Thursday dawned with me and Alice lying bed, holding each other. She'd stayed at Angela's earlier, but once our human companion had drifted to sleep, and her visions showed she'd rest through the night, she'd returned to me. We still held ourselves back from passion, but as we both lay there in nothing but panties, we reveled in the feel of our skin touching. I felt her trail kisses along my neck as we watched the sunrise out the window, knowing we'd have to act soon so Charlie wouldn't catch us, and so we could get to school.

"Tell me about sharing your heart again?" Alice asked.

"Ok," I turned my head and kissed her softly before I looked back out the window, "As I had the process explained to me… I take my dragon form, and use a claw cut my chest open, beneath my scales and between my ribs. I cut out a small piece of my heart. Then I shift back and still using my claw, I make a small incision beneath the breastbone of my Desired, and slowly place my heart next to theirs. The blood from my wound will bind the two hearts, and seal the wound. After that I'll be tired, but once I sleep, if I gorge on food the next night I should heal. If I just let it heal without gorging, it could take a week… but even then our hearts are made to be shared."

"And that lets a human share your immortality." She said.

"Yes, though it usually doesn't give them anything beyond that at least as far as my maker told me. They'll never age, never get sick, but they can still be wounded, or poisoned…" I thought about the story my maker had told me, how his Desired had been killed to draw him out.

"What if the Desired is already immortal?" She looked up at me.

I blinked at that, "I don't know." I said honestly, "If the Green knew about other immortals, he didn't tell me. Do you want to share my heart, Alice?"

"It seems like a big step for your race." She said, "So yes… I want to share your heart." She kissed me, "But I think we should discuss the process with Carlisle, and have him there just in case."

I nodded, "That sounds reasonable."

"Bella?" Alice said.

"Yes, Pixie?" I turned my head to look into her eyes.

"I love you, my Bella Drago." She leaned up and kissed me, then rolled away to slip off the bed, grabbing her clothes in a blur and then standing dressed next to my bed. "I'll be back soon." She whispered as we heard Charlie grumbling his way out of bed.

I nodded, "Angela is spending the day with Ben this morning and after school… how about we get a movie and watch it this afternoon?"

She smiled, "Romance?"

"Something neither of us has seen." I said. She nodded and then looked toward the door before blowing me a kiss and vanishing in a burst of speed.

I smiled as I heard Charlie knock on my door. "Bella, you up?"

"Yea dad, I'm getting dressed. I'll be down in a minute." I said.

I decided to take a page from my Pixie and zipped around the room, dressing. I stopped in front of the mirror and smiled. It was an outfit Alice had picked for me on our shopping trip. Black, knee high, lace up boots with a low heal and made of a soft leather so that they moved easily. A pair of tight stonewash low riders I would have never worn as a human were tucked into the boots. I wore a sleeved poncho as a top, over a black halter top that couldn't be seen, but exposed my stomach. The poncho was black with silver Celtic knot work stitched into the hem, around the collar and along the sleeves. I ran my fingers through my hair a few times and smiled before turning to head downstairs.

I walked into the kitchen and my dad stopped dead in shock as he looked at me, "Bells?"

I couldn't help but laugh a bit, "Hey dad," I did a light turn and showed off the outfit, "Alice picked it out…"

"Woah, Bella… I never expected you to dress up so much, what's the reason?" Charlie shook his head.

"None really, but Alice is a shopping maniac and a fashionista…" I chuckled, "She picked out a lot of nice clothes and while I don't really care about it…"

He nodded, "You and she are really…" he seemed to search for a word.

"She makes me happy." I said.

He nodded, and turned back to his coffee and the paper. I loved that about Charlie. He showed he cared with a few questions, but he didn't put it under a microscope the way a lot of parents would. I knew he'd be there if I needed him, but that was enough. I smiled as I heard Alice's car, but had to pretend I didn't since it was still out of range for Charlie to hear. I went about making myself a bowl of cereal and opening a coke instead of coffee like Charlie. I ate the cereal quick and sipped at the coke.

"In a hurry?" Charlie asked, glancing from his paper.

