Her son had died two days after she gave birth to him. Pneumonia, the doctors had said, and that had been it for her. He was all she had and he was taken from her. She didn't think she'd find happiness again, not after her son had passed.

She had felt so much guilt over his death. Mothers are supposed to protect their children, but I couldn't. It wasn't her fault, and deep down she had always known that to be the truth, but back then she had wanted some semblance of control over something.

She unknowingly married an abuser. Her family encouraged her to keep it to herself, and so did he, with his threats and his fists. When she had finally gained the courage to run away she felt free, and for the first time in years, she had felt in control. And then my son died and I realized what little control I actually had.

But she could control one thing, she could control whether she lived or died. When she threw herself from the cliff she found it to be freeing, she had smiled, and her last human thought was how she would fly into heaven and see her sweet boy again.

Then Carlise found her and had once again reminded her how little control she truly had. But upon awakening, she wasn't upset, only enraptured with the strange man that had saved her life. He was her mate, gentle and attentive and loving. He was strong, but she never feared his hand, and he was firm while never raising his voice at her; a far cry from her previous husband.

Then he brought her children, Edward, Rosalie, Emmett, Alice, and Jasper. So many motherless children that she loved so deeply they might as well have come from her own womb. Now she had Bella, another beautiful daughter, one she would protect with her life, just as she would any of her children.

They were going to start Bella's therapy sessions soon, and while she was excited the wolf felt she could confide in her, she was also a bit apprehensive to learn more about her troubles and trauma. But she needs me, and I'll be there.

Esme was home alone. The girls were shopping, some of the boys were off hunting, and Edward and Irina had gone to Seattle to check the newborn situation. Carmen and Eleazar were on a date while Carlise was finishing up at work. I love having everyone over, but some peace and quiet is nice.

She was going through the Cullen photo albums, and she was excited to realize that Bella's addition to the family required her to break out her camera once again. In seconds she retrieved it, putting it near the photobook and smiling.

Almost all her children would groan whenever she'd take their pictures, though Rosalie was never convincing. Her eldest daughter loved any reason to display her beauty.

Alice loved taking photos with everyone, Emmett could hardly hold still despite his age, Jasper's smiles needed to be worked on, and Edward would go on a tangent about their 'futile existence' before sucking it up and giving a small smile of his own.

I'm sure Bella would love to take pictures with everyone. She smiled at the thought, she would only make things more fun.

Her thoughts were interrupted when the front door opened and she froze, the smell of human blood filled the air as Bella raced into the room. The girl was trembling, one eye black, and hands drenched in blood. Esme was quick to hold her breath.

The familiar burn in her throat reminded her of her past failures, of Irina's cutting words and harsh truths, and it only strengthened her resolve. I won't fail, not this time.

Dual-colored eyes were filled with venom and panic as she approached her, "Mom." She croaked, making Esme's eyes widen, "I-I couldn't...there was so much blood I couldn't!" The desperation in her voice, the pleading for her to understand made her heart shatter.

Esme was in front of Bella in seconds, lifting her off her feet and carrying her to the bathroom. She started the bath, placing Bella's hands beneath the hot water and pouring soup on a loofa. The hybrid was still trembling, gaze fixed on the red water going down the drain.

"You're alright," Esme murmured, scrubbing the remaining blood from her hands, "You're here, with me, and whatever happened doesn't matter."

Black and brown eyes looked up at her, filled with fear and confusion, "I...I don't know who's blood it is. I got home and it was all over my room and I can't...I went up because I couldn't help it but I didn't…" she trailed off, the pleading returned in her voice, "I didn't do anything. I swear I didn't!"

She sounded so small, so frightened and nearly childlike, "Bella-"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to interrupt what you were doing." She continued, averting her gaze, "I just...I didn't know where else to go and I don't want to bother anyone. Renee doesn't like when I do that," she was speaking so quickly, rushing to apologize as though she feared being interrupted and yelled at, "And you've already helped me so much and you've done so much I don't want you to think I'm ungrateful-"

Esme propped herself up on the side of the tub, gently taking Bella's head and hugging her to her chest. This silenced the wolf, who all but slumped against her. I'm not Renee, she kissed the top of her head and held her tighter, you'll never bother me.

"I'm so proud of you, Bella." She withdrew, looking up at Esme with wide eyes, "Resisting human blood, especially for a vampire your age, is remarkably difficult." She smiled gently at her, "As you know, I've slipped up on more than one occasion. While I'm proud of your restraint, I hope you know that no matter what you do, you always have a home here."

A small sob escaped the girl and she pulled her hands from the water and wrapped her in a warm hug. They sat like that for a moment, Esme's heart full and her eyes wet. When Bella pulled away her eyes were wide, and she raced to the toilet, vomiting so violently her entire body shook.

Esme went to her and held her hair up. Her other hand rubbed her back until she finished. Bella coughed, spitting once more and keeping her head down in shame as Esme flushed the toilet and led her towards the sink.

"Sorry."

She shook her head, "You apologize for the silliest things." She retrieved a spare toothbrush and mouthwash, "How about you shower? I'll wash your clothes and when you're finished...perhaps we could watch something on tv?" She offered and Bella nodded, a small smile on her lips but it didn't quite reach her eyes, "Would you like me to make brownies?" The wolf looked hesitant and she laughed, "I like cooking and baking, Bella, and I like doing those things for you."

Bella nodded slowly, relaxing ever so slightly, "Alright...thank you."

Esme got on her tiptoes, pressing a kiss to her cheek, "Of course. I'll get you some clothes. Carlisle and Carmen can take care of your room. According to Rosalie, I needed to fix up your room anyway." Her sheepish smile made her laugh and pat her shoulder, "We've all been there."

Esme left the bathroom, throwing Bella's clothes into the washer and retrieving one of Emmett's shirts paired with the baggy sweats of Jasper. The last thing I need is Rosalie being aggravated about Bella's scent. Esme hoped that breaking up the scents would help to appease her slightly possessive daughter.

Bella was simply too tall to wear any of Rosalie's clothes, not that her daughter had any attire designed for comfort. But, after giving it some thought, she retrieved Rosalie's blanket and put it on the couch before starting the brownie mix and texting Carlise.

She put the batter in the oven by the time she heard the shower stop. Bella came downstairs and Esme had to refrain from cooing at how cute she looked. Emmett's baggy shirt and Jasper's baggy sweats swallowed her lithe form and made her look small. She had washed her hair, and now that all traces of blood were gone, Esme allowed herself to breathe again.

Bella had used Rosalie's shampoo and conditioner, making her smell like citrus and cinnamon, an odd combination but not unpleasant. She stood with shoulders slightly slouched, curled in on herself as she stared at Esme with uncertainty. For a moment she reminded her of Rosalie. Her daughter always struggled when it came to vulnerability, and seeing the slight panic in Bella's eyes made her smile sadly.

"Oh, Bella." Esme approached her slowly, "Can I hug you?" Her bottom lip quivered and she threw herself at the vampire, burying her face in her neck and holding her tightly.

"Thank you."

Esme gently wrapped her arms around her, "I can call Rosalie and have her come home."

Bella released a shuttered breath and held onto her even tighter, "She's shopping with Alice, Kate, and Tanya...I don't want to bother her."

She pulled away and frowned, "You know you wouldn't-"

"I know I...I want her here but...I don't want to ruin everyone's fun. Please, could we not call anyone? I'd hate to get the whole house in a tizzy." She sighed, shoulders slumped in defeat, "I know it was from Victoria...I just...I don't want to think about where she got all that blood."

Esme held her hands in hers, "I know it's horrible, it truly is, but I don't want this incident tearing you apart, do you understand?"

Bella's eyes watered and she further withdrew from her touch, "But it's all my fault. She's obsessed with me and I brought her here!" A shaky breath escaped her, "I'm supposed to protect humans, I'm supposed to drink animal blood but…" she cradled her arms to her chest as though she were trying to hold herself together, "I think these awful things. I nearly hurt this girl at school last week...and smelling that blood made me want to attack people. Sometimes I have fantasies about ripping out throats and…" she trailed off, looking startled by her own confession and quickly shutting her mouth.

"Bella." She said, voice firm and hands bracing her shoulders, "Look at me." The hybrid did so reluctantly, "You can't blame yourself for other people's actions. Victoria is unhinged, sadistic, how could you possibly have any control over what she does? You're practically a newborn, your bloodlust is in the more extreme stages but you can't control that either. What you're experiencing is, unfortunately, very normal."

"I can't control Victoria, you're right," she conceded, shaking off her touch as she began to pace, "But I know how to make her stop...I know how to protect everyone." As though any of us would ever allow that to happen.

Esme shook her head, "This woman is willing to tear the world apart in order to get to you, someone who's not even her mate, someone who is unwilling to be with her." She approached Bella and grabbed her hands again, forcing her to stop her pacing, "Imagine what she'll do when she realizes that, for her, you won't be enough."

Bella's jaw clenched and she looked away from her, "I can at least get her out of Forks, away from everyone-"

"Do you really think that giving yourself up will spare any of us?" She kept her voice gentle, trying to provoke thought rather than panic, "Surrendering yourself won't save us from her newborn army."

Dual-colored eyes filled with fear and remorse and realization, "She'll make sure I'll never leave her side." Bella squeezed her eyes shut and pulled away from her once again, "Goddammit!" She screamed, body trembling as she began to pace once again, "I can't fucking win!" Her anger quickly melted away, replaced with sorrow as she gazed at Esme, "I can't lose any of you, I can't."

Esme couldn't pretend that the threat of a newborn army hadn't filled her with fear. The worry that came with losing any of her children, or her mate, or the Denali's, had plagued her thoughts more often than she'd like to admit. But I have to be strong for Bella, again, she wrapped her in a comforting embrace, she needs me.

"We'll protect each other, all of us will." Bella clung to her as though she were her lifeline, "Newborns are inexperienced, they won't be a match for us." She assured her, closing her eyes as Bella's heart slowed slightly, no longer as frantic as it once was.

"You're right...we'll take care of each other."

The oven beeped and Esme pulled away, pressing a kiss to her cheek, "I put Rose's blanket on the couch...I thought it would help. I'll get the brownies and we'll watch a movie?" Bella gave her a weak smile and nodded.

They sat on the couch, Bella wrapped in Rosalie's blanket with a plate of brownies on her lap, and Esme with Bella cuddled up to her chest. She stroked the girl's hair, watching the television with mild interest. She was relieved that Bella had calmed down, and that she was slowly regaining her appetite.

"You're a good mom...your kids are lucky to have you." It was abrupt and surprising to hear, but it made her eyes wet nonetheless.

"You have me, too, sweet girl."

Bella turned her head, looking up at her with wide eyes, "Oh…" It was as though it all clicked together for her, the understanding look in her eyes paired with the build up of unshed venom nearly made Esme sob, "I love you."

Her bottom lip quivered and she pressed a kiss to her temple, "I love you too."

Mothers are supposed to protect their children. She couldn't protect her infant son from the illness that stole his last breath, it had been impossible, it had been out of her control. Renee was supposed to protect you.

Bella's mother was a wolf, one that neglected her daughter and made her feel as though she were a burden. That was also out of Esme's control, she could only hope to slowly undo the damage that Renee had inflicted by making Bella feel valued and loved by a motherly figure she so desperately needed.

Mothers are supposed to protect their children, she held her new daughter a little closer, and I'll fight until my last breath to protect you.

Rosalie knew there was something wrong the minute they pulled up to the house. She couldn't explain it, but there was a slight panic in her chest that couldn't be ignored. That panic only intensified when she realized Bella was inside. It's fine, she's over all the time, but she still found herself leaving the car before it was parked and entering the house.

"Don't worry about the bags, we got them," Kate grumbled, evoking laughter from Tanya and Alice.

She ignored them, finding Esme and Carlise on the couch. She could hear the slow heartbeat of her mate and she was in front of them in an instant. Bella was sleeping soundly on Carlise's shoulder, tucked between him and Esme.

Her father had an arm wrapped around her wolf and his head rested atop hers. Esme was purring softly, no doubt to soothe Bella, and was nestled into her side with her arm around her waist.

"What-" she stopped, noticing Bella's clothes that were slightly obscured by her blanket. Her mate smelled overwhelmingly like her, from the conditioner to her blanket that wrapped around her body. This would have pleased her had she not been dumbfounded by her baggy wardrobe. Those aren't hers.

That's when she spotted the dark circles beneath her eyes and she nearly hissed. She needs to hunt, what's going on?

Carlisle gave her a gentle smile, "Hello, Rose. Bella needs to go for a run, but she specifically wants to go with you-"

"Ooh, the camera's back out!" Alice said, snatching the camera off the kitchen table and racing over towards them, "What's this?" She lifted the camera, "Because it's adorable!" Esme's warm smile paired with Carlise's soft one, along with Bella's peaceful look, was adorable. However, she was too concerned with her mate's wellbeing to care much about anything else.

She took the photo and Esme's smile turned into a grin, "That will look great in the photo album." Before Rosalie could snap at them and demand answers, her mother looked at her, "You need to-"

"Moje zlatko!" Kate bellowed, making her snarl as she raced over to the couch and scooped Bella up, "How are you-" the wolf's eyes snapped open and filled with panic. Before she could react Rosalie reached over, hissing at Kate and taking Bella out of her arms.

Her wolf relaxed instantly, curling into Rosalie's chest and giving Kate a tired smile, "Hey."

Kate shot Bella an apologetic look, "Sorry for freaking you out, Bela, I was just happy to see you."

"You're good." She waved her off before looking up at her imprint, "Can we go for a run, please?"

Rosalie had them outside in seconds, taking them far from the house so Bella wouldn't have to shift in order to hunt. Her worry peaked when she put Bella down, and she didn't even look at her, instead, she darted further into the woods to hunt.

Her hybrid drained four elk before she returned to her. The dark circles beneath her eyes vanished, but she still looked tired and hesitant to approach her. It was then she noticed that she was wearing Emmett's shirt and Jasper's pants. What happened to her clothes?

"Bella?" Rosalie approached her, gently cupping her face in her hands, "What's wrong?" She stared at her for a moment, relaxing ever so slightly as she leaned down and kissed her. She forgot herself as a purr rumbled in her chest, hands sliding up to her hair and entangling in brown locks.

Bella sighed, wrapping her strong arms around her waist and pulling her closer. Her mind felt hazy as her wolf nipped at her bottom lip, her warm tongue pushing past her cold lips and Rosalie pulled away, blinking as she tried to regain her bearings.

"Bella-" she hissed when her lips found her neck, kissing and licking and biting and making her hands in her hair tighten, "Stop trying to distract me."

The wolf pulled away, one eye black, and swollen lips curled into a gentle smile, "Distract you? I just missed you." You say so many idiotic things. Rosalie kissed her again, just because she could, and just because she begrudgingly appreciated the sweet things Bella said to her.

When she pulled away Bella chased after her lips, making her smile slightly as she put a hand on her chest to stop her, "Yes, yes, I missed you too-"

"You did?" Her smile broadened and Rosalie couldn't suppress a fond smile of her own as a large kiss was pressed to her cheek, "Bet I missed you more." Bella caught her bottom lip with her teeth and Rosalie hissed, lunging forward to crash their lips together. Warm hands skimmed her sides, sliding up her body before stopping at the collar of her shirt.

She gave a light tug and Rosalie growled before she pulled away, "I'm not having sex in the woods." She wrinkled her nose at the thought.

Bella sighed, "What? It'd be so-"

"No."

"What if I don't let you touch the ground?" Her hand slipped up her shirt, gently tracing her abdomen and nearly making her hiss.

"Our nosey family could come running by at any second. Absolutely not."

Her eyes widened slightly and a purr rumbled in her throat, "Our nosey family?" Obviously.

"Yes, our." Her own purr mixed with Bella's as her hybrid placed hot kisses on her neck.

She closed her eyes, somewhat embarrassed that Bella could rile her up so easily. But at the same time, she loved how affectionate her wolf was. Bella so openly adored her, not caring how she came across, not caring if others saw her big smiles or heard her sappy words.

She had been adored by many for as long as she could remember. Her vanity demanded it, soaked in the attention like a sponge, but she was never truly satisfied. None of her other admirers had mattered, they were a waste of her time.

