Chapter 18: A Joining And Breaking

Jacob sniffed the air and practically drooled as the smell of food filled the air. The beach was filled with the pack's family, a new thing for all of them. Most of the time, the pack had to keep the wolf a secret but the year Bella disappeared Sam had had enough of angry parents shouting at the pack every time their kid came home late because of a patrol. Against the council's wishes, Sam decided to have the pack's family attend the first bonfire of the year. The council wasn't happy about it but Sam couldn't care less, the families needed to know what was going on with their kids. Their sons and Daughters were shapeshifters born to protect the tribe. It was the highest honor they could have. So far, Jacob's Leah, Quill, Jared, and Paul's family knew what was expected. Other than that everyone was having a hard time. Didn't help that the pack had expanded the past three weeks either. To their shock, the pack had gained two females. His sister Rebecca and Quill's sister Julie. The last ones to phase were Jared's younger brother Joseph junior and another wolf named Kyle. The whole thing put stress on everyone.

Jacob sighed and tried to sneak a cookie without getting caught but a pale hand was quick to smack it away.

" not so fast Jacob black! You don't get to sneak cookies before everyone else."

Jacob was going to complain but froze when he saw who it was.

Brown eyes stared back at him, longing for missed friendship, and Jacob finally understood why.

He felt his whole world tilt as his ties to Bella began to shift. He loved her deeply, always had, and always would, but something had changed. He could finally see her for who she was.

His sister.

His friend.

His confidant

Someone who would always have his back.

She was his sister imprint.

"Jacob?" She called as she stepped closer.

Jacob felt the knot in his neck release as he looked at her.

"Oh bells.." He sighed in contentment as he pulled her into a brotherly hug.

The past three weeks had been hard for the pack. They patrolled around Bella's house when assigned but no one else had the chance to see her and Jacob was pissed off when Collin, Brady, Seth, and Quill got to see her before he did. He was her best friend. How was that fair?

However, he put the past behind him as she leaned into his hug.

" Jake did you just-"

" I sure did. You know Sam told us about his imprint. Colin, Brady, and Seth imprint on you as well. I think the whole pack will eventually. This is the best day of my life. I missed you so much. Are you- are you OK?" Jacob asked.

" I'm not but I will be Jake, especially now. But why all the imprinting? And if it's going to happen every time I see one of the pack, we might as well line everyone up just to get it over with.."

Jacob laughed as he pulled Bella over to a nearby chair. He could see the majority of people beginning to trickle in.

" We could do that but I don't think it will happen if it's being forced. How do you feel about all this? I know it's overwhelming. "

"How do I feel? How do YOU feel? I know you don't like your choices taken from you, and Imprinting seems like that's what it's doing," Bella explained. " Although I wouldn't lie and say I'm not happy, I feel somewhat closer to you guys, like I truly belong. I don't have to wonder where I stand with the pack, and I get the siblings I've never had."

Once again Jacob laughed and said

" While I'm glad you feel that way about us Bells, you don't understand. For all the single pack members because we imprinted on you, and you're our pack omega, we will never imprint romantically. Which means we're free to choose who we want."

Bella gasped.

" Wait so for the pack members minus Sam, Jared, and Embry who have imprinted on me, they won't have to worry about Imprinting romantically on someone else but what if they want to?"

" Oh trust me, we don't." a voice said behind her.

Bella turned to see Quil and Leah coming out of the Forest with wide smiles on their faces and once again, Bella felt her soul tie with theirs.

" Finally!" Quil cheered as he spun Bella around and kissed her on the cheek.

Leah blinked back tears as she felt relief hit her.

For the first time since she phased, she felt free. She could finally go out on a date and knew just the man.

She blushed as she saw Jacob staring at her. The two of them had been dancing around each other for years. With Jacob obsessed with Bella and Leah obsessed with Sam, the two pack mates hadn't had the chance to explore what could have been but now?

Now, there was a possibility.

…..

"BELLA!" a female voice shrieked. Emily Uley pushed her way through the crowd of families that had begun to gather around the bonfire and froze as she stopped nose-to-nose with her most cherished friends.

"Oh, Bella.." Emily greeted as she gently reached out to touch her. Tears filled her eyes as Bella leaned into her for a hug.

"Emily.. I missed you!"

"I missed you so much more sweetheart. Come on, let's get you something to eat before the wolves swarm in. We're going to get started soon."

