*POV BELLA*
"You let me know time and place and I'll be there." My heart is soaring right now. So simple to write I love you, but I know I couldn't. I grab the paper and slide it in my folder. It's has her perfect handwriting but mostly because it smells like her. I see her and Eddie have a silent conversation. I glance at her paper and see it's me. She's drawing me. My heart swells and my wolf jumps for joy. Class ends too soon. We get up to leave and I grab Alice's books for her. She smiles at me and lets me. "Walk you to your car?" I look down at her and can't help to notice the color of her eyes. They're not like her siblings. They're a bright golden honey but I also see the smallest hint of blue around the golden. We look at each over what feels like forever. She looks away, too quickly but I follow her eyes. Jasper is standing at the door, waiting on... his wife. I walk up to him and hand over her books.
I hear Eddie call out to me, but I just put my air pods back in and turn the volume all the way up. I walk out to my car with the 3 Cullens walking not far behind me. I know they're there because I can feel her. I keep straight ahead and try to keep at human pace even though my wolf is busting to come out. I grin like an idiot when I see Rosalie sitting on the hood of my car like a model.
Bella: hey Aphrodite, what can I do for you?
Rose: I heard that you let Jessica rub all over your abs.
Bella: it was not all over my abs. She just touched them over my shirt. And how did you hear that?
I turn to look at her 3 siblings behind me. The witnesses to this moment. Edward is quick to shake his head no.
Rose: well, Jessica wouldn't shut up about it for one. And Jasper confirmed it.
Bella: of course he did. So again, I ask, what can I do for you ma'am?
Rose: for one, you can give me a ride home. For two, you can maybe let me feel your abs? I want to see what the hype is about.
I feel daggers to the back of my head. But keep my focus on Rosalie.
Bella: I wish I could, but I can't cancel my plans. Wolf duties.
Rose: maybe I can go with you. Keep you safe from the big bad wolf.
The flirting is always heavy with her. I chuckle at the thought of the "big bad wolf".
Bella: firstly ma'am, I am the big bad wolf. Alpha remember. Besides you guys aren't allowed on the Res. I would have to keep YOU safe.
Rose: keep me safe then Bella.
This time she doesn't back down, she steps up to me and is right in my face. If either of us moved forward. We would kiss. I take a step back and chuckle at her boldness.
Bella: maybe one day Aphrodite. Right now, it's all business.
Rose: you make that sound sexy. Ok fine you can say no to my first one, but you can't deny me of my second request.
I look over Rosalie's head and see Alice getting in her car. Jasper getting in with her. But I see her eyes looking through the rearview. I lift my shirt up a little and brace myself for the cold hand. She runs her nails over my abs, and it send a chill down my spine. My wolf growls because he wants Alice's nails run over my abs. I do too but for the time being, this is what it is. Just as Alice's car jets off.
Rose: very nice… I hope that was better than Jessica.
She walks off, leaving me just staring at her while she gets in her car. Emmett and Eddie just laughing at the interaction. I shake my head to clear it of her smell. I truly don't understand this family. I hop in my car and let Jake know on my way home. To give me 30-40 minutes to shower before he comes over. He texts me telling me to hurry because he has a surprise for me. While in the shower I can't help to think about Alice. The craziness that is her siblings. I send a text to let Jake know I'm done. Not even 20 minutes later, there's a knock at my door.
Bella: ok what's the big surprise? Don't tell me another girl phased.
Jake: you wish! No come on. Close your eyes.
Bella: I'm not closing my eyes, Jake. What is it?
Jake: don't be a party pooper Bels. Close your eyes.
Leah: told you she wasn't going to close her eyes.
Leah comes walking up the steps. I push Jake out the way and pull her into a bear hug. Pulling her off the ground and spinning her around. I didn't realize how much I missed her.
Leah: ouch Bella. Don't break me.
Bella: oh shit! My bad. I'm just so happy you're back. I have so much to tell you!
Jake: uh Bella. We can't.
Bella: says who?
