Chapter 19: Gatherings

Bella hummed a Christmas tune as she looked at the snow falling. She was in Sam and Emily's kitchen helping the latter bake for the upcoming winter festival.

Every year apparently, a week before Christmas the Tribe would gather in the great meeting hall and hold somewhat of a holiday festival. It entailed different booths showing off the tribe's craftsmanship and cultural dances. Excitement filled her at the thought of it all. For as long as she had known the tribe, this was the first time she had been invited. The event was open to the public, but at the time, Bella was so distracted by the Cullens that she never went. However, being married to Paul and being the pack omega had perks.

She had been home for three months and it had been a whirlwind. She started work and therapy. Not to mention she is back in her routine with the pack. She practically saw them every day, there was at least one of them with her. Whether they were popping over for breakfast or dinner, some of the pack even swung by the police station to say hello. She spent her weekdays with her father and her weekends with Paul. Weekends she enjoyed deeply. Overall Bella was happy. The only dark cloud that hung over her was the two nomads that kept running circles around the state of Washington. Victoria's sisters did not just stay around Forks or La Push, they were now seen throughout Washington. When Paul and Sam sat down to explain what was happening Bella almost had a panic attack but both men assured her that she was protected.

However Bella could care less about herself, she had been concerned for the pack and her father.

Paul and Sam couldn't help but chuckle when she spoke.

Flashback:

"So you are telling me that Victoria had two sisters and now they are sneaking around the state of Washington and you both want me to stay calm? How would I stay calm when the pack and the Cullens are running around chasing after Victoria's sisters! How is that okay for any of you? It's unfair! It keeps the Cullens from leaving and then keeps the pack phasing and you guys want me to stay calm! How can I stay calm when all your lives are in danger? When Day after day, night after night, you all are laying down your lives for the rest of us! I know you all are strong and I trust you all with my whole heart but I am sick of how much you all have to sacrifice!"

It was Sam's baritone chuckle that caused Bella to turn ten shades of red as she glared at him.

"Are you laughing at me, Sam? I'm serious you know!"

Sam shook his head and reached for her hand.

"Oh, we know how serious you are. And you are right, we carry a heavy burden but it… pleases us, the wolf, to see how passionate you are about us. Instead of being frightened for yourself, here you are worrying for others. You truly have a selfless heart sister. We love you very much. Now don't you worry that pretty little head of your over nothing. Just follow our instructions and the rest will fall into place"

End flashback.

Bella sighed at the thought of the two nomad terrorists, while they were creating tension, thier presence was also creating alliances. Vampires and two different groups of shapeshifters working together. It did help relieve the burden of one group having to do it all.

With three different supernatural creatures on the front lines, Veronica and Verona wouldn't be getting past them soon.

…

Warm arms wrapped around her waist, as a low purr sent vibrations through her body.

"Smells good."

Bella chuckled as Paul's voice tickled her throat.

"Hi babe, " she said as she turned in his arms. I missed you. How was your day?"

Paul pulled her into a comforting hug and said, "I missed you more. It was fine. Nothing new. Do you need any help?"

Before Bella could respond, the front door opened to reveal Embry. He froze when he saw the couple locked in an intimate embrace. With a sneer, he shook his head and stormed off.

Bella sighed.

"What's with him lately? Is he ok?" she asked in concern.

Paul looked down at her and raised his eyebrow.

"Do you have to ask?"

"What do you mean? he's mad at us? So what. We are married, everyone will just have to get over it." Bella exclaimed knowing that any nearby pack members could hear her.

She then turned back to finish her baking. She had to admit that it was nice not having to explain her marriage to the pack, with Paul beating her to it. That way everything was out in the open.

"It's sexy when you're mad." Paul purred as he ground his hips into hers. Bella held back a moan as she gently pushed her husband away.

"Stop it," she warned playfully holding up a batter-covered spoon.

Paul held his hands up in mock surrender, as he adjusted himself not caring who could see him.

"So about the festival." Bella began trying to change the topic from her raging hormones.

Paul waited for her to continue.

"I've seen some of your work. Your carpentry. It's beautiful and I love the rocking chair you made me."

It turns out that when Paul wasn't intimidating others or breaking bones and throwing people out at his job, he was holed up in his workroom, creating absolute masterpieces made of wood. He had made so many beautiful things that he was running out of space.

"I think the festival would be a good time for you to show off your work. It's wonderful and it deserves to be seen. If you want it to anyway." she suggested softly.

Paul was quiet a contemplative look on his face.

After a while, he spoke.

