PROLOGUE
3rd Person POV
After Edward flung her into the bolder, Victoria raced through the trees her natural gift allowing her to feel that Edward was not in pursuit so she assumed that he was with the wolf. Those Cullens were the strangest vampires she had ever come across, however she had no doubt that he would be hot on her trail soon. When she attacked Jacob, she heard a howl off in the distance and instinctively knew that it was too far east and not near the others. She was already near the water so she decided to take a swim up north around the small peninsula and come back south closer to the lonely howl. Victoria emerged from the water and wrung the extra water from her clothes, normally she didn't care, but she wanted to be able to move easily.
As she moved quickly the terrain began to get more rocky as the elevation grew higher and higher. Her gift was evasion and so she didn't normally pursue danger, but her instincts told her that this was where Bella would be and as she got closer she began to smell her. It was different, with the faint smell of wet dog mixed with multiple different smells that Victoria knew to be the Cullens, especially Alice. Bella baffled Victoria and she couldn't figure out how one human girl could have such an impact on her.
To Victoria humans were stupid and weak, she could murder hundreds in a matter of minutes if she wanted, how Bella remained alive was quite a mystery. She wanted Bella to suffer for being simply a pain in the ass, but even more so Victoria was curious about Bella. How was this girl able to surround herself with things that most humans considered to be monsters?
Victoria felt confident if the Cullens had not gotten involved then her army would have completely decimated the wolves. Once Victoria knew she was heading in the right direction she climbed up into the trees and began to softly float from branch to branch, trying not to jostle or give away her approach. She could feel that Edward was once again after her.
Edward followed her scent to the water and then assumed that she would head south towards either La Push or Forks. So Edward ran along the shore line, but he was running the wrong direction.
Victoria did not know that, but could feel Edward's pursuit which made her nervous and anxious. She saw Seth and Bella, she was awake, sitting at his side, and running her hand down his back. When the battle started, Seth kept flinching, while he watched his sister and brothers fighting and his movements kept Bella from sleeping. Alice and Bella continued to ask Seth yes or no questions, and for the first time he wished that he could speak in wolf form.
When Alice wasn't asking Seth questions she was trying desperately to see her family, especially Jasper. If there was ever a time that she was desperate to see his future it was then. She would get flashes of Jasper tearing apart a vampire, but then one of the wolves would get involved causing her to loose the image. It was extremely frustrating for Alice, and her head was starting to hurt trying to see things that were either fuzzy or just simply not going to appear. Alice probably should have been watching for Victoria's decisions, but she had to choose because she can't see two futures at the same time and Jasper was her priority.
There was a strong wind that helped disguise Victoria's movements and because Alice was worried and distracted trying to see her family, no one noticed Victoria getting closer and closer. Had Alice not been there or Bella not have so much vampire scent on her, Seth probably could have smelt Victoria coming, but with him already sitting with one vampire, smelling another one coming would have been more difficult. Victoria felt that, if she could incapacitate Alice and kill the dog, then she could take her time with Bella, and not have to rush it. She saw Alice leaning against the rock, with her eyes closed, deep in concentration as Victoria leaped from the tree, landing over Alice and immediately tore her tiny head from her body. Then she ripped Alice's arm and threw it at Bella, but Seth's paw smashed it into the ground.
Bella screamed and Seth howled fiercely as he stood over Bella, while she scampered behind him. Seth could feel that Leah and Jacob were on their way, but it didn't help him know how to fight and protect at the same time. He felt so unprepared and he was scared that he was going to let Jake down by not keeping Bella safe.
“You're next, dog!” Victoria hissed, and leaped at Seth who dodged once, but then instantly Victoria pounced again landing on Seth's back. He tried to buck her off, but he also had to try and be aware of where Bella was. The wolves smelled so terrible to Victoria that she really didn't want to bite another one, so instead she used both of her hands to squeeze hard on Seth's shoulder crushing the bones there. Seth whimpered as Victoria continued to move down his back crushing as many bones as she could. The further Victoria went the harder it was for Seth to remain standing and ended up crumbling to the ground.
