Chapter Thirty-Six

The next weeks where chaos... The two boys and I returned to La Push... I stayed the night with Leah like planned and Saturday I gave her, her shifter makeover and whatnot...Leah was having a hard time adjusting to both her dad dying and now being stuck with Sam. Sunday I spent a lot of time with Charlie, trying my best to heal his broken heart, I didn't like lying to him about Bella's sudden distraction, I know I said I would handle it but seeing Charlie nearly in tears was the most horrible part. Having to come up with a story wasn't fun either, I knew Bella was going to come back.

Alice messaged me once they got to the airport, she was making sure to keep me informed.

Monday going back to school was awkward as heck because I had to answer questions about why Bella wasn't with me which I answered very vague because aside from Jasmine and Quinn, and the pack none of my other friends really needed to know she was off helping Edward. I was praying to the goddess that she would be successful...

Tuesday was very emotional and heartbreakingly sad for me... It was Harry Clearwater's funeral... I didn't go to school and the pack all took the day off from patrolling. Paul had spent the night; the service wasn't until later so we both just hung around the house with Charlie...

Anyway getting up at my normal time I managed to sneak a mediation in and made breakfast for Charlie and Paul, then we sat around in the living room. Paul was awesome with keeping Charlie's mind busy with talking sports and watching whatever game was on.

We went the funeral together just the three of us...and stood in between Charlie and Leah both...During the ceremony as we were going to the burial ground, Sue asked to do a ritual that my aunt Athena actually taught me, we did it for my parent's funeral, it just involves burning sage and praying to the goddess, which I was happy to do.

When we got home, it was late... Paul and the boys unfortunately had to work, they left just a bit before the repast, it worried me...

Anyway at home I was up in my room mediating when I heard Charlie's booming voice shouting, I got up quick but then paused as I read the minds of Charlie and whoever the second person was, my eyes focused knowing who it was.

"Sir please... I'm just going to take her upstairs and then I'll leave." The smooth voice of Edward flittered into my room.

I instantly moved to the doorway quietly, as the faint shuffling followed the voices and the soft creaks on the stairs.

Upon instinct Edward's eyes met mine as he reached the top of the stairs, carrying  a sleeping Bella.

I let out a soft breath I didn't know I was holding. Edward gave me a very tiny apologetic smile. Reading his mind I could tell he was sorry for all of this... I shook my head and walked over opening the door to Bella's room.

'Are you both okay?'  I mentally asked thankful I was telepathic.

He nodded laying Bella down on the bed and tucked her in. We shared a quiet stare down before he gave me a pat on the shoulder and headed back downstairs. I knew he reached the bottom cause I could hear Charlie yelling and threatening him with his gun and then the door slammed shut and Charlie stomping around.

As much as I wanted to check on my uncle, I knew he was angry at the moment, so I focused on my cousin.

Bella was sleeping peacefully finally, without any nightmares... I was relieved that she came back... and that Edward and the others were okay.

With one last glance, I backed out of the room and went back to mine... While I knew it wasn't going to be easy with the Cullen's being back, so much had happened since they left, I was kind of happy they were home.

I laid in bed that night, feeling a big grin appear on my face...my second family were home.

----

Bella was still sleeping the next morning; she pretty much slept all night and didn't stir when I went to wake her up for breakfast...  Charlie had already left.

I decided to take another day off from school so I hung around the house, doing chores and was currently on the phone talking with Paul who had just gotten off a mid-morning patrol.

Bella must have been feeling better because she came walking down the stairs just as I hung up and turned to her.

She looked at me, probably expecting me to yell, instead I walked over and gave her a big hug.

"Thank Goddess!"

"You're not mad at me?" She asked making me pull back.

"Why would I be mad?" I asked looking at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Where do I start..." She said sighing. "Going after Edward..."

"I'm the one who told you to go..." I told her shrugging. "And I'm glad you did... You saved Edward. If it was Paul I would have done the same thing."

"But Jacob..."

"Will get over it." I said cutting her off.

Bella and Jacob weren't meant to be together anyway. Jacob was a shifter and would probably someday end up imprinting...if he was supposed to be with Bella then it would have happened already...unfortunately those unimprinted wolves don't really get the whole ideal yet.

"Jake might be one my best friends but I'm on your side with this one." I told her firmly.

Bella gave me a softer smile.

"Okay now that, that is confirmed...." I said glancing at her, turning to grab my keys. "I'm headed over to the Cullen's.."