…..

Meanwhile, At the Refuge Port Angeles location, Paul was in a meeting of his own.

"Alright everyone sit down, grab your food, so we can get out of here," Oscar announced with a hand clap.

As soon as he gave the directions, all of his staff made themselves comfortable in the decked-out conference room. Thier was food galore that wouldn't be left behind because of their fast metabolisms.

The 8 of them total could eat a buffet out of business.

"Okay so shifts for this week. You four of Paul, Yuto, Eliza, and Oscar will hold down the Port Angeles location. Meanwhile, Ray, Ming, Ada, and I will handle the Seattle location. Let's keep in mind the number of drinks we give to people guys, Don't get me wrong, I like that our beer sales are high but the moment you see somebody getting tipsy or rowdy cut them off. Oh and don't forget to sanitize the headphones, we don't need lice running amuck. Oh and ladies?" Oscar said as he turned to look at Ada and Eliza.

"Listen I know we live in a society where women are independent and all of that but here at the refuge, we protect our own. Don't let jerks that come in here get fresh with you. If you see something say something. You know that any of us will step in."

The two women nodded in understanding.

"Now that the business side is taken care of, now we have another topic." Oscar began, his eyes beginning to glow a bright green.

"Thier have been reports of two re-headed vampires terrorizing the state of Washington. A year ago, we had this same problem except it was a bunch of missing hikers. As most of you can remember, I made sure we stayed out of it. No point in attracting the wrong attention and to our relief the problem was taken care of by a nearby group of vampires and the la push wolf pack that our dear brother Paul is a part of. However, things have skyrocketed. Paul took care of the first redhead, during his time away but these other two are still a headache. Paul I have to ask, how are things going on your end?"

All eyes turned to Paul who was sitting silently in the back.

"So far everything has been quiet. We haven't seen them for three weeks and some people think that's a good thing but for me it's worrisome, it means that they are planning something big and dangerous. It wasn't like the last time when the first redhead was working alone. Now thiers two of them. So far, the pack and the cold ones have been patrolling the borders together, but there's no telling what the other two are planning."

"Do you think there might be another vampire war?" Oscar asked in concern.

Paul shrugged.

"Don't know, wouldn't put it past them but why use old tactics on a new enemy."

Oscar curled his lip to show his fangs as he thought over Paul's words.

To his surprise, Ming raised his hand and Oscar gave him the floor.

"Would it be too much if we also tried to track down one of these redheads? I mean we've heard rumors of them in the supernatural community but it's a whole different thing if we join the fight. Would it be bad to have an extra pair of eyes?"

A low murmur of conversation began around the room as the group thought about the suggestion.

Oscar gave a sharp whistle.

"Hold up their lads and lassies. Keeping an eye out and joining the fight are two different things. I do not want anyone here to think they have to fight a battle that isn't theirs. You know I think of all of ye as my children and I don't want to have to reset anyone's bones."

"But if these two broads are drawing attention to the supernatural world, they could be putting all supernatural creatures in danger and then we are all in trouble. So, therefore, I would like to join in on this fight because all our lives are at risk." Ray spoke

Murmurs of agreement filled the room.

Once again, Oscar raised his hands for silence.

"If we do this, our lives are on the line. Do we all understand?"

A chorus of yes was his response.

"Paul? Do you think your alpha and the vampire leader would be willing to meet with me?"

"I can talk to them." was Paul's response.

"Very well, the meeting adjourned."

With that said, everyone stood and began to pack up the extra food to take home. To their surprise, Paul filled his container high, his back facing the room.

"You're taking food home?" Ada questioned him in shock. Paul never took extras, he never touched the food.

"Not for me."

Ming snorted next to her and shook his head.

"Leave him alone Ada."

Ada sucked her teeth and was going to speak but she froze as something fell from Paul's back pocket.

"Hey Paul you dropped something." she gestured.

Seeing his hands full Ada bent down to pick it up but she gasped as she realized what it was.

It was a white lacy thong.

"Gross! Paul!" she bellowed as she threw it at him.

Paul caught it with one hand and to her disgust, he took a deep sniff of the article of clothing.

"Still fresh," he growled, and then he walked out of the room.

The occupants were speechless as they watched thier strongest co-worker walk out.

…

Jared groaned as he phased, no matter how many times he did it, it still hurt. The shifting of his bones and muscles. Reaching for his shorts he practically drooled as the smell of food wafted near him. He wasn't too far from the bonfire and he was ready to eat.

