Belonging
by Momma2fan
Chapter 13
Bella sat on the beach throwing rocks toward the ocean thinking about what had happened when she was in Port Angeles and Forks with Jared and Paul the day before. It was almost as if that vampire had a sixth sense they had left La Push.
He had shown up at the car dealership in Port Angeles, nearly causing the two men with her to phase, before running away. His disappearance was only temporary, though. When they arrived at the bank in Forks, Jared and Paul sensed him in the woods. Having to deal with his presence earlier, they had called for reinforcements and Sam, Embry and Quil were waiting for them. Unfortunately, so were some of the other Cullens. However, all of them had taken off when they realized they were outnumbered five to three.
As she sat there thinking of those events, she remembered her conversation with Old Quil. She needed to get that ward taken care of, maybe even go on the spirit walk to try and get in touch with her wolf, if she had one. Her decision made, she walked back to her house and found her parents going over another photo album.
“Which one is that?”
Allison looked up at her daughter, “The one with your dance recital and gymnastics things.”
“Oh,” Bella blushed. She hadn’t been very good at dancing, but she had taken to the tumbling like a duck to water.
“Did Renee take any videos of you doing these things?” Joshua asked, curious to see his daughter in action.
“Um, I know she got the one dance recital I participated in. I did more gymnastics than I did anything else. Despite being a little clumsy, I excelled at it.”
Allison took a second to look at her daughter before tilting her head. “Are you okay, sweetie?”
Pulling out a chair, Bella sat down with her parents. “I want to go on the spirit walk Old Quil told me about. I don’t want to phase, but I can’t live like this. That damned vampire followed us around yesterday.”
Josh looked at his wife first and then nodded, “Okay. We’ll do it here, but you will listen to everything Old Quil tells you.”
Bella nodded in agreement. “When?”
Josh smiled at her, “I’ll call Old Quil, you call your brother and Jared. They should be here too.”
Nodding, Bella pulled her phone from her pocket and walked to the front porch. Dialing Jared’s number first, she sat on the swing as she waited for him to answer.
“Hey, babe.”
She smiled at his greeting. They weren’t a couple, but he still called her little pet names.
“Hey. Can you come over?”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She sighed, “After everything yesterday, I want to do that spirit walk and I want you here with me when I do.”
“Bella, I’ll keep you safe. You know that, right?”
“I know. I’m just not used to depending on anyone and I don’t want to start now. We’re gonna be partners and I want to be on equal footing.”
“Bella...” Jared sighed in her ear.
“Jared, please. I know you don’t think like I do and we’ll talk about that, I promise.”
“Alright, babe. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Thanks.”
She disconnected and called Sam, “Hey, big brother.”
“Bells?”
“Can you come over to mom and dads? I’m gonna do that spirit walk.”
“Be there in a bit.”
Bella walked back into the house after finishing her calls. Josh walked into the kitchen, smiling at her.
“Old Quil will be here in twenty minutes.”
“Jared and Sam said the same.”
Josh walked to his daughter and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Are you sure about this? You know your brothers and Jared can protect you.”
“I know, Daddy. You have to remember I grew up taking care of someone and only having myself to depend on. Learning how to depend on someone else is hard for me.”
He nodded, “Okay, baby girl.” He let her go and walked into the living room, beginning to move the furniture. “Well, normally this would take place outdoors in front of a ceremonial fire, but since it’s snowing, we’re gonna do it here. Embry is bringing in some wood, your mother is getting the ceremonial herbs. Everything else, Old Quil is bringing. He suggested you change into something comfortable and not wear your hair up, whatever that means.”
Bella laughed and walked up the stairs to her room. She changed into a pair of loose yoga pants and one of Jared’s t-shirts that she stole one evening after dinner with his parents. His scent comforted her, especially at night when she was sleeping. Taking the band out of her hair, it fell from the messy bun she had it in down to her waist. She had just finished running a brush through it when there was a knock on her door.
“Come in.”
Jared poked his head around the door and smiled at her. “Hey, everything is ready.”
She turned and faced him, “Okay, I’m ready.”