When she first saw Bella and realized she was her mate she had been furious. However, not as furious as she pretended to be. Bella was beautiful, she'd look good on her arm, and she liked how openly the 'human' would stare at her.

Her mate had many admirers, and Rosalie had liked that too, in a way. She liked to see the longing crushed with envy when they realized that Bella was hers, just as she belonged to Bella. They could look all they wanted, but only Rosalie could touch her and kiss her and love her and fuck her and that would never change.

Then came the annoyance of her mate's admirers. The human ones she wasn't bothered by, why would she be? They were more like flies than anything else, annoying but manageable and easy to shoo away.

It was the touchy vampires she had an issue with. Victoria was a problem, one she would handle herself. The overly flirtatious Denali sisters, Kate, in particular, had been wearing on her nerves. They were beautiful in ways humans could never attain, and therefore more threatening.

Rosalie knew Bella wouldn't be tempted by them, but she had always been possessive and jealous and vindictive and that wouldn't change.

That's why when Kate barged in on them in Bella's room she hadn't been angry, but smug. Rosalie was perched on her bed, Bella was on her knees with her head between her legs, warm hands tightly gripping her thighs, and a loud purr rumbling in her throat as she devoured her. Her neck was littered with love bites and her back had red streaks from Rosalie's nails.

Kate has popped in, no doubt wanting to embarrass them but Bella had paid her no mind and Rosalie hadn't been able to hold back from taunting her.

"How sexually frustrating this must be for you. If you ever pull a stunt like this again, I'll kill you. Now get out." The Denali had blinked owlishly at her before running off. Kate never stood a chance, not her or Tanya or Edward or even Victoria. Maker bond be damned.

A loud rip brought her back to reality, "Bella!"

Her wolf smiled sheepishly at her, a handful of Rosalie's shirt was clutched in her fist, "Sorry, I got a little excited." Her chest and midriff were exposed and she wasn't sure whether or not to be annoyed or pleased with Bella's reaction towards her. Both.

"Do you know how expensive this is?" She demanded.

Bella awkwardly put the piece of Rosalie's shirt back on top of her breasts, "Are you good at sewing?"

"Are you good at controlling your urges?" She snorted, taking off the ripped fabric and tossing it to the ground.

Bella frowned at her before picking it up, "Jesus Christ, Rose, don't litter." She tucked the fabric into her pocket before sighing, "I said I was sorry...wait. Why am I apologizing to a rich girl?" She laughed, jumping away from the fingers that pinched at her, "Buy yourself a new Gucci shirt, Mommy Warbucks." She crowed, laughing again as Rosalie shoulder checked her out of the way.

"It's Burberry, you swine, and don't call me that."

Bella, still wearing her insufferable grin, jogged to catch up with her, "I can't believe you're mad at me about the shirts you can so easily replace, when you're still holding my gold star shirt hostage."

Rosalie rolled her eyes, "I'm not holding it hostage. It's my shirt now."

"You know I love that shirt."

"I like it, so I'm keeping it."

She groaned loudly, "You don't even fucking wear it!"

Rosalie glared at her, "Don't raise your voice at me. That's not how you treat a lady." Bella rolled her eyes, earning her a light cuff on the ear and making her scowl.

"Well, I'm a lady too, if you couldn't tell."

"You're a brute."

"At least I'm not a witch." She grumbled, making her yelp as another hand came her way.

Her wolf caught her hand with a laugh, planting a light kiss on her knuckles, and nearly making Rosalie swoon if she weren't above such nonsense, "I'm only teasing, love-" she ruined it.

The vampire snatched her hand away, "Absolutely not."

"Carlise calls Esme that!"

"That's nice for Carlise. You're not him and I'm not Esme, and I don't find it nearly as endearing as you clearly do."

Bella huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, "Well, I don't see you coming up with any ideas."

"Because pet names are unnecessary."

"They're cute."

"They're ridiculous." She reached out, taking Bella's hand in hers as they continued to walk, "You nearly distracted me." She hummed, watching as dual-colored eyes widened slightly, "What happened? What upset you?"

Her mate's mirth faded and she looked anxious, eyes darting around and she gnawed on her lip for a moment, "Can I ask you something?" She didn't wait for her to answer, "Have you ever had human blood?"

Rosalie frowned, "No. Did you-"

"No!" She blurted out, "No, I haven't...I wouldn't kill anyone." Bella paused, looking down at her own hands as she moved away from her, "I mean...I'm capable of killing someone, I know I am, but I wouldn't. I'm a protector. Killing humans is against my nature."

The vampire's thoughts drifted to Irina, to her strange outburst that threw nearly her entire family under the bus. Bella hadn't batted an eye when she revealed that Rosalie had killed humans, she defended all of them, yet Rosalie's insecurities came bubbling to the surface.

"I've killed people, does that bother you?"

A warm hand slid into hers, "Well, what did they do?" She looked at her in confusion and Bella shrugged, "When Irina said that, Edward said they deserved it, and nearly everyone looked like they wanted to kill her...so I just assumed they were deserving of death."

Rosalie didn't like the idea of Bella knowing about her past. She didn't want her to look at her differently or tiptoe around her or fear touching her. But she's a survivor too. And while it wasn't completely the same, the similarities couldn't be ignored.

Bella's discomfort with hugs was similar to Rosalie's reaction towards intimacy after that night. Her initial fear of new vampires was akin to her overall distrust of men. Then there was her fight, her need to be seen as more than a victim of Victoria's cruelty; just as Rosalie had battled with being seen as more than a victim of Royce's beastly nature. But she hadn't just been beaten by Royce and his friends.

Bella and I's pain is similar until it's not.

Bella pulled her closer, kissing her temple and stopping their walk. She scooped Rosalie off her feet, sitting on the ground and resting her back against a tree before propping the vampire up onto her lap.

Before Rosalie could say anything Bella said, "I'll tell you what happened. Then you can decide whether or not you want to talk about what's clearly bothering you." Her eyes widened slightly and Bella gave her a reassuring smile, "I won't push. Promise."

"...okay." She nestled into her chest, tucking her head under Bella's chin. Her loud heartbeat helped calm her anxiety. If she's so willing to be open with me, surely I can try for her, "Later." She decided, let's deal with one heartbreak at a time.

"Later." Bella agreed before wrapping her arms around her, "I got home, human blood was all over my room, and I know Victoria left that for me. I was so close to licking it off the goddamned carpet…" she growled, voice full of contempt, "It was pathetic." Rosalie felt venom flood her mouth, and she gritted her teeth in order to stop herself from lashing out at Bella's maker. She doesn't need you to be angry, she needs you to be gentle.

A deep exhale escaped her, and she placed a comforting hand over her mate's, "Bella, that's not pathetic, it's-"

"I know. Mama Esme said it was normal because I'm kind of a newborn." She groused before shaking her head, "I'm a wolf, a protector, it shouldn't have been a temptation for me."

"You're also half vampire." She reminded her.

"I know it's just extremely frustrating." Her anger melted away, replaced by fondness, "I was lucky mama Esme was home. She got me all cleaned up and...she talked me out of making some very poor decisions."

Rosalie stiffened, pulling away slightly and narrowing her eyes, "What poor decisions?" Bella looked away from her and her fears were confirmed, "You thought about leaving with Victoria." She accused, standing to her feet and moving away from her, "So, what? You're some sacrificial hero now? You think you're doing us any favors by running off with that abusive, obsessive lunatic?"

Bella didn't jump to her feet and try to defend herself. Instead, she sat there, eyes lowered and jaw clenched as her fingers tapped rapidly against her thigh. There was no rhythm to it, just a jittery cacophony that filled the silence and drove Rosalie mad.

"You're still thinking about it, aren't you?" Still no answer, "Don't be a hero-"

"I'm not, okay!" She snarled, hands curling into fists and gold eye turning black, "I know I'm not! I'm too selfish to be a hero." She finally looked up at her, eyes filled with regret and animosity, "I should go to Victoria, or run away so she'll get out of Forks. I should try something, but a life without you sounds agonizing." Bella hung her head, "Everyone's willing to risk their lives and...if anyone dies because of me I'll never be able to live with myself."

Rosalie sighed, mentally berating herself for losing her temper, and she moved quickly to her mate's side, "You're not forcing anyone to fight for you." She put her hand under Bella's chin and tilted it up so she would look at her, "We want to fight for you, and we'd do the same for any Cullen or Denali." She smiled gently at her, brushing the loose strands of brown hair from her face, "I know you'd fight for any of us without question, let us do the same."

Her wolf looked at her with broken eyes, the same look Jasper or Kate wore whenever they thought of their fallen companions. I don't know how to soothe that pain, she pressed a soft kiss to her lips, I don't know if I can ever soothe that pain. But I can try.

Bella closed her eyes, leaning into her for a moment before she pulled away, "I can't lose you."

"You won't."

"How do you know?"

Rosalie rolled her eyes when she said, "Do you really think I'd let a newborn kill me?" Bella smiled slightly, and it was a relief to see, "Exactly." She kissed her again, "Bella, my family loves you, the wolves love you, and I love you-" Her eyes widened.

"You love me?"

Rosalie couldn't help but chuckle, "You're such an idiot." The gentle smile her wolf wore made her own eyes widen. I thought it was obvious. Gold and brown eyes were filled with adoration and mirth and love and it nearly took her breath away.

"I love you too." For a moment she almost thought she had a heartbeat. The phantom feeling of her cheeks blushing, a foreign feeling she hadn't experienced since her human days, made her blink rapidly. I already knew she loved me, but it's so different hearing her actually say it.

Rosalie placed her hand on Bella's beating heart, feeling it thunder in her chest and making her smile. She moved her hand, only to place a kiss over her heart, and when she pulled away Bella's lips pressed against her own. They were gentle, moving more sensually against her own as though she were trying to properly convey just how much she loved her.

Now she was certain she felt her heartbeat, it only did so once, and maybe she imagined it, but she had never felt so alive. When Bella pulled away her grin was radiant, her hybrid was practically glowing as she stared down at her in awe. Now I'm certain you're made out of rays of sunlight, warm hands cupped her cheeks, my personal sun that shines brighter than any other star could.

One day she'd have enough courage to tell her this, but today wasn't that day.

A dorky laugh escaped Bella, and she sounded giddy, as though they hadn't kissed and done much more before today, "Wow." She smiled dreamily at her and Rosalie couldn't help but roll her eyes, unable to suppress her own smile.

"Don't ruin it."

"THEE Rosalie Hale loves me!"

"Bella-"

She pulled away from her, throwing her fist in the air triumphantly, "Best day ever, for me, at least," she smirked, "You just confirmed your huge crush on me, so you must feel humiliated!"

Rosalie couldn't help but laugh, feeling deliriously happy, and she was a little concerned about her own well being, "I hate you."

Bella swept her off her feet, carrying her bridal style with her wide smile still in place, "I can't wait to make sweet passionate love to the woman I'm in love with who also loves me." She peppered her face and neck with kisses, making Rosalie's smile grow as she pushed gently against her cheek.

"Put me down, brute."

"Never!" She declared, placing a kiss over where Rosalie's heart was, making warmth erupt in her chest, "I love you, and I have just enough money for a hotel room!"

Rosalie scoffed, "Don't be stupid. I'll obviously pay for the room." This made her wolf laugh and press a hot kiss on her mouth before pulling away. Rosalie's own state of undress didn't even cross her mind.

"You spoil me. Let's go!" She took off in the direction of Port Angelas, her eagerness made her skin burn pleasantly against her own.

"Try not to tear up the sheets this time."

Bella laughed, "Weren't you the one that broke the headboard-"

"Baseless rumors."

"I was there!"

Rosalie grabbed the collar of Bella's shirt and tugged her down to kiss her. A purr rumbled in her throat as Bella growled into her mouth. She quickly pulled away, a ragged breath escaped her and her gold eye turned black.

"You don't want forest sex, so please don't distract me." She grumbled, her grip on her tightened as Rosalie pressed lazy kisses on her collarbone, "Rose."

"Run faster, then. Because if you drop me on this filthy floor, you'll be in the doghouse." Bella growled again and picked up the pace, not able to come up with a response. Rosalie smirked against her hot skin, nipping lightly and making her mate hiss.

"I think you've ruined me." I'm certain you ruined me first.

Rosalie hummed, "I know I have."

"Ange, look!" Jessica hissed, sitting lower in her seat as she jerked her head towards the lunchline. Bella and Rosalie stood next to each other in the line by the plastic treys. At first glance, everything appeared normal until they noticed Rosalie's index finger hooked in the belt loop of Bella's jeans.

Bella grabbed a trey, about to move on before Rosalie gave her belt loop a tug. Dual-colored eyes looked at her in confusion before they rolled to the ceiling. With a grumble, she grabbed another trey and they continued down the lunchline.

Angela looked at her with wide eyes, "No way."

Eric and Mike looked at them and each other in confusion, "What?" They were ignored.

"Way! Our girl got her girl!" Jessica squealed.

Angela grinned before she looked at them, "Okay, but are we positive?"

"Ange, check out Rosalie's nails." She whispered, and sure enough, they were neatly trimmed and painted a bright red.

"Oh my gosh!"

"I know!" She missed the glare that Rosalie shot in her direction and the laugh that earned Bella a light flick to the ear. When she turned her attention back towards the two, Bella was frowning at the aloof looking blonde, who still kept her index finger wrapped around the brunette's belt loop.

"Who are we looking at!" Mike cried, always the oblivious one.

Before she could fill him in he sat up straighter, eyes trained on Tyler who came up to him with an easy-going smile, "Hey, Mike. We still on to hang out tonight?" He put a hand on his shoulder and Mike's cheeks turned a bright red. No way.

"Erm, uh, yeah! Totally." He stammered, and Tyler chuckled, giving his shoulder a squeeze before walking away. Are they dating or does he just have a crush? It made her grateful that she and Monique didn't share a lunch period. I'd look ridiculous.

Eric frowned at the basketball player, who was now staring at his trey with slightly wide eyes and a red face, "That was...weird. Are you okay?" He's fine, he's just gay or bi. She thought back to when she first learned that about herself, so maybe he's not fine but he will be.

"Fine!" He yelped, "Just fine!" He met Jessica's knowing gaze and he shook his head slightly. They didn't have to speak to each other for a mutual understanding to be made. He was her friend, and for him, she'd keep her big mouth shut.

Her nod was subtle, or, at least, she thought so until she got a strange look from Angela, "Well," she said, quickly changing the subject, "I'm glad they worked out." She turned her attention back towards Rosalie and Bella, and she found it difficult to tear her gaze away from the new couple. They look good together.

Bella always had a relaxed look about her, with her wild hair and tight t-shirt, further emphasized with her easy-going nature. She was a head taller than Rosalie, well-muscled, and she looked powerful. She looked like she could chuck boulders and rip trees from the ground, her muscles were defined but they weren't even that big; it was the air she gave off that Jessica couldn't quite make sense of.

Rosalie, however, was the opposite. She was always dressed fashionably and almost always in heels. Jessica was certain the blonde never had a hair out of place. Her shorter stature and lack of defining muscles certainly didn't make her any less intimidating, but instead of powerful, she looked dangerous. Her eyes were sharp and cold and cutting, just like her words, and she had to wonder how Bella had gotten through to the ice queen.

She's Bella, and she's nothing if not persistent and endearing.

While they were both beautiful, unbelievably so, it was in ways that complimented each other. Rosalie looked perfect, untouchable, and that's why she didn't have more of the student body chasing after her. She was intimidating, some would call her cruel, and rumor has it that she made Bryce Smith cry in second period after he asked her out.

Bella had more of a rugged charm to her. While her words could be just as cutting, they had a heat behind them, a fiery conviction that contrasted to Rosalie's. Bella was more willing to entertain people, more often than not for amusement. She looked powerful but she didn't look dangerous, not like Rosalie

Despite how different the two were, Jessica was surprised by how at ease they seemed to be around each other. Especially now as Rosalie tried to convince her to sit with her and her other siblings. The blonde was glaring at her, and anyone that stopped and stared at them, but Bella didn't so much as blink beneath her harsh stare.

"I'd love to sit with you, but I can't just ditch my friends." Bella said resolutely, "Why don't you sit with us?"

