Chapter 8 – Humph

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Ch. 8 – Humph

I woke up sticky from sweat and slightly disoriented. Sam had his arms wrapped around me and I apparently drooled on his chest; we must've fallen asleep on the couch. I attempted to extract myself from his arms but he old held on tighter and inhaled.

I giggled. "Sam, I'm sweaty!"

"Mmmm, good." He rolled us into the side of the couch, so I was stuck. "Come shower with me." I asked. He peaked open one eye and kissed my forehead.

"Mine." He grumbled through my hair.

He loosened his arms enough for me to wiggle free. I threw the throw over the back of the couch and stretched as I stood. Sam was laying on the couch still with one arm thrown over his head. I pulled my tank top over my head and threw it at his face. His gaze darkened then. "Come on then." I teased as I turned to walk up the stairs to the shower. I heard him growl playfully behind me and he started to get up. I turned all the faucets in the shower on in the bathroom and leaned into his chest as we waited for them to warm. The comfort of simply being in his arms was otherworldly.

He lathered, scrubbed, and massaged every inch of my body for me under the hot spray and lightly kissed all over before we rinsed off and got out. Leah had brought bags of my things over after yesterday's mess and I set them out on the free sink. I put the bag of my clothing on the bed and took out some items so they wouldn't wrinkle. It had been overcast and it seemed it was going to continue, which was rather unfortunate with vampires running about. I felt the hair raise on my arms as I pulled on some black seamless underwear; I turned around to face the windows as Sam came out with his jeans on, but the zipper and button undone still. I turned over my shoulder and smiled gently at him.

"What's wrong?" he asked as he hugged me from behind.

"I get the feeling this is all just beginning. Something horrible is coming that is tied to the Cullen's, and they're not even here. They're gone and I'm left to clean their mess and drag all of you in it. Not to mention, I get random feelings of being watched, but I can't see anything, though my eyes are only human, so I'm not surprised." I blurted out softly.

He turned me around and kissed me soundly.

"The Cullen's, whatever they have to do with this, the fault is their own. They assimilate in human culture repeatedly and have no care for the lives that are destroyed and who they leave behind. Whatever Edward's reasons were for leaving you behind after showing you every facet of vampire life and claiming you were his mate, I'll never understand. But that is not your fault, and never will be, you can't control another's actions. We wolves were designed to take out vampires, and trust that we will. Everyone down here loves and cares for you and Charlie both, deeply, we won't let anything happen to either of you. As for being watched, I have wolves patrolling all the time. Carry your weapon with you, I'll have a wolf or myself close by as well." He tightened his arms around me, and I laid my head on his chest. I was startled out of my thoughts as I heard a knock and the front door open. "Yodalaheehoooooooooo. Daddy, mommy, I'm hooooooomeeeeee!" I heard Quil holler downstairs. I laughed as Sam rolled his eyes.

"No more funny business, my poor virgin eyes and ears!" He continued. I snorted as Sam released me and picked up his shirt from the bed.

"Get dressed and meet us downstairs baby." I nodded and checked over my shoulder once more as he made his way through the bedroom door. I was still bare from the waist up; I should've covered myself up, I'm sure the windows hid nothing, but if someone was going to look, then I wasn't going to cower away. I was done running and hiding from my past, if they wanted me, they'd rip me limb from limb before I ever submitted, naked or not.

I picked up a full-length black body suit with thick wife beater straps and pulled myself into it. I put on my socks, some knee-high black riding boots with square patterned stitching on the back, a light cardigan, gold watch, and some small golden earrings. I threw my hair into another bun, dabbed some light make up on, perfume, and headed downstairs.

"Mommy!" Quil attempted to jog towards me before Sam smacked the bag of his head.

"Mommy, daddy is being mean!" I smiled as Sam gave him a flat look. "She's not your mother, Quil." I smiled wide this time and shook my head as I made my way to the coffee machine.

"You're our alpha, aka daddy wolf, and she's yours now, aka mommy, duh." Quil expressed every word with a flurry of hand motions and at different octaves. I hid another smile behind my cup and leaded against the counter as Sam crossed his arms over his chest.

