CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Christmas vacation passed without any further upheavals except that Bella and Charlie both came down with the stomach bug that left the police department short staffed. The officers who first came down with the bug were now pulling double duty. It seemed the bug spared no quarter.
"Bella! I feel like crap," Lauren said when she called on the phone. "I knew I was going to get sick. And it's so unfair that we're sick over vacay. The virus should have at least waited until school started. As it is, we're probably going to get better just when school begins."
"I know! This really stinks," Bella agreed, groaning, and clutching her stomach. "Oh my God! I'll call you later. I have to go to the bathroom."
Bella, too, thought the situation was seriously unfair. At least she wasn't missing the bonfire in La Push. It had been cancelled because most of the kids were down with the same gastroenteritis.
Later, Bella collapsed onto her bed, and switched on her makeup mirror. "Mirror Mirror, Mr. Taha Aki, I need you," she whined.
Taha Aki appeared immediately and said. "No, child. There's nothing I can do about your illness. You just have to let it run its course. That's one thing that hasn't changed from my time."
"But it's so unfair," Bella cried.
"Yes, I know, child. Now, sleep," Taha Aki soothed. And then Bella's guardian spirit warrior gently serenaded her singing an ancient Quileute song until she fell into a deep slumber.
XOXO
By the time school began, the stomach bug that had paralyzed Forks and La Push had taken off for riper pastures. Bella secretly hoped that Officer Kreugar, Phil Dwyer, and Greg Ronstein would get it in that order.
Charlie and Bella kept to the same schedule for the new year. Bella still didn't have her license, so she needed a ride to and from school. On days that Bella didn't have a club meeting at school, she did her homework at the police station.
One positive change came about as a result of the virus. A new whiteboard went up in the lounge area, and each officer was assigned a cleaning rotation. No one wanted to get sick again. Bella laughed when she saw her name and phone number at the bottom of the whiteboard, followed by a note that read. "If you don't know how, ask Bella." She still wiped everything down for them on the days she was there, but she was spared from any kind of deep cleaning.
Bella began paying extra attention to things when the day she originally arrived in Forks, during the first timeline, arrived. Everything plodded along as usual except on the 25th of January when Tyler Crowley's van slid on black ice while trying to avoid another car that was backing out of the stall. His van careened toward the spot where Bella's red truck would have been parked during the first timeline. The spot was empty, so Tyler's van hit the curb, flew down the hill, and rolled over.
"Oh my God!" Bella gasped, along with several other students who witnessed the accident. She was one of the first to get to the scene and call 911. "Ty, Ty, are you okay?"
He was groaning and bleeding profusely from his head.
"We should get him out of the truck," Tara suggested.
"No, what if he has a back or neck injury," Bella said.
Rosalie Hale, who Bella knew had gone to medical school at one point, said, "Bella is correct. It's best to let the professionals handle him. Trust me, I know. One of my friends was paralyzed for this exact reason."
Several emergency vehicles showed up immediately, most of them having heard the noise from down the road.
"Bells! Did you see what happened?" Charlie asked.
Bella explained what she saw, as did Rosalie Hale and several other students.
"Jessica Stanley backed out of her stall, and it looked like Tyler tried to stop to avoid her, but he slid instead," Lauren explained.
"It was definitely, Jessica," Austin, Lauren's boyfriend, noted. "She backed out of the stall without looking while Tyler was coming around the bend. She sped off without stopping. She had to have seen the accident from her rearview mirror."
Charlie shook his head. "He probably panicked and slammed on his brakes, causing the tires to slide. I'll have to review the security footage from the school. Alright, I want you kids to let the emergency workers do their jobs. Bella, Lauren, don't you girls have softball practice?"
"We do, Chief Swan. It's in the gym today because of the weather."
"Well, then, get going. You, too, Katie."
"Bye, Daddy," Bella said.
"See you later, kiddo."
Jessica Stanley ended up losing her license. Tyler suffered from a concussion and some cuts and abrasions but no broken bones. Fortunately, he'd been wearing his seatbelt.
After the accident, Bella's father doubled down on having her practice driving in inclement weather. He even called John Cameron and signed her up for extra driving lessons, especially in wet, icy, or snowy weather. Of course, Lieutenant Lahote and Sergeant Cameron all followed Charlie's lead and did the same. Bella, of course, didn't need the extra lessons, but she appreciated the additional time she had with Paul.
