The Giver of Life | By : Fourshotchild Category: Twilight Series > Het Views: 3904 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2 |
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The Giver of Life
"Pack Sister"
Chapter Three
An incessant beeping drowned the deep hum of the air conditioning. Bella rolled beneath her comforter attempting to filter out the aggravating sound. With each passing second, the alarm's pitch rose. She covered her head with a pillow. Unfortunately, a chipper Charlie knocked on her door chanting something about bacon. "I'm up," she sighed. No grease on this earth could prepare her for the day ahead. She'd hoped for a new, painless morning, but the pit in her chest had only spread. Sam claimed Embry could resolve this nightmare. She tossed and turned all night expecting him to throw rocks at her window. He never showed.
She climbed out of bed and went through her morning ritual. Nothing panned out. The hot water was used up, Charlie drank all the coffee, and she'd forgotten to put her jeans in the dryer. Bella's clothing options were limited to a short dress or leopard print leggings. Both of which were gifts from Renee. Price tags still hung off the tight fabrics. She sang a child's tune to pick an ensemble. To her chagrin, the little black dress won. Luckily, she purchased some ballet flats "last"summer.
When it came time to apply makeup, Bella nearly fainted. The yellows of her eyes glittered in the mirror. They resembled citrine stones lain upon black velvet. Thick lashes highlighted the wonders making her appear otherworldly. Despite her inner turmoil, her pallor took a brighter hue. The only sign of heartbreak rested beneath her hypnotizing spheres. A grim shadow had formed due to lack of sleep. Bella dabbed concealer beneath her eyes and brushed on dark eye shadow. Cover Girl hid every physical flaw. She forewent styling her lush hair. It became apparent that natural beauty fell under priestess guidelines.
Sunlight filtered in from every window downstairs. The scent of Windex and pine clung to the furniture. Charlie wished her a good morning from the kitchen. His nose buried deep in the local paper. Burnt bacon and eggs sat on the stove. Bella forced the botched meal down with a glass of orange juice. She applauded her father's attempts at cooking but made him promise to never do it again. Charlie chuckled and relinquished the chore without complaint. They shared each other's company in silence until public duty beckoned them. Father and daughter walked outside together and to Bella's surprise, her Chevy rested in the driveway.
"Have a good day at school, Bells!"
"Thanks Dad. You too. Work, I mean."
Charlie drove off and left her to her own devices. Bella climbed into her pickup and immediately searched for sunglasses. A pair of cheap aviators were stowed away in the glove box. She sighed in relief and prayed to Isis. All she desired was to get through the day. With a flick of the ignition, Isabella Swan sped to school.
Like most mornings, Forks High School's parking lot was packed. The entire student body cluttered the sidewalks and grassy areas. Bella pulled into an empty spot near the Cullens. Alice skipped to her side with a shit eating grin. She'd seen the vampire with a similar expression on her eighteenth birthday. It did nothing to heal her dismal emotional state. The hyper pixie interlocked their arms and tugged Bella towards her family. Emmett shared his sister's zeal. Something was definitely up.
"Hey, Bella! You look absolutely amazing! Is that dress new?"
"Thanks… what's going on?"
"What do you mean," Alice feigned innocence.
"I've seen that look before. Even Emmett's excited. You're hiding something. Just come out with it." Bella's tone was harsher than intended, but it didn't deter Miss Cullen. She sucked in a deep breath and mentioned an upcoming thunderstorm. Bella stopped her mid-sentence. "No, I'm sorry. I'd love to go but you'll have visitors."
"Visitors? I didn't see anyone."
"Trust me on this. Three nomads will show up during the baseball game. Having a human will only cause problems. All of you should be careful. Keep Edward close."
"Are you certain?" Disbelief etched on Alice's beautiful face.
"Yes, very. These vampires aren't good news. One of them is an insatiable tracker. He's been the cause of the recent murders in town. If I show up, I'll become prey. You guys go and have fun. Make sure to strike Edward out." Emmett burst into laughter. He was never one to entertain the seriousness of a situation. It helped elevate some of the group's tension.
