook her.

Paul felt Bella's fear as he raced through the trees towards the cliff. She was in danger, and he needed to get there fast. His wolf was faster than the others, and he made it to her as she dropped down into the water. He shifted, pulling at his pants tied around his ankle to cover his naked body before he ran as fast as he could in human form over the sands to the water and dove in and swam out to her, pulling her unconscious frame out of the waters and towed her to shore. He leaned down, his mouth covering hers to blow life into her, before he pumped her chest with his hands, giving her CPR, until she choked a little and spit up water. "Bella." His voice shook.

Bella blinked a little, looking up at Paul and how scared he looked. "Paul." She murmured.

Paul felt the first drops of rain on his bare skin from being shirtless. "Come on." He helped her to her feet, swinging her up into his arms, and carried her away from the beach and back up to the road where her truck was parked.

When he got her there, Sam had clothes for him and a blanket for Bella. "Take her home, Charlie still helping out at Harry's," Sam said softly, and then left, going back towards the truck that Emily was driving and getting in.

Paul wrapped the blanket around Bella before pulling the shirt on and getting her into the truck. He started it, and it roared to life.

"What's wrong with Harry?" Bella asked, catching what Sam said.

"Harry…was attacked while with your dad hunting…for us," Paul murmured.

"Is Harry going to be, okay?" Bella asked, worried about him now.

Paul shook his head. "He didn't make it," he said and started driving back towards Bella's house.

Bella didn't know what to say. She liked Harry, and she was to blame. She had told her dad about the giant wolves and that was why they were in the woods. She shivered and then tried to turn up the heat.

"This old truck…it takes a while for the heat," Bella said apologetically.

Paul smiled a little. "I run 108 full time. Come on." He motioned as he drove, and Bella slid over in the truck to lean against him. He radiated heat and she felt her body instantly getting warmer. She shivered once more, but not from the cold, just the closeness she felt sitting there with Paul.

"It must be nice to be able to create your own heat."

"It's a wolf thing."

Bella smiled. "No. I think it's a you thing. You're like a little sun."

Paul was quiet as he thought about her words. They were silent some more until they pulled up at her house. He finally spoke. "Is this better now that you know about me?"

Bella nodded. "It is."

Paul thought about being a wolf, and how he was glad that she knew about this secret, but he also thought about how dangerous it was. "Maybe Sam is right…you should probably not hang around me." It hurt him to say it out loud.

Bella looked up at him, her blue eyes searching for his. They were close, their faces almost touching. "Don't say that." She murmured.

"You saw Emily. Her scars. All it takes is a split second. Sam lost it…for a split second and Emily was standing too close." Paul didn't want to lose it on Bella, he wanted to protect her from everything, including himself. He knew that he had a temper sometimes and he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he hurt his imprint in any way. "What if…what if I got mad at you? Sometimes…I feel like I'm just going to disappear."

Bella inched closer, her nose almost touching his. "I would never let that happen. You're not going to lose yourself."

"How?"

"I will tell you all the time…how very special you are," Bella murmured, her breath tickling him now.

Paul leaned in more, his lips close to hers. He wanted to kiss her so badly. He wanted nothing more right now than to kiss her and tell her everything about the imprint bond, but she pulled away.

"Um. Thank you…for pulling me out of the water." Bella murmured a little before opening the truck door.

Paul frowned, catching the scent of a vampire. "Wait," he said and closed the door, startling Bella. "We have to go."

"What? What's wrong?"

"There's a leech nearby," Paul said.

Bella looked around and saw a black Mercedes parked. "Wait. That's Carlisle's car." She said and reached for the door handle.

"Bella don't. If the Cullen's are back, I can't protect you. This is their territory."

"They're not going to hurt me," Bella said.

"I can't trust that."

"Paul. Please." She said.

Paul studied her and then sighed, letting her out of the car. "I can't stay."

"I wish you would." She said and closed the door before going into the house. She opened it and walked inside. "Carlisle?" She called out, going towards the lights to turn them on, and then turned and saw Alice. "Alice!" She exclaimed.

Alice hugged Bella, obviously glad to see that she was alive. "How are you alive? I saw you jump off a cliff. Why would you try to kill yourself!"

"I wasn't trying to kill myself. I was cliff diving…it's for fun." Bella quickly added.

Alice blinked in astonishment. "I swear, you are a danger magnet."

"Are you the only one?" Bella asked.

"Yes. I saw you in my vision jumping off a cliff." Alice said again and then she jugged Bella again, relief flooding her again. Then she wrinkled her nose. "Why do you smell like a wet dog."

Bella was confused for a moment. "What? Oh…That's Paul. He's uh…a werewolf."

"Bella, werewolves are dangerous!" Alice exclaimed.

"Speak for yourself," Paul grumbled as he walked in. He hated the stench of the leeches, but he wasn't about to leave Bella by herself.

"I thought you couldn't stay," Bella murmured, seeing Paul standing there.

Paul's eyes never left Alice. "I decided I didn't care about the treaty." He said, his voice clear, that he was upset. "I wanted to make sure you were okay."

"Well, I'm not going to hurt her."

"Listen, I don't trust your kind so- "

"Both of you stop," Bella said, exasperated. "She stays." She said, looking at Paul sternly and Alice went to the door. "Wait, Alice. You're not leaving…"

"I'm not, I'll come talk when you put the dog outside," Alice said and opened the door and walked outside.

Bella sighed and looked at Paul. "Paul, she's not going to hurt me." She reassured him.

"Bella…." He murmured and shook his head.

Bella bit her lip and shook her head. "We can't keep doing this to each other." she suddenly said.

"Do what? Dance around each other in circles?" Paul moved close to her, backing her up against the sink in the kitchen. His body brushed against hers, his hand coming up to caress her face. His lips closed in towards hers. It was a simple brushing of their lips at first. A simple kiss. He felt his wolf come alive inside him, ecstatic that he was finally taking the step forward and kissing her.

Bella felt his warm lips against hers and her eyes fluttered closed. Her heart stuttered a little in her chest and she leaned into the kiss now. She felt his hands move to her waist as he pulled her against him firmly. Her lips parted in surprise, and she felt his tongue sweep across hers in a slow kiss. She didn't know what these feelings were that were emerging. Her hands slid up his hard chest, gripping a little at the shirt he wore.

The phone rang on the wall. Charlie believed in landlines still and so Paul paused to grab the phone. "Swan residence."

"Charlie Swan." The voice was smooth and Paul instantly knew this wasn't the voice of a friend.

"He's not here. He's planning a funeral." Paul said, angry that he was interrupted and angry that a leech got Harry killed in the first place.

"Who was that?" Bella asked, puzzled by Paul's tone.

Paul shook his head. "He doesn't matter."

Bella frowned. "Who doesn't matter?"

Suddenly Alice was there. "Bella! It's Edward, he's going to provoke the Volturi in Italy. He wants to die. Rose told him why I came here!"

"What!" Bella looked at Paul. "That was Edward wasn't it?"

"I said he doesn't matter."

Bella shook her head. "You should have let me talk to him!" she looked at Alice. "How much time do we have?"

"Not much," Alice said and ignored Paul's angry stares.

Bella ran a hand through her hair. "Okay let's go." She said and went to grab her things and Paul grabbed her arm to force her to stop and look at him. "Paul-"

"Please don't go. I need you to stay here."

"He's going to kill himself. I have to stop it."

"Bella- "

"I'm going." She said and pulled out of Paul's grip and rushed with Alice out the door to the car.

Paul growled. "Fuck." He followed them to the car, leaned in the window, and grabbed her, his hand planted firmly at the back of her head, and pulled her close his lips capturing hers. She didn't fight him. He leaned his forehead to hers and sighed. "I don't want you to go. Please stay….for me."

Bella swallowed. "I'll be okay. I'll come back. I promise." She said, her blue eyes meeting his. She didn't know why her heart felt so funny when she looked at him but he seemed panicked and worried. "Paul…I can't let him kill himself because of me. I can't live with that."

Paul's jaw clenched and looked around. "Okay." He said and opened the back door.

"What are you doing dog?" Alice exclaimed.

"I'm going with. Don't argue with me." Paul snapped.

Alice shook her head. "As gallant as you think this is, the Volturi will not allow you there. Your stench alone will alert them we're there."

Bella looked at Paul. "Paul."

"Fine to the airport then," Paul grumbled, and Alice started the car and drove away, seemingly satisfied with that response.

[Voltaire, Italy]

Alice sped towards the clock tower where Edward planned to step out into the light right at noon. To reveal himself to the public which would be breaking the rules. She got as close as she could with the yellow Porsche before Bella got out and ran as fast as she could through the crowds of people dressed in red robes in honor of St. Marcus Day. She weaved in and out of the crowd until she saw the clock tower. There was a minute left as she broke through the crowd and she saw Edward about to step out, she rushed him running as fast as she could over to him. He had his eyes closed as he took a small step towards the daylight from the dark shadows of the alley between the clock tower and the building. But he didn't get a chance to step farther when Bella flung herself at him, his arms automatically coming around her to catch her. He was disoriented at first, thinking he was dead when he caught her heavenly scent.

"Bella." Edward breathed out. "Is this heaven?"

Bella was panting from the exertion of having to run so hard and so fast. But she hugged Edward, his cool skin making her shiver. "You're alive. You're an idiot." She scolded him.