Paul and Bella were taking things slowly. They were still in high school and lived in different towns, and neither of them had a driver's license yet. Sam had explained that once Paul marked Bella, all bets were off on them staying apart, so for now, abstinence was the best answer. Neither of them was ready for the giant leap of sex in any case.
So, time marched on. Waylon Jennings completed the work on the Swan home at the end of January. He replaced all the windows, refinished the hardwood flooring, and put new countertops in the kitchen. He also painted the entire interior and exterior of the house. Additionally, because he was so appreciative of Bella's suggestion that her father call him to do the renovation, he created a beautiful reading nook for her by the window he replaced.
Waylon had become an extremely popular man in town. The townsfolk called him for help with everything from installing a ceiling fan to major renovations. He became so in demand that he opened up his own handyman business. So far, he was making more money than he did at the factory, so he was elated at his newfound good fortune.
Bella and Charlie were happy for Waylon, but they were even happier that they finally got to purchase a sofa for the living room so they could relax when they watched TV.
XOXO
The 18th of February was a huge day as far as relations went between the Pack and the Cullens. Mr. Cameron and the elders met with the entire Cullen family to hash out a new contract, stating that the last contract was null and void because the boys who entered the contract were between the ages of thirteen and fifteen. This information was a surprise to the Cullens, who thought they were older because of their size.
Mr Cameron explained that the presence of the Cullens was causing their boys to phase and unwillingly enter the supernatural world because the gene was unable to distinguish between good and bad vampires. He also pointed out that restricting those same boys to the reservation was cruel and inhumane. They needed to be able to attend school, participate in extracurricular activities, and eventually make a living. Since the Cullens were able to move around freely in society, the wolves should be allowed to do the same, more so because this was their home while the Cullens were only temporary residents.
Carlisle Cullen argued that the wolves were violent and volatile. That was when Mr Cameron took a pen knife and gave himself a small cut, dripping blood on his desk. Every single vampire, with the exception of Carlisle and Rosalie, needed to excuse themselves, thus resulting in Mr Cameron proving his point. Wolves were not bloodthirsty.
The only thing Carlisle asked for was for them to be able to change Angela Weber once she graduated from high school. The Cullens would remain in Forks until a month after her graduation, then pack up their home and leave forever. The wolves agreed as long as the change was not done in Forks or La Push. In exchange for this concession, the Pack asked for the Cullens to teach the Pack how to defend themselves from vampires. This idea was put forth by Bella, who suggested that the best people to teach the wolves how to fight vampires were vampires themselves. Billy and Harry were adamantly against the idea. Mr Cameron and Lieutenant Lahote thought she was a genius.
And so, in a gesture of goodwill, each Sunday, the wolves attended vampire culling lessons taught by none other than Major Jasper Whitlock. Of course, with this, Lieutenant Lahote had to report that Paul had phased and that Bella was his imprint.
XOXO
The 8th of March was significant for Bella because it was on this day that Waylon Forge had been found dead when she had originally come to Forks. The day came and went with no issues, so she was able to breathe a sigh of relief.
That same week, softball season began in earnest, and Bella became extra busy, but she saw Paul every day since he had baseball practice at Forks High School, so in her eyes, it was a win.
It was also around this time that students began looking for prom dates. This time, no one asked Bella to go to the prom because everyone knew she was Paul's girl. Riley Biers, of course, asked Jenny Cameron to go to the prom, while Austin Marks asked Lauren Mallory. They were a thing. Jared had no idea who to ask. He did not imprint on Kim Greenleaf, which was a huge change from before. When Bella suggested they attend the prom together, they both told her where she could shove her matchmaking ideas. Kim went further and pointed out that she'd have to muzzle Jared because his voice annoyed the heck out of her.
Through it all, Bella had regular discussions with Taha Aki to make sure she was doing everything right. He told her she was doing a fine job and to stay the course but hinted that something big was coming. Bella wondered what it was that was so big.
The answer came a few days later when the Cullens requested a meeting with the elders at Mr Cameron's law office. When they arrived, they informed them about three rogue vampires who were wreaking havoc on the area. They provided the elders with descriptions of the vampires along with sketches provided by Alice. They did not know their names, nor did they know them personally, but they wanted to warn the Quileutes to be careful because Jasper had scented the rogues around the high school.
