Breathe In Union
by Laura Spudzmom
Chapter 09
~ Jambi ~
The devil and his had me down,
In love with the dark side I'd found.
Dabble in all the way down
Up to my neck soon to drown.
But you changed that all for me.
Lifted me up, turned me round.
~o0o~
Charlie's narrowed gaze pinned Paul. "Son, why are you holding my daughter?"
"Uh, well," Paul stalled as he set Bella on her feet. "We…uh…" His brain locked up. He didn't want to screw this up. He respected and loved Charlie, but he wouldn't give Bella up for anything. He had no idea what to say.
Bella stepped in front of Paul and met Charlie's eyes with a calm, steady gaze. "Charlie, meet my boyfriend, Paul Lahote. We started dating in Arizona." She smiled brightly. "It's pretty great though right, 'cause you already know and like him, so none of that awkward 'new boyfriend' BS to deal with." She smiled and Charlie cut his gaze, which was darkening by the second, to Paul's.
"That was before he was dating my daughter," he grumbled.
Sam stepped forward, looking a little reluctant. Still, he spoke up. "We really need to get going. We need to have that meeting and the elders are waiting." He looked at Billy. "Right Chief Black?"
Billy rubbed his forehead tiredly as his eyes flitted from Charlie to the young couple, one of whom was his best friend's daughter. "Yes, they're waiting." He met Charlie's eyes. "You should come along. This concerns your daughter, so now it concerns you."
Charlie's brows drew together. "They're dating. How can that be important enough to merit a tribal council meeting?"
Billy stared at Charlie for a beat, his expression solemn. "Please Charlie, humor me. You know me well enough to know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
Charlie sighed and nodded. "All right Billy," he said as he opened the door to his cruiser. "I'll meet you there." He looked at Bella. "You're coming with me. We need to talk."
Bella felt Paul tense behind her and turned to him. "Paul," she said as she rubbed his arms. "It's just a few minutes, and I really think I need to give him this before everything is dumped in his lap."
Paul fought the panic he felt inside with everything in him as he nodded. He knew logically, this reaction was ridiculous, and it was that knowledge along with the fact that he knew Bella loved him that allowed him to watch her get in and drive away with Charlie. Still, once she was gone, the tremors in his body increased, especially when Sam approached. "You look like you could use a run." He handed Paul a leather tie. "Take the shorts off and tie them to your leg before you phase. You know where the Council Hall is?"
Paul sneered at him and turned away as he answered. "Yeah, I know where it is."
Sam watched Paul walk back into the woods before turning to Jared and speaking lowly. "Phase and follow him. I'll see you there. I need to speak to Billy."
Jared sighed and nodded before jogging into the woods.
~o0o~
After Charlie and Bella left, Sam turned to Billy who gave a nod of understanding before turning to a bored looking Jake. "Son, you mind riding in the back? I need to speak to Sam before the meeting."
Jake sighed, looking put out, but nodded anyway. "Sure Dad, no problem."
He helped his dad into the passenger side and put the wheel chair in the back before hopping in beside it. Sam slid into the driver seat and started the truck. Billy looked at him as they pulled away from the Swan residence and onto the main toad. "Okay, tell me."
Sam didn't bother looking away from the road as he spoke. "As we briefed you before leaving, Sue and I went and got him from Arizona. He was very close to phasing, so Sue drugged him and we brought him back here. We knew, from what his Aunt said, he was developing a serious relationship with a girl there so I kinda figured he wouldn't leave willingly."
Billy sighed and nodded. "Still, it's damn regrettable the way it was handled. I can't see him being very cooperative after that."
Sam stared straight ahead. "He'll get over it."
Billy studied the Alpha's profile for a beat before murmuring, "Yeah, I suppose he will. So, tell me the rest. What went on today to merit a meeting with the elders?"
This time, Sam glanced over at his Chief before answering. "His wolf marked her, and I don't think he realizes this, but I'm almost certain he imprinted once he was back in human form." A frown creased his brow as he continued. "I can't always hear him in the pack mind either. It's as if he's able to block me and Jared somehow. Like he's not connected." He glanced back at a silent Billy and took note of the shock he saw on the man's face.
"His wolf marked her before he imprinted, and his mind is his own?"
Sam gave a sharp nod. "Yes, and that's not the strangest part. When the girl saw the wolf, she went right up to him, embraced him fully and told Jared that the wolf was hers. She even mumbled something about that being what the old lady meant." He glanced at Billy again as he turned into the Council Hall parking lot. "Not sure what that's all about, but I bet there's an interesting story behind it."
He cut the engine and Billy looked at him. "Well, let's get in there and find out what we're dealing with because if it's what I suspect, then our people are in for a time such as we've never seen before."
Sam hopped out of the truck murmuring under his breath, "That doesn't sound ominous at all." He did a quick survey of the tree line and sighed as he saw a pacing Jared. He jogged over. "What's wrong?