“No! Please, stop hurting him!” Bella screamed as she scrambled to her feet. “You only have a few seconds before the rest of the pack and Cullens know you are here. Take me instead.” Bella wasn't sure what Victoria had planned for her, but based on the warning the Laurent gave, it was going to be something slow and painful. Bella just hoped that it was slow enough that Jacob could find her before Victoria finally killed her.
“You really are a stupid girl.” Victoria hissed, as she sprung towards Bella. “Climb on and I'll let him live.”
Bella leaped onto her back, praying that she wasn't making the stupidest decision of her life.
Jacob's POV
I leaped, landing next to Leah and began to search for Bella, but I couldn't see her anywhere. Seth, where is Bella? I asked.
I thought she was here. She was right behind me. Seth answered panicked.
Where is Victoria? Leah asked.
I don't know. Seth began to cry and his body shook, which caused him to howl in pain.
The rest of the pack and the Cullens arrived. Jasper ran to Alice and frantically began to piece her back together, with Esme's and Carlisle's assistance. Leah continued to comfort Seth trying to get him to relax so his body could heal, his crying and shaking was making it worse. I began to sniff around trying to find Victoria's scent but it seems that she must have been up in the trees where her scent is much harder to trace. The harsh winds were making it extremely difficult.
The moment her pieces were back in place, Alice snapped back to life and she began screaming about Victoria.
“Victoria, has Bella!” Alice screamed.
Immediately my snout was in her face, and Jasper looked at me cautiously. Where? Where did she take Bella! I growled, and suddenly I heard Edward's voice interpreting it for me. It's about freaking time you showed up, I mumbled.
“Sorry, I followed her scent to the water and then I thought she would be heading back towards La Push for Bella, so I went that direction. I didn't realize that she figured out that Bella was here. I heard everyone running here, so that is when I changed directions and started running.” Edward explained.
“She is going back to Seattle, but hasn't decided specifically where.” Alice answered.
Let's go! I insisted.
Jake, we can't go chasing her around Seattle as wolves. Embry said, worried that I was going to get mad at him for contradicting me.
We need you, Jake. Leah insisted. Sam deserves to have you here, when we bury him.
I whined, because I knew that they were right. I needed to stay here for my pack.
“Jacob, Bella is alive . . .” Alice stated.
How do you know that? I questioned.
“Because Victoria is still planning different ways to kill her.” Edward answered fiercely.
I couldn't decide if I felt relieved or even more nervous. Of course I was glad that Bella was still alive, but I hated to think of what torture she would endure. Promise me, that you'll bring Bella back to me.I said to Edward.
“I will, Jacob.” Edward promised.
ALIVE! I clarified. And truly alive, not a frozen over corpse that moves.
“I'll do my best.” Edward answered.
I knew that was just going to have to be good enough, because that was the best answer he could give me.
The Cullen family ran together towards Seattle, except for Carlisle who offered to stay behind to treat Seth. Seth wasn't able to phase back yet so everyone, but myself, phased back and carried Seth towards La Push. I ran back to Sam, and I saw his broken and stiff body. I phased back and knelt down by his side, and I couldn't hold it together any longer. I cried for my alpha and wished that he would have been able to train me. I cried for my pack family who lost their leader and was now going to be following me. I cried for Bella and I wanted her here with me and not in the clutches of a sadistic vampire. I was so scared, so alone, and continued to cry until I couldn't cry any more.
Then with shaking arms I lifted Sam's body and carried him home. I knew that my life was never going to be the same, from now on, I was alpha.
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Permalink Reply by Anita Newbill on January 25, 2012 at 12:09am Great story, as always!! Now all we have to worry about is Jackie -- and the Voltari!! You handle multiple dialogs very well!!! I was able to easily keep up. Thanks, annd see you next Tues?!
Permalink Reply by JJ on January 31, 2012 at 9:14am Thanks, I'm glad that you can follow who is saying what easily. :D Yep still need to deal with the Volturi it is a good thing that vampires don't really care much about time.
Permalink Reply by Erin Smith on January 24, 2012 at 6:05pm This was a great update. I hope from the discussion that Jackie will have with Bella will give her a greater perspective on imprinting, and I hope that she will decide not to divorce Embry, and will be able to work on their relationship for the sake of their daughter. Bella's Sun is also a great story.
