Essence of You
by Momma2fan
Chapter 9
“Get some clothes on and get to Emily’s.” Paul ordered as they jumped up.
“Be careful.” She grabbed his face and kissed him.
“I love you.” And then he was gone, phasing before the back door had shut.
Once his paws hit the dirt, he heard the rest of the pack in his head, including Jacob. He met up with all of them, waiting for Sam’s instructions.
JB: Jesus! You couldn’t shower?
P: Fuck off, Jake. He didn’t mean to, but thoughts of what he and Bella shared flashed in his head before he could contain them.
Q: Dude!
S: Focus! Embry, Jacob, you let loose the howl. Where is the leech?
E: She was near the treaty line, crossing back and forth.
S: Let’s go! This bitch dies tonight.
****
Bella pulled her bra and panties back on, then grabbed her discarded jeans and Paul’s t-shirt. After slipping into her sandals, she ran to Paul’s truck and quickly drove to Emily’s, arriving at the same time as Kim.
“Well, well, Bells...looks like you and Paul made the most of your night.” Kim teased.
“Cashed in your V-card did you, sweetie?” Emily joined in.
Bella blushed, “Shut it, you two. I’m sure he’ll get ribbed enough from the pack. We didn’t even get to clean up before the guys let loose the howl.”
“Shit, really?” Emily exclaimed. “You still have some clothes here. Go clean up and then come help.”
Bella smiled and walked to the guest room where she had stayed in February. After quickly cleaning up, she redressed in fresh jeans, but put Paul’s shirt back on. She joined the girls out in the kitchen after pulling her hair up in a messy bun on top of her head.
An hour later, the pack was still out when Bella heard a high pitched squeal. She looked out the window and saw a blur of red fly past, followed by black, silver and russett blurs, meaning Victoria had found her way onto the res.
“Emily, you guys need to lock yourselves in the bathroom. Don’t come out until myself or one of the guys tells you to.”
“Bella...?” Emily watched as Bella took one of her knives from the drawer.
“No, Bella, you can’t!” Kim yelled.
“Just go, now!”
Bella was out the door before either girl could protest again. Walking up the path, away from the house and toward the beach, she made a small cut on her hand, hoping to draw the vampire’s attention. A small amount of blood leaked out, but it must have been enough, because standing on the shore was Victoria.
“Looking for me?” Bella asked casually.
P: What the fuck is she doing!
S: Just hang back a few paces, let’s see.
JB: Are you kidding? That fucking leech wants to kill her!
P: Jesus, she’s bleeding. Tell me you can’t smell that! That’s my life out there, Sam!
S: I know, Paul. Just listen.
“Feeling brave today, pet? Do you think your dogs with protect you?”
Victoria’s voice was not what she expected. It was high pitched and childlike. She couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped.
“Wow. Is that really your voice?” Bella laughed. “And yes, I believe my wolves with protect me.”
“You killed my mate.” Victoria spat.
S: She’s distracting her. Move around to trap the bloodsucker. Paul, stay near Bella.
“Me? I’m human. The Cullens killed James.”
Victoria hissed, “Don’t say his name!”
Bella moved a little, knowing the pack was watching this unfold and she needed to get closer to them. She could feel through their bond that Paul was petrified. “Why? Do you really think you’re gonna be able to get to me? They’ll get you first.”
“Your mate will suffer for what has happened to my James. Edward will know my pain.”
Bella scoffed, taking a couple more careful steps toward where she felt Paul. “You do know they’re gone, right? Turns out I’m not Eddie’s mate after all.”
“Your death will still affect him.”
Bella smiled as she took yet another step closer to the pack, her hand bleeding more and keeping the vampire distracted. So distracted she didn’t realize she was being surrounded.
“Come and get me then, you sadistic bitch.”
Victoria growled and launched herself at Bella. Before she could reach her, Paul leapt for her and wrapped his jaws around her neck, severing her head from her body. The rest of the pack pounced and soon Victoria was in pieces. Bella picked up an arm and lit the lighter she had pulled from her pocket, setting it to the limb and throwing it down. The pack collected the rest and soon a purple smoke billowed, along with the sickly sweet smell vampires were known for.