Jared threw up a hand. "Can't get him to phase back. He's right back there, pacing and growling. Something's got him upset."
They both heard a howl and cringed. "Shit," Sam muttered. "I'm gonna phase and Alpha order him if I have to."
Jared smirked. "Good luck boss. I still couldn't hear him when I was phased. Not sure how he blocks the link, but he does." Another howl rent the stillness and Sam cursed and jogged into the woods, calling back over his shoulder. "Phase with me Jared. I may need you."
~o0o~
Bella glanced at Charlie as he drove, waiting patiently for him to speak. She knew instinctively to give him a moment to gather his thoughts; that he would speak when he was ready. They were alike in that way, and so she kept silent.
Finally, he spoke. "What's going on Bella?"
She took a breath and began. "Paul and I met in Arizona at a Pow Wow Renee insisted I attend with her. He saved me from a guy who was in the middle of beating me." Charlie glanced at her sharply and she continued. "Who knows what he would have done if Paul hadn't kicked his ass." She ran a hand through her hair at the memory and continued. "Anyway, we began hanging out as friends after that, and things developed from there. We didn't know of our common connections until we'd already developed feelings for each other."
She fell silent and Charlie took a good look at her before cutting his gaze back to the road. "It's serious," was all he said.
He hadn't phrased it as a question, but she nodded anyway. "Yeah Dad. I love him and he loves me."
Charlie stared at her for a second and rubbed his forehead. "So, other than him being Quileute, why are we on our way to a tribal council meeting?"
She met his eyes. "I really think they'll be better at explaining all that Dad. I don't really know much about it and I'd probably just screw it up." She peeked at him. "And it's kind of important to get it right."
Charlie pulled into the Council Hall parking lot, parked and cut the engine. He stared into the distance for a moment before looking at Bella. "He tell you how we met?"
Bella shrugged and stared at her hands clasped in her lap. "He told me you started coming around when he was fourteen. That you began taking him fishing and to the batting and pitching cages; that you always encouraged him and never let him get down on himself." She met Charlie's gaze. "He told me that he loves you more than he ever loved his father. He also told me that you're dating his mother."
Charlie rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before nodding. "All true Bells, and yet he left out just how we met."
Bella blinked as she stared through the windshield for a moment. "Okay Charlie. Tell me. But let me just say this; whatever you tell me won't change a thing." She locked her gaze with that of her father's and Charlie was shocked and impressed at the strength and resolve he saw in those brown eyes that were so like his.
He nodded slowly and began speaking. "I got a call one night when I was at Billy's watching a game. It was for a disturbance at the Lahote residence. I knew it was serious because that's the only time we're ever called for something on the rez. Billy went with me. When I got there, I saw Lisa Lahote. She'd been terribly beaten; life-threateningly so. I also saw Paul. He'd been beaten too, but not as badly. His arm and collarbone were broken. When I took Lisa's statement, she told me that she'd come home to find her husband drunk and beating Paul. She'd tried to stop him and he'd turned on her; that he'd gone crazy and wouldn't stop even when Paul tried to pull him off her." Charlie looked at Bella and wasn't surprised to see the tears that wet her cheeks. Still, he continued on with the story. "What finally stopped the beating and saved Lisa's life was Paul. He stabbed his father in the neck with a kitchen knife and killed him."
"Oh god," Bella cried quietly as she covered her face and rocked. "He'd said it was bad, but he hadn't told me yet. Oh Paul…" Just then, she shot up and looked toward the woods to see Sam jogging into the trees. She opened her door and looked back at Charlie. "I have to go," she said as she wiped her tears. "He needs me." With that, she got out and ran toward the trees as Charlie cursed lowly and followed.
~o0o~
If the sounds of vicious snarling and yipping hadn't stopped Charlie's heart as he caught up to Bella, then the sight of her approaching a trio of horse-sized wolves almost did. 'Good god! Those can't be wolves!' he thought as his mind did its best to reject the sight before him even as he pulled his sidearm. He resisted drawing down on the beasts though as Bella was in the way. "Bella!" he yelled. "Get back here!"
She glanced at him and kept going as she answered. "Holster the gun Dad. It's fine. Trust me."
Horror stricken, he watched as she walked toward the silver wolf who, at the moment, was posturing and snarling at the giant black wolf who also had his lips pulled up in a vicious snarl.
"Back off Sam!" Bella snapped as she moved forward slowly.
To Charlie's astonishment, the black wolf did just that, yipping at the brown wolf as they both disappeared into the trees.
"Bells?" Charlie questioned quietly as she buried both hands into the fur at the massive animal's neck. "What the hell?" he said lowly as the wolf seemed to nuzzle his daughter affectionately.
Then she spoke to it and if Charlie thought he was going crazy before, he was now certain of it.
"Paul baby, it's okay. I'm fine. You felt me didn't you? That's why you're upset?
