WARNING: GRAPHIC MENTIONS OF SELF HARM, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, MENTAL ILLNESS, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, VIOLENCE, SEXUAL SITUATIONS, GRAPHIC LANGUAGE, MANIPULATIONS, AND TRIGGERING IMAGERY. IF YOU ARE TRIGGERED BY THIS OR DO NOT ENJOY IT, DO NOT READ.

Chapter Seventeen.

Mike's POV:

"You know, you did the right thing, man. Jess has been a real bitch lately." Tyler exclaimed as he handed Eric and me beers. We all opened our cans at the same time and took a sip.

"Don't call her that."

"It's the truth, though. She and Lauren were bullies." He rubbed his forehead in frustration. "And suddenly Bella and Lauren are BFF's? I don't understand anything anymore."

"Same here. Jessica's been AWOL since the breakup. Won't leave her room according to her mother."

"She'll come around," Eric exclaimed before taking another sip of his drink. As the conversation started to progress we decided to play truth or dare. Eric was the most hesitant. "How old are we, thirteen?"

"Come on, it'll be fun. Like old times."

"Ugh, fun. But you're going first."

"Okay, okay," Tyler cackled before continuing. "Truth or dare, Mike?"

"Uh, truth."

"Do you still like Bella?"

"As a friend, yeah. But not as anything else. She's super-hot, but we don't have much chemistry."

"I can dig that."

"Truth or dare, Eric?"

"Truth."

"Who do you have a crush on?"

"Can I change it to dare? I want to change it to dare."

"Nuh uh! Nope, you chose truth, now answer it."

"Fine…" He chugged the rest of his beer before crushing the can. His muscles rippled in the button up he wore, and I don't know how I didn't notice it before. Eric had been hitting the gym for a few months and he was making good results. "I like… you."

"Wait, what?"

"I like you, Mike." My cheeks heated up and I coughed.

"Wow, thanks, dude. I'm flattered." He sighed.

"Tyler you can have my turn, I'm going to get another drink." Eric stood up and disappeared into the house. I felt guilty and flattered at the same time. It was a weird feeling.

"So, Mike, truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to kiss Eric."

"What! Dude, seriously?"

Tyler chuckled and threw his empty can on the ground before replying, "What, you chicken?"

"I don't want to hurt him."

"Then don't. Just ask if he'd be down and if not, I can change the dare." Eric walked back outside with a can of beer in hand, a small smile on his face. As he sat down, Tyler asked, "Would you be weird with Mike kissing you?"

"Huh, come again?"

"I dared him to kiss you. But if it's weird, I can change the dare." Eric was silent for a while and with nervousness, I chugged the rest of my beer before setting the can aside.

"Let's do it."

"Huh?"

"Kiss me."

"O-okay, here I go." And then I was leaning in. His eyes shut, but mine stayed open.

My first thought as our lips touched was, how can someone's lips be so soft?

Then there was tongue, and everything got real weird after that.

I woke up with a pounding headache and the urge to die right then and there. When I opened my eyes, the curtains were thankfully pulled, and the daylight didn't meet my gaze. My whole body felt warm and uncomfortable, and when I tried to move something was holding me down.

Or someone.

With cautious movements, I rolled out from under the human chains and fell to the floor on a pile of dirty laundry. Man, Tyler needs to do some laundry. This is just disgusting. Brushing myself off, I looked at who was keeping me held hostage. I almost choked.

Eric lay in only blue flannel pajama bottoms, massive bedhead going on, a small smile playing on his lips as he slept. Wow, when had his acne gone away? What was his skincare routine?

Wait, this is not the time. I needed to get out of here.

Patting myself down to make sure I was wearing all of my clothes, I grabbed my phone and charger and slipped on my shoes before escaping out the door.

The car ride back to my house was an emotional rollercoaster; I wanted to go back and kiss him again, but also forget it ever happened. I wasn't gay, right? I'd never been attracted to guys… No, I can't be. I'm Mike Newton, ladies man extraordinaire. I'm not attracted to boys.

When I got home my parents were gone, so I gave my sheepdog Champ a few belly rubs and then took a hot shower to wake me up. Even as I tried to erase it from my mind, all I kept thinking about were his soft lips and hands and everything.