Paul phased and ran to Bella, shaking with the fear that still filled his body. “What were you thinking?”
Bella looked into his eyes and gently placed her palm against his cheek. “I’m sorry. I know I scared you, and probably pissed you off, but I needed it to end.”
“Jesus, Iz.” He yanked her to him, not caring he was naked. “When I saw you and smelled your blood, I about went out of my mind. Are you okay? Did she touch you?”
“I’m fine, baby. I made a shallow cut, and she never got near me. You got her, Paul. It’s over.”
“Never, Iz. Never do anything like that again. Swear to me,” Paul demanded as his fear finally dissolved.
“I swear.”
****
“Fuck, Iz...” Paul grunted as he moved rapidly inside of her.
Bella was hanging on to his neck with her legs wrapped around his waist, while Paul pounded into her and the water from the shower rained down on them.
“Oh, god! So close, Paul!”
“Touch yourself, baby.” She moved her hand between them and played with her clit as Paul picked up the pace. “That’s it. Come with me, Iz.”
“Paul!” Bella shouted his name as her walls convulsed, squeezing him and bringing forth his own release.
“Iz...fuck!”
After they finished their shower, they got dressed and walked down to the kitchen. They were surprised to find Sam waiting for them.
“Good morning, Sam.” Bella kissed his cheek as she headed for the coffee pot. “Coffee?”
“Morning, Bella. Sure, I’ll take some.”
“What’s up?” Paul asked as he carried their mugs to the table while Bella got started on some breakfast.
“We’re probably gonna have a new wolf soon.” Sam started, taking a sip from his cup.
“Who?” Paul looked over at Bella and smiled.
“Seth.”
“Clearwater? But he’s only fifteen, right?” Bella asked while scrambling some eggs.
“Yeah, but Harry said he’s already showing signs.”
“I don’t get it, Sam. The leeches are gone, why now?”
“I’m not sure, Paul. But as Beta, I need you to help me watch him. I have to steer clear of there. If Leah...” he trailed off and hung his head.
“I get it, Sam. I’ll do my job.”
Bella walked over and placed a large plate of eggs down, followed by some toast and muffins. She cooked for the pack like Emily did. They had it worked out where they traded days. It was a huge help to Emily and Bella loved taking care of her boys.
“Thanks, baby.” Paul grabbed her and pulled her on his lap as they continued to talk, feeding her bites off his plate, making sure she ate for himself. When she hiccuped, he knew she’d had enough and his wolf was content.
“Sam, I’m gonna butt my nose in here...” Bella started. “Have you tried talking to Leah?”
He nodded, “She refuses to speak to me, Bella. I hate that she was hurt and I’m responsible. I just can’t do anything about it.”
“You know that just pisses me off.” Bella got up from Paul’s lap and started clearing the dirty dishes. “Harry knows everything, yet he continues to let his daughter be in pain. He could fill her in if he wanted to. I’m sure the council would give him a pass. Hell, Billy is trying to get them to let Charlie in on it.”
“What?” Paul and Sam both bellowed.
Bella jumped at their raised voices. Paul stood and crossed to her. “Sorry, Iz. But what do you mean?”
“Did I not tell you? I swore I did.” Both men shook their heads. “Okay, well, I know you haven’t said anything, but I’ve been toying with the idea of moving down here. It hurts to be away from you, and Dad is fighting me on it.”
Paul looked sad at the thought. “He is?”
“Oh, honey, no. Not because he doesn’t like you, he does. He just doesn’t want me to leave. He knows the decision is ultimately up to us, but he doesn’t really understand the urgency.”
“Bella, you practically live here anyway. Whenever you’re ready to make it permanent, you know you’re welcome. If you need me to ask, I will, but you already have a key.”
“Anyway, off subject. Sam, maybe you should talk to Harry. If Seth is about to phase, her entire family is going to be lying to her. I know Sue isn’t in the dark. It’s not fair.”
“You’re right, Bella.” Sam stood up and walked over to hug her. “I’m gonna go talk to Billy.” He kissed her cheek and walked out the door.
