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The Giver of Life	By : Fourshotchild Category: Twilight Series > Het Views: 3904 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
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Chapter List
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The Giver of Life

“The Imprint”

Chapter Two

The following days blurred together. Bella found herself following her normal routine: breakfast with Charlie, school, the occasional play date with Alice, visit the local grocer, and then home. After dinner, she completed her schoolwork and read a bit of a Bronte novel. The only difference between her lives was Edward Cullen. She could work beside him in Biology without feeling the draw. Her previous attraction was completely nonexistent. She went as far as to touch his bare skin to make sure. The electricity never zapped. He even recoiled at the small lapse. Bella couldn’t have been happier. Her joyful demeanor became infectious.
Come Saturday, Bella decided to visit Jacob Black. She threw on a pair of jeans and a vintage t-shirt. Her new boots and coat completed her ensemble. A quick phone call to Billy led her to the beach. She parked her decrepit Chevy about twenty yards from the packed beach. Dozens of teenagers littered the sandy shores. Bella climbed out and scouted the waters. She caught sight of Jake’s long locks in the distance. He was dunking Embry under chilled water. Their friend Quil was laughing on the sidelines. His thick hands clutched his muscled stomach. Bella strode to the trio with a white grin.
She stood next to Quil for a couple of seconds before he took notice. He glanced from his peripheral vision before doing a double take. His laughter abruptly ceased. Jake released Embry from his torment to assess the situation. A gorgeous smile lit up his face. “Bella! When did you get here? You look…,” he eyed her from top-to-bottom with a lustful gleam. Bella lifted her right brow daring him to finish his sentence. “Great!”
“Thanks, Jake. I just got here. I called your house and Billy said you were here. I hope you don’t mind my intrusion.”
“Not at all,” Quil smirked. “I’m Quil Ateara.”
“And, I’m Embry Call.”
“It’s nice to meet you guys. I’m Bella Swan.”
Jake and Embry trudged back to the surface and dried off. The boys worked together to spread out a blanket to sit on. Bella stole a corner and removed her boots. Her naked toes wiggled themselves into the moist sand. She threw her head back and allowed the sun’s rays to soak into her skin. A golden warmth radiated from her being. She almost felt bad for Alice being cooped inside.
“Wow, Bella. I swear you looked twenty shades paler a week ago. Your hair looks darker too.” She titled her head towards Jacob and merely smiled. There were no logical explanations to her bodily changes. Bella could only imagine how Jacob would react to her rejuvenating ability. “Are you wearing contacts?” She shook her head no. Maybe, she should’ve lied.
The inquiries ended when Quil mentioned a group of girls to their left. They knew them from school. He hollered in their direction and received a series of flirtatious giggles. He leapt at the opportunity. Jake rolled his eyes at his whorish behavior while Embry blushed. The sweet stain complimented his browned complexion. Bella told him so. It elicited a rosier shade on his cheeks and burning jealousy from Jacob.
“So Bella, how’s school with the palefaces? Make any friends?”
“It’s a work in progress. Strangely, a lot of people seem scared of me.”
“Scared of you,” Jacob scoffed. “Why would anyone be scared of you?”
“Don’t ask me. I walk down the hall and other palefaces scramble.”
“They might just be intimidated. You’re very pretty,” Embry added.
“Uh, thanks,” Bella stuttered. Pure embarrassment reddened her ears. She looked away from her present company and focused on the crashing waves. One of her free hands followed her toes’ example and dug into the sand. To her surprise, a familiar shimmer flowed down her right arm. Bella jumped from her spot sending sand everywhere. Her Quileute company sat startled. She stared at the ground waiting for something to emerge but nothing happened. Relief flooded through her but only momentarily. Within seconds, an army of crabs surfaced from the ocean.
“What the hell is going on,” Quil shouted. He wasn’t the only one. Teenagers deserted their sites in fear of the swarming shellfish. Confused screams filled the shore. “Let’s get out of here! It’s not even crab season! It’s like that old movie, Attack of the Crab Monsters!”