The following day, a freshman named Candace Wilson was found dead in the woods surrounding the high school. It was deemed an animal attack on paper, but the girl had been drained of all her blood.
Three days after that, it became personal for the wolves when Matthew Boyle, a tribal firefighter, was found dead and drained of all his blood just outside the firehouse. It, too, was deemed an animal attack, but everyone knew better.
After the two attacks, it became imperative for both the vampires and the wolves to find and destroy the three rogue vampires. Bella found it ironic that she was the only one who knew all their names, but there was no way to inform the Cullens or the wolves.
The pack elders met with Mr Cameron and Lieutenant Lahote. They ended up splintering off into groups. Billy Black and Harry Clearwater became irate when they discovered Charlie Swan was aware of the existence of the Pack and vampires.
Old Quil argued that Charlie had a right to know because his daughter was an imprint to which Mr Cameron and Lieutenant Lahote wholly agreed. It was during the course of the argument that Charlie walked into the Ateara home to report a third death under the same circumstances—that of Leslie Rivers, a clerk at the grocery store.
Charlie had overheard part of the argument and decided enough was enough. He gave Billy and Harry a piece of his mind. "If it had been Leah, Seth, Rachel, Rebecca, or Jacob in the same circumstances, and I was aware that the Cullens were vampires, I would have warned you."
"You don't understand, Charlie. It's different. You're not a part of the tribe," Harry explained.
"Harry is correct," Billy said, adding in his two cents. "You are an outsider. Bella's knowing is one thing. When Jared phased, she happened to be there, but otherwise—imprint or not—she is still an outsider. You are wholly unconnected to the situation."
"That's how you're going to play this out? So, my daughter's safety doesn't count because she's not Quileute? I suppose you don't give a shit about the two deaths that occurred in Forks, then?"
Charlie had his answer when Billy and Harry didn't say anything.
Old Quil, however, did say something. He got to his feet and glared at both men. "You two should be ashamed of yourselves. Your behavior goes against our values as Quileutes in every way, shape, and form. Quileutes care about the community at large. Nephew, you need to stay for this meeting."
"Charlie is an outsider!" Billy protested.
"And we will need outside help for this. Three deaths and rogue vampires—you tell me how you intend to deal with the situation. Charlie is the chief of police in Forks. Sometimes, communities must band together for the greater good. We cannot stay so insulated that we forget about the world at large, which is precisely what you and Elder Clearwater are doing, Chief Black," Old Quil informed them. "Now, I'd like to hear everyone's recommendations on how to tackle these rogue vampires."
Predictably, Billy Black and Harry Clearwater wanted to send the wolves in because it was their job as spirit warriors to protect the reservation. Old Quil, Joe Cameron, Don Lahote, and Charlie Swan argued vehemently against it because they were just kids with minimal training.
Don posed the question, "What if it were one of your kids whose lives were on the line? Would you send them in to battle these rogue vampires?"
"Personally, I can't say anything in reply because my son has not phased yet," Billy replied.
"And you, Harry?"
Charlie caught him glancing at Billy and then gulping. The police chief intervened, "Why don't you get your head out of Billy's ass and tell us your true opinion, Harry?"
"Get out of this meeting! Leave!" Billy cried.
"Hell no! I'm a part of this; do you know why?" Charlie waited for a response. "No? Well, then, let me tell you. I'm a part of this because I voluntarily signed up for the job. I am the chief of police in Forks. I have jurisdiction over the town where two of the deaths occurred. And do you know what else? I work closely with the La Push Tribal Police, who are still in the dark about the true cause of Matthew Boyle's death because they do not know about the existence of vampires. Personally, it's probably best that way, and ultimately, when a major crime like this happens, it falls to me. Or would you prefer the feds to step in?
"But let me tell you why I refuse to not be a part of this. It's because I care about the safety and welfare of all the citizens I serve, including those in La Push. It's why I do my job."
It was in the middle of this meeting that shouting was heard. "Get in the house! I'm going to beat the living fuck out of all three of you!"
Rachel Black, Billy's daughter—who was home for spring break—stormed into the Ateara house, shoving Embry, Jacob, and Quil ahead of her. "Dad!" She demanded. "Do something about these assholes? I refuse to stay in the same house as them. I don't care what kind of meeting you're having."
"What happened?" Billy asked.
"They were in the garage and decided to work on my car—the one I need to get back and forth between classes when I go back to school. These fuckers thought it was a good idea to dismantle my engine to see if they could put it back together."