Permalink Reply by JJ on January 31, 2012 at 9:16am If anyone can help Jackie it is most likely Bella. Bella has been dealing with this for a long time now. It is never easy to know what to do, especially when you have a child to consider. This isn't easy for Jackie or for Embry.
Permalink Reply by JJ on January 31, 2012 at 9:28am Song is Hold Me by Jamie Grace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISgr8SgCYbY
5 YEARS LATER
* Jacob is 34, Bella is 36, Danielle (Dani-11), Asher (10), Zeke & Cindy (5)
* Rachel/Paul has Patrick (13), Richard (11), Paula (4), Rheida (3)
* Kim/Jared – Nicole (15), Brandon (13), Daniel (10)
* Embry/Jackie – Unfortunately, talking to Bella didn't help. After six miserable months Jackie filed for divorce, saying that she couldn't live in constant fear. Embry was crushed and it was a very hard several months for all three of them. However after one year they moved back in together, under one condition. Jackie wanted Embry to promise to not fight it if he were to imprint. She fully intends on letting him go. Both of them still love each other very much and not being married takes the pressure off if he were to imprint and so they are able to live comfortably together with their daughter Susan (7). Susan is best friends with Emily's daughter Stacy.
* Seth/Amber – Luke (6), Laura (5), and Lewis (3) and one on the way. Cindy and Zeke play with Luke and Laura on a regular basis and so Seth's imprinting has yet to be a real issue for his family. Seth is Cindy's favorite “uncle” (all pack members are referred to as uncles or aunts).
* Leah and Isaac have no children of their own, so two years ago they adopted siblings Brian (5) and Brittany (4).
* Emily and Nomi – Tommy (16) and Stacy (7)
* Claire is 21
* Billy 70ish
Chapter 29 – TOGETHER
It was a warm summer night and everyone was huddled around a large campfire. It was almost comical any time we all tried to get together. We were one massive family with nineteen children all listening to 'Grampa Billy' tell stories. I loved the comfort level of everyone, Paul, Rachel, Jackie, Kim, and Jared were huddled together, watching their kids listen to the stories. Dani, Ash, Patrick, Richard, Brandon, and Daniel were roasting marshmallows. They had four roasting sticks that they would pass around between them. Emily shared a glance with Kim as they noticed Tommy and Nicole holding hands in the back of the group. Stacy and Susan were the very best of friends and were practically joined at the hip, never leaving each other's side.
Seth was laying on his stomach with Cindy, Paula, Laura, and Brittany all laying on his back. Amber smiled next to him with Lewis sitting in her lap. Leah, Isaac, and Nomi were whispering quietly to each other. Bella was sitting between Embry and Quil, trying really hard to not laugh at the random comments that Quil was making. He had heard the stories so many times that he would make a few additions that he felt livened them up. When Bella couldn't hold in the laughter she would cover her mouth and bury her face in Embry's shoulder. Claire was next to Quil, also trying to not laugh, and I was next to Claire with Zeke and Luke sitting in my lap. The wind blew lightly, causing smoke to swirl and the logs settled, causing sparks to rise up into the black sky.
Just like every time he told the legends there was a great pause once he finished and the silence covered everyone like a blanket, warm, soft, and comfortable. I scooped up Cindy, who had fallen asleep on Seth's back, and carried her to the tent. Zeke was sleepy, but still awake, as Bella lead him by the hand to his sleeping bag. He really wanted to sleep in the big tent with the older kids and I think he made himself stay awake to prove that he was ready. Bella and I smiled at each other as we tucked them both into bed and then rejoined the adults around the fire.
Embry was sitting on the ground with his back leaning against Jackie's legs, burning a long stick in the fire. Quil had Claire in his lap with his arms wrapped around her waist. It hasn't be an easy road for them, but they were together. Claire had a normal high school dating life, with only one boy that actually broke her heart. She was in her senior year and she had been dating him for over a year when he dumped her for her best friend. It didn't take long for Quil to find out what happened and he went to Claire, who was in her room crying.