“Do you think knowing will help Leah?” Paul wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot. Anything has to be better than living with the lies.” She leaned up on her toes and kissed him. “How about a change of scenery?”
He shrugged and followed Bella out the door and down the stairs to the street. Grabbing her hand in his, he enjoyed walking with her. No threats, no timelines, no interruptions, they were able to just be themselves. He watched as she took in the forest with a soft smile on her face. After a while, she stopped in front of an old storefront.
“What are we doing, Iz?”
Bella pointed at the old structure. “What do you see?”
Paul looked at it skeptically. “Its old, with rotted wood and probably full of rodents.” He turned to look at her and saw something curious. “What do you see?”
She smiled, “I see people going in and out. Some sitting for a small meal and others carrying out fresh baked goods.” She turned her eyes to him, “Remember when I said I have a plan?” He nodded. “I’ve been thinking about opening a bakery restaurant type place here on the res. People from Forks can come down too. Emily could help me and we could hire people on the res. Give some back, ya know?”
Paul was astounded. This beautiful woman wanted to open a business on the reservation and help give back to the Quileute people, his people. He grabbed her in his arms and swung her around.
“I love you!” He shouted as she giggled.
“I love you, too,” she leaned down and placed her lips to his. The kiss was brief and then he put her down. “Do you think you can handle the job?”
“What do you mean?”
She shrugged, “Construction is your business, right? I’m sure it’s gonna need a lot of work and you guys could do it. I wanna hire my boys to fix up the place.”
Paul looked back at the building, this time with a critical eye. Closing his eyes, he could see it and he smiled. “How long are we talking about?”
“Well...” Bella started. “Phil is funding the whole venture. He says it’s to make up for taking mom away even though it was my choice. I’m taking those courses so I don’t end up in the red after my first week. I still have to talk to Emily and maybe Kim. How long do you think it’ll take?”
“Hmm...well, I need to get in there and see what we’re working with and then you need to tell me what you want, so I’m thinking six, maybe eight months.”
“That soon!” Bella squealed. “Oh, Paul, this is gonna be so great!”
“Get some clothes on and get to Emily’s.” Paul ordered as they jumped up.
“Be careful.” She grabbed his face and kissed him.
“I love you.” And then he was gone, phasing before the back door had shut.
Once his paws hit the dirt, he heard the rest of the pack in his head, including Jacob. He met up with all of them, waiting for Sam’s instructions.
JB: Jesus! You couldn’t shower?
P: Fuck off, Jake. He didn’t mean to, but thoughts of what he and Bella shared flashed in his head before he could contain them.
Q: Dude!
S: Focus! Embry, Jacob, you let loose the howl. Where is the leech?
E: She was near the treaty line, crossing back and forth.
S: Let’s go! This bitch dies tonight.
****
Bella pulled her bra and panties back on, then grabbed her discarded jeans and Paul’s t-shirt. After slipping into her sandals, she ran to Paul’s truck and quickly drove to Emily’s, arriving at the same time as Kim.
“Well, well, Bells...looks like you and Paul made the most of your night.” Kim teased.
“Cashed in your V-card did you, sweetie?” Emily joined in.
Bella blushed, “Shut it, you two. I’m sure he’ll get ribbed enough from the pack. We didn’t even get to clean up before the guys let loose the howl.”
“Shit, really?” Emily exclaimed. “You still have some clothes here. Go clean up and then come help.”
Bella smiled and walked to the guest room where she had stayed in February. After quickly cleaning up, she redressed in fresh jeans, but put Paul’s shirt back on. She joined the girls out in the kitchen after pulling her hair up in a messy bun on top of her head.
An hour later, the pack was still out when Bella heard a high pitched squeal. She looked out the window and saw a blur of red fly past, followed by black, silver and russett blurs, meaning Victoria had found her way onto the res.
“Emily, you guys need to lock yourselves in the bathroom. Don’t come out until myself or one of the guys tells you to.”
“Bella...?” Emily watched as Bella took one of her knives from the drawer.
“No, Bella, you can’t!” Kim yelled.
“Just go, now!”