"I mean…unless she's not yours and mommy is up for grabs?" He smiled like the Cheshire cat. A low deep growl emitted from Sam as his eyes flashed gold. I walked over to Sam and cuddled into his side with my coffee.

"You weren't so testy with Emily, yeesh!" He guffawed as he sat on a stool at the counter.

"Quit antagonizing him Quil." I laughed again.

"I'm regretting my decision to ask you to watch Bella today and it's only been 10 minutes." Sam deadpanned.

"You both love me." He put his chin on his hand and batted his eye lashes at us. Sam rolled his eyes for what seemed like the tenth time that morning.

"Come on Quil, we have errands to run." I finished my coffee, leaned up to kiss Sam, and grabbed my purse off the counter.

"I'm taking some of my team here today. I wanted to finish this myself, but I have some changes, and I need it done faster." Sam murmured against my mouth.

"Ok, I'll be back later with groceries." I gave him one last peck and made my way to the front door. I heard Sam murmur to Quil as he stood up. I unlocked my Jeep and climbed inside. "Wait for me, mommy!" He ran towards my car. I smiled as Sam glared at us from the door. I turned on some music as we headed for the office once Quil climbed in and shut his door.

"I have to finish the things I didn't get to yesterday." I told him as we headed down the road.

"Sounds good to me!" He bobbed his head along to the song. We pulled up out front and I stayed in the car as he inspected outside and in the office.

"We're good to go, the smell is old." He said as he opened my door.

I walked inside, opened the blinds, and started on the work from the past couple of days. I caught up on all calls, estimates, invoices, and employee hours, as well as cleaning up a little. By lunch I was finished, so Quil and I headed to Port A to grab some lunch and run by the college to set up a time to test and get my diploma. We hit a small café, and I ordered a tuna salad croissant while Quil ordered the home damn menu.

"Can we get some dessert too?" he asked with an impish smile.

"If you eat more, I'm rather certain you'll explode Quil." He pouted and I rolled my eyes. I left a tip on the table under a small vase and headed to the car to start the trek to the college. Quil rubbed his hands together gleefully as I reversed from the parking spot.

"Teehee, college girls." He giggled.

"Down boy, you have an imprint." I side eyed him.

"Yes, who is a child." He looked green.

"Plus, you should know by now that imprints can be what you'd like them to be. Claire could be a best friend, lover, or even an 'enemy' as she gets older. We wolves get to decide our fates. Sam and Leah really paved the path for all of us to realize that just because it's the 'strongest' genetic pair, theoretically, doesn't mean that our human sides don't get a say as well." He stated.

"That's fair, I'm sorry Quil. Are you worried at all when she gets older that you won't be pulled to her?" I asked as I glanced over at him.

"Sounds to me belly bean, that you're nervous!" I stuck my tongue out at him.

"Sam never mated Emily." I looked at him strangely.

"This is really a question to ask him, as I can't peak into his mind while we run, he can shut his thoughts down expertly. It's also a matter of privacy, we try our best not to pry. But I'll give it a shot… I looked at Claire and my animal knows she would be the best match genetically for the 'strongest wolves' as the legends say, but who and how are we to know for certain, as we can't speak to our ancestors. Sam is the alpha, not just because he shifted first, but he and his wolf have a great relationship, are symbiotic, and work together seamlessly. Sam and his wolf were still learning each other and how to cohabitate together in one body when Emily came around. Emily, though from the Makah tribe, still grew up with us here, and learned our legends. She had always wanted Sam and took that as her opportunity to have him. Once she got pregnant, it seemed like destiny was set, and the lessons we had from imprints were solid. Only as time went on, her scent changed. While still close to Sam's, it wasn't a match and his wolf could tell. Once confronted, something came out, and shortly after – she left. We haven't pried, because it's not our business to ask. From that, we consulted my grandfather, Billy, and the other elders and read the old journals and the best we could gather, is imprints can guide, but we get the ultimate choice. With that being said, maybe Claire will want a romantic relationship when she's older, and if I don't have a wife/mate by that point, maybe that's something we can pursue. But it's my choice too. If I have a mate, I've marked her, then Claire will be what I want her to be, or what we decide to be. I can be an older brother for the rest of her life, best friend, confidant, or whatever we decide, together." I contemplated all he told me.