(FLASH BACK)
“Come here, sweety.” Quil said as he sat down on her bed.
Without further thought Claire wrapped her arms around his neck and cried with her head on his shoulder. Quil wrapped his arms around her and positioned her more comfortably in his lap.
“Shhhh,” he cooed. “It's going to be okay.” He continued to rub her back as she fisted her hand around the fabric of his shirt. She shook her head not able to speak at the moment. Quil had never experienced anything more painful than watching her be in so much pain and not be able to really do anything for her.
After several hours Quil had shifted so that he was sitting up against her headboard and Claire was curled into his side with her head on her pillow that was in his lap.
“Quil, you need to go.” Hannah told him.
He looked at the clock and it was well after midnight and Claire had been asleep for the past hour, but he still couldn't bring himself to leave. “I'm sorry, but I'm not leaving.”
“You can't stay here. I'm grateful for your friendship and there is no denying that she needed you this evening, but this . . .” she stammered over her words, “. . . this between you and my daughter . . . it's inappropriate.”
Quil shook his head. “You know, I would never hurt her.” Quil insisted. “I'll stay awake if you want and keep the door open as well, but I won't leave. She needs me.”
Quil kept his promise and stayed awake all night. It turns out that he most likely wouldn't have slept much even without the promise, because Claire cried all through the night. Still nothing changed for Quil, he was still the loyal friend and protector that he has always been. However, after that night Claire saw Quil in a different light. He wasn't just her best friend that would do anything for her, she realized that she really did love him.
Two months later, they were in her living room, she had school books scattered around her on the floor and he was laying across the couch, watching something on TV. Her back rested against the side of the couch and Quil was running one hand through her hair.
“Hey Quil?” Claire looked over her shoulder at him.
“Yeah?” Quil looked at her, waiting for her to say what she wanted.
Claire shifted up onto her knees and rested one hand on the couch. “I want to try something.”
“Sure, you can do anything you want.” Quil shrugged. “You know that.”
Claire nodded slowly, licking her lips before placing them quickly against Quil's lips.
Quil didn't move, except for his eyes, widening in surprise. “What was that?” He whispered.
“It was a kiss.” Claire smiled shyly.
“Well I know that.” Quil rolled his eyes. “Why did you kiss me?”
“Because I love you.” Claire leaned towards him, to kiss him again.
“Whoa, I love you too, but we have both known that forever.” Quil moved on the couch, sitting up in the middle of it.
“No we haven't.” Claire moved to sit next to him on the couch with him. “It's different, I'm . . . uh, I'm in love with you.”
Quil took her hands and grinned. “That is actually great. I'm really glad to know that, but Claire nothing can happen with us.”
“Why?”
“You are in high school.”
“I'm eighteen. Please, Quil!” Claire begged.
“Don't do that to me.” Quil shook his head. “You know how hard it is for me to tell you 'no'.”
Claire was well aware of Quil being a wolf and that their connection was based on him imprinting on her. It was hard to figure out exactly how much she understood, but when it came to getting her way, she understood very well. Quil had told her 'no' before, mostly when he felt like she was manipulating him and other times he did just to prove that he could. However, most of the time behind the scenes Quil did everything he could to make what she wanted become reality.
Quil threaded his fingers through Claire's hand with a sigh. “What do you want from me?”
“I'm not sure.”
“Claire . . .” Quil paused for a moment, looking down at their joined hands. “Um, I don't think I can just try with you, and . . . you know, see what happens.”
“It will be okay.” Claire promised, as she leaned up and kissed him, once, twice, three times before Quil pressed his lips back into hers. Quil's stomach was in knots as their lips caressed together, both of their hearts beating wildly. Claire moved closer to him and he wrapped his arms around her, their kissing experimental and uncertain.
(END FLASH BACK)
They remained the very best of friends, constantly teasing and playfully bickering with each other. It took a lot for Claire's parents to get past the age difference and even more for the community, but they couldn't deny how happy Quil and Claire made each other. They had always had a special bond, it was just mentally messed up to see them together. It was hard on Quil as well, and actually difficult for him to stop thinking of her as a kid or his buddy. They took things very slow just looking at each other in a new light and after Claire's graduation she stayed in La Push, working with Bella. It was interesting to see them get more comfortable with their intimacy. A year and a half after their first kiss they were married.
