Home At Last
by Momma2fan
Chapter 10
Bella sat in the sand and stared out over the waves as they crashed ashore. She hated the thoughts running through her head, but more than that, she hated the reason they were there. When she’d gone to nursing school and then on to become a nurse practitioner, she did so with the goal of helping people. She never thought about taking what she’d learned and using it to hurt someone. Until Emily.
She felt someone sit on either side of her and looked to see Kim and Angela had joined her. “What are you guys doing here?”
“Sam called us.” Angela answered.
Kim continued, “He said he figured you could use some girl time.”
“I really could. So how are you gonna distract me?”
For the next hour, the three of them talked about their plans for the future. Kim told them now that Emily couldn’t harm her anymore, she and Jared had decided to start trying for a baby. Angela confirmed her and Jacob’s talks had been running along similar lines, but they were also talking about getting married first.
Bella stood up and brushed the sand from her pants, “I need to go home. I need to be with Sam for a while.”
Angela hugged her friend, “We know today was hard on you, Sweetie. We’re here for you whenever you need us, Bella.”
Kim smiled and hugged her as well. “Imprints have to stick together.”
The three of them went their separate ways, each heading to their respective homes. When Bella walked into the house, Sam was on his feet and had her in his arms before she could speak.
“Are you okay?” He pulled back to look at her with his own eyes.
Bella placed her hand on his chest, over his beating heart. “I’m fine, honey. Thanks for sending Kim and Ang, they really helped.”
The ringing phone prevented further conversation as Bella moved to answer it. “Hello?"
“Bella?” Doctor Redfeather’s voice came through the line.
“Nathan? What can I do for you?”
Sam walked over to her when he heard the doc’s voice, knowing it would have something to do with Emily.
“I spoke with a colleague at the Cascade Behavioral Health Center in Seattle. They have admitted Emily into their inpatient program. Your father spoke with the judge and then the staff there, she will serve out her three month sentence for breaking into your home there. Hopefully she will get the help she needs.”
“Hopefully. Thanks for letting me know, Nathan. I’ll let everyone else know as well.” She hung up and looked at Sam. “You heard him?”
“Yeah,” he pulled her into his arms. “She’s gone.”
Bella laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “For now.” She looked up at him, resting her chin on his chest. “We need to have a pack meeting.”
The pack had taken the news of Emily’s commitment in stride. Of course they were all concerned they would be discovered, but it was decided to deal with that if or when it happened.
**HaL**
Over the next week, things had calmed down and everyone went about their routines. Bella worked at the clinic, even delivering a baby for one of the family’s on the res. When she wasn’t working or with Sam, she was with Old Quil, deciphering the scrolls and putting them in a computer file to be organized later.
“Look at this one, Quilly.” Bella handed the elder the delicate scroll. “I think this is where Emily got her information from.”
Adjusting his glasses on the end of his nose, he read over the legend. “Hmm, it says that the strongest wolves will have the first and strongest pups. It even specifies which descendants these pups will come from. It seems that though she misinterpreted the legend, she was in a way correct. The Uley, Black and Ateara lines will have the first and strongest pups as they were part of the original pack.”
Bella thought about it for a moment and then looked at the old man next to her. “Over the years, centuries, what have you, the familial lines have blended. Think about it, Jared’s family are descendants of the Black line, as are the Clearwaters. Paul’s and Embry’s are from the Uley and the younger wolves are from the Ateara line. So really, any of the boys could have pups with their imprints.”
Old Quil looked at her in surprise, “You are right, young one. Emily misconstrued the legends to fit her own purposes.” His eyes took on a twinkle and he smiled at her in amusement. “Who do you think will be first?”
Bella laughed, “Jared and Kim are the ones actively trying, so perhaps they will. I look forward to finding out.”
They worked for another half hour before Bella headed home to get dinner ready. When she walked in their house, she groaned. She saw dirty plates and things strewn everywhere and knew Jake and Quil had been there.
“Son of a bitch,” she growled as she looked at the mess. Walking into her kitchen she immediately began stacking the dishes so she could load the dishwasher and wash what didn’t fit, then she changed her mind.
She moved to the door, ripped it open and whistled once she was on the front porch. She wasn’t surprised to see Jared walk out of the woods in wolf form.
“Hey, Jelly-bean. Are you the only one on patrol?” She grinned when he shook his wolfy head. “I want Jake and Quil in front of me in three minutes. Make it happen, Jar. And while you’re at it, get the others too. Tell them I’m pissed.”
Three minutes later, all the wolves stood before Bella. Shaking her head, she pointed at all of them, “Phase.” Before she could blink, there were nine very naked men and one naked woman before her. Putting her hands on her hips, “I am not your fucking maid. I don’t mind cooking meals for all of you, or leaving something quick for you to grab. However, I will NOT clean up after you when I have worked all day or worked with Old Quil. The mess I came home to is unacceptable and I know it was you, Jake, and you too, Quil. Get your cutoffs on, get in there and clean up your mess!”