"What does it mean to mark someone?" I asked him.

"That is a conversation for Sam." He smiled tightly and I huffed. With that, we pulled into the parking lot and got out. We headed into the administration building and I added my name to a list to speak to a counselor while Quil flirted with anything that had a pair of tits.

"You know Belly, if this continues, I might just become a college student." He said with a devious glint in his eye.

"I'm not going to start official college classes until this is done, I just want my damn high school diploma. Victoria is psycho and I don't want some random unbeknownst students dragged into this god damn mess." I looked down as my hands fidgeted. He sighed and laid his hands down on mine.

"This mess is not your fault. This is just what blood suckers do, their M.O. You can't control other assholes, and red heads have no soul, that's just common knowledge." I smiled lightly.

"Swan." I heard my name called and Quil got up to follow me.

"And you are?" She asked Quil as we walked to the door.

"I only need to speak with Ms. Swan." Said the angular woman in front of us as she eyed him glaringly through her glasses.

"This is mommy, and sorry, I can't leave her side." He smiled cheekily. I choked on air and smacked his stomach.

"It's fine, he's interested in hearing information on classes as well." She stared down her nose while simultaneously looking up at him, which was almost as impressive as her scowl.

"Humph, this way then." She turned and made her way to her office.

"Why yes, Ms. Fowl." I looked sharply at him and his pearly whites were showing.

"What?" He whispered. "She has as bird nose like that teacher from Jimmy Neutron, it's fitting." He winked at me.

Ms. Kramer, as it turned out her name was, sat us down in the most baren office that had nothing, but laminated school policies hung on her walls and a picture of a large orange cat on her desk whose scowl matched her own.

"I like pussy too, but maybe she should try some dick, maybe it'd remove the stick from her ass." He whispered as he turned his head to me while we sat in the two plastic chairs in front of her desk. I looked at him sharply. She simply continued glaring at us.

"How may I help then?" She asked.

I explained to her my plans and wishes to get my diploma and handed her my transcripts thus far and continued on for potential degree plans.

"Your transcripts are impressive. Why did you drop out your senior year with a GPA like yours?" She asked me baffled. Quil decided to intercede before I could get out an excuse.

"Sparkle daddy left town in a whirlwind, our poor girl here was left in the dust, but it's ok, she has a shadow daddy now, and she's mommy, and we're all living happily ever after." My mouth dropped open as I stared at him while he just smiled.

I cleared my throat awkwardly and stumbled out, "I had some medical issues that prevented me from finishing, but my health has since cleared." I tried to smile but it came out as an awkward grimace. She continued to glare at Quil. "We can go over potential degree plans once your testing for the diploma has been completed. It'll be 3 classes to go over the material and you'll test on 4th class." She stated frankly while glaring at him.

"As for you, perhaps creative writing for your unique imagination." She cracked sardonically with a bitter smile on her face. He winked at her. I gathered the information, signed up for the few classes and paid the fee. "Follow me to the front and I'll introduce the instructor." She huffed as we exited her gloomy office.

"This is Mr. Richards; he is the Health and Wellness instructor and shall be administering the practice classes and the exam." The Ms. Fowl look-a-like gestured to a man with light olive skin, dark brown eyes, light cocoa colored hair, and a smattering of stubble all over his jaw. His cheek bones sharp and eye brows strewn in serious concentration, with sculpted arms straining against a plain black shirt and fitted in dark jeans. Combat boots seemed to finish the whole outfit. I couldn't help but think he looked rather similar to Theo James. Quil instantly glared at the man.

"This is Ms. Swan; she'll be taking the next round of classes and the exam. I trust you to give her the material list she'll need." And with that, she turned, and her bony structure walked back to the list on the front desk to find her next victim.

Mr. Richards stood silently for what seemed like minutes as he stared at me. Quil cleared his throat. "Let's get that list shall we Mr. Dick?" I looked at Quil.

"Behave." I shushed him.

"Boyfriend?" He smirked. I blushed.

"No." I murmured awkwardly.

"Guard dog." Quil glared at the man.

"Welp, I'll just take that list and we'll be on our way." The tension is the room was quite thick and I wasn't sure why. Mr. Richards handed me a small packet and his fingers brushed mine as he did.