Eric and Tyler were my best friends, so I knew almost everything about them. I was the first person Eric had come out to. I was also his crush.

As I thought of kissing him again, I groaned and lay my forehead against the shower wall.

This is insane, why do I feel like this so suddenly?

I can admit he has become an attractive man, especially now that he has gotten rid of his acne and started wearing more fashion forward clothing. He even got a haircut that makes him look like a sweet baby boy.

Wait, sweet baby boy? Fuck, you're hopeless!

With a sigh, I turned off the water and dried myself off before heading to my room. Slipping on a pair of boxers, sweats, and a graphic t-shirt that Jessica had gifted me on my birthday, I lay back on my bed and try to get some more shut eye.

But all my thoughts consisted of him and how sweet and smart he was and how I couldn't wait to kiss him again.

I groaned and rubbed my face in agitation.

What the hell was I going to do? If I was, in fact, gay, or bisexual, what would my parents do? They're paying for my college. They could take it back and kick me out.

Champ yipped and licked at my arm. I moved my hands from my face and chuckled.

"Come on, get up here. Let's figure this out together." In an instant, he jumped on the bed and lay beside me. "Buddy, would you care if I was… you know… bisexual?" He licked my cheek in return and I giggled. "Thank you. I well… I think I might be. Last night me and Eric ended up kissing and I got a bunch of weird feelings now."

He yipped again, and I snuggled into his fur.

"I guess I should just follow my heart. I don't think there's anything wrong with liking the same gender." I kissed his furry head and he licked my cheek again. "Okay, I'll do as you say. I'll follow my heart."

And so, I did. But it didn't pan out like I expected. No, it was much better.

Bella's POV:

My first date. With Embry Call. And I have nothing to wear.

Angela, Rachel, Rebecca, and Riley sat on my bed as I sifted through my closet, flinging out my whole wardrobe as I searched for something nice.

"Belly, please, let me-"

"Maybe that shirt and that skirt? Wait, never mind. That is a travesty."

"I think B would look good in this. It even matches her eyes!"

"Yeah, and pigs can fly. No, let me choose. You all have lost your marbles."

Rachel stood up and pulled me away from the closet, even as I pathetically grabbed at the hanging clothes.

"Belly calm down. Let us help you look fabulous. Embry won't know what hit him when he sees you tonight."

"I'm hopeless. Nothing looks right."

"You're not hopeless at all!" Becca said confidently. "You're stunning and anything looks great on you."

"Yeah, totally stunning. You're the epitome of beauty and no one can tell me otherwise!"

"I second that," Angela exclaimed. "Come on, let's find the perfect outfit for your amazing date tonight."

Two hours later I was dressed to impress. Riley and Angela had picked out a pair of nice jeans and a nice blouse, along with a pair of flats. As I glanced at the makeup and hair that Becca and Rachel had tag teamed on, I felt a sinking nostalgia for my old best friend. I hadn't thought of Alice in so long, it felt foreign. As I tried to picture her in my head I discovered that my heart didn't hurt as much as before and I could even think back fondly. It was comforting to know that I was getting better even after my setback.

"Embry's one lucky guy, Bella. If you weren't like my sister I might have to take you out myself," Angela teased, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"I second that. Damn, son. We did good."

"Hell yeah," Riley and Becca high-fived while Rachel snorted and rolled her eyes.

"Thank you, guys. This wouldn't be possible without you."

"Anything for our best girl. Now, when will he be here?"

I glanced at the clock and blanched. "Ten minutes. Holy crow, he's going to be here in ten minutes!"

As I began to hyperventilate, Riley grabbed my shoulders and exclaimed, "Calm down, B. You will be fine. Embry loves you and you love Embry. This is going to be a kick ass date, especially because you look like a goddess."

"Not that you don't always look like a goddess," Becca cut in with a nervous laugh. "You just are done up for a date-"

"Yes, you are always a natural goddess, but you are a glam goddess right now."

"The glammest goddess."

"You guys are dorks, but I love you."

"And we love you too, Bella," Rachel said, and then there was a loud crash from outside, followed by a knock. "Looks like your date is here, Bella. Better get down there and surprise your man."