"Only if you make your basket weaving."

Bella's face brightened.

"Of course!"

…

Paul kissed Bella on her temple as they finalized their plans and went outside to seek Embry. He didn't have to search long as he found the teenager sulking on Black's front porch.

Seeing him approach, Embry stood up and let out a growl. Paul however ignored his pack mates' warning.

"Whats with your attitude?"

"Me? You want to talk about me? Lets talk about you! You do everything wrong! You break every rule in the pack. Yet Sam doesnt even blink! And what makes it worse is that you and I are the same and here everyone is saying that your a hero while for a whole year ive been here taking up your patrols that you missed! And to make it worse I am so pissed that the one girl I thought i could fall in love with is taken by you and im stuck with Rebbeca!"

Paul took a deep breath as he deciphered Embry's words. To be honest he was impressed at the younger man's boldness. Anyone else in the pack would have kept quiet and simply growled at him.

"You are jealous." was Paul's statement.

Embry was taking deep breaths as he stared at Paul. Finally lowering his eyes as defeat hit him.

"Yes, yes I am. It's not fair. I'm not fully Quielte either and no one gives me a break. I'm still looked at as the bastard son of a man no one knows. Could be anybody! I just… it. Just– "

"You are angry and you feel like your choices have been taken from you," Paul explained

"Yes!" Embry exclaimed. By now the tension and anger had left his body and for once in his life, Embry allowed his emotions to take over.

"I don't know who my father is, and my mom is a therapist who wants to solve everyone else problems but her own. She won't tell me who my father is even though she preaches being honest to everyone else! And then theirs freaking Rebecca. She's a nice girl but she's not my girl. I hate imprinting in the romantic sense and sure I had a crush on Bella but it wasn't as serious as I thought it was."

After a minute, Embry closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Look im being a douchebag and taking my frustrations out on you. I'm sorry."

To Embry's surprise, Paul motioned for him to sit down. Embry did and glanced at his strange packmate.

"Apologize to Bella, not me. You hurt her feelings." Paul began. " and also, believe it or not, I understand."

Embrys eyes widened. This wasnt what he was expecting. If anything he was expecting a fight between himself and Paul. That had been his intention but now things were turning around.

"My father is Quiluete but.. My mother is from brazil. Since the day i was born, I was told my mother was dead. My father thought she was but it turns out shes alive. Her genectics are why I shapeshfit into my other half. Long story short we all can't get what we want but we have to make the best out of it. If you dont want your imprint then you better fight to get out it."

With that said, Paul stood and disappeared into the woods.

Embry sighed.

"Doesn't it suck?" A voice asked behind him.

Embry turned to see Jared.

"What?"

"Romantic imprinting." Jared clarified. " it takes away your free will. I mean one morning I was free. The next I bent down to pick up a pencil and bam my dick was in chains. Never even blinked at Kim before fate decided we were meant to be. How sick is that? My choices were taken away from me. And of course, Kim was just googly-eyed the whole time. And yet… I have never felt so free in my life because of imprinting."

Embry's eyes widened.

" That doesn't make sense."

"Embry, when I imprinted on Bella, my ties to Kim broke. My romantic imprint broke. You see, I think we got this whole imprinting thing wrong. I didn't need nor want a girlfriend at the time I imprinted but… it happened and I think if Kim just wanted a friend or a brother I could live with that but… the moment our eyes met, she wanted more. Anyway, the night my eyes met Bella's it shattered. Instead, I gained a little sister and Bella gained an older brother. That's all that's needed."

"Your imprint is broken. How did we not know? And what about Kim?"

"I think I've been so content with the imprint broken, that I didn't let it affect me. And Kim knows something is up but she hasn't figured it out yet. With everything going on, I want her to realize it for herself. If she doesn't by the time this is all over I will tell her. For now, I still care about her protection."

"But… I imprinted on Bella too, why isn't my imprint with Rebecca broken?"

"Maybe because you both are wolves? You both imprinted on Bella and you both have a sibling-like relationship with her now. Maybe the imprint you and Rebecca have is meant to be a strong friendship? I mean think about it. Sam was a lone wolf when he imprinted with Emily, and he settled in it so it wouldn't break. Me, I never wanted Kim. You, on the other hand, have also felt singled out and lost. Maybe Rebecca and Bella are supposed to help you feel wanted and needed. In regards to everyone else in the pack, they won't imprint and they won't have to go through this ever again. A plus to it is you'll be able to date freely, as long as she can get past Bella and Rebecca." Jared laughed.