"We can put it back together! We swear!" Jacob cried.
"There was nothing wrong with the car. What gives you the right to fuck around with someone's car."
"Why are you swearing so much, Rachel?" Billy asked.
"I am swearing because I am pissed, and I'm about to fuck up my kid brother and his two friends. I worked incredibly hard for that vehicle. It is my personal property. I paid for it with hard work, and I paid for the insurance the same way. That car is my lifeline. It's not a toy for twatwaffle and his bonehead friends to play mechanic school with." She walloped Jacob with a left hook and said, "God! That felt good."
Jacob roared in anger. He shoved past his friends and got in his sister's face. Quil and Embry both moved behind them to back them up. And then they started brawling.
"Take it outside!" Old Quil yelled when he noticed Billy sitting in shock with his mouth flopping open and closed like a fish.
Between Old Quil, Charlie, Don, and Joe—they managed to corral the kids out back so they could try to put a stop to the fighting without them wrecking the living room.
"Rachel, you need to calm down," Charlie urged. "I know hitting your brother might feel good, but it's not a solution. I understand your anger."
Rachel escaped from Charlie's grasp and shoved Jacob to the ground while screaming like a banshee.
All four kids were arguing, curse words were flying, and the kids were out of their minds.
On the side, Quil and Embry were having their own argument. "I told you we shouldn't have listened to Jacob! It was wrong of us to take apart Rachel's car! You have to start thinking for yourself and stop being a follower!" Quil spat.
"I do think for myself, and if anyone is a follower—it's you!"
"Yeah, well, no more! You and Jacob can just fuck yourselves, Embry!"
And then the f-bombs started flying, and the fight became physical.
"There's no stopping them. Sometimes, it's better just to let things play out," Old Quil said.
The arguing continued for a while longer before all four of them suddenly shrieked in horror. The adults turned to them with concern, and a couple of them attempted to run to assist. But Old Quil held them all back as he watched them all phase into wolves.
"Rachel! Rachel!" Billy cried. "Jacob! Spirits, help my family!"
Old Quil turned to Billy. "Tell me now. Do you want your kids risking their lives to fight vampires?"
XOXO
While all this was happening, Bella was in Port Angeles hanging out with Paul. They were on a double date with Jenny and Riley. Currently, they were having burgers and fries together, and they were heading to the new Marvel movie next.
"So, have you heard from any colleges yet?" Paul asked; he had become close to the couple, too.
"We have," Riley said. "We've decided on U Dub Bothell because it's smaller and the campus is safer. Both of us feel more comfortable in a smaller environment, and because it has the University of Washington name, my parents approve."
"Cool," Paul said. "I'm glad it worked out for you."
"Have the two of you started looking at schools yet?" Riley asked. "I think Udub Bothell would be an excellent choice."
"Not even close. We're going to college together, though."
"Yeah," Bella piped in. "That much we've decided on. I think our parents are taking us to tour colleges in the summer."
"And there's a fact that you're ripe for a softball scholarship," Jenny pointed out. "Plus, Mr. Genius Lahote here is bound to get a major academic scholarship of some sort based on his grades. Did you know he's never gotten anything lower than an A-?"
"Yeah, that was a fluke," Paul admitted. "I usually don't get anything lower than an A."
"Are you hiding your smarts from me?" Bella teased.
The couples finished their meals and walked towards the movie theater. It was packed with kids, so they had to park a good distance away. Bella felt a bit eerie about having to park so far away, but they made it to the movie theatre safely.
"Geez! The temperature dropped quickly," Jenny commented as they walked out of the theatre.
Riley put his arm around her, saying, "I'll keep you warm, babe."
"You two are too cute!" Bella commented as she snuggled into Paul for the long walk back to Riley's car.
"Oh, and you two aren't?" Riley said. "Gentleman Paul has his arm protectively around you to shield you from the wind, and you have his letterman's jacket on."
"Shh… Don't tell anyone about my alter ego," Paul whispered.
The two couples laughed and talked together until they finally reached Riley's vehicle. And that's when Bella saw them. Three vampires were leaning up against the car: James, Laurent, and Victoria.
"Hey! Get away from my car!" Riley yelled.
"Oh, shit," Jenny Cameron swore, recognizing what they were. "Riley, please. Stay next to me. Let Paul handle this."
"I'm not going to make Paul handle this alone."