The boys ran north towards Jacob’s house. Bella remained fixated. Her eyes roamed the sea of Porcelain Crabs. Their brown bodies scampered across the beach encircling her lone form. Curiosity bested her. She kneeled on the disturbed blanket and extended a glowing hand. The Flattop creatures drew to her appendage like moths to a flame. Bella expected to be eaten alive or pinched to oblivion, but they didn’t. Their beady eyes peered at her with wonder. A soft smile claimed her lips. She reached out and stroked their wet shells. Bristly hums purred against the sand. Bella lost herself in their comforting masses.
Sirens echoed in the distance. The callous noise cracked into her serenity. She pulled her hands back and bid the Porcelain crabs goodbye. As if they understood, the shellfish dispersed. They took to the water or burrowed in the sand. Police cruisers tore onto the beach along with a beaten Ford. The officers recognized Bella Swan immediately. Instead of the searching for deranged crabs, they asked her about her Forks’ transition. She welcomed the distraction. The two natives in the pickup listened from their open windows. Bella found it odd but kept her mouth shut.
Towards the end of the investigation, Jacob returned to the “crime” scene. Exasperation etched on his handsome face. “I thought you were right behind us, Bella! Why didn’t you follow? I was worried sick. Quil poisoned my brain with all those crab monster visuals! Charlie would’ve killed me if anything happened to you.” Bella shrugged her shoulders and apologized. It didn’t appease him. “Weren’t you scared,” he asked.
“Not really. They seemed harmless to me.”
The police officers chuckled. “Well, you are a Swan.”
“I guess….” She nudged Jake playfully. “I really am sorry. Don’t be mad.”
“Fine, but you have to come over. Dad’s ordering pizza.”
“Sure, sure,” Bella grinned. She waved goodbye to the officers and pulled Jake to her Chevy. They passed the two natives waiting in the Ford. Jacob glanced at them but quickly looked down. Curious, Bella scoped them out. She immediately recognized one of the men as the bookshop owner. The other looked to be around his mid-twenties with a chip on his shoulder. They shared the same stiff lipped frown. Bella went against her better judgment and nodded a hello. There was no visible response. She shook off the rudeness and drove to the Black residence. Alice was probably freaking out.

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The local news reported the crab influx the following morning. Various cell-phone snapshots depicted the unnatural event. Charlie sipped on a cup of black coffee ridiculing the display. He couldn’t understand the overplayed hype. His coworkers filled him in on Bella’s report. She explained the critters returned to the ocean minutes later. He ended his commentary on a positive note. “At least it wasn’t a murder case.” Bella agreed and placed a stack of pancakes on a television tray. The chief thanked her with a mouth full of dough.
Alice called as predicted an hour after breakfast. She briefly chatted with Charlie before interrogating Bella. The insightful vampire pointed out that Bella was in every photograph. She dished the true happenings in hushed tones. Of course, every Cullen heard their conversation. Emmett was rolling over in laughter on the other line. He poked fun at Bella’s ability to call shellfish on a whim. A loud smack echoed through the headset. She could only assume Rosalie shut him up. Alice tried to hide her amusement ineffectively. Bella cracked a smile at her own expense. Truthfully, she enjoyed these newly discovered powers. She’d always been the lame human amongst godly beauties. Her only worry was why.
Another call beeped in. Bella wished Alice a good day and clicked over. Jacob’s rich voice poured through. He invited her to a bonfire and cookout. She wholeheartedly accepted. Bella had never attended a tribal outing. The anthology barely touched all Quileute folklore. Jake sighed in relief and designated a time. In five hours, she’d endure her first story telling. They hung up on a pleasant note. Bella informed Charlie of her plans and received a thumb’s up.
“Jacob’s a good kid. I’m glad your becoming friends again. Billy told me that you made quite the impression yesterday.” Bella knew that insinuation. He’d always wanted them to date when Edward was in the picture. If only she’d listened.
“Yeah, I had fun.”
“Good, Bells. I’m glad you’re making friends. That Alice sounded nice on the phone. She’s one of Dr. Cullen’s kids?” Bella nodded. “Well, you can’t go wrong there. Dr. Cullen and Mrs. Cullen are standup people. I haven’t had a lick of trouble with any of their kids.” If he only knew.
Charlie finished off his coffee and readied himself for work. Bella used her excess time to clean the house. Dust covered every possible surface. There were piles of laundry to be done and a stack of dishes in the sink. She turned on the stereo and clumsily danced her way around the abode. He left a bit after one o’clock telling her not to work too hard. Bella kissed his cheek and handed him a sack lunch. No matter how she magically morphed, Isabella Swan loved her father.