"We'll come too. I want to see his jaw drop when he sees you." The five of us made our way downstairs just as Charlie was opening the door.

"Hey, Chief Swan, is Bella home?" Paul taunted and Charlie sighed.

"You know she is, Paul. Now come in, the both of you. She should be down any second."

"Here she is, miss America!" Riley's voice rang out and all eyes were on us. Or more importantly, me. Embry stepped through the door and stopped dead in his tracks. Paul whistled.

"Damn, Swan. Never knew you had an ass."

"Excuse me!" Charlie barked and Paul paled. Rachel burst into laughter.

"I-I mean, never knew you were a great looking young woman, Bella."

"That's much better." I walked down the rest of the stairs, thankfully without tripping, and walked over to where Embry still stood in front of the door. He held a bouquet of flowers in his hand and wore a nice button up and black jeans. His hair was pulled into a braid. He looked gorgeous.

"Hey, handsome," I exclaimed before holding up a pair of finger guns. Someone groaned in the background.

"Hey, gorgeous," Embry held up his own pair of finger guns as he replied. The flash of a camera brought us out of our weird flirting. When we looked over, Angela stood with her camera and a grin. Charlie stood beside her, wiping his eyes and coughing.

"You guys are so cute. Let me get a few pictures before you head out."

After a multitude of pictures were taken, some with Embry and I and then some with all of us, we headed out.

As I walked out the door, I could hear Paul whisper, "Damn, that ass, though." Then he groaned in pain.

"Shut the fuck up, you dick," Rachel whispered back before giggling. Even with the awkwardness between them they weren't letting it affect their friends.

I shook my head as Embry shut the door, and then I let him lead me to my truck.

"So, where do you want to go?"

"I say we do a traditional date. Dinner and a movie. And then a wicked makeout session in the truck before we head home." Embry chuckled but his eyes darkened at my words.

"You know, we could start the make out session right now."

"No! No, not with our friends and my dad in the house."

"Ah, good point. Okay, onwards to the Port Angeles! Next stop, Deer Park Cinema!"

"WOOHOO!" I cheered as we pulled out of the driveway and headed out of town. Embry's hand intertwined with mine and I felt warm all over. This is what I had craved for so long. This connection, this love, this companionship. This happiness.

And I was never going to let it go again.

Jessica's POV:

Have you ever thought you were a great person, but then after looking at your constant stupid decisions you find that you're a horrible person? That was my life right now.

Laying in my bed, hand over my eyes, the guilt ate at me. Why did I do that? My mother didn't raise me this way. I didn't even get pleasure from bullying others. I was just so angry at her.

I'm 'pretty', but boys never look at me. They think I'm annoying or overbearing or clingy. And she comes in and doesn't even try and everyone loves her! How is that fair to us girls that try so hard and constantly fail?

But who was I to blame her for something that was out of her control? She didn't even want the attention. All she wanted was Edward Cullen. And he left her in the forest to die.

I could give the excuse that I tried to be her friend. That I went and saw a movie with her. That I was the victim when she went and rode on the back of that scary biker's motorcycle and left me by myself.

But Bella was sick, like Lauren. She wasn't in full control of her actions, yet I expected her to be and got angry when she wasn't.

From the very beginning, I used her to the full advantage and threw her away when I was done. I was a piece of shit and finally figured it out after losing the one boy that promised he'd never leave.

I sighed and rolled over onto my stomach, staring at the photo of Mike and I on my nightstand. And I started to cry.

No more, I was going to stop being a bad person. Tomorrow is a new day and I was going to turn my life around. Apologize to those who I've wronged.

I cried some more, covering my head with my comforter.

But today I'd let out all of my bad feelings and emerge a phoenix tomorrow.

It was the only way to save myself.

Bella stood by her locker, Angela by her side. I swallowed my nervousness and walked over to them. When Angela caught my eyes, her stare grew hard.

"Hey, Bella-"

"What do you want, Jessica?" Angela asked icily.

"I want to apologize."

"Apologize?"

"I'm sorry. For everything. I was a bad friend and person and I should have never bullied you." I took a breath. "I was jealous of you, of how easy you were able to get guys attention. I wanted Mike to notice me, but he didn't until you rejected him. It's no excuse, though. I was wrong for my actions."