Edward opened his topaz eyes and stared at her. Her blue eyes were looking up at him and happiness filled him. His mouth captured hers in a cold kiss and she let him.

Bella felt her heart hurt when Edward kissed her. She had wanted to feel his touch for months. Wanted to feel his lips on hers but right now, she felt pain in her heart. She pulled away when she saw guards of some sort.

"Come with us." One of the taller men said. His shoulders were broad and his dark hair was styled slightly messy. His eyes were tinted red and it was clear he was a vampire.

"No rules were broken," Edward said looking over at the man, his hand went to Bella's waist to pull her in close defensively.

"Aro wishes to speak with you." The man said, his voice still stiff.

Edward swallowed and looked at Bella. "I'll be right back."

"The girl comes too."

Edward growled. "She has nothing to do with this."

A small woman appeared. She looked more like a girl, small and delicate. Her dark cloak billowed out as she walked. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun. Her red eyes seemed brighter than the other man. "What is taking so long?" Her smooth voice demanded. Her red eyes landed on Bella and a hint of amusement seemed to flash briefly.

Alice appeared then. "Felix, Jane." She greeted the two Volturi who had come to get Edward and Bella. "It has been far too long."

Jane seemed annoyed but she nodded slightly. "Aro requires you all. Come now." She said and turned, expecting everyone to follow her.

Edward's hand gripped Bella's as they followed Jane, with Alice taking the lead. Felix fell into step behind them, essentially trapping them.

Bella could tell that Edward was tense and she knew from the stories that he had told her before about the Volturi, that this was extremely dangerous.

Jane led them onto an elevator and the five of them got on and rode the elevator in silence to the top. When the elevator doors opened, Jane stepped off leading them down a corridor that opened into a large cathedral-sized room. There were three thrones sitting perfectly. With three of the Volturi sitting in them. The man on the left seemed older somehow, his dark hair lay on his shoulders but was nearly kept. His skin was pale, and his eyes a dark crimson color. The man on the right was youthful. His skin was flawless and so dazzling. His blond hair was slicked back on his head and had a length to it as well, but the style made it look shorter. His crimson eyes were bright, irritated even. The man that was sitting in the middle stood, a wide smile on his face. His hair was dark and longer than the first man, trailing past his shoulders. His nose was pointed his jaw more rounded and he seemed joyous.

"This is a happy surprise." The man clapped his hands together. His name was Aro and one of the leaders of the Volturi. He grinned widely as he studied Bella. "Bella is alive after all." He chuckled a little. "I love a happy ending." He said and sighed dramatically, still smiling. He walked down the stairs that went to the platform that held the thrones and stopped right before Edward. His slender hands reached up, grabbing Edward's head.

"Aro reads minds by touch," Edward said to Bella, and he closed his eyes.

Aro smiled. "You thirst for her blood…it calls to you. How do you stand it?" He said and released Edward.

Edward's jaw clenched. "It isn't easy."

Aro nodded. "I see that."

"You've read my thoughts so why are you dragging this out."

Aro clasped his hands together, bringing them up to his lips as he grinned. "And you can't read her thoughts. That is really, truly fascinating." He said and his crimson eyes turned to Bella. He reached a hand out. "I am curious if she is immune to my gift as well."

Bella looked at Edward who was giving her a look and they told her not to do it, but she ignored him and gave Aro her hand anyway. He covered her hand with his other hand as he shut his eyes. She was quiet as she watched him, but she also noticed the others in the room. The blonde seemed like he was getting increasingly annoyed with Aro's flamboyance.

Aro's eyes popped open, and he looked mystified. "I see nothing." His voice whispered, so entranced with this discovery. "I wonder if she is immune to all our gifts. Jane. "

Edward's eyes went wide, and he shot forward to grab Bella, but he fell to the floor, writhing in pain, his body feeling like it was going to explode.

Bella looked at Jane who seemed to have dropped Edward without even touching him. "Stop! I'll do it! Don't hurt him." She said and Aro smiled and nodded to Jane. Jane released Edward and her eyes focused on Bella. Bella felt nervous but when nothing happened, Aro cackled.

"Remarkable! She confounds us all!" Aro clapped his hands together happily. "What to do with you now."

The one on the left, Marcus, sighed. He was disinterested in this whole display. "You already know."

The one on the right, Caius, rolled his eyes. "She knows too much about our kind. She has to die."

Aro sighed. "Pity. You would make a fine vampire. Your gifts are extraordinary." He said and nodded to Felix. Edward tried to attack and Felix slammed him into the ground. Everything seemed to happen so fast in front of her, the movements and it was clear Edward was fighting the Volturi, making it worse.

"Stop! I am not human." Bella growled out. This caused everyone to stop. Aro's eyes looked at her, curiosity gleaming.

"Not human." Aro murmured.

Bella swept her blue eyes away from Edward to Aro. "I can block your gifts because I'm not human. Vampires are not the only creatures walking this earth."

Caius stood then, his irritation melting away. "Impossible."

"A witch amongst us perhaps?" Aro said, grinning. "Hmm, but you do know too much."

Bella had to think fast about what would change Aro's mind, so she made the decision. She decided to be a vampire and Alice gasped, her visions leaping to her and it caught Aro's attention.

Alice blinked and looked at Aro. "Bella will be a vampire. I have seen it!" she exclaimed. "I can prove it!"

Aro walked towards Alice, reaching out his hands to frame her face. He saw Alice's vision filter his thoughts. Bella's skin sparkling in the sun, her eyes a deep topaz. He opened his eyes and smiled. "To see what you have seen…." He whispered. "Marvelous. Go now. I can't wait to see the vampire you become." He said motioning with his hands.

Caius growled a little. "The next time we see her, she better be a vampire. There are no other chances."

Bella helped Edward to his feet, and he put his arm around her, and they started to leave. Felix led them to the door and walked them back down the corridor. They passed a small tourist group on the way out. They disappeared behind them. And then Bella heard their screams. She closed her eyes, but she tried to remain calm. Edward was safe now, that is what she came here for.

Bella and Edward didn't talk on the plane ride back. She was exhausted from everything happening so she fell asleep on the plane. When they got to the airport, Paul was there waiting. The sky was raining, the misty air made it cold there in Washington and Bella was never happier to see the rain. As soon as Bella stepped outside the airport lobby to the sidewalk, she spotted Paul. Her heart leaped a little in her chest when she saw him, like relief that he was there. It confused her and she didn't know why she was feeling this way.

Paul grabbed her hand and pulled her against him, his warm body enveloping hers. He inhaled her scent. He knew they the stench of leech would be on her but he was surprised to find that she smelled more like herself.

Bella welcomed his warmth. The cold air and rain made her shiver before. "You came."

"I was here the moment your plane landed. You're, okay?" he asked as he pulled back to see her face.

Edward stood, his jaw tight and anger filled him to see Paul hug Bella. His Bella.

"I told you I would be okay," Bella said and then took a step back. "Um. I want to get home. Talk to dad."

Paul nodded. "I ran interference but I don't know how well."

Alice set her hand on Bella's shoulder. "I can handle Charlie." She said and smiled. "Paul, can you take Bella home? I have much to discuss with my brother."

"I'm not leaving her side," Edward interjected.

Paul growled. "You lost that right."

"Bella werewolves are dangerous. I'm disappointed you let this filth around. You." Edward said venomously.

Paul growled again. "Don't get me upset." He spat back.

Bella shook her head. "Both of you stop! She shook her head. "Edward, go with Alice. I have other things to handle."

"Bella, we need to talk. I need to tell you why I left….my words I didn't mean them. I had to lie to you to-".

"I don't want to hear it right now. Go." Bella said and then walked away, spotting her truck in the parking lot. She knew that Paul had to be the one to drive it here. Paul jogged a little, going to the passenger door and opening it. She got up inside and he went around to the driver's side.

They were quiet at first. Bella's thoughts were racing. What did Edward mean by he had to lie to her? His words in the woods … had shattered her completely and she was just now feeling whole again. She was starting to feel healed from the trauma she felt when Edward rejected her in the woods. And he was here now telling her all of that was a lie.

Paul sensed her confusion and pain and so he laid a hand on her leg when she started to bounce it. "I love you." He said out loud. He didn't realize that was what he was going to say and he felt his heart beat faster as soon as the words left him.

Bella heard his words and something inside her felt happy to hear him say it but at the same time, she was confused. She didn't know what any of these feelings meant.

"Bella…pick me. I know you're thinking about him. I know you love him. But…I can't just sit here quietly. You need to know how I feel and what it means."

Bella swallowed. "Paul…"

"You don't have to say anything," Paul said, feeling the dread of being rejected but it hurt more than that. She was his imprint and she was all he would ever need or want.

Bella looked out the window at the dark skies. It was raining pretty steadily now. She was quiet as she thought about the rain. She used to hate the cold and the rain but now she found it to be peaceful and calming. She looked at the cliffs that she jumped from and felt Paul stop the truck. She looked over at him. The thunder rumbled angrily overhead and the rain fell harder. She studied Paul as he looked forward at the rain. He was quiet, but she saw the tightness in his jaw, his hands gripping the steering wheel.