I pointed at the clock on the stove, "Alice should be here soon."

"Well, have a good day at school. I'll see you this evening." He smiled at me, and then we both turned as we heard Alice's car pull up outside, "Sounds like she's here."

I nodded and picked up my coke, "Later Dad. I'll see you this afternoon." I headed out with a smile on my face.

My Pixie was just walking toward the door when I came out it. I smiled as I leaned down a bit and picked her up with an arm around her waist, kissing her for everyone to see. I heard Charlie chuckling from inside, obviously he'd decided to watch us for some reason. I also heard one of our neighbors sputtering as she watched, but I wasn't sure which. When we were finally in the car and driving away, we both burst into laughter.

"I think we're going to shock this town to the core before we're done, Pixie."

"Without doubt, my Bella Drago." She laughed, "I talked to Carlisle…"

I looked over at her, "And?"

"He was… intrigued. He isn't sure you'll be able to with me, or what effect it would have if you can, but he is intrigued. He wants to see what it does to a normal human first, which is equal parts concern and curiosity, I'm certain." Alice smiled.

I nodded, "So we have to wait for Angela then." I sighed. "Of all the things dragons are, patient isn't big on the list. Prideful, honorable, powerful, greedy…" she chuckled when I said that, "But we have to learn patience like humans do, though we do have several hundred years to get it right… too bad I'm not even a year old."

"I know. I'm robbing the cradle." Alice joked, and then she smiled, "Seriously though, things will work out with Angela. It's just going to take us some time."

"A vision?" I asked.

"No…" She looked at me, "I just don't believe she can resist you anymore than I could. Not for long anyway." She leaned over and kissed me before quickly turning back to watch as we pulled into the school parking lot.

I smiled, "I hope you're right." I looked across the parking lot to where I could see Angela with Ben, and fought the urge again to rush across and kill the boy. I put my faith in my Desire, and then concentrated on the day ahead, "I'll see you at lunch?" I asked her.

She nodded and leaned over, kissing me more deeply this time before we stepped out of the car. I headed toward the crowd, and she headed toward her siblings. I smiled as Jessica looked up when I was walking over and her eyes widened. A second later, Lauren sneered at me.

"Oh my god, Bella! Is that one of the outfits Alice picked out for you on your shopping trip?" She asked.

I smiled as I did a turn, "Yea. I told you, she's amazing with fashion. I still don't get it…" I shrugged, "But she enjoys it."

"Like I said, I don't get the girl thing, but if I could find a guy to treat me that good…" She grinned.

"HEY!" Mike said, looking at her.

She laughed as she slapped his chest. Lauren sneered more, while Tyler laughed at them. The mood turned to joking and laughter as we made our way into school and then split up for our classes. All in all, not a bad start to the day.
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Alice and I settled in on the couch snuggled up together as the movie played. Alice had decided on Sleepy Hollow. Not a romance, but it was supposed to be a good movie, and neither of us had seen it yet. I'd never really thought to, and Alice preferred romances normally. That it gave us a couple excuses to act scared and snuggle closer didn't hurt either. We were about halfway through when we heard a car pull up, and two people get out. I frowned when I recognized Jacob's voice, and caught what sounded like a wheel chair.

"Jacob and Billy Black…" I said.

Alice looked shocked, then started to get up but I held her in place. "No." I told her. "You are my girlfriend… you have more right to be here than anyone but me and Charlie." I whispered to her. "They don't like it, they can leave."

She looked at me, then smiled and nodded. I gave a soft kiss then got up and headed toward the door just as they knocked on it.

"Hey Bella…" Jacob grinned from behind Billy's wheel-chair.

"Jake." I looked down at his dad, "Billy… Been a long time. Thanks for the truck."

He smiled, "Happy to, but Jake tells me you're already trying to come up with a way to get something else."

I laughed and lead them in, "I do appreciate it… but it is a little slow." I looked back over my shoulder as I walked toward the couch, "Dad isn't home yet… Alice and I were just watching a movie."