The huge wolf whined and she wound her arms around its neck. "I'm fine but I need you. Turn back for me?"
As Charlie watched, the wolf's form shimmered and blurred until a very human and very naked Paul Lahote stood in front of his daughter who promptly threw herself into his arms.
"What happened B? I felt you. You were so upset. Shit, I almost charged into the parking lot to find you but Jared said I couldn't do that."
Sam and Jared walked back through the trees and Sam looked confused. "Jared said he can't hear you Lahote so how is it you can hear him?"
Bella backed out of Paul's arms and glanced at Charlie who was looking a bit sick. She turned back and caressed Paul's cheek as she said, "Baby, maybe you should put some shorts on and we can get to the meeting." She looked over at Sam. "That would probably be a better place for questions and answers, don't you think?"
Sam scowled and grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine. But I need answers."
Bella's anger spiked and she walked up to the towering Alpha. "You mean the way you were so forthcoming when you abducted Paul?" Before he could even begin to answer, Bella's hand connected solidly with his cheek in a stinging slap. "You're a class-A asshole Sam and being a leader doesn't give you that right. It certainly won't earn any respect."
The Alpha stared at her in disbelief as she walked back and took Paul's hand. As they fell into step together, she looked at her stunned father. "Let's go to a meeting, shall we?"
As Charlie trailed them back to the meeting hall, he studied Bella's straight back and proud bearing and murmured, "Who are you and what have you done with my shy, clumsy daughter?"
They all took seats in the meeting hall as Sam made his way to the front to sit with his fellow Council Members.
When all were settled, silence fell and Billy Black spoke. "I'd like to thank you all for attending on such short notice. Although inconvenient for some, this meeting, I believe, will prove to hold great importance for our people. First, I would like to welcome Paul Lahote as a new Protector of our people." He met Paul's steady, piercing gaze and continued. "Paul, I would also extend an apology, as your Chief, for the way you were taken against your will. Although I understand the direness of the circumstances, it still does not excuse the violation and disrespect you suffered."
Paul inclined his head in a show of respect and acknowledgement to his Chief and Billy continued. "I have with me some very old drawings and writings from our ancestors. There was supposed to be a mate's bracelet in this collection, but I could not find it." He unrolled one particular drawing that was done in exacting detail and color and passed it among his fellow council members. "No doubt you all have seen this drawing many times over the years, but what you may not know is the legend that goes with it. The legend speaks of the silver wolf with eyes the color of amber, such as you see in the drawing. It tells us that he and his mate will save our people by leading us to victory over the cold ones."
Several gasps were heard from those listening, with Harry Clearwater finally speaking. "We have a treaty! There's no need for war. That legend is an outdated myth! What would possess you to bring this up now in a time of peace?" He looked out at his old friend Charlie and then back at Billy. "We have outsiders among us too! Have you lost your mind?!"
Billy remained calm. He had expected this sort of reaction. "Charlie Swan is no longer an outsider. His daughter, Isabella is the marked and imprinted mate of the silver wolf, Paul Lahote."
Harry scoffed and sat back in disgust. "I can't believe this Billy." He looked at Sam. "Alpha, have the Cullens caused any problems or rebelled against the treaty in any way?"
Sam answered in a solemn voice. "They have not."
Sue Clearwater stood then and Billy gestured to her to speak. She looked apologetically at her husband Harry before finally doing so. "Chief Black, perhaps you could share with us why you believe Paul Lahote to be the wolf of the legend?"
He smiled gratefully. "Sure. It was foretold that the silver wolf would not be subject to an Alpha, but neither would he lead a pack. Sam cannot hear Paul in the pack mind unless Paul wishes him to, therefore he is not subject to an Alpha order. While he can work with the pack, he is an independent wolf. I would venture a guess and say that the Alpha cannot beat Paul in a fight." Sam glared and Paul smirked as Billy continued. "It was also foretold that the wolf would mark his mate before the man had ever imprinted on her. This has happened with Paul and Bella whereas such a marking has never before been documented in our history."
Charlie shot to his feet. "All right, I think I've been pretty damn patient with all of this so far, but now you're talking about my daughter as though she's been claimed like a piece of property and I want to know what the hell's going on."
Bella placed a hand on her father's arm and Billy looked at his friend.
"Charlie, she is not property, but the equal soul mate to Paul. The wolf's instincts drove him to mark her to keep her safe and distinct from others. If I understand correctly, it is also part of sealing their bond. The tribe sees it as more sacred than marriage."
Charlie's eyes went wide as he stared at his friend as if he'd never seen him before. "Marriage?! Has the whole damn world gone mad in a day?! Jesus!" He sagged back into his seat and swiped a hand over his mustache as he closed his eyes. "Unbelievable," he muttered.
Bella rubbed his arm and quietly asked, "Dad, are you okay?"
