Previously on Naked and Afraid:

Seth! No." Bella scolded sternly. " you can't blame yourself. You were double-teamed by two newborns and that was unfair to you! It wasn't your fault. Seth look at me."

This time Seth looked up from his brooding to look at her and when he did both of them gasped.

Bella had just gained another imprint.

…

…

"

Chapter 17: A Father's Heart

Embry to your left! Sam directed as the pack chased after the redhead.

The pack was on one side and the Cullens were on the other but the redhead was jumping between their borders just like Victoria had previously.

Just when they thought they were going to lose her a black leopard appeared out of nowhere jumping on her back and causing both of them to fall in the ravine

Woah! Who is that?! Quil asked

Doesn't matter! Everyone go! Before she escapes!

By now both the Cullens and the pack had jumped into the ravine as the black leopard and the redhead circled each other .

It was then the sound of thunder exploded from the raining on them so heavy it was hard to see through the rain.

While she was distracted, Jared and Sam aimed for her back while Emmett aimed for her neck.

However their tactics were useless as a sharp bird-like screech sounded above them causing everyone to be blown over.

The pack groaned as they shook their heads trying to release the ringing and the rain from their ears.

The Cullens had their ears covered as they attempted to gather themselves as well.

And when the noise finally stopped the redhead was gone.

"Darn it! Of course one of them would be gifted! Who the heck just has super sonic screams!" Emmett bellowed as he punched a tree.

Sam and Jared phased promptly checking over the rest of the pack.

"Everyone, ok?" Sam asked as he side glanced at Leah for injuries.

Leah showed him her teeth in warning and rolled her eyes.

The rest of the pack gave nods and grunts signaling that all of them were ok.

" Anything I can help with Samuel?" Carlisle asked after he also checked over his family.

" no." Sam told him sternly. His mind however flew to Bella, a deep fear and anger coming over him.

Now there were two leeches after her. No wonder the spirits made her his imprint.

" what? She's here! Where is she! You imprinted on her!" The mind reader accused as he looked at him with maddening eyes and wild hair.

Before Sam could respond lightning flashed and struck directly where the mind reader was standing.

" Edward!" Esme Screamed.

" I'm ok Esme but we need to talk about this mongrel hiding Bella from us!" .

And once again a strike Of lighting hit next to Edward.

The pack let out a chorus of questionable growls as they looked towards Sam.

The latter sighed and faced his pack

" Yes, it's true. She got back Last night, I didn't know until Billy told me. She's at a delicate stage right now and doesn't need to be bothered. The pack will see her soon and as for you guys "Sam continued as he turned towards the Cullens.

" need to leave her alone. she doesn't need-"

" how about we leave that up to her." a cold and dark voice spoke, interrupting his alpha.

Where the black leopard once stood was now a drenched and clothed Paul.

Immediately the Cullens hissed as the predatory aura rolled off of him in waves.

Jasper hissing the loudest as he pulled Alice closer to him.

" You're a feline shifter?" Carlisle asked in amazement.

Paul didn't answer instead he stared down Edward, his eyes glowing a brighter blue then they ever had before.

" If and when Bella wants to see you she'll contact you. But if I catch even the slightest scent of you around her home uninvited. I will rip your heart out of your chest and burn it while you watch. "

With that said Paul shifted into his wolf form and disappeared into the dark and rainy night.

" He's a wolf and a leopard!" Carlisle exclaimed as he watched Paul go and then turned to sam his eyes wide with amazement.

" Sam I never thought it was possible but can your people -"

" He's a special case. Anyway, he's right, let Bella call you when she's ready. In the meantime we need to tighten up our patrol schedules and figure out what we are going to do about these two redheads. We don't need another newborn war on our hands."

" Perhaps we could each pair up with a wolf. That way everyone gets the time they need to rest and feed. It's no different than what we've been doin. It's just smaller numbers but longer patrol" Jasper suggested.

" So one wolf and one of you? I don't think that's best. It may have worked when we had Victoria but now we have those other two in the mist. How about two of us and two of you?"

" I believe that will be best." Carlisle interjected.

" Carlisle-" Edward began but the Cullen patriarch cut his youngest off.

" and no one will cause any issues." He addressed his youngest son with a warning hiss.