Jared stepped into the room and closed the door. “Bella, are you sure you want to do this?”
Tilting her head to the side, she looked at him for a second and walked over to him. “What’s wrong?”
Shaking his head, he shrugged. “I don’t know. My wolf is feeling restless and it’s making me restless.” He reached for her, placing his hands at her waist. “It’s like he’s afraid something is going to happen to you.”
Bella smiled at him and ran her hands up his muscular arms. Lately she had been having less than friendly feelings for him and was almost ready to explore that. “Jared, I know you can protect me, both of you. But if there is something I can do to discourage this vampire, then I need to do it. I don’t want to phase, but if there is a wolf somewhere inside me and I can get in touch with her, I want to do that. Maybe she’ll be able to tell me what I need to do.” She lifted her hand to his cheek, “Just stay by my side.”
Leaning into her touch, he sensed that things with their imprint were changing. Keeping his eyes on her face, he lowered his head and pressed his forehead to hers. “Always.”
****
Once Bella and Jared were in the living room Old Quil began. “Isabella, you need to be on the floor near the fire. Allison, when I tell you, throw those herbs into the flames. Jared, with permission from the Uley’s, you will need to phase and be near your imprint, she may lay against you if wishes. You will be her guide home. Samuel, as Alpha, you will be joining your sister on this journey. You will be able to ask questions that she may not know to ask. Joshua and Embry, you will help me chant.”
Jared looked at Josh and Allison, “May I phase in your living room or would you rather I go outside and come back in?”
“Um, please go outside first. I’d rather not risk the furniture.” Allison smiled softly.
Bella followed him, stopping him when he reached for the buttons of his shorts. “Jared?”
He turned to her, “Yeah?” Seeing the look on her face, the nerves and fear in her eyes, he walked to her and wrapped her in his arms. “You will be fine. I’ll be here and Sam will be with you.”
Bella nodded into his neck, taking a deep breath of his scent in an effort to calm herself. She kept her face buried until she knew she had to let him phase. Pulling back she looked up into his eyes and smiled, “Thank you.”
Smiling back at her, Jared placed his hands on her cheeks. “I will do anything for you, Bella.” Leaning forward, he softly pressed his lips to hers.
Bella gasped when she felt his warm lips against hers and reached up to grasp his wrists. He pulled away faster than she liked, but knew now wasn’t the time. She had known she wanted more from him, but wasn’t aware he was with her.
“I could feel it changing, the imprint I mean. We will talk more after you’re done.”
“Okay,” she whispered and let go of his wrists.
Jared ran down the steps and shed his shorts, phasing into his chocolate brown wolf. He then turned and followed his mate back into the house. He settled his large form near the fire and waited for Bella to settle next to him, before he curled around her protectively.
“Alright, Isabella, get settled. Samuel, you join her.” Old Quil ordered and reached for a wooden case near him. He opened it and reached inside to grab two vials of amber liquid. “Drink these and soon you will begin your journey.”
Bella sat on the floor and leaned back against Jared, before lifting the vial up and draining the contents. Sam did the same and lay down on the rug near his sister, closing his eyes as their mother tossed the packet of herbs into the flames.
She felt as if she were floating and could hear the faint sound of chanting in a far away location. She was blissfully warm and sighed in contentment. Looking around she noticed she was sitting on a log near a burning campfire, with Sam silently observing her on her left.
“Is this it?”
He nodded, “Now just sit quietly and wait. Answers will come.”
Bella sat quietly, enjoying the peace and staring into the flames. It wasn’t long before she saw something within the flames. It almost looked like a floating head. Not really believing what she was seeing, she reached a hand up and rubbed her eyes. When she looked again, she gasped. Sitting before her was a light gray wolf, with shining blue eyes. A voice in her head told her not to be afraid.
“Are you my wolf?”
“My name is Amara, I am the wolf you could have been.”
“Could have been? Does that mean I’ll never phase?”
The wolf nodded her head. “Your phase is not needed to help the pack. You needed me only as you were growing. I helped lead you to your true destiny.”
“Jared is my true destiny.”
