Hey guys! Thank you to the new follows and favorites, it's great motivation! Hope you all continue to enjoy.
Satanschild- lol had to do it at least once.
TheInfamousHero- lmao I appreciate the complaint. We here at The Grey Wolf do our best to ensure a great experience. And YESSSS I always thought they should still show some "kiddish" reactions at least a once or twice. I think Emmett was the only one to ever act his age from time to time. Plus they tried so hard to be human at their age yet never allowed themselves to feel as such?
MissHarpie- Merci de toujours lire et de soutenir!
*POV BELLA*
My wolf pulls at me to go after her. But I understand her wanting to be alone. Wanting to freely think and work through your hurt. I slowly walk back downstairs and surprisingly, find Esme waiting by the couch. She doesn't say anything just opens her arms for me and I walk right into them. Letting her wrap me into a tight hug. I sigh deeply as I inhale her scent, jasmine and frankincense. Very calming.
Esme: I really didn't want to intrude but the mother in me told me to stick around. I felt my daughters would need me. I know she's upset, but just give her a minute sweetie. She's never dealt with jealousy and insecurity before.
Bella: There's no reason for her to be though. She's everything to me.
Esme: and that's something she has to figure out sweetie.
Bella: I should go after her.
Esme: no, you should give her a second to herself. I'm sure Rose or Edward will go talk to her. Besides, I think you need to work somethings out yourself. Lauren and coffee?
I don't argue because it's true though I know my love for Alice is never changing. I slowly pull back and nod my head. Getting ready to leave.
Esme: Bella, can we talk for a bit?
There's a nervous look on her face, which doesn't quite fit her. I gesture to the couches for us to sit.
Esme: Bella, we never talked about, well my role in your life. What I would like my role to be, that is.
I'm sure I have the biggest confused look on my face. All this time, I thought it was clear that we're family.
Esme: I hope you don't mind, but Edward talked to me before about your mom.
Bella: no, it's ok Esme. I mean we're family. You're a marriage license away from formally being my mother-in-law, but you know we don't need that. You're my family.
Esme: thank you sweetie, it means a lot to me that you consider us family already. What I'm trying to say is, I hope you'll look at me as more than just your mother-in-law. Now I'm not trying to replace your mom at all Bella. From what I've been told, she was a truly wonderful woman. I'm sure her shoes are unfillable. I just want you to know I'm here. I'm not just Alice's mom. I can be A mom to you too Bella.
I hold back the tears that are building to spill. Blinking them away and clear my throat.
Bella: thank you Esme. I never meant to hurt you when you said I could call you mom, and I didn't. I just… it's just been a long time since I called anyone mom. I do see you as such though. Even if I never say it.
Esme: it's ok sweetie, as long as you know I'm here. Not just for Alice and my already children. But for you and Jake. And all the other wolves too, if they need me also.
I stand up and pull her into another embrace. Wishing it says everything I'm feeling. Her words mean the world to me, especially right now.
Esme: this is her first real relationship. The first time she's able to feel her feelings without Jasper's manipulation. And she's discovering new ones. Be patience with her.
Bella: yes ma'am, thank you Esme. If you'll excuse me, I need to run. I just, I need to clear my head you know.
Esme: of course sweetie, take your time but don't take too long, you haven't eaten.
Bella: yes ma'am. I'll be back soon. Scout's honor.
We pull apart and she squeezes my arm before letting go. I walk out the door and quickly phase. Taking a quick look at my passenger door and seeing the small dent where she grabbed it a little too hard. I'm sure Rosalie will fix it later. I take off into the woods, running towards the Res.
Sam: Bella?
Bella: what's up Sam?
Sam: there's a new scent.
My feet push harder into the ground.
Sam: the scent cuts off by the main road.
Bella: I didn't smell anything by the Cullens, I'll check around Forks.
Sam: I see Paul, let me get him and Jake.
I feel him phase out and I double back towards the woods surrounding Forks. I pick up the scent around Jess' house, causing dread to spike though me. The smell isn't as strong. Whoever they are, they're not around any longer. Following the scent, I take off deeper into the woods behind her house. About a mile in, the scent gets strong and a feeling of being stalked creeps into my body.
Jake: Bella!
Bella: by Jess'
Sam: wait for us.
I don't pick up on Jess' scent and for that I'm thankful. After a mile in, the scent gets stronger, I slow down when I hear a noise come from above. Observing the trees for the vampire I know is there.
Jake: Bella, wait for us.
Vampire: you're the nasty wet dog smell!
He appears out of nowhere with bright red eyes. Jess! I snarl at him showing all my teeth. He takes a step advancing towards me. Unphased by my warning. I snap at him, but he jolts to the next tree, laughing at me. Anger spreads through me. I'm able to grab one of his legs and fling him down. He growls at me, clearly pissed that I was able to catch him. He dives over me. Landing on my back. I try to fling him off of me, feeling his arms wrap around my back. A pain ripples through me as I feel his arms constrict around me. I feel my bones break, slowly one by one before he tosses me to the side. I see Jake and Sam each grab him and tear him apart. Unbelievable pain shoots through every part of my body. A loud howl escapes me before I black out.
When I come to, I'm still in a lot of pain, but I can make out that I'm in a room set up like a hospital room. Which I would've thought I was till I recognize all the Cullens scents were strong in the air. I try to sit up only to be blocked by Esme.
Esme: you're going to hurt yourself. Lay back down. Carlisle.
She doesn't yell or raises her voice; his vampire hearing fully capable of hearing her. I look over and notice the IV in my arm. With 4 bags running into it.
Carlisle: I'm glad you're awake. Bella, how are you feeling?
Bella: like shit... sorry Esme!
Esme: it's fine sweetie. I know the situation calls for it.