I saw Billy's face change instantly when he noticed her, as she stood and turned to them, "Jake, Billy, this is my girlfriend, Alice Cullen. Alice, these are my father's best friend, and an old family friend, Billy and Jacob Black."

"It's nice to meet you both." Alice said, and for once she didn't have to pretend her nervousness.

Billy looked like he was trying to fight down his rage, but luckily Jacob was behind him and didn't see.

Jake just smiled, "It's nice to meet you, Alice. Bella told me about you when she and some friends came to First Beach."

Alice nodded, "She mentioned you to. Said you were going to help her look for a car to fix up. My sister Rosalie is actually the gear head in our family. She loves working on the family cars."

"Jake…" Billy looked up, "I think I left a couple pictures I wanted to show Bella of the twins. From Rebecca's wedding and Rachel sent some from college."

Jake rolled his eyes but said, "Sure dad." He walked out, then Billy's whole demeanor changed as he looked at Alice with obvious hate.

"So you believe the tales more than Jake does…" I said before he could start and stopped him cold, as I moved behind Alice and wrapped my arms around her.

He looked at me, "You know, obviously, they aren't just stories."

I nodded, "I'm completely aware, of probably more than you at this point." I told him as I looked him in the eyes and let my own slit. "I was amazed when your wolves didn't register that I was more than human myself. I admit, they were likely more concerned with Alice's scent on me, but I could tell Sam wasn't human the moment I met him."

His eyes had widened when my own slit like a cats, but I'd kept an ear out and Jake was still digging through the car so I knew we had a couple more minutes. "What are you?" He finally asked.

I let my eyes change back and smiled, "Closer to your wolves than to the Cullens, actually. I just don't turn into a wolf." He looked at Alice, his eyes widening further, "That's right… I have something very similar to your imprints, or at least based on what the Cullens know about them. So believe me when I tell you, I know EXACTLY what I'm doing with Alice… now you are in no danger here… but I will not accept you insulting my mate. You and Jake are welcome to stay, but Alice won't be leaving because of you.

"As for a more detailed explanation… I'm willing to meet with your… pack?" He nodded and I continued, "I'm willing to meet with them to discuss my addition to your treaty, and renegotiate a few points… and Charlie doesn't know about my nature yet. I'm no danger to my family or any human really. I don't have a thirst like vampires, but I do hunt animals occasionally because it's easier than eating a ton of food as a human. Now, you can accept our hospitality as a friend… or leave. Alice won't be chased from here because of your fear. And if you consider telling my dad about her nature or mine, I will have no qualms about revealing Sam's and the others as well."

Billy didn't look like he enjoyed that ultimatum, but as he opened his mouth to speak the door opened and Jake came back in, "I couldn't find them Dad…"

Billy looked at us one more time and sighed, "I must have forgot to bring them. I'll have to bring them another time, Bella."

I nodded, "We were just watching a movie while we waited for Dad to get home. You're welcome to join us."

Jake looked at the TV, "Sleepy Hollow?"

I nodded, "Jake… I was just about to get drinks for me and Alice, why don't you come help me and make a drink for you and your dad…"

"Bring me one of Charlie's beers." Billy said.

Jake nodded as I lead him to the kitchen and Alice settled back on the couch. I heard Dad's car pull in then and said, "Get two Jake. Dad just pulled up it sounds like and would appreciate one I think." In the living room, I hear Billy tell Alice that he'd tell Sam and the Council about meeting and send a reply.

I heard Alice chuckle and whisper back, "Don't expect her to accept being barred from the reservation, her pride won't allow it."

That's when the door opened and Charlie came in, "Billy?"

"Came by to see you, wasn't expecting Bella to have a girlfriend over… but they invited us to watch the movie while we waited." He said.

Charlie looked at him then over to Alice and smiled as it seemed Billy wasn't going to start something. I grinned as I walked in, carrying a drink for myself, and water for Alice. Jake had a coke in one hand, and two beers in the other. "Welcome home Dad."

He smiled, "Bells…" He looked to Jake and smiled, "Thanks." as Jake handed him one of the beers, and the other to his dad.

"Yea son, thanks."