Angela and Jessica shared a wide-eyed glance, "Holy shit," Jessica breathed, attention diverted when the chair next to her scooted out. Unbelievable. Mike frowned at the newcomer and Eric shifted uncomfortably.

"What do you think you're doing?" Angela asked, eyes narrowed as Lauren glared at her.

"Sitting in my seat." She sat down, ignoring their stares.

Jessica's hands balled into fists and looked at her in disbelief, "Go find somewhere else to sit."

"Excuse me?"

Angela's jaw tightened and she crossed her arms over her chest, "This isn't your seat, not anymore." She was surprised by her friend's anger, by the bite in her voice and the way she sat up straighter, more confidently, "You don't get to antagonize Bella repeatedly, call her a lesbo, and sit with us."

"I second that." Eric chimed in, "You're mean to her for no reason."

Lauren sat there stunned, mouth agape and eyes wide, "Are you kidding me? She called me the c-word and you're defending her?"

Mike rolled his eyes, "She was clearly going through something and you kept calling her a bitch."

"She was being one." She retorted, "And I didn't call her a bitch, I said she sounded like one."

Angela smiled mirthlessly, "Justify it however you want, I think Bella's right, you are a cunt." Jessica's mouth fell open and she hid her smile behind her hand. Eric's eyebrows shot upwards and he looked at his girlfriend in adoration, and Mike let out a surprised laugh as Lauren's face turned red.

"You better watch yourself, Weber-"

"Or what." Eric challenged, ever the supporting boyfriend, "What are you possibly going to do?"

As if on cue, Rosalie and Bella appeared, further surprising Jessica. Did she convince her to eat with us? She was sure that Bella wasn't human, she couldn't be. Humans can't thaw the ice queen's heart and get her to interact with us.

She glanced at the Cullen table, and they were all staring at Rosalie and Bella with varying smirks before they spoke quietly with one another, not at all affronted by their sister's departure. Maybe I'm dreaming.

The blonde crossed her arms over her chest and glared down at Lauren. Bella looked a bit sheepish as she stood behind her with their treys, ignoring the boys' curious gazes and Jessica's knowing look.

Since when is she shy? Upon further inspection, she noticed where her friend's gaze landed and she fought back a smile, not shy but like, not subtle either.

Lauren froze under Rosalie's glare, and she tapped her foot impatiently, "Well?"

She swallowed thickly, "I-I-"

"Yes, you, you." She snorted, slender fingers tapping against her crossed arm in irritation, "I won't waste oxygen insulting you, so don't make me waste my manicure by bodily removing you from my table. Get out of my seat." This time she offered no resistance, shooting out of the chair and joining a random table.

Bella laughed, placing the treys down before pulling out Rosalie's chair for her, "Is it considered wasting oxygen if you took the time to threaten her?" Rosalie ignored her, looking rather pleased with herself as Bella pushed her chair in and sat next to her.

Mike and Eric were looking between the two in utter disbelief and Jessica nearly laughed. Bella sat extremely close to the blonde, thighs touching and shoulders nearly doing so as well.

"Are you going to introduce me to your friends?" While Rosalie had seemed aggravated at the prospect of sitting with them, she now seemed far more willing. How much of our conversation did she hear?

Angela smiled, "Actually, we've met, I'm Angela."

"I remember. I'm currently attempting to teach Bella some manners."

Bella rolled her eyes, "Why don't you introduce yourself? Since you're such a goddamned lady." The laugh in her voice went unnoticed by Mike, because of course it did, and he was quick to jump in.

"I'm Mike."

Taking pity on the boy she said, "Jess."

"Eric."

Bella lazily gestured at the blonde, "Ladies and gentlemen, the esteemed Rosalie Hale." She grumbled, earning her a glare. It went unnoticed as she bit into her pizza, smiling slightly and nodding her head in appreciation for her food. Rosalie's glare softened and she picked up her fork, now glaring at her salad as though it personally wronged her before she took the smallest bite.

Jessica: UM when did you guys get together!

Ange: Seriously you have to tell us these things!

Bells: It was sudden!

Ange: How sudden?

Bells: …

Bells: Friday night

Jessica: BELLA

Ange: HOW DO YOU NOT TELL US FOR TWO DAYS

Jessica: UNACCEPTABLE

Bells: I'VE BEEN BUSY

Ange: Yeah, busy mooning over Rosalie

Bells: Exactly!

Jessica put her phone down with a huff, sharing a look with Angela before they both narrowed their eyes at their embarrassed friend. Rosalie caught them, her glare returned and they both looked away quickly. Okay, she's Bella's girlfriend but she's still a terrifying ice queen, and a protective one. Something I should, like, keep in mind.

Bella looked at her girlfriend in amusement, "You said you'd be nice."

"When exactly was I rude?"

"It's not polite to glare at people."

Rosalie snorted, turning her attention back towards her salad, "I wasn't glaring, I was looking at them critically." If you looked at me any more critically I might have peed myself.

Mike squinted at the two, "So uh, are you guys…" Rosalie stared at him until he shifted uncomfortably and looked away.

"What a stimulating conversation."

His eyes widened and he cleared his throat awkwardly, "Uh, sorry. I just...I didn't want to be weird or make it weird or make anyone angry." He said quickly, a blush blooming on his cheeks.

Bella glanced at her, "See why we should be nice?"

"Don't talk to me." Rosalie huffed before turning back to Mike, "Yes. We're...dating." She said the word as though it physically pained her but Bella didn't seem to mind.

His surprise was mild, and he nodded before giving them a smile, "That's cool! Congrats."

Eric seemed confused and he turned to Angela, "Wait, I thought you said Bella was with Kate?"

Unaware of Bella's discomfort and Rosalie's clenched jaw, Angela shrugged, "I thought she was."

Jessica frowned, "Really? I thought they might have had a fling, but like, she never shuts up about Rosalie."

"A fling." Rosalie murmured, shooting her girlfriend a glare before spearing a piece of lettuce.

"She also said I never shut up about you!" Bella defended, but was ignored.

"I wonder why they could possibly think you and Kate had a fling?" She said, and the ice in her voice gave Jessica goosebumps.

Bella shrunk down in her seat before giving Jessica an accusatory glare, "Wow. I don't know if you're just a bad wing woman or a complete ass."

She rolled her eyes, "Maybe next time you should keep us updated! Then we wouldn't have to speculate!"

Bells: I was excited and in love and she's clingy so I didn't have time!

Jessica: Rosalie Hale is clingy?

Ange: I don't believe you

Bells: Watch this

Bella stood to her feet abruptly, earning a frown from the blonde, "Where are you going?"

"I'm still hungry."

Rosalie grabbed her hand and pulled her back down into her seat, "I'm full, just eat my food."

The brunette flashed Jessica and Angela a small smirk before turning back to her girlfriend, "You only have salad and I'm still starving-"

"Jesus, you're insufferable." She snapped, standing to her feet and storming over to her siblings' table.

Jessica's jaw dropped, "Wow, you weren't kidding."

Mike looked at Rosalie with wide eyes before turning to Bella, "I thought you were whipped but now…"

Angela hid her laugh behind her hand, "Oh, Bella's definitely whipped, but so is Rosalie."

Eric scratched the back of his head, "You know, I can see that. Super mean on the outside but a big softie on the inside." The Cullen table was laughing, all but Rosalie who looked furious.

Bella appeared somewhat nervous and she laughed awkwardly, "Big softie? Rosalie Hale? No way. She's the ice queen, remember?" She's defending her reputation, that's adorable, "The other day she chased me with a baseball bat because I told Kate she looked nice."

This caused their table to erupt in laughter, "You can be a little shit," Eric grinned, "I bet you also antagonized her in some way. Or you complimented Kate to antagonize her." He theorized.

Her mouth fell open, "Seriously! I tell you she threatened me and made an attempt on my life and you all laugh and...what the fuck." She muttered.

Angela rolled her eyes, "The entire world knows your preference in women and you complimented her beautiful blonde cousin, who has total bedroom eyes for you?"

"I can compliment other women without wanting to fuck them!"

Jessica shrugged, "You can, sure, but you're a bit of a dog."

"Besides Rosalie, I haven't kissed a single girl since I moved here!"

Mike looked at her thoughtfully, "Wait, but have other girls kissed you and you reciprocated?" Bella stiffened slightly, looking mildly uncomfortable by the question.

Eric's eyes widened, "Ooh, good catch!"

Bella rolled her eyes, relaxing slightly when she answered, "Yes, one girl has kissed me, but I didn't reciprocate."

Jessica nodded slowly before she smiled teasingly at her, "You're still, like, a big flirt."

"No, like, I'm really not!" She mocked, making Jessica laugh slightly before she scowled at her.

"A disrespectful flirt."

"I'm kind of jealous." Mike confessed, "First that redhead from the bar-"

Bella's eyes widened, "What? How did you-" she shot an accusatory glare at Jessica who nearly choked on her water, "Jess!"

"Why are you blaming me!"

"Monique was the only one who saw me with her! She probably told you and you're such a gossip!" She accused and Jessica felt her cheeks burn.

"I-I'm...okay, fine, so I might have, like, mentioned it to Angela and Mike-"

"And Eric!" Eric chimed in, rather unhelpfully.

"Shut up!" She cried, looking at a mortified Bella, "I didn't know it'd be a huge deal!"

Her friend gritted her teeth and glared at her empty trey, "It's whatever, dude...she's just...she's nothing, alright? Nothing." I didn't know it would make her upset.

This wasn't the first time she wished she could have taken back her words. She tried to meet Bella's gaze but she refused to look at her, and the table was swallowed in an awkward silence.

The clacking of heels drew everyone's attention and Bella smiled softly as Rosalie reappeared with two treys in her hand, "Alice barely eats and Edward feels sick. Here." The blonde shot Jessica a glare that made her flinch and look away. Does she have super hearing or something?

"Did you just steal lunch for me?" Rosalie rolled her eyes as she sat down, scooting closer to her girlfriend and laying a hand on her thigh, "Not only did you steal food, but from your own family?" Bella first started on Rosalie's salad, "You're like Robin Hood but hot."

To her surprise Rosalie's lips quirked into a small smile, "I don't think that's a proper comparison."

Eric looked between them, "Actually it's a pretty good comparison. Your family's rich and you stole from them to give to the middle class." He glanced at Bella, "Lower middle class, I'm assuming."

"Oh fuck you."

Angela smiled fondly at him, "You're such a nerd."

"It's not nerdy to appreciate Robin Hood!" He defended, earning him a kiss on the cheek. He smiled widely at her, punching Mike's shoulder when the boy made gagging noises.

Jessica laughed at them, suddenly sparked with longing as she thought of how badly she wished that she and Monique were that comfortable together. I hope we get close like Eric and Angela or Bella and Rosalie.

Bella grinned at her girlfriend, "See? You're my hero."

She sighed in exasperation, gold eyes rolling, "And you're my headache."

Ange: You two are so cute!

Jessica: Like, super cute!

She was praying Bella wasn't still mad at her. I didn't mean to hit a nerve and I'll try to keep my big mouth shut from now on.

Bells: Shucks! Thanks! Rose is my grumpy little princess :)

Rosalie glanced at Bella's phone, "I'll kill you."

Bells: She doesn't mean that. What she really means is "Bella I love you more than life itself"

"No, I really don't."

Jessica and Angela laughed and Mike frowned at them, "Ugh, is that the girl group chat?" He complained, "Meanwhile our group chat is dead all the time."

Eric nodded, "We feel left out."

"No boys allowed." Jessica said, "And if you guys feel so left out, maybe you two should actually text in our group chat."

Mikey: Like this?

Prince Eric: Hi Mike!

Ange: Should we invite Rosalie?

Jessica: Uh...I don't think we should push our luck

Ange: OH! I almost forgot! Jess, today's the day!

Her cheeks turned a bright red, which wasn't helped by the fact that Rosalie continued to read the messages on Bella's phone.

Mikey: Go Jess!

Prince Eric: Remember, just be yourself :)

Mikey: Bella where are you!

Bells: Her fingers are greasy so she's having me respond for her. But I have nothing to contribute to this conversation.

They all looked up to see a smiling Bella with a slice of pizza in her mouth. She wiggled her greasy fingers at them while Rosalie frowned at her phone, seemingly annoyed but texting the group anyway.

Bells: I'm assuming Jessica is attempting to court Monique.

Mikey: Court? Yeah maybe if we were in the forties

Bells: Watch it. Just because I'm sitting at this table doesn't mean I like you enough to engage in playful banter.

Mikey: o_o

Bells: -_-

Eric laughed, setting his phone aside and grinning at Rosalie, "You're funny!"

"I wasn't trying to be."

Bella smiled at Jessica, "You're going to do great!"

To her surprise, Rosalie gave her a slight nod, "From what Bella's told me, Monique seems to enjoy your company." Gold eyes flickered to Bella, who was now wolfing down her food, "If I can tolerate Bella, there's hope for everyone."

Her friend's eyebrows shot up to her hairline as everyone laughed at her expense, "Wow," she swallowed her mouthful of fries, "I can't believe this is my origin story."

Rosalie frowned before she looked at her girlfriend, "I don't know why everyone laughed. I wasn't joking."

"I know!"

The bell rang and Bella raced to throw her and Rosalie's things away before grabbing both of their backpacks.

"You better have cleaned off your hands." She warned, making Bella freeze before she dropped both bags.

"Uh, I did." She reached over and grabbed a napkin from Mike's trey, "God bless." She muttered and he nodded.

"I got you."

Rosalie narrowed her eyes, "Bella, I swear to god if my bag is greasy because of your carelessness-"

"It's not! Geez! I wish you'd have a little faith in me." She wiped her hands furiously before she set the napkin back onto the trey. With a furrowed brow she squinted at her hands, rubbing them together and then on her arms to ensure their dryness, and then she grabbed their bags again.

The blonde didn't look pleased, and she held out her hand, "I can carry my own bag." Bella slung a backpack on each shoulder, making her muscles noticeably flex. Gold eyes stared at her arms for a moment, nearly making Jessica and Angela giggle.

Bella gave Rosalie a knowing smile, "You can, but you really get off on me doing things for you." She winked at her, but her smugness vanished when Rosalie reached out and yanked her ear, "Ow! I was kidding! I want to help with your bag because you're a proper lady and I value making your life easier."

Rosalie released her ear, smiling as she pressed a kiss to her cheek, "Aren't you sweet?"

Bella gave her a dreamy smile and put a hand on her cheek, "Yeah."

"Get a room." Emmett laughed, walking up to the two and wincing when his sister smacked his shoulder, "I thought you were going to be nicer?" He complained, making the blonde scoff.

"Not to the likes of you." She took the backpacks from her girlfriend and thrust them into her brother's arms, "Bella is also a lady, so be a gentleman and carry our things for us." Jessica hid her smile in her hand while Eric snickered.

Emmett scowled, "I'll be late for class-"

"Then you should stop whining and start walking, shouldn't you?" Rosalie snorted, grabbing Bella's hand before turning back towards them, "Thank you for allowing me to sit at your table. It wasn't as dreadful as I initially believed it was going to be." This surprised all of them, and Bella rolled her eyes before giving her hand a tug.

"Is that you being nice?"

Rosalie frowned at her, looking somewhat confused, "Yes. I told them I didn't hate sitting with them, that's a compliment."

Mike chuckled, "Feel free to sit with us at any time-"

"Don't ruin it."

Mike looked at Jessica in confusion, as though she could answer his question, "What did I do?"

"Well," Eric chimed in, "You ruined it, clearly." Angela and Emmett laughed and Mike grumbled under his breath.

Edward approached them, giving them a quiet greeting before addressing Bella, "Please try not to be late to your piano lessons tonight."

She smiled sheepishly at him, "Erm, sorry, Edward, I'll be more punctual!" She told him, making Rosalie scoff.

"Don't scold her, she was busy." Edward wrinkled his nose and Eric laughed at his disgusted facial expression.

"Yeah," Emmett grumbled, giving Rosalie a knowing look, "I'm sure she was very busy."