"You won't disappear." Bella finally spoke again. "I won't let you. That was a promise I made you and I intend to keep it." She said and then she slid over in the seat. His warmth was still radiating from him and it made her feel better. She placed a hand on his arm and he dropped his hand from the steering wheel and then she slid into his lap, surprising him and herself. Paul's hands went to her hips as she slid into place. His dark stone eyes looked up at her, emotion swirling. She leaned in, her lips covering his gently. It was simple. She tested herself. When Edward kissed her in Italy, her heart hurt. Kissing Paul now, she felt free. The pain she felt with Edward wasn't there when she kissed Paul. Her lips parted and their tongues meshed together.

Paul longed for moments like this with her. For her to be his and his alone. When she left for Italy to save the leech that broke her down, it infuriated him. He wanted to kill Edward and he still did. But Bella had told him she would be back. She promised him and she did come back.

Bella felt light like nothing mattered more to her than Paul right now. The kiss deepened; her heart slammed hard in her chest. She felt him stiffen in his jeans and she rolled her hips slightly. She didn't know why she did it but she did. With Edward, it would never go this far, and right now, her body felt like electric. She needed to be surrounded by Paul. For some reason it made her feel safe.

Paul felt a low growl in his throat from pleasure. His wolf wanted everything and more. Her hips grind against him causing his cock to harden even more like he was about to burst.

Heat flooded between her legs of arousal, a sensation she was familiar with but was always having to stop before she could satisfy anything. Her hands moved over his hard chest to the hem and she lifted, breaking the intensity of the kids to pull the shirt off. Her hands slid over the heat of his skin and it made him shiver. Her blue eyes studied him as he studied her and she rolled her hips again to see his reaction on his face.

Paul moved his hands to the hem of her shirt, and he pushed his hands under the material to feel her skin. She sighed pleasantly when he did and so he shifted to pull her jacket off and then her shirt so she was shirtless with him. They studied each other a moment before he reached behind her and unsnapped her bra, her breast bouncing free. His hands covered her and she gasped a little, her eyes dilating when his thumbs brushed over her nipples. He dipped his head in, his mouth covering one of her nipples and he sucked gently, his tongue flicking over the nipple at the same time.

Bella moaned, the wetness between her legs increased and made her panties damp. Her brain wasn't thinking. She didn't want to think or talk. She was letting her body respond to Paul's and everything felt so right. She rolled her hips again and he growled again with her nipple in his mouth. Her hands moved between them and she unzipped his pants, reaching under the hand of his boxer briefs and she felt his long and hard cock in her hands. He moved his mouth back to hers and he kissed her, his tongue raking over hers and the kiss deepened. She stroked his cock, which she hoped, was the correct way. He groaned a little when she did so she took that as confirmation she was doing this right. She leaned back to look at him, to look at his cock as her hand ran over his length. A bead of precum surfaced and she ran her hand over it, milking his head and watching the clear liquid slide over her hand. She was curious now and she lifted her finger to taste. Paul watched her as she tasted him and he growled again.

His hands moved to her jeans, and he unfastened them. She gasped when he got two fingers inside, rubbing against her throbbing clit and she moaned. Her hands went to his shoulders as she lifted and his hands pulled at her pants some more, managing to get them off while she was still in his lap. She wore her panties still but that didn't stop him from sliding a finger inside her. She gasped at the surprise and then kissed him again, their tongues meshing together. She shifted her hips as he fingered her, pleasure building in her like a pressure tank.

"I want you!" she gasped out against his lips.

Paul's hands moved to her hips, and he lifted her. Her hand slid to his cock and she helped line him up to her entrance of her swollen cunt dripping for him. She slid down over his cock fast and he frowned when she flinched from the pain.

"Bella you're a virgin you should go slow." He breathed out. She was so tight and his wolf screamed at him. He wanted to take her wildly but he refrained.

"I'm okay," Bella said and kissed him to shut him up. She moved her hips when the pain faded and was replaced with pleasure as she twisted her hips over his. She moaned loudly, gasping when the tip of his cock pressed against a spot inside her that she didn't know was there. Instant pleasure flooded her and she gushed out, cumming hard over his cock.

"Did you just…"

Bella nodded and kissed him again, moving her hips faster and harder over him. She rode him like she had done this before but she was doing what her body wanted her to do.

Paul moaned as he felt himself draw closer to his climax. Her body squeezed him so tight that it made it impossible to hold on to any control. Every time she sunk her hips over him, she felt like she came more, and she moaned more, her body shaking as she chased the intense pleasure. His cock leaked as she continued, pressing the limits.

"Oh God!" Bella exclaimed as the biggest orgasm rolled through her. She whined a little as she rode him her body vibrating from the pleasure until she struck gold and his cock sank deeper inside her. It was the right angle, and it was the deepest he could get from this position and then he moaned, his cock leaping inside her and emptied. He came hard, the hardest he had ever cum before and it was the most he had cum before too. But he had, deep inside her. His wolf howled inside him. Bella stilled as she felt his cock twitching inside her. Her breathing was a bit labored and she felt so high right now.

Paul was breathless too. Everything about Bella stole his breath away. He reached up, his hands shaking a little but he framed her face and then he kissed her before resting his forehead against hers. "Bella…"

Bella closed her eyes. She was starting to calm down now, her heart trying to return to normal. She summoned the energy to lift, his spent cock sloshing to the side before she sat on the seat. She paused a moment before she pulled her pants back on.

Paul adjusted himself in his pants and he found his shirt and pulled it on before grabbing her bra and handing it to her. She took it and pulled it on and then her shirt and jacket. She was silent as she did this and this made him worry.

"Um. I should get back." Bella said as she combed her fingers through her hair. She didn't know why she did that. She just lost her virginity to Paul Lahote. Her best friend.

Paul swallowed and nodded. He put the truck in drive and they drove the rest of the way to Bella's house.

When they got there, her dad wasn't home, but he was likely at the station. The rain was still coming down hard so Bella and Paul ran to the front door. She used her key to unlock the door quickly and rushed inside out of the pelting rain. They were both drenched and it was chilly in the house. She went to flip the lights on but they didn't come on.

"The power is out," Bella murmured. Her cell phone rang, startling her. It was her dad calling she answered. "Hey, Dad."

"Did you make it home okay? Paul said your flight touched down a while ago. And then the storm picked up."

"Yeah, I just got in the door. You're at the station?"

"Yeah, we have trees down everywhere. Looks like a hurricane Bells. Listen I talked to Alice and Carlisle, they said you helped out a lot with the Edward situation. Carlisle is grateful you talked Edward down. I hate that you rushed so fast and Paul said it was urgent. But you worried me. We need to have a bigger talk when I get home tomorrow but I want you to know I love you and that I am proud of you regardless."

Bella teared up a little and nodded. "Love you too. Be careful." She said and hung up. She shivered a little and looked at Paul. "You're soaked." She said and moved towards the stairs and he followed. She went to the bathroom and grabbed towels and handed one to him and she dried her hair with the other. She shivered again.

"You're cold. You need to get out of your wet clothes. You'll catch a cold."

Bella nodded her agreement and moved towards her bedroom, but Paul stayed where he was. "You can come in," she said when she noticed he was still standing. Paul walked into the bedroom and shut the door. Bella went to her dresser and pulled out dry clothes for herself. She shrugged her wet jacket off and then she pulled her shirt off. Paul turned around to give her privacy. She watched him turn around and that made her smile oddly. He had already seen her boobs, but he was being respectful. She didn't know what to say about what happened in the truck. She didn't know why she did it. It felt right and she didn't regret it. If she was being honest, she wanted to do it again but she didn't want to send the wrong signals. What did she even want? Paul was … special to her and she didn't want to ruin their friendship.

Paul sensed her anxiety about something, and he frowned. "Why are you anxious?"

Bella frowned. How did he know she was anxious? "How do you know I'm anxious? Is it a wolf sense?"

Paul smiled a little. "No. It's because …" his smile faded a little. "It's because you're my imprint." He finally said it.

Bella had listened to him talk about this before. How Emily was Sam's imprint. That he would do anything for Emily, and they were mates for life. She didn't know what to say to that but her body reacted before her brain and she was reaching for him. She turned him around and his eyes swept down. She was topless in front of him. Her hands pulled at his wet shirt, pulling it over his head. And then her hands went to his pants.

"Bella…" He breathed. "I don't have the strength to deny you …ever I am literally yours. Forever. I don't get to choose to deny you. You understand that right?"

Bella nodded even though she didn't understand everything. "Kiss me." She murmured and his lips came down to meet hers. Their tongues wove together again and his hands moved to pull her wet pants off. The heat of his hands was a welcome relief. The cold of the house because of the power being out and her wet hair made her cold but with Paul's hands on her she was warming up. They moved towards her bed and got in, both completely naked now.