I sat down next to Quil and Claire and a few minutes later Bella joined me, sitting in my lap.
“Did they go to sleep?” I asked her.
“Yep, Zeke was out like a light. I thought he might have a hard time with being so excited, but he fell asleep in mid sentence.” Bella smiled, snuggling into my chest with a deep sigh. “I love being held by you.”
“Well I love holding you.” I squeezed her tightly. With everything that Bella and I have been through over the years, it made me love and appreciate her even more.
We watched the fire lazily as Bella nuzzled my neck, trailing tiny kisses across it.
“Careful what you start. . .” I whispered.
“I'm always careful.” Bella murmured before kissing me deeply. I kissed her back passionately with my hands trailing over her back and legs. The fire simmered from tall flames into low burning embers as we continued to kiss one another.
“Get a tent.” Paul teased as he carried Rachel, who was sound asleep to his own tent.
“Don't mind if I do.” I picked up Bella and she wrapped her legs around my waist as we made it over to the tent. I sat her down and unzipped the tent for us to both go inside. We kicked our shoes off and began to kiss each other removing our clothing in experienced haste.
“Sleeping bag . . . cold . . .” Bella panted, stepped back enough to move to the bag on the ground.
Bella crawled in and I followed right behind her, zipping up the sleeping bag behind me. Our naked bodies caressed against each other as we moaned and groaned in pleasure.
“Shhhh,” I mumbled, reminding her that we weren't completely alone.
“Right, quiet.”
We were all over each other as we made love quietly in the tent.
The following morning started early and we had a great breakfast. It was impressive that the women even attempted to cook anything for this many people, but they made two fires and cooked sausage and bacon over one and a massive amount of eggs in the other. Then the older kids would take the pans down to the river and wash them out to be used for the next meal.
The sky was bright blue without a cloud in sight and so I knew it would be a great day to walk down to the waterfalls and let the kids slide and swim in the open water. It was the same camping spot that Quil, Embry, Jackie, Bella, and myself went to when we camped together, with two separate waterfalls and a large pond that they both flowed into.
“You ready to go?” I asked Bella as she bent over to lace up her boots.
“Well, um, I was actually thinking of staying to help with the younger kids. Leah will be here with Paula, Rheida, Lewis, and Britney and I didn't want her to be by herself.”
“Oh . . .” I said disappointed, I hadn't thought about her wanting to stay.
“I'll stay.” Claire offered. “You're a mom Bella, go. You need to take a break and not feel like you need to be so responsible all the time.”
“Are you sure?” Bella asked. “I don't mind.”
“I'm sure. I don't really like tramping through the trees, when I have a perfectly good stream right next to me.” Claire smiled. There was a small stream near the campsite that the younger kids could throw rocks into or splash around. A little further down was a nice size pond where Dad could teach them how to fish. How he was able to catch so many fish, helping a five year old was always a small miracle, but he never failed to catch enough for the evening meal.
“Do you want me to ask Quil to stay?” I looked around the area for him.
“Nah, he will want to swim and slide with the kids.” Claire rolled her eyes. “Anyone who thought he was too old for me, doesn't know him at all.”
Bella and I both laughed. “So true.” I acknowledged.
We headed towards the waterfalls as a massive herd. Rachel and I were in the front, sort of leading the way, but mostly we just kept the kids from running the wrong direction.
“How are you doing, Rach?” I asked her.
“Really good, but I miss teaching.”
“Is it two more years before Rheida is in kindergarten?” I shook my head. “That is amazing.”
“I know, it goes fast and slow all at the same time when you are surrounded by it.”
“That is very true.” I nodded. “Hey, how is Dad doing?” I asked.
“Actually not very well, he is still as stubborn as ever.” Rachel sighed. “I keep trying to get him to eat better, but he won't. He says that he is old and will eat however he wants.”
I frowned slightly with a soft sigh. “I've noticed that he isn't carving near as much as he used to.”