Bella was out the door before either girl could protest again. Walking up the path, away from the house and toward the beach, she made a small cut on her hand, hoping to draw the vampire’s attention. A small amount of blood leaked out, but it must have been enough, because standing on the shore was Victoria.
“Looking for me?” Bella asked casually.
P: What the fuck is she doing!
S: Just hang back a few paces, let’s see.
JB: Are you kidding? That fucking leech wants to kill her!
P: Jesus, she’s bleeding. Tell me you can’t smell that! That’s my life out there, Sam!
S: I know, Paul. Just listen.
“Feeling brave today, pet? Do you think your dogs with protect you?”
Victoria’s voice was not what she expected. It was high pitched and childlike. She couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped.
“Wow. Is that really your voice?” Bella laughed. “And yes, I believe my wolves with protect me.”
“You killed my mate.” Victoria spat.
S: She’s distracting her. Move around to trap the bloodsucker. Paul, stay near Bella.
“Me? I’m human. The Cullens killed James.”
Victoria hissed, “Don’t say his name!”
Bella moved a little, knowing the pack was watching this unfold and she needed to get closer to them. She could feel through their bond that Paul was petrified. “Why? Do you really think you’re gonna be able to get to me? They’ll get you first.”
“Your mate will suffer for what has happened to my James. Edward will know my pain.”
Bella scoffed, taking a couple more careful steps toward where she felt Paul. “You do know they’re gone, right? Turns out I’m not Eddie’s mate after all.”
“Your death will still affect him.”
Bella smiled as she took yet another step closer to the pack, her hand bleeding more and keeping the vampire distracted. So distracted she didn’t realize she was being surrounded.
“Come and get me then, you sadistic bitch.”
Victoria growled and launched herself at Bella. Before she could reach her, Paul leapt for her and wrapped his jaws around her neck, severing her head from her body. The rest of the pack pounced and soon Victoria was in pieces. Bella picked up an arm and lit the lighter she had pulled from her pocket, setting it to the limb and throwing it down. The pack collected the rest and soon a purple smoke billowed, along with the sickly sweet smell vampires were known for.
Paul phased and ran to Bella, shaking with the fear that still filled his body. “What were you thinking?”
Bella looked into his eyes and gently placed her palm against his cheek. “I’m sorry. I know I scared you, and probably pissed you off, but I needed it to end.”
“Jesus, Iz.” He yanked her to him, not caring he was naked. “When I saw you and smelled your blood, I about went out of my mind. Are you okay? Did she touch you?”
“I’m fine, baby. I made a shallow cut, and she never got near me. You got her, Paul. It’s over.”
“Never, Iz. Never do anything like that again. Swear to me,” Paul demanded as his fear finally dissolved.
“I swear.”
****
“Fuck, Iz...” Paul grunted as he moved rapidly inside of her.
Bella was hanging on to his neck with her legs wrapped around his waist, while Paul pounded into her and the water from the shower rained down on them.
“Oh, god! So close, Paul!”
“Touch yourself, baby.” She moved her hand between them and played with her clit as Paul picked up the pace. “That’s it. Come with me, Iz.”
“Paul!” Bella shouted his name as her walls convulsed, squeezing him and bringing forth his own release.
“Iz...fuck!”
After they finished their shower, they got dressed and walked down to the kitchen. They were surprised to find Sam waiting for them.
“Good morning, Sam.” Bella kissed his cheek as she headed for the coffee pot. “Coffee?”
“Morning, Bella. Sure, I’ll take some.”
“What’s up?” Paul asked as he carried their mugs to the table while Bella got started on some breakfast.
“We’re probably gonna have a new wolf soon.” Sam started, taking a sip from his cup.
“Who?” Paul looked over at Bella and smiled.
“Seth.”
“Clearwater? But he’s only fifteen, right?” Bella asked while scrambling some eggs.
“Yeah, but Harry said he’s already showing signs.”
“I don’t get it, Sam. The leeches are gone, why now?”
“I’m not sure, Paul. But as Beta, I need you to help me watch him. I have to steer clear of there. If Leah...” he trailed off and hung his head.