"Good...okay... There's something I really want to talk to you about anyway." Bella said quietly.

I nodded.

"Let's go then." I said earning a nod.

Walking through the living room, I picked my bag up from the couch and we headed to the door together. I stopped long enough to lock the door and then headed over to my jeep, climbing in and turned the key.

Bella hopped into the passenger side, putting her seat belt on. I slowly backed out of my spot and headed towards the Cullen's house.

There was a big huge grin on my face as turned off onto the old dirt road, the ride was silent as Bella sat in her seat staring out the window overthinking...there are times I'm glad I couldn't read her mind, I could just imagine the headaches.

Edward stood outside on the porch waiting for us. Getting out of the jeep, I crossed my arms and walked up, staring at him. My eyes narrowed suddenly thinking of how he left Bella in the woods and turned her into a freckin zombie...I didn't say anything last night because I was just relieved but now I was boiling mad.

"Ellie..." Edward greeted reading my mind, he had a slight grin on his face knowing my firey temper.

"Listen here mister... the next time you leave my cousin alone... in the middle of the woods, at night.." I told him firmly, poking him in the chest with my pointer finger. "I'm gonna use all of my energy and set you on fire."

"Lena..." Bella murmured smiling softly.

"I understand your intentions but doing it in that way was not okay...do you have any idea of what I have been dealing with since you all left?" I asked running a hand through my hair thinking of everything.

Edward's smile was still on his face, he hugged me tightly.

"It's good to see you Ellie.." He whispered.

While hugging him I lead Edward's mind about what happened in Italy. The leader of them Aro read Edward's mind and nearly killed him, learning about Bella knowing about vampires....Aro was going to kill them all for breaking vampire law and the only way to save them, was Bella saying she was going to be turned into one..

Blinking I pulled back slightly feeling torn about this.

"We'll talk about it." Edward said quietly. 'Please try to help me talk her out of it.'

He wrapped his arm around Bella's shoulder as she joined us.

"You're just lucky I know you or else you'd be getting a witch makeover." I told him flashing my eyes at him then moved around him and walked inside.

The second I walked in the door, arms came crushing around me and I instantly knew who it was. I just grinned laughing lightly.

"Alice.."

"I've missed you!" She said pulling back with a fairy giggle.

"Missed you too.." I murmured smiling at her as she grabbed my hand and lead me upstairs to where everyone was gathered.

Emmett and Rosalie, Carlisle and Esme, and Jasper..

I stared at the Cullen's all quietly for a second feeling water wanting to escape my eyes... Esme saw them and instantly came over and pulled me into a motherly hug.

"Oh Ellie..."

I smiled hugging her back, it had been so long since I've hugged any of them.

Esme pulled back and the next second I was pulled into another hug by Rosalie. I didn't object but I did notice Bella staring at us from the corner of my eye.

"I have matters to discuss too...." I said turning to Bella. "But let's hear your thing first..."

We all gathered around the living room, Rosalie kind of backed away had a sullen look on her face while Esme joined Carlisle's side.  Alice, Jasper and Emmett were together...

"So...you all know what I want and I know it's a lot to ask for." Bella said drawing attention where she stood in the middle of the stairs, Edward stood further up, a dark look on his face. "The only thing I could think of to make it fair is a vote."

The girls and I shared a look.

"Alice?" Bella asked turning to Alice who had her arms wrapped around Jasper's waist.

Alice smiled widely releasing Jasper and went over hugging Bella.

"I already consider you a sister. Just like I do Elena... of course yes."

I smiled at Alice, I knew that no matter what I could rely on Alice to look after my cousin when I couldn't.

"I vote yes." Jasper said quietly drawing attention. "It would be nice, not to want to kill you all the time.." He teased making me smirk.

"Um thanks..." Bella muttered slightly uncomfortable before turning to Rosalie, leaning against a wall.  "Rosalie..."

I glanced at Rosalie seeing the look on her face, I knew her past life and how much she wished things were different...I know she loves Emmett but this life was different for her, her eyes had a sad look in them that made my heart ache.

"I'm sorry, I really am sorry for the way that I have acted... and I'm really grateful that you were brace enough to go and save my brother." Rosalie said pausing, looking down at her hands for a moment before glancing at me then back to Bella. "This isn't the life I would have chosen for myself...And I wish there could have been someone to vote no for me...so no."

The weight of her words caused some tension before Emmett stepped forward.

"Well I vote hell yeah!" Emmett said booming, stepping towards Bella, picking her up and spun her around, setting her back down on her feet. "We can pick a fight with these Volturi some other way"

I raised an eyebrow as Esme voted yes..