Bella, meanwhile, no longer gave a damn. She knew every single Cullen number by heart, so she texted the one person she suspected would help: Major Jasper Whitlock. If she recalled correctly, it was roughly a ten-minute run between Port Angeles and Forks; that's how long it would take for him to arrive.
"Well, well, well. We have little human schoolchildren for us to feast on. I'm craving a Happy Meal, aren't you?" James drawled. His blood-red eyes shimmered in the moonlight.
Bella stayed silent and watched as the situation unfolded. She texted Paul with the message, "After you phase, get the redhead first, then the blonde dude. Trust me."
The kids took a step back. "We're going to play a game. It's called hide and seek. You kids run and hide, and we'll find you."
Bella started laughing. She knew she looked nuts, but her goal was to keep the vampires talking. "Oh, my God! Do you seriously think we're going to fall for that? It's the oldest trick in the book. Separate the victims and attack them individually to make it easier on yourselves. Now, why don't you use your brains and harness your creativity?"
The vampires turned to each other, confused. It was as if they had never been talked back to by a human being.
"Uh… Uh… We don't have to be creative!" James spat.
"Come on. You have it in you," Bella said. "I like your costumes. Are you supposed to be No Doubt? Or maybe you're the Black Eyed Peas? Really nifty contacts, by the way." She took her phone and snapped a photo of the trio. "I'm going to copy your costume next Halloween, especially yours, Red. Love the white fur coat, it's dazzling."
Bella had discombobulated Victoria. She looked down at her coat and replied, "Uh, thank you."
"What are your names anyway?"
"I'm Victoria; this is my mate James and our friend Laurent."
"And what kind of music do you sing?"
"M… Music?"
The three vampires glanced at each other. After a moment of silence, Laurent said, "We are not musicians. We are vampires."
"Sure you are? Vampires don't exist," Riley replied.
Victoria sidled up to Riley and licked her lips. "Yes, we do exist, and you smell absolutely mouthwatering."
"Just so you know, when you say mouthwatering, it sounds like when someone says moist. It sounds cringe," Bella said.
"Don't say moist!" Victoria seethed.
"Moist," Bella repeated.
"Do not say moist in front of me!" Victoria warned again.
"Well, then, don't say mouthwatering the way you do. It sounds gross, and quit hitting on my friend's boyfriend. That's totally uncool of you, especially because your boyfriend is standing right there watching. What are you guys-like swingers?"
She needed to stall them for three more minutes. How? And then Bella had a thought. "Have you thought about hitting up that biker bar down the alley there? I'm sure there's a veritable feast there waiting. I've seen some big, fat dudes there consuming two or three burgers at a time. Lots of red meat, which means more protein for you. I heard you should consume half your body weight in grams of protein per day. A couple of bikers should fit the bill perfectly."
Paul popped his cell phone and wallet into Bella's purse. He sidled his way behind the three rogue vampires while Bella kept them talking. He went over all the points Jasper had made during the last few weeks. Never letting them get their arms around you and never going for the obvious kill were the two most important rules. Paul decided to go for the knees. It would knock them down, and if he could tear a leg off, she wouldn't be able to run. He could handle the rest later.
Victoria was the first to notice he was no longer within sight. The redhead backed away from Riley and turned to look for him just as Paul phased into his wolf form and leaped straight for her. He easily tore off her leg and tossed it aside, making it impossible for her to run. Bella grabbed Riley and pulled him back towards her. She tried to do the same with Jenny, but she suddenly phased and began charging for Laurent.
Just then, a silver Volvo pulled to a screeching halt. Edward Cullen got out of the vehicle. "Jasper knew I was in the area, so he sent me a text. Get in the car," he urged to Bella and Riley, but before they could, James punched the passenger side window, pulled Angela Weber out, and bit into her wrist—exactly where he had bitten Bella during the first timeline.
"Get off of her!" Bella cried, whipped out the can of Aqua Net and the torch lighter she always carried and went to town. The flames caught the back of James's ponytail, causing him to scream and rush away, but he ran right into Jasper, who quickly rammed his fist through his head, relieving him of it.
Jasper arched an eyebrow at Bella. "How did you get my number?"
"Does it matter?" Bella replied.
All three rogues were down and out for the count. Edward screamed, "Angela! Angela, my love."
"She needs more blood, Edward," Jasper said, checking on her. "Not enough venom. You need to change her now."