Time flew by as she scrubbed, waxed, and polished. She lost track while folding an infinite pile of sheets. Bella shuffled up the stairs to shower nearly breaking her neck. She had set aside a pair of boot cut jeans and thermal top to change into. The steamy water did wonders for her aching shoulders. She made time to blow dry her dark hair and lotion her incredible skin. To make a good impression, Bella even applied a little makeup. She finished by sliding on a pair of converse and throwing on her new hoodie. The mirror revealed an exotic femininity that Alice would be proud of.
Bella rushed to her Chevy and pushed the rustic beast to its limits. She made decent time considering her engine topped off at fifty. Jacob was waiting on the front patio with one of his signature smiles. He jogged to the driver door and escorted her out. Bella found his chivalry adorable. She accepted his offered elbow and followed him to the bonfire. They made small conversation until they reached the beach. A group of thirty or so natives were already filtering around the towering pit. Hamburgers and hotdogs were roasting on a nearby grill. Laughter filled the twilight air. Bella felt strangely at ease being surrounded by complete strangers.
Quil and Embry made their appearances known by poking an unaware Jacob. It turned into a playful wresting match. Bella sidestepped the testosterone surge and greeted Billy. He, in turn, introduced Quil Ateara Sr. and Harry Clearwater. All three men seemed to eye Bella speculatively. It made her skin crawl. She excused herself with a forced smile and sat down on a worn log. Their dark eyes traveled with her. Bella pretended to be oblivious and scanned the crowd. Most were new faces with the exception of the two men from yesterday. She spotted the bookshop owner immediately. He was conversing with a young woman near the beverage table. His calloused hands waved in the air reenacting a story. The girl looked unbelievably infatuated with his tale. Her body language spoke volumes.
His companion from the day before sat cattycorner to Bella. He was leaning against another log and staring blankly into the fire. His long legs stretched several feet ahead of him. If she had to guess, the man was a few inches over six feet tall. He only wore a pair of cutoff jeans. The flames highlighted his bare chest and defined his Hollywood eight pack. Like most of the Quileute, he inherited dark features. His cropped hair rivaled ink while his eyes resembled onyx stones. His aura reeked utter danger and yet, he seemed harmless.
“There you are Bella! Do you want something to drink?” Bella gazed upward to see Embry hovering above her. She nodded with a smile. “Okay, I’ll be right back. By the way, Jake left for a minute. His dad made him return to the house for something.”
As Embry walked away, Bella felt something shift. A feverish warmth pressed against her clothed shoulder. Her yellow eyes glanced to her side. The giant native had moved to her right. She sucked in a deep breath praying she hadn’t been caught staring.
“Hello. I’m Sam Uley. You must be Chief Swan’s daughter, Bella.”
“Yeah,” she breathed. “Hi.”
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Uh, no.”
“Well, Bella. I know we won’t be able to talk openly here, but you should know that you’re touching the log.” Bella’s brow rose in confusion. Seeing this, Sam inched away from her and looked down. A familiar golden glow illuminated her fingers. The dead tree was rooting under her embrace. Green leaves were beginning to sprout beneath them. She ripped her hand away and stashed it into her pocket. Sam returned to pressing her side. “Don’t worry. I won’t say anything.”
“Oh my god. Did anyone else notice?”
“I don’t think so. I only happened to notice when Embry spoke with you.”
“Is this why Billy and the others were watching me?”
“Partly. My cousin claimed that you revived his Aloe Vera plant. I was told to keep a close watch on you after the crab incident. Your experience on the beach wasn’t yours alone,” he admitted.
“Just great,” she sighed. “I haven’t meant for any of this to happen.”
“I believe---”
“Here yah go, Bella! I got you a Sprite. Is that cool,” Embry interrupted. His doe eyes twinkled like embers. She nodded and rewarded him with another smile. “Hey, Sam! How are you?”
“I’m great, Embry. How are you? How’s your mother?”
“We’re good. I see you met Bella. She’s pretty awesome, huh?”
Bella blushed and snaked the soda from Embry’s hands. She drained the iced beverage with a wolf’s zest. Attempting puppy dog eyes, she asked him for more. He happily agreed and disappeared through the crowd. She fixed her attention back to Sam and frowned. “What will they do? Billy won’t tell Charlie, will he?”
