I wasn't a good liar. I'd never been able to lie to Leah, and by extension, Paul. He'd learned all of my tells from my sister. How the fuck would I lie about where I was going now? That combined with me not driving myself here left little room for me to keep Bella's secret.

Paul was glaring at me when I took my seat at our table. "What the hell did Swan want?"

Lovely. He'd heard her voice, at least. "We need to stop by the police station before we head home," I said calmly.

"The police station?" Jared yelled. "Kim was with her today! What did they do? Is Kim in trouble?"

Well. I'd made it a little longer than I expected.

"I don't know. She asked me to come get them and not tell you." I told him.

Jared got up and Paul pushed him back into his seat. "We're finishing our meal. If it were that bad, Kim would've called you."

Jared didn't argue. He wasn't happy, but he knew better than to reason with Paul. As much as I loved him, he could be a stubborn asshole. Arguing wouldn't have done Jared a bit of good. Embry couldn't stop laughing at the thought of the two girls in jail. He and Paul gave us their ideas on what they might have done, which annoyed me. I had to admit that I was worried. Bella wasn't a criminal by any means. I'd spent enough nights in lockup waiting for Charlie to know how scary it was. Heavily pregnant, Kim belonged there even less than Bella did. Whatever they'd gotten accused of, I knew they didn't do it. I may have fought guys in the bar as an outlet for my grief, but nothing I'd ever done in a bar fight would compare to the pain I'd inflict on someone who hurt Bella or Kim.

They knew me all too well at the police station. When the four of us walked in, I hoped the cop at the desk would be someone I hadn't seen before. To my dismay, it was Ledger, the asshole that arrested me most recently.

"How does it feel coming in the door without cuffs on, Clearwater?" He asked when he saw me.

I didn't dignify his question with a response, but I could feel Paul's anger. "I'm here for Bella and Kim. If you're lucky, they'll tell me you didn't harm them at all when you arrested them."

He looked puzzled. "Bella? She's your girl? That must be why her daddy is always bailing you out."

"She's not his fucking girl," Paul growled. "Why don't you try talking less and getting the girls for us?"

Ledger just rolled his eyes. "I didn't want to arrest them, but that Emily girl insisted on pressing charges. I only saw Swan touch her, but I had to bring them both in. The shopkeeper said he's got security footage to exonerate the pregnant one."

Emily? What the fuck had she done?

"I'm going to need you to say that again," I said through gritted teeth. "Emily Young?"

He held his hands up. "I have a feeling I've said too much. It's 1500 for each broad. I can take cash or a card. You'll have to sign for them."

I handed him my card and signed the forms while I waited for him to get the girls. I was seething. Emily had taken my inaction for granted. If she thought she would get away with everything she'd done to my family, she was mistaken.

Ledger brought Bella and Kim out. Mascara had run down Kim's face, but physically she looked fine. Bella was as angry as I was, though.

We led the girls out to the car. We, thankfully, had third-row seating, so we could all ride home together. Or, they could. I was afraid I wouldn't make it back without phasing.

Kim held onto Jared like she'd die if she let go. He rubbed her hair and soothed her. I wondered if I should hug Bella, but I dreaded Paul's reaction if I did. We were taking this slow, like I promised him. We were at a turtle's pace, truly. Besides, she seemed more put together than Kim did. Bella didn't look sad, she looked furious. At least we agreed for once. She sat beside Embry, and I observed through the rearview mirror as Paul drove.

Calmer than expected, Paul asked, "Which of you wants to explain what happened?"

Bella looked up, fearfully meeting my gaze as I glanced back at her. I didn't want to make Paul mad, but I had to reassure Bella somehow, silently conveying that he wouldn't hurt her. I wouldn't let anyone hurt her. Turning in my seat and reached for her hand. I didn't need to say anything. She knew what it meant.

She sighed before she spoke. "We were at the bookstore in Port Angeles and Emily walked in. She kept trying to talk to us, and we avoided her. She eventually cornered me. I tried to be neutral, not too nice or too cruel." She stopped and shook her head. "Seth, I didn't mean to hit her. But, she's wearing your mother's ring."