"Well, if you're sure. I just wanted you to meet the rest of the family. Carlisle and Esme are dying to make your acquaintance. Edward won't stop talking about you." Bella glanced at the copper haired immortal and caught him staring across the courtyard. She followed his line of vision to a restored muscle car. Its age rivaled her Chevy's. Tinted windows hid the mysterious driver from view. She shrugged it off and returned her attention to Alice. However, the nimble vampire's focus was latched onto the classic two-door. An annoyed frown pulled at her glossed lips.
"What's going-" The driver's door creaked open. It snapped Bella to attention. A sun kissed native crawled out of the car's confines. His incredible height rivaled Sam's. He was dressed in a pair of loose fitting jeans and an unbuttoned plaid shirt. His muscled chest exposed to everyone. The guy looked like a Calvin Klein model preparing for runway. Bella's eyes traveled up his body and landed on his face. His jaw was square, nose straight, and cheekbones high. A pair of light brown eyes searched the crowd and landed on her. She recognized him immediately, Embry. Before Bella could stop herself, she ran to him. The pain instantaneously dispersed.
Embry opened his long arms and captured her. Electric relief coursed throughout her body. Sam was right. She never wanted to leave his embrace. He nuzzled into her half-dry locks. "God, I've missed you. I tried to get to you sooner but Sam gag ordered me. He made me sleep. As if I could! All night I tossed and turned waiting for the sun to rise. I had to see you," he whispered. "I've been worried. I could feel you through the bond. Are you okay?"
"I am now," Bella smiled.
"Good." Embry loosened his hold to look into her eyes. The aviators acted as a unnecessary shield. He removed them and sucked in a breath. "Your eyes… Do you realize how beautiful you are?" A rosy blush heated her cheeks. She ducked her head only to find it within his grasp. "Don't hide from me, Bella. Never hide."
"I'm embarrassed! You're always complimenting me."
"Well, you better get used to it. I don't think I'm capable of hiding my thoughts and feelings from you. The imprint makes it impossible."
"Imprint… that's what Sam mentioned last night. He said it was a connection between soul mates. Do you believe in it, Embry?"
"I believe the facts, Bella. The moment I laid eyes on you, I thought you were special. Despite Jake's claims on you, I wanted you. I went out of my way to be around you. When the thing happened between you and Billy, I freaked. I was afraid something horrible had happened to you. You ran away and I went after you. Sam pushing you to the ground elicited my wolf. I'd subconsciously claimed you before phasing. I think the imprint just magnified my feelings towards you. Do you deny the bond between us?"
"No, it's just… I don't know what to think about this."
"Why not just feel? We can figure everything else out later."
"Okay," she breathed. A panty dropping smile blossomed on Embry's face. It only heightened his allure. Bella lost herself in his gentle eyes. He slid his hand from her chin towards her burning cheek. Tingling sensations remained from his fingertips' wake. Embry leaned forward to kiss her but abruptly stopped. His nostrils flared as if picking up a terrible stench. Before Bella could react, he switched their positions. Embry's soft demeanor shifted into absolute rage. Edward Cullen stood a mere six feet away.
The supernatural beings stared at each other silently. Embry labeled him as a immediate threat. Slight vibrations shook throughout his body. Bella rested a slender hand on his back and willed whatever power she could muster. He calmed down but his posture was set in attack mode. Edward wasn't any better. His honey colored irises swirled into darkness. By his damning expression, she knew the vampire was picking through Embry's brain. Whatever he heard, he didn't like. A tight lipped frown formed on his bluish lips. Bella stepped between them but refused to remove herself from Embry. Their connection demanded comfort.
"Can I help you, Edward?"
"You know this mutt," he hissed. His tone caught a nearby group's unwanted attention.
"Yes, Embry's my… boyfriend?" Bella glanced upward and Embry's smile reinstated. She'd accept any possible progress. "We met this weekend on the reservation. It was kind of like love at first sight."
"Love? Do you know what he is?"
"I don't judge, Edward. You know that better than anybody."
"How can you date him? He's dangerous, Bella."