"Very well. Can two of you patrol for a few hours while we rest and then I'll send two of mine to relieve you?"

" It's never a problem Sam. Thank you, please get some rest." Carlisle told them genuinely.

To the vampire's surprise, Sam grinned and said " you too, However it is you do it.."

….

As soon as they were on the reservation the pack was at Sam's neck.

The Alpha was quick to shut them all up as they arrived at the edge of his backyard.

" Alright already! All of you shut it!" He growled.

Once they were quiet he spoke.

" yes, the mind Reader was right Bella is home. She arrived last night. It's only been a full 24 hours so I wasn't going to allow the pack to bombard her. You guys haven't seen her yet but the trauma is real. She doesn't show it too much but it creeps up on her when she least expects it. I don't know what she went through because she hasn't told anyone. All I know is that she and Paul made it out alive. And yes I did imprint on her but it wasn't in a romantic way. It's a sister imprint. It only sealed what I already knew. I already saw her as a little sister. Someone to be cherished and protected. She is our pack omega. She in a way keeps the peace in the pack. As of right now, she's trying to get adjusted and she doesn't need all of us showing up her at her door. We will guard her home when She's not on the reservation. As of now she is to be left alone. Just guard her in the shadows. We will have a pack bonfire in the next three weeks. right now I am ordering all of you to go home and sleep. Jared and I will take the next patrol shift. go home, any other questions can be asked later. "

That then left the Alpha and beta to stand in the rain in silence.

" Sam….. did Paul really shift into two animals ?" Jared as quietly.

Sam cussed.

" I guess he did but it explains a lot. He's always dressed after he phases. He never had to cut his hair, his mannerisms are different . .do you think he'd answer any of our questions?"

Jared gave him a look that spoke a thousand words.

" yeah you're right... alright Jared, go home. Go sleep. Ill see you in a few hours. "

….

Edward was in a rage as he paced his bedroom in anger.

There was an unnecessary knock as Carlisle stood in his open doorway.

" son. We need to talk."

" No, we need to get to Bella! Who knows what she's been through and how dare that mongrel freak tell me I can't see her? Who does he think he is?" Edward lashed out

" It seems lIke he's being mature and thinking about Bella's safety. Mentally and physically unlike someone I know." His father stated sternly.

Edward whipped his head over at Carlisle in shock. He tried to see into the older man's thoughts but he was thinking an ancient language Edward didn't know.

" But you didn't see inside his head Carlisle! His whole mind is like a swarm of darkness! I don't know what he was thinking but I could feel it.I could feel the ominous presence in his mind!"

Carlisle ignored his words of anger and continued.

" You claim to be Bella's mate and you claim to love her yet since the first day she went missing you have only thought about yourself. You are being selfish and immature. I am not saying there's anything wrong with wanting to see her but like the pack said you need to wait for her to come to you. She was gone for a whole year with God knows who in God knows where. There is no telling what Victoria did to her and how do you think Bella will feel knowing that there are now two other vampires after her and they are related to Victoria. It would surely put more stress on her than she already has. So for once grow up and get your head out of your behind. And get ready because you and Alice have the next shift when your brothers come home."

With that said Carlisle turned to leave but Edward stopped him.

" when did you become such an advocate for the mongrels?"

Before he could process anything Edward found himself pinned to the wall. Carlisle eyes black with rage.

" How could I have allowed you to go on like this for so long!" He hissed. " As much as it pained me to see you headless by the hands of Victoria I would have left you like that longer had I known you would have continued In this manner! You think that your the only one who was hurt and angry by Bella's disappearance. It's our fault this happened in the first place. We should never have allowed Bella into our life in the first place but I went against my better judgment because I wanted you to have a mate and be happy but I see now that you are not ready for that. No more of this childish behavior. This is my final warning Or I will rip your head off myself."

He then let Edward go leaving his youngest in complete shock.

When Carlisle came to the stairs, his wife and daughters looked at him as if he had grown a third arm.

" I meant what I said. I have allowed this family to act out for too long and it has put us and others in jeopardy. Things are going to change around here from now on."