After that we watched the movie, and then Charlie turned a game on for a bit. Conversation mostly consisted of sports from then on, but Alice proved once again she was able to keep up with the talk. She picked apart the teams easily even without her visions, since she was snuggled tight against my side. Eventually though, I caught sight of the time and sighed.

"Dad, I'm gonna walk Alice out… she should be getting back home so we can be up for school tomorrow." I said.

He looked at the clock and nodded. "Okay. Guess you guys should be getting on too." He looked at Billy and Jake.

Billy nodded, "Yea."

"See ya another time Bella." Jake said, "And nice to meet you Alice."

Jake rolled Billy out behind me and Alice as I walked her to her car. I gave her a kiss which seemed to upset Billy a bit from what I could scent, but he didn't say anything. As Jake opened the door he looked back at the house and cursed, "Jake, I left my hat in the house. Run get it for me."

"Pictures then hat? You're getting forgetful pop." He headed back.

Once he was inside, "You should meet soon…."

Alice handed him a card, "Carlisle's number. Have Sam call him to say were, we'll meet him tonight a two. That'll give Charlie time to get to sleep and us to reach the location."

"I'll have Alice, Carlisle and Edward with me… Alice as my mate, Carlisle as their coven leader, and Edward because I don't think you're wolves would want to meet us in human form, and he can translate." Billy frowned, "He can read minds and Alice tells me your wolves can't speak when shifted."

Billy nodded, "I will pass that to him."

I nodded and guided Alice back to her car, kissing her one last time as Jake came out. She got in and drove off, with Billy and Jacob driving off behind her. I smirked as I walked back in the house. Tonight should prove very interesting.

Dad looked up as I came back in, "Billy wasn't rude to Alice was he? I know he and the rest of the tribe don't like the Cullen's for some reason…" He just shook his head. "Not that any of them will EXPLAIN anything."

"He was a little shocked to see her here, but he didn't say anything rude, no." I half lied.

He nodded, "Headed to bed?"

"Yea. Finish up a couple pages of homework and call it a night I think." I smiled. "Goodnight Dad."

"Night Bells."
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At two-o-clock I was sitting on a stone, dressed in a pair of ratty sweats with Alice in my lap and my arms around her. Edward was leaning against a tree to our left, and Carlisle was standing to our right his eyes looking across the boundary line that was a dozen feet from us. Sam had called him to arrange where and had agreed to our time. Carlisle said he did not sound pleased that I'd been on the reservation but had agreed to meet. We all looked up toward the distance as we heard the sound of running feet, or rather, running paws. I knew the sound well from hunting. As I saw them come through the trees, I instantly considered it amazing I'd not accidently come down on one when hunting.

There were three of them. The largest and leading the pack was a black wolf with dagger like teeth. It was growling low, with its teeth bared as its eyes tracked back and forth over our group. The one on its right had thick brown fur with grey marking around its eyes like a mask. Its teeth were bare as well but it wasn't growling. The last was growling even more than the leader, and snapping its jaws at us. If it weren't so obviously ready to leap at and attack us, I'd say it had beautiful silver fur. As it was, I just found it annoying.

I kept my hand in Alice's, Carlisle stood to our right, with Edward a step behind on our left, "I thank you for coming." I said to the lead wolf.

The wolf growled and snapped once, but then Edward spoke, "He wants to know what you are and why you came to Forks."

I smiled, "I am much like you." I told them, as I looked them over. "And something like the Cullens as well. Like you I change from human to animal, but like the Cullens I was changed by another of my race rather than born with the gift."

They looked back and forth between each other before the wolf growled a bit, and Edward said, "He wants to know what you eat, if you are a threat to the humans."

"No more of one than you are." I said to the wolf. "I am a predator, like you, but I have no craving for human flesh. I do hunt in the forest occasionally to keep from having to spend a fortune on food at the house, but when in this form my tastes are the same as any human. In my other form, I can eat anything, but prefer wild game."

The wolf looked at my hand holding Alice's, and nodded. "He asks if…" Edward frowned and turned to the silver wolf, "The Alpha asks if you have really imprinted on Alice, and the silver one wants to know how any living thing could fall for a disgusting leech."