Paul slowed down to pull over. I was grateful because I was shaking. Bella had known Mom and Leah long enough that I knew she'd recognize the ring anywhere. Why the fuck did Emily have it?

"How did you get involved?" Jared asked Kim.

Through fresh tears, Kim cried, "I did nothing to her, Jared. I swear. I wouldn't have gotten into a fight being pregnant. The clerk told the police I didn't touch her."

Taking hold of Bella's opposite hand, Embry demanded, "So, nobody hit you?"

"Of course not!" Bella shrieked. "If she had, she'd have left in an ambulance, not her car. I snapped when I saw Sue's ring. I told her she was disgusting and didn't deserve to wear anything that belonged to Leah. Guys…" She took a deep breath. "I've wanted to hit her since everything went down with the baby. I have so much anger toward her and Sam. Once I started I couldn't stop. The store clerk separated us, and Emily called 911. She tried to bait Kim into hitting her, but Kim wouldn't. Emily claimed we both attacked her, though."

Paul finally pulled the car to a stop on the shoulder of the highway. We were in a secluded area. I was grateful because phasing in a car was a big fear of mine. The more Bella talked, the harder I shook. Jared and I both got out and Kim called for us.

"Wait!" She shrieked. "Bella didn't tell you what Emily said to her."

"It's not important," Bella muttered.

I was in no mood for this. "Just get on with it, and either of you. What the fuck did she say?"

Bella didn't speak up, so Kim did. "You must be jealous, huh, Swan? The Leech didn't want you, and neither does Seth. Even an imprint can't make someone commit to you. I bet that stings."

Embry scoffed. "I bet it doesn't sting as bad as your right hook did, Bells." He pulled her under his arm in a comforting half-hug.

I didn't need to hear anything else, didn't even give a shit that Bella knew about the imprint. I only cared about getting to Sam's and getting my mother's fucking ring back. Jared followed me, and Paul said he'd meet us there. I figured Embry would call Jake to talk us out of it, but I wasn't hearing it.

Jared's thoughts were a jumbled mess the entire run, while I could barely think. He was furious, and rightfully so. His pregnant mate had spent hours in jail under false charges. What if she'd gone into premature labor? What if the unnecessary fear and stress hurt their baby? Jared's anger only grew with each additional worry that crossed his mind. The shared anger made me pick up my pace. I couldn't wait to pound on Sam's front door.

Jared said, "I'm not going to Sam's, I'm going to Jake's."

As much as I hated to admit it, I didn't need to go to Sam's alone. With the recent revelation about Edward and Sam letting me believe Bella went to him behind my back, atop my anger at Emily, the results could be catastrophic if there was no one to keep me in check. I hated admitting that my temper was truly that far gone, but a year's worth of grief had taken its toll.

Jared silently confirmed my thoughts, agreeing I should accompany him to Jacob's instead. I wasn't prepared to argue, so I silently followed him. Jake and Billy were already waiting for us. I didn't need to talk to Bella to know she likely called and told them everything the moment we left.

I only half listened while Jared voiced his concerns about how Sam ran the pack. I noted we should've been concerned when he abandoned his fucking child or admitted he'd known Leah was Paul's imprint all along. We should've been disturbed by many things, but until Emily had Kim arrested and Sam took his anger out on Jared, those things had gone ignored. It seemed I was the only one who truly kept a tally of Sam's faults and manipulations, and that compiled list was previously dismissed because of my personal feelings toward Sam.

I was more frustrated than I could express, and it took all my strength to remain calm inside this house without phasing.

Jake planned to fight Sam for the pack, but he wasn't sure when. That wasn't news. Billy mentioned the council talking to Sam, like that would do any good. Sam ignored the council when he thought something else was 'best,' and as Alpha, had every right to do so. The council members were not the pack's high rulers - they consulted issues with the pack, advising them with the tribe's best interests in mind. They could not command Sam to do shit, however.