"I want you." Bella breathed out like a command and Paul kissed her, his cock hardened as he slid the tip of his cock against her folds. She moaned as he traded her lightly. His mouth went to her throat, nipping her there a little before he pushed his cock inside her again. She was still so tight around him and he groaned. He leaned up to watch his cock slide in and out of her and that filled him with excitement as he thrust faster. He sank his hips in deep, his cock sliding into her cervix deeper and she screamed his name in absolute pleasure. He watched her cum around him so fast and so much and it made him growl a little as he began to lose himself in the pleasure. He pushed faster and faster until his cock filled up, ready for a release. He pushed inside her deep, sinking back into the sweet spot there seemed to instantly make her cum and he unloaded. His seed bathed her completely and yet his cock felt so full still. Bella moaned as he continued to thrust, his cock not letting him finish all the way just yet. He paused to turn her and she did, getting to her knees as he put her in doggy style. He pushed inside her deeper and deeper thrusting fast and hard but she welcomed it, her moans mixing with his as he found her sweet spot from this angle. His hands gripped her hips as he pushed, amazed that he could still have the energy to do this for a third time. His cock swelled up again, the sensation too great and he lost the last part of his control and he pushed deep inside her again. His cock emptied, throbbing with each spurt as he filled her up again. He was panting when he was done. He didn't want to pull out of her yet. His cock was too sensitive for movement but he did and she collapsed to the bed, completely satisfied. She had a dreamy look on her face and Paul could sense she was tired. He lay on his back in the bed and she curled into his warmth instinctively. He pulled the covers up around them and she closed her eyes as she lay there.

Soon she was sleeping. Her body was fully relaxed against him. He closed his eyes too, not realizing how tired he was. He fell asleep quickly with her.

Charlie stood, holding his coffee in his hand as he looked down at his daughter curled up against Paul and he was certain they were both naked by the look of all the clothes on the floor. As a father, he was upset. His little girl had sex and it was something he never wanted to think about let alone see her like this the morning after. He cleared his throat a little.

Bella heard her dad make a sound and she opened her eyes. She felt Paul's heat radiating and he felt so comfortable but then she saw her dad looking down at them and she buried herself deeper under the covers. "Dad!"

Paul opened his own eyes, his arms tightening around her on instinct and then he saw Charlie. "Shit."

Charlie raised a brow. "Hmm. Both of you. Clothes on. I'll be downstairs." He said and walked away, closing the door behind him.

Bella groaned. "This was not what I wanted to deal with today." She said and sat up the blanket falling to reveal her naked breasts.

Paul shifted, sitting up in the bed grabbing her hand. "Hey. It'll be okay. I'm to blame here. I should have woken up. I had an alarm set." He said and reached over to grab his pants and pulled his phone out. "It's dead." He sighed.

Bella got out of bed and quickly grabbed clothes and started pulling them on. "He is going to kill you."

"I'm not afraid of your dad Bells, I kill leeches for a living."

"He can ban you from the house," Bella said and watched him pull on his clothes they were drier now. "Let me…explain to him."

Paul smiled and moved towards her, his hands going to her wrist, and he pulled her against him. He leaned in and kissed her softly. "You're the boss." He murmured and then she rolled her eyes at him before she moved away to open the door and trot down the stairs.

Charlie had coffee for both of them. The power was still out but he had stopped and grabbed coffee. He figured Paul would likely be trapped here because of the storm but he didn't expect him to be in his daughter's bed. "So. Is this a one-time thing or is this something you both do…a lot?"

"Dad!" Bella exclaimed her face a little red. She grabbed the coffee from the table

"I need to know so I can save us both the embarrassment," Charlie said and handed Paul the other coffee.

Bella shook her head. "One time Dad. Come on. I had the talk when I was 10 with Mom."

"Ten?" Paul seemed surprised.

Bella sighed. "This was just…something. I don't want to talk about it. It's not going to happen again."

"It's not?" Paul seemed a little hurt by this.

Bella looked at Paul and gave him a look of you better shut up. "I'm home and safe that is what matters. Am I grounded or what is going to happen here."

"Not grounded. I approve of Paul. I like him." Charlie said and took a drink of his coffee. "But I will remind you. Safe- "

"Ew Dad. No." she shook her head and drank her coffee. "Is the storm over?"

"No. Looks like a break but it's a full-scale hurricane. I had a moment to drop in and check on you. I have to go back to the station. The entire town is out of power right now and that includes the rez." Charlie relayed. "Please stay indoors. The storm will pick back up and it's safer inside." He said and his phone beeped and he pulled it from his pocket and glanced at it. "All right, I have to go." He said and then he kissed Bella's temple and slapped Paul's shoulder before leaving the house.

Bella frowned, watching her dad leave. "He'll be okay, right? Harry just died and he's…"

"Trying not to dwell. The funeral is tomorrow." Paul said and then he reached for her hand and she pulled away. It painted him inside when she pulled away. "Bells…"

"Um. I just need to think. You should um, check in with Sam. I'm sure you have wolf things you need to do." She said and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

Paul shook his head. "No, Sam knows I'm with you. He knows that I'm needed here."

"I don't…I don't need you here. Go, check in with the others. I'm sure everyone is saddened by losing Harry. Go comfort them." She was withdrawing again and Paul sensed it.

"Bella…last night…what I told you…. It matters to me. I need you." Paul breathed.

Bella swallowed. "I know and it mattered to me too. I just need time to sort my thoughts. Please. I want to be alone for a while." She said and looked away from Paul.

Paul was quiet for a moment. He set his coffee down and then looked back at her. "I'll be back tonight." He said and then he went to the door and paused.

"Be careful," Bella said, looking back up at him. Their eyes met briefly before he disappeared outside. She sighed, closing her eyes. She didn't know how to feel right now. She was so confused.

Bella looked around the open space of the Cullen house. She drove there after Paul left. She needed to talk to Alice and she needed to finish things after what happened in Voltaire.

"Bella." Alice flitted over to her and hugged her. But she wrinkled her nose. "You still smell like a wet dog."

Bella nodded. "It's Paul."

"Edward is hunting with the others. I knew you would come to see me today." Alice said and they say down on the couch in the gathering area.

Bella nodded. "Yeah, I wanted to talk to you about your vision."

"It changed the moment we left Italy. I know you only made that decision to get out alive. But Bella, the Volturi, they are relentless. They truly want you to be a vampire. They will not stop until you are or are dead."

Bella thought that would come back. She sighed. "Once upon a time…it was all I ever wanted. I begged for it. But Edward … he denied me time and time again. I know when I'm not wanted."

"He lied to you. And I won't condone it. My brother has a way of screwing up everything and he screwed up with you." Alice said matter of fact. "You're not destined to be a vampire, Bella. You are not destined to be with Edward. He isn't your other half. He is an illusion. He hurt you deeply when he left and if I had been able to see what he was doing, I would have stopped him from hurting you so deeply. You are my sister despite him."

Bella teared up a little. "You changed your number."

"Carlisle thought it best. He didn't want to linger because we thought it would hurt more. Edward never told us his full plan and his decisions were random and not important. He knows the blinds in my visions. When we left Forks, he left. We did not speak until I saw him in Italy. It is clear now that leaving did not steer Victoria away if she is still hanging around." Alice explained.

"I missed you so much Alice," Bella said and swiped the tears from her eyes.

Alice's slender arms came around her gently and Bella rested her head on her shoulder. "I deeply regret leaving. I hate that you suffered so much because of me." She murmured.

Bella sniffed and leaned back to look at Alice. "What is my destiny, Alice?"

Alice nodded. "It's not Edward. I know that much. After that…whenever you're with Paul… or any wolf for that matter. I can't see past them. So, my conclusion is Paul … he's your destiny."

Bella shook her head. "Paul is….my best friend."

Alice smiled. "But you have slept with him."

Bella's cheeks tinted. "Alice…."

Alice chuckled a little. "Paul is really hot. He may be a dog, but I do see how attractive he is."

"He imprinted on me."

"Even more confirmation that he is your destiny," Alice said and then took Bella's hands in hers. "As much as I want you to be this super amazing vampire and live forever together, I want what is best for you and my brother is not that. Edward is not good for you Bella…do not go back to him. Paul…. choose Paul."

It was weird hearing Alice tell her to choose Paul. Bella wasn't sure how she was supposed to feel about it…being with Paul. She was a mess and she last night…last night she felt amazing. Everything with Paul just seemed so easy, but she was also scared. She was so in love with Edward…irrevocably in love with him and he lied to her and left her alone in the woods and left. He stole so much from her and for the longest time she had hope that he would return and everything he said was just some sick joke and that he really did love her. She didn't expect him to actually come back. Not now. She was confused with her actions and herself.

"Talk to me. You're keeping all your thoughts in your head." Alice said softly.

"Alice…for so long I wished for Edward to return. I just…. I am confused. Paul is…."

"Paul is your soulmate Bella. Him imprinting on you is the big indication that you are meant to be with him. The spirits decided that the moment he imprinted on you." Alice explained.

Bella shook her head. "But I feel like I'm not good enough."

"Stop," Alice said sternly. "You are good enough. Don't let Edward's stupid words fool you. You are worth everything and more. You deserve happiness. Tell me this. How do you feel when you are with Paul?"

Bella thought it over. Recalling every moment, they ever shared. "He made me smile for the first time after Edward left. He helped me when I couldn't help myself. He's been there…when he triggered and became a wolf…he was angry with me. Because he was now in on the secret of the existence of vampires and learned that Edward was a vampire and I had been in love with him."

"Did you hear yourself just now?"

"What?"

"Had been. Past tense. Bella, you aren't in love with Edward."

Bella didn't realize how easy it was to say that. "I'm not in love with Edward." She said it out loud and she felt like a weight lifted off her. Tears came to her eyes. "Alice." She whispered.

Alice took Bella's hands again, rubbing her thumbs over the backs of her hands. "Go to Paul. Right now. Tell him. Tell him how you feel. You love him too." She said with a smile on her face.