Her glare fell on her larger brother, "You seem to be under the impression that I care for your input or commentary. Right now, you're a two-legged pack mule and if you ever-"

"Rose." Bella murmured, making her clench her jaw as she stared at Emmett's now smug smile. Jessica and Mike exchanged wide-eyed glances at Rosalie's easy compliance, "I'll be there on time tonight, I promise." She assured Edward, making him smile. Geez, he's pretty.

"I look forward to it. I'll see you at home." He left and Jessica looked at Bella in surprise. Home?

Her friend didn't seem to notice and she gave them a wave with her free hand, "I'll catch you guys later." She then winked at Jessica, "Text us when we should get ready to go on our triple date."

"Um, I also have a date," Mike said, face turning red, "So if we could turn this triple date into a quadruple date, that'd be cool."

Eric smirked, "Sure. If you actually manage to find a date, then we'll invite you."

"Fuck you, man, they're real. You'll see!" Rosalie and Bella shared a knowing look at Mike's purposeful avoidance of gender. He sounded nervous and Jessica gave him a reassuring nod.

"I'm sure your date is amazing!" She enthused.

His shoulders relaxed and he gave her a grateful smile, "Yeah, for real amazing." He looked at Eric, "Where are we all going?"

Angela answered, "The carnival is back in town, Eric got us tickets, so we should plan to go next weekend." She gave Jessica a stern look, "Don't chicken out." Right, don't chicken out. Her cheeks burned, don't chicken out in front of the coolest and most beautiful girl ever, that's like, super easy.

Rosalie snorted, "A quadruple date? Absolutely not-"

"We'll be there!" Bella declared, shooting Rosalie a grin, "It'll be fun! I'll win you a giant stuffed animal! Then we'll go to the ferris wheel, and on some shitty rollercoaster, and we'll eat cotton candy and funnel cake!" Rosalie's glare softened ever so slightly and she merely scoffed before dragging Bella out of the cafeteria, with a grumbling Emmett in tow as he cradled their book bags in his arms.

"Great!" Eric enthused, taking Angela's hand in his, "Good luck, Jess, not that you'll need it."

"You'll crush it." Mike agreed.

Angela smiled at her, "You can do it."

Her chest felt warm, and her eyes filled with tears, overwhelmed by the support her friends showed her, "Thank you. I love you guys."

"We love you too."

They all parted ways to go to their classes, but Jessica couldn't pay attention, thoughts consumed with Monique, and her own insecurities. I talk too much, I'm naive, I'm not as outgoing or pretty...why would someone like her want to be with someone like me?

"Mr. Cullen, is there any particular reason your phone is out?"

All eyes were on Edward as he gave their teacher a dazzling smile, "Apologies, ma'am, I was texting my sister." He put his phone away, casting a concerned glance in Jessica's direction before paying attention to the now redfaced teacher. What was that?

Bells: Hey, chill out, dude. You got this!

Her eyes widened and she quickly hid her phone under the table.

Jessica: How did you know I was freaking out?

Bells: Uh, I know you? You overthink everything. She's gonna say yes, I just know it :) and then you'll let me be one of your bridesmaids at your wedding

Jessica: Wedding! I'm scared to ask her out!

Bells: I nearly pissed myself when I confessed my feelings to Rose. Now look at us! Happily married for 69 years

Jessica: ...Bella

Bells: I know you laughed

Jessica: You're the worst

Bells: I know! Now go get your girl! :D

Jessica resented the fact that she blushed so easily over everything. Like when Monique would smile at her or compliment her or laugh or say her name and honestly it was embarrassing. I even get embarrassed over text and-

Mo: Still meeting after school?

Jessica: Yeah, if that's okay with you?

Mo: Sure is

Mo: You're alright, right? You sounded really freaked out when you said you wanted to talk

Jessica: I'm fine, promise!

Mo: Ah, the accursed 'fine', now I don't know what to believe :P

Mo: Am I in trouble?

Mo: You're taking too long to respond, I'm jumping to conclusions. Did you not like that Kehlani song I sent you? Nights Like This is a heartbreak song but I only sent it so I could ease you into R&B and because it's phenomenal

Mo: Stop ignoring me I listened to Coldplay for you. AND Taylor Swift

Jessica: You LIKE Taylor Swift and Coldplay

Mo: Shhh! Are you trying to kill my rep! Sure you'll respond to that but you won't respond to why you're 'fine' instead of 'fantastic'

Mo: I know you don't think milk tastes good...so you're clearly upset I have a glass with my dinner every night

Jessica: Okay but that's pretty weird

Mo: It's not weird to want my bones to be strong :(

Jessica: Lol hasn't that been disproven? I read drinking too much milk can actually hurt your bones or something

Mo: I can't read so I don't know

Jessica: It's still weird

Mo: Yo mama

She laughed silently, she's dumb, but she was unable to stop smiling as her heart thundered in her chest. She put her phone away and tried to focus on the lecture but to no avail. I'm going to die from a heart attack.

Jessica had originally planned to take Monique out to eat and tell her then, but her worry had gotten the better of her and she decided to tell her in the school parking lot, like a coward. At least if she says no then I can make a quick getaway in my car, can't do that if I have to wait for the check to come after dinner.

School ended far too quickly and before she knew it she was waiting by her car. She had made sure to park at the edge of the parking lot so they could have a bit more privacy, and her heart nearly stopped when she saw Monique exit the school.

She looked beautiful with her multicolored braided hair and small gold hoop earrings. Monique had her usual headphones wrapped around her neck and a gold necklace around her throat. Her dark skin seemed to glow, even though it was a cloudy day. Monique wore a form-fitting, white t-shirt beneath loose blue overalls. Her red hightops matched the color of her headphones, and she gave her a brilliant smile when she spotted her.

Butterflies swirled in her stomach and she swallowed thickly before smiling back at her. Okay, you can do this, you've practiced this. She was sure her face resembled a tomato but she had no time to dwell on it.

"Hey, Jess, what's up?"

She cleared her throat and straightened her posture, "I...uh…" just say it!

Monique looked at her worriedly, "You good?" She put a hand on her shoulder, "Whatever you want to talk to me about, you don't have to be so nervous, it's only me."

"That's the problem!" She blurted out, "It's you!" Her eyes widened when she realized how that came across, "Wait, no, you're not the problem. Uh, like, I don't...ugh!" She squeezed her eyes shut, "You're so beautiful and nice and funny and cool and amazing and you make me smile a lot! It's, like, super annoying how much I like you." She didn't dare open her eyes, "Would you like to date? If not I totally get it. I can be annoying and a blabbermouth and I don't know much about African American culture and I don't know if that's a deal-breaker but I'd love to learn more-"

"Whoa." Warm hands cupped her cheeks and her eyes popped open. Monique was smiling widely at her, making her cheeks feel even hotter, if that were even possible. Dark brown eyes glinted with amusement, and she envied how collected Monique was in comparison to her. I practiced but completely screwed it up anyway.

"Sorry." She murmured, "I, uh...you're you and I'm nervous."

A warm laugh escaped the girl of her dreams and she shook her head, "Sorry? I was going to ask you out but I was nervous." Her eyes widened in disbelief, you're perfect but you were nervous to ask me out?

"You were nervous?"

She stroked her cheek and Jessica felt her hands begin to shake, "I didn't want to assume...but really, I should have. You're pretty obvious, it's adorable." Monique's gaze fell to her lips, "Can I kiss you?" She had no words, and she nodded, holding her breath when her soft lips met her own. Jessica was certain she was dreaming.

Loud cheering sounded from behind them and they broke apart, turning to see her friends sitting in the bed of Bella's truck, parked two lanes away. Most of the other students had left, but, of course, her nosey friends remained.

Bella and Angela were holding each other's arms while they screamed their approval, while Mike and Eric were hooting and hollering.

Monique laughed while Jessica's jaw dropped, "Ugh! Are you kidding me!" She nearly screeched, but she couldn't stop a large smile from spreading across her face, "I hate you guys!"

"We love you, Jess!" Bella yelled back.

"Go Jessique!" Angela laughed.

"The quadruple date is on!" Mike cheered, high fiving Bella and Angela with gusto before chest-bumping Eric.

Monique watched them with a smile, interlacing their fingers and nearly making Jessica faint, "Quadruple date?" Her heart stuttered when she turned her warm smile on her, "That can be our second date. Are you free tonight?" I have to get started on that biology paper. Jessica nodded dumbly, "Alright," she gave her a peck on the lips before pulling away, "I'll pick you up at eight, wear something nice."

The brunette was frozen to the spot and staring at her girlfriend as she walked to her own car. She was shaken from her stupor when her friends rushed her, all of them excitedly chattering and making her eyes well up with tears.

Mike slipped an arm around her shoulders and smiled gently at her, "Hey, I'm really happy for you. Monique is really cool, and she's really lucky to have you."

It felt surreal. For years she had the biggest crush on Mike but he never noticed. He dated around, he didn't acknowledge her affection, and for the longest time she doubted her self worth because of it. Now he's supporting me and making me feel...better about myself. Monique was her girlfriend and Mike was one of her best friends, she really wouldn't have it any other way.

Jessica embraced him tightly, smiling all the while, "I'm happy for you too, and everyone else will be when you tell them." She murmured, too quietly for their loud friends to hear.

He hugged her back just as tightly, "Thank you." His voice was thick with emotion and more tears welled in her eyes. A laugh spilled from her lips when she felt Angela, Bella, and Eric join the hug.

A breathless laugh escaped Bella and she wiped an imaginary tear from her eye, "My baby bisexual is growing up!"

"Time to buy some wristbands and freak out about bisexual culture." Angela teased and Jessica couldn't even pretend to be angry as she laughed again. She was on cloud nine.

"You guys are the worst!"

They broke apart and Mike grinned, "Yeah, we know."

Bella was having fun, though she felt bad for Emmett. It was supposed to be their hang out night until both Rosalie and Alice arrived at her house. She was happy to see the two of them, especially her imprint, but Emmett had been beyond annoyed with their intrusion.

However, he had quickly bounced back and even thanked Alice for showing up, especially without Jasper. That way he wouldn't have to third-wheel, and Bella promised him they'd do a one on one hang out some other time. I can't kick Rosalie out of my house. Not only did she not want to, but if she did the results would be catastrophic.

Emmett drove them to the grocery store so she could pick up steaks and other necessities. She wanted to see if she could make any food her vampires could possibly like, and she had to get food for Charlie to survive the week.

Rosalie clung to her arm as they walked through the store, pretending to look disinterested as she remained glued to her side. If she were anyone else Bella would be aggravated with her, but she was Rosalie, and she was pleasantly surprised by how clingy she was. It makes me feel better about my own clinginess.

After the stress they all had endured, this was nice, this was what they needed. Carlise, Carmen, and Esme had remodeled her room in less than a day. Getting her new furniture, repainting the walls to be a light blue, and ripping out the bloody carpeting and replacing it with short white carpet. The walls were fixed, her desk was taken out and replaced with the same model, and it was as though a huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Because of Victoria's intrusion, the wolves were once again patrolling near her house; making sure the vampire wasn't anywhere near her or Charlie. After the incident in her room, she felt her hatred for the redhead grow. Her thoughts weren't as conflicted as they once were, though she still wrestled with a part of herself that didn't want to harm her maker. It was infuriating.

"Bella?" She was awoken from her stupor and she shook her head.

"Huh?"

Emmett pushed their cart and Alice danced around, inquiring about the food Bella wanted to purchase, and she couldn't believe she was having so much fun doing something so mundane.

"Do we want celery?" Alice repeated, and Bella wrinkled her nose.

"Gross, no."

"God forbid you eat something healthy for a change," Rosalie grumbled, leaning her head against her shoulder as they came to a stop in the meat section of the store.

Bella snorted, "Take one bite out of celery and it floods your mouth with gross tasting water. And I don't need to eat healthily, I work out." She flexed her bicep and winked, making Alice and Emmett laugh when they noticed their sister staring for longer than necessary.

"Careful, Bella Bear. You might drown us." Bella kept her mouth shut and pretended as though she didn't hear him. He must not value his life. Rosalie wasn't retaliating, for the sake of being 'nice' but Bella knew she'd get back at her brother the second they returned to the Cullen household.

Alice shoved his shoulder and made a face, "That's gross."

Her imprint glared at him but didn't dignify that with a response, "Jesus, had I realized getting you laid would get you to chill out-" he laughed and jumped away as she swung at him, "Bella! Make her stop!"

She grinned, pulling Rosalie back to her side, "Down, kitty cat-"

"If you call me that again I'll rip out your tongue."

Bella's smile never wavered, "I love it when you're feisty!"

Emmett rolled his eyes and groaned, "Could you guys stop flirting for two seconds?"

Bella gave him a sheepish smile while her imprint snorted, "Threatening her equates to flirting?"

"Uh, yeah? You're mean, that's how you flirt, but only if it's Bella." Alice said, earning a glare from the blonde and a nod from Emmett.

"Exactly!"

"But you shouldn't stop! It's super adorable!"

He looked at her incredulously, "Adorable?"

"Rose is very adorable." Bella agreed.

Rosalie growled before pulling away from her, "I'm going to get the steaks so I don't murder all of you." Bella nearly followed but remained glued to the spot, the last thing I need is Emmett and Alice making fun of me.

Alice gripped her arm abruptly, eyes unfocused for a moment before she blinked rapidly, "Oh, wow," she grinned, "You ready for a show?" She directed her attention towards Rosalie, and Bella and Emmett did the same.

They watched as a man sidled up to the vampire, he looked to be in his early twenties with blonde hair and blue eyes. He was shorter than Bella, the same height as Rosalie, and was somewhat handsome for a human. The hybrid smirked, watching as he stood awkwardly next to her imprint.

Rosalie was examining the steaks, not bothering to look up when he cleared his throat, "Hey, are you new here? I haven't seen you around before." His voice wavered and Emmett shook his head.

"Poor guy, should we save him?" He asked and Alice smiled.

"We could, but the outcome will be far less entertaining."

Bella crossed her arms over her chest, smirk broadening as she heard the human's pulse quicken, "Well, I for one do so enjoy being entertained."

Rosalie sighed, keeping her eyes on the steaks, "I find it difficult to believe that you know all 3,862 people in Forks." She grabbed one of the packs of steaks, "Now, go away, I don't like blondes."

He looked surprised by her curtness, "You...but you're blonde-"

"Yes, you're a sharp one, aren't you?" She scoffed, skimming the other steaks once more to make sure she had made the correct choice.

"Wow, I was just trying to be nice."

"It's not nice to waste someone's time."

He frowned at her, "You don't have to be so rude. Just give me a chance, you might actually come to like me."

Bella's shoulders were shaking in silent laughter, "Oh no, Alice," she looked at the smirking seer, "Please tell me he gets out of there."

Emmett's laughter wasn't nearly as concealed, though he kept it quiet so as not to attract the man's attention, "I'm getting secondhand embarrassment."

"It gets better."

Rosalie finally glanced at him disdainfully, looking him up and down before rolling her eyes, "I told you to go away yet you continue to stand there and gawk at me like a neanderthal. I've already made my disinterest in you quite clear." She went back to examining the steaks, "You try to come off as confident when, really, it's sheer arrogance. It has to be, if someone like you thinks they could possibly appeal to someone like me."

His mouth fell open and heat flooded to his cheeks and they could all hear his heart pounding in his chest, "Okay, geez, you're not even that hot and you don't have to be such a bitc-"

"Don't lie to protect your fragile ego. I'm beyond stunning, I know that, and you know that, and that's why you proceeded to deprive everyone in this store the proper oxygen they need to survive." She snorted, "With all your mouth breathing, I feel light-headed."

Bella leaned against Alice, trying to suppress her giggles while Emmett draped himself over the shopping cart, keeping his face down and trying to keep his own laughter quiet.

Rosalie cut the man off when he opened his mouth, "You should think very, very carefully about what you're going to say next." Her voice was like ice, and she gestured at them, "That large man over there is my brother, and the tall girl is my girlfriend. You should feel emasculated by her very presence." He looked over at them with wide eyes.

Bella and Emmett managed to compose themselves long enough to wave at him, both grinning and looking menacing while Alice pouted, "What? She didn't mention me!" The man looked back at Rosalie in disbelief and the two broke character.

Her brother chuckled, "You're not very scary looking, pixie stick." He reminded her and she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I can be scary when I want to be."