Charlie looked at her with his mouth slightly open for a moment before a slightly hysterical laugh escaped him. "I don't know what the hell I am at the moment Bells, but okay definitely isn't it." He looked back at Billy who was sitting patiently. "Cold ones…you all keep talking about something called cold ones and you've mentioned the Cullens. What the hell are they? Do they turn into something too?"
Billy took a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering. "Cold ones are what most people term vampires." He paused to let Charlie get over his brief laughing fit. "They are the natural enemies of our protectors. Our protectors destroy them. They or another vampire are the only beings strong enough to destroy a vampire."
Bella was now clinging to Paul's arm and he pulled her into his lap to comfort her. After phasing for the first time and hearing Sam say their legends were true, he'd kind of guessed the part about the cold ones was true too so this information didn't come as a shock to him. Bella however, hadn't known any of this and she was obviously upset as she curled into his chest. She recovered quickly though and looked at Billy. "You said the silver wolf is foretold to lead your people to victory…" Billy nodded and she continued. "Are there more details to the legend?"
Billy smiled, trying to reassure her as he answered with pride evident in his tone. "There are. It is foretold that the silver wolf will conquer three kings and by doing so, he will forever establish our people's dominance over the race of the cold ones. He will establish peace for all future generations of our people."
Bella glanced up at Paul as he cocked a brow and finally spoke. "No pressure or anything," he scoffed. His arms tightened around Bella as she laid her cheek against the heated skin of his chest. "What if I don't particularly want to do any of this? Do I even get a say? I had plans for my life! I have a scholarship that I worked my ass off to get! I'm supposed to leave at the end of this month!"
Sam pinned him with a glare. "The protection of our people is more important than the plans of one person. Now that you are a protector, it is your duty to stay and protect. That is the way it's always been and it is not for us to choose. The Spirits chose us and it is our fate."
Paul started to shake and the only thing that stopped him from bolting from the hall in rage was Bella as she clung to him and soothed him with soft words and feather light kisses.
"We'll face it all together Paul. And when it's over, we'll live our lives," she murmured quietly.
He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing as he listened to her voice and soon the shaking stopped. When he was in control, he pinned Billy with that unnerving glowing amber gaze. "Well, due to your overwhelming care and hospitality, I'm going on forty-eight hours with no food." He stood and set Bella on her feet beside him. "I'm going home." He looked down at Bella and caressed her chin. "Meet me there when you're done here?"
She glanced at Charlie and nodded. "We will."
With that, he strode out of the hall without a look back as Billy sighed and Sam shook his head.
Bella turned to Charlie. "Dad, I need to ask Billy about something before we leave. Do you mind?"
"No, I'll walk up there with you," he said as he gestured toward the front.
When they approached, Billy broke off his quiet conversation with Sam and smiled at Bella. "Little Isabella! It's been so long, I hardly recognize you. Forgive me for not greeting you earlier."
She cracked a small smile. "It's completely understandable Billy, and it's good to see you again too."
He folded his hands together atop the table. "Was there something I can help you with?"
She fidgeted and bit her lip. "You mentioned a bracelet earlier…"
"Ah, yes. I regret not being able to find it. It must have been misplaced in storage. If I'm right, it belongs to you and I'll let you know if I find it. Why do you ask?"
She held up her wrist and the bracelet the old woman gave her. "Did it look like this?"
Both Billy and Harry gasped as they looked at it with Harry asking, "How did you get that?"
"I went to a Pow Wow in Arizona. Just before I met Paul, I was browsing the vendor booths and an old lady told me the Spirits had something for me. She brought this out and gave it to me. She told me the wolf is mine and to keep him with me always, for we would save each other. She wouldn't let me pay for it either. Told me I couldn't pay for something the Spirits deemed as mine." She peered around at all the Council Members who were now staring at her. "I take it you all recognize this bracelet?"
"Yes," Billy breathed as he met her eyes. "That's quite the story and I suppose it solves part of the mystery of the missing bracelet. Have you noticed anything strange about it Bella?" he asked with curiosity lacing his tone.
"Well," she said as she traced her fingers over the wolf, "when Paul touched it for the first time, I felt a surge of something like energy run through it and into my arm. I've also noticed, since putting it on, I've felt more confident…empowered…" She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "It's a bit difficult to put into words…"
Billy held up a hand as he answered solemnly. "No need Bella. The meaning is clear to me, and only serves to bolster my assertion that Paul is the silver wolf of the legend and you his rightful mate."
Harry leaned toward her with a hand out. "May I?" he asked as she looked at him.
Silently, she held her arm out to him and he touched the wolf. "Damn!" he hissed as he jerked his hand back.
Billy smirked at him. "What happened Harry?"
Harry shot his friend a dark look. "The damn thing…shocked me…is the only way I can describe it."
Billy sat back looking smug. "Still say I'm full of it?"
"I don't know why you're looking so smug Billy," he grumbled. "If you're right, it means war…in the not so distant future."