My eyes slit and I growled low at the silver wolf. He started to shake and ready to pounce but a sharp bark and growl from the black made him step back. Then I spoke, my eyes never leaving the silver, "I know there is a history between your tribe and vampires, though I don't know what it is. That can come another time. Be glad my control seems much greater than your pack mate's however… I do not like when my Desired is insulted or threatened."

I turned back to Sam then, "As to your question, it is slightly more complicated. The Cullens did not know much of your Imprinting…"

The wolf tilted its head, and looked at me. Then Edward spoke, his eyes wide, "From what you've described to Alice, Bella, it seems to be very like your Desire at least in feelings only the details change slightly. Wolves have only a single Imprint."

I nodded, "Then the difference is in our natures. The Desire is not always limited to a single mate."

He growled at that, "He wants you to explain that."

I nodded, "You, like wolves, have only a single mate and mate for life. My kind is more like lions, and can have several mates over our lifetime. Like your Imprinting, I know the moment I lay eyes on them. It's an immediate shift in my heart and soul that pulls me to them. My kind calls it the Desire, but if Edward is right then it is just as strong as your Imprinting. Yes, Alice is one of my Desired. There is another, a human, Angela from Forks. She has not agreed to be our mate yet, because learning this was a lot to take in as a human… but I believe she will join us eventually when she has a chance to process everything."

Sam shook his head, then growled again, "He asks how you can trust us not to endanger Angela, and he wants to know why you haven't actually told them what your kind is yet."

"To the first, Alice is my mate as well, and that makes her family my own. I trust my family as you trust your brothers." I gestured at the wolves, "As to the second, I don't think you'll believe it without seeing it, so I was waiting for you to ask."

I turned my head and kissed Alice's cheek, and then she, Carlisle and Edward all moved back as I looked around the clearing. It would be a little cramped, but manageable. I considered a moment then had Alice come forward, as I spoke again, "I wore the sweats in case I had to change because you attacked, but I'd rather have them available in case I need them again." She nodded taking the sweats from me as I stripped, then moved back. I let the change come swiftly, erupting from human into a huge crystal dragon. Sam as a wolf was the size of a horse, but more muscular. I was easily twice his size in height, and longer than all three of them combined.

After the shift, I quickly folded my wings close and settled down on my belly crossing my forelegs under my head and curling my tail up, so I wasn't as cramped in the small clearing. I looked at the wolves and smirked inside as I saw they'd all fallen on their butts in shock, "See…" I rumbled out in a deep growl, "Would you have believed me if I didn't show you?"

Alice was the first to reach me, sitting down and leaning back against my shoulder as she rested her arm on my back. Edward and Carlisle both came up next to me as well, but remained standing. Edward chuckled as he said, "No… no they wouldn't have."

I nodded, "Now we come to what brings us here." I rumbled at them, "Renegotiation of the treaty to include myself… and changing a few things that I don't believe are quite fair."

That seemed to get them back on their feet. Sam growled a bit more and the silver crouched. The brown wolf moved in case he had to back up his alpha, but didn't seem as eager for it as the silver did. Edward spoke, "He wants to know what you mean things aren't fair and believes all that should be done is add you to the treaty as another of us."

I chuckled and answered, never taking my eyes from the alpha, "You ban the Cullens from the reservation, and yet you are permitted to travel in what you consider their territory freely. They have let you get away with this unfair treatment because they prefer to avoid conflict, and Carlisle's compassionate nature. I will tell you now though, I am a dragon. That means many things but one is that my pride will not allow me to submit to one who cannot force me to. I have come to make my own territory and lair here, and I refuse to be barred from any part of my domain. I will also not allow threats to my mate or family, much as I believe you would not allow to your mate. I believe you can understand that."

The wolf growled, "He understands how you feel, but he does not agree. He still believes us to be a danger to people and refuses to allow us near the tribe."

I nodded and growled low, "Then I will consider any member of the tribe leaving the reservation a threat to my family."

That stalled the wolves, "He wants to know what you mean."