"You're terrifying when you threaten to take me shopping." Bella offered, smiling when Alice smacked her shoulder good-naturedly.

Rosalie poked the man's chest roughly with her index finger, making him flinch, "But you should be far more terrified of what I'll do to you if you don't get out of my sight in the next five seconds." Her eyes were dark and she looked like a true predator as she glared at the human. He tripped over himself as he scurried away from her, looking back only to make sure she wasn't following before he disappeared into a different aisle.

The trio laughed and Alice clapped as Rosalie came back to their cart, still looking infuriated as she tossed the steak into the basket.

"Amazing delivery, as always." Alice beamed and Emmett nodded in agreement.

"He nearly pissed his pants, Rosie."

Bella opened her mouth to express her admiration but stopped when Rosalie directed her glare towards her, "What?"

Gold eyes narrowed, "He was flirting with me and you did nothing."

"You had it handled, I didn't think you needed me-"

"Obviously I had it handled," she snapped, "That's not what I'm talking about." Alice slapped her hands over her mouth to muffle her laugh while Emmett smirked down at his phone. She's mad I didn't help her when she didn't need my help? But wouldn't she have gotten mad at me for fighting her battles? Especially one so trivial?

It took her a second to realize what was happening and her jaw dropped in disbelief, "Are you mad at me for not getting jealous?"

Rosalie crossed her arms over her chest, "I didn't say that." No, but you are, "Let's hurry up and get out of this store."

"Why would I get jealous of that guy? You wouldn't leave me for him, you wouldn't leave me for anyone."

"You think highly of yourself."

"Well, I wouldn't leave you for anyone."

She was given the silent treatment and she groaned in frustration as she followed her aggravated imprint through the store.

Em: She's not actually mad, just annoyed. She's a little possessive of you and feels insecure about it

Bella: Thank god you can speak Rosalie, I'm not fluent yet

Em: Decades of practice :P

She wants her feelings validated, she wants to know she's not alone when it comes to feeling possessive. That made sense, though she still believed the entire ordeal was unnecessary. I can be possessive of her too. She wanted to spend all her time with her imprint, she never wanted to leave her side, but Bella had never been prone to jealousy.

Bella: How do I make her stop being mad at me?

Em: Idk you're Bella. She's probably already over it but she's too stubborn to talk to you first

Bella frowned at her phone before putting it away, nodding to Emmett in thanks before glancing at her imprint. Rosalie's eyes quickly looked away from her and she nearly laughed, she's so cute. The blonde was close to her, close enough for her to reach out and take her hand but Bella had another idea. Admittedly, she had a bad idea.

They walked through the canned goods aisle and Bella turned to a guy examining a can, "Hey, what the fuck? You staring at my girl?" She heard Emmett cough into his elbow, fighting back a laugh while Rosalie sighed in exasperation.

He startled, looking up at Bella in surprise, "Uh," his cheeks flushed and his pulse quickened, "Erm, no?" He held up his can to her, "I was looking at glazed yams."

The wolf's mock anger dissipated and her eyes widened, "Glazed yams? Holy shit, these come in cans now?"

He nodded, perking up slightly, "I know, right? Not even two bucks because they don't sell well."

"What a steal," she grabbed two cans and tossed them in the cart, "I'm sure they're not as good as the real deal, but a lot of times I'm in a rush."

The man sighed, "Tell me about it. I'm taking online classes and working as a part-time mechanic. There's just not enough hours in the day."

"That sounds intense." She reached past him and took another can, "I…" she trailed off, remembering why she was talking to him in the first place, "You just keep your eyes on your glazed yams, capiche?" She tossed the can in the cart and looked at him expectantly as Alice and Emmett snickered.

He put his hands up in a sign of surrender, "Hey, you got it. I'm not the type of guy to go around staring at other people's canned goods."

Rosalie scoffed, "You're referring to girls as canned goods…" she trailed off and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Why do I even bother?" Alice opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by her sister's sharp glare, "It was rhetorical. Please, for the love of god, don't attempt to answer my question." The smaller vampire pouted and shut her mouth.

Bella turned to Rosalie with a smile, "Don't worry, Rose," she slung an arm around her shoulders as they walked to the self-checkout line, "I was about to lose my shit because of my insane jealousy, but the very thought of you kept me sane." Gold eyes widened by a fraction before they rolled to the ceiling.

"I detest you." But she slipped her arm around her waist and pulled her closer, making Bella grin widely and kiss the top of her head.

"Well, I love you, so much so that I nearly decked that creep right in the face."

Emmett nodded, "I was there, Rose, I had to hold her back."

"I was there too. It was super intense." Alice agreed, causing Rosalie to glare at both of them.

"Remind me why you invited them?" Her imprint asked, burrowing deeper into Bella's side as they checked out their items.

Emmett looked at her in disbelief, "This was me and Bella's night, you invited yourself because you're clingy!" Bella held her breath to prevent herself from laughing as Rosalie quietly snarled at her brother.

"I'm not clingy. Bella invited me," she looked at her expectantly, "Isn't that right?"

"No she didn't!"

"Yes she did!"

Alice clapped her hands together before linking her arm with Bella's free one, "I'm having such a good time!"

"Bella." She jolted at the sound of Rosalie's commanding voice, "Tell Emmett that you invited me over." Tease her or please her?

The wolf sighed and gave Emmett an apologetic smile, "Sorry, Em, I invited her because I'm actually the clingy one." Rosalie rewarded her with a light kiss on the cheek and her smile broadened.

"You're so whipped it's pathetic." He grumbled, "You can stop lying, I already know the truth."

Gentle fingers caressed her arm, sending shivers up her spine, and she frowned at him, "I have no clue what you're talking about, bestie." The next kiss she got was on her neck and it took all her strength to behave herself.

Emmett lit up like a Christmas tree, "Bestie? Yes the hell I am!"

"Bestie!" Alice cried, glaring at Rosalie as they pushed the cart out into the parking lot, "Stop seducing her! You're making her speak utter nonsense!"

Rosalie played aloof as she hugged Bella's arm tightly to her chest, nearly making the wolf stumble, "Seducing? Why, I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about." She shrugged before looking up at her, "Bella." She met her gaze quickly, "Am I seducing you?" Her eyes darkened and Bella released a shuttered breath before shaking her head vigorously.

"Nope! Not at all!" She grinned at Alice, "I feel great and I'm definitely not horny!"

Emmett stopped the cart at his jeep and smirked, "You heard her, she's of sound mind and she just called me her bestie."

"She's clearly delirious! Especially if she considers you to be her bestie. Bella and I cuddled and watched tv and I broke the light in her kitchen when she and I were spending one on one time together! So clearly we're besties!" Alice declared and he snorted.

"I wouldn't brag about your fat head breaking the kitchen light." His smirk broadened as she shrieked in outrage.

"I'm telling Jasper!"

"Do that and I'll tell mom!" The two continued to squabble as they put away groceries, and Rosalie dragged Bella into the back seats of Emmet's car. The moment Bella sat down Rosalie was in her lap, peppering her face with kisses and running her hands through her hair.

"I like it when you're good for me." The blonde hummed, pressing a rough kiss to her lips and evoking a purr from the hybrid. Bella gripped her waist, heat flooding her body as a cold tongue infiltrated her warm mouth.

If being good means more kisses then I'll be a damn angel. Her vampire shifted, moving to straddle her and making Bella growl into her mouth. Rosalie put a hand over her heart, no doubt smug due to the sound and feel of it ricocheting in her chest.

Bella slipped a hand up her shirt, tracing her cool skin at the waist of her jeans and making Rosalie purr before rocking her hips pleadingly against her thumb.

"Not in my car! Ew! Stop it!" Emmett cried, making Rosalie growl and Bella laugh. She gave her imprint a parting peck on the lips before leaning back in her seat.

The large Cullen was grumbling under his breath as he got behind the wheel while Alice scowled at Bella from the passenger seat, "So you guys can be disgusting but it's a problem when me and Jasper have-"

She put her hand up to stop her, "No offense, but it smells terrible. I nearly vomited the first time I smelled it." Rosalie laughed quietly, leaning her head back on her shoulder as the hybrid wrapped her arms around her torso.

Emmett glanced at her from the rearview mirror, ignoring Alice's pout, "What do vampires smell like to you? Since you're half, do shifters smell bad to you too?"

Bella wrinkled her nose, "Shifters smell like wet dogs and vampires smell so sickly sweet it makes my nose burn. The only one that doesn't stink is Rose. She smells like roses." Cold fingers took her hand and interlaced their fingers, making her smile slightly.

"Kiss up," Alice grumbled.

"I still love you! You just smell...not as pleasant."

Rosalie was clearly enjoying herself, "Just be honest and say she smells rancid."

Bella hid her laugh in Rosalie's shoulder while Alice gasped in offense, "Bella! Control your mean, clingy imprint!"

"She's not clingy or mean. She's delightful." Rosalie shifted in her lap, slipping her arms around Bella's neck before pressing a gentle kiss to her jaw, "Extremely delightful-"

"No! Bad Bella! Bad Rosalie!" Emmett yelled.

"We should have bought a spray bottle," Alice grumbled.

Emmett nodded vehemently, "Yes, we would have!" He glanced back at her in the rearview mirror, "Bella, that's my sister you're seducing."

She gawked at him as Rosalie pulled away, "Me?"

Emmett pulled into her driveway, "Yes, you. Rose doesn't throw herself at just anyone, so clearly you're doing something."

"Throw myself?"

"Yes, captain clingy. You practically catapult yourself at her."

Alice laughed, "She is captain clingy! Emmie, that was a good one!"

"I know!"

Bella hid her smile, opening the jeep door and carrying Rosalie out, "Both of you idiots clearly don't know what it means to be clingy." She snapped, giving Bella's arm a light tap, "Put me down, I'm trying to prove a point." She chuckled before putting her angry imprint on the ground.

Emmett and Bella grabbed the groceries as Alice and Rosalie argued about the meaning of the word clingy. Thankful there weren't many, she only had to grab two bags since Emmett had grabbed four, and she jogged to the front door and opened it before Rosalie touched the handle.

Her imprint looked pleased, cupping her chin and giving her a light kiss on the lips, "Thank you." She murmured, breezing past her and into the house. Alice giggled, kissing her cheek and thanking her as well before she followed her sister.

The largest vampire looked at Bella in disbelief, "What has she done to you?" She wasn't listening, lips still tingling from the kiss, and when she realized Emmett was staring at her expectantly she frowned.

"Sorry, what?"

He shook his head and before he could enter the house, Rosalie stood in the doorway and blocked it, "Emmett, remember what we talked about in the cafeteria?" He rolled his eyes and moved so he could hold the door for Bella.

She gave him a sheepish smile, "Erm, sorry, and thank you." She pressed a kiss to his cheek, making him brighten up and laugh.

"Oh, don't apologize for my sister's reign of terror-"

"Careful," Rosalie grumbled, taking Bella's arm and leading her inside.

Alice was staring at where the kitchen light had once been, "You know, I think it looks better without it. No offense, Belly Bells, but your father has poor taste in decor." Bella chuckled, putting the groceries on the table and she began to put them away.

"Yes, you've done an amazing job with the place."

She glared at her, "You lifted me too high!"

"If that helps you sleep at night, then we can go with that."

Emmett came in and frowned as he set the remaining groceries on the countertop, "Why were you lifting her up in the first place?" The seer and shifter exchanged a nervous glance, now under the scrutiny of Emmett and Rosalie. Operation secret dance lessons are in danger of being not so secret.

Alice, thankfully, had the perfect answer, "I'm Alice and she's Bella, does there really have to be any rhyme or reason for what we do?"

Rosalie hummed, "A fair point." Bella sighed in relief, retrieving a skillet and placing it on the stove, "What are you making?"

"Steaks."

Emmett frowned, "Not on the grill?"

She shook her head, "This isn't for me, this is for you guys." They all stared at her, "I wanted to see if there was any food you could possibly enjoy the taste of. I know you can't stomach it well, but you can manage a few bites, so I wanted to experiment. I got the idea from Carlise." She pulled out some spices, "These aren't for your steaks, I know the taste would be too sharp. I'm grilling mine and my dad's, but I thought a skillet would be better for you guys. It would do a better job of soaking up the blood." She explained.

Alice blinked in surprise, "That's actually...really sweet of you."

"I used to love steak!" Emmett enthused, "Thank you!" Rosalie remained silent, staring at her in adoration for a moment before looking away.

A goofy grin spread on Bella's face and she was quick to hide it, "Don't thank me just yet, we still don't know if you'll like them." She didn't cook the steaks long, and while Alice hovered next to her, offering to help in any way she could, Rosalie sat in Emmett's lap, and they all talked about nonsense as she cooked. It made her smile, I could get used to this.

When the outside of the steaks turned brown was when she stopped cooking them. They were plenty pink on the inside and still soaking in blood as she handed the vampires their plates. Rosalie shifted uncomfortably in Emmett's lap, looking revolted when she cut into the meat, and Bella couldn't blame her. It's not pretty but hopefully, it tastes alright.

Emmett looked excited, taking a large bite and chewing thoroughly, eyebrows furrowed thoughtfully as he tasted the steak. Alice wrinkled her nose but popped a piece in her mouth and Rosalie watched them, as though wanting to be sure they wouldn't keel over before she tried a bite.

"It doesn't taste bad." Alice mused while Emmett smiled.

"I kinda like it! The texture is weird, better than raw meat, and the blood really helps distract from it." He took four more bites before he pushed the plate away from him, "Whew," he patted his stomach, "If I eat another bite I'll definitely throw-up." Bella laughed before looking at her imprint.

She knew Rosalie missed being human, so she hoped this could provide her even an inkling of the humanity she missed so much. Rosalie sighed before taking a small bite. Her eyes widened as she chewed and she hummed before looking at Bella.

"I don't want to vomit, so I guess that means it's not bad." She took two more bites before setting her fork down.

Bella grinned, "That's what I was shooting for!" But it broke her heart to see perfectly good steaks go to waste. She ate Rosalie's and Emmett's before putting Alice's away for later. Alice helped her clean up while Emmett put up the remaining groceries.

Just as she finished scrubbing the dishes, she felt cool arms wrap around her waist, and a gentle kiss was placed on her neck, "Thank you." Rosalie murmured, "I liked it." Bella turned around in her arms, smiling gently at her imprint.

"I'm glad." Rosalie rocked forward on her tiptoes and kissed her, making Bella sigh and tighten her grip on her.

"That's it." They broke apart when water was sprayed on them, "Bad Bella! Bad Rosalie!" A laughing Emmett held the sprayer from the kitchen sink, releasing it and running away as Rosalie ran after him. The left side of her face was wet, some blonde strands clung to her cheek.

"You're such a pest!" She jumped on his back and swatted at his head.

"I'm tired of you guys kissing all the time-" he yelped when she gave his hair a sharp tug.

"I'll kiss her whenever I damn well please!"

Bella brushed her wet hair behind her ear and laughed as the siblings quarreled with each other. She grunted in surprise when Alice jumped on her back, and the smallest vampire pointed at them.

"Attack!"

Bella smiled, "You're insane."

Emmett heard his sister's battle cry and he turned towards them, "Stop it, Rosie! Can't you see we're under attack?"

She sneered at him, "There's no we–Emmett!" He bolted forward, holding her legs so she couldn't jump down, and Bella laughed before meeting his charge. Alice cackled gleefully as she playfully swatted at the two. Bella and Emmett began shit-talking and Rosalie looked so aggravated that the three ended up dissolving into a fit of giggles at her expense.

They heard her father's cruiser pull up and she let Alice slip off her back. Emmett released Rosalie, who smacked the back of his head and made him laugh. Charlie came into the house, greeting everyone as he closed the door behind him.

"Alice, glad to see you."

"Hi, Charlie! Thanks for having me."

"Of course." He gave Rosalie a small wave, "Hello, Rosalie, nice to see you, as always."

She smiled at him, "Nice to see you as well, Mr. Swan."

"Please, call me Charlie." They bond by making fun of me and suddenly they're best friends.