“Yeah, I think it is his eyes. He just can't see as well as he used to and he is such a perfectionist that he throws away half of the projects that he starts.”
“Maybe I should come over more often to help him with the final touches. He could tell me how he wants the details to look like.” I put my arm around her shoulders, giving her a gentle hug. “Thank you for staying with him. You know if it ever gets to be too much Bella and I will help you.”
Rachel smiled, putting her arm around my waist. “Thanks, Jake.”
We continued to walk for a while with our arms still around each other. There wasn't much of a trail, we mostly followed the creek until we reached the waterfalls. A large section had been washed out and I held her hand as she stepped carefully around it.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Paul was right behind Rachel and he stayed there, offering a hand to others until everyone pasted that section. Rachel and I continued to chat with each other, talking about the shop, the cafe, and the bookstore as well as our kids. The kids that we were with were older and more familiar with the area. They ran most of the way, so we arrived at the waterfalls much faster than the rest of the group.
“Hey, are you alright watching them while I circle back to get the losers at the end?” I smiled, knowing that Bella was always at the very end of the line. She didn't care and would just take her time. She has gotten better about no longer tripping over nothing, but when hiking . . . there was already so much to trip over that it wasn't easy for her.
“Sure, go save your wife.” Rachel teased.
I grinned and waved to her as I doubled back. Since there was no specific trail I made a large circle, not wanting to be in the way of those who were still making their way towards the water. Everything was so green with massive trees filled with large thick leaves. The ground was covered with patches of grass, areas of dry dirt, and lots of small branches and twigs that have fallen from trees and bushes. There were also several wild berries and wild yellow and purple flowers that were scattered in random clusters.
I loved being outside in nature, but sometimes it made me miss my wolf. He was so much faster and he could smell all the leaves, soil, and flowers so much better than I could. With my own eyes I could see what was right in front of me, as a wolf I was able to experience it and not only see it. As I continued to walk back, surrounded by large oak trees, it was fun to be able to watch the kids and my friends laughing and talking to each other without them really knowing that I was there.
As I suspected at the very end of the line was Bella. The ground was uneven, curving back and forth as the river moved and I saw Embry holding Bella's hand as they walked along a particularly rocky area. It was really great how everyone took care of each other and so them holding hands as they walked along didn't really bother me. Once the ground leveled out again they let go of each other, at the same time I came up from behind and I could hear them talking. It had something to do with Susan and the school, but I didn't catch all of it.
I came up behind them and tapped Embry on the shoulder, with my finger over my lips for him to not say anything about me being there. Embry smiled and nodded his head and continued to talk to Bella, he saw that the path was about to narrow and started to move behind Bella. Right before he moved I slapped Bella in the butt and then moved behind Embry.
“Embry!” Bella squealed, jumping slightly, but never actually looked behind her as she moved through the narrow section. I had to bite my lip to keep myself from laughing.
“Sorry Bella, um . . . ,” he paused for a moment, “ah, you had a bug on you.” Embry shrugged at me.
Bella squirmed, rubbing her hands over her own body. “Oh, thanks then.”
Embry gave me a thumbs up and I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing. The area got ready to widen back up and as Embry moved back to walk next to Bella I slapped her butt again.
Bella looked at Embry. “Stop that! There is no way that was a bug.”
Embry nodded. “Yeah, you are right. It wasn't.”
“What were you thinking?” Bella asked.
“Well, um . . .” Embry glanced at me for a second and I shrugged at him, which he rolled his eyes at.
“What?” Bella asked again.
“You've got a nice ass.” Embry told her.
Once again I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing as Bella stopped suddenly and I had to lean back to avoid hitting them. “You can not say that to me!” Embry just shrugged, not defending himself. “Jacob would knock you in the head.”
“You know . . .” Embry smirked. “Jake might be more understanding about it than you think.”
“Well, in that case . . .” Bella reached over placing her arm around his waist and then slipped her hand lower placing it in his back pocket, grabbing his butt.
“Bella?” Embry asked. I'm not sure if Embry or myself was more shocked. Embry's whole body went rigid as he moved back, grabbing her arm to pull her hand out. “Uh . . . I think this was a mistake,” he whispered. I think he spoke to me, but it could have been directed towards Bella.