Jake: the council. It's you know, law.
Leah: what are you two talking about. Bella your eyes! Wait, you're taller now.
Bella: call a council meeting right now.
Jake: Bella don't overreact.
Bella: right now, Jake!
I make sure to push some of my Alpha power behind it. He doesn't say anything just hops on his bike, and speeds down the road. I know he'll call everyone when he gets to the Res.
Leah: what was that about? And your eyes. Oh my god Bella, don't get me wrong they're beautiful but wow.
Bella: you'll find out soon promise, I can't believe you're back! Wait, are you ok to be back?
Leah: something told me my best friend needed me. And she's more important than some stupid boy.
I pull her into a hug again and grab her hand and walk to my car. I send a text to Jake that we'll be at the meeting hall. To phase and let the wolves on patrol know. I drive slowly to the hall, giving everyone time to get there. I know Leah's beyond confused but we'll fix that soon. When we get there, I see a couple of cars in the parking lot, some already parked and others just barely pulling in. I wait outside with Leah for everyone to go inside. We spot Sam walking up. I see his body tense. The shock in his eyes but he doesn't walk over. He just hangs his head and walks inside. I tell Leah I'll be right back, and I'll explain everything then. She gives me a confused ok and I just chuckle at her. I give her hand a squeeze before getting out.
Bella: Thank you all for being here. I just wanted to call a quick meeting to let everyone know, I will be telling Leah about me phasing.
Almost in complete unison a loud, "WHAT?!", is heard. The loudest being Sam's voice.
Bella: I'm going to let Leah know about my wolf. She's one of my best friends and I need my best friends right now. Luckily for me Jake is already a wolf. However, he is not a girl. Nor is anyone else in my pack.
Sam: you cannot be serious. The tribe cannot know about us.
Bella: the tribe already knows about us. They know the legends. We have an annual bonfire where we share the legends again. What's wrong with telling them, they're true?
Sam: it's a law. It's to protect the people.
Bella: it's a law that should've never been passed. I've read my great great grandfather's journals. He believed in complete honest trust with his people. He told them, somewhere down the line, it supposedly became a law. I believe in the same honest trust. I believe the people will also sleep better knowing the lands are really protected. I believe it will bring us all together.
Sam: being protected by an Alpha that isn't even here and is running around with vampires?
I stare at Sam and he knows he's fucked up.
Bella: Sam if I have to teach you another lesson in respecting your Alpha, I will. And I can promise you, you won't like it. The pack's job is to protect ALL HUMANS. My job is to protect on and off the Res. I might not be here 24/7 but I am simply one call away. The Cullens seeing me in town, let's them know not to mess up. It keeps them on their toes, so to speak. They also know, it's not just me. I am not asking you guys if I can tell my love ones. I'm telling you I will. Consider this a curiosity. As Alpha, I am dismembering this law. Be honest with your families. Be honest with your love ones. I know it'll make it easier for everyone. Thank you all for meeting with me and for listening to me. Sam, you and I have some things we need to discuss later. Now, I have my best friend waiting for me. Jake, meet us at the beach?
He nods and I head outside to ride with Leah. She's quiet while I drive and I can't help to think why couldn't it be her that I had imprinted on? Life would be so much easier. She's a member of the tribe. Everyone would be happy. Everyone but Sam maybe. She's beautiful and smart. We can spend all day together. She smells nice. She enjoys the beach like I do, working on cars together, even going fishing. Damn imprint. She looks at me like I'm crazy when I hit my hand on the side of the door. I just shake it off. We get to the beach a little too quick and my nerves set in. Not enough time to figure out the best way to tell her this. The only thing I can think of is phasing if she doesn't believe me. I grab her hand as we head down to the beach. I smell the ocean breeze and I picture Alice. I wonder what she's doing. I quickly push it away when I think about how she's probably with her husband.
Leah: Bella, are you sick? Your hand is really warm.
Bella: "ohhh." *I drop her hand and she picks it back up*
Leah: I'm not complaining, I'm just concern.