"I mean that it is unfair of you to ban them from an area and not extend them the same consideration. I certainly won't allow you to ban me… and you can see that even three on one I am much more than you can reasonably challenge."

Carlisle stepped forward then, "Bella this is not necessary… we are fine with things…"

"I know Carlisle, but they don't seem to understand a few things, and they should." I turned back to the wolves "When the Cullens first met your tribe, there were three wolves then, like there are now. Your ancestors were outnumbered by the Cullens, and Carlisle offered the treaty because he did not wish to fight and harm them. Not because he thought they would kill his family, but because he respects life. In his entire life he has never harmed a human, and no I do not consider changing the members of his family harming them. They'd have died had he not done so and he gave them a new life."

They all growled at that, "They do not agree that changing us was a good thing." Edward supplied.

I snorted, "Edward was dying of Spanish influenza when Carlisle turned him at his dying mother's request that he do anything in his power to save his life. Esme attempted suicide when she lost her child to lung fever and Carlisle changed her on her deathbed. Rosalie was left for dead in an alley when Carlisle found her. Emmett was mauled by a bear when Rosalie found him and she carried him over a hundred miles ignoring her thirst in order to have Carlisle save his life." I looked Sam in the eyes, "The others weren't changed by Carlisle or the other Cullens. They came to the family of their choice and have worked hard not to harm humans… and they ARE a family, and now they're mine.

"It is time you face facts, that not all you believe is true. Yes, they have a thirst for blood, but they control it… much better than your pack mate seems to control his anger without you to command him."

Edward chuckled as they all seemed to look between each other before turning back to me. "They want to know what you're suggesting." Edward supplied.

I nodded, "I suppose you realize that you cannot bar me from the reservation… not only am I not a threat to humans, but it would be suspicious considering Charlie's friendship with Billy and my own with Jacob. Beyond that, you couldn't enforce it anyway."

"They realize this." Edward said, though the growl from the silver wolf told me he at least was unhappy with it.

"Good. I suggest to change things in this manner… for the most part the Cullens don't have a desire to come to the reservation anyway, so I would change that Alice may come on the reservation with me when I come. You have my word that she will be no threat. If that is not good enough…you can challenge me."

The wolves growled, "They don't like that, but they know they can't challenge you. They ask what they would get out of it."

I nodded, "You would have our aid in defending your tribe and the people of forks. And you would not have to face me in battle." I rumbled, "I also do not agree with your denying them the choice of turning others, at least not the way Carlisle does so, and Jasper has not found his mate yet. It could be that she will be human when they first meet as Esme was for Carlisle."

They growled at this, but then Edward spoke. "They are willing to wait and discuss that when it comes up, but only in regards to a possible mate."

I nodded, "Very well. So we are agreed, Alice may come to the reservation when she is with me, and you are willing to discuss the turning of another as a potential mate. In return, we will aid each other in defending the people of our territory."

Sam nodded, "They agree."

"Then this meeting is done for now, we can speak more another time. I should get back home so I can wake up for school tomorrow."

They nodded and stepped back. I let Alice settle onto my back and smiled. We waited for Edward and Carlisle to run back toward their home and then I leapt into the air taking wing and heading back as well.

"You didn't have to do that you know." Alice said to me, leaning over and wrapping her arms around me, "But thank you."

"I did have to. I could not let them believe they could challenge me… my nature won't allow it. I understand their feelings, but I am a dragon. I rule my domain. I will work with them, but I won't let them make demands of me." I told her, gliding toward my home.

She smiled, "I understand. And thank you for speaking up for Jasper like that."

I chuckled as I came down in the clearing near my home and started to shift back. "He's family." I said as I became human again and pulled her into my arms, kissing her lightly. "Let's go lay in bed, I need a couple hours sleep before I have to get up for school."

AN: First... sorry this has taken so long, but... life has just kept me too frustrated and stressed to really write much. Hopefully, I should be back and able to write more, and get a few more partially written chapters I have finished. In the mean time, I hope all of you enjoyed this. I hope I'm able to give you another soon.