We continued to walk for a while with our arms still around each other. There wasn't much of a trail, we mostly followed the creek until we reached the waterfalls. A large section had been washed out and I held her hand as she stepped carefully around it.
“Thanks.”
“No problem.”
Paul was right behind Rachel and he stayed there, offering a hand to others until everyone pasted that section. Rachel and I continued to chat with each other, talking about the shop, the cafe, and the bookstore as well as our kids. The kids that we were with were older and more familiar with the area. They ran most of the way, so we arrived at the waterfalls much faster than the rest of the group.
“Hey, are you alright watching them while I circle back to get the losers at the end?” I smiled, knowing that Bella was always at the very end of the line. She didn't care and would just take her time. She has gotten better about no longer tripping over nothing, but when hiking . . . there was already so much to trip over that it wasn't easy for her.
“Sure, go save your wife.” Rachel teased.
I grinned and waved to her as I doubled back. Since there was no specific trail I made a large circle, not wanting to be in the way of those who were still making their way towards the water. Everything was so green with massive trees filled with large thick leaves. The ground was covered with patches of grass, areas of dry dirt, and lots of small branches and twigs that have fallen from trees and bushes. There were also several wild berries and wild yellow and purple flowers that were scattered in random clusters.
I loved being outside in nature, but sometimes it made me miss my wolf. He was so much faster and he could smell all the leaves, soil, and flowers so much better than I could. With my own eyes I could see what was right in front of me, as a wolf I was able to experience it and not only see it. As I continued to walk back, surrounded by large oak trees, it was fun to be able to watch the kids and my friends laughing and talking to each other without them really knowing that I was there.
As I suspected at the very end of the line was Bella. The ground was uneven, curving back and forth as the river moved and I saw Embry holding Bella's hand as they walked along a particularly rocky area. It was really great how everyone took care of each other and so them holding hands as they walked along didn't really bother me. Once the ground leveled out again they let go of each other, at the same time I came up from behind and I could hear them talking. It had something to do with Susan and the school, but I didn't catch all of it.
I came up behind them and tapped Embry on the shoulder, with my finger over my lips for him to not say anything about me being there. Embry smiled and nodded his head and continued to talk to Bella, he saw that the path was about to narrow and started to move behind Bella. Right before he moved I slapped Bella in the butt and then moved behind Embry.
“Embry!” Bella squealed, jumping slightly, but never actually looked behind her as she moved through the narrow section. I had to bite my lip to keep myself from laughing.
“Sorry Bella, um . . . ,” he paused for a moment, “ah, you had a bug on you.” Embry shrugged at me.
Bella squirmed, rubbing her hands over her own body. “Oh, thanks then.”
Embry gave me a thumbs up and I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing. The area got ready to widen back up and as Embry moved back to walk next to Bella I slapped her butt again.
Bella looked at Embry. “Stop that! There is no way that was a bug.”
Embry nodded. “Yeah, you are right. It wasn't.”
“What were you thinking?” Bella asked.
“Well, um . . .” Embry glanced at me for a second and I shrugged at him, which he rolled his eyes at.
“What?” Bella asked again.
“You've got a nice ass.” Embry told her.
Once again I had to cover my mouth to keep from laughing as Bella stopped suddenly and I had to lean back to avoid hitting them. “You can not say that to me!” Embry just shrugged, not defending himself. “Jacob would knock you in the head.”
“You know . . .” Embry smirked. “Jake might be more understanding about it than you think.”
“Well, in that case . . .” Bella reached over placing her arm around his waist and then slipped her hand lower placing it in his back pocket, grabbing his butt.
“Bella?” Embry asked. I'm not sure if Embry or myself was more shocked. Embry's whole body went rigid as he moved back, grabbing her arm to pull her hand out. “Uh . . . I think this was a mistake,” he whispered. I think he spoke to me, but it could have been directed towards Bella.
“Why? No one would know. . .” Bella whispered, as she trailed her hand over his shoulder and down his arm to take his hand. “I've always thought that you were really great.”
“Um . . . uh.” Embry stammered.