Bella: no, I'm not sick… *sigh*… so much has happen. I don't know where to start.
Jake shows up. I look at him and he just nods in encouragement. I give Leah the run down. How it all started with Sam. How Jake phased. And how I phased being pissed at Sam for how he treated her. We explained the whole imprinting and how Sam couldn't have controlled it. Tell her that my wolf is the reason my eyes changed colors, why I'm taller and why my hands are warmer. We explained the whole Alpha thing and Jake looked at me to see if I would add about my little friend. I decide to just go on ahead and let her know everything.
Leah: you guys are so full of shit!
Jake: Leah, we're so serious.
Leah: yeah ok. Where's the camera Jake? I can't believe he roped you into his crap Bella.
Bella: Leah, we've known each other our whole lives. You know I wouldn't lie to you. Why do you think I was able to call a council meeting? If you really don't believe us, I can show you. I just don't want you to freak out.
Leah: if y'all are not bullshitting, show me. Turn into a wolf.
I look at Jake and back to Leah. He just sighs and waves his hand as to say go ahead. I take a step back and think about Alice calling me her friend, just her friend. Think about when Jasper kissed Alice today. How right now, he could be doing other things to her. I feel the anger boiling. My wolf growls and explodes. I don't mean to, but I phase in the middle of my wolf growling and show my teeth. Leah steps back tripping over a rock, luckily Jake grabs her in time.
Leah: what the fuck?!
Jake: we told you.
I lower my head so she can see my eyes. For her to see I mean no harm. She raises her hand and pulls some of my fur. I nudge her to stop. She just laughs and does it again.
Leah: so, you turn into a wolf too Jake?
Jake: yeah, but not as big as Bella's.
Leah: can I see?
He shrugs and looks at me for help. I pull up my Alice anger again. Being too focus on helping him, I forget to turn off my link. He sees my thoughts. He sees Alice.
Jake: fuck Bella. Always with some shit.
Bella: don't blame me. Blame the stupid wolf.
My wolf growls at me and I quickly apologize while pointing out, it is his fault.
Jake: she has a husband?
Bella: crap, get out of my head.
Leah: hello guys, I can't speak wolf. Want to change back to humans? I believe you guys now. Turn back human.
Jake and I snort at the comment. I help him phase back. Then I phase back myself. We don't say anything, just wait for her to break the ice. She's just looking at us with the biggest grin. And I'm reminded of how beautiful she is. Jeez why couldn't it have been her. Things would make life so much easier. Well with the only problem, her being straight. But now that I think about it, so is Alice. Why is this my fucking life?
Jake: Alice Cullen? Really Bella? A vamp?
Leah: wait what did I miss?
Jake: remember how we explained the whole wolf imprinting thing? Bella imprinted too apparently. On Alice Cullen.
I just stare out over the ocean. Not wanting to meet Leah's eyes.
Leah: a vampire?
Jake: yep
Leah: Bella, are you ok?
I finally turn to look at her. I know there's tears building up in my eyes. I can easily feel the burn in trying to hold them in. Leah and I have never really had to speak our feelings. We've known each other so long, we're freakily in sync with them.
Bella: not even a little. I love her so much, but I don't even know her. And to her I'm just a friend. I'll always be just a friend because she has a fucking husband. I love being a wolf but this shit blows.
Leah: wait but I thought it would make you guys instant soulmates?
Jake: so kinda sorta. Sometimes it happens instantly for both. But it's more instant for our wolf. Our wolf wants them and loves them. Loves them more than anything. Would give our life for them. But because it loves them so much, it's willing to be anything the imprint wants as long as they're a part of their lives. Friends or lovers.
Leah: so constant heartbreak for Bella since she's married?
Jake: unless she divorces him. Any chances?
Bella: I doubt it. Vampires mate for life or whatever.
Leah: stupid imprint shit. I'm sorry Bella.