Bella took her hands from Alice and wiped her face. "You're right. I love Paul." She said and then sobbed out. "I love him so much." She cried more.

Alice started wiping Bella's face for her. "Shhh… it's okay. I hope these are happy tears."

"I am. I'm happy. Paul makes me so happy." Bella said and then she hugged Alice and Alice hugged her back.

"Good. I love you, my dear sister. Now go, tell Paul. The others will be back soon." She urged and stood with Bella. Bella hugged Alice one more time before going out to her truck. She wiped her face and started the truck and drove away. Her heart was pounding in her chest as she drove away from the Cullen house and headed towards La Push.

Bella pulled up at Paul's house and parked. Paul came out of the garage when he heard her truck. He was shirtless, his bronze muscles rippling a little as he came to a stop. He watched her as she got out of the truck. The sky was misting, and winds were picking up more as the storms moved in like Charlie had mentioned earlier. Bella ran towards Paul though and leaped into his arms, her mouth covering his.

Paul caught her, his hands planted firmly on her ass to support her as her legs wrapped around him. His heart felt like it was bursting from his chest as he felt her happiness and love as their mouths drank each other in. He pulled away from the kiss breathless and put his forehead to hers. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice shaky.

"I love you…I love you, Paul." Bella said it as the thunder crackled overhead and the rain fell like sheets around them, drenching them instantly.

Paul was surprised to hear her words. After this morning, he was sure she was going to the Cullen house to make up with Edward and he was preparing himself for the heartbreak that his imprint was trying to reject him. It was pain that he didn't want to experience, but now, all that worry melted away and he just kissed her madly. He walked with her into the trailer. His mom was at the hospital still on a double so she wouldn't be home for a while. Once inside, he brought her to his room and they started pulling at their wet clothes, getting them off. He lay her on his bed, not able to keep his hands off her as he caressed her in all her sensitive places. His mouth tasted her skin, her sighs of pleasure were like music to his ears as his mouth traveled over her body. His tongue lapped at her clit, and she gasped and moaned. She tasted so sweet, and this was the first time ever for him going down on a woman and it was blissful. Everything about Bella was amazing, from the way she smelled to how she tasted, and he didn't think he could ever get enough. He slid his tongue over her slit, dipping into her folds and running back up to dab at her clit and she writhed in the sheets on his bed in pure ecstasy. Her hands combed through his dark hair as her hips shifted to meet his mouth over and over until she felt her orgasm peaked. She shuddered, moaning out his name as she bucked her hips more against his mouth. Paul leaned up, one hand on his hard, leaking cock, squeezing to relieve some of the pressure. He smiled at her before he slid up her body, his mouth capturing hers. She could taste herself on his lips, but she didn't care. His cock pushed against her folds before he sheathed himself inside her fully. She stretched around him, squeezing him time and he groaned a little as he thrust into her in short bursts at first, jarring her a little and making her moan. Her hands raked over his back, and he growled a little before kissing her hard, thrusting hard at the same time. She clung to him like she was riding a bucking bronco. His cock fit her so perfectly and it was a sign they were meant to be.

"Harder!" She urged as she felt the tip of his cock penetrate her cervix deeper.

Paul obliged, plunging harder inside her, his mouth moving to her throat. His wolf howled at him to mark her, to make her his forever. But he kept pushing hard and fast until she was orgasming again. He paused to turn her, getting her on her knees again, but he rocked back so she could sit on him, her back to him. Bella gasped and moaned at how she stretched. The way his cock curved inside her from this angle felt like she could keep cumming forever. His body was powerful as he continued to thrust into her at this angle, and she rode him. He reached up, his hand sweeping her hair to the side to expose the spot between her neck and shoulder. His wolf needed him to mark her, so his mouth moved to that spot, kissing her, his tongue raking across that sensitive spot, and she moaned, tightening around him as she started another climb for another orgasm. His cock swelled, leaking out inside her as he pushed deep inside her. His wolf howled within him again and so he bit down in that sensitive spot, and she suddenly gushed out around his cock, her body quaking from the intensity of her orgasm, and then his cock exploded inside her. He growled as came and his mouth marked her to make her his. She was still moaning wildly, and he realized it was because he was still thrusting inside her despite him cumming inside her already, but he was still going. He slowed his hips a little and she shifted, turning in his lap so she could face him. Her blue eyes looked high like she was flying up in the clouds. She kissed him deeply, her hips sliding over his still-hardened cock, until she was riding him harder and harder, pressing them both to another climb. She needed him, constantly, this feeling that she got with him deep inside her, she chased that feeling until she was moaning again, her climax surging through her.

Paul's hands stilled her hips when he came again, the sensitivity in his cock too great for any more movement. He never wanted the feelings to stop either, but he needed to stop now. He was winded for once and he wanted to check on her mostly because he had marked her. They sat there in silence, staring at each other as their breathing calmed. His hand came up to brush over the mark on her shoulder. It spiraled a little like a faint red tattoo and it faded a little, making it hard for anyone to see that wasn't a wolf. "God…Bella…I lose control when I'm with you. I marked you…this…." He traced a finger over the design.

"I want the mark," Bella murmured. "I'm yours. Always and forever Paul." She said and kissed him softly.

Tears managed to come to the surface and Bella brushed her fingers over his face to wipe them away. "You're crying," she said softly.

Paul nodded, setting his forehead against hers again. "I'm so happy." He said, his voice cracking a little. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," Bella said and kissed him again before climbing out of his lap. Their clothes were still wet, but Paul got up and got her some clothes to wear from his dresser. They were incredibly big on her, but she rolled up the pants and snuggled in the hoodie and watched him put their clothes on hangers and hung them in the bathroom on the shower rod.

"The power is still out, so it'll probably take a while for the clothes to dry." Paul said and pulled her down into his lap on the couch when they walked into the living room.

Bella's arms came up around his neck as she sat there in his lap. She smiled at him before she reached up and brushed some of his hair back. I was a little shaggier than normal. "Is there a reason why everyone cut their hair short when they triggered? I remember Jake having really long hair." She put in.

Paul smiled. "Yeah, the longer our hair, the shaggier our coats are when we transform." He explained.

Bella figured that was the reason, but it was interesting. She was learning more and more about the Quileute's abilities to transform. "So, what about the others. Did you check in with them and make sure they were all okay?"

"I did." Paul nodded. "When I left your house this morning, I went for a run. Checked in with wolf telepathy." He said. "Then I came here to work on the generator. It's pretty busted though. I'm not on patrol quite yet. Sam wants us to take turns because lately we have been burning it at both ends and it's not safe for us to be exhausted out there hunting down leeches."

Bella frowned. "Victoria…"

"We'll catch her." He said and kissed her softly. "I won't let her hurt you. Ever."

"She'll never stop and she's really fast. I don't want you to get hurt because of me."

Paul brushed her hair out of her face. "Bella, I would die for you. Without hesitation. You are my imprint and the love of my life. I didn't need the imprint for me to fall in love with you. I loved you before I triggered." He whispered. "You are my life."

Bella rested her forehead against his. "Promise me that you will come back to me. I don't think I could handle it if you got hurt."

Paul grabbed her hand and lifted it, pushing the sleeve of the hoodie back. "This right here." He traced his thumb over her scar from where James bit her. "I saw this and it made me angry. I will never allow another leech to do this. I won't lose you. I will protect you from ever having to experience that pain ever again."

"It's like liquid fire rushing through your veins." She murmured, recalling the memory of James biting her. "There is no other pain like it. You beg for death as soon as it happens…and for me….I had begged for it. Begged for the transition. I wanted to be a vampire like the Cullen's. I begged Edward every day after my birthday. I just…"

Paul didn't like hearing that. "Bella you can never become one of them." He murmured.

"I don't want that anymore. In Italy, I had to make that decision…for Alice's visions to trick Aro into letting us go. OR I would be dead right now. Alice and Edward would be dead right now."

"I was so angry when you left…you left to save him and-"

"I don't believe that every vampire is soulless. I don't believe that they deserve to die. The Cullen's have been very good to me Paul. I love them. Alice…she is like my sister. Em and Jazz? They're like brothers. They are like family to me. Edward took them away from me and…and despite that, him killing himself in Italy…" she shook her head. "A part of me still thought…that maybe I loved him. But I realized that it wasn't him that I loved that much. That I loved the other Cullen's too much to let them grieve the loss of a brother…or a son." She paused. "I didn't want him to kill himself because of me. I wanted him to…give me answers for why he left me. I wanted to know why he thought it was better to cause me so much pain, but then I decided I didn't care. Because I realized that none of that mattered to me anymore." She felt herself tear up. "I went to the Cullen house this morning. Only Alice was there because the others were hunting, but I talked to her. She told me I wasn't destined to be a vampire…that Edward was not good for me and to choose you."

Paul frowned, hearing Bella's words. "She…. said that?"

"Yes. She told me that she can't see my future when I'm with you, and that means my decisions were already made. I made a choice subconsciously and I disappeared from her vision. She made me realize that I love you. I knew that I had to come here…I had to tell you that because every second I didn't, felt like a weight crushing me." She said in a whisper.

Paul cupped her face, his stone eyes studying hers. "I love you." He said and kissed her softly before she settled her head on his shoulder, and he wrapped his arms around her.