Bella rolled her eyes, brushing past her imprint and standing in front of her father, "Hey, dad. Sorry, I was going to get your steak on the grill but I got distracted. I'll just go fire it up real quick-"

He gently grasped her shoulder and gave her a smile, "Don't worry about it, I can grill my own steak, I'm a big boy." He assured her before looking up at Emmett, "Jesus, what are they feeding these kids nowadays?" He grumbled under his breath, "And you are?"

Emmett chuckled and stuck out his hand, "Emmett Cullen! Rosalie and Alice's big brother."

Charlie shook his hand while Rosalie snorted, "He's my little brother, age-wise, at least."

"By a few months!"

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Emmett." He went over to the remaining steaks and picked them up, "I'm going to grill these...I'm assuming you kids have already eaten?"

"Sure did, Charlie." Emmett gave him a thumbs up and the chief frowned at him.

"That's Mr. Swan to you, Emery." He scolded before giving him a stern look, "No funny business, you hear?" Emmett's jaw dropped and Alice giggled.

Rosalie hid her smirk and Bella sighed, "Dad." He looked at her, "Girls, remember? I'm literally dating his sister."

He blinked, a blush rose to his cheeks and he laughed awkwardly, "Oh! Right! Sorry, Emmett, it was a reflex. Paul and Jake were given the same lectures before I knew about my daughter's lady-loving," good god, he then turned to Bella, "No funny business, you hear?"

Now it was Bella's turn to be shocked, "What! Rosalie's the one that-"

"I'll keep her out of trouble, Charlie," Alice assured him and Emmett laughed before he nodded.

"No shenanigans will take place while we're here! I have to protect my young and impressionable sister."

Bella gawked at him, "Are you kidding me? She's way older than me-" she jumped when her imprint pinched her ass and she scowled at her.

Rosalie smiled blithely at her in return, "I'm only a year older, Bella, don't exaggerate." She slipped an arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her cheek.

Bella grumbled, "Yeah, a year and a century older–ow! Shit! Okay!"

"You're close." Alice said, too quiet for Charlie to hear, "She's actually a century and five years old." She glowered at her sister and Bella bit her lip to hold back her laughter while Emmett smiled in amusement.

Charlie frowned and glanced between the two of them before shaking his head, "I mean it, Bells. No fooling around-"

She had to refrain from rolling her eyes, "You caught me, dad. I thought it'd be super hot to feel her up in front of her siblings."

"Didn't stop you before," Emmett grumbled and she glared at him.

"She started it."

Charlie waved her off, "Watch the snark, Swan." He chuckled, taking the steaks and walking out of the kitchen, "You kids have fun and be safe. Rosalie and Alice, I'm trusting you two to make sure my rowdy daughter will behave."

"Of course, Charlie. We'll make sure she keeps her hands to herself." Rosalie assured him, looking ever so pleased with herself as Bella scowled at her.

Emmett grinned at the wolf, "Bella Bear, your dad is awesome!"

"Shut it, Emery." She grumbled, making Alice laugh.

He sighed, "Don't take it out on me. If Rose and Alice hadn't butt in, you wouldn't have gotten lectured by your old man."

"Bella invited me," Rosalie said.

"Oh, I'm sure she did, liar! I bet she invited Alice too."

Alice scoffed at him and took Bella's hand, "I was invited, just like Rosalie!" She led her into the living room, "I was promised an Uno tournament."

She looked at her incredulously, "By who?"

The seer shrugged as the four of them sat around the coffee table, "I saw you had Uno here last time I was over, so I promised myself we would all play."

"Thank god Edward isn't here," Emmett said, "He'd ruin the entire game!"

"So would Jasper." Bella pointed out, "If he's a screen peeker, I bet he's a card peeker."

His eyes widened, "Holy shit, I bet that's why he always beats me at go fish!"

Alice sighed, "No, Emmett, I don't think that's it."

"Wait, you guys play go fish?" Bella raised a brow, "What are you, ten?"

Emmett gave her a patient smile, "Would you like to play with us the next time you come over?"

Bella nodded, "Yes please!"

"Enough of the mindless chatter," Rosalie griped, "I'm only playing this once." She said, watching as Bella retrieved the deck and shuffled the cards. She noticed that Bella sat on the opposite side of her and she stood to her feet, "Emmett, switch me seats."

He scowled, "No way-"

"I know, it was supposed to be your day," she rolled her eyes, "Fine, switch Bella seats. Then we can both sit by her."

Her brother grinned, "That's a great idea!" Bella narrowed her eyes but switched with Emmett anyway. She's planning something and I don't like it.

Her cards were standard, save for the beautiful draw four card she was blessed with. Everything started out fine until the cards began to dwindle and they were all down to three.

"Alice!" Emmett cried, putting his cards to his chest and looking at her in horror, "No peeking!"

"I wasn't! I was thinking!"

"Wow, uh huh, while staring at my cards? God, you and Jasper were made for each other!" He growled. Bella paid them no mind as she squinted at her own cards. A draw four, a red, and a blue. The color was currently red, and she thought the odds were in her favor.

Emmett put down a draw two and her eyes widened, "You slut! What the hell, Emmett!"

"It's the only red I had left!"

"He's lying!" Alice chimed in, "He has a red five!"

"Alice!"

"Emmett!"

"Can we please stop yelling?" Rosalie groused, taking two from the deck and all but tossing them at Bella, "It's difficult to concentrate." The hybrid rolled her eyes before glancing at her cards. Two reds, a setback but luckily it's minor.

Rosalie stared intensely at her own deck before putting down a skip card and making Alice gasp, "Rose!"

"You were agitating me earlier with your cheery disposition. You're lucky I don't have more lethal cards at the moment."

Emmett stuck his tongue out at Alice before putting down his other red, "No Uno!" Bella yelled before he had the chance to say it.

"Asshole!"

"Draw two, you treasonous, lying prick!" She crowed, smiling triumphantly as she put one of her reds down. Emmett drew his cards and scowled at her, making her smirk and give him a sarcastic wave.

Rosalie placed hers down next, "Uno!" She said excitedly, eyes lighting up with mirth as she clutched her single card to her chest. Bella couldn't get over how cute she was and she had to force herself to look away. Can't have her thinking I'll just let her win because she's adorable and I love her.

When it came back to Bella's turn she realized she could stop her imprint from winning. One draw four and I keep the game going. One draw four and I'll be a hero.

As though reading her mind, a gentle hand rested on her thigh and she looked up from her cards. Rosalie wasn't looking at her, instead, her eyes remained on her single card as her hand slid up her thigh and rested by the button of her jeans.

Alice's eyes widened, "That's why you wanted to sit next to her! Stop it! That's cheating!"

Bella stared at the hand on her lap while Rosalie rolled her eyes, "I'm only resting my hand on her leg. I've seen you and Jasper do it multiple times."

Emmett grabbed her shoulder, making her tear her gaze off Rosalie's hand, "Bella, listen to me." He said urgently, "Rose is still going to sleep with you, even if you don't let her win. Don't fuck this up for me!"

Rosalie's thumb made little circles on her thigh and a shiver ran down her spine, "Why would she want to help you, Emmett?" She questioned, "You were supposed to be her best friend and you betrayed her."

"I didn't have a choice!"

"Bella!" Alice yelled, "I didn't betray you! Think about me!"

The blonde sighed, "So conceited." She smiled warmly at the wolf, "I hope you win. You've been playing really well."

Bella tried to ignore the hand on her thigh but it was growing increasingly difficult as Rosalie leaned closer towards her, "This isn't right, Rose. It's unethical!"

"Unethical?" She tilted her head, "To encourage my mate to win?"

She clenched her jaw, resolve crumbling as a smirk appeared on her imprint's lips, "All of this," she gestured at the Uno deck, "Is it some sort of game to you?"

Rosalie's smirk vanished and she rolled her eyes, "You're so ridiculously dramatic I can't even attempt to seduce you." She removed her hand from her thigh and shook her head, "Just make me draw." Emmett and Alice cheered as Bella slammed down her draw four, grinning triumphantly as Rosalie glared at her.

"You've just been," she drew four cards and set them in front of Rosalie, "Carded." She frowned, "Wait, that sounded cooler in my head."

"You've just been, discarded?" Alice suggested and she perked up.

"Ooh! Yeah, that's way better!" She looked back at her vampire, "You've just been," she paused for dramatic effect, "Discarded."

Rosalie stared at the cards before her before she put her arm on the table, "Rose-" Emmett tried to stop her but it was too late. She swept them all to the floor, watching silently as they mixed together in a rainbow of colors.

Alice and Emmett yelled at her while Bella laughed, "Holy shit, your nickname should definitely be kitty cat. That was such a cat move!"

"No." Rosalie told her firmly, "Come up with something else."

Bella rolled her eyes, "You got it, beautiful." To her surprise, Rosalie didn't object, and her eyes widened in disbelief, "Seriously? You wanted originality but then you settled for beautiful?"

"Shut up." She speedily picked the cards up, taking the remainder from her siblings before putting the game away.

Emmett snorted, "Rosalie? Pretending to be difficult but actually being super easy to please? Shocker."

She glared at him, "Sometimes, I really regret saving you from that bear."

"I love you too, Rosie." He cooed, reaching over and pinching her cheek. She smacked his hand away and he laughed.

Bella watched them with a fond smile before moving to the couch. Emmett got to pick the movie, she couldn't remember the name but she didn't care. Not when she had her head in Rosalie's lap. Her vampire threaded her fingers through her hair, not paying the movie any mind as she spoke quietly with her siblings.

Bella wasn't really listening, not to the movie or their conversation. She felt settled, happy, even, but with that feeling came the fear of everything falling apart. Rosalie and Esme had talked some sense into her, they had made her see reason, but doubt still lingered in her mind.

Can this war be avoided? She wasn't sure, but she knew she'd never forgive herself if she didn't at least try.

"I said cars, Jake, what the fuck are these!" Seth and Paul laughed as their packmate presented them with two broken-down bikes. Leah hid her snicker behind her hand and Jake glared at them before looking at Bella.

"I said I could teach you how to fix cars, but that I only have bikes, Bella!" Fuck me.

"Rosalie isn't going to be impressed by bikes!"

"If she can be impressed by you, in any capacity, then I doubt she'll have high expectations for your knowledge of any vehicle." Leah jabbed, "Actually, I bet you could fix a toy car and she'd be absolutely thrilled."

This evoked a begrudging smile from her, "You're such an ass," she then looked at her brother, "Don't be like your sister, Seth, you're too good for this world and you don't need her dragging you down with her."

"Fuck you."

"Leah is pretty cool, but maybe you're right."

She scowled at him, slinging an arm around his neck and catching him in a headlock, "People would kill to be like me," he laughed as she ruffled his hair and gave him a light shove, "Don't let Bella fill your head with bullshit."

"Rude."

Paul smirked, "Bella has a point, you're pretty moody."

Jared sat up from his spot on the ground, "We already knew this." He elbowed Embry in his side, "Right?" Embry smiled slightly but didn't comment, always the pacifist in the pack.

She looked at them incredulously, "Are you kidding me? Paul has the worst temper in the pack, followed by Jared and Quil."

Paul frowned, "I've been getting better!"

Embry chuckled, "Only when Bella, Seth, or Sam is with you." He pointed out, leaning slightly against Jared who threw an arm around his shoulders.

Jake nodded in agreement, "Without them, you start fights all the time, especially with Quil."

"Don't act like you and Leah don't get into screaming matches with him." He snorted, "He's obnoxious."

Bella assumed Quil's distrust of her caused the discord between the pack. She couldn't blame Quil for being cautious. He had known her for the least amount of time when she revealed her secret, but that didn't make her any less annoyed by his glares and snide remarks.

Initially, Jared had been the same way but had quickly lowered his guard when he saw her wolf. Sometimes they went on runs together and, despite him being a jackass, she found she enjoyed his more antagonistic nature. He was good at riling people up, especially Leah and Paul.

"We don't get in fistfights with him." Leah defended.

Jake was oddly quiet and Embry laughed before saying, "Jake fought him as a wolf, twice."

"What the fuck? And you assholes think I'm the moody one," Leah grumbled, her scowl lessened in intensity when Seth took her hand in his and gave her a bright smile.

"I don't think you're moody."

"Because you're the only wolf around here who isn't brain dead." She kissed his cheek and Bella nearly cooed at how cute the two were.

She refrained and smirked at Paul, "I also believe Paul is the moodiest." Despite Leah's struggle with Sam's imprint on Emily, she handled herself very well. She could get bitter, and none of them blamed her for that, but she never lashed out at the man that broke her heart. I hope she finds her imprint soon.

Paul frowned at Bella, "Traitor."

"I'm a beacon of truth."

"You're a mouthy asshole."

"That too." The hybrid turned to Jake and sighed, "Okay, so we're fixing bikes...dirt bikes. Awesome."

He frowned, "Sorry we can't all be rich like your girlfriend." Ooh, I like it when she's called that, "Gross."

"Shut up and teach me how to fix these bikes-" a sharp howl cut her off and they all looked at each other with wide eyes.

"It's Sam." Jake took off his shirt and pants, "We need to move, now."

The wolves ran quickly through the forest, clothes tied to their hind legs as they went to meet Sam's wolf. Bella ran ahead, just in case it was an emergency, and she left the remainder of the pack in the dust as her claws dug into the dirt and propelled her forward.

She arrived at Sam's house to see him attempting to calm a small wolf. The wolf was panicking, whining loudly as he looked down at his paws and spun in circles. He had dark, ashy-brown fur that looked almost grey and dark brown eyes that were wide with panic.

"Bella, this is Brady Fuller, he's Leah and Seth's cousin." Sam introduced, turning his calm gaze on the shifter, "Brady." The wolf looked at him, "This is Bella. She's a friend of the pack." He gestured at her and she stepped forward, tail wagging and ears bowed in an attempt to look friendly, "She's like us."

Brady froze at the sight of her, not moving as she looked down at him and gently nuzzled the top of his head. He relaxed slightly when he realized she wasn't threatening, and he whined again, tail wagging when she licked his cheek.

When Ian and Arthur had found her and Paul, it was Arthur that comforted them in his wolf form as Ian calmed them down. Arthur was a light brown wolf, and his coloring resembled that of a deer. A white ring around his brown snout, and his belly was white as well. He laid with them, showed them they weren't alone, and Bella planned on doing the same for Brady.

The other wolves arrived, as did Quil, who growled at the sight of her. Brady jumped back, looking at Quil's wolf warily and making Bella bare her teeth at him in silent warning. I don't have time for you bullshit, not today.

"Stop it, Quil." Sam snapped before looking at the others, "All of you change back. Emily's making stir fry, save plenty for Brady. Bella and I will stay with him until he calms down." They did as they were told and Brady watched Quil until he disappeared into the house.

Brady laid on his stomach, ears flat against his head and another whimper escaped him, "It's alright, Brady." Bella laid next to him, pressing her side against his and laying her head on her paws as Sam approached them. He spoke quietly, his deep voice soothing in a way Bella had never heard.

Brady nestled closer to her, relaxing even more as Sam gently stroked his fur. It took twenty minutes for him to shift back. Bella quickly looked away from him, going behind a tree to shift back and change into her clothes as Sam ran to retrieve the new shifter some clothes of his own.

The new wolf's heart was beating loudly in his chest, and Bella waited until he was dressed to return to the two. Her eyes widened when she saw how young he truly was. He was on the thin side, Sam's shirt hung off him almost comically, and the pants were only held up by a belt. His shaggy black hair got in his brown eyes, his face was rounder and further emphasized his youth, and he only went up to Bella's chest.

When he saw her he stared in awe for a moment before blinking rapidly. The faintest blush appeared on his light brown cheeks and she gave him a gentle smile, though she was filled with dread. He can't be older than thirteen.

That was when she and Paul had turned, that was when her childhood was ripped away from her in place of protecting humans from the bloodsuckers. They were taken out of school and had to be homeschooled by Paul's mother, they couldn't go into public because of their uncontrolled tempers, and they were put through drills almost immediately upon shifting.

There were moments when they could be children, but more often than not they were treated as though they were adults. Once she had believed that to be a good thing, but now she understood the importance of being allowed to be a child.

"I'm Bella," she held out her hand, "It's nice to meet you, Brady."

He smiled nervously before taking her hand, "You too."

She then glanced at Sam, "How old is he?"

"Thirteen."