“No, we keep secrets as you’ll learn through our legends. I believe the tribal leaders only wanted verification. It has been over a century since a true healer has been among our people. They would never do anything to endanger a spiritual being.”
“I’m not Quileute….”
“That doesn’t matter, Bella. You are a being that gives life. It also seems you can communicate with nature. The tribe doesn’t take that power lightly. You may be a paleface, but you are well acquainted with our tribe. Your father is best friends with two council members. Jacob, Quil, and Embry seem to be taken with you. They are deemed to be future protectors of the tribe. I think it’s only a matter of time before you find a purpose amongst us.”
“Protectors of the tribe,” Bella repeated. She dared not mention her involvement with the Cullens. In her previous life, she vaguely remembered Paul insulting Edward. He must’ve been a protector. A part of her hoped Jacob wouldn’t hold such animosity. Regardless of their race, the Cullens were decent beings.
Loud footsteps swished in the sand behind them. Bella vacated her thoughts and gave attention to Embry. He slid a larger Styrofoam cup in her hands. She snorted at its obnoxious size. It was filled to the brim with Sprite. Bella didn’t have the heart to tell him that she despised sugary drinks. Her stomach was already upset from the first helping. Mind over matter, she silently chanted. The brilliant smile that spread across his face helped feign contentment. She thanked him anyway.
Jacob returned soon after. He gifted his father a wooden smudge stick. Billy lit one end and drafted symbols in the air. The fleeting conversations came to an end. Everyone chose a spot around the pit and locked eyes on the handicapped chief. Jake rolled Billy around the people to spread the incense. Embry explained that the lighting of sandalwood opened each tribal ceremony. It exorcised evil energy and insured protection. Bella grasped the information without hesitation. Its empowering presence draped over her like an invisible cloak. She closed her eyes and found herself drifting back to the deserted oasis.
A moonlit darkness shadowed the Eden from tainted eyes. The vibrant wildlife exemplified the sparkling stars in the black sky. Bella felt a cool breeze brush against her naked body. She glided her soft hands down her skin to feel the altered effect. Joyful laughter sang behind her. Bella moved towards the voice with unadulterated happiness. Winged Isis awaited her. The goddess’s painted lips curled at the corners while her infinite spheres poured love. She glided upon the earth as personified wind. Bella beamed under the immortal’s attention.
“Beautiful Isabella, you’ve come.”
“Yes, but I don’t know how.”
“You have basked in the moon’s elements. Your soul descanted to me.”
“Strange things have been happening….”
“My priestess, you are an embodiment of my power. Your touch heals the wicked, your voice graces all life, and you lure the followers of earth. No entity will deny your will.”
“But, why me?”
Silence ensued. Bella reached for the goddess’s touch but toppled into the mortal realm. Her free hand wrapped itself around a worried Billy‘s wrist. The crippled man sucked in a sharp breath at her sudden awareness. Blackness swirled in her molten irises. A blinding light exploded between them. Embry yanked Bella off their leader and held her tightly. Surprised gasps spread like wildfire. Before many witnesses, William Black rose from his wheelchair. His decrepit legs became pillars of strength. Bella choked back a sob and pushed Embry away. Every set of eyes zoomed in on her. She leapt to her feet and ran. Fight or flight took over. Alice’s words sprang to mind, science project.
Her feet closed half the distance. A pair of thick arms entangled themselves around her torso before she could make it. She expected her captor to be Sam, but she was mistaken. Embry Call twirled Bella around refusing to release her. Maddening tears cascaded down her cheeks. He rubbed small, smoothing circles down her back. “It’s okay,” he whispered. His hot breath tickled her ear. “Everything’s going to be okay.” For some reason, Bella believed him. A twinge of beatitude returned.
Pounding footsteps interrupted their moment. Sam’s hulking figure solidified before them. He forcibly separated the teenagers sending Bella to the ground. A ferocious growl pierced through the tension. Embry kneeled into a predatory crouch and began convulsing. A knowing look passed over Sam’s face. Bella scooted back and watched the scene unfold. The two men went into action. Punches were thrown in rapid succession. An electric current played between them. She had never seen anything like it.