"As opposed to what? Embry would never intentionally hurt me. If you haven't noticed, you're not sunshine and rainbows either. Despite your vegetarian diet, you've always wanted my blood. I know I'm your singer Edward so stop judging me."
"How could you possibly know that," he breathed. "Did Alice tell you?"
"Of course, she didn't. Remember what I said on the first day of school? I told you that I knew more than you realized. You need to accept that fact. Whatever obligation you imagined to stroll over here and throw insults, toss it aside. As I recall, we aren't even friends."
A regret reflected in Edward's eyes. He bobbed his head in farewell and stiffly reunited with his family. A baffled Alice waited for him. She attempted to sooth him with a mental pep talk. The brooding vampire nodded here-and-there trying to keep a clear face. A part of Bella felt guilty for being somewhat harsh. He'd always been protective, but in this timeline, their intimate ties were severed. Edward Cullen had no one but himself to blame.
"So you hang with leeches," Embry questioned. He sounded more curious than angry. "Did you know about the pack too?"
"No, not really. Last night was my wake up call. You know, the whole Sam and you exploding into huge wolves."
"You're not disgusted by me?"
Bella gazed upon his worried face with humor. "Are you kidding? Look at me! I'm a healer that can call crabs from the ocean. We're both going through some changes. The question is, are you disgusted by me?"
"Honestly, I think it's kind of hot," Embry grinned. "Paul says I scored the imprint jackpot. Can't say I disagree." He surveyed the parking lot once more pointedly skipping over the Cullens. "How would feel about getting out of here? We could play hooky for the day. The guys want to meet you on less dire terms. Plus, I could introduce you to Emily. She's Sam's imprint."
Isabella Swan had never skipped a day of school. She more-or-less enjoyed the learning experience. There was also the fact that her father was chief of police. Bella had an image to uphold. However, Embry's absence tortured her. She saw no harm in one day of truancy. "Sure, sure. I'll just tell Charlie I'm sick." Better he hear from her than the school's secretary. "Should I drop my truck off at home or follow you to La Push?"
"How about we drop your truck off? I can bring you back before patrol."
"Okay. Sounds like a plan." She stepped out of his embrace only to be pulled back. Embry crushed her against his chest. Her sparkling orbs looked up in confusion. The wolf grasped her chin and slowly dipped to her level. Their lips met in a delicate kiss. It was unlike any Bella had ever had. Their combined body heat created volcanic friction. She melted under his touch willing the world around them to disappear. Her arousal began to perfume the surrounding air. A lustful growl rumbled in Embry's throat sending vibrations down to her toes. Bella bit back a moan.
The school bell rang ending their contact. Bella had to peel herself away. She stumbled twice trying to make it to her truck. Her bare legs felt like jell-o. Embry found the sight quite amusing. His rich laughter echoed throughout the parking lot. Bella's cheeks enflamed with embarrassment. Not only had her clumsiness reappeared, but she'd also kissed a boy in public. She'd once again become the center of attention. The upperclassman still outside stood bug eyed with slack jaws. For once, she understood Edward's disdain for public displays of affection. It was as if her fellow classmates hadn't seen a kiss before.
Bella climbed back into her Chevy and waved a goodbye to Alice. She returned the gesture with less exuberance. Like her adoptive brother, the tiny vampire wasn't ecstatic about her newly found relationship. Crinkles formed around her petite mouth. She wanted to burst with forewarnings. Her gift halted any further action however. Bella knew whatever sneaky comment the immortal made, she'd retaliate. Only the promise of confrontation held Alice at bay. There would no doubt be a phone call later in the evening. The priestess dreaded it.
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The drive to the reservation was a quiet affair. Embry paid unwavering attention to the slick asphalt roads. His light brown eyes accounted every twist, turn, and bump. He wrapped one hand on the steering wheel while using the other to grasp Bella's scorching fingers. His cautious driving differed greatly from her vampire family. They used their supernatural reflexes to fly on the rough terrain. Bella chalked his tentative behavior to being new. She could only imagine how Jacob would rein in his wolf abilities. He'd probably build the fastest motor vehicle on this side of the continental United States. She couldn't deny that she enjoyed his protectiveness. Bella felt unbelievably safe in his presence.