“Yes, as is your true family. Had you stayed where you were, you would have needed my protection. I would have come out, but you wouldn’t have known how to return for several months.”
“So if I’m not going to phase, how am I to avoid the vampire that’s after me?”
“The ward from the Elder will be a temporary fix, but your relationship with your wolf is changing. When you are ready, you can bear his mark, which will change your scent and the vampire will no longer want you.”
Bella sat there in awe. Everything Old Quil had told her was right. Yes, she had a wolf, but she wasn’t needed. She felt like she’d asked all the questions she had, but Sam must have felt differently.
“Amara, why is her imprint suddenly changing?”
“Ah, young Alpha, the change isn’t sudden. Through your thoughts, her wolf has been able to get to know his mate. Spending bits of time and conversations has allowed your sister to bond with him as well. They may not realize it yet, but they are falling or have already fallen in love with each other.”
“How long will the ward last once applied?”
“She will have six months of protection. In that time she will need to bond further with her mate. There can be no interference from outside individuals or wolves. You will need to watch the heir, he will try to go against the spirits.”
“Wait, you’re saying that Jacob Black is going to try and come between me and Jared?”
“Yes. He will be punished by the spirits for his interference.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?” Bella asked, while trying to reach out and touch her wolf.
“The vampire will soon have help. There is a seer amongst the coven who will say she had a vision of you with them, as a cold one. It is not true and will mean certain death for both. Watch out for her warrior companion.”
“Thank you, Amara, for guiding me and helping us now.”
“Live well, be happy.”
Bella and Sam watched as the wolf faded back into the flames, before the fire itself faded away and they woke up in the living room of the Uley home.
Sitting up, Bella turned and looked at her brother. “Will you go with Jared and show him, please.”
Sam nodded and waited for the chocolate wolf to follow him. Once the two were out the door, Joshua helped his daughter stand and lead her to the couch, while Allison got her something to drink.
“What did you see, child?”
Bella took a sip of the water her mother brought her and licked her lips. “Her name is Amara and she is a very light gray color. She said that since I have found my true destiny, she was not needed as she would have been had I not come here. I won’t be phasing.”
Bella sat on the beach throwing rocks toward the ocean thinking about what had happened when she was in Port Angeles and Forks with Jared and Paul the day before. It was almost as if that vampire had a sixth sense they had left La Push.
He had shown up at the car dealership in Port Angeles, nearly causing the two men with her to phase, before running away. His disappearance was only temporary, though. When they arrived at the bank in Forks, Jared and Paul sensed him in the woods. Having to deal with his presence earlier, they had called for reinforcements and Sam, Embry and Quil were waiting for them. Unfortunately, so were some of the other Cullens. However, all of them had taken off when they realized they were outnumbered five to three.
As she sat there thinking of those events, she remembered her conversation with Old Quil. She needed to get that ward taken care of, maybe even go on the spirit walk to try and get in touch with her wolf, if she had one. Her decision made, she walked back to her house and found her parents going over another photo album.
“Which one is that?”
Allison looked up at her daughter, “The one with your dance recital and gymnastics things.”
“Oh,” Bella blushed. She hadn’t been very good at dancing, but she had taken to the tumbling like a duck to water.
“Did Renee take any videos of you doing these things?” Joshua asked, curious to see his daughter in action.
“Um, I know she got the one dance recital I participated in. I did more gymnastics than I did anything else. Despite being a little clumsy, I excelled at it.”
Allison took a second to look at her daughter before tilting her head. “Are you okay, sweetie?”
Pulling out a chair, Bella sat down with her parents. “I want to go on the spirit walk Old Quil told me about. I don’t want to phase, but I can’t live like this. That damned vampire followed us around yesterday.”
Josh looked at his wife first and then nodded, “Okay. We’ll do it here, but you will listen to everything Old Quil tells you.”
Bella nodded in agreement. “When?”
Josh smiled at her, “I’ll call Old Quil, you call your brother and Jared. They should be here too.”
Nodding, Bella pulled her phone from her pocket and walked to the front porch. Dialing Jared’s number first, she sat on the swing as she waited for him to answer.
“Hey, babe.”