Carlisle: I can imagine so. I'm giving you morphine, but your body is burning right through it. Bella, the nomad broke your spine. We're concerned, because you're not healing as fast as you should. Billy and I think it's because he broke your whole spine.
Bella: Jess! Is Jess, ok?
Esme: Jess is fine sweetie. Edward spoke to her.
Bella: the nomad?
Carlisle: Sam and Jake got him. From what Edward saw in their minds, we don't know him either. They went up and down through Forks and the Res, didn't pick up on any other scents. Bella… we're not sure how long it'll take you to heal… or if you'll be ok when you fully heal.
I stare at him like he has 3 heads. Before I can say anything, another shooting pain goes down my spine. I look over to the bags and notice they're almost empty. Carlisle rushes to exchange the bags, but the pain knocks me out again. At one point I open my eyes and see Carlisle, Esme, Charlie, Billy and Alice looking at some x rays. When the hell did they do that?
Bella: Ali…
I see her face snap to me, worry lace on her beautiful features. I try to sit up, but the pain takes over again.
*POV ALICE*
It's been 6 hours, and she hasn't moved again. I kiss her head for what feels like the millionth time. This generally always wakes her, but she doesn't move an inch. Carlisle had to stop me from getting in bed. Apprehensive that I'll move her. So I sit as close as the chair allows me. Her spine fully healed an hour ago, but we still don't know how she'll be. I hear the others downstairs, trying to quietly talk about the situation. Charlie voice his concerns of her being able to walk again. The thought worries me for her sake but no matter what we'll get through it. Jake concerned that she won't be able to phase again. Stating that if she's not able to, she'll age. I know without a reservation if that's the case, I'll follow soon after. I hear Edward growl from downstairs, hearing my thoughts.
Alice: you'd do the same if it was Jake.
He knows he would. Now being put to the decision, I get a vision of him going to the Volturi upon Jake's death. I lay my head gently on her hand, needing to feel her warmth on my skin. Closing my eyes, breathing in her scent and letting her heartbeat calm me. The sun starts setting again. It's been over 24 hours since I seen those beautiful green-grey eyes. I would do anything to see the smile I love so much. I acted like a child, stupidly telling her to leave me alone. Sam mentioned feeling a heavy hurt from her when she phased, and I haven't stopped thinking it was all being my fault. She wasn't in her right mind when taking on the nomad. I hear Edward growl again, but I completely ignore him.
Bella: as much as I love you, you're making my hand fall asleep.
Alice: Bella!
Carlisle shoots in and grabs my shoulder stopping me from jumping into her arms.
Bella: it's ok Carlisle, she won't hurt me.
He cautiously lets me go and she pulls me into a hug. I feel her deeply inhaling against my skin as I do the same. Feeling her warmth cover my body.
Rose: alright Adonis, thank you for the greatest scare in my 108 years of life.
I feel her laugh from deep in her chest against my face.
Charlie: how are you feeling Bella?
Bella: sorry I scared you there Aphrodite… I feel like I got hit by every linebacker in the whole state.
Carlisle goes into doctor mode, switching out her morphine bags and checking over her vitals.
Carlisle: Bella, can you tell me what hurts exactly?
Bella: my back mostly. And my legs feel sore.
She can feel her legs! We all exchanges looks.
Bella: what? What happen?
Carlisle: Your spine was severely broken, and your body was healing extremely slow. Bella, we didn't know what to expect, if your back had never entirely healed. I want you to get some more rest. No moving for another day at least.
Alice: I'll make sure of that!
She makes a face which causes everyone to laugh. They slowly start emptying the room, each making a small remark or two. Neither of us say anything. Just enjoying being in each other's arms. I feel her heartbeat slow back down and I know she's dozing off again. It's ok because she needs the rest. She's ok. Everything will be ok. She sleeps throughout the night. At one point she pulls me closer and places a kiss on my temple causing me to nuzzle my face into her neck.
Bella: hey Alice?
I take a second to answer her, enjoying hearing her voice again.
Alice: yes?
Bella: why weren't you in the room when I woke up the first time?
Alice: I didn't think you'd want to see me plus Rose was still laying it on me.
Bella: silly girl, I always want to see you.
Alice: I told you to leave me alone when I should've been talking to you. Hearing you out. I was just…
Bella: jealous? Insecure?
Alice: yeah… those.
She pulls me tighter, if I was human, she probably would've broken me. Or at least really hurt me.
Bella: there's nothing for you to ever doubt. You're the only one for me. It was imprudent of me not to reassure you of that.
Our moment is broken by Emmett's "awwwwww" and a loud smack. Causing everyone to chuckle as Edward explains to Charlie that we made up.
Bella: guys can you all excuse us, I need to talk to Alice.
Jake: I don't think sex is on the table right now!
We smirk as another smack is heard again followed by Jake saying "fuck" and a "sorry Esme". But can hear them all head out. I pull back to look at her worriedly, worried what she would want to talk privately about.
Bella: Alice, I think it'll be best for everyone if I talk to Lauren.
The growl that builds inside my chest doesn't escape as I recall my conversation with Rose. The look on Bella's face lets me know she still heard it. She gives me one of her smirks and I know it's ok.
Bella: I know you don't want to hear that. Lauren and I never got closure, from what she said, I think she needs it. She's back and we'll be running into her at school. If a talk can make everything less awkward, I don't think it'll be a bad idea. I need you to trust me, nothing and no one will take me away from you. I love you and only you. And it's not just my wolf. I, Isabella Marie Swan, love you unconditionally and irrevocably Mary Alice Brandon Cullen.
The emotion swirls in my chest as her words shot straight to my heart. I crash into her lips and the need to feel her, burn deep. She pulls me onto her lap as our kiss intensifies. The reminder of not moving her crosses my mind but when I feel her harden, I know it's not happening.