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The Giver of Life	By : Fourshotchild Category: Twilight Series > Het Views: 3904 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or make any money from this story.

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
Author's Note: Wow. It's been quite some time since I've updated. Words can't express how sorry I am. Truthfully, life just caught up with me. School's been my main concern - twelve hours in the summer, eighteen now. I've fiddled with this chapter for months. I just couldn't get it to my taste. Even now, I'm not completely satisfied. I guess that's how authors work. *shrugs* But, I'd love to thank all my readers! Your reviews and ratings have been great! It's nice to see how many people enjoy this story. I'd love to hear how ya'll feel about this chapter! Any who, enjoy!

The Giver of Life

"Destiny"

Chapter Six

She woke in the morning,

She knew that her life had passed in by,

She called out a warning.

Don't ever life pass you by.

-Incubus
The connection ended quickly. An invisible tug whipped Embry's arm away. Horror played on his handsome features as he fought the unforeseeable force. Arms flailing, the wolf tried to continue their embrace. Bella watched in utter devastation. She was struck between wanting to ease his torment and running from his reaction. Undoubtedly, something supernatural poisoned their connection. The only thing that seemed plausible was a gag-order. Bella stole a glance at Sam. Pure pity reflected in his abysmal spheres. She had her answer.
Shifting a step closer to her mate, Embry cowered. His bare feet struggled to remain frozen. Unfortunately, the alpha's magic overpowered the wolf's resolve. He dutifully whimpered before running into the wilderness. Bella's naked body exposed for the others males to see. She didn't bother showing modesty. The priestess was beyond normal decency. Honestly, Bella couldn't give two shits to what the men thought of her. It was becoming quite clear that the pack wanted her gone.
"Bella, why don't you come inside?"
She turned to the voice. It was Sam. Angry, Bella frowned. Her irises gradually bled into a darker shade. The previous power coursed into her fingertips causing a brilliant glow. She'd never wanted to hurt anyone before, but the alpha tipped the cluttered scale. For the first time, Bella had control over Isis's energy. She stood a pillar of strength before the quivering canine. In truth, the priestess finally felt at one with the deity. She no longer denied the goddess's cryptic truths. Isabella Swan, the high school student, didn't exist. Bella, the priestess of Isis, replaced the heartbroken teenager. She'd be damned if a single man blocked her last attempt at happiness.
"What did you do, Sam? Don't you dare lie."
Unable to resist the authoritative tone, the wolf relented. His shoulders slumped in a pathetic manner. Bella sneered, advancing the shimmering power to her forearms. She wanted to slap him, but his shaking voice held her at bay. "I ordered him away from you, Bella. The council asked for the separation. Your friendship with the Cold Ones caused fear within the elders. Against Billy's wishes, the council voted for you to remain an outsider."
"I am Embry's imprint," the priestess stated. "What makes the elders think that they can separate us? I refuse."
"It doesn't matter," Sam continued. "Embry cannot be within visual contact of you. If he does, it'll hurt him. The pain of continuously refusing an alpha-order eats away at the wolf. He's already suffered the consequences."
Bella's temper soured further. She closed the distance between herself and the pack leader. Sam flinched at the closeness but remained strong. The priestess quickly smothered his regality. Brushing against a bare arm, the towering man faltered onto his knees. Bruises formed like grey paint strokes. Never had Bella inflicted pain using the goddess's power. Until this moment, she believed most of the gifts to be good-natured. Apparently, there was more to Isis than being the Giver of Life.
"You promised, Sam. The night of the bonfire, you said that the tribe coveted healers and wouldn't endanger me. What do you call this? I won't allow you to do this. Release the order, right now."
"I can't, Bella," he hissed. "This is above me. If I had my way, Embry would be happily imprinted. He's a part of my pack. Do you think that I enjoy hurting him? I can hardly imagine what he's going through, but the elders won't allow it. There is only one solution that might rectify the situation: breaking your ties with the bloodsuckers. The council might see it as an act of goodwill."
"That's your suggestion? You want me to break my friendship with Alice because it might satisfy the elders?" Sam nodded, gritting his teeth. "I can't believe you're such a lapdog. You'd go against what's right for the sake of praise. You don't deserve to be alpha."
A stern growl rumbled from the right. Bella flashed a crippling glare in Paul's direction. The canine's jaw snapped shut with an audible click. She returned her focus back to Sam. He looked terrible. It was as if he agreed with her later statement. Bella found it unbelievably hard to not pity him. Beyond the wolf, he was just a scared, young man. He never desired the tribe's responsibilities. She hadn't noticed until now. The same haunted look she wore, reflected in his dimming eyes.
"How many are on the council?"
"Seven," Jared replied.
"Then, it's a lost cause," Bella sighed. "I can't change their minds. If one of my father's best friends is willing to vote against me, the others aren't likely to change. I should thank Billy for standing up for me. At least, someone had my back."
"I do, Bella," Sam whispered. "I know how this looks, but you've been good to the tribe. You've healed Emily. I'd do anything for you."
The words softened Bella's demeanor. The golden essence returned inside her body. She forced a small smile. "You need to stop lying, Sam. The truth is, is that people always want to take. I've grown accustomed to it. I didn't realize until now that I'll probably never be happy. Look at me. I'm a freak. I came here hoping for salvation. Two, Egyptian vampires broke into my house demanding I leave with them. I ran scared, turned into a gigantic bird, and then discovered that the only good thing in life can't see me. I honestly wish I could just disappear.
"Tell the elders that I'm done. I love Embry with all my heart, but I can't do this again. It nearly killed me the first time. However, if you ever need me, you know where I live. I can't promise I'll be there, but it's the least I can offer."
Before the wolves could intervene, Bella envisioned the open sky. The freedom of soaring into the blue abyss consumed her mind. Like before, her body shifted into a kite. Feathers sprouted across her skin. She flapped glorious wings until she was above the canopies. With nowhere to go, the priestess beckoned Isis. Bella needed the warmth only a mother could provide.
She needn't wait long. The vast horizon transformed into a spectrum of color. Palm trees replaced the pines below. Tropical blooms breached the sandy earth. Bella descended to the familiar pond. Instead of phasing into a humanoid form, the priestess latched long talons on an arched log. A settling peace comforted the bird. With round eyes, Bella watched the fish swim beneath the surface. They seemed carefree, trapped in such a small pool. The teenager couldn't help but wonder if she'd ever feel that way again.
"Dearest daughter, you have suffered," Isis chimed. Though Bella couldn't see the deity, the woman's presence bestowed unconditional love. She felt the emotion radiating from the goddess's person. "Perhaps, it is time."
"Time for what," the priestess cawed, her beak barely moving.
"To live, Isabella. The past presented knowledge. Now, you must face destiny."
Before Bella could