"But she wanted to remain human until graduation."
"She has no choice! Give her your venom before I do it! I'm sick of having to live around your sexually frustrated ass. I feel all your emotions, remember? It's not comfortable!"
"Just change her, for God's sake, Edward! You love her. And you're in Port Angeles—not in Forks or La Push, so you can change her without any repercussions. I swear you are thick in the head at times. Stop your self-loathing and bite her already!" Bella ordered.
"Yeah, what she said!" Jasper agreed, pointing to Bella.
Edward changed Angela right there on the street. Then he placed her lovingly in the backseat of his Volvo and sat with her. "You'll drive us home?" he asked Jasper.
"Of course, I will," Jasper replied, "but we can't leave these body parts in the street. Hold on."
Everyone, including Bella and Riley, helped to gather body parts—placed them in a pile and torched them using Bella's torch lighter and Jasper's venom as an accelerant.
"It was smart of you to carry that kit around," Jasper commented, smiling and winking at her. "You're a very special girl. Call me whenever you're in a bind. I'll come running. You're worth it," He gave her a hug, got behind the wheel of Edward's Volvo, and drove off.
"I don't know if I can drive," Riley said, shaking. "That freaked me out."
"Give me the keys. I'll drive," Bella, who was as calm as a cucumber, offered.
"But you don't have your license."
"I know, but no one else will know. We have to get Jenny and Paul back to the res. They're naked, and it's not like we can call the police." Bella picked up Jenny's blue tote bag, snatched Riley's keys out of his hand, and took the wheel.
Riley insisted on sitting next to Jenny in the backseat and demanded an explanation. When Jenny looked into her boyfriend's eyes to explain, she promptly imprinted on him.
Paul kissed Bella soundly on the lips before she began driving. "I love you." To him, she hung the moon and the stars. She was incredible, courageous, and everything that was perfect. She didn't flinch once when faced with vampires, and she found a way to stall them until Paul could phase and attack.
"I love you, too, Paul."
On the hourlong drive back to La Push, they all took turns explaining to Riley about vampires, wolves, and the fact that Jenny had imprinted on him and he was her forever mate.
"It didn't take imprinting to tell me Jenny was my forever," Riley pointed out. "I love her just the way she is."
XOXO
When they arrived at the Ateara house, there was a crowd of vehicles belonging to elders and parents. The four teens all walked into the home to find chaos. Three boys were wearing basketball shorts. Rachel was wearing one of Aunt Molly's bathrobes, and Sam and Jared were trying to keep everyone calm.
"What the hell happened?" Mr Cameron said when he noticed his daughter wearing nothing but Riley's sweatshirt. He also saw that Paul was in his birthday suit.
"It's a long story. We should all sit," Bella suggested.
"Young lady, you don't make the decisions around here," Harry admonished.
"I agree with Elder Clearwater." Then Billy noticed Riley's presence and roared, "What is that white boy doing here?"
"Hey! We, the four of us, just dispatched the three rogues who were terrorizing the area, so show us a little respect!" Bella snapped.
"You two! Shut up and sit down," Old Quil demanded of Billy and Harry. "We need to listen to the kids. "Quil, go upstairs and find something for Paul and Jenny to wear."
"I have a pair of sweats that I forgot here. Come with me, Jenny. You can wear them."
A couple of minutes later. Everyone gathered around the dining table, and the four teens took turns explaining what had happened, including the fact that Jenny had imprinted on Riley.
"How did you get Jasper's phone number, Bella?" Old Quil asked suspiciously.
"Duh… He shared it with the entire Pack in case there was an emergency. I'm an imprint, therefore, I'm Pack."
"He shared it with the elders, Bella."
"I have good listening skills, Uncle Quil. Anyway, it doesn't matter; the rogues are gone, and I even snapped a photo of them in case any of you want it."
"I swear, Bella, when you accused them of cosplaying, that was a stroke of genius. Did you see how confused they were when you asked them if they were going as the Black Eyed Peas or No Doubt?" Jenny asked. "They couldn't keep up with you."
"Why would you taunt vampires?" Billy asked. "Can't you see that you put your friends in danger?"