Excitement also filled him at the thought of imprint. It had only been a few hours but he missed her and speaking of missing people Bella and Paul crossed his mind. He wanted to know why his cousin felt the need to just abandon them. Why go after Bella the way he did?

Jared was just about to make his way forward when the scent of food coming from behind him, hit his nostrils.

He was quick to turn and practically jumped out of his skin.

"Paul!" he growled as his cousin stared at him with an arched eyebrow.

His cousin didn't say a word but began to make his way toward the sound of bonfire.

"Paul -Paul wait!"

His cousin stopped and turned, in his hands was a container of food.

Instead of beating around the bush, Jared spoke.

"Why did you do it? Why did you leave us? Why was Bella so important to you?"

"Because she is." was Paul's simple reply.

The two cousins walked quietly as the bonfire was finally in view. As soon as she saw him Kim launched herself into Jared's arms.

He could breathe easy now that she was here. Looking into her eyes, he felt himself imprint all over again, and yet…parts of him were disappointed. He loved Kim sure but he had plans before he met her. One day he was focused on school and the next he was tied to her forever. A forever with her that he didn't want.

Jared gasped at the revelation and gently pulled back from Kim.

He didn't want this.

He didn't want her, at least… not like this… not.. forced.

"Jared what's wrong?" she questioned.

Jared shook his head as he scanned the beach. The whole pack and their families were here, including his screwed-up one.

His eyes widened in shock as he saw his cousin approach Bella. Jared swallowed hard when he took a look at her. She was covered in small scars and vampire bites, which made his hackles rise. Yet, he felt a sense of peace come over him, knowing she was alive and protected by the pack.

"Bella back away from him!" was Embry's concerned shout. Jared looked up to see Bella and Paul in a tight embrace.

An embrace that seemed fairly intimate. The rest of the pack minus Sam looked on in horror. Surely thier toughest packmate was going to go ballistic. He never allowed anyone to touch him and if he did they'd walk away with broken bones. Yet he was leaning down so that Bella could rub her cheek against his.

Jared looked over to where his uncle Leon had stood, petrified fear on his face.

Everyone was thinking the same thing.

Paul was getting ready to throw Bella across the beach.

Once again Embry's angry voice filled the air.

" Bella! Get away from Paul!"

This time, Embry began to walk toward them. Thank God for Jacob and Quil as they held Embry back.

" enough." Was Sam's calm bravado that Settled over the pack. He then walked over to where Chief black and the elders sat signaling that they were ready to begin. By now the pack sat with their families but Paul, however, didn't move as he sat against a log, bringing Bella to sit between his legs.

As Chief Black began to speak, Jared and Kim made thier way to where his family sat. They passed by Bella who smiled at both of them and just as Jared was about to turn away, Bella's eyes met his.

Jared froze his eyes widening as his ties to Bella became stronger, it was like iron cables tying him together, and yet all his ties to Kim dissipated. One by one, everything about Kim that once mattered to him didn't. It didn't matter that Kim wanted three kids and Jared wanted one. It didn't matter that Kim liked him in blue while he himself liked the color yellow.

None of Kim's wants or needs mattered.

Jared was free.

"Woah there son." His father said as Jared began to stumble.

"Jared, what's wrong? You are kind of causing a scene," Kim warned as some people began to stare at them.

"I'm ok. Just need some space. I'm gonna go sit with Paul and Bella. You just… you stay here."

Jared paused awkwardly as he waited for the imprint pull to drag him back to Kim but … it never did.

…

"You alright?" Paul asked Bella as Chief Black began to tell thier tribal histories and why the pack was so important.

He noticed that his wife seemed to be exhausted, not just physically but spiritually too. It was like her soul was tired.

" Jared imprinted on me and this time it was different from the others. It was as if something was being added and taken away. As glad as I am that most of the pack has imprinted on me, it's also tiring."

"I see that." was Paul's response. Frustration filled his bones at the thought of Imprinting. He hated it with a passion, even the simple sister imprint that had been put on her. Imprinting wasn't a gift it was a curse, at least that's how he saw it. But it was a curse he couldn't control and for some reason, his wife had been chosen to bear the brunt of it.