When they reached Quileute borders, Embry exhaled a deep breath and gently squeezed her hand. He took a few back roads deep into the woods. Bella had never traveled so far west into La Push. Very few people engulfed themselves in the wildlife. Even Jake lived near town. She peaked out the window and saw a small cottage in the distance. A couple of trucks were parked right outside the house. The closer they got, the more charming the abode appeared. It was a single floor dwelling recently whitewashed from wear. An unpainted patio wrapped around the front. Rocking chairs and potted plants decorated its floor. Blue shutters added a splash of color around the recently cleaned windows. It was entirely cozy and homey. Bella imagined herself resting outside with a paperback and a cup of tea. Whomever's house this was, had great taste.
Embry parked the car next to one of the pickups. He unbuckled themselves and turned the monster off. His large form twisted to face her. "Bella, there's something you should know. Emily has some scars that she's very self-conscious about. Try not to stare. Sam hates it." Bella nodded earning one of his dashing smile. "Alright! Let's go meet the pack! I smell blueberry muffins!"
They climbed out of the car in unison. The momentary separation sent torturing chills throughout her body. Embry was quick to claim her hand again. Instant relief replaced the emptiness. She choked back a pleasurable hiss as he guided her inside the cottage. Bella doubted she'd ever get used to his powerful aura.
Sounds of laughter rang throughout the house. It filled the home with an invisible lightness. They followed the warmth into a small dining room. Sam, Paul, and Jared sat around an oak table shoveling softball sized muffins into their mouths. They looked up from their plates with childlike grins. Crumbs littered their happy faces. Bella couldn't hold back her own spurts of giggles. Here were ferocious werewolves acting like kids during a snack break. Embry whined beside her. His doe spheres searched the area for a spare muffin. A native woman answered his call with a platter full of baked goods. She strolled from the kitchen scolding the others for not leaving anything for their brother. Only Sam wilted. This must be Emily.
Embry took the clay serving plate from her small hands and set it on the table. He silently asked Bella if he could eat with puppy dog eyes and a pout. She nodded and turned her focus onto Emily. It became apparent why Embry commented on staring. Three scars ran across the left side of her face. They almost resembled claw marks. However, Bella found them strangely attractive. They added a sense of mystery to her dark features. Emily was quite beautiful. She stood a couple inches shorter than she with a voluptuous figure. Straight, raven hair traveled down to her waist and shined against the artificial lighting. She wore no makeup because she didn't need any. Like Bella, Emily was a natural beauty.
"You must be Bella! I've heard so much about you! You'll have to forgive the guys. When it comes to food, they forget their manners." Emily closed the distance between them and pulled her into a hug. Bella followed through. Her heated fingers accidentally rested on her bare arms. She felt the familiar warmth travel down her extremities. The golden power flowed from her body into Emily's. The native woman moaned under her touch catching Sam's attention. He leapt from his seat and pushed Bella away. Embry caught her fall releasing a series of growls.
Sam blocked Emily from view and examined her body. He blatantly ignored his pack brother's ire. Bella held Embry at bay and apologized profusely. "I'm so sorry, Sam. I can't control it! It just picks a time to show up…." A sob stopped her tangent. The towering alpha moved to his mate's side revealing a unmarred Emily. The scars on her face had disappeared. Salty tears slid down Sam's cheeks. His long fingers stroked the flawless skin with tender care.
"Do you believe me now," he whispered. Somehow, Bella knew the wolf was speaking to her.
"I guess I have no choice."
Emily brought a hand to her cheek and felt its smoothness. She ran from her fiancé's side to the bathroom. Sam watched her go with a small smile. "I'm sorry for pushing you again. Sometimes the wolf takes over before I can truly process what's happening. I guess you kind of understand what I mean." Muffled chortles echoed down the hall. Bella looked up at Embry and smiled. He nestled his nose in her hair and inhaled her scent. Unfathomable peace spread between them.