"I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to forgive me, I just want you to know I'm sorry. Okay, I'll go now." As I turned to go, she caught my arm. I turned back around and met her soft eyes.

"Hey, Jessica?"

"Yes?"

Next were the words I never thought I'd hear.

"I forgive you."

"You do?" I asked in shock.

"You do?" Angela's eyes widened too epic proportions.

"Yes. Everyone makes bad decisions when they are unhappy. It means a lot that you apologized and are willing to try and be better." She smiled. "I hope we can start over and be friends again."

"Yes, of course!" Bella smiled again before turning around and heading to her class. My shoulders felt light of the weight that previously held them down. I felt good for the first time in forever.

From this moment on, I'm going to be a better person. A nicer person. Mark my words, I am going to be great!

Mike's POV:

"Eric, I like you-" I stopped short as I opened my locker. "No, that's not good enough. 'Eric, I think we should be boyfriends'. No, that's not good either…"

"You still hopelessly pinning over a guy that hopelessly pins over you?" Tyler inquired with a grin. I rolled my eyes and grabbed my textbook before shutting my locker.

"Shut up."

"Why don't you just ask him out? It's super simple, bro."

"I am going to today at lunch. And you're going to help me."

"What, how?"

"Just meet me in the bathroom close to the lunchroom during fourth period, okay?"

"Okay, I guess. I'm mildly fearing for my life, but okay."

"Don't worry, it's going to be awesome. You'll see."

It wasn't long before fourth period hit, and Tyler and I huddled into a bathroom stall, and mix CD in my hand and a fearful look on his face.

"You want me to do what?"

"Just this once, please."

"If I got caught I would get my ass beat!"

"Come on, please?"

"No, no way. You're on your own." Tyler went to unlock the door.

I grabbed his arm, pleading, "I'll do anything. Please, just help me."

"Anything?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I'll do it."

"What do you want in return?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

With a sigh, I followed him out of the stall and got to work. From my locker, I retrieved a bouquet of roses. I made work of hiding in the lunchroom, eager to get the perfect spot to jump out of.

The school period ended, and lunch began. The cafeteria quickly filled up and my eyes caught Eric sitting at the lunch table. My heart thudded in my chest and I swallowed my nervousness.

You can do this, Mike. You can get your man.

As if on cue the song started to play through the lunchroom speakers.

My body came out of the shadows as I slowly walked over to Eric, my eyes wide with nervousness but a smile on my lips.

"Mike, what are you doing?" Eric questioned as I handed him the flowers.

"What I should have done days ago." Without thinking I pressed my lips to his and pulled him out of his seat. When I pulled away he chuckled.

"Well, aren't you a romantic."

"Only for you." I pulled him into a hug, breathing in his cologne. "Like a river flows, surely to the sea. Darling, so it goes, somethings are meant to be."

"Take my hand, take my whole life too." He sang along with me. Bella whistled, and Jessica cheered.

"For I can't help, falling in love with you…" I kissed him again and everything felt complete. If only I had done this months ago. If only I had figured out my feelings, so I could be with him even longer.

But as he kissed my cheek and pulled me down to sit next to him, I couldn't find it in myself to regret anything. This bond we shared could go on for a lifetime. I hoped it did.

"Some things are meant to be," Bella exclaimed with a wistful look towards us, and Eric grinned in reply. I put my arm around him and kissed his cheek before stealing one of his fries. It was a good day.

In the office, Tyler slipped out without being seen. Lauren waited for him by the office doors and kissed his face all over.

"I love you, cupid." She whispered before pulling him out of the school and towards his car.

"I love you too, my sweet sugar cube. Forever and always."

Paul's POV:

It had been over two weeks since Rachel had rejected me, and life had turned to shit. What was once fun now felt boring to me. I barely ate and slept, and I couldn't even have sex! It was as if she had sucked the joy out of my life and I was a walking zombie. The mess with Bella had distracted me for a while, but now I was left to my own devices again.

But no more. I was done feeling lifeless. I was done being depressed. I was done be heartbroken.

Rachel was going to know the truth and fix this. Or so help me I will lose it.

And with that in mind, I stalked over to the Black house with one set goal; get my imprint. I knocked twice on the door and it opened five seconds later. A beautiful goddess stood on the other side of the door, long hair pulled into a pony tail and face free of makeup.