"I'll see you then, Ms. Swan." He winked as we walked away. Quil made a bite gesture in his direction as I pulled him by the arm.

"Down boy." I side eyed him. I pulled him along to the small store on campus to purchase the necessary material for the class.

"What a tool." Quil said as we left the building. I looked up at him. "I think he was more interested in riling you up more." I muttered.

"That man caressed your hand with his fingertips like you were a rare butterfly tacked on his creepy insect board and stared at you like he could see your fucking insides." Quil waved his arms.

"You're so dramatic." I smiled. "Let's get these supplies and we can leave." I pushed him forward.

"I'm telling dad!" He yelled and people eyed us as we made our way through campus.

"You hush, everyone here with a pulse is looking at you." I stated.

"That's because I'm beautiful. I'm also not taken by the big bad wolf and I'm not trying to get skinned alive because Dick back there thinks you're a 5-course meal." I rolled my eyes as we entered the small building.

"Go bother the girl at the counter, I'll be right back." I said as I looked down at the sheet of paper Mr. Richards gave me to see the codes for the materials I needed. Quil stuck his tongue out at me as I walked the other direction.

I found the few items I needed and turned to go back to the register. I froze as I saw a single red rose sitting on the shelf. I turned in every direction but found a few unfamiliar faces and that was it. I heard a growl register behind me and turned to see Quil standing there.

"Does that smell to you?" I whispered to him.

"Like battery acid and rotten cotton candy." He muttered angrily. He grabbed my hand and ushered me to the front to pay while swiveling his eyes in every direction.

He pulled me out of the shop, threw me on his back and told me to hold tight. "You can't run too fast, humans, Quil." He ignored me and dashed to my Jeep. I turned as he put me down and looked towards the front building again. Mr. Richards was standing inside the doors, and I could just make out the dark swirls in his eyes as he stood watching us. I saw him faintly smirk as Quil pushed me in the driver's seat and put my bags in.

"Let's blow this fucking popsicle stand." He muttered. He pulled out his phone and sent a whirlwind of messages. A call from Leah pulled me out of my reverie.

"Sup bitch?" I smiled. Trust Leah to make a swear word sound like a term of endearment.

"Just left the college, I signed up for the diploma class. Quils in the car." I told her.

"I can smell his cheap cologne through the phone." She stated.

"You're just jealous you can't have me." He humped and I laughed.

"I put a bag in your car last night, come to boxing, I'm on my way now." I agreed and hung up the Bluetooth audio and headed in that direction. We pulled up out front after about a 10-minute drive and I grabbed my bag from the back. Quil held the door for us as we all walked inside.

"I brought something for you too, shitbag." She said as she thrust a bag at him. He grumbled as we ambled off to the restroom to change. I swore as I saw what the packed me.

"Fucking Leah." I grabbed the sports bra with the open crisscross backing on it, a pair of spandex short shorts, and some Nikes. I put the gear on, put my hair in a ponytail, took my jewelry off, and wrapped my hands. I came out to find Quil in a simple sweat wicking work out shirt and basketball shorts. He whistled at me.

"You really are trying to make Sam a murderer, aren't you?" He asked her. She smirked evilly and linked her arm through mine.

"Hush, shit for brains." And she pulled me into the class. Dylan's eyes darkened and he licked his lips as he saw us enter.

"You've brought an extra today I see. Look at that Leah, 2 friends now, you're on a roll." She stuck her tongue out at Dylan. "I'll work with him today, if you'll be joining us?" He looked at Quil as he grumbled and dropped our bags in the corner muttering something along the lines of "stupid pretty boy."

I'm not sure who was more shocked Quil or myself as Dylan put him on the mat, repeatedly. Dylan must've been special forces of some kind. Though he was massive, he had incredible agility and it's not as if Quil could use full strength. As we were going through the punches, I couldn't seem to get the correct stance to land a decent uppercut. Dylan noticed and stepped behind me and put his hands on my hips.