"Jesus." But Sam isn't like Ian, he wouldn't take away Brady's childhood, would he?

He noticed her distress and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "We'll keep him safe."

"He's a kid."

"I'm a teenager." Brady defended, making her chuckle.

"Of course, how silly of me." She ruffled his hair and he smacked her hands away with a small smile.

The other shifters left Emily's house, standing back and watching them interact, "I know. I won't push, I'll only encourage." Sam murmured, "Nothing too dangerous, you have my word."

She sighed, slinging an arm around the younger boy's shoulders, "I trust you...just let him be a kid. Do the best you can." She urged and he nodded, making her relax and grin down at Brady, "C'mon, Mr. Teenager, Emily made us food so let's eat!" He smiled back at her before wrapping a loose arm around her waist and letting her lead him to the house.

Leah and Seth approached their cousin and Bella released him, giving the skittish boy a comforting smile before slipping into the house as the rest of the pack introduced themselves. As much as she wanted to stick by his side, she knew better.

He won't gain confidence if you hover. Arthur had made that same mistake with her and Paul and it was Hosea that convinced him to ease off. Her cowboy had always meant well, but they needed that space to grow their own backbones against their packmates.

Emily came into the kitchen and they exchanged smiles, "Sorry I haven't been helping with cooking as much-" she started but the woman only shook her head.

"Don't apologize for spending time with your imprint. Sam and I were the same way when the bond was formed." She gave her a teasing smile and Bella sighed, thankful for the millionth time she could no longer blush.

"Yeah...it's nice, though."

"It is."

The sickly sweet scent of a strange vampire made her tense and she growled, startling Emily and making her grimace, "Sorry! Shit, I'm really sorry!" She exited the house quickly, jaw clenched as she approached the other shifters. The vampire would be too far for them to detect in their human forms, but it was indeed on their side of the border and they'd have to act quickly.

"Sam." Her commanding voice made him instantly look at her, "Keep Brady in the house with Emily. There's a leech." He stiffened and nodded, though he appeared calm she could hear the nervous flutter of his heart. They've never had to hunt a vampire.

"Give me a moment, I'll go with you-"

Bella shook her head, "Protect your imprint. You won't be much use to me if you worry about her safety." She then turned to Paul, who was already at her side, "I'll only need Paul for this one, but I'll take Jake and Leah too. A precaution I don't think we'll need, but it could also be a good learning experience."

Sam nodded, turning to Embry and Jared, "You two check the other side of the border. If you see another leech do not engage unless you absolutely have to. Howl if you find any others." He looked at Quil, "You'll stay with me to protect Brady and Emily."

Quil frowned at him, "You trust a half leech? She'll probably let it go!" His dig hardly registered, she was in preparation mode and found herself unbothered by him.

Paul snarled at him, "Watch your fucking mouth-"

Bella put a hand on his arm and shook her head, "We don't have time for this." She looked at Quil, "You can come with," she turned to Jake, "You stay with Sam. No wolf should be alone."

"When it's finished I want Paul and Leah to ensure there are no other leeches on that side of our border." Sam said before looking at the hybrid, "Then, I want you and Paul to begin training us. We're clearly out of our element."

She nodded, "Of course."

The wolves moved quickly, Paul and Bella ran ahead of Quil and Leah, and the hybrid felt exhilarated to be hunting again. It's been so long. She felt as though she had been sitting idly for far too long, and to be able to hunt once again filled her with a strange feeling of joy.

The vampire gasped when she saw her, red eyes filled with terror as she tried to run faster in an attempt to escape them. Bella shared a look with Paul, the vampire was a newborn, strong but reckless and easy enough to kill.

The two split, boxing the newborn in between them, and Bella lunged at her. Sharp teeth dug into the hard skin of her leg and she screamed in agony. Paul launched himself forward, grabbing the vampire's arm before she could swing at Bella, and together the two wolves ripped off her limbs, leaving her immobile.

She was flat on her back, screaming in rage and pain as she thrashed wildly on the forest floor. Paul was about to go for the killing blow when Bella growled at him in warning. He stopped but continued to watch the newborn warily as Bella shifted back.

The hybrid put on her clothes before she approached her, eye black and teeth bared. The vampire looked at her with wide eyes.

"You're the red wolf." She breathed, trembling in fear and making Bella frown.

"You've heard of me?" Paul and Leah's wolves stood shoulder to shoulder with her while Quil stood back and observed them.

The brunette's eyes darted warily between the four and she swallowed thickly, "Victoria said not to go near you." She whimpered, "I didn't mean to go near you. I was looking for a vampire, Rosalie."

Bella stiffened, eyes narrowing as she stepped closer towards the newborn, "What do you want with that vampire?"

Her eyes widened, realizing her mistake of speaking too freely, and she shook her head, "I can't-" Paul snarled at her, lunging forward and snapped his teeth at her. She jumped, moving back as well as she could with one arm and one leg, "Okay! Okay! She killed my maker, Laurent!"

Bella raised a brow, keeping her face blank as she stared down at her, "Did she? How can you be sure?"

The newborn bared her teeth, "Victoria told us. She saw the whole thing-"

"She lied." Laurent was a setup, a martyr for his newborns to rally behind, "I killed him."

She froze, eyes wide in disbelief before she snarled at her, "You? I'll kill you!" Bella smiled mirthlessly as she hissed and swatted at her, movements clunky and awkward.

The hybrid couldn't help herself, and she stooped down to pick up the severed arm before she wiggled it in front of her, "I don't think you will. I've already disarmed you." She ignored Leah's annoyed huff as the newborn shrieked in rage, "Enough of that." She tossed the limb aside, "How many of you are there?"

"He made a lot of us, then the lieutenants made more, but I don't know and I don't care! You killed him! You killed my maker!" She wailed, swatting at her again but Bella stood just out of reach. She couldn't help but pity the newborn before her, she hadn't chosen this life, nor had she chosen her shitty maker, which was something Bella could sympathize with.

She debated letting her live, offering her an alternative to human blood, but she knew better. Arthur was killed by a vengeful vampire, who's to say this newborn wouldn't run off and wait to reenact her revenge?

Leaving her alive would also put her in bad standing with the pack. They would doubt her competence, they would see her mercy as weakness. To allow a vengeful newborn to go free on their land would be dangerous and beyond disrespectful.

"Where in Seattle were you being held?" Edward and Irina had found only two warehouses, but Edward had alluded to the fact that there could be more.

"Fuck you!" Leah's wolf snarled at her and she gritted her teeth, eyes darting between Leah and Bella anxiously, "I-I don't actually know! Some warehouse on the edge of town!" She didn't tell them much, she kept them all in the dark. Victoria was far more clever than she had given her credit for.

Bella knelt before her, placing both hands on either side of her face. The newborn screeched and tried to hit her, only for Paul to pounce and restrain her flailing limb with his sharp teeth. Red eyes were no longer angry but fearful, regretful, even.

"Close your eyes." She instructed, sighing when venom filled eyes closed, "Do you have family?" She doubted the vampire had children, she didn't look older than twenty.

The newborn hesitated before speaking, "My father and sister." Paul shared a glance with her before releasing the vampire's arm. She clutched it to her chest, no longer trying to attack Bella, no longer trying to fight the inevitable.

"What are their names?" When she didn't answer she said, "My kind protects humans, I promise none of us will hurt them."

Keeping her eyes closed, she answered, "Joel and Ellie Miller."

Bella nodded slowly, "Tell me about them." She knew better than to ask for the newborn's name. If she did, she wouldn't be able to go through with it.

This earned her a chuckle, "Ellie is a wildcard, a fourteen year old kid with a big mouth and a big heart. My dad acts tough, he is tough, but he's also a big softie that plays guitar. Our mother passed away five years ago, so it's been the three of us but...we're happier now. We have a small farmhouse, just outside of Seattle. We raise sheep, not many, but enough. Ellie and her friend Riley like climbing the big oak tree, even though it gives my dad a heart attack."

The hybrid chuckled, "They sound like a handful."

"They are. Especially on Halloween. Taking them to any costume shop is a nightmare, they try on all the masks and run around laughing and telling stupid jokes. My dad will join them sometimes, it's ridiculous." She quieted for a moment, "Would you...could you take my ring to Ellie? It was our mom's, and now it's hers."

She spotted the ring on her middle finger, a simple gold band with an intricate moth engraved on it, "I will. Why a moth?"

"My mom was odd. She said something about obsession, about the endless pursuit of a moth going towards a flame. She was more poetic than I am." She laughed, loud and carefree, and Bella had never hated Victoria more than she did at that moment.

She used all these people, uncaring of the pain she caused, just to get to me. She had newborns cooped up, undoubtedly in awful living conditions, just to get to someone that wasn't her mate. I don't care if she's my maker, I want her dead.

"I...I don't want to die. But at least when I do, my mom won't be alone anymore."

Venom clouded the hybrid's eyes, "You won't be alone anymore, either." Jasper had spoken briefly of his time in the wars, cooped up with other newborns, and never knowing who to trust. Just hoping he could survive their tantrums and hold himself back from attacking others. The isolation, he had said, was indescribable.

"To be around so many like you but fearing their touch and fearing the harm you could inflict on them...I thought I had gone to hell."

The newborn smiled, relaxing further into Bella's touch, and gently cupping her wrist with her hand, "You're right...thank you."

She didn't say another word, and with a quick twist of her wrists, the newborn was dead. She heard the wolves shifting behind her but she paid them no mind, slipping the ring off her finger and tucking it into her pocket.

Her heart was heavy, "I'm sorry." She deserved better, and so did her family.

"That was really...shit." Leah breathed, putting a hand on her shoulder, "Are you alright?"

She nodded, not taking her eyes off the deceased newborn, "I didn't like it...but it had to be done." Paul was silent, taking her hand and giving it a firm squeeze, and she felt the tension leave her body.

"We won't let them near Rosalie." He promised, and Leah nodded in agreement. Her smile was hollow, but she really was grateful that they were looking out for her imprint.

Even Quil looked disturbed, standing a ways away with his arms crossed over his chest, "Why did you ask her all those questions?" He sounded angry, voice filled with accusation but underlined with sadness.

Bella smiled despondently at him, "It's always unsettling when we find the humanity that remains in those we deem as monsters." She looked back at the corpse, "Vampire, shifter, or human, our last thoughts should be of home."

He shook his head, eyes betraying the sorrow he felt for the newborn, "She was still a leech."

"You don't have to act tough all the time, Quil." Paul murmured, giving Bella's hand one more squeeze before pulling away, "Come on, we have to burn her."

They all worked in silence, gathering wood and clearing the ground to ensure they wouldn't set the forest on fire. When the large fire was made, it was Leah who burned the pieces, having noticed Bella's reluctance when she picked up a limb.

The air was filled with smoke and the bittersweet scent of the burning newborn. The somber mood remained, and when Paul and Leah went to patrol it was Quil and Bella who remained.

"She seemed really easy to kill," Quil said, staring into the dying flames.

"Newborns are inexperienced, many haven't encountered shifters, so we take them off guard." She explained, "And Victoria is ordering them to stay away from me, she was too frantic to put up much of a fight."

Bella stared into the flames, hand in her pocket, and fingers fiddling with Ellie's ring. What do I say to them? How can I face them? She didn't feel guilty about her actions, they were necessary, but she felt guilty about the newborn's death in general. I've killed many, but none so human. Bella almost regretted comforting her in the end, if she hadn't done that, maybe she wouldn't feel so horrible.

Her thumb grazed the outline of the moth and she stopped. Obsession and endless pursuit, she sucked in a breath, so much like Victoria.

"It was...nice." Quil said, voice quiet and gaze still on the flames, "What you did for the girl, I mean."

She was surprised he was speaking so calmly to her, that he even acknowledged her at all, "Thanks."

It was silent for a moment before he spoke up again, "They're not all like that, are they? The red eyes?"

"No. I've hunted my fair share of monsters, wicked and twisted 'til the end." She assured him, "But, clearly, they're not all like that."

"Yeah." He glanced at her, "Have you met a good one with red eyes?"

"Once. She only drank from murders and rapists and the like. I let her go and...well, that's how I got the scars on my back. My alpha didn't like that." Quil's eyes widened for a moment and he looked away from her.

"That's fucked up."

"I disobeyed an order."

"Still."

"Yeah."

When the fire died down was when darkness came and swallowed the light.

Bella looked up at the stars that dotted across the sky, "We should get back."

He hesitated before looking at her, "The ring, are you really going to give it to her family?"

"I told her I would."

Quil blinked before nodding slowly, "Do you...do you need someone to go with you?" Her eyebrows raised, and for a moment she thought about heckling him. What, you want to journey with a halfbreed?

She decided not to, "Did you want to come with me?"

Broad shoulders shrugged, and he scratched at his dark curls nervously, "Yeah. If you don't mind."

"May I ask why?" He was quiet, eyes fixed on the ground, and thick fingers toying with the belt loop of his jean shorts.

Finally, he looked up at her, "You talked about humanity in monsters...I thought you were a monster. I thought you had everyone here fooled but...I don't know. You could still be a monster, but I saw humanity in you just now, just like what we saw in that girl. I think I want to see more."

She stared at him for a moment, and when she sensed no deception or mockery she asked, "And what if you don't like the humanity you see?"

He didn't address what she said, he acted like she hadn't even spoken, "Let me know when we're going to find Joel and Ellie."

Bella nodded before walking to the treeline, "Tell Sam we'll start training tomorrow. I need to tell the Cullens what happened here." He grunted in agreement before exploding into his brown wolf and tearing off into the forest.

It was then that Bella allowed herself to feel the gravity of the situation. They want Rosalie dead. A large number of newborns would be coming here just to kill her imprint. The red wolf sprinted through the dense forest, mind racing and heart pounding as fear and self-loathing enveloped her.

If I hadn't come here this wouldn't be happening. That newborn would remain a human, living out her life and enjoying her time with her family. She'd be dragged into costume shops with Ellie and Riley, watching with feigned annoyance as the girls ran around the store with their masks on and making stupid jokes as they did so.

If she had stayed away, the Cullens and the Denali's and the pack wouldn't be in danger. They wouldn't be willing to risk their lives for her. I brought this storm to them, and they were willing to endure it for her safety. They shouldn't have to.

Jasper was surprised by the appearance of Bella's serious nature when really, he shouldn't have been. Kate, who frequently leaned on the side of immaturity, was just as stoic as the wolf was, and their anxiety mixed with excitement was something he understood far too well.

It had been difficult for him to adjust to his new lifestyle. The cruelty the vampire wars had instilled in him had never left. He had calmed significantly since his soldiering days, but he found times where he itched for combat, true combat that went beyond sparring.

Alice was always understanding of this, of his true nature. He hadn't switched his diet in an attempt to become better, he did it for her and her alone. When they joined the Cullens he had been uneasy.

The newborns he had trained and lived with were always wild and quick to attack without any regard for their own safety. Their constant emotions of anger and fear had sunk deep into his skin and made him hateful.

Being around so many vampires, especially with his newfound mate, made him on edge for the first year they spent with them. He hadn't expected to grow to love them, to view Esme and Carlise as parental figures, to enjoy the mindless roughhousing with Emmett, the races with Edward, and the way Rosalie kept him on his toes.

She had distrusted him just as much as he had distrusted all of them in the beginning, and now she was someone he trusted in completely. She had been the only one that could keep up with him when they sparred, and he found he enjoyed her company despite her rampant emotions of self-loathing and sorrow.

Family had been foreign to him. Maria used him as a pawn, in many ways she reminded him of Victoria, and the strongest attachment he had before Alice was his friend Charlotte who was now living life as a nomad. And Peter, but he had been torn apart by enemy newborns and Jasper had been helpless to save him.

Guilt I can't continue to carry with me, and as he so frequently did, he pushed Peter from his mind. Sorry, old friend, perhaps another time. It was hard enough to deal with everyone else's emotions, especially when his own already smothered him.

When Alice found him he had been excited at the prospect of living the rest of his life with her and her alone. Then she led me to the Cullens, he glanced at Bella and Kate, and now I have a lot more to fight for.

The trio came to a stop at the clearing they had played baseball in, splitting up to scour the perimeter. Bella's wolf trotted the length of one side, nose close to the ground, and eyes roving while Kate went to the opposite side and Jasper took on the middle.