Sam, Paul, Jared and Leah were trying to fight their laughter at the looks on Jake and Quil’s faces. It wasn’t until they were in the house that the four of them lost the battle, but they quickly sobered when they caught Bella’s ire.
Sam pulled on his cutoffs and approached his upset mate. “Are you having a bad day, honey?”
“No. I was having a great day until I walked through the door. It’s ridiculous, Sam. Had I known I would be dealing with this shit, I wouldn’t have let you pass out keys again. I mean, how can two guys who don’t even live here make that big of a mess?”
Wanting to see what she was talking about, Sam walked through the door and saw Jake and Quil in the kitchen, but a mess was still strewn throughout the living room. He understood why she was so pissed. He decided he was going to have to issue an Alpha order just to keep his mate happy and their house clean.
“Listen up!” Sam’s voice reverberated through the house to the outside. “You will respect Bella’s and my home. You will clean up after yourselves. Our house better never look this way again.”
The pack all showed Sam their necks as a show of capitulation. Nodding when he had their agreement, he looked at Bella and offered her his hand.
“All of you get the hell out of here. I’m taking my mate out.”
After they had both changed, Sam drove them to Port Angeles, to 48degrees North Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant had recently been remodeled and the pair had been eager to try it out. The waterfront view was the perfect backdrop for them to have a private evening to themselves. Once they’d finished, Sam suggested a walk along the pier.
They hadn’t been walking long when Sam finally spoke. “There’s something I need to discuss with you, but I need you to keep an open mind.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been hearing some things when we’re all phased together. Things that I’ve had to think about carefully.”
“Sam, you’re scaring me.” Bella stopped and grabbed his arm, pulling him to a halt with her.
“It’s nothing bad, per se. One of the wolves is having some less than sisterly thoughts about you. When I say I’ve been thinking carefully, it's because I needed to know how my wolf would react. Amazingly enough, there is only acceptance coming from him.”
Bella shook her head, “You’re telling me that another pack member has feelings for me?”
He nodded. “And your wolf is okay with this?” Another nod. “Who?”
“I can’t tell you that, honey. While I think you deserve to know, I also think they deserve to tell you if that’s what they want to do.”
Bella was silent for a moment, taking in the thought. “What about us, Sam? I love you.”
“I know, as I love you. If this is ever revealed, we will have to talk, all three of us.”
Bella shook her head and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Why isn’t anything ever easy?”
Sam knew it was rhetorical, so he just pressed his lips to her hair and hugged her tighter.
Bella sat in the sand and stared out over the waves as they crashed ashore. She hated the thoughts running through her head, but more than that, she hated the reason they were there. When she’d gone to nursing school and then on to become a nurse practitioner, she did so with the goal of helping people. She never thought about taking what she’d learned and using it to hurt someone. Until Emily.
She felt someone sit on either side of her and looked to see Kim and Angela had joined her. “What are you guys doing here?”
“Sam called us.” Angela answered.
Kim continued, “He said he figured you could use some girl time.”
“I really could. So how are you gonna distract me?”
For the next hour, the three of them talked about their plans for the future. Kim told them now that Emily couldn’t harm her anymore, she and Jared had decided to start trying for a baby. Angela confirmed her and Jacob’s talks had been running along similar lines, but they were also talking about getting married first.
Bella stood up and brushed the sand from her pants, “I need to go home. I need to be with Sam for a while.”
Angela hugged her friend, “We know today was hard on you, Sweetie. We’re here for you whenever you need us, Bella.”
Kim smiled and hugged her as well. “Imprints have to stick together.”
The three of them went their separate ways, each heading to their respective homes. When Bella walked into the house, Sam was on his feet and had her in his arms before she could speak.
“Are you okay?” He pulled back to look at her with his own eyes.
Bella placed her hand on his chest, over his beating heart. “I’m fine, honey. Thanks for sending Kim and Ang, they really helped.”
The ringing phone prevented further conversation as Bella moved to answer it. “Hello?"
“Bella?” Doctor Redfeather’s voice came through the line.
“Nathan? What can I do for you?”
Sam walked over to her when he heard the doc’s voice, knowing it would have something to do with Emily.
“I spoke with a colleague at the Cascade Behavioral Health Center in Seattle. They have admitted Emily into their inpatient program. Your father spoke with the judge and then the staff there, she will serve out her three month sentence for breaking into your home there. Hopefully she will get the help she needs.”
“Hopefully. Thanks for letting me know, Nathan. I’ll let everyone else know as well.” She hung up and looked at Sam. “You heard him?”
“Yeah,” he pulled her into his arms. “She’s gone.”
Bella laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around his waist. “For now.” She looked up at him, resting her chin on his chest. “We need to have a pack meeting.”
The pack had taken the news of Emily’s commitment in stride. Of course they were all concerned they would be discovered, but it was decided to deal with that if or when it happened.