~ Jambi ~
The devil and his had me down,
In love with the dark side I'd found.
Dabble in all the way down
Up to my neck soon to drown.
But you changed that all for me.
Lifted me up, turned me round.
~o0o~
Charlie's narrowed gaze pinned Paul. "Son, why are you holding my daughter?"
"Uh, well," Paul stalled as he set Bella on her feet. "We…uh…" His brain locked up. He didn't want to screw this up. He respected and loved Charlie, but he wouldn't give Bella up for anything. He had no idea what to say.
Bella stepped in front of Paul and met Charlie's eyes with a calm, steady gaze. "Charlie, meet my boyfriend, Paul Lahote. We started dating in Arizona." She smiled brightly. "It's pretty great though right, 'cause you already know and like him, so none of that awkward 'new boyfriend' BS to deal with." She smiled and Charlie cut his gaze, which was darkening by the second, to Paul's.
"That was before he was dating my daughter," he grumbled.
Sam stepped forward, looking a little reluctant. Still, he spoke up. "We really need to get going. We need to have that meeting and the elders are waiting." He looked at Billy. "Right Chief Black?"
Billy rubbed his forehead tiredly as his eyes flitted from Charlie to the young couple, one of whom was his best friend's daughter. "Yes, they're waiting." He met Charlie's eyes. "You should come along. This concerns your daughter, so now it concerns you."
Charlie's brows drew together. "They're dating. How can that be important enough to merit a tribal council meeting?"
Billy stared at Charlie for a beat, his expression solemn. "Please Charlie, humor me. You know me well enough to know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important."
Charlie sighed and nodded. "All right Billy," he said as he opened the door to his cruiser. "I'll meet you there." He looked at Bella. "You're coming with me. We need to talk."
Bella felt Paul tense behind her and turned to him. "Paul," she said as she rubbed his arms. "It's just a few minutes, and I really think I need to give him this before everything is dumped in his lap."
Paul fought the panic he felt inside with everything in him as he nodded. He knew logically, this reaction was ridiculous, and it was that knowledge along with the fact that he knew Bella loved him that allowed him to watch her get in and drive away with Charlie. Still, once she was gone, the tremors in his body increased, especially when Sam approached. "You look like you could use a run." He handed Paul a leather tie. "Take the shorts off and tie them to your leg before you phase. You know where the Council Hall is?"
Paul sneered at him and turned away as he answered. "Yeah, I know where it is."
Sam watched Paul walk back into the woods before turning to Jared and speaking lowly. "Phase and follow him. I'll see you there. I need to speak to Billy."
Jared sighed and nodded before jogging into the woods.
~o0o~
After Charlie and Bella left, Sam turned to Billy who gave a nod of understanding before turning to a bored looking Jake. "Son, you mind riding in the back? I need to speak to Sam before the meeting."
Jake sighed, looking put out, but nodded anyway. "Sure Dad, no problem."
He helped his dad into the passenger side and put the wheel chair in the back before hopping in beside it. Sam slid into the driver seat and started the truck. Billy looked at him as they pulled away from the Swan residence and onto the main toad. "Okay, tell me."
Sam didn't bother looking away from the road as he spoke. "As we briefed you before leaving, Sue and I went and got him from Arizona. He was very close to phasing, so Sue drugged him and we brought him back here. We knew, from what his Aunt said, he was developing a serious relationship with a girl there so I kinda figured he wouldn't leave willingly."
Billy sighed and nodded. "Still, it's damn regrettable the way it was handled. I can't see him being very cooperative after that."
Sam stared straight ahead. "He'll get over it."
Billy studied the Alpha's profile for a beat before murmuring, "Yeah, I suppose he will. So, tell me the rest. What went on today to merit a meeting with the elders?"
This time, Sam glanced over at his Chief before answering. "His wolf marked her, and I don't think he realizes this, but I'm almost certain he imprinted once he was back in human form." A frown creased his brow as he continued. "I can't always hear him in the pack mind either. It's as if he's able to block me and Jared somehow. Like he's not connected." He glanced back at a silent Billy and took note of the shock he saw on the man's face.
"His wolf marked her before he imprinted, and his mind is his own?"
Sam gave a sharp nod. "Yes, and that's not the strangest part. When the girl saw the wolf, she went right up to him, embraced him fully and told Jared that the wolf was hers. She even mumbled something about that being what the old lady meant." He glanced at Billy again as he turned into the Council Hall parking lot. "Not sure what that's all about, but I bet there's an interesting story behind it."
He cut the engine and Billy looked at him. "Well, let's get in there and find out what we're dealing with because if it's what I suspect, then our people are in for a time such as we've never seen before."
Sam hopped out of the truck murmuring under his breath, "That doesn't sound ominous at all." He did a quick survey of the tree line and sighed as he saw a pacing Jared. He jogged over. "What's wrong?