"Turn this way slightly, weight on your front foot mostly, hands up here, and knees bent. Pivot on the ball of your back foot, turning your knee and hip forward as your right-hand swipes up toward the sky from your hip. Be sure to keep your elbow bent and fingertips facing you as you imagine ending the punch right under the other fighter's chin." He whispered in my ear. Quil glared at the man as I went through the motions. He removed himself from behind me and I tried again. I did as he stated and tried on Leah. She stepped back as my punch landed and I smiled.

"Mmmm, harder next time Swan, you know I like it rough." She smiled roguishly. Quil glared at her as Dylan brought the class to a close.

"Females trying to get me murdered." He complained. I went over to my bag, grabbed a rag and wiped my forehead on it.

"I'll see you ladies later this week. You did good today, Bella, really good." He smiled and walked off. Leah's smile was downright criminal as we picked up our things.

"Good job today ladies…" Quil mocked as we exited the building.

"Quit your whining. You're just mad a human wiped the floor with you." She scoffed at him.

"Oh, and what was I supposed to do, huh? Ronda Rousey his ass to the floor?" He gestured wildly around while sputtering.

"Calm down there Mike Tyson, you'll get it next time!" She said as she threw her head back and laughed as she walked away.

"TWO DIFFERENT SPORTS, ASSHOLE!" He yelled after her while I covered my hand with my mouth to smother my laugh. I threw our things in the back. After working up a sweat, I wasn't changing back now; all that was left was head to the store and gather extra supplies to make Billy's lasagna while there. Quil slammed the door as we settled in.

"Mike Tyson…pfft…he wishes." He groused. I set off to the store in Forks as it had a slightly larger selection than the one in La Push. I turned on a 2000's alternative station and let the music take our minds away. 'In Too Deep' by Sum 41 started to play and I rolled my windows down and started to strum the steering wheel to the beat.

"Maybe we're just tryin' too hard

When really it's closer than it is too far" I mumbled. Quil looked at me then and we belted out the chorus.

" 'Cause I'm in too deep, and I'm tryin' to keep Up above in my head, instead of goin' under 'Cause I'm in too deep, and I'm tryin' to keep Up above in my head, instead of goin' under 'Stead of goin' under!"

Quil jammed out on his air guitar as we sang the rest of the song. We pulled up to the store as it finished.

" I can't sit back and wonder why It took so long for this to die And I hate it when you fake it You can't hide it, you might as well embrace it So believe me, it's not easy It seems that something's telling me I'm in too deep, and I'm tryin' to keep Up above in my head, instead of goin' under 'Cause I'm in too deep, and I'm tryin' to keep Up above in my head, instead of goin' under 'Stead of goin' under!"

We looked at each other and laughed as I parked and turned off the Jeep before the outro. It was a much-needed break from the ridiculousness of the day. We headed inside and I picked up a few things including ribeye's, lasagna, goulash, overnight oats, tacos, and a few over random items to make for the next few days. We chatted lightly as Quil threw in random items like Captain Crunch and Fruit Roll Ups. He stopped abruptly as we came to face a woman with curly blonde hair and golden eyes.

"Well, I guess I can see why he was fascinated, even under the stench of went mange and sweat, you're sweet." She stated with almost no facial expression.

"You know, I'm kinda over surprises today." I stated as Quil growled beside me.

"And I'm also super over people telling me I smell good. Try aisle 8, it has some Doctor Teal's products; go for the lemon balm and essential oil blend body wash. And if you're really feelin' frisky, Secret 'Cotton' scented deodorant." I deadpanned as I directed the cart around her and went about my way. I felt her hand lightly graze my arm to stop me, but Quil intervened and the with the force of his open palm on her chest, knocked her back several feet. She looked annoyed but regained her footing.

"You won't always have your dogs with you." She sneered.

"And I don't need a 'dog' to set your ass on fire." I took a Bic lighter out of my shorts and flicked it.

"You are not welcome in this town, Tanya. Go find your rotten caramel apple spare parts on a stick and fuck off." I turned and walked further down the aisle, and she lightly hissed in return.

I tossed over my shoulder, "I'd say go find my sloppy seconds, but that boy hasn't touched a pussy since the day he came out one. So do me a favor and fuck off, before you're made to." She hissed louder as I raised my middle finger up and walked away. Quil joined me by the time I made it to the end of the aisle.