Bella: it is what it is. Ohhh! I didn't even tell ya. So she has a smoking hot sister. Who is always flirting with me. She has a husband and he's completely ok with it. It's so weird. I swear at times, I see Alice get jealous. But then her husband's around and it's like nothing happen.
They both look at me like I'm crazy. I know it all sounds crazy. Leah takes my hand and makes me look at her.
Leah: Bella, if you have to fight for her, fight for her. But if her friendship is all you can get right now. Be her friend. Every relationship should begin with a friendship anyways. Imprint or not. Besides, the imprint is to be anything she wants. If it's just friendship, maybe your wolf will learn to just let it be.
Seriously! Why couldn't I just imprint on Leah? I pull Leah into a hug and tell her I'm just happy she's back. She asks if Charlie would be ok with her spending the night that we have a lot to catch up on. I tell her of course. Jake ask if he can come and we both tell him no at the same time. With Leah already having graduated, Charlie wouldn't have a reason to say no. I tell Jake I'll see him later and head to my car with Leah. I text Charlie letting him know Leah was back and spending the night. He said he would stop and get some pizzas for us. As we drive back to Folks, I see her car. It's hard to miss. I'm sure it's the only yellow car in the whole town. I point it out to Leah. She looks through the side mirror and just nods her head. Alice rides my ass for almost a mile.
Leah: pull over.
Bella: why?
Leah: she clearly wants something. Pull over.
I slide the car into the grass curve. She pulls in behind me and we just sit there. I don't know if I should get out or if she's going to get out. Leah reaches for my hand and I just turn to look at her. I know Alice has great vision and can see us.
Alice: I'm sorry if you're on a date. I didn't see you had someone with you.
I try to discreetly show Leah the text. I tell her "Stay here." and hop out the car. I plan to take Leah's advice. Be her friend. If she flirts, flirt back but be her friend. I walk over to Alice's car. Her music sounds very upbeat. I lower my head to be level with her window. She rolls it down slowly. And her scent engulfs me. Seriously the best smell ever.
Bella: your music suits you. So, you didn't see someone with me for the whole mile you tailed me?
Alice: I wasn't tailing you. I saw your car and was curious as to where you were going.
Bella: I'm going home. Where are you going?
Alice: I didn't have a place exactly in mind. I just wanted to take a ride and think.
Bella: Ah ok Ms. Cullen. Wait, is it Ms. Cullen or Mrs. Hale?
Alice: it's Ms. Cullen thank you.
Bella: I guess as your best friend I should know that. Ok Ms. Cullen, you enjoy your ride. My friend is waiting on me.
I wink at her and head back to my car. When I get back in the car, Leah gives me a puzzle look. Alice pulls out in front of me and I just smile. These Cullen women and their games.
*POV ALICE*
When I hear Rose say that Jasper texted her about Bella and Jessica, I almost turn to say something to him. Edward grabs my hand and I see him telling me Jasper's thoughts. Jasper really is jealous of Bella. Right now, I don't care. I'm fuming with his behavior and I know he sees it. And even though he promised not to interfere with my friendship. He's doing a really bad job at it. I see Rose get close to Bella's face, is she going in for a kiss? I can't look at this. I look at Jasper and tell him to get in the car. I don't know if he can feel me or not, but he knows me well enough to know I'm pissed. As I wait for him to get in, I see Rose touching Bella's abs. The same abs she offered me an hour ago. My anger flumes even more now. I see Jasper shift uncomfortably, but I don't care. I speed all the way home. When we get there, I tell him to get out. He tries to say something but I almost yell at him to get out him. He tries to send me calming waves, but I glare at him. He pulls the feeling back.
Jasper: Alice…
Alice: no Jasper. I don't know what it is with you and Bella, but you need to cut it out. I honestly don't know what's going on with her and Rose. But if you interfere in that and Bella stops talking to us. I will be broken hearted and angry.
Jasper: why would you be broken hearted? She's not anything to you.