When Rachel noticed who it was, she slammed the door in my face.

I stood there momentarily stunned for a few seconds before knocking again. When she didn't answer I kept knocking.

It took her ten more minutes to yank the door open and squawk, "What!"

"I'm a fucking werewolf and I imprinted on you and now you're my soulmate so please stop ruining my life!"

"Wait, what?"

"Why did you have to move here? I was happy fucking people and being single and free. Why did you have to come in here looking all cute and shit? What the fuck, Rachel!"

"Are you okay?"

"No, I'm not! Fuck you, you ruined my life!"

"Fuck me? No, fuck you! You fucking jerk, you ruined my life! I haven't been able to enjoy weed in weeks!"

"Well, sorry, princess. It's a damn shame you can't enjoy the devil's lettuce. It breaks my heart!"

"Eat my ass, Lahote."

"Only if you're offering." I winked at her and suddenly a growl ripped her mouth. She trembled, and her eyes darkened. I damn near shit myself. "Oh, fuck."

"Run." And I did. I ran straight into the forest and climbed a damn tree. She followed right after me and then exploded into a large wolf covered in russet brown fur that matched her brother's.

"Oh shit! Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit!" She jumped at the branch I currently sat on and I crawled higher. "Go away!" Rachel growled in reply before running full force at the tree.

Please, someone, save me from my batshit imprint before I die a horrible death. Spirits, if you're listening, make sure Seth gets my PS2. Not Quil.

Just as I was kissing my sweet ass goodbye, a large black wolf entered the scene and Rachel fell to the ground, docile to the alpha voice. Seconds later I was falling and phasing at the same time, my body not my own.

Rachel's voice entered my head and I couldn't help my thoughts unloading. I loved her, I loved my imprint. My imprint, mine.

"You stupid sack of shit, you were supposed to explain it slowly, not throw it at her all at once!"

"Fuck off. You try getting rejected by your imprint and see how you like it!" Emily's scarred face immediately popped into my head and I shrieked. "Sorry, sorry. Damn it, shit. I shouldn't have said that!"

"Shut the fuck up, both of you. You're giving me a damn headache!" Immediately both of her minds quieted, as if by some force not our own. What the… "Thank you, finally. Sheesh, you guys are a mess. Now, what is this about pea brain being in love with me? Is this some ploy to get me to suck on his balls? Because if so I'll have to shut that down real fast."

"No, it isn't a ploy. Paul's imprinted on you. Imprinting is when we find our soulmate. He can be like a brother, a friend, or even a lover to you. But it is your choice."

"Shit, wow. So, what the fuck were you doing fucking someone else, you shit head?" This question was directed at me.

"I've never let myself be tied down. Saves me from feeling and being hurt again. But then you showed up and make me have the biggest nut while I'm balls deep in someone else. Has to be the worst and best cum of my life."

"Too much information, Paul!"

"You damn dog, no wonder I rejected you!" I looked up from my view of the ground and our eyes met. And the insane happened. "Well, shit. I guess we're lovers now because I just fucking imprinted on you, genius."

"Come again?"

"Stupid ass, come on. Let's go talk at yours and figure this shit out before Sam has an aneurism."

"Thanks, really. You're too kind."

"I try."

"Man, this is crazy. Wait till Emmy hears about this." They both disappeared and then all I saw was Sam's naked ass disappear from view. And what a thick ass it was. Emmy should be proud.

"You're such an idiot. Come on, baby boy. Let's figure this shit out." Rachel, butt ass naked, leant me her hand and I dove to take it. Usually, I'd be checking out her delicious goodies for all they're worth, but now I was lost in the feel of her fingers intertwined with mine and how pretty her smile was.

Damn, I'm a whipped bitch and I love it.

It didn't take long to make it back to mine and escape into my house, nude and all.

I gave her a shirt and sweatpants to wear while I just settled for sweatpants. Then we sat on my bed, silent as ever. It was awkward as hell.

"So, we're soulmates or whatever."

"Yep."

"Are you okay with this?"

"Well, you're not the worst person to be stuck with. You're beautiful, smart, funny. I used to have a crush on you when I was like ten too, so this is me living the ultimate dream."