Two familiar males entered the scene. Bella recognized one of them as the infamous Paul. They stood on the sidelines insulting Embry. She couldn’t believe their audacity. It only fueled Embry’s ire. The kind hearted Quileute snarled and landed a hard blow to Sam’s chest. A satisfactory crunch echoed in their crowd. Paul whooped and pumped a fist. Bella rose to her feet in utter astonishment. Gradually, the two men were transforming. Fur sprouted from the skin, bones began to shift, and their faces elongated. One moment they were men, and the next, they were wolves.
Embry stopped brawling immediately. A confused and crazed gleam glistened in his brown orbs. He trotted backwards from Sam. His horse sized form came in direct contact with Bella. Embry whipped his head around and locked eyes with her. An unforeseeable force knotted them together. Bella had only felt such a tie towards Isis. It was wholesome, adoring, and unbreakable. By the look in his animalistic pools, he felt the invisible connection too. All she wanted to do was touch him.
“Well, would you look at that,” the stranger surmised.
“Yeah, the poor bastard phased and imprinted within minutes,” Paul laughed. “Jacob is going to flip out when they hook up. Doesn’t he have some fucked up crush on her? Man, oh man. This is going to be good.”
Bella ignored the others’ banter. She allowed herself to soak in the grey canine before her. On four legs, he stood nearly seven feet tall. Black spots were scattered along his sleek coat. She dug her fingers across Embry’s lean body. He purred in appreciation and moved into her touch. Bella could’ve spent days exploring his gigantic form. Unfortunately, the sounds of many were heading in their direction. Sam carried a mental conversation with Embry telling him to flee. He refused to leave Bella’s side. The unknown native caught on quickly and ordered her to follow. She wasn’t allowed time to ponder. Sam’s towering wolf plucked her from the ground and tossed her onto his back.
Paul and his friend phased into wolves during the run. Shreds of clothing exploded into the air like confetti. The four canines ran as a pack through La Push. Bella had no clue of their destination. The Quileute legends’ neck breaking speeds made it impossible to decipher their immediate location. She decided to let herself go and enjoy the wind whipping through her hair. Everything would be sensible later.
The gallop turned into a bouncing trot. Embry, Paul, and the unknown wolf left Sam’s flank and shifted left. An emptiness began to build in Bella’s stomach. She associated the undesired feeling to Edward. Uncontrollable tremors shook through her body. Her ride took notice and picked up speed. They tore through the forest and only stopped when they were yards from her home. She tumbled off Sam clutching her torso. He reverted back into his human form. A regretful smile on his face. Bella choked back a sob.
“The pain will subside. It’s only a side effect of the imprint. Don’t worry.”
“Make it stop!”
“Embry is the only one who can. He’ll be by your side in no time. We just need to fill him in on his tribal obligations. No protector has phased and then immediately found his imprint. It’ll be difficult for both of you.” He inched closer to her and gripped her shoulder. “You and Embry share a soul binding connection. What you feel, he feels. He’s fighting with Paul and Jared as we speak to be near you.”
Bella pulled away from his touch. To her, Sam was speaking riddles. All she could think about was Isis’s promise. The goddess swore to remove this emotion. She shuttered at the thought of being weak again. No hell on earth would bring her back to Edward’s cold arms. Whatever this was, she wanted no part of it.
“An imprint is a connection between soul mates, Bella. When it’s new, there’s a terrible ache when mates aren’t together. I’ve been where you are. I imprinted over a year ago. What you’re feeling right now lessens over time,” Sam explained. “I promise to return him to you. You’ll understand what I’m talking about. First, I have to teach him about his wolf. He’s just as scared as you.”
“Please go away,” she whispered.
“It’ll get easier. Just go inside. I’ll have Embry return your truck.”
“Go away….” And, he did. Sam morphed into his animalistic form and disappeared through the tree line. Bella crashed onto her knees reliving her worst nightmare. She expected Isis to whisk her away but her soul remained tied to Forks. Betrayal, desertion, and solitude… No one was there to pick up her shattered heart. Salty tears slid down her cheeks. She considered digging herself a grave. Only Charlie’s impeccable timing uprooted her plans. His police cruiser pulled into the driveway with a dull whine. Bella rose and dried her face. She’d be strong for her father. He was just as alone she.
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The Giver of Life