…

Three weeks later:

Carlisle froze in surprise as he stood in the doorway of the police station. He was here on official business having to talk with the chief swan in regards to a house fire that had happened a few days ago and Carlisle had been forced to look at the bodies because their regular pathologist was out of town.

However, what had him frozen was the young woman at the clerical counter looking at the computer sternly.

It was Bella.

Her undead heart hurt at the sight of her.

Her skin looked normal to the human eye, but the Supernatural eye could see all.

Bella's beautiful pale skin was now covered in small crescent moons, the nails of his own kind had been dug into her skin. And even from a distance, he could see the multiple bite marks that littered her arms just under the long sleeve that she had rolled up.

He could tell that starvation and malnourishment had impacted her as she had lost weight on her face, but he could also see her beauty. Despite the visible trauma, he could also see a glow about her.

Her eyes held a determination he had only seen once in all the time he had known her.

Not knowing how she would receive him, he made sure to clear his throat to get her attention as he approached the desk.

" Bella?"

Hearing her name called she looked up and her eyes widened at the sight of him. Her mouth opened and then closed again as she shivered. A Look of fear, anger and trepidation on her face.

She then seemed to gain her composure as she stood to greet him with a small yet warm smile.

"Dr. Cullen hello. How may I help you?"

Carlisle was taken aback by her formality and it must have showed on his face because Bella leaned forward and whispered.

" Sorry for the formality Carlisle but I'm trying to keep a professional tone being the chief's daughter and all. I don't want anyone to think my dad is calling favorites"

She then pulled back with a forced smile and said " Now Dr. Cullen, what can I help you with?"

Carlisle couldn't help but feel a conflict of emotions as Bella spoke. It felt as if she was trying too hard to be polite.

He let it go for the moment and spoke.

" I need to see the chief, we have an appointment ."

Bella nodded and pressed a button.

" Chief Swan Dr. Cullen is here for your appointment."

He didn't respond but ten minutes later Chief Swan appeared, his eyes flickering between his daughter and the vampire Doctor.

" You can follow me, Dr. Cullen." Chief Swan said tersely.

Carlisle internally sighed. There was no love lost between him and Bella's father. He understood, that his family had put Bella in danger more than once and all trust had been broken once the moment Edward left her in those woods and when Alice kidnapped Bella to Italy. He held back a snarl as he thought about any of his children in the clutches of the Italian kings.

While the Volturi was a necessary evil that didn't mean they didn't have ulterior motives.

Aro was his friend and it was only because of that lasting friendship that was keeping Bella off the Volturi chopping block with a dash of an added favor as well but Carlisle didn't want any more supernatural attention on Bella than it already was.

And yet as a father, he understood Charlie's anger, particularly with him. Carlisle had failed in keeping what would have been his future daughter-in-law safe and he allowed his son to treat her horribly because he hadn't kept his home in order.

Two hours later Carlisle stood, closing the case file and handing it back to Charlie. They had discussed in detail the case it was pretty simple with nothing left to say

" I think that covers it." He said quietly.

" Hang on a minute there, Carlisle. Sit down." Charlie gestured.

" yes?" He questioned as he sat back down.

Charlie sighed.

" I think it's time to bury the hatchet. You and I used to have a decent relationship at one point and now I feel like our kids have kinda put a wrench in that. While I am still very angry at your son and daughter for hurting my little girl, Bella and I both agreed that we had to take some of the responsibility. She shouldn't have gotten involved with your family in the first place and she didn't listen when others warned her away from your son either. And I have to give your family credit for helping the pack when they needed help and for trying to find Bella. Esme pretending to be Bella for a whole year kept Renee off our backs and I've been giving you the cold shoulder for a while. so I just wanted to apologize for the coldness. Although I will protect my daughter at all costs. Your family has hurt her in more ways than once and if she chooses to have any relationship with your family from here on out, I ask that this time you do better. Bella went through some horrible things when Victoria took her. She tortured her endlessly and I'm sure you saw the scars. She and I had a heart to heart and to be honest with you she's terrified Carlisle. She has nightmares about Victoria and Riley and now she hates the color Red. Can't stand to look at it. She trusts the pack to protect her and I am asking you as one father to another to not allow history to repeat itself. do right by her this time since you all profess to love her so much. Don't screw her over this time. We all have to work together not just for Bella but for the safety of the town and tribe."