Bella finally turned her attention on me.

"Lena?"

I bit my lip staring at her. Everyone sort of stared at me. After what felt like an eternity, I finally sighed.

"Have you really thought it through?" I asked crossing my arms. "I mean really thought about this?."

She nodded.

"If it's what you want, then I support you as always." I said making her smile, I frowned a little.

What was I going to tell everyone... I was a Lovelace, part of my coven. I was also friends with the Cullens and the wolf pack... I didn't know if I could keep this from them, especially Paul... he's my imprinter, we never kept secrets.

Wait but if Edward bites Bella, that goes against the treaty...Bella is human .the pack will have permission to attack... I can't interfere... I don't want to watch this happen... Paul is my man, the pack are my closest friends but I grew up with the Cullens.... I wonder what Dad or Elise would do.. I bet even Grams would know what to do.... What kind of Lovelace witch am I? Goddess....'

Shaking myself out of my head, I noticed everyone looking at me.. Edward's eyes were dilated like he was reading my mind.

"But I should remind you about the key point in the treaty." I added quietly glancing at Carlise and them. "You know what it means..."

"We know.." Edward said nodding his head.

"What? What key point?" Bella asked turning from Edward, to me.

"I told you Bella... if any of them bite a human... the treaty is off." I told her trying to be gentle.

Bella shook her head furiously.

"If I choose it than it has nothing to do with them right?"

"It doesn't matter... one bite and it's off." I added frowning. "And when it does... I can't interfere..."

"Why are you saying this?" Bella asked looking tearful.

"I'm not trying to be mean Bells..." I told her softly. "I have always supported you in this situation and I love them." I nodded at the family. "But I can't forget my own teachings... A Lovelace cannot take sides..." I glanced at Carlisle. "We'll talk later... I think I should go home."

He nodded, everyone had sadness in their eyes at what I said. Covering my mouth, I made my way up the stairs, out the front door and into my jeep.

Starting the machine, I drove off slowly.

Thinking about it, I ran the images in my head a million times and suddenly felt like crying. I know I was supporting Bella's decision but this meant she was going to be dead...and I would have to lose another person close to me.

Pushing the gas petal more..I made my jeep go as fast as I could, tears streamed down my face.

-----

I was five miles or so from the Cullen's...when I suddenly couldn't handle it anymore and pulled over on the ride of the road and sat there in silence...

Bella had no idea what she was asking, she wasn't thinking about what it would mean for Charlie...For Edward and the family...or for me.... I was torn between three sides and now my cousin has added more weight on my shoulders.

Yes I was a witch, I grew up in this world knowing vampires and monsters existed, we each had our own way but never in my life did I picture this would be my life. Losing my parents and my grandparents, moving in with Charlie... having a boyfriend... not just any boyfriend but once that could shift into a wolf....I never thought my cousin would become a vampire, this part was not fun and I had no idea why it was happening.. Is it Bella's fate? Or is it a curse? I wished I could talk to Dad or Grams... or maybe I should go visit aunt Athena...

And I knew Bella becoming a vampire didn't mean I was going to lose her, I knew vampires existed and I told her I would support her...I just couldn't stop the tears from coming. I watched my parents die because of vampires...and now I had to watch my cousin... The Cullens are family, I loved them but Bella was my actual blood cousin...I was terrified to lose her, or my uncle or those closest to me... I'll end up losing the Cullen's again too...this time permanently, as in Edward bites Bella...the pack will kill them and I'll have to stand by...

Hearing a buzzing sound, I fumbled grabbing my phone, seeing Paul's name flash across the screen. Wiping my tears, I sniffled trying to handle myself and clicked the answer button, I could hear laughter and whatnot meaning he was at Em's, that made me cry even more. Hearing Paul's happy voice.

"Angel? What's wrong?" Paul's voice changed hearing the tone in mine. "What happened? Where are you?"

Sniffling deeply, I sighed.

"Five miles from the Cullen's house..." I whispered softly.. "I'm not hurt promise, but I- I need you."

"I'm on my way." He replied within seconds.

The phone went dead with a click, I sat there feeling the tears keep coming, my crying slowed down, it was like a rollercoaster, it didn't take long for Paul to show up...but as soon as he opened the door to my jeep, calling for me, I launched at him, wrapping my arms around him tightly, my crying had stopped completely. I could feel his strong muscles and the warmth his body gave off...He slowly rubbed my back and lifted me up, so he could get in the jeep with me.

He sat me down on his lap and just hugged me tighter. For the longest time neither of us said anything.

Sighing deeply I managed to calm down further.

"You okay?" Paul asked, breaking the silence.

When I thought about what just happened, I was hit with a wave of emotions... Acceptance, understanding, supportive but also sadness, anger and fear...

"No..." I muttered after a while sighing, I was being honest. "I don't want to but I think I should tell you, you might need to tell Sam...and I'm not taking sides."

He looked at me tilting his head and so I told him everything that happened after I got off the phone with him this afternoon....Paul knew I was going to the Cullen's, mostly to see everyone and to talk to Carlisle about what went on with Laurent and Victoria stuff but then Bella and her voting happened and while I said I supported Bella's decision it scared me..

"I'm torn between three sides as it is... but now Bella has to go and say she wants to become one... she's only thinking of herself...what about Charlie? Or Edward? The treaty?... I don't want the Cullen's or you guys killing each other over something Bella has decided... I know I told her I would support her decision but she's still my cousin..." I sniffled feeling tears ready to fall again.

Paul rubbed my back with his giant hand.

"You know I hate the fact you hang out with those blood sucking leeches... and honestly I'm having a hard time trying to keep my temper about this whole thing." I heard him say taking in a deep breath. "And it has nothing to do with the Cullens... This isn't the first time Bella has done something to make you cry and I'm not okay with it... It pisses me off she's dragging you into danger."

I glanced up at him slightly, feeling his change in tone. He wasn't angry but his voice was deep.

"But I know sitting on the sidelines isn't who you are, you have protected your cousin since the day one... Maybe this is one of those things that's supposed to happen, like your always talking about..Bella becoming a vampire is her fate."

He laid his forehead against mine in a gentle motion and took in a deep breath.

"Whatever happens between us and the leeches... I promise I'm going to do everything in my power to protect you.."

He had a determined look in his eye.

Smiling at him, I leaned in and kissed him softly. His hand moved cupping holding my face in place, as he deepened it.

We sat there in my jeep for the longest time, our tongues dancing with each other as we soaked in each other's embrace and gentle touches.

After a while I pulled back, letting out a few heavy breaths, this boy could kiss. He smirked knowingly.

"Let me take you home.... Sam already gave me the rest of the night off..." He told me as he lifted me up and moved me over into the passenger seat and buckled me in. "I'll tell them what you told me about Bella...tomorrow. I'm spending the night with you."

I grinned lightly at the action and relaxed... Paul started the jeep and drove off.

----

Pulling up at the house.... Paul had turned off the ignition and was already out of the jeep, around to my side and opened my door.

Grinning, I slowly slid down and kissed his cheek. He closed the door and grabbed my hand, weaving his fingers through mine as we headed up the walk... I unlocked the door and entered the dark house.. with Paul behind me.

We made our way upstairs, passing by Charlie's room where he was snoring away and Bella's empty room, who still wasn't home but I ignored it and walked into my room.

The second I entered, I took off my shoes and my jacket and let out a heavy sigh.

"I'm going to change.." I muttered quietly grabbing a random set of pajamas and walked out, going into the bathroom to take a quick shower.

I got dressed in a pair of dark blue fuzzy sweatpants, a long sleeve shirt and slippers...quickly drying my hair best I could and tied it up and went back into my room.

Paul was laying on my bed already, shirtless and looking like the beautiful man he was, my cat piper was curled up on his bare chest getting pets, it made me stare at him even more. It was cute but a little funny looking too. He looked up at me.

"What?"

"Nothing." I said grinning, shutting the door and locked it. "Just thinking....you a big giant wolf petting a tiny black cat... it's kind of funny." I moved towards the bed.

He smirked at me, lifting up the blanket so I could crawl underneath, laying against him and wrapped his arm around me, holding me close while still petting Piper.

Soaking in all the warmth radiating off him, my eyes felt heavy suddenly exhausted from everything that has happened the last few months.

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New Chapter

10/19/2024

Decided I'm not going to make Jacob/Leah because honestly while I find it disturbing, keeping Jacob's imprinting....the entire Cullen family would have died without it...

But I am definitely going to have Leah imprint...and give Quil an older imprint and adding Dillion Merrick into the storyline... just gotta give me time. There will also be a major event happening to Elena/Paul so please bare with me and no haters. I write this for fun.

I have time to decide though so I'll figure it out. Anyway enjoy the new chapter!

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