[Three Weeks Later]

Victoria was smart. She evaded the wolves, and she evaded the Cullens. It was a game of cat and mouse. Having the Cullens back in Forks made Charlie nervous. He didn't like Edward, but he was happy with Bella dating Paul.

Edward did not take it well to hear that Bella moved on. That she was in love with Paul. He wanted to steal her away and disappear, but Carlisle was stern and unmoving. He was not allowed to be alone with Bella, and he was not allowed to approach Bella. Carlisle threatened him…telling him that if he broke any of his rules, he would be cast out from the family. It came as a big shock to Esme. She didn't want to lose a son, but she also wanted to protect Bella as well.

The only Cullen that Paul got along with was Alice, and that was because Paul grew to respect Alice for helping Bella come to him. He was thankful for that, but he was still wary of her regardless. He didn't trust vampires and it wasn't in his nature to. But for now, they had to set aside differences, because Bella was what mattered. Her safety and it was very clear that Victoria was after Bella and so they came to an understanding. The Cullens would watch over Bella when the wolves were on border patrol. Paul didn't like being away from Bella at all, but he didn't have any choice sometimes. Sam was very strict with the patrols and Paul was one of the strongest and fastest of the pack.

Alice's visions were just blank when it came to Victoria. It meant that Victoria hadn't made any decisions to do anything to Bella, but she kept popping up randomly. It was hard to understand Victoria's methods since she was playing with the holes in Alice's visions.

On the other hand, the killings were picking up in Seattle and Port Angeles. People missing without explanation or evidence. It made everyone suspicious, especially Jasper. Jasper had experience with newborns, and the people being killed in the city pointed directly to a newborn. This was not the news that Sam wanted to hear, but there was also nothing they could do with this information since the killings weren't happening on their territory.

Charlie was absent more from home because of the killings since some of the killings were taking place in the next county over and he was called in as reinforcements since the sheriff there was shot in the line of duty, so the responsibility fell back on Charlie.

All of this worried Bella. She didn't like her dad being that far away from home, but Emmett promised that he would be Charlie's protection detail and be sure to keep him safe, which did make Bella feel better.

It was Sunday morning now and the skies were overcast, but it hadn't started raining yet. Bella didn't feel too great and it was odd since she rarely got sick, but she had already thrown up six times that morning. She didn't have a fever and she wasn't sure what was going on with her. She made herself some soup and brought it to the table and sat down, shivering a little. She heard the front door open and close and she glanced up at Paul when he walked in, pocketing his keys.

"Did you drive here?" Bella asked, frowning.

"Yeah, I did today. Didn't want it to look odd to your dad. You look pale." Paul said with a frown. "Are you okay?"

Bella shook her head. "No. I've been throwing up all morning. I thought maybe the soup would help."

"That's not good. Fever?"

"No, no fever." Bella said and took a sip of the soup. It made her stomach roll and she shot up and rushed to the trashcan and threw up in the trashcan. "Ugh." She groaned.

Paul went to her, rubbing her back with his hand. "Let's take you to the hospital. You might be getting dehydrated if you're not able to hold anything down." He suggested.

Bella shook her head. "I don't like hospitals."

"I know baby, but I just want you to feel better. Come on." He coaxed.

Bella sighed and gave in. Paul grabbed her coat and pulled it on her and even put her shoes on for her before helping her out to his truck, which was a 2016 Toyota Tacoma and was black. He got her situated before he went to the driver's side and got in and started towards the hospital.

Carlisle pushed back the curtain, holding a clipboard. "Bella, Ms. Lahote said you were here. What's going on?" He said and hugged the clipboard to his chest as he stood there, looking at her with his topaz eyes.

Paul instantly tensed up at the scent of a leech, but semi-relaxed when it was Carlisle.

"Um. Just throwing up a lot this morning, not able to keep anything down. It's probably the flu." Bella said with a shrug.

Carlisle nodded and then looked at the clipboard. "Well, your tests you did on intake suggest a different diagnosis." He said and then pushed the rolling stool over to Paul. "Take a seat." He said and Paul narrowed his eyes a little, but he sat on the stool, but grabbed Bella's hand and laced his fingers with hers.

"What's wrong with me Carlisle?" Bella was getting nervous because the look on Carlisle's face was serious.

"You are anemic slightly, but you are pregnant." Carlisle said and watched the shock register on both Paul and Bella's faces. "I take it, you weren't…trying to get pregnant."

"No." Bella said but then tried to think. "I was on birth control…." She trailed off. "Oh."

Paul squeezed Bella's hand. "Hey, it's okay."

"I forgot to take them." Bella ran a hand through her hair. "I think I skipped a week." She murmured. "That's the only explanation, right?"

Carlisle nodded. "That's one. I want to do an ultrasound. The blood panel suggests you are around 8 weeks pregnant. Does that sound about right?"

Bella shook her head. "No, that can't be right."

"Ah. Okay. Yes, we definitely need to do an ultrasound."

"Does that mean something is wrong?" Paul asked, worried.

Carlisle shook his head. "No, but high HCG levels indicate that Bella is carrying multiples."

"Multiples?" Bella asked. "Like twins?"

Carlisle nodded. "Yes. I want to set you up with imaging. I think the sooner the better. With you taking birth control previously, I want to be sure also, that the baby or babies have implanted correctly."

Bella swallowed. "Okay. Can we do that today?"

"Of course," Carlisle said. "I'm going to go put that order in and give you two a little privacy." He said and then left, pulling the curtain back and opening the door to leave the room.

It was silent for a few moments before Paul spoke. "Hey…what are you thinking right now?"

"What if something is wrong?" Bella asked. "I took my birth control pills the last couple of weeks. What if that hurt the baby…or babies? Paul, I'm scared. I don't want to hurt our babies." She said, tears forming in her eyes.

Paul stood, and pulled her against him, her head resting on his chest. "Shhh. Hey, listen, everything is going to be okay. Don't jump to conclusions just yet. Let them do the ultrasound and then we'll go from there." he said soothingly.

Bella closed her eyes and just wrapped her arms around Paul, still worried that something was wrong.

Bella lay on her back on the table. She had a paper sheet pulled over her and she was naked from the waist down. The technician was nice. Her curly blond hair was pulled back in a ponytail, and her black frame glasses were a tad bit too big for her face. Her name was Alyssa, and she was really sweet.

Paul squeezed Bella's hand when Alyssa inserted the probe to swirl around inside Bella as they looked for the baby or babies.

Bella felt the discomfort, but it was nothing she couldn't handle. She watched the screen while Alyssa took measurements of other things that didn't look like a baby. The room was silent, which made it feel awkward until Alyssa broke the silence.

"Here they are." Alyssa said with a smile. "Baby A, B, and C." She said and marked them on the screen.

"Triplets?" Bella squeaked out.

"Yes, I see three babies." Alyssa said with a nod.

Paul was stunned, but he was in awe, seeing the babies on the screen. They were tiny little blips on the screen. "Are they…are they all, okay?" He asked.

Alyssa nodded again. "Placement is great. All have their own sacs, so you're looking at probably being five weeks. I can't see everything just yet because they're too small. We can see the heartbeats closer to seven weeks, so it's likely Carlisle will have you come back for another ultrasound." She explained.

Bella kept staring at the screen. "Is that why I'm so sick?"

"It's possible. Carlisle will be able to help with that some. But from my end, everything looks normal." She reassured them and then printed the images for them. She helped Bella back into a sitting position and then handed her the images. "Go ahead and get your pants back on, I'll let Carlisle know I'm finished." She said. "Congrats you two." She said and left.

Bella and Paul stared at the strip of images. It was amazing that life was growing inside her like this. She was so in love with the babies and was scared that something bad would happen now and take them away from her. It made her feel paranoid. "They're so tiny." She murmured.

Paul kissed her temple, his arms going around her, and she leaned against him. "I love you."

"I love you too." She said, tears in her eyes. "We're having triplets, Paul."

Paul smiled a little. His heart was pounding in his chest a little, but it wasn't because he was upset with her being pregnant. It was because he was happy that he was going to be a father. He didn't realize how much he wanted it until now and he was happy, truly happy.

Paul got Bella home and picked up her medicine at the pharmacy to help with nausea so she could actually eat, and it seemed to be working and she was able to get her appetite back. There was a knock on the door and Paul moved to open it and saw Sam there with Jake, Embry, and Jared. "Oh hey, we just got back from the hospital." He said and let them in the house.

Bella was in the kitchen eating the Chinese food that Paul stopped and picked up for her since that was something she wanted. She glanced up to see the others walk in. "Oh, hey guys." She greeted.

"You, okay?" Jake asked.

Bella nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay." She said with a nod. It was true, the nausea was gone and besides feeling tired, she was okay now.

Jake smiled a little and then looked at Paul. "So, I'm taking your patrol tonight. Slumming it with the taller Cullen." He said, referring to Emmett.

Paul frowned. "How come?"

"Because the last time you and Emmett were on patrol, your temper got the best of you," Sam said simply. "I want you here anyway. We spotted Victoria in the next town over, or at least that was the information we got from the pixie."

"Alice." Paul and Bella said at the same time.

"Whatever," Sam said. "We don't know what to expect so I figured you would rather be here with Bella than leaving it up to the Cullen rotation."

"Good call," Paul said and then went to the fridge, grabbed water, and handed it to Bella like he sensed that she needed something to drink.

