Protecting The Black Wolf's Mate
by wizardtho
Chapter 2:
Sam's POV
As I closed the door to her room, I looked warily at Charlie, only to find him beaming at me. He chuckled, "Coffee, Sam, then you can tell me what happened."
I nodded, letting out a relieved breath, then followed him down to the kitchen. We sat, each taking a sip of our coffees as I started, "The boys and I each took a third of the circle. When we got to the perimeter, something told me to go further out... that maybe she got further than your boys thought. We extended the search area, and soon I caught her scent. I sped up when I heard her soft heartbeat. I found her in a tiny ball, curled in on herself on the forest floor. I didn't even think about being in my other form and nuzzled my nose between her arms. They were covering her head. Her eyes were closed, but her hand wove into my hair on instinct. She felt it, too -before she even looked at me- because she whimpered when she lost contact with me."
He nodded with a sly grin, "So you imprinted on my Bells."
I sighed, saying the only thing that came to me in response, "Charlie, I know she's young, and I know she's going to need time to get over this. All I ask is that you allow me to be near her to show her support... to let her know I won't leave her like he did. It was him that left the note, Charlie, not her. He left her out there in the woods, lost and alone."
Charlie's hands tightened on the edge of the small kitchen table as he growled, "They better not come back, Sam. I swear to Christ, they better not step foot in my town again."
I placed my hand on his shoulder, "I know, Charlie. The only reason I'm not tracking the bastards right now is that Bella needs me. You saw how she reacted when I walked out of the room. She didn't expect me to come back. She really thought I was going to leave her alone again. Whatever that leech told her... it really fucked with her."
He nodded sadly, "Do whatever needs to be done, Sam... just... let her lead. I know you won't hurt her. I'm glad it was you that was meant for her, Son... you've been waiting for your imprint for a very long time... but don't go rushing into anything. Please, just let things happen at her pace."
I agreed fully, so after a few seconds, he asked softly, "When do you plan to tell her?"
I shook my head, "I don't know. She already suspects, I think. I was actually waiting for her to mention that she knew my wolf was me, but she didn't. She just asked if I was one of the elders, and if I was the one who went fishing with you and Billy once a month."
Charlie chuckled, "She's waiting. She doesn't know how you'll take it if she comes out and says she knows, so she's waiting for you to tell her on your terms. That's Bells for you."
I never thought about that. Hmm, this might be easier than I thought.
Just then, Sue called, "Charlie, Sam... she's redressed and ready for Dr. Gerandy to look over her."
I loped back up the stairs after giving Charlie a small nod, going directly to her side. Her eyes were closed with a sad look on her face, so I whispered in her ear, "Hi there. All warm and dry now?"
She gasped in response before smiling at me. I smiled while kissing her forehead, then whispered, "I told you I wouldn't leave, Isabella. I meant it. You can trust that when I tell you something, it'll be the truth. You're safe with me, and I'll be around until you tell me otherwise. We'll be talking more later about what really happened here," I traced the scar on her wrist, then the bandage up her arm as I continued, "and here. Maybe while we're talking, I'll tell you how I know what the first mark really is."
Her eyes sparkled as I mentioned telling her, then she nodded while whispering, "I think I can handle that, Sam."
I kissed her palm, then Dr. Gerandy knocked on the door while poking his head in. I waved him in as Bella said softly, "Sorry you had to come out like this Dr. Gerandy."
He smiled down at her, "It's not a problem, Bella. I'm just glad you were found. Now let's see what we have as far as your injuries."
He took her temp, felt for knots on her head, had her move her arms and legs into different positions, then bend to touch her toes as he felt her spine. He smiled, "All good so far, Bella. Let's get those cuts cleaned, then see what we have under this bandage. Do you want to fill me in on what happened?"
She bit her lip, then said, "It was my birthday party. I tripped on the edge of the rug at Dr. Cullen's house. They had a table set up with a pretty cake for me, a bunch of crystal plates around the edge of the table. When I tripped, I fell into the table, which made the table break and shattered the plates. I landed wrong, so one of the broken plates cut pretty deep into my arm. Dr. Cullen got all of the broken glass out before he stitched me up."
Dr. Gerandy nodded, inspecting the stitches, but I knew there was more to it. I had a hard time stifling the growl trying to force its way out, but Bella looked up to me with a look that said 'I'll explain'.
I nodded, knowing anything else wasn't fit for the doc's ears. He said then, "Well, it looks like your stitches are still intact, so we'll just get it cleaned and re-bandaged, then I'll get the other scrapes cleaned. I want you in bed or on the couch for the next two days, under covers at all times. You were out in the rain for too long. I'm going to give you a booster shot of antibiotics, then I'll see you again first thing on Monday morning. I'll call your principal myself if we need to keep you out longer."
She nodded, "So you want me off my feet, but I can lay on the couch or up here."
The doc smiled, so she continued, "So baths, no showers... and take out, no cooking or cleaning."
Doc agreed again, stating seriously, "Exactly, Bella. You need to rest and let your body heal from this. I want you in a warm tub in the morning, but for the rest of tonight, I want you in this bed under those covers."
She nodded, then Charlie said, "Bells, Sue offered to cover the cooking, and you already have the house spotless. I don't want you to worry about anything right now."
She let out a breath as I stroked the back of her hand, "Okay. I won't fight it."
Dr. Gerandy chuckled, "Good, because I was going to admit you if you did. No fighting the bed rest if you're in the hospital. If I find out that you're not adhering to my orders, I will admit you right away. Do you understand, Bella?"
I saw her nod while whispering, "I understand. You had to use the one thing I hate most, didn't you?"
Everyone in the room chuckled at that. Dr. Gerandy finished cleaning all her scrapes and bandaging her arm. When he got out the needle and antibiotics, Bella tensed. I whispered as I cupped her cheek, "Hey. Just focus on me for a minute. You don't like needles?"
She bit her lip, shaking her head in response, then the doc said, "This needs to go in the fleshy part of your hip, Bella. I'll need you to expose the area for me, please."
She winced, then rolled onto her side, pushing the top of her sweats down enough to bare the area for the shot. She never looked away from me, and we held eye contact as I stroked her cheek.
The doc was done in no time. Bella didn't even flinch when the needle pierced her skin. I wanted to growl as I saw the doc kneading the spot after he removed the needle, but held myself in check. He was just working the antibiotics in and soothing the spot. Charlie gave me a knowing look, but I couldn't help releasing a breath when the doc was no longer touching my imprint. Bella laughed, "You seem more relieved that it's over than me, Sam. Do you not like needles either?"
That made me chuckle as offered, "No, just relieved that I could help you get through it without a problem. That's all."
She smiled at me then, which warmed my heart. She whispered, "You did, and thank you. I really do hate needles."
The doc explained a few prescriptions he was giving to Charlie, then said his goodbyes while promising to be here Monday morning before his shift at the hospital. Bella had readjusted her sweats before laying down on her side. She was playing with my fingers almost absently.
I kissed her forehead, then Charlie whispered, "I'll be downstairs, Sam. We'll talk more when you come down."
I nodded, but Bella tensed. I cooed, "Shh, Isabella. It's alright." I ran my fingers through her hair; she relaxed into my touch. Charlie smiled softly, then closed the door behind him.
Bella's POV
He was going to leave. Charlie said 'when you come down', and Sam nodded. He was going to leave, he was never going to come back... just like him. I flinched, but Sam whispered softly to me as his fingers ran through my hair. It felt so good, that I melted at his touch.
I heard the door close softly before Sam asked, "There's a lot we need to talk about, isn't there?"
I nodded, whispering, "I don't know how much you know. I can't tell you some things."
He nodded in response, "I know about the Cullens, Isabella. I know what they are and what their diet is."
I nodded, "Then I guess I can start at the beginning, but I want to know when I'm done, that you'll tell me how you know."
He smiled softly, "Done, Sweetheart."
I took a deep breath, then said without thinking, "Can you hold me while I tell you? Shit... sorry, never mind. Your girlfriend or wife will probably be pretty pissed you're still here."
He chuckled, moved me over in the bed, then sat with his back against the headboard. He opened his arms for me after only a second, explaining softly, "I don't have a wife or girlfriend, Isabella. You are more than welcome to take comfort in my arms anytime you need it. Come here, and I'll hold you as long as you need me to."
I scooted as close as I could, with him being above and me being under the covers, then laid my head on his chest as my hand found itself over his heart tracing random patterns. I sighed at both the contact and his warmth, then he whispered, "Charlie can't hear us, so you can talk freely."
Sam started rubbing soothing circles into my back as I began to speak. I told him about being Edward's singer, what that meant, and that he told me I was his mate. Sam growled and tensed at that, but quickly got control of himself.
I told him about the baseball game, the three nomads, the tracker James wanting to make me his next game, and how Alice and Jasper ran me south while the others tried to take James out.
I told him about slipping away from Jasper and Alice at the airport, along with how James had tricked me into meeting him at the ballet studio by saying he had my mom.
I gave him all the gory details of what James had done to me, explaining to him how James was torn apart and turned to ash while I was starting to burn with the venom in my system.
Sam also heard about how he sucked the venom out so I wouldn't change. I told him about the hospital and the blood transfusions, then how everything was quiet after we got back.
He asked me then as he traced my bandage, "What about this? I know there was more to it than what you told the doc."
I nodded, tightened myself around him more, then said, "It was at my birthday party, and the cut was from the shattered crystal plates, though I didn't trip over the rug or fall into the table. While I was opening up my presents, I got a paper cut on the wrapping to one of them. With me being Edward's singer, and him already knowing what my blood tasted like... it was a disaster. Jasper can feel everyone's emotions all the time, so when I saw all of their eyes shift color, I knew he was feeling not only his thirst, but Edward's... and the rest of theirs, too.”
Shaking my head, I continued, “Feeling all of their thirst was too much for him to fight off at the spur of the moment. Since he didn't have time to brace himself against it, he lunged at me. Edward pushed me out of the way, but he wasn't exactly gentle when he did it, so I was flung backward into the table. The rest of them were able to get Jasper and Edward out of the house, then Carlisle was able to get all the crystal out and stitch me up. That was the beginning of the end."
Sam tightened his arms around me as I inhaled his earthy scent. It calmed me. I felt Sam's breath on my shoulder as he whispered, "What happened next?"
I took a shuddering breath, clutched him as tight as I could, then whispered, "He didn't talk to me for the rest of the week. Just as I was deciding to confront him, I pulled into the drive and saw him at the tree line. When I met him in the yard, he asked me to take a walk with him to talk. I did, and we walked down the path in the woods. I could still see the house when he stopped. He told me... that they had all left already... that... that he didn't want me anymore. I was just a distraction for him from his long existence. He said he was tired of pretending... I put his way of life at risk, and he wasn't going to let it happen again.”
Sam’s arms tightened around me in comfort, allowing me to continue. “I tried... tried to follow him. I couldn't, though, with him being so fast. I should have stopped, but I just kept wandering until I collapsed. He never let me have a say, and the pain and betrayal... it hurts. My heart clenches and flares dangerously, but..."
Shit, I couldn't tell him that.
I shook my head, then Sam kissed the top of it as his fingers stroked up and down my back. "Shhh... It's alright now. They can never hurt you again, Isabella. I won't let them, or anyone else for that matter."
I wanted to believe him, but I pushed away while rolling over, whispering, "Don't make promises you won't keep, Sam. I've had too much of that already."
I felt him roll over and pull me back to him. As he wrapped himself fully around me, he whispered determinedly, "I meant every word, Isabella. I'm nothing like him. When I make a promise, I keep it, no matter what it takes."
I was so confused and hurt; I wanted to believe him. A sob left my chest without warning. I rolled over in his embrace, buried my head in his chest, then he whispered in my ear, "Let go, Sweetheart. Let it all go. I'm right here. You're safe in my arms."
I don't know why, but I did. I let go of the fragile hold I had on my emotions. I cried and cried, but Sam held me the whole time, rubbing my back and kissing my head or shoulder. I just let it all out. I let go of all the pain, all the hurt, all the betrayal I felt.
My cries had died down as the sun peeked over the horizon. When my breathing settled somewhat, I leaned back to look up at him. He wiped my tears from my face with his thumb, looking at me with an expression that I didn't recognise. I whispered, "I'm okay now. I need a human moment, though."
His features changed to confusion, so I smiled softly, "Sorry...it's just the term I've gotten used to. I need the restroom."
He nodded, stroking his fingertips from my cheek down to my neck, "You never need to apologize to me, alright? How about I carry you to the bathroom, so you can tend to your needs, then we can go downstairs for me to fix you some breakfast. Maybe once you eat something, you'll feel a little better."
I nodded, then said, "You don't have to carry me, though."
He chuckled and kissed my shoulder, then his voice took a husky tone as he whispered in my ear, "You're light as a feather, and anyway... I like having you in my arms."
I let out a shaky breath, then Sam left a lingering kiss on my shoulder before loosening his hold on me. I rolled to the side of the bed and tried to stand, but my legs buckled in under me. I braced myself while squeezing my eyes shut, preparing myself to get reacquainted with the floor, but I met with the wonderful heat of Sam's arms instead.
He whipped me up into his arms, then smiled down at me, "This is why Doc wanted you on bed rest and off your pretty little feet. You are too weak from the shock and the rain to be on your feet this soon. Now let's get you to the bathroom."
I nodded, so he carried me into the bathroom. He stood me on my feet, then just held me as I got my bearings. When I was sure I could stand on my own, I whispered into his chest, "Okay. I can take it from here. I'll call for you when I'm done."
I was blushing, but he lifted my chin to stroke it as he said, "No embarrassment with me, Isabella. I would help you with anything you needed, no matter what it was. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm here for you... not Charlie, not anyone else... you, Isabella."
I blushed even more as an image of him came to mind that was less than pure. The resulting arousal made me duck my head. I heard him inhale deeply, then hum and whisper huskily in my ear, "Again, Sweetheart... nothing to be embarrassed about."
My breath hitched as he kissed behind my ear, but he whispered, "Are you still okay to stand on your own?"
I bit my lip and squeaked out an, "Mmhmm," before he slowly released me from his hold. He chuckled again as he closed the door. My breath whooshed out of me as I whispered, "Holy hell."
I noticed as I took care of my necessities, that the pain and betrayal I felt in the absence of Sam's touch was all but gone. I also noted that I still felt the absence of his touch. I felt so much better when we had contact. I had never in my life felt like this with another person... not even him.
I washed my hands and face, bracing myself on the counter, then ran my fingers through my hair before calling softly, "Sam, I'm done."
I knew my tone was soft enough that a human wouldn't have heard, but I wasn't surprised when he peeked in the door. I smiled wryly, asking, "You're still going to explain, right?"
He nodded with a soft smile, then came in to wrap the blanket around me before picking me up again.
He carried me down to set me on one of the chairs in the kitchen, but I was surprised to see Charlie awake. "Dad, did you get any sleep?"
He smiled sheepishly with a nod, "I went to bed just after you started crying. I came in to check on you, but Sam said he had you. You flinched when I touched you, so I decided to try and get a nap before sunrise. I trust Sam, and you seemed more comfortable with him, so..."
I nodded, "I'm glad you were able to get some rest, Dad. I'm not upset. Sam just held me while I cried. He helped me more than you know. I'm not totally okay, but I think that was what I needed to let go of them. I'm still sad that they're gone, but... well, I'm a lot better after the cry than I was before it."
I saw Sam smile slightly from his position at the refrigerator, then he asked, "Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon alright with you two?"
Charlie's stomach growled as he chuckled, "Sounds great, Sam. I'd help, but Bells would kill me if I attempted anything in her kitchen."
I giggled at Sam's expression, nodding, "He's right, Sam. I have a baseball bat in the corner there that I've threatened him with several times. The man can't even boil water."
Sam let out a hearty laugh, then asked cheekily, "Well, Madame, may I cook in your kitchen this morning... under your strict supervision, of course?"
I giggled and nodded, "Of course, kind Sir."
Charlie shook his head with a deep laugh.
Sam's POV
As I closed the door to her room, I looked warily at Charlie, only to find him beaming at me. He chuckled, "Coffee, Sam, then you can tell me what happened."
I nodded, letting out a relieved breath, then followed him down to the kitchen. We sat, each taking a sip of our coffees as I started, "The boys and I each took a third of the circle. When we got to the perimeter, something told me to go further out... that maybe she got further than your boys thought. We extended the search area, and soon I caught her scent. I sped up when I heard her soft heartbeat. I found her in a tiny ball, curled in on herself on the forest floor. I didn't even think about being in my other form and nuzzled my nose between her arms. They were covering her head. Her eyes were closed, but her hand wove into my hair on instinct. She felt it, too -before she even looked at me- because she whimpered when she lost contact with me."
He nodded with a sly grin, "So you imprinted on my Bells."
I sighed, saying the only thing that came to me in response, "Charlie, I know she's young, and I know she's going to need time to get over this. All I ask is that you allow me to be near her to show her support... to let her know I won't leave her like he did. It was him that left the note, Charlie, not her. He left her out there in the woods, lost and alone."
Charlie's hands tightened on the edge of the small kitchen table as he growled, "They better not come back, Sam. I swear to Christ, they better not step foot in my town again."
I placed my hand on his shoulder, "I know, Charlie. The only reason I'm not tracking the bastards right now is that Bella needs me. You saw how she reacted when I walked out of the room. She didn't expect me to come back. She really thought I was going to leave her alone again. Whatever that leech told her... it really fucked with her."
He nodded sadly, "Do whatever needs to be done, Sam... just... let her lead. I know you won't hurt her. I'm glad it was you that was meant for her, Son... you've been waiting for your imprint for a very long time... but don't go rushing into anything. Please, just let things happen at her pace."
I agreed fully, so after a few seconds, he asked softly, "When do you plan to tell her?"
I shook my head, "I don't know. She already suspects, I think. I was actually waiting for her to mention that she knew my wolf was me, but she didn't. She just asked if I was one of the elders, and if I was the one who went fishing with you and Billy once a month."
Charlie chuckled, "She's waiting. She doesn't know how you'll take it if she comes out and says she knows, so she's waiting for you to tell her on your terms. That's Bells for you."
I never thought about that. Hmm, this might be easier than I thought.
Just then, Sue called, "Charlie, Sam... she's redressed and ready for Dr. Gerandy to look over her."
I loped back up the stairs after giving Charlie a small nod, going directly to her side. Her eyes were closed with a sad look on her face, so I whispered in her ear, "Hi there. All warm and dry now?"
She gasped in response before smiling at me. I smiled while kissing her forehead, then whispered, "I told you I wouldn't leave, Isabella. I meant it. You can trust that when I tell you something, it'll be the truth. You're safe with me, and I'll be around until you tell me otherwise. We'll be talking more later about what really happened here," I traced the scar on her wrist, then the bandage up her arm as I continued, "and here. Maybe while we're talking, I'll tell you how I know what the first mark really is."
Her eyes sparkled as I mentioned telling her, then she nodded while whispering, "I think I can handle that, Sam."
I kissed her palm, then Dr. Gerandy knocked on the door while poking his head in. I waved him in as Bella said softly, "Sorry you had to come out like this Dr. Gerandy."
He smiled down at her, "It's not a problem, Bella. I'm just glad you were found. Now let's see what we have as far as your injuries."
He took her temp, felt for knots on her head, had her move her arms and legs into different positions, then bend to touch her toes as he felt her spine. He smiled, "All good so far, Bella. Let's get those cuts cleaned, then see what we have under this bandage. Do you want to fill me in on what happened?"
She bit her lip, then said, "It was my birthday party. I tripped on the edge of the rug at Dr. Cullen's house. They had a table set up with a pretty cake for me, a bunch of crystal plates around the edge of the table. When I tripped, I fell into the table, which made the table break and shattered the plates. I landed wrong, so one of the broken plates cut pretty deep into my arm. Dr. Cullen got all of the broken glass out before he stitched me up."
Dr. Gerandy nodded, inspecting the stitches, but I knew there was more to it. I had a hard time stifling the growl trying to force its way out, but Bella looked up to me with a look that said 'I'll explain'.
I nodded, knowing anything else wasn't fit for the doc's ears. He said then, "Well, it looks like your stitches are still intact, so we'll just get it cleaned and re-bandaged, then I'll get the other scrapes cleaned. I want you in bed or on the couch for the next two days, under covers at all times. You were out in the rain for too long. I'm going to give you a booster shot of antibiotics, then I'll see you again first thing on Monday morning. I'll call your principal myself if we need to keep you out longer."
She nodded, "So you want me off my feet, but I can lay on the couch or up here."
The doc smiled, so she continued, "So baths, no showers... and take out, no cooking or cleaning."
Doc agreed again, stating seriously, "Exactly, Bella. You need to rest and let your body heal from this. I want you in a warm tub in the morning, but for the rest of tonight, I want you in this bed under those covers."
She nodded, then Charlie said, "Bells, Sue offered to cover the cooking, and you already have the house spotless. I don't want you to worry about anything right now."
She let out a breath as I stroked the back of her hand, "Okay. I won't fight it."
Dr. Gerandy chuckled, "Good, because I was going to admit you if you did. No fighting the bed rest if you're in the hospital. If I find out that you're not adhering to my orders, I will admit you right away. Do you understand, Bella?"
I saw her nod while whispering, "I understand. You had to use the one thing I hate most, didn't you?"
Everyone in the room chuckled at that. Dr. Gerandy finished cleaning all her scrapes and bandaging her arm. When he got out the needle and antibiotics, Bella tensed. I whispered as I cupped her cheek, "Hey. Just focus on me for a minute. You don't like needles?"
She bit her lip, shaking her head in response, then the doc said, "This needs to go in the fleshy part of your hip, Bella. I'll need you to expose the area for me, please."
She winced, then rolled onto her side, pushing the top of her sweats down enough to bare the area for the shot. She never looked away from me, and we held eye contact as I stroked her cheek.
The doc was done in no time. Bella didn't even flinch when the needle pierced her skin. I wanted to growl as I saw the doc kneading the spot after he removed the needle, but held myself in check. He was just working the antibiotics in and soothing the spot. Charlie gave me a knowing look, but I couldn't help releasing a breath when the doc was no longer touching my imprint. Bella laughed, "You seem more relieved that it's over than me, Sam. Do you not like needles either?"
That made me chuckle as offered, "No, just relieved that I could help you get through it without a problem. That's all."
She smiled at me then, which warmed my heart. She whispered, "You did, and thank you. I really do hate needles."
The doc explained a few prescriptions he was giving to Charlie, then said his goodbyes while promising to be here Monday morning before his shift at the hospital. Bella had readjusted her sweats before laying down on her side. She was playing with my fingers almost absently.
I kissed her forehead, then Charlie whispered, "I'll be downstairs, Sam. We'll talk more when you come down."
I nodded, but Bella tensed. I cooed, "Shh, Isabella. It's alright." I ran my fingers through her hair; she relaxed into my touch. Charlie smiled softly, then closed the door behind him.
Bella's POV
He was going to leave. Charlie said 'when you come down', and Sam nodded. He was going to leave, he was never going to come back... just like him. I flinched, but Sam whispered softly to me as his fingers ran through my hair. It felt so good, that I melted at his touch.
I heard the door close softly before Sam asked, "There's a lot we need to talk about, isn't there?"
I nodded, whispering, "I don't know how much you know. I can't tell you some things."
He nodded in response, "I know about the Cullens, Isabella. I know what they are and what their diet is."
I nodded, "Then I guess I can start at the beginning, but I want to know when I'm done, that you'll tell me how you know."
He smiled softly, "Done, Sweetheart."
I took a deep breath, then said without thinking, "Can you hold me while I tell you? Shit... sorry, never mind. Your girlfriend or wife will probably be pretty pissed you're still here."
He chuckled, moved me over in the bed, then sat with his back against the headboard. He opened his arms for me after only a second, explaining softly, "I don't have a wife or girlfriend, Isabella. You are more than welcome to take comfort in my arms anytime you need it. Come here, and I'll hold you as long as you need me to."
I scooted as close as I could, with him being above and me being under the covers, then laid my head on his chest as my hand found itself over his heart tracing random patterns. I sighed at both the contact and his warmth, then he whispered, "Charlie can't hear us, so you can talk freely."
Sam started rubbing soothing circles into my back as I began to speak. I told him about being Edward's singer, what that meant, and that he told me I was his mate. Sam growled and tensed at that, but quickly got control of himself.
I told him about the baseball game, the three nomads, the tracker James wanting to make me his next game, and how Alice and Jasper ran me south while the others tried to take James out.
I told him about slipping away from Jasper and Alice at the airport, along with how James had tricked me into meeting him at the ballet studio by saying he had my mom.
I gave him all the gory details of what James had done to me, explaining to him how James was torn apart and turned to ash while I was starting to burn with the venom in my system.
Sam also heard about how he sucked the venom out so I wouldn't change. I told him about the hospital and the blood transfusions, then how everything was quiet after we got back.
He asked me then as he traced my bandage, "What about this? I know there was more to it than what you told the doc."
I nodded, tightened myself around him more, then said, "It was at my birthday party, and the cut was from the shattered crystal plates, though I didn't trip over the rug or fall into the table. While I was opening up my presents, I got a paper cut on the wrapping to one of them. With me being Edward's singer, and him already knowing what my blood tasted like... it was a disaster. Jasper can feel everyone's emotions all the time, so when I saw all of their eyes shift color, I knew he was feeling not only his thirst, but Edward's... and the rest of theirs, too.”
Shaking my head, I continued, “Feeling all of their thirst was too much for him to fight off at the spur of the moment. Since he didn't have time to brace himself against it, he lunged at me. Edward pushed me out of the way, but he wasn't exactly gentle when he did it, so I was flung backward into the table. The rest of them were able to get Jasper and Edward out of the house, then Carlisle was able to get all the crystal out and stitch me up. That was the beginning of the end."
Sam tightened his arms around me as I inhaled his earthy scent. It calmed me. I felt Sam's breath on my shoulder as he whispered, "What happened next?"
I took a shuddering breath, clutched him as tight as I could, then whispered, "He didn't talk to me for the rest of the week. Just as I was deciding to confront him, I pulled into the drive and saw him at the tree line. When I met him in the yard, he asked me to take a walk with him to talk. I did, and we walked down the path in the woods. I could still see the house when he stopped. He told me... that they had all left already... that... that he didn't want me anymore. I was just a distraction for him from his long existence. He said he was tired of pretending... I put his way of life at risk, and he wasn't going to let it happen again.”
Sam’s arms tightened around me in comfort, allowing me to continue. “I tried... tried to follow him. I couldn't, though, with him being so fast. I should have stopped, but I just kept wandering until I collapsed. He never let me have a say, and the pain and betrayal... it hurts. My heart clenches and flares dangerously, but..."
Shit, I couldn't tell him that.
I shook my head, then Sam kissed the top of it as his fingers stroked up and down my back. "Shhh... It's alright now. They can never hurt you again, Isabella. I won't let them, or anyone else for that matter."
I wanted to believe him, but I pushed away while rolling over, whispering, "Don't make promises you won't keep, Sam. I've had too much of that already."
I felt him roll over and pull me back to him. As he wrapped himself fully around me, he whispered determinedly, "I meant every word, Isabella. I'm nothing like him. When I make a promise, I keep it, no matter what it takes."
I was so confused and hurt; I wanted to believe him. A sob left my chest without warning. I rolled over in his embrace, buried my head in his chest, then he whispered in my ear, "Let go, Sweetheart. Let it all go. I'm right here. You're safe in my arms."
I don't know why, but I did. I let go of the fragile hold I had on my emotions. I cried and cried, but Sam held me the whole time, rubbing my back and kissing my head or shoulder. I just let it all out. I let go of all the pain, all the hurt, all the betrayal I felt.
My cries had died down as the sun peeked over the horizon. When my breathing settled somewhat, I leaned back to look up at him. He wiped my tears from my face with his thumb, looking at me with an expression that I didn't recognise. I whispered, "I'm okay now. I need a human moment, though."
His features changed to confusion, so I smiled softly, "Sorry...it's just the term I've gotten used to. I need the restroom."
He nodded, stroking his fingertips from my cheek down to my neck, "You never need to apologize to me, alright? How about I carry you to the bathroom, so you can tend to your needs, then we can go downstairs for me to fix you some breakfast. Maybe once you eat something, you'll feel a little better."
I nodded, then said, "You don't have to carry me, though."
He chuckled and kissed my shoulder, then his voice took a husky tone as he whispered in my ear, "You're light as a feather, and anyway... I like having you in my arms."
I let out a shaky breath, then Sam left a lingering kiss on my shoulder before loosening his hold on me. I rolled to the side of the bed and tried to stand, but my legs buckled in under me. I braced myself while squeezing my eyes shut, preparing myself to get reacquainted with the floor, but I met with the wonderful heat of Sam's arms instead.
He whipped me up into his arms, then smiled down at me, "This is why Doc wanted you on bed rest and off your pretty little feet. You are too weak from the shock and the rain to be on your feet this soon. Now let's get you to the bathroom."
I nodded, so he carried me into the bathroom. He stood me on my feet, then just held me as I got my bearings. When I was sure I could stand on my own, I whispered into his chest, "Okay. I can take it from here. I'll call for you when I'm done."
I was blushing, but he lifted my chin to stroke it as he said, "No embarrassment with me, Isabella. I would help you with anything you needed, no matter what it was. It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm here for you... not Charlie, not anyone else... you, Isabella."
I blushed even more as an image of him came to mind that was less than pure. The resulting arousal made me duck my head. I heard him inhale deeply, then hum and whisper huskily in my ear, "Again, Sweetheart... nothing to be embarrassed about."
My breath hitched as he kissed behind my ear, but he whispered, "Are you still okay to stand on your own?"
I bit my lip and squeaked out an, "Mmhmm," before he slowly released me from his hold. He chuckled again as he closed the door. My breath whooshed out of me as I whispered, "Holy hell."
I noticed as I took care of my necessities, that the pain and betrayal I felt in the absence of Sam's touch was all but gone. I also noted that I still felt the absence of his touch. I felt so much better when we had contact. I had never in my life felt like this with another person... not even him.
I washed my hands and face, bracing myself on the counter, then ran my fingers through my hair before calling softly, "Sam, I'm done."
I knew my tone was soft enough that a human wouldn't have heard, but I wasn't surprised when he peeked in the door. I smiled wryly, asking, "You're still going to explain, right?"
He nodded with a soft smile, then came in to wrap the blanket around me before picking me up again.
He carried me down to set me on one of the chairs in the kitchen, but I was surprised to see Charlie awake. "Dad, did you get any sleep?"
He smiled sheepishly with a nod, "I went to bed just after you started crying. I came in to check on you, but Sam said he had you. You flinched when I touched you, so I decided to try and get a nap before sunrise. I trust Sam, and you seemed more comfortable with him, so..."
I nodded, "I'm glad you were able to get some rest, Dad. I'm not upset. Sam just held me while I cried. He helped me more than you know. I'm not totally okay, but I think that was what I needed to let go of them. I'm still sad that they're gone, but... well, I'm a lot better after the cry than I was before it."
I saw Sam smile slightly from his position at the refrigerator, then he asked, "Pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon alright with you two?"
Charlie's stomach growled as he chuckled, "Sounds great, Sam. I'd help, but Bells would kill me if I attempted anything in her kitchen."
I giggled at Sam's expression, nodding, "He's right, Sam. I have a baseball bat in the corner there that I've threatened him with several times. The man can't even boil water."
Sam let out a hearty laugh, then asked cheekily, "Well, Madame, may I cook in your kitchen this morning... under your strict supervision, of course?"
I giggled and nodded, "Of course, kind Sir."
Charlie shook his head with a deep laugh.