Jared threw up a hand. "Can't get him to phase back. He's right back there, pacing and growling. Something's got him upset."
They both heard a howl and cringed. "Shit," Sam muttered. "I'm gonna phase and Alpha order him if I have to."
Jared smirked. "Good luck boss. I still couldn't hear him when I was phased. Not sure how he blocks the link, but he does." Another howl rent the stillness and Sam cursed and jogged into the woods, calling back over his shoulder. "Phase with me Jared. I may need you."
~o0o~
Bella glanced at Charlie as he drove, waiting patiently for him to speak. She knew instinctively to give him a moment to gather his thoughts; that he would speak when he was ready. They were alike in that way, and so she kept silent.
Finally, he spoke. "What's going on Bella?"
She took a breath and began. "Paul and I met in Arizona at a Pow Wow Renee insisted I attend with her. He saved me from a guy who was in the middle of beating me." Charlie glanced at her sharply and she continued. "Who knows what he would have done if Paul hadn't kicked his ass." She ran a hand through her hair at the memory and continued. "Anyway, we began hanging out as friends after that, and things developed from there. We didn't know of our common connections until we'd already developed feelings for each other."
She fell silent and Charlie took a good look at her before cutting his gaze back to the road. "It's serious," was all he said.
He hadn't phrased it as a question, but she nodded anyway. "Yeah Dad. I love him and he loves me."
Charlie stared at her for a second and rubbed his forehead. "So, other than him being Quileute, why are we on our way to a tribal council meeting?"
She met his eyes. "I really think they'll be better at explaining all that Dad. I don't really know much about it and I'd probably just screw it up." She peeked at him. "And it's kind of important to get it right."
Charlie pulled into the Council Hall parking lot, parked and cut the engine. He stared into the distance for a moment before looking at Bella. "He tell you how we met?"
Bella shrugged and stared at her hands clasped in her lap. "He told me you started coming around when he was fourteen. That you began taking him fishing and to the batting and pitching cages; that you always encouraged him and never let him get down on himself." She met Charlie's gaze. "He told me that he loves you more than he ever loved his father. He also told me that you're dating his mother."
Charlie rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger before nodding. "All true Bells, and yet he left out just how we met."
Bella blinked as she stared through the windshield for a moment. "Okay Charlie. Tell me. But let me just say this; whatever you tell me won't change a thing." She locked her gaze with that of her father's and Charlie was shocked and impressed at the strength and resolve he saw in those brown eyes that were so like his.
He nodded slowly and began speaking. "I got a call one night when I was at Billy's watching a game. It was for a disturbance at the Lahote residence. I knew it was serious because that's the only time we're ever called for something on the rez. Billy went with me. When I got there, I saw Lisa Lahote. She'd been terribly beaten; life-threateningly so. I also saw Paul. He'd been beaten too, but not as badly. His arm and collarbone were broken. When I took Lisa's statement, she told me that she'd come home to find her husband drunk and beating Paul. She'd tried to stop him and he'd turned on her; that he'd gone crazy and wouldn't stop even when Paul tried to pull him off her." Charlie looked at Bella and wasn't surprised to see the tears that wet her cheeks. Still, he continued on with the story. "What finally stopped the beating and saved Lisa's life was Paul. He stabbed his father in the neck with a kitchen knife and killed him."
"Oh god," Bella cried quietly as she covered her face and rocked. "He'd said it was bad, but he hadn't told me yet. Oh Paul…" Just then, she shot up and looked toward the woods to see Sam jogging into the trees. She opened her door and looked back at Charlie. "I have to go," she said as she wiped her tears. "He needs me." With that, she got out and ran toward the trees as Charlie cursed lowly and followed.
~o0o~
If the sounds of vicious snarling and yipping hadn't stopped Charlie's heart as he caught up to Bella, then the sight of her approaching a trio of horse-sized wolves almost did. 'Good god! Those can't be wolves!' he thought as his mind did its best to reject the sight before him even as he pulled his sidearm. He resisted drawing down on the beasts though as Bella was in the way. "Bella!" he yelled. "Get back here!"
She glanced at him and kept going as she answered. "Holster the gun Dad. It's fine. Trust me."
Horror stricken, he watched as she walked toward the silver wolf who, at the moment, was posturing and snarling at the giant black wolf who also had his lips pulled up in a vicious snarl.
"Back off Sam!" Bella snapped as she moved forward slowly.
To Charlie's astonishment, the black wolf did just that, yipping at the brown wolf as they both disappeared into the trees.
"Bells?" Charlie questioned quietly as she buried both hands into the fur at the massive animal's neck. "What the hell?" he said lowly as the wolf seemed to nuzzle his daughter affectionately.
Then she spoke to it and if Charlie thought he was going crazy before, he was now certain of it.
"Paul baby, it's okay. I'm fine. You felt me didn't you? That's why you're upset?
The huge wolf whined and she wound her arms around its neck. "I'm fine but I need you. Turn back for me?"