"Do you want to go home and rest?" he asked. The couple had come up with a schedule to balance out their daily lives. Monday through Thursday Bella stayed with her father, working three days a week while working on her associate's degree. Friday through Sunday, she stayed with Paul in their home on the reservation and now that the pack was back in their lives, she would have to add them to the list of where she spent her time.

"No, that would be rude. I've never seen this many people gather together for the telling of the histories. let's just enjoy it."

With that said, she laid her head on his chest, ignoring the shocked looks of thier nearby pack mates. To his surprise Jared joined them, pulling Bella's feet into his lap. Paul couldn't help but allow the corners of his mouth to twitch as his cousin shrugged his shoulders.

….

When the bonfire was over, the pack families were appeased by what the chief had told them. Most of them now see just how important their children are. However, Kyle's parents weren't buying it.

"So what we just sit here and let our son run after vampires! His life is in danger!" Kyle's mother exclaimed.

"All of our children's lives are in danger Mrs. Thunderhawk" Sue Clearwater tried to appease the worried mother. "They were made for this. While we don't like it, they all have been chosen to live this life."

"But why all the sudden phasing? Four more wolves have been added to the pack. That's 14 in all. I thought the golden eyes were not a threat." Tiffany Call asked

This time Sam spoke.

"The golden eyes are not a threat to us. Unfortunately, the nomad vampire that was taken down a year ago, has siblings. We believe two of them are causing the phasing. Prayerfully the four new wolves that have phased should be the last. We as a Pack work together. The pups won't miss school no matter what happens and the older wolves that want to finish school have been studying for their G. in their spare time. We are working with the Cullens to share our patrol times so no one is overworked and still has time to do what they need to."

Sam's answer seemed to appease the worried parents as Embry's mother sat down, a look of contemplation on her face.

"One last thing."Sam continued "I want to welcome back two very valued members of our Pack. Paul lahote and Bella swan. Paul was brave enough to rescue Bella from the clutches of the first nomad that brought a war into our lives. He is also credited for saving Seth Clearwaters life, at the risk of his out the venom to keep Seth alive. So Paul this tribe owes you a great debt and a big thank you. I, as the current Alpha of this pack want to also announce that we have gained an omega. The omega does not exist in a sense of a real pack but in the supernatural world an omega is a vital and cherished member. Their job is to diffuse and de-escalate all pack related issues. They keep the pack tension down and as we are coming to find out, the omega is an imprint to all phasing wolves. Our omega is a sister imprint to us all and that woman is Bella Swan. Therefore she is welcome to all tribal events and matters as she is one of us."

Murmurs of concern began to spread among some of the parents and some of the elders, chief Black being the one to quiet them.

"This is a positive thing for the pack, so there is no reason for any of you to fear or be concerned. I can assure this."

" But why her? She's not even native?" Jared's mother questioned.

" MOM!" was Jared's angry reply. He was grateful Bella had fallen asleep, so she couldn't hear any of the negative things his mother had said.

" Bella is our omega and we are happy about it. She is out friend and our sister. Her skin color doesn't matter." was Leah's Clearwater angry reply.

This of course made Mrs cameron sit down and blush in embarrassment.

" I think that covers it! Everyone please take as much food home as you like. The pack will eat it all If you don't."

An hour later, they left the pack and their imprints by themselves encircled around the fire.

" It's been a while since we've all been together like this." Jacob commented quietly. "And I just have to ask, has everyone finally imprinted on Bella because the poor woman is exhausted."

All eyes looked to where Bella slept peacefully against Paul, something that still made them cringe a lot.

" I haven't and i don't want to." Kyle sneered as he looked her.

However his sneer was wiped away as Paul hissed at him.

" watch your tongue pup. She didn't want this either . None of the pack have a right to your opinion but don't direct it towards her."

" Oh, you're one to talk." Embry growled. " ever since you got here, your hands have been all over her. She doesn't need you around her. That's why out of all us you haven't imprinted on her! It's obvious even the spirits think you're a freak!"

"EMBRY STAND DOWN!" was Sam's alpha order .

However Paul had gently passed Bella to Rebecca as he lazily stood.

" You're right. I didn't imprint on her. I wont imprint on her, it's impossible for me to do so. Not that it's any of your business. But one thing I will say is while you all have some weird supernatural attachment to her, she chose me. And I chose her. It's why we got married in the first place. We let love rule and not the supernatural. So you all can feel how you want about me but don't hurt her in the process."

He then opened his arms to take his wife back from Rebecca and began to walk towards the woods.