She smiled at his greeting. They weren’t a couple, but he still called her little pet names.
“Hey. Can you come over?”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” She sighed, “After everything yesterday, I want to do that spirit walk and I want you here with me when I do.”
“Bella, I’ll keep you safe. You know that, right?”
“I know. I’m just not used to depending on anyone and I don’t want to start now. We’re gonna be partners and I want to be on equal footing.”
“Bella...” Jared sighed in her ear.
“Jared, please. I know you don’t think like I do and we’ll talk about that, I promise.”
“Alright, babe. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Thanks.”
She disconnected and called Sam, “Hey, big brother.”
“Bells?”
“Can you come over to mom and dads? I’m gonna do that spirit walk.”
“Be there in a bit.”
Bella walked back into the house after finishing her calls. Josh walked into the kitchen, smiling at her.
“Old Quil will be here in twenty minutes.”
“Jared and Sam said the same.”
Josh walked to his daughter and placed his hands on her shoulders. “Are you sure about this? You know your brothers and Jared can protect you.”
“I know, Daddy. You have to remember I grew up taking care of someone and only having myself to depend on. Learning how to depend on someone else is hard for me.”
He nodded, “Okay, baby girl.” He let her go and walked into the living room, beginning to move the furniture. “Well, normally this would take place outdoors in front of a ceremonial fire, but since it’s snowing, we’re gonna do it here. Embry is bringing in some wood, your mother is getting the ceremonial herbs. Everything else, Old Quil is bringing. He suggested you change into something comfortable and not wear your hair up, whatever that means.”
Bella laughed and walked up the stairs to her room. She changed into a pair of loose yoga pants and one of Jared’s t-shirts that she stole one evening after dinner with his parents. His scent comforted her, especially at night when she was sleeping. Taking the band out of her hair, it fell from the messy bun she had it in down to her waist. She had just finished running a brush through it when there was a knock on her door.
“Come in.”
Jared poked his head around the door and smiled at her. “Hey, everything is ready.”
She turned and faced him, “Okay, I’m ready.”
Jared stepped into the room and closed the door. “Bella, are you sure you want to do this?”
Tilting her head to the side, she looked at him for a second and walked over to him. “What’s wrong?”
Shaking his head, he shrugged. “I don’t know. My wolf is feeling restless and it’s making me restless.” He reached for her, placing his hands at her waist. “It’s like he’s afraid something is going to happen to you.”
Bella smiled at him and ran her hands up his muscular arms. Lately she had been having less than friendly feelings for him and was almost ready to explore that. “Jared, I know you can protect me, both of you. But if there is something I can do to discourage this vampire, then I need to do it. I don’t want to phase, but if there is a wolf somewhere inside me and I can get in touch with her, I want to do that. Maybe she’ll be able to tell me what I need to do.” She lifted her hand to his cheek, “Just stay by my side.”
Leaning into her touch, he sensed that things with their imprint were changing. Keeping his eyes on her face, he lowered his head and pressed his forehead to hers. “Always.”
****
Once Bella and Jared were in the living room Old Quil began. “Isabella, you need to be on the floor near the fire. Allison, when I tell you, throw those herbs into the flames. Jared, with permission from the Uley’s, you will need to phase and be near your imprint, she may lay against you if wishes. You will be her guide home. Samuel, as Alpha, you will be joining your sister on this journey. You will be able to ask questions that she may not know to ask. Joshua and Embry, you will help me chant.”
Jared looked at Josh and Allison, “May I phase in your living room or would you rather I go outside and come back in?”
“Um, please go outside first. I’d rather not risk the furniture.” Allison smiled softly.
Bella followed him, stopping him when he reached for the buttons of his shorts. “Jared?”
He turned to her, “Yeah?” Seeing the look on her face, the nerves and fear in her eyes, he walked to her and wrapped her in his arms. “You will be fine. I’ll be here and Sam will be with you.”
Bella nodded into his neck, taking a deep breath of his scent in an effort to calm herself. She kept her face buried until she knew she had to let him phase. Pulling back she looked up into his eyes and smiled, “Thank you.”