As Charlie watched, the wolf's form shimmered and blurred until a very human and very naked Paul Lahote stood in front of his daughter who promptly threw herself into his arms.
"What happened B? I felt you. You were so upset. Shit, I almost charged into the parking lot to find you but Jared said I couldn't do that."
Sam and Jared walked back through the trees and Sam looked confused. "Jared said he can't hear you Lahote so how is it you can hear him?"
Bella backed out of Paul's arms and glanced at Charlie who was looking a bit sick. She turned back and caressed Paul's cheek as she said, "Baby, maybe you should put some shorts on and we can get to the meeting." She looked over at Sam. "That would probably be a better place for questions and answers, don't you think?"
Sam scowled and grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Fine. But I need answers."
Bella's anger spiked and she walked up to the towering Alpha. "You mean the way you were so forthcoming when you abducted Paul?" Before he could even begin to answer, Bella's hand connected solidly with his cheek in a stinging slap. "You're a class-A asshole Sam and being a leader doesn't give you that right. It certainly won't earn any respect."
The Alpha stared at her in disbelief as she walked back and took Paul's hand. As they fell into step together, she looked at her stunned father. "Let's go to a meeting, shall we?"
As Charlie trailed them back to the meeting hall, he studied Bella's straight back and proud bearing and murmured, "Who are you and what have you done with my shy, clumsy daughter?"
They all took seats in the meeting hall as Sam made his way to the front to sit with his fellow Council Members.
When all were settled, silence fell and Billy Black spoke. "I'd like to thank you all for attending on such short notice. Although inconvenient for some, this meeting, I believe, will prove to hold great importance for our people. First, I would like to welcome Paul Lahote as a new Protector of our people." He met Paul's steady, piercing gaze and continued. "Paul, I would also extend an apology, as your Chief, for the way you were taken against your will. Although I understand the direness of the circumstances, it still does not excuse the violation and disrespect you suffered."
Paul inclined his head in a show of respect and acknowledgement to his Chief and Billy continued. "I have with me some very old drawings and writings from our ancestors. There was supposed to be a mate's bracelet in this collection, but I could not find it." He unrolled one particular drawing that was done in exacting detail and color and passed it among his fellow council members. "No doubt you all have seen this drawing many times over the years, but what you may not know is the legend that goes with it. The legend speaks of the silver wolf with eyes the color of amber, such as you see in the drawing. It tells us that he and his mate will save our people by leading us to victory over the cold ones."
Several gasps were heard from those listening, with Harry Clearwater finally speaking. "We have a treaty! There's no need for war. That legend is an outdated myth! What would possess you to bring this up now in a time of peace?" He looked out at his old friend Charlie and then back at Billy. "We have outsiders among us too! Have you lost your mind?!"
Billy remained calm. He had expected this sort of reaction. "Charlie Swan is no longer an outsider. His daughter, Isabella is the marked and imprinted mate of the silver wolf, Paul Lahote."
Harry scoffed and sat back in disgust. "I can't believe this Billy." He looked at Sam. "Alpha, have the Cullens caused any problems or rebelled against the treaty in any way?"
Sam answered in a solemn voice. "They have not."
Sue Clearwater stood then and Billy gestured to her to speak. She looked apologetically at her husband Harry before finally doing so. "Chief Black, perhaps you could share with us why you believe Paul Lahote to be the wolf of the legend?"
He smiled gratefully. "Sure. It was foretold that the silver wolf would not be subject to an Alpha, but neither would he lead a pack. Sam cannot hear Paul in the pack mind unless Paul wishes him to, therefore he is not subject to an Alpha order. While he can work with the pack, he is an independent wolf. I would venture a guess and say that the Alpha cannot beat Paul in a fight." Sam glared and Paul smirked as Billy continued. "It was also foretold that the wolf would mark his mate before the man had ever imprinted on her. This has happened with Paul and Bella whereas such a marking has never before been documented in our history."
Charlie shot to his feet. "All right, I think I've been pretty damn patient with all of this so far, but now you're talking about my daughter as though she's been claimed like a piece of property and I want to know what the hell's going on."
Bella placed a hand on her father's arm and Billy looked at his friend.
"Charlie, she is not property, but the equal soul mate to Paul. The wolf's instincts drove him to mark her to keep her safe and distinct from others. If I understand correctly, it is also part of sealing their bond. The tribe sees it as more sacred than marriage."
Charlie's eyes went wide as he stared at his friend as if he'd never seen him before. "Marriage?! Has the whole damn world gone mad in a day?! Jesus!" He sagged back into his seat and swiped a hand over his mustache as he closed his eyes. "Unbelievable," he muttered.
Bella rubbed his arm and quietly asked, "Dad, are you okay?"