Bella took the water and took a drink before she stood and got a little light-headed, but Paul steadied her immediately, one hand on the small of her back, the other on her lower abdomen. "I'm okay. Just stood up too fast." she said, shaking off the dizzy feeling.

Sam's brows furrowed together as he studied Bella. "Paul…"

Paul looked at Bella and she nodded, letting him know it was okay to share that they were pregnant. He kissed her temple and looked at Sam. "I won't be able to keep this anyways for long because of the wolf telepathy, but…Bella is pregnant."

Sam's face lit up a little, surprise, but also a sort of happiness. "Really?"

"Really," Paul said with a small smile. "We just found that out today. We have to go back in two weeks for more ultrasounds." He explained.

"It's triplets," Bella added.

"Holy shit," Jake exclaimed. "Three babies? That's insane."

Jared slapped Paul on the back, smiling wide. "Hell, yeah dude, congrats." He said and then smiled at Bella. "You will make the best mom."

Bella blushed a little, but she nodded. "Thank you, Jared." She said and looked up at Paul, who was grinning ear to ear at the compliments. She was truly happy that he was going to be a dad and she would be a mother. There were five months left of school pretty much. She was worried about showing so much towards the end. She knew that she wouldn't be able to hide it for long and she didn't want to draw attention to herself. She still didn't know how she was going to tell her mom and dad. This was a big deal, and she was afraid that they would both be disappointed in her. Especially since this happened so fast. She knew that overall, they would eventually be happy, but they would have to get over the shock factor first.

[Seven Months Later]

Avery, Luna, and Rowan Lahote made it into the world safely and were already stealing hearts. Charlie was proud to be a grandpa and while he was a little worried at first with Bella getting pregnant so young. But nonetheless, the triplets were a joy.

Victoria was hunted continuously, until they finally got ahead of her and took her down. The killings in Port Angles stopped. Whatever was going on with the killings and disappearances, were remedied with Victoria's death. Things were going great. Bella couldn't be happier right now with her little family.

Nothing could spoil the feeling of complete happiness now…

Alice barged into the house right when Paul was setting Luna down in the baby swing. "Where's Bella!" She gasped out, obviously frantic about something.

"Calm down Alice, what's wrong?"

"Where is Bella!" She squeaked out again.

Paul frowned and Bella came down the stairs in a hurry hearing the commotion. Avery and Rowan were in the cribs sleeping away at the moment. Luna was always the wide awake of the trio, so they liked to not disturb the other two when Luna was noisy.

"What's wrong Alice?" Bella said, tucking hair behind her ear as she made it down the stairs.

"The Volturi."

"What about them?" Bella asked.

"They're coming." Alice said, her eyes afraid for the first time in a long time.

Paul put a hand on Alice's shoulder. He had grown to tolerate Alice and Jasper Cullen, but the others he didn't care too much for. Especially Edward. "Alice, take a breath. When are the Volturi coming?"

Alice shook a little as she tried to funnel back through her visions. "Um. I think…." She was trying to figure out a timeline. "Luna….Luna was there…"She murmured. "She was maybe….two months old."

"That's in two weeks." Paul said and looked at Bella, worry crossing his face, but also anger.

"Okay, Alice, we can figure this out. Did you tell Carlisle? Maybe he can talk to them?" Bella said.

Alice nodded. "He's trying to talk to Marcus. He's the only sane one of that bunch. Bella they're dangerous." She whispered. "Alec and Jane…them alone…."She shook her head. "They can take out the entire wolf pack without breaking a sweat. Their powers are far worse than Victoria's ever was."

"What kind of powers?" Paul asked.

"All Jane has to do is look at you and immediate pain. It's like your insides trying to be turned inside out." Bella explained. "Alec's is….I'm not sure. A smoke thing?"

Alice nodded. "It's called sensory deprivation. He can take away all your senses at once."

"That's not good." Paul said.

"Their powers don't work on me." Bella said. "None of theirs do. We never figured out why."

Alice shook her head. "I don't know either. Mine and Jasper's worked on you. It doesn't make sense…"

Bella blew out a breath. "It doesn't. Nothing about this making sense, but that isn't important right now. I can handle the Volturi. I won't let them hurt the people I love and care about."

"Bella, you can't take vampires head on." Paul said. "That's suicide."

"Maybe." Bella said. "But maybe not. Magic exists right?" Bella said, looking at Alice.

Alice was silent a moment. "Bella, those are just stories. I don't know if witches really exist."

"Magic has to exist because Paul can shift into a giant direwolf. You have psychic powers, vampires exist." Bella said. "I will figure this out. Maybe Billy can help." She said and looked at Paul. "The tribe elders. They have to know more."

Paul thought about that and nodded. "IT's true that they know a lot about the world. It's possible that they know something that can help fight off vampires like this. But we didn't even know about the special powers they have. I don't know baby, this is different. Maybe it's best to-"

"What do we do Paul? We can't run away from it. I can't run. It's my fault that they're even coming here in the first place. They want me to be a vampire and I told them that I would. So, they're coming to check to see if I held up my end of the deal."

It made Paul uncomfortable hearing Bella being a vampire in any situation. He never wanted to imagine it. "I'll talk to Billy." He finally said. It was the only option he had now. Bella was stubborn sometimes and he didn't want her to be at risk, but right now, there was no choice.

Carlisle couldn't get in touch with Marcus. There was no talking sense into anyone. Edward was gloomy about the situation because if it wasn't for him being an idiot, she wouldn't be in this situation. He screwed up royally with her and he would never forgive himself for anything bad happening to her. Rosalie was irritated that Bella caused trouble and Emmett was getting on to Rosalie for even blaming Bella. Things were unsettling right now and Carlisle's next best idea was hoping to talk to them when they arrived. He spent many years there in Voltaire with Marcus, Caius, and Aro, so he was hoping a long standing friendship could sway them in the right direction. Carlisle was far more diplomatic than the Volturi would ever be.

Billy didn't know much about the cold ones, only the tales that were passed on from their ancestors, but he did know about the existence of a witch before. Witches were born into magic. Like the tribe, it was something that triggered somehow. Witches were very secretive and some witches never knew they were a witch because their magic would never trigger. He knew of some spells that could potentially help. If Bella was a witch, and her magic somehow was triggered and that was the reason why some vampire powers didn't work on her, then it was possible she would be able to perform some of the magic spells that he knew about.

Which was what Bella was trying to do in her living room while the girls were sleeping.

Paul walked in and saw Bella concentrating on lighting the candle I front of her. She was staring at it hard, not noticing Paul when he walked in. He waited for her to finish what she was doing and when she get she growled a little at the candle and then looked up at him. He offered a smile. "Maybe try using fire as a starter and see if you can't manipulate the fire?" He offered.

"I don't know. This is frustrating. It's the only thing that makes sense right? Having magic? Why else would I be able to be immune to the gifts of other vampires?"

Paul eased down in the floor with her and grabbed her hand in his, rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand. "Baby, there is definitely something magical about you. Things like this doesn't just happen over night." He said and brought her hand to his lips. "I love you. Take a break, get something to eat and maybe try again later."

Bella blew out a breath. "You're right." She muttered and Paul helped her to her feet. She went into the other room and Paul glanced at the candle and then it was lit. His smile faded as he realized that she did light the candle.

"Babe…"He murmured.

Bella turned around and looked at the candle, her mouth dropping open. "I'm a witch." She was in a sort of disbelief even if it was the assumption. But this was the proof. "I lit the candle."

"You lit the candle." Paul said and then they were hugging each other tight. Tears were in Bella's eyes from the excitement of finding her magic.

"Okay okay." Bella pulled back and wiped her face. "I have to do it again." She said and blew the candle out and then focused again and she felt the warmth inside her suddenly. Like something was flowing through her like a wildfire and the candle lit, the flickering of the flame lashing out higher than the last time. The excitement filled Bella and she looked at Paul and squealed a little. "I did it!"

Paul hugged Bella firmly, his mouth covering hers in a celebratory kiss. "You did it baby." He murmured against her lips. He was happy for her. Excited for her. This was huge. They didn't have too much longer before the Volturi would appear near Forks, and despite his ill ease about Bella confronting them, she wanted to do things her way. He understood how dangerous they were against anyone but Bella power wise, but they were still vampires, they had speed and strength to their advantage, but Bella unlocking her witch powers, put some of that uneasiness to rest, but he was still worried about the outcome of this impending confrontation.

[Two Weeks Later]

Bella had a full handle on creating fire. It was a little tricky at first to manipulate the flames in her hands, but she could create friction with her hands and with a little murmur of the spell out loud, flames entangled her hands. The second spell was trickier and she wasn't quite sure what it did, because she couldn't be sure what the Latin was and Billy said he wasn't sure either, but she would use the spell regardless in case it was something that happened only with vampires because Paul didn't even know.

Snow had fallen on the ground in Forks, and Bella always thought that the snow was pretty. She wasn't a fan of the cold, but she liked it when it did snow. She bundled up for warmth, and the triplets were with Esme and Emily, the two women agreeing to keep a watchful eye on the girls while Bella and the others settled things with the Volturi. Esme and Emily got along peacefully.