“I get it, Sam. I’ll do my job.”
Bella walked over and placed a large plate of eggs down, followed by some toast and muffins. She cooked for the pack like Emily did. They had it worked out where they traded days. It was a huge help to Emily and Bella loved taking care of her boys.
“Thanks, baby.” Paul grabbed her and pulled her on his lap as they continued to talk, feeding her bites off his plate, making sure she ate for himself. When she hiccuped, he knew she’d had enough and his wolf was content.
“Sam, I’m gonna butt my nose in here...” Bella started. “Have you tried talking to Leah?”
He nodded, “She refuses to speak to me, Bella. I hate that she was hurt and I’m responsible. I just can’t do anything about it.”
“You know that just pisses me off.” Bella got up from Paul’s lap and started clearing the dirty dishes. “Harry knows everything, yet he continues to let his daughter be in pain. He could fill her in if he wanted to. I’m sure the council would give him a pass. Hell, Billy is trying to get them to let Charlie in on it.”
“What?” Paul and Sam both bellowed.
Bella jumped at their raised voices. Paul stood and crossed to her. “Sorry, Iz. But what do you mean?”
“Did I not tell you? I swore I did.” Both men shook their heads. “Okay, well, I know you haven’t said anything, but I’ve been toying with the idea of moving down here. It hurts to be away from you, and Dad is fighting me on it.”
Paul looked sad at the thought. “He is?”
“Oh, honey, no. Not because he doesn’t like you, he does. He just doesn’t want me to leave. He knows the decision is ultimately up to us, but he doesn’t really understand the urgency.”
“Bella, you practically live here anyway. Whenever you’re ready to make it permanent, you know you’re welcome. If you need me to ask, I will, but you already have a key.”
“Anyway, off subject. Sam, maybe you should talk to Harry. If Seth is about to phase, her entire family is going to be lying to her. I know Sue isn’t in the dark. It’s not fair.”
“You’re right, Bella.” Sam stood up and walked over to hug her. “I’m gonna go talk to Billy.” He kissed her cheek and walked out the door.
“Do you think knowing will help Leah?” Paul wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot. Anything has to be better than living with the lies.” She leaned up on her toes and kissed him. “How about a change of scenery?”
He shrugged and followed Bella out the door and down the stairs to the street. Grabbing her hand in his, he enjoyed walking with her. No threats, no timelines, no interruptions, they were able to just be themselves. He watched as she took in the forest with a soft smile on her face. After a while, she stopped in front of an old storefront.
“What are we doing, Iz?”
Bella pointed at the old structure. “What do you see?”
Paul looked at it skeptically. “Its old, with rotted wood and probably full of rodents.” He turned to look at her and saw something curious. “What do you see?”
She smiled, “I see people going in and out. Some sitting for a small meal and others carrying out fresh baked goods.” She turned her eyes to him, “Remember when I said I have a plan?” He nodded. “I’ve been thinking about opening a bakery restaurant type place here on the res. People from Forks can come down too. Emily could help me and we could hire people on the res. Give some back, ya know?”
Paul was astounded. This beautiful woman wanted to open a business on the reservation and help give back to the Quileute people, his people. He grabbed her in his arms and swung her around.
“I love you!” He shouted as she giggled.
“I love you, too,” she leaned down and placed her lips to his. The kiss was brief and then he put her down. “Do you think you can handle the job?”
“What do you mean?”
She shrugged, “Construction is your business, right? I’m sure it’s gonna need a lot of work and you guys could do it. I wanna hire my boys to fix up the place.”
Paul looked back at the building, this time with a critical eye. Closing his eyes, he could see it and he smiled. “How long are we talking about?”
“Well...” Bella started. “Phil is funding the whole venture. He says it’s to make up for taking mom away even though it was my choice. I’m taking those courses so I don’t end up in the red after my first week. I still have to talk to Emily and maybe Kim. How long do you think it’ll take?”
“Hmm...well, I need to get in there and see what we’re working with and then you need to tell me what you want, so I’m thinking six, maybe eight months.”
“That soon!” Bella squealed. “Oh, Paul, this is gonna be so great!”