Charlie looked at her with his mouth slightly open for a moment before a slightly hysterical laugh escaped him. "I don't know what the hell I am at the moment Bells, but okay definitely isn't it." He looked back at Billy who was sitting patiently. "Cold ones…you all keep talking about something called cold ones and you've mentioned the Cullens. What the hell are they? Do they turn into something too?"
Billy took a deep breath and let it out slowly before answering. "Cold ones are what most people term vampires." He paused to let Charlie get over his brief laughing fit. "They are the natural enemies of our protectors. Our protectors destroy them. They or another vampire are the only beings strong enough to destroy a vampire."
Bella was now clinging to Paul's arm and he pulled her into his lap to comfort her. After phasing for the first time and hearing Sam say their legends were true, he'd kind of guessed the part about the cold ones was true too so this information didn't come as a shock to him. Bella however, hadn't known any of this and she was obviously upset as she curled into his chest. She recovered quickly though and looked at Billy. "You said the silver wolf is foretold to lead your people to victory…" Billy nodded and she continued. "Are there more details to the legend?"
Billy smiled, trying to reassure her as he answered with pride evident in his tone. "There are. It is foretold that the silver wolf will conquer three kings and by doing so, he will forever establish our people's dominance over the race of the cold ones. He will establish peace for all future generations of our people."
Bella glanced up at Paul as he cocked a brow and finally spoke. "No pressure or anything," he scoffed. His arms tightened around Bella as she laid her cheek against the heated skin of his chest. "What if I don't particularly want to do any of this? Do I even get a say? I had plans for my life! I have a scholarship that I worked my ass off to get! I'm supposed to leave at the end of this month!"
Sam pinned him with a glare. "The protection of our people is more important than the plans of one person. Now that you are a protector, it is your duty to stay and protect. That is the way it's always been and it is not for us to choose. The Spirits chose us and it is our fate."
Paul started to shake and the only thing that stopped him from bolting from the hall in rage was Bella as she clung to him and soothed him with soft words and feather light kisses.
"We'll face it all together Paul. And when it's over, we'll live our lives," she murmured quietly.
He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing as he listened to her voice and soon the shaking stopped. When he was in control, he pinned Billy with that unnerving glowing amber gaze. "Well, due to your overwhelming care and hospitality, I'm going on forty-eight hours with no food." He stood and set Bella on her feet beside him. "I'm going home." He looked down at Bella and caressed her chin. "Meet me there when you're done here?"
She glanced at Charlie and nodded. "We will."
With that, he strode out of the hall without a look back as Billy sighed and Sam shook his head.
Bella turned to Charlie. "Dad, I need to ask Billy about something before we leave. Do you mind?"
"No, I'll walk up there with you," he said as he gestured toward the front.
When they approached, Billy broke off his quiet conversation with Sam and smiled at Bella. "Little Isabella! It's been so long, I hardly recognize you. Forgive me for not greeting you earlier."
She cracked a small smile. "It's completely understandable Billy, and it's good to see you again too."
He folded his hands together atop the table. "Was there something I can help you with?"
She fidgeted and bit her lip. "You mentioned a bracelet earlier…"
"Ah, yes. I regret not being able to find it. It must have been misplaced in storage. If I'm right, it belongs to you and I'll let you know if I find it. Why do you ask?"
She held up her wrist and the bracelet the old woman gave her. "Did it look like this?"
Both Billy and Harry gasped as they looked at it with Harry asking, "How did you get that?"
"I went to a Pow Wow in Arizona. Just before I met Paul, I was browsing the vendor booths and an old lady told me the Spirits had something for me. She brought this out and gave it to me. She told me the wolf is mine and to keep him with me always, for we would save each other. She wouldn't let me pay for it either. Told me I couldn't pay for something the Spirits deemed as mine." She peered around at all the Council Members who were now staring at her. "I take it you all recognize this bracelet?"
"Yes," Billy breathed as he met her eyes. "That's quite the story and I suppose it solves part of the mystery of the missing bracelet. Have you noticed anything strange about it Bella?" he asked with curiosity lacing his tone.
"Well," she said as she traced her fingers over the wolf, "when Paul touched it for the first time, I felt a surge of something like energy run through it and into my arm. I've also noticed, since putting it on, I've felt more confident…empowered…" She sighed and ran a hand through her hair. "It's a bit difficult to put into words…"
Billy held up a hand as he answered solemnly. "No need Bella. The meaning is clear to me, and only serves to bolster my assertion that Paul is the silver wolf of the legend and you his rightful mate."
Harry leaned toward her with a hand out. "May I?" he asked as she looked at him.
Silently, she held her arm out to him and he touched the wolf. "Damn!" he hissed as he jerked his hand back.
Billy smirked at him. "What happened Harry?"
Harry shot his friend a dark look. "The damn thing…shocked me…is the only way I can describe it."
Billy sat back looking smug. "Still say I'm full of it?"
"I don't know why you're looking so smug Billy," he grumbled. "If you're right, it means war…in the not so distant future."
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