Eventually, Paul showed up with Bella. I didn't know why we had to involve her in this conversation, or how she'd convinced Paul to let her come here with her.

"Maybe she is right for you, that girl is stubborn as fuck," Paul mumbled as he pushed past me and sat beside Billy.

Bella nodded at Jake but stood by my side. I didn't want her there, but I didn't have the energy to fight with her about it. I hated she knew about the imprint. I wouldn't let her take advantage of me or manipulate me the way Emily had Sam. Emily knew exactly what she'd done. That meddling bitch had hurt Bella and made me vulnerable in the worst possible way.

I appraised Bella's appearance for the first time since I had dinner with her weeks ago. She had gained a little weight back, and her color had returned. Bella had walked away from the altercation with Emily without a scratch. I couldn't wait to see Emily. I hoped Bella had done some damage, and I had a good feeling she had, especially with her short but sharp as fuck fingernails.

Charlie was right behind them. He spoke more rationally than any of the rest of us. Paul currently held control of Mom and Leah's belongings, so legally, the ring was his. Sam wasn't even a relative of Leah since they weren't married yet, and he had no claim to her ring. Billy thought the best idea would be for him to go alone with Charlie to talk to them.

Without thought, I growled, "Over my dead fucking body."

Billy glared at me. "Son?" The 'come again, I dare you' tone in his voice was clear.

I said, "Billy, you're welcome to go, but not without someone to protect you and Charlie. I don't trust Sam or Emily as far as I could throw them. And I can identify that ring on sight. Mom never took it off until the day it passed to Leah."

I could still recall the ring on the kitchen counter near the flour and sugar canisters as Leah mixed brownies the morning they died. She wore it less often because pregnancy caused her fingers to swell. I couldn't help but wonder if that's where Emily had found it.

Jake nodded in agreement and insisted we accompany them.

Bella reluctantly agreed to stay behind. In a way, it was a good thing she knew about the imprint. Embry told her that having her there would distract me. I could see the realization in her eyes. I'd lost that last fight to Sam because she had distracted me, and I wasn't about to relive that. Frankly, I didn't want her to see me lose it like that again, either.

Jake could fight Sam for Alpha tonight. He wouldn't admit it, but he was ready and his temper had a very short fuse. He could use some confidence, but I knew he could take Sam down if he tried. The one thing they had in common was the inability to back down once engaged. I suspected it was part of why Jacob had procrastinated this long. The rage his wolf gave him went against his sunny nature, just like it had mine until I gave into it. Maybe Jacob was afraid of becoming more like me and Paul. It was a little food for thought.

Emily was outside when we pulled up. I felt my heart swell when I got a good look at Bella's handiwork up close. One of her eyes had swollen shut and her nose was broken. I swear my left eye twitched, and it took all I had to bite back the petty smirk aching to raise the corners of my lips.

"Our girl has a damn good arm," Billy muttered before we got out of the car.

Sam looked furious, clearly hearing Billy's comment. I knew the story was likely spun differently to him, but I didn't care. The video footage from the shop will be out soon. He'd have to see his imprint for the lying whore she is, not that I was sure it would make a difference.

"Seth," he said calmly. "What can I do for you?"

I wasn't playing his game. "Give my mother's ring back to me. She gave that to you for Leah, and to my knowledge she was supposed to have gotten buried with it."

Sam looked confused. I knew when Sam was bullshitting me, but he appeared genuinely shocked, almost hurt by the accusation. "I know how important that ring was, Seth. Harry told me if something didn't work out with Leah, it should be returned to your family. It was your mother's original engagement ring, and the stone belonged to Harry's mother. What is it you think I've done with it?"

Charlie wasn't in the mood. "Cut the shit, Uley. Emily was flaunting it to Bella today and the two of them fought. I'm not here to defend my daughter; She got raised better than that." Charlie shot a warning glare at me, silently reminding me I'd been raised better, too. I ignored him. He said, "The ring still needs to be returned, though. I'm prepared to get a warrant for your house if you don't hand it over."

Sam was mad, but even he knew better than to test Charlie Swan. The man knew no fear and damn sure wasn't afraid of our pack.