"Damn, you're something else," Paul whistled. "Who would have thought a paleface would be a fucking healer? You should see Ol' Billy running around town, Swan. Sam had one hell of time reining him in. The council thinks it was some kind of spirit induced miracle, but Billy and Harry think you're the culprit. He wanted to drive straight to Forks to thank you. Jacob wouldn't let him though. Kid thinks he's bat-shit crazy. I can't wait 'til Black phases."
"I should probably go see him."
"No," Sam sighed. "If you go see him, it'll stir up more unwanted attention. The elders are holding a meeting tonight to discuss yesterday's events. I'm sure they'll request an audience with you soon. Regardless of your healing capabilities, you are now a member of the pack. It is tradition that an imprint be celebrated. They'll want to officially meet you and adorn you with tribal status."
Before Bella could respond, a glowing Emily reentered the dining room. Her long hair was pulled back with a leather strap. "Thank you, Bella. Words can't express my gratitude." She forewent another hug but offered a white smile. Sam wrapped an arm around her waist and pressed a chaste kiss on her forehead.
"You're welcome. I hope I didn't scare you. These powers are still new to me. Honestly, I don't know what else I can do. These things just seem to happen. I'm guessing when I touch living things that have some sort of damage, they heal. It doesn't really explain the crabs though."
"Yeah, what was that about," Jared smirked. "That was some insane shit."
"I wish I knew. I think I need to do some digging. I know what I've become but it doesn't really explain everything."
Embry loosened his hold and took his original seat. He pulled Bella onto his lap refusing to lose the connection. "What do you think you've become? I know Sam thinks you're a healer, but do you?"
Bella leaned into his chest allowing his woodsy scent to envelope her. She had a serious decision to make. Either she could play tribal healer or admit that she was a priestess. The only thing drawing her from the truth was uncertainty. Bella didn't know if she was suppose to keep her true title a secret. Would Isis smite her because she revealed too much? A part of her knew that was ridiculous. The oath she undertook exceeded such trivial matters. They were ward and guardian, daughter and mother, and priestess and goddess. She took a deep breath and decided to be honest. These people were now her family. Despite all the magical interference, the love she carried for them was real. For all she knew, Isis could've created this destiny.
"Guys, there's something you need to know. I'm not exactly a healer."
"Uh, yeah, you are," Paul scoffed. "What do you fucking call healing people?"
"Let me rephrase. I can heal people and do other things, but it's because I'm some sort of priestess. Over a week ago, Isis visited me in my dreams. She saved me and asked me to become her priestess. I agreed. Ever since then, I've been undergoing some changes. I used to be freakishly pale, had lighter hair, and brown eyes. You probably wouldn't even recognize me."
"You mean like the Egyptian goddess?"
"What do you mean saved?"
Bella shrugged. "I know it sounds insane, but it's the truth. I'd rather not go into specifics. Isis took away my pain and offered me a new life. She told me I'd be able to use some of her gifts. I should probably Google her. Last thing I need is more surprises. What if some stranger actually sees? I'm lucky that only supernaturally tied beings have seen me in action."
"This is just rich," Paul laughed. "You want us to believe this crock?"
"Shut up, Paul. If she says it's true, then it's true," Embry seethed. "We're werewolves for Christ's sake. Not to mention, there's flipping vampires in the town over. Don't be so damn close minded."
"Who are you calling close minded?"
"Enough," Sam ordered. Both wolves brought their boil to a simmer. "Embry is right. We have no idea what's fantasy in this world. Respect your pack sister." He broke away from Emily and moved towards the new couple. "I think the both of you should look into this. Embry's can use his free time for research. Like I said before, we don't want to draw unwanted attention to the pack."
"Okay," Bella breathed. "I'll make a trip to the school library tomorrow."
"I'll look online."
A silence spread through the room. Paul ended it by swallowing a muffin whole. He choked in the process. Moist batter exploded from his mouth. The pack shifted back into a contented ease. A new round of laughter bubbled to the surface. Emily brought out a tray of sweetened iced tea and frivolous conversation filled the house. Jibes were thrown, baked goods devoured, and wide smiles on every face. Bella wished the familial bliss would last forever. Isis heard her prayer.
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