Bella moved his hand to put it around her waist and moved closer to him, rubbing her other hand over his chest. “Hey, Embry . . .” Bella murmured, pulling him closer to her.
Suddenly this joke didn't seem quite so funny. Did Bella really have some underlying crush on Embry? Was I only seeing them as friends because that is what I wanted to see? I was glued in place, my heart hammering in my chest, not able to speak or move. Embry leaned down closer to her as his hands slid from her shoulders around to her back. Bella moved her hand to the back of his neck, running her hand under his hair, moving closer to him.
It almost looked like they were going to kiss, which didn't make any sense at all. Even if there was something going on with Bella, which was really hard to believe, Embry knew I was standing right behind them. He didn't move, except to lean down closer when it looked like he whispered something to her. I couldn't see Bella's face because of Embry's back, but I could see her continued to rub over his chest and then behind his neck with each movement getting closer to him.
“Hey, Jacob?” Bella said.
“Huh?” I grunted.
“How long are you going to stand there, letting me assault Embry, before you say something?”
“What?” I mumbled.
Suddenly Embry and Bella were both laughing as they stepped away from each other and Bella came over and took my hand. “Jacob, I knew it was you that smacked my butt the very first time.” Bella smiled.
“You did?”
Bella nodded and then I looked at Embry. “Sorry . . . ?” He shrugged.
“Haha,” I scowled playfully, “that was so not funny. And you . . .” I pointed my finger at Embry, “. . . you better not ever touch my wife again!”
“Whoa! What in the world have I walked in on?” Quil asked, coming from the falls. His shorts were soaking wet, leaving drops everywhere he went, but his skin was dry.
“Nothing, I swear.” Embry raised both hands as if under arrest. “It was all her idea.” He pointed at Bella.
“Throw me under the bus, why don't ya.” Bella crossed her arms over her chest, pretending to be angry. “Thanks a lot,” she mumbled under her breath.
“It's true!” Embry insisted.
Bella smiled. “Yeah, it was all me. I'm sorry, I just couldn't resist.” Bella turned to me. “But I never dreamed that you would let me rub all over him. What were you thinking?”
“Um . . .” Suddenly feeling pretty stupid.
Bella gasped softly. “You thought I would really do something with him?”
“Oh jeez . . .” Quil mumbled and I saw him nod his head for Embry to come with him.
“I didn't mean to. You just seemed so comfortable.”
“Of course I was, it's Embry . . .”
“Real nice, Bella.” Embry shook his head.
Bella rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean. Jake's best friend and someone I've been close to for over fifteen years.”
I took her hand. “I get it, and if I didn't trust you then I wouldn't have started it.”
“Exactly.” Bella hugged me and I wrapped my arms around her. Our hands joined together like they always did and we started walking towards the falls together.
“I still don't get how you knew it was me with the first slap?”
Bella smirked. “You don't think I know what your hand feels like.”
I laughed. “Good point.”
We made it to the waterfalls not far behind Quil and Embry and had a great time watching the kids slide down one of the falls and splash and swim in the water. Embry tried to apologize and I made sure that he knew that everything was fine. That evening there was more fish than you could imagine.
“Thank you, Dad.” I sat down next to him in front of the fire.
“What for?” He asked.
“I was going to say for providing the fish, but really,” I paused, placing my hand on his knee, “really for everything.”
Dad smiled and patted my hand with his. “Always.”
We settled into a comfortable silence as the day came to a close. The following morning the sky filled with clouds. We had already planned to pack up, but the sky gave us some added motivation and we were on the road before the rain came down.
Permalink Reply by Anita Newbill on January 31, 2012 at 7:23pm Beautiful chapter!!! How I envy family & friends who live close to each other & take care of each other this way! It sure takes the strain off parenthood and reinforces the family bonds, too. Love it!!! Thanks for a happy refreshing read!!!
Permalink Reply by Lucretia McCray on February 2, 2012 at 12:03pm that was amazing loved the part when Jake came up behind Bella and hit on the ass and that whole part it was funny....
Permalink Reply by Dantezgirl on February 4, 2012 at 5:25am Yip lovin' it!
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