Embry couldn't help but laugh with him.

…..

On the day of the festival, a spirit of joy filled the tribe as families gathered in the great hall. Booths were everywhere, alongside different native food vendors. A new thing that was added to the celebration was an invitation for other native tribes in the state of Washington to join them. As expected, the invitation was well received and at least five other tribes such as the Hoh, Nooksack, and Samish sent a few representatives to join in on the fun.

Bella allowed the spirit of joy to overwhelm the sense of foreboding that was hovering in the background.

With her and Paul having joint booths, the couple was pretty popular. Many of the native women loved her Brazilian baskets and were captivated by Paul's carpentry. Many even asked if they could buy certain pieces or if Paul did custom designs. Her husband, however, just gave a quiet smile and gave away the pieces people liked. Bella on the other hand discreetly wrote down their information and would persuade her husband otherwise later. He had a great talent.

"Minha linda. Don't think I didn't see you." Paul purred in her ear.

"And don't think I can't convince you." Bella purred back.

"Oh someone kill me now." a sarcastic voice spoke.

The couple looked up to see Jacob and Quil grinning at them.

"Sorry, Mrs. lahote but we have to drag your husband away." Jacob shrugged.

"Fine but I want him back."

"Sure sure." was Jacob's response as he flashed her a warm smile.

Bella felt herself blink away tears as she watched the three of them go. A year ago, the pack once hated her husband and now they embraced him with open arms. A year ago she thought she would never return and yet here she was.

She smiled as a sense of comfort came over her. In this moment, it felt like tribe was her home.

"Blessed are you among women child."

Bella was broken out of her reverie to see a very, very old women. She was native like everyone else but the wrinkles in her skin showed her age. And while she was very old, she was also very beautiful with long braided hair, detailed wooden beads , woven around her neck.

"Oh, um hello mam."Bella greeted shyly.

"Would you sit with an old lady as we watch the young and old dance?" The women asked.

"Of course." Bella agreed not one to argue with her elders too much.

She followed the women through the crowd, many of them nodding thier heads to the older women in respect.

"Here we are dear, right here in the front."

Bella hesitated as she saw where the women had led her.

The honor circle and sitting in it were four mats. And outside the honor circle were five other mats.

"Uh, mam I don't think-"

"Come child." was her stern order. An order Bella couldn't resist.

The two sat together as the sound of drums filled the air. A signal that everyone needed to take a seat.

" you are married to the wolf lahote correct? Your wolf colors look good on you child."

Bella blushed as she played with the hem of her shirt. It was a silver blouse with black buttons. Both she and Emily wore the colors of thier chosen wolves and on thier wrists were bracelets that held the names of the whole pack.

"Thank you, mam."

"Oh goodness dear, I should have told you who I was. My name is Martha Young, I am-"

"Ephraim black's wife?!" Bella gasped. "But if that true you'd have to be -"

"Hundreds of years old? Yes, that is true. I live in the mountains praying for and over my people. But once and a blue moon I like to show my face."

Before they could continue drums sounded again and the elders along with Billy took to their rugs. The drums continued as a chant was sounded in the air and the pack came out, all of them wearing different indigenous clothing.

And that's when the dancing started.

"Isn't it beautiful child?" Martha questioned as she watched the pack dance in amazement. "It never fails to amaze me when I see our people come have helped your pack greatly child. Keep it mind it does not get easy but the reward is great. Thier will be a time when you will need to see me, Isabella. Do not hesite to do so."

With that said Martha turned back to the dance.

Bella however was in deep thought.

…..

"Paul honey it's late? Can't we just go home?" Bella asked sleepily. They had just finished cleaning the great hall with the pack and everyone was heading home.

"Soon, but i have something for you." Paul said quietly as he took her to the beach, the cold waves lapping the sand "I have an early chirstmas gift for you."

"Paul we agreed no gifts!" Bella whined.

"No, you said no gifts and I nodded my head. This one is very important."

"Paul!"

Her husband ignored her as he got down on one knee. The wet sand staining his pants.

Bella tried to stop him but he continued to ignore.

"I'm not one for many words, you know that. And I love you with all my heart, your the only one intruly know how to love." he sniffed. "And i want to give you this."

It was then Paul pulled out a simple gold band with a simple pearl in the middle.

"Paul…" she cried. "You know I never cared about the rings."

"I know and that's what made this even more special. You deserve to wear my ring. I want to show you off always."

Instead of responding Bella tackled him, wrapping her body around his.

"Take me to bed handsome."

Paul let out a baritone laugh. " always baby."