"Welp Quilly, I'd say let's get some wine or beer, but I'm underage. Time to go." I headed towards the exit. He was oddly quiet as packed the groceries up and left the store. Tanya was nowhere insight. I hadn't seen her before, but I had heard enough about her to gather who she was. She was hopeful Edward would 'mate' her, but it seemed like I was the "lucky" winner regard. Well tough tits, she could have him.

"Pull over here." Quil said softly as we passed a small store in La Push. I pulled in and he hopped out of the cab. I saw him talk to an elder gentleman inside, grab a couple packs of beer, a bottle of wine, and put it on the floorboard as he entered the car again.

"Who was that?" I asked him.

"My grandfather." He stated as he peered out of the window. I understood the heaviness of the day. It was a day full of smatteringly strange occurrences and people alike, and I didn't like it.

"Do me a favor?" He asked as we pulled in front of Sam's.

"Carry a taser and some lighter fluid at all times." He looked at me seriously for a moment. I raised an eyebrow at him.

"A Molotov cocktail is simple to achieve if you have some basic ingredients." He said and got out of the car and started to unload items to take them inside. I shook my head and headed inside. The team was heading out as we stepped inside.

"Bye Ms. Bella, see you tomorrow." I heard of chorus of boys say as the came out of the front door. I walked inside to see a shirtless Sam wipe a cloth on his head as he folded up a ladder by a strange lighting fixture above the back door. He ran his eyes down me slowly and licked his lips. He came to me, picked me up, set me on the counter, and proceeded to run his nose along the column of my throat and nibble the 'hickey' he had left behind on the juncture of my shoulder.

"Everything else go, ok?" he asked Quil as he dropped the last of the bags in. He shook his head in confirmation.

"Go run it off. It'll help. Thank you for today and we'll see you later." Quil almost ran out the door and his clothing was ripped by the time he hit the tree line. I looked up at Sam questioningly.

"He updated me on today's events. With the seeming insurgence of vamps, his wolf needed to shift." I contemplated that as I laid my head on his chest.

"Come, let me show you what we did today." He set me gently on the floor and proceeded to show me the added fixtures to the house.

"The front door is being redone, soon it will be steel reinforced concrete. It won't look as 'pretty' as the current one, but a mac-truck won't go through it." He pulled me to the back door.

"If there is an emergency, you will push this button" – a small switch on the side of the frame was present.

"And a UV light with the power to blind any living being will activate for several seconds at every entry way." He continued to show me the blended metal window coverings that would now crawl down over every open window, should the need arise, and other over-the-top safety features.

"What is all of this?" I asked him.

"This house is not impenetrable, but it will take an act of 'God' to break through it. Anyone needing aid can come in and feel protected." He pulled me up the stairs into the closest room on the left. He had painted and set up a drawing table with some small furniture. Compared to the rest of the house, it seemed underwhelming slightly.

"This room isn't done, but it will be by the end of the week. It is being retrofitted with a panic button that will house a safe room and weapons room. I'm simply waiting for the materials to come in." He stated. I was overwhelmed looking at it all.

"This all seems like a lot, Sam?" I looked up at him.

"2 days, months, years, or 20 years – you are mine. If anything happens and you don't feel safe, this room will be here. If you or anyone else is ever in danger and I am not here, you will be safe. I will make sure of it." He stated in all seriousness. I reached up and touched his cheek.

"I need you safe too." I whispered while looking in his eyes.

"I will be fine, as long as you are." He looked like he wanted to say more but shut his eyes and leaned into my touch.

He pulled me gently to his bathroom and stripped me once more. The shower was much like this mornings where he lathered me with soft attention. After the water was shut off, he wrapped me up in a towel and gathered me in his arms. As he laid me on the bed and proceeded to gently kiss down my body, I couldn't help but let my mind drift to our current worries. Vampires, Victoria, Mr. Richards, and the list went on… As he endeavored farther, our love making, which was too soon to call it that, but I'd call a spade a spade, was effervescent with a touch of needy. Once he finished inside me, I melted into him and drifted off with arms securely around me, and visions of red and gold flashing through my mind.

A/N: Muahaha. So many new factors. So so so many new questions…be patient, all shall be answered.