**HaL**
Over the next week, things had calmed down and everyone went about their routines. Bella worked at the clinic, even delivering a baby for one of the family’s on the res. When she wasn’t working or with Sam, she was with Old Quil, deciphering the scrolls and putting them in a computer file to be organized later.
“Look at this one, Quilly.” Bella handed the elder the delicate scroll. “I think this is where Emily got her information from.”
Adjusting his glasses on the end of his nose, he read over the legend. “Hmm, it says that the strongest wolves will have the first and strongest pups. It even specifies which descendants these pups will come from. It seems that though she misinterpreted the legend, she was in a way correct. The Uley, Black and Ateara lines will have the first and strongest pups as they were part of the original pack.”
Bella thought about it for a moment and then looked at the old man next to her. “Over the years, centuries, what have you, the familial lines have blended. Think about it, Jared’s family are descendants of the Black line, as are the Clearwaters. Paul’s and Embry’s are from the Uley and the younger wolves are from the Ateara line. So really, any of the boys could have pups with their imprints.”
Old Quil looked at her in surprise, “You are right, young one. Emily misconstrued the legends to fit her own purposes.” His eyes took on a twinkle and he smiled at her in amusement. “Who do you think will be first?”
Bella laughed, “Jared and Kim are the ones actively trying, so perhaps they will. I look forward to finding out.”
They worked for another half hour before Bella headed home to get dinner ready. When she walked in their house, she groaned. She saw dirty plates and things strewn everywhere and knew Jake and Quil had been there.
“Son of a bitch,” she growled as she looked at the mess. Walking into her kitchen she immediately began stacking the dishes so she could load the dishwasher and wash what didn’t fit, then she changed her mind.
She moved to the door, ripped it open and whistled once she was on the front porch. She wasn’t surprised to see Jared walk out of the woods in wolf form.
“Hey, Jelly-bean. Are you the only one on patrol?” She grinned when he shook his wolfy head. “I want Jake and Quil in front of me in three minutes. Make it happen, Jar. And while you’re at it, get the others too. Tell them I’m pissed.”
Three minutes later, all the wolves stood before Bella. Shaking her head, she pointed at all of them, “Phase.” Before she could blink, there were nine very naked men and one naked woman before her. Putting her hands on her hips, “I am not your fucking maid. I don’t mind cooking meals for all of you, or leaving something quick for you to grab. However, I will NOT clean up after you when I have worked all day or worked with Old Quil. The mess I came home to is unacceptable and I know it was you, Jake, and you too, Quil. Get your cutoffs on, get in there and clean up your mess!”
Sam, Paul, Jared and Leah were trying to fight their laughter at the looks on Jake and Quil’s faces. It wasn’t until they were in the house that the four of them lost the battle, but they quickly sobered when they caught Bella’s ire.
Sam pulled on his cutoffs and approached his upset mate. “Are you having a bad day, honey?”
“No. I was having a great day until I walked through the door. It’s ridiculous, Sam. Had I known I would be dealing with this shit, I wouldn’t have let you pass out keys again. I mean, how can two guys who don’t even live here make that big of a mess?”
Wanting to see what she was talking about, Sam walked through the door and saw Jake and Quil in the kitchen, but a mess was still strewn throughout the living room. He understood why she was so pissed. He decided he was going to have to issue an Alpha order just to keep his mate happy and their house clean.
“Listen up!” Sam’s voice reverberated through the house to the outside. “You will respect Bella’s and my home. You will clean up after yourselves. Our house better never look this way again.”
The pack all showed Sam their necks as a show of capitulation. Nodding when he had their agreement, he looked at Bella and offered her his hand.
“All of you get the hell out of here. I’m taking my mate out.”
After they had both changed, Sam drove them to Port Angeles, to 48degrees North Waterfront Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant had recently been remodeled and the pair had been eager to try it out. The waterfront view was the perfect backdrop for them to have a private evening to themselves. Once they’d finished, Sam suggested a walk along the pier.
They hadn’t been walking long when Sam finally spoke. “There’s something I need to discuss with you, but I need you to keep an open mind.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve been hearing some things when we’re all phased together. Things that I’ve had to think about carefully.”
“Sam, you’re scaring me.” Bella stopped and grabbed his arm, pulling him to a halt with her.
“It’s nothing bad, per se. One of the wolves is having some less than sisterly thoughts about you. When I say I’ve been thinking carefully, it's because I needed to know how my wolf would react. Amazingly enough, there is only acceptance coming from him.”
Bella shook her head, “You’re telling me that another pack member has feelings for me?”
He nodded. “And your wolf is okay with this?” Another nod. “Who?”
“I can’t tell you that, honey. While I think you deserve to know, I also think they deserve to tell you if that’s what they want to do.”
Bella was silent for a moment, taking in the thought. “What about us, Sam? I love you.”
“I know, as I love you. If this is ever revealed, we will have to talk, all three of us.”
Bella shook her head and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Why isn’t anything ever easy?”
Sam knew it was rhetorical, so he just pressed his lips to her hair and hugged her tighter.