He tapped his pencil against his clipboard, scanning the surrounding area before quickly drawing the clearing's perimeter on a blank sheet of paper. When Bella and Kate returned the wolf shifted back, putting on clothes and not even garnering the attention of the blonde. Both were too focused on the task at hand.

Kate tapped on the side of the paper, "They'll most likely be coming from this side." She pointed towards the opposite end of the field, "I doubt Victoria will let them run through town. That'd draw the attention of the Volturi."

Bella frowned, "Would they bother showing up? They ignored Carlise's warnings."

Kate nodded gravely, "They're far from benevolent rulers, but if Victoria's newborns were to murder a whole town, they would arrive."

"You're right, they're not likely to come from here, but we should station vampires there just in case," Jasper pointed out, "Newborns aren't bright, but they're smart enough to look for an opening."

Bella stared at the outline for a moment before sucking in a breath, "It's a hell of a gamble...but the wolves can be hiding further away if we can figure out how to mask their scents."

Jasper's eyes widened in slight excitement, catching onto her thought process, "They could flank them."

"If we can figure out how to cover up their scents…" Kate stopped, "Blood. I'm sure Carlise could get us some from the hospital." He could feel Bella's anxiety spike and he was quick to send soothing waves of calm, giving her a smile as she gave him a grateful nod.

"Not only blood," Bella said, releasing a breath, "Rosalie's scent will help distract them. We could mix the scents."

Kate nodded slowly, "That's a theory I'm sure Carlise and Eleazar will be thrilled to test."

"Anger and blood lust is what makes up a newborn. I'm certain combining the two will blind them to the scent of the wolves." He looked at the hybrid, "Bella, how many wolves do we have?"

She grimaced, "Twelve including myself...the two kids that shifted are just that, kids."

Kate looked at her, "You were thirteen when you were hunting vampires. You said you and Paul already began training them-"

"This is an army, Kate, it's a little different." She responded tersely.

"Then what would you suggest? Going from twelve wolves to ten? We need everyone we can get." Jasper pressed, pushing more waves of calm as another spike of anxiety struck her.

Kate nodded in agreement, "Edward and Irina reported over twenty newborns. If you can't replace the two younger wolves then we can't afford to let them sit this fight out."

Dual-colored eyes glared at the paper before them, before a small snarl escaped her, "I can get us more wolves...experienced ones."

He was shaken from his soldier mode, regretting his push, "You don't have to reach out to your old pack. Not if it causes problems-"

"This is about ensuring the safety of our family and the town." She said resolutely, "I can't promise my entire pack will arrive, but I'm willing to bet Ian will send a few if I explain the situation...or at least, I hope he will."

Kate looked thoughtful, "Approximately how many?"

"Four, maybe five."

"Good. I have a friend who's willing to aid us." He looked at Bella, "She has red eyes, but only drinks the blood of the vilest of humans."

He could feel her surprise and suspicion rolling off her in waves but she nodded, "Fine, so long as she doesn't feed on anyone in Forks." She then paused, "I'll have to run it by Sam, but I'm sure I can talk some sense into him."

"I'm sure he'll agree to it."

Kate looked down at the paper, holding out her hand for the pencil and Jasper placed it in her palm, "We put the wolves here, wait for the first wave, and have them trap them on either side. If Bella can get some of the wolves from her pack then they can help trap them in and help hunt down stragglers." She scribbled small scratch marks and arrows to emphasize her point before handing the pencil back to Jasper.

The soldier stared at the paper for a moment, "We need to pair ourselves up according to skill and compatibility. It can't be a free for all, we have to focus on our partner so we're not overwhelmed." He looked at Bella, "As tempting as it is to want to protect your imprint, you two will only distract each other. I won't be fighting with Alice, I'm a better match with Charlotte."

Bella, to his surprise, nodded in understanding despite her feelings of unease, "Kate and I have talked about this, we'll be fighting together."

"I don't risk shocking her with my touch, and we already work well together." He wasn't surprised by their decision, but he was pleased with how the two had already considered their strengths.

"Good." He looked back down at the paper, writing their pairings, "You, me, Kate, and Charlotte will be on front lines."

"Obviously," Kate smirked, slinging an arm around Bella's shoulders, "We're the heavy hitters." It was true. While Bella hadn't fought in a war, she had killed her fair share of vampires and was well versed in teamwork.

Bella was the protector, the hunter. She knew the mannerisms of a frantic vampire almost as well as he did and she had proven herself useful in a fight. Her movements, even as a wolf, resembled that of a snake, quick and fluid. He couldn't help but wonder how her fighting changed when she was with a pack.

Kate was the warrior, the bruiser. Her fighting resembled Emmett's but she was far more skilled. While her approach was direct, she relied heavily on her gift as well as her cunning which is where she differed from the larger Cullen. All her attacks were powerful and crippling, but they were also measured and well thought out.

He was the soldier, the tactician. He was all strategy and speed, and he had long ago given up on the use of sheer strength to take down his enemies. He struck like lightning, quick and precise, and he had survived countless newborns. This was his area of expertise.

Jasper and Kate were tasked with training the vampires while Bella and Paul trained the wolves. Then they'd train together, and while the pressure was immense for all of them, he found he somewhat enjoyed it.

I've been sitting idle for so long.

Bella leaned into Kate, allowing her own smile to show before she looked at Jasper, "Edward should continue to be a scout. He's the fastest and his mind-reading will be useful. He can run his rounds before joining us," she pointed at the weaker side of the perimeter, "If there's no activity on this side, then he can tell us and we can concentrate the rest of our strength where it's needed."

Kate furrowed her brow, "We should still keep at least two lookouts on that side."

Bella nodded, "Seth and Quil should be there. The wolves have their pack link. If there's any trouble they'll all know about it."

Jasper wrote that down before saying, "Alice and Carlise will be a good pair. Then Rosalie and Emmett and Esme. Tanya and Carmen. And Irina and Eleazar."

The Denali grimaced, "Eleazar is still incredibly frustrated with my dear sister. Put him with Tanya and put Carmen with Irina."

"Noted." He wrote it down before looking at Bella, "As for Victoria?"

She sighed, "Clearly I can't go after her."

Kate raised her free hand, "I'll keep an eye out. When we spot her," she looked at the shifter, "I'll pair off with Edward. She can't touch me, and Edward reading her movements will help us catch her." He could feel the war that raged on in Bella's emotions, fear and anger, and a hint of protectiveness, for who he wasn't sure.

"That's a good idea." She conceded, "Just don't underestimate her."

"I wouldn't dream of it." Kate put her hands on her hips, "We should train with our designated partners." She glanced at her, "Be a dear, and make sure your imprint doesn't rip my head off, would you?"

The tension in her shoulders vanished and the air was cleared with her laugh, "She'll be nice, don't worry."

Jasper chuckled, "I find your optimism refreshing."

"Oh, lay off, cowpoke." She chuckled, "She's been trying!"

"Not very hard," Kate grumbled before her gaze fell on the clearing.

He didn't need to be an empath to know his cousin was feeling somber. All three of them saw the same thing, a place they had once laughed and played was going to become a corpse ridden battlefield. Some of them possibly friends or family.

Jasper's jaw tightened, "I'm willing to die for them, for our family." He had experienced enough loss, as had Kate and Bella. To die in the place of a loved one would be worth it. He didn't want to leave Alice behind, but he was prepared to do so in order to protect their loved ones.

Kate's eyes hardened and she nodded, "I've already lived far longer than I could have ever dreamed." She looked at them, "I fear loss far more than I fear death."

Bella was silent for a moment, keeping her gaze upward, a pang of longing struck her as she stared at the setting sun, "I've got people waiting for me." She tore her gaze from the sky and looked at both of them, "I hope they can wait a little longer, because I don't plan on dying anytime soon." But you would risk your life for the wolves and the vampires. She didn't have to say it, both he and Kate knew the grim reality of their situation, especially hers.

To have such strong attachments with nearly everyone you're fighting with is truly hell. He and Kate had been warriors of a different time, but the wars they fought in didn't consist of nearly all their loved ones gathering in one place to lay down their lives.

"I'm sorry, Bella." He murmured, and her sad smile nearly made him deflate on the spot.

"I am too." They were all silent for a moment, and then he noticed Kate stand by Bella's side, grabbing her hand and looking out at the sunset with her. Jasper hesitantly stepped forward on the wolf's other side, debating whether or not holding her hand would be acceptable when she chuckled and grabbed his.

He gave her warm hand an appreciative squeeze before staring out at the sky again. He wished he could read thoughts at that moment, just so he had a clue as to what Bella and Kate were thinking about. His thoughts eventually drifted to Peter, and then to Sammy and Bethany and William. Are they waiting for me?

Kate cleared her throat, shaking Bella and Jasper from their thoughts, "Actually, I don't plan on dying either. Dying is for pussies."

He cracked a smile and Bella laughed, "If you die I'm writing 'pussy' on your gravestone."

"As you should! I'll do the same for you and Jasper."

Jasper rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest, "I was a Major in the army, I expect to have 'Major Pussy' on my gravestone." The two howled in laughter and his smile broadened. At least we have this.

When their laughter subsided Bella jumped on Kate's back and they began to make their way back to the house.

"What I wouldn't give to get drunk again," Kate said as she leaped over a tree root, "We'd drink ale and sing war songs the night before we'd fight enemy tribes."

Jasper smiled fondly at this, "Nice to know the rituals of warriors and soldiers remain the same."

Bella scoffed, "Had a good drink before you fought to keep slaves?" Kate laughed at his expense and he sighed.

"Never gonna let that go, are you?"

She grinned at him, "The jokes write themselves." She then rested her chin on the Denali's shoulder, watching the forest pass them by, "We never knew when we'd be sent on a hunt, but when we completed one we'd all come together and drink and eat and…" Bella laughed, "Tilly would kick my ass at dominoes every time, even when we were drunk! I'd always get so bold and challenge her and Arthur and John would sit by and laugh as she kicked my ass."

Both vampires slowed when they were within a mile from the house, and Bella slipped off Kate's back, "You played drunk dominoes?" Jasper chuckled, "Any drunken brawls? We'd all make a circle and wrestle with each other into the mud."

Kate grinned at him, "Ooh, now that was always fun...until it got in my hair. Or we'd have archery competitions when we could barely stand on two feet. Jozef was always better at archery than me, but I was always a better drunk than him."

The wolf looked at her in disbelief, the amusement in her eyes never left, "How did you not kill someone?"

She waggled her eyebrows, "You'll find my accuracy and precision to be most-"

Bella laughed and gave her a light shove, "Fuck off." Kate laughed as well and Bella slung an arm around her shoulders, "You know, I hope if Ian sends wolves, he'll send Tilly. Hell, I'll reach out to her myself."

Jasper asked, "Is she a good fighter?"

"One of our best. Was able to hold off two bloodsuckers until Arthur and I got to her. She's smaller, but she's as vicious as I'll get out. She has four solo kills under her belt."

"Ooh, she's strong! Is she single?" Her pursuing Tilly would put Rosalie at ease, at the very least.

"No clue. I'll ask and get back to you. I don't know how she'd feel about being with a vampire, but I'll put in a good word for you." She then glanced at Jasper, "She might be a little wary of our good soldier boy over there."

He frowned, "Why is that?"

"She's black." She and Kate leaned on each other, laughing loudly as he made a face at them.

"Real mature." He grumbled, though he could feel his own smile revealing itself. Traitor.

"I'm sorry, but your past is such a shit show, how can I not make fun of you for it?"

Kate grinned, "It is really funny, Jasper. Though I must ask you to keep your personal politics to yourself, I don't want you scaring her off!" She huffed, "An empty bed is no fun."

Jasper narrowed his eyes, "Tilly and I will get along great, you'll see."

The Denali winked at him, "Not as great as she and I will."

Bella looked at her incredulously, "Do you live in a constant state of horniness?"

She shrugged, "It's your fault. I arrived at the Cullen house and there you were, but you were already mated to Rose, the most selfish vampire on the planet." She scoffed, "Why can't she share? Just once, that's all I ask. I even offer to let her partake, because, take no offense, she's extremely sexy as well."

"She is."

"Exactly! So we could all have a good time if she'd just think about others instead of herself for a change!" Kate huffed, crossing her arms over her chest as Bella patted her head.

"There there."

"It's just frustrating."

"I'm sure it is."

Jasper couldn't help but smirk, "How inconsiderate of Rosalie for not thinking of your needs."

"I'm going to pretend you were empathetic instead of sarcastic." Kate groused before looking at Bella, "You understand, right? You'd share Rosalie?"

Bella looked at her in disbelief, "What are you, out of your fucking mind? I wouldn't let you breathe in her direction much less share her with you." Jasper burst out laughing as Kate looked at her in shock.

"You're also selfish!"

"She's my imprint! Of course I am!"

"Perhaps we're not as good of friends as I thought!"

Bella laughed, "Rose is pissed at you most of the time. Do you really think she'd want to sleep with you?"

The house came into view and the empath smiled at Kate, "She has shown zero attraction towards you."

"She doesn't like blondes." The wolf supplied, patting Kate's shoulder as she grumbled to herself.

Jasper could feel the anxiety of his family and he tensed, drawing the attention of his two companions. He could feel the waves of calm from his two companions and he gave them grateful smiles, slowly relaxing his shoulders as he adjusted to the many emotions that swirled around him.

Bella clasped his shoulder, "At ease, soldier, we got your back."

Kate patted his back, "What's that one cowboy saying?" She made her voice gruffer and deeper, a poor attempt at a cowboy with her lackluster country accent, "We're with ya, 'til the end of the line."

Jasper frowned at her, "Is that a Captain America quote?"

"Shit, you've seen that movie?"

The wolf ignored them and lowered her voice as well, doing a surprisingly decent accent, "Boy howdy, partner. 'Til the end of the line." It was nice, freeing, almost, to have those that understood him and his experiences.

He put a hand on both their shoulders, smiling warmly, "Wouldn't have it any other way, cowpokes."

AN: 27k nobody fucking touch me I said I wasn't gonna do this shit again but I'm clearly a masochist.

Horseshoe now you can stop yelling about Rosella in Out of Time, okay! I'm calling you out on both stories!

Love you Stoic!

Shout out to Bumbleby and Catradora because I eat that shit UP! And a shoutout to Mermista just because she's who I would marry on She-Ra.

To all you Last of Us fans, no, Bella didn't kill Sarah I swear on my life. Anyways, I refuse to acknowledge the existence of the second game. I wiped it from my memory and my PS4 storage to make room for Ghost of Tsushima.

I'm team: Bella doesn't completely ditch her human friends for the Cullens. Maybe that's just me, but I find her human friends kinda charming and fun to write.

Obviously more Rosella next chapter, some training, a quadruple date, some Victoria, some bad decisions, old pack drama, and a Quil and Bella road trip.

Lesbihonest93: you marry me?!(we can start off slow) I love this story so freaking much! I love what you did with Rosalie(she is most definitely a bratty bottom) not many people write her well but you do her and Bella justice. I hate when people make her some spineless yes woman with zero confidence. You had me laughing throughout the story. Keep up the excellent work! Also just incase you need Some ideas Im so in love with Rosella and Bellice **hint hint**

AWWW shit! My first marriage proposal. Dude yes, but only if my beloved dog/son, Iroh, can be the flower boy. I'm glad you like my Rosalie and Bella! Bellice is CUTE, okay, but the gays missed the opportunity to call them Bellalice and that makes me distraught. Also...I just, I'm not good at seeing Alice with someone, it's not her it's me. She's just so cute IDK. I love you boo, see you at the wedding!

Lote: Where's our update? Need my VicXBella fix :'(

No! Bad Lote! Bad!

Shillan Seva: still a beast dude. youre great. nice chapter. i also thought your "steamy" scene was pretty good!

Thank you! Steamy scenes really aren't my forte because I'm an awkward individual who is very aware of the fact that she's writing steaminess while God is watching and judging! And that shit is hard, but I'm really glad you thought it was good!

Yeah sorry it's been so long. Witcher 3 for the switch came out and then I wasted my life playing the Last of Us Part II and then I started writing Out of Time sooooo yeah.

Leave a review so I can show my momma!