Carlisle felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he looked at the man across from him.

At one point he and Charlie had been cordial but the moment Edward broke Bella's heart Charlie saw them as the enemy.

And now here they were, through wars and heartbreak, yet both their children had come out injured.

Hope brewed in his heart at the thought of Bella officially becoming his daughter-in-law. If they could whip Edward into shape they might be able to move forward.

" Is there anything I can do? Has she been seen by a doctor? I can imagine that wouldn't go too well with a regular doctor. "

"She saw a tribal Doctor when they stumbled upon a hidden tribe. But I wanted to get her re-evaluated with supernatural eyes but that will have to be when she's ready. Everything's still so fresh on her mind right now." Charlie explained

"And what about therapy?"

" now that she was open to. One of the wolves' mom is a licensed therapist and Bella has been seeing her once a week, it helps but she hasn't quite settled yet. She still has nightmares and cringes at anything cold but that's nothing compared to when you all left. I don't ever want to see that look in her eyes."

The guilt he thought was gone, hit Carlisle like a freight train. He had never gotten to apologize to Bella or charlie for the hell his family put them through when they packed up and left. Never got to sit down and explain their side of the story. He had been so convinced by Edward's words that he had never thought about Bella or the threat that loomed over their heads.

" I apologize Charlie. As the head of my family, I take full responsibility. I should have talked to Bella before we left and heard both sides of the story."

To his surprise, Charlie shook his head.

" no, I partly understand. You as a vampire had to decide for the safety of yourself and Bella. The way you left was wrong but I understand your thinking. "

The two men sat in silence for a minute alone with their thoughts before his intercom rang.

"Chief Swan, Mr. Morgan is here to see you, he has a complaint." Bella's voice rang out annoyed.

" Well, I guess that's my cue to leave. thank you" Carlisle stated as he stood.

Charlie held a hand for him to shake and he gladly took it.

Once again hope flared in his heart for a future with Bella by their side.

" Mr. Morgan, I'll be right with you. Let me just walk Dr. Cullen his Car." Charlie spoke to a grumpy-looking man.

Carlisle was a bit disappointed when he saw that Bella wasn't at the desk but shook it off as he hoped to see her soon.

He and Charlie had a general conversation as they walked out of the police station but Carlisle froze as he felt a predatory threat in the air.

Leaning on a motorcycle was the feline shifter from three weeks ago. He was wearing what looked like a sort of uniform but it was all black and tailored to fit him. He wore dark shades that covered his eyes. The shapeshifter practically oozed power and sex appeal

" Paul. How's it going, son? Everything quiet on the home front?" Charlie asked

" Everything's quiet chief. No sign of them yet."

" good. That's good to hear. Might help Bell's sleep a little better. Oh yeah, where are my manners? Carlisle, this is my son-in-law Paul."

Carlisle's eyes widened and his mouth opened and then closed.

Son in law? There had to be some mistake! Bella couldn't be married, she was going to be with Edward.

He opened his mouth to object but a feminine voice overrode him.

" PAUL!"

All eyes turned to see Bella with the biggest smile on her face.

She walked a few steps down the stairs and then with a coy smile towards Paul threw herself off the stairs.

Knowing that this would end in disaster Carlisle made himself ready to catch her.

However, Charlie stopped him.

" No need for that Carlisle. This is a little game they play all the time."

When Carlisle looked back the Were had caught Bella with a sly smile.

" troublemaker." The Were growled softly.

Paul smiled with a dimpled cheek as he gripped her hips. The giant shapeshifter then leaned down allowing Bella to rub her cheek against his in a lupine affection. A pur rumbling from the male.

All the hope that Carlisle once had of Bella joining his family had shattered as he watched the couple before him.

The whole man's body language eluded One thing Bella swan was his and he wasn't letting her go.

…

When he arrived home he was quick to think of every sensually explicit thing he had done with his mate as he went in search of her.

He found her in the kitchen and didn't bother to ask her what she was doing. Instead, he took her hand only giving her a pleading look and the couple left the house.

Once they were hours away Carlisle spoke

" We need to talk honey. It's about Bella. We need to prepare Edward. They won't be getting back together at all. It appears that Bella … is married."