"Paul, wait!" Seth called out.

Paul turned with an arched eyebrow towards him.

" I- I never did thank you for saving my life. So… thank you… really."

" your pack Seth. It's what we do. Alpha walk with me please."

Sam followed and then he disappeared into the forest.

The remaining pack took a sigh of relief. Glad that Paul didn't rip anyone's head off.

" guys? Did Paul say that he and Bella were married!?" Quil questioned to make sure he heard correctly.

" Holy crap he did say that didn't he! You know it makes sense now. he was so hands on with her during the why we would smell her scent on the reservation but we could never find her. She's been hanging with Paul on the. Weekends!" Jared concluded

" But are they really married? I mean can we see Paul married? And to Bella of all people." was Emily's questionable concern.

" I can see it." Rebecca spoke. For a newly phased wolf she had taken the whole phasing thing in stride and had embraced her place in the pack with open arms, despite all this she hadn't lost her inquisitive nature. Maybe that was why she and Bella had gotten along So well when they were children.

" think about it guys even from wbat ive seen in your thoughts and what i know of her Bella isn't the type to treat someone different just because you all think she should. So Paul comes to her rescue and from what dad and Charlie had mentioned they were lost in the jungle fighting vampires for some time, that's bound to draw anybody closer together. Just from how they acted here tonight. I would say it's true and by the way Embry call what Is your problem with Paul? you can't go picking fights with him like that. Get yourself together. " she reprimanded her imprint.

Embry sighed and shook his head.

" I'm going home. Goodnight "

" I think we all should go home. Let's clean up and call it a night." Was Jared's stern order

…

Sam followed Paul through the woods, the two of them walking in silence as Bella's soft snores filled the air .

" so… when did you and bella get married?" He questioned trying to act causal about the whole ordeal but failing miserably.

" in brazil once things had settled that's not why I asked you out here. The man I work for he and my coworkers are shapeshifters like want to help with the two redheads. Think you and Dr. Dracula can meet with him?"

" oh I know he'll want to. I'll give him a call tomorrow and we can all meet when they get a date."

Sam stopped as they approached wnat he assumed was Paul's home.

It wasn't how he expected to be. It was huge.

" goodnight alpha. " was Paul's dismissive voice as he carried Bella into his home.

Sam watched him go and shook his head.

He would have never guessed that Paul and Bella were together. A surge Of brotherly protection rose up in him at the thought of Paul touching his little sister.

Yet, he couldn't deny that Paul cared for her, just from the small moments he saw of them.

His sister was in good hands.

...

The next morning,Carlsile couldnt help but feel somewhat giddy at the thought of a another shapeshifter joining thier group. Oh the questions he wanted to ask the man but Carslile kept his mouth shut as he sat in charlie Swans kitchen. The latter allowing his house to be somewhat of neutral ground for the supernatural creatures.

" Should be here in five minutes." Sam told him as the young shapeshifter stood to turn on the Swans coffee pot.

"Is Bella around?" Carlisle asked curiously.

"Nope. she's out and about. Dont worry through, a wolf is always with her."

Carlisle didnt get a chance to reply because the sound of two motorcycle engines sounded.

He stood, while Sam went to the door, opening it for their guest.

As the two men entered Carlsile had to do everything in his power to prevent himself from growling. The two men before him were a threat, at leas that's how it felt but he rid himself of those insticts and focused on the matter at hand.

The first man standing before him was of irish descent with long hair,a full beard and bright green eyes. He wore a black biker jacket and leather pants. Same as the man behind him. The man behind him was much taller and wore shades. Recognition hit him as he realized this was Bella's supposed husband.

I cant get over the shock,Carlisle thought.

"Well are gonna keep staring at each other or are we going to get down to business?" was the Red haired man question.

"Right, well we might as well take a seat. My name is Sam uley, I lead the pack of wolves in La push." Sam greeted as he stuck out a hand.

"Oscar O 'Conner, I own two places of business here in washington. I lead a ragtag group of Feline shapeshifters. Paul here is one my best,Thank you for the leniency you bestowed upon him whenever i call."

"I should say the same to you." Sam replied.

Both men then turn to Carlisle who found himself feeling uncomfortable.

"Carsile Cullen, my family and I reside in forks. We appreciate your help." he greeted as he stuck a hand out to shake.

Oscar took it and nodded.

"Lets begin."

….