Paul was nervous about the encounter. Alice was certain today was the day. Her visions had led her to this point. They were in the spot in her vision, the snowy meadow that was open, and the pine and evergreen trees rose towards the sky around the edges of the meadow, adding color to an otherwise blank landscape.

Carlisle, Emmett, Jasper, Alice, Edward, and Rosalie were there. Rosalie wasn't really thrilled to be caught in the middle of the Volturi, but she would support her family regardless. Paul and the other wolves were there, in their direwolf form because that was where they were strongest. Bella stood beside Paul's wolf, her heart racing a little as she thought about the Volturi. She was hoping there wouldn't be a fight. Unnecessary bloodshed wasn't something Bella was looking forward to. She wanted to be at home with her daughter's and right now, she regretted even going to Voltaire to save Edward. Even though she knew that if he had killed himself because of her, it would have bothered her. She didn't want that on her conscious.

As time slipped away, Bella was starting to doubt that they were going to show up, but then she saw the billowing of dark cloaks as a team of seven vampires glided across the crystal snow. Their skin was pale, paler than Bella remembered, and their eyes were crimson as they came in close.

"It appears someone doesn't keep their promises," Aro spoke. His dark hair brushed his shoulders, his snake like face was long and even though he spoke lightly, his face smiled, amusement in his eyes. Caius looked bored with the situation, but seeing Bella not a vampire it sparked a little anger in him. Marcus seemed like he was the older of the main trio, his face was passive, almost like he was in pain. The other four Bella knew two of them as being Jane and Alec. They were younger and from what Alice and Jasper said, they were turned when they were just 14 years old. But they were some of the strongest. The other two, Bella remembered the taller one was Demetri, and the other one she thought his name was probably Felix, but she didn't care.

"Hello old friend." Carlisle greeted Aro. "You've made the trip from Italy, I wasn't expecting you."

Aro's smile still stayed on his face as he looked to Carlisle. "Something tells me, you were." He said, his brows going up as he spoke.

Carlisle smiled a little. "What can I do to help you?"

"Bella promised to be a vampire, yet, here she stands, not a vampire. And you're consorting with wolves now." Aro said, his crimson eyes going to Bella. A low rumble in Paul's chest sounded, and the other wolves growled as well. "Cute." Aro said with a chuckle.

Carlisle cleared his throat. "Bella does not wish to be a vampire. There has been a development with her. She is the imprint of one of the wolves, and she wishes to be left in peace."

"Do you take us as fools?" Caius spoke, angry. "We do not let humans go in peace. We are the superior race, we-"

Bella's hands ignited as her own brows furrowed in anger. "I….am not human. Like I told you in Italy." She said, her voice steady, but angry.

Aro's eyes widened and he clasped his hands together. "Oh marvelous. Look Marcus, witches do exist!" He chuckled lightly.

Caius growled a little. "It changes nothing."

"Calm down Caius, let the girl speak. I am sure we can come to some sort of resolution." Marcus said, his voice tired.

Bella snapped her attention to Aro. "I promised to be a vampire because you would have killed me there otherwise. I didn't burn down Voltaire out of respect for the city. I want to be left alone. The only resolution for you now is to leave."

Paul was proud of Bella standing up for herself, but it made him uneasy at the same time. He stayed close to her side, willing to put himself in front of her if he had to.

Aro's smile started to fade. "You are very bold."

"Aro, perhaps it's best to end this. There is no-"

"I don't like to be fooled." Aro said, his tone shifting as he took a step forward. It was all that was necessary for the others to tempt their own fates.

Bella muttered something and suddenly the ground vibrated and the Volturi were knocked backwards several feet. Her body vibrated as she felt energy rush through her, her eyes rimming in gold as the flames lashed out brighter and hotter from her hands as she moved in front of the crowd. Paul went to move forward but Sam stopped him with a low growl. Carlisle was in shock of Bella's growing power, as were the other Cullen's. Except Alice. Alice saw this happening before, she just didn't tell anyone because it would alarm the others and that wasn't something she was willing to gamble on.

The Volturi got to their feet with ease and they were angry now. Alec's dark smoke filled the air and Caius shook with anger as they charged, light lightning towards Bella. The sound of thunder hit the air as Caius collided with an invisible force. Suddenly he was caught in flames, his body burning and he screamed in agony.

Bella's eyes shoe brighter gold. "I warned you." She said, her eyes settling on Aro's. "Do you wish for death?"

"Marvelous…."Aro murmured, his eyes wide as he watched Caius burn to death in front of him. "Such power."

"Caius!" Jane's voice echoed out and she went to move forward, but Alec stopped her, fear for his sister's life.

"No. She'll set you ablaze." Alec said harshly to his sister.

Jane's crimson eyes looked at Bella with murderous intent. "Pain!" She yelled out but Bella looked at Jane and Jane fell to the ground in pain instead, as if Bella reflected Jane's power against her.

Alec went to the ground with his sister, panicked and unsure of what was going on.

Bella stepped forward, her flaming hands going out. She stopped in front of Aro. "Do you…wish for death?" She asked again.

Aro studied her, the petite little girl in front of him, her eyes were golden now, a true show of power. She was mighty and she was proud. Not at all like the girl in Voltaire, who had been afraid of Edward's demise. Now she was angry and he admitted, rightfully so. "No, dear child. I don't wish for death. You'll have your peace. We will leave."

"What?" Felix blinked, looking at Aro in surprise. It wasn't like Aro to back down so quickly, but after witnessing what he witnessed, he wasn't sure he wouldn't have made the same choice.

"Let's go." Marcus said with a heavy sigh. "I told you this was pointless and now you've cost Caius his life Aro."

Aro looked at Marcus. "Don't start with the 'I'm always right'." He whined and looked at Bella. "Take care." He said before he retreated with the others. The pain seemed to subside from Jane, and Alec helped her to her feet. They left Caius's ashes in the snow and they glided back away the way they came.

Bella's eyes returned to normal and she felt the power dissipate. She turned and looked at the others. Paul started a howl and then the other wolves followed. Then she was being hugged by Alice and Emmett. Things felt like they could truly get back to normal now. Or as normal as it could get. She had stood up to the Volturi and she had lived. She got her way and now, she instilled fear in them so that way they wouldn't mess with her again.

[New Years Eve]

Bella laid the girls down in bed with Paul's help and came downstairs. Charlie was opening a beer with Billy and Sam and Jared while Embry, Quil, Jake, and Seth played Monopoly in the floor. Bella smiled as she looked at her family. She considered all of the wolves family and she was glad that everyone was in her life. Alice flitted in from the kitchen at a human speed since Charlie was the only one not privy to this supernatural way of life.

"Snacks!" Alice's voice rang out and of course the wolves descended. Anytime food was involved, they were happy. Esme walked in with another beer and handed it to Sam as he finished his.

"Thank you Esme." Sam said with a nod and gave her the empty beer bottle. It took some time, but the tribe was used to the Cullen's now. The only ones that made appearances were Alice, Emmett, Jasper, Esme, and Carlisle. Edward and Rosalie tended to stay to themselves since Edward wasn't too thrilled to see Bella and Paul together, and Rosalie couldn't stand to be around the wolves for too long. But the others got used to it and they enjoyed the friendships everyone was making.

Carlisle came in the front door, kicking snow off his shoes before he trekked through the house. "Alright Chief, you called it. Snow is getting worse out there."

"I told you. The way the clouds were looking Doc, there was no way it wasn't going to get heavier. I hope everyone wasn't planning on going anywhere tonight." Charlie said with a lift of his beer.

Bella smiled. "Well, I'm sure we can figure out something for everyone. I'm going to go check on the chicken wings." She said and headed to the kitchen. She found Jasper in there, taking the wings out of the oven. "Oh, beat me to it."

Jasper smiled over at Bella. "I may not know much about cooking, but I know when a timer goes off, something it done." He spoke, his Texan accent making Bella smile.

"Thank you." Bella said and then looked up at Paul when he walked in, he kissed her lightly and then looked to Jasper.

"Jazz, I was thinking about some training. Doc mentioned that you fought in a war before and would know how to train a few of us on what to do with Newborns. Since the activity picked up in Port Angles with some strange activity, we figured it might be other nomads or something the red head was up to before we caught up to her."

Jasper nodded. "Of course. I'll show you boys how to handle a newborn. Anything I can do to help." He offered a friendly smile and then fist bumped Paul.

Bella smiled. She liked that everyone got along now. At first, it was a hatred for each other, but it seems that everyone was getting used to the other's presence. This was how life should be. She couldn't be happier with everything. Paul was her soulmate, and her love of her life. They had three beautiful daughters, and there wasn't much more she could ask for. Life was perfect for her, and going into the New Year, life would continue it's perfection.

Jasper grabbed a beer and from the fridge and handed it to Paul, and he started to hand one to Bella.

"Oh I can't." Bella said with a smile.

Paul frowned. "Your dad said you could have beer."

"I know, but I can't drink." Bella said.

Paul's brows furrowed together. "What?"

Bella smiled and took the ultrasound picture from her back pocket. "We're due in July." She said and Paul took the ultrasound picture and looked at it.

"Baby…"He murmured, tears coming to his eyes, before he was kissing her passionately. "Just one?"

Bella chuckled. "Only one." She said with a nod and kissed him back.

Jasper smiled. "Well hell, congrats you two." He said and winked at Paul.

This was definitely perfect. Life was perfect. Bella had everything she needed and more.