I see the hurt on his face before a flash of anger runs over his eyes. I hear Rose's car pull in. And I know they can hear us just like we can hear them. And now I can hear Esme, so I'm sure she hears us too.
Alice: I already told you. I had a vision of her. I see us hanging out, going shopping together, hanging around the house, even down on the Res. Jasper, she's going to be my best friend.
Jasper: Is that all you see?
Alice: What are you trying to ask Jasper? I already told you. If you cannot accept that, I don't know what WE'RE going to do. She's going to be my best friend. Get over it. Now get out of my car.
Jasper: Alice.
Alice: GET OUT JASPER. I won't say it again.
Emmett is at his car door in a second. Opens it and waits for Jasper to get out. I see Emmett's pissed too. And I'm sure Jasper can feel that.
Emmett: she said get out Jasper.
He gets out and I see him run off into the woods. Apart of me wants to run after him but no fuck it. I tell Emmett, thank you and step on the gas as soon as he closes the door. Emmett can be the biggest goof but he can also be the best big brother.
Edward: Hey are you ok?
Rose: Alice, come back. You're too upset.
Emmett: That's right you tell his southern corny ass!
Esme: I love you. Things will be ok.
I don't reply to any of them. I just turn my music up and drive to Port Angeles to do some retail therapy. But when I get there, I don't even feel like shopping. I take a deep breath and finally let myself think about everything. I look for Jasper and see him back in his room doing one of his model kits. Maybe I was too harsh on him. No, I can't lose Bella.… lose Bella? I don't have her, to lose. I just don't understand why he's acting like this. I've shown him nothing but loyalty. Sigh. I reply to my family, letting them know I'm ok and will be back soon. I look for Bella. I see her at the beach with some friends. I get back on the road and I wonder if Rose would be willing for us to go on a girl's trip soon. Maybe some time away for each of us to relax. Getting back into town, I spot Bella's car. I wonder if she's going back home from her friends. I start tailing her to see if she'll stop or make me chase her. After a while, she pulls over. Now really paying attention, I see someone in her passenger seat. Crap. I quickly send her a text. She doesn't reply, she just gets out and comes over. Crap. I turn down my music and roll the window down. She smells so good. Fresh rain with a hint of linen. She looks so good too.
Bella: your music suits you. So, you didn't see someone with me for the whole mile you tailed me?
Alice: I wasn't tailing you. I saw your car and was curious as to where you were going.
It wasn't a lie. A half lie maybe.
Bella: I'm going home. Where are you going?
Alice: I didn't have a place exactly in mind. I just wanted to take a ride and think.
Bella: Ah ok Ms. Cullen. Wait, is it Ms. Cullen or Mrs. Hale?
Alice: it's Ms. Cullen thank you.
Bella: I guess as your best friend I should know that. Ok Ms. Cullen, you enjoy your ride. My friend is waiting on me.
She winks at me and walks away. When she gets back in the car, I pull off. I notice from my mirror that it's a female. I haven't seen her around school. I wonder who she is. I turn my music back on and Taylor Swift's "Sparks Fly" comes on. The only thought in my mind is her. Bella.
I pull into the garage and take a deep breath before getting out. Jasper is at the door before I can even open my door. I see his eyes turn black, but I just walk pass him into the living room with the rest of my family.
Jasper: Why do you smell like her?
Alice: really Jasper?! I bumped into her and her date.
Rose, Emmett, Edward: Date?
Alice: yeah, but I've never seen the girl. Maybe someone from the Res.
I show Edward my memory.
Edward: yeah, I've never seen her either. She's pretty cute.
Alice: she was.
Jasper: Listen Alice, can we talk?
Alice: no Jasper. You're the last person I want to talk to right now. Rose, can you go hunting with me? Jasper, you are not to follow.
Rose looks at Edward and ask him to come. He jumps up quickly.
Emmett: can I come with? I want to be mad at Jasper too.
I have to hold in my laugh as Rose throws pillow at him.
Alice: no Emmett. This is girl time… oh and Edward time.
I send him a wink and we run out the house.