"You're so stupid." She put some hair behind her ear and grinned. Paul junior twitched in my sweatpants and I swallowed. "I think I'm okay with this too. We can date and do all the shitty stuff soulmates do. It doesn't seem so bad, I guess."

"N-nope, not at all."

"You okay?"

"Yeah! Of course, why wouldn't I be?"

"I can smell how much you want me, baby boy." She whispered huskily into my ear and I swear I almost nutted on the spot. No girl had ever had this kind of effect on me. Until now.

Rachel was an enigma.

Her lips pressing to mine cut off my thoughts, and suddenly everything felt right in the world. She climbed on top of me, her skin warm against my own. I moaned as her teeth nipped at my earlobe.

We spent the rest of the day cooped up in my bedroom exploring each other's bodies. It was one hell of a first date if I ever saw one.

Rebecca's POV:

Some days were easy and consisted of helping at the Ateara General Store and rocking my babies to sleep. Some days were harder, like slowly pulling a band aid off when you know you should just rip it in one go. This was one of those days.

Hidden in the back of the garage sat beautiful watercolor paintings. One was of a mother and her two daughters, and another was of a son with the shadow of a gray wolf in the background.

My favorite was the one of the sea, the blue green wispy waves crashing against the orange coast. It calmed me, but also brought on a wave of sad nostalgia.

Sarah Black had always been an excellent painter and I thought I would follow in her footsteps. But then the unthinkable happened. Years later I forgot about my dream and jumped at the first chance at happiness and was burned for it.

But now I was going to change my fate.

With my newly bought watercolors and canvas in hand, I sat myself up on the beach and got to work. To make my mother proud. To make me proud.

Third person POV:

"You act like you're so much better than me, Lee! But that's bullshit!" For the third time that week, Leah and Jacob argued. Sue and Harry had left to Billy's to escape the violent wolves while Seth lay on his bed, alert in case anything went awry.

"Sorry, I didn't know me not bullying someone made me a better person! Wow, what a crazy concept!" Jacob's face looked similar to a tomato and Leah half-feared it would explode all over her bedroom. The other half of her was too angry to give a shit.

"You used to bully everyone after Sam left you!"

"No one cared about me! I was an outsider. Everyone loved Emily and hated me. For no reason!"

"Probably because Emily isn't a bitch all the time." As soon as the words left Jacob's mouth, Seth stormed into the room.

"What the fuck did you just call my sister!"

"Seth, calm down-"

"You don't get to disrespect her! You don't get to call her names when she puts up with your childish bullshit, Jacob."

"Stay out of our damn business, Seth! This doesn't concern you."

"If it has to do with my sister crying herself to sleep again then it concerns me, mighty alpha. Oh wait, you're too much of a bitch to take on the responsibility and have to settle for putting other's down to feel better about yourself."

"Seth, just go. I can handle it." Seth ignored his sister's please as he got in the older boy's face.

"You come into my parents home and disrespect their daughter? You eat our food and never pay a dime back and then cause huge amounts of stress on my father after he just left the hospital? He almost died, and you're worried about Leah thinking she's better than you? You need to get your priorities straight! Grow up, it isn't always about you!"

"You don't know anything about me."

"I'm sorry that Bella didn't want you, but you can't keep blaming everyone around you. You're imprinted now. Move on."

"Get out, Seth!" Leah growled.

"You're going to appreciate my sister even if I have to beat it into you, you sick fuck."

"I'd like to see you try."

It all happened so fast. Leah couldn't stop it. Jacob couldn't defend himself. Seth felt sick at the sight of all the blood.

Leah screeched as she tried to pull Seth off of Jacob's body, his fist punching over and over into his face. Seth saw red and trembled as he fought off the urge to phase.

With tears streaming down her face, Leah called the last person she ever wanted to talk to.

"Sam? I need your help."

His voice was muffled as he answered, "What's going on?"

"Seth's killing Jacob."

"What?"

"We were arguing and Seth came in and now he's beating him to death!"

"I'm heading over now."

"Hurry, please." She hung up and covered her ears as Seth growled before continuing to pumble her boyfriend.

Please, please hurry. He's gone crazy and I can't stop it. Please, please, please.