"Emily," Sam called. "Come out here."

I smirked as she stepped back outside onto the porch. This was going beautifully. Emily's wounds looked even more gnarly up close.

"Honey, you told me Bella started that fight and we couldn't talk to her because she was in the hospital."

"The hospital?" Jake scoffed. "Bella doesn't have a scratch on her. She and Kim had a lot of fun in jail, though. Seth just paid three grand to bail them out."

"Kim?" Sam was raising his voice. "Emily, I know you did not have an innocent pregnant woman arrested."

"Don't be so certain about that," I told him. "I've got a buddy at the police department in Port Angeles. Your whore had Bella and Kim arrested for assault, but the shopkeeper has footage of the exchange. That, at least, will exonerate Kim."

Sam's temper flooded his face, turning it and his ears a deep red unlike I'd ever seen, likely because I'd called Emily a whore. He growled, "Give them the damn ring, Emily."

"I-I don't have it… Bella attacked me. I didn't have any ring."

Billy looked at Sam. "We don't have time for her lies, son. Give us the ring and we'll be on our way."

It wasn't on her finger, but I knew Emily too well. When we were kids, Mom had taken us to a festival in Port Angeles with numerous booths to shop at. Leah and I had our allowance to spend, but Emily had nothing. Leah promised she'd get her something, but Emily seemed dissatisfied. She only wore jeans with a tiny pocket inside the front pocket. It was pointless, and I'd told her so dozens of times. But, I saw why she loved those stupid tiny pockets that day. She went by a jewelry booth with Leah and when the lady handled Leah's purchases, Emily slipped a ring in her tiny pants pocket. I was so mortified I spent my allowance on the ring she had stolen and I never told a soul what happened. The vendor's gratitude because I insisted on paying for it was embarrassing enough.

I didn't say a word to Sam or anyone else. I walked up to my disgusting cousin and dipped my finger in her tiny pocket, pulling my mother's ring from it. She hadn't expected it and pushed me away when she realized I knew.

I held the ring in the air, waiting for Sam to see it before I slipped it safely into my pocket. I'd have it professionally cleaned to remove any trace of Emily.

"There's something else we have to clarify," Billy said, looking directly at Emily. "If you ever tell an outsider our secrets again, imprint or not, we will banish you from this tribe. I don't give a damn what Sam has to say about it."

Sam opened his mouth to defend her, but I held my hand up, interrupting him.

"We don't have time for excuses, Sam. I have to go and explain imprinting to Bella since Emily announced it for the whole damn bookstore to hear."

Emily appeared dumbfounded as I glared at her. "If you ever attempt to harm Bella or Kim again, if you so much as step in their direction, Sam won't be able to protect you. You're his imprint, but you mean nothing at all to me. Stay the fuck away from my family, Bella included."

"I am your family, Seth," she cried. "We're blood! We grew up together!"

I laughed so hard I could hardly breathe. "You're fucking unbelievable. You wanted Sam so badly that you severed your relationship with Leah long before she died. Hell, you whined to me about not even two hours before she died! I'm sure the imprint was your dream come fucking true, especially with my sister out of the way."

Mournfully, Emily cried, "Seth!"

"Then," I yelled, "you convinced Sam to give up my nephew, tried to turn him against Leah's memory by suggesting she'd cheated with Paul, and now you've started a fight that got Kim arrested for nothing? Do you honestly think I give a shit that we share DNA? Fuck off. You're not shit to me, Emily, and you're damn sure not my family anymore."

She sobbed, and Sam wrapped his arms around her. "That's enough, Seth."

I shook my head. "I couldn't protect my Mom or Leah from her scheming bullshit, but I will protect Bella and Kim with my life. I don't care who I have to hurt."

Sam didn't say another word as he led Emily inside the house. Charlie and Billy smiled at me as I walked back to the car. I wasn't in a smiling mood. Sam didn't react to me right now, but that didn't mean I'd get away with everything I said to him.

More importantly, I still had to make it through my talk with Bella.