"As opposed to what, Billy?" Paul asked. "If my imprint hadn't stalled them, the four of us would have died. Bella was the only one who thought on her feet and texted Jasper for help. If she hadn't drawn the attention of the rogue vampires to her, I wouldn't have been able to sneak behind them to start taking them out. As it is, it was Bella who set the blonde dude on fire by torching his hair. She did her part. She didn't sit around relying on just the wolves to handle the situation."
Charlie pulled his daughter into a hug. "That was good thinking of you. And now I know why you insisted you needed that huge can of Aqua Net."
"You should know that Angela Weber has been changed into a vampire," Bella explained. "And before you say anything, it wasn't the Cullens who changed her; it was the rogue vampire named James. He bit Angela when Edward Cullen stopped to help us. That's why I torched James. I wanted him to leave Angela Weber alone."
A few minutes later, Joe Cameron received a phone call from Carlisle Cullen regarding the situation of the rogue vampires and Angela. They were warning them that her death would need to be staged.
Joe Cameron put Carlisle Cullen on hold and explained the situation. Charlie took the phone. He had an idea. "Listen, I've got a vehicle for you to use. I'll have the boys move it to the border of La Push—it's currently not running. Can you stage a car accident? I suppose you're stealing bodies from the morgue. Get three bodies—two males and a female. Call me after you stage the accident. Lieutenant Lahote and I will respond to the call."
Charlie turned to Rachel. "I'm going to have the boys move the car to the Forks line. I want you to call 911 when I tell you and report your car stolen." He turned to the three recently phased boys. "You three will bring the car to the border."
"But it doesn't run, Uncle Charlie," Jake protested.
"And whose fault is that? I'm sure if you ask nicely, the other wolves will help you. Next time, make sure you ask before you tinker. Why don't you toy with that big red truck that belongs to your father? I'm sure it needs a lot of work."
Charlie turned to Bella, Jenny, Paul, and Riley. "I'm proud of all four of you. You handled the situation like champs, and you've saved the entire Olympic Peninsula with your actions tonight."
"Chief Swan, it was mostly Bella, Jenny, and Paul who did the hard work. I just stood there."
"Yeah, but if it weren't for you, Jenny wouldn't have phased to save you and everyone else. Don't discount yourself, kid."
Within three hours, Rachel reported her car stolen, and the accident was staged. They used three bodies and two cars. Rachel's Nissan Versa and Edward's Volvo. The vehicles and bodies were charred beyond recognition using vampire venom. In the end, it was deemed a tragedy that took the lives of two high school students—Angela Weber and Edward Cullen.
Riley slept over at the Lahote's house because he was still too shaken up to drive. Charlie arched an eyebrow when he discovered his daughter had driven back to La Push, but he didn't say a thing. He figured she had inherited her nerves of steel from him, so she had been the best choice as a driver. It couldn't have been Paul driving, after all. That boy needed another round of driver's ed.
XOXO
Because her father would be working late into the night, Bella stayed over at the Ateara's house. When she got to her room, she flipped open her makeup compact and called, "Mirror Mirror, Mr Taha Aki, are you there?"
The warrior appeared wearing a cone party hat, blowing on a horn, and shaking a noise maker. "Congratulations, child. You did it. With your actions, you conquered the rogue vampires, became a better person, and made the world a better place."
"Yay! I was really scared, but I tried to be brave. The most important thing I learned is that I can't let my fears stop me and that I have to be true to myself."
"I think you realized that yourself before the wedding that never was. It's why you called for help, and the spirits answered. You deserved better than eternity with a vampire, and Edward Cullen now has the perfect mate for him."
"Mr. Taha Aki, I understand why Jenny changed, but why did Jacob, Embry, Quil, and Rachel transform tonight? They weren't in any danger, were they?"
"Ah, those four. Well, Rachel was upset with the other three because they took apart the engine of her car without asking."
"Oh, my God. That's so terrible."
"It is," Taha Aki replied. "Rachel and Jacob got into a massive argument, emotions flared, and they phased. Embry and Quil also got into a heated discussion because tensions were already high. Quil realized he needed to stick up for his beliefs rather than following Jacob's lead all the time. I believe this was good for everyone. There will be a major shift in friendships going forward."
Bella sighed. "You're probably right. I'm so disappointed with Billy and Harry."
"Yes, well, that's not your responsibility, but I have a feeling that major changes are needed when it comes to leadership at La Push. It should all come about naturally. Now, child, go to sleep. You were very brave tonight, and I am so proud of you. Remember, I am with you—always."
With that, Bella closed her eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber.