Protecting the Black Wolf's Mate  
by wizardtho

Chapter 6:


Sam's POV


Sue came out with a platter of chicken, kissed Charlie's cheek, then handed the platter to him saying, "Make yourself useful, Dear. I have a ton of things on the stove, so you need to tend the grill. Sam, how is she?" 


I nodded, "She fell asleep less than two minutes after she asked me to wake her when the pack got here. She's getting a little warm, though. Can you check and see if there are any thinner blankets than this one? I don't want her to go against the doc's orders, but I don't want her to overheat, either." 


Sue nodded, patted my shoulder, then said, "Sure thing, Sam. I think I saw one in the hall closet that would do perfectly. Leah called to say that her and Paul would be here in ten, and Jared and Kim were stopping by your house to get you a few sets of clothes. They didn't want you to have to leave Bella to go home." 


I nodded, so Sue asked, "You are taking the week, right?"


I smiled at how in sync Sue and Charlie were, then said, "Charlie said they would be expecting me to, and it'll kill me to have to leave for patrol tonight, but I'll talk to the boys and see." 


She pursed her lips at me, "It's only right for you to get the same time you gave those boys, Samuel Uley. When Paul went home to get clothes, he was only gone for 20 minutes, yet he was rushing back like he had someone with a gun after him. I think there's something to the first week with your imprint. You need to be with her, and she needs to be with you. Take the time, Sam. You know those boys want you to have what they have with their imprints." 


I nodded, "I know Sue... I don't want to force my presence on her, though. I don't want her to feel like I'm hovering." 


She smiled, "Oh, she won't. I can already see the spark of feelings growing in her eyes, Sam. Don't be surprised if she doesn't want you to leave at all after this week."


Again with them being in sync. 


I chuckled, "You and Charlie are too alike, you know. He said the same thing." 


She laughed, "That's why we're so good together. We can anticipate what the other wants, and can finish each other’s sentences when called for. This called for it, so take the advice, Sam." 


I smiled, "Thanks, Sue." She kissed Bella's forehead, then went back inside.


A few minutes later, Charlie came over, carefully took the blanket off my angel, then put a much lighter blanket over her with a smile. "This one should work a lot better. How did she sleep this morning?" 


I shook my head, "I think she needed it this morning because her temp was still down too low. Now that her body temp is normal, it'll be interesting to see how she does. She had no more than this on this morning, so I can tell we'll have to change the blanket on the bed. She definitely won't be able to sleep with the one that's on there now." 


He nodded, "I'll have Sue find one like this that's big enough for the bed." 


He left, then I smiled as I inhaled her sweet scent. I lost myself in Isabella's scent until I heard laughter inside. I knew Leah and Paul had gotten here, so I whispered as I kissed Bella's shoulder.



Bella's POV


"Come, my little Beauty. It's time to wake. People are starting to show up now." 


I felt tender kisses on my neck and shoulder, causing me to hum, "I really think you should become my permanent alarm clock. You're so much better than that annoying beep." 


Sam chuckled, "As long as you want me to be your morning wake-up, I will, my Angel. Can you sit up and sip some water for me? You started to get too warm while you slept, so Charlie switched your blankets. You need to rehydrate, though." 


I made a face, "I don't want to move, though."


I heard laughter coming out the back door but still couldn't bring myself to move. I loved the way Sam held me. He chuckled, "Are we stubborn tonight, little Beauty?" 


I nodded as I snuggled deeper against him, only to hear a feminine chuckle, "I don't blame her, I do the same thing with Paul. Just give her a few minutes to enjoy it, then she'll be good to go." 


I grinned, "Thank you, Leah. Listen to her and let me enjoy this, Sam." 


He laughed in response, "Of course, Isabella... how rude of me."


I giggled as I kissed the spot over his heart, making him hum and hold me just a little tighter, then I heard a throaty chuckle, "She's got you wrapped already, Dude. Good for you. I'm glad you finally found your girl." 


I smiled, then wiggled my way to sit up and look in his eyes. They were deep pools of chocolate, sparkling with happiness as he said, "So am I, Paul... so am I." 


I smiled and cupped his cheek, then pecked his lips lightly before taking the water from him. I drank half of it down before I realized, then heard Leah say, "Bet you hate having that blanket on now." 


I nodded as I looked at the Native American beauty, "Yeah, but Dr. Gerandy says it's a must. Of course, he doesn't know about the sauna I've been sleeping on or curled up into, but them's the breaks I guess." 


She giggled, "I call Paul my personal sun." 


I laughed in return, offering with a nod, "Well Dad called Sam my heater vent, and I've called him my sauna and my space heater. I think all of them are pretty accurate right now." 


I turned to Sam, asking, "What time is it? How long before you have to go on patrol?"


I heard Paul growl, then Leah stroked his cheek, calming him instantly. When he was calm again, Paul said, "You, Mr. Alpha, are off this week. Did you forget the week you gave both Jared and me when we found our imprints? You need this week with Bella, Sam, so I better not hear you phasing, unless it's to show her your wolf or take her riding." 


I giggled, "Can we really do that?" 


Sam beamed at me, "We can, Sweetheart. Paul, are you guys sure? What about your time with Leah and Kim?"


Paul shook his head, saying with finality in his tone, "The four of us sat down this morning after we heard the news. Kim and Leah both agree with us. You need this week to connect with Bella and get to know her. Jared's bringing your clothes with him, so you don't have to leave her. He and I will switch off shifts. If anything happens, we'll howl. We'll call once our shift is over, so you know that all is good. You just concentrate on your girl this week. We have it worked out. We've already volunteered to help the chief move, so we'll get to spend some time getting to know her, too." 


I shook my head, "What about Charlie? He'll never go for that, Sam. We were lucky he let you stay with me this morning."


Charlie made his presence known then, "Never go for what, Bells?" 


I shook my head, "Nothing, Dad. Just talking." 


He frowned, "Is this about this week, Bells?" 


I winced, "Ummm, yeah?" 


He laughed, "It's already settled, as long as you're okay with it. Bells, you have to understand something." 


He came to sit next to me, then took my hand as he said, "I'm okay with whatever you are. I'm okay with this because I know that Sam will put you first no matter what. He won't hurt or use you, and he only wants you to be happy. You just need to look in your heart... let it be your guide. Just promise not to leave your Dad out of the loop, okay? I still want you to talk and spend time with your old man, but know that whatever speed your relationship progresses with Sam... I won't stand in the way, and I'll be happy for you. I'm still your Dad, though, so I don't want to hear any sex you have when that time comes."


I choked out a laugh, "Jesus, Dad. I just told you this morning. I'm not ready for that. You're really okay with Sam staying, though? And what about school and work?" 


Sam smiled, "Paul is my second at work, so he can handle that. It's been slow lately, anyway. We're just waiting on some details for a big project coming up." 


Then Dad said, "We'll be packing and moving as soon as Dr. Gerandy gives you the al, so no school for you. I'll go over to the school Monday and get a copy of your records to give La Push High." 


I beamed at him, then kissed his cheek with a whispered, "Thanks, Daddy."


He gave me a Cheshire cat worthy grin, "No worries, Princess. I just want you happy. It isn't like you haven't covered all of your schoolwork already in Phoenix, anyway. You're leaps and bounds above those kids." 


I nodded, "Yeah. I've been pretty bored, even in my AP classes." 


Paul asked in a curious tone, "If you're so far ahead, why don't you just take your GED and test out early? If you're in AP classes, La Push High is going to be even more boring. Are you just wanting to walk with your graduating class?" 


I shook my head, "No, I hate being the center of attention. It makes me nervous. I'd avoid it at all costs if I could." 


Charlie looked at me seriously, "Then avoid it you will. Instead of seeing about transferring you, we'll see about getting you tested the hell out of there."


I gaped at him, "Who are you, and where is the real Charlie Swan?" 


He laughed, "This is me, Bells. Maybe these last two years around this bunch has loosened me up a bit, but I'm still your dad. I know you're smart enough to graduate right now with flying colors, and since you don't want to walk, you don't have to. We can make this move a fresh start all the way around for you.”


In response, I whispered hopefully, "Really? God, that sounds so good." 


Charlie chuckled and kissed my forehead, "Really, Bells. Take tonight to think about it, then you can let me know your decision in the morning." 


I nodded, "Thanks, Dad."


Charlie walked back over to the grill with a smile, then Sam asked, "You alright, Sweetheart?" 


I snuggled against him as he sat up to wrap his arms around me, "Yeah, it's just a lot to think about. Everything just seems out of control right now. It feels like I haven't had the chance to breathe yet." 


Leah nodded sympathetically, but Sam said, "You take all the time you need to process everything. Just know that you can talk to me if you have any questions." 


I wove my fingers into his hair, then whispered against his lips, "I know... and thank you for not rushing me to talk. I promise I will once I get my thoughts straight in my own head." 


He smiled, so I brushed my lips softly against his. When he moaned, I tightened my hands in his hair. He pulled me flush to him, deepening the kiss.


I faintly heard Leah tell Paul that they should go check to see if Sue needed help, but I couldn't care less as Sam kissed me. Then I heard Sue whisper to Charlie, "She loves like you do, with your whole heart." 


I pulled away from Sam gasping, "Charlie Swan! You sneaky ol’ dog! When were you going to tell me about you and Sue, Mister?" 


He blushed and looked down as he clasped her hand, then said, "We were just going to let you find out on your own tonight. I guess it worked?" 


I chuckled, "You guessed right. Congratulations, you two. You deserve to be happy too, Dad. I was beginning to think you'd never date again." 


He smiled and cupped Sue's cheek, "I just needed to see what was right in front of me, is all."


I smiled, looking at Sam as I whispered, "I see what's in front of me... and I'm not afraid." 


He kissed my neck softly, whispering, "God, am I glad to hear that. Would you like to see my wolf?" 


I hugged him tight, "Really? You'll phase for me?" 


He nodded, "I need to go to the edge of the woods, though. I can't phase with clothes on, or they get shredded. They don't transform when we do, so we just explode out of them." 


I chuckled, "So no naked rear, huh?" 


He squeezed my hip as he smirked, "No naked rear, Isabella." 


Paul bounced over, "You gonna show her? Can I join in?" 


Sam chuckled as Leah asked, "Oh, cool. You're gonna phase?"


Sam nodded, then set me on the lounger as he stood, "Stay covered there, and we'll come to you." 


I nodded with a grin, then said, "Dad, Sam's going to show me." 


Charlie gave me a thumbs up, then brought Sue over with him to stand behind my lounger as Leah sat next to me. I saw Paul and Sam disappear into the woods as Leah said happily, "You'll love wolf-back riding. It's so much fun. Maybe once you get settled at the new house, we can all go together."


I had been looking at Leah as we talked, so I hadn't seen Paul and Sam come back out. I felt a warm nose against my ear, which caused me to giggle, "That tickles." 


I looked up to Sam, who was much taller than I expected, even with him currently laying on his belly. He had a shiny midnight black coat, but his eyes were still that beautiful chocolate. I whispered as I wove my fingers in his fur, "So beautiful. I remember the silkiness of your fur. I remember when you first backed away from me... all I wanted was for the warm nose and silky fur that went with the calming scent to come back. I didn't hurt when it had contact with me, and I wanted it back. Then I felt the encompassing warmth with the same scent. I knew then what you were, even without opening my eyes. That part of Jacob's story echoed in my ears, then you asked me to open my eyes. I was lost in your eyes for I don't know how long before you finally spoke."


He touched his nose to my cheek, then nuzzled his head onto my lap. I stroked his head as Leah said, "He doesn't want you to cry... doesn't want you to be sad." 


I shook my head before kissing between his eyes, "I'm not sad, Baby, I'm happy. These are happy tears. You make me happy, and I meant what I said a few minutes ago. I'm not afraid." 


I heard a happy sounding rumble come from Sam as I pet him, so I giggled, "I know you didn't just growl, so what was that supposed to be?" 


He made the sound again as I kissed his muzzle. Leah said laughingly, "Don't call it a purr, because they'll say they aren't cats... but that's essentially what he did."


Leah stood and ran her hand down Paul's tan/brownish-black coat along his spine, causing him to make a very similar sound as the one Sam made. Leah giggled, "See?" 


I laughed while Sam nuzzled further into my lap. I looked into his eyes with a smirk, "Alright, if it's not a purr, what do you expect me to call it then? Hmm?" 


He looked towards the woods, so I said, "Go on, but I expect an answer to that question if you insist that it isn't a purr."


He nuzzled my neck with his nose before pawing lightly at Paul's head. After nodding to Leah, he and Paul went to the woods. They both came jogging out a minute later, and I couldn’t help but let out a breath at the sight of him. I heard Leah doing the same thing, so I leaned in to whisper, "Does that ever change?" 


She smiled, "Nope. Happens to me every time I see him, even just across the room. Same with Kim and Jared. When you feel ready for the other part? It'll never get boring. It will always be amazing... every time." 


Sam picked me up to wrap me around his waist, kissed the soft spot behind my ear, then whispered softly, "I was lost in your eyes, too. I still lose myself in your eyes, and I love every minute of it."


At that moment, I just needed him to kiss me. When his lips met mine, I sighed at the contact. He playfully nipped my bottom lip, but I heard a male voice say, "Hey, at least let me meet her before you suck her face off. How am I supposed to know what she looks like then?" 


I broke the kiss laughing, turned to the voice, then said, "That was nothing compared to our earlier kiss. You just missed the show-n-tell, by the way." 


He pouted, "Awe, Man! Did you phase without me? How'd she take it?" 


I giggled as I looked at the girl next to him, play whispering, "I made him purr." 


She chuckled, making Sam growl playfully as he nipped my neck, "Not a purr. I'm not a little kitten, I'm a huge manly wolf."


I pulled on his hair to get him to look at me, making him moan as his eyes fluttered, then said, "Then what would you call it, hmm? Come on, Mr. Alpha-Manly-Wolf. What would you call it?" 


I heard Charlie laughing in the background with Sue as Sam fumbled, "Ummm... you see... well... it's a... umm..." 


I giggled, "It's a purr, my mate. Say it for me. Purrrrr."


Suddenly my lips were crushed to his in a fierce kiss. When it broke, we were both panting. I whooshed out, "Wow... not complaining, but what was that for?" 


He looked at me seriously, "You called me your mate. You acknowledged me as your mate, Isabella, out loud." 


I nodded, "I know. I did that when I told you earlier that I wasn't afraid of what was in front of me." 


He shook his head, "Not the same. That doesn't tell me that you recognize our bond. You calling me your mate out loud... are you sure, My Angel?" 


I nodded, letting my heart take over as I looked into his eyes, "It's the only thing in a long time I've been completely sure about. I want you, and everything that goes along with you. You are mine as much as I'm yours. That's what my heart knows, so I won't let my mind try and convince me otherwise."


I heard a boatload of cheering in the background as Sam kissed me again, but as with any other time he kissed me, it didn't matter that we had an audience. There was only him and the ton of emotion he poured into our kiss. 


As he slowed our kiss to a stop, he wove his fingers into my hair with a whispered, "I don't expect anything, Isabella. Please be sure before you tell me you're ready." 


I nodded, "I will. Just know that I'm choosing you, Sam. I'll always choose you." 


He breathed out, "I'll always choose you, too, my mate... and you can call it a purr all you want." 


I giggled as he sat down in the lounger with me straddling his lap. I looked around to everyone was smiling at us. I blushed slightly, then Charlie called out, "Well, now we have even more reason to celebrate. Let's get this party started, shall we?"


I smiled as I noticed Billy wheeling himself over to me. He cupped my cheek, saying, "You look so much happier than the last time we spoke." 


I nodded, "I am, Billy. I'd say being an imprint looks good on me, wouldn't you?" 


He chuckled, "That it does, Bella. When do you find out about the bed rest?" 


I smiled at Old Quil, who came up behind Billy, "Hi, Mr. Ateara. I'm on bed rest until Monday morning before Dr. Gerandy goes in for his shift at the hospital. He's going to stop here on his way in to check me out and make the call." 


Quil smiled, "Now, Bella. How many times have I told you to just call me Quil? You're practically family. No more of this mister stuff." 


I chuckled at the face he made, "Alright, no more mister. I hear you've been waiting a long time for this one to find his imprint."


Billy and Quil both nodded as Billy said, "We sure have. I was beginning to think he never would. I about jumped for joy when Charlie called to tell me... made me even happier when he told me it was you." 


I cocked my head to the side, "You aren't mad that I'm not meant for Jake?" 


He laughed outright, "Oh Lord, no. I could tell you were never meant for Jake when we brought your truck over. You didn't click at all, other than in a family sense." 


I nodded, "He's the fun little brother."


Jared and Kim came back over, so I smiled, "Jared, what color is your wolf?" 


He laughed, "Nice intro there, Bella. My wolf is really dark brown, almost black. Nowhere near as dark as Sam, though I don't have the tan and vanilla that lightens up Paul's color." 


I smiled at him pulling Kim into his arms. "So how long have you been together, and how did you imprint?" 


He sat on the chair next to us, pulled Kim into his lap, then said, "We've gone to school together for years, and have been in the same class all year. I thought she was really quiet and pretty the first two days, then on the third day, the teacher paired us for a project. As soon as I looked into her eyes, I knew. She told me afterward, that she was quiet because she liked me but thought I had a girlfriend." 


I smiled, "I probably would have been the same way, if it had been Sam. He was quick to tell me he wasn't married and didn't have a girlfriend, so I didn't have to worry."


Leah and Paul sat down next to them as Paul said, "I imprinted on Leah when Sam sent me to deliver a message to Sue one day. To this day, I still think it was the best message I have ever delivered." 


I laughed, "Do you even remember the message itself?" 


He chuckled, "No, would you?" 


I laughed, "Got me there. I don't even think I remembered my name when our eyes met. All I know was I was captured in the most beautiful pool of chocolate, and I could have stayed there forever." 


Kim and Leah both nodded, which made me smile. These two beautiful girls were going through the same things as me; I didn't have to hide with them. We had each other to talk to about our fears and joys. I was glad to know I wasn't alone.


Dinner was wonderful. I made Sue swear to give me her recipes. After everyone was full, I caught Dad talking quietly to Quil, both with their heads together and small smiles on their faces. I whispered to Sam, "Those two are up to something, Sam." 


He nodded, trailing his lips down my neck and across my shoulder, "Yes, but it will be revealed soon enough, Sweetheart." 


I moaned softly at the feel of his lips on my skin, then whispered, "It has to do with earlier? What the two of you were keeping from me?"


He nipped softly at the crook of my neck, causing me to whimper slightly, "God, that feels good. Don't stop." 


He hummed, then whispered, "Need to, Sweetheart. They're going to start. Are you ready for your first official meeting of the elders and the pack?" 


I nodded, so he said, "Let's get you situated, then. You can sit between my legs and lean back against me." 


I kissed his lips softly, "We'll pick that up later?" 


He smiled, "Of course, Isabella." I nodded, then turned around in his arms to settle comfortably against his chest.

Chapter 5

Chapter 7