Smiling back at her, Jared placed his hands on her cheeks. “I will do anything for you, Bella.” Leaning forward, he softly pressed his lips to hers.
Bella gasped when she felt his warm lips against hers and reached up to grasp his wrists. He pulled away faster than she liked, but knew now wasn’t the time. She had known she wanted more from him, but wasn’t aware he was with her.
“I could feel it changing, the imprint I mean. We will talk more after you’re done.”
“Okay,” she whispered and let go of his wrists.
Jared ran down the steps and shed his shorts, phasing into his chocolate brown wolf. He then turned and followed his mate back into the house. He settled his large form near the fire and waited for Bella to settle next to him, before he curled around her protectively.
“Alright, Isabella, get settled. Samuel, you join her.” Old Quil ordered and reached for a wooden case near him. He opened it and reached inside to grab two vials of amber liquid. “Drink these and soon you will begin your journey.”
Bella sat on the floor and leaned back against Jared, before lifting the vial up and draining the contents. Sam did the same and lay down on the rug near his sister, closing his eyes as their mother tossed the packet of herbs into the flames.
She felt as if she were floating and could hear the faint sound of chanting in a far away location. She was blissfully warm and sighed in contentment. Looking around she noticed she was sitting on a log near a burning campfire, with Sam silently observing her on her left.
“Is this it?”
He nodded, “Now just sit quietly and wait. Answers will come.”
Bella sat quietly, enjoying the peace and staring into the flames. It wasn’t long before she saw something within the flames. It almost looked like a floating head. Not really believing what she was seeing, she reached a hand up and rubbed her eyes. When she looked again, she gasped. Sitting before her was a light gray wolf, with shining blue eyes. A voice in her head told her not to be afraid.
“Are you my wolf?”
“My name is Amara, I am the wolf you could have been.”
“Could have been? Does that mean I’ll never phase?”
The wolf nodded her head. “Your phase is not needed to help the pack. You needed me only as you were growing. I helped lead you to your true destiny.”
“Jared is my true destiny.”
“Yes, as is your true family. Had you stayed where you were, you would have needed my protection. I would have come out, but you wouldn’t have known how to return for several months.”
“So if I’m not going to phase, how am I to avoid the vampire that’s after me?”
“The ward from the Elder will be a temporary fix, but your relationship with your wolf is changing. When you are ready, you can bear his mark, which will change your scent and the vampire will no longer want you.”
Bella sat there in awe. Everything Old Quil had told her was right. Yes, she had a wolf, but she wasn’t needed. She felt like she’d asked all the questions she had, but Sam must have felt differently.
“Amara, why is her imprint suddenly changing?”
“Ah, young Alpha, the change isn’t sudden. Through your thoughts, her wolf has been able to get to know his mate. Spending bits of time and conversations has allowed your sister to bond with him as well. They may not realize it yet, but they are falling or have already fallen in love with each other.”
“How long will the ward last once applied?”
“She will have six months of protection. In that time she will need to bond further with her mate. There can be no interference from outside individuals or wolves. You will need to watch the heir, he will try to go against the spirits.”
“Wait, you’re saying that Jacob Black is going to try and come between me and Jared?”
“Yes. He will be punished by the spirits for his interference.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?” Bella asked, while trying to reach out and touch her wolf.
“The vampire will soon have help. There is a seer amongst the coven who will say she had a vision of you with them, as a cold one. It is not true and will mean certain death for both. Watch out for her warrior companion.”
“Thank you, Amara, for guiding me and helping us now.”
“Live well, be happy.”
Bella and Sam watched as the wolf faded back into the flames, before the fire itself faded away and they woke up in the living room of the Uley home.
Sitting up, Bella turned and looked at her brother. “Will you go with Jared and show him, please.”
Sam nodded and waited for the chocolate wolf to follow him. Once the two were out the door, Joshua helped his daughter stand and lead her to the couch, while Allison got her something to drink.
“What did you see, child?”
Bella took a sip of the water her mother brought her and licked her lips. “Her name is Amara and she is a very light gray color. She said that since I have found my true destiny, she was not needed as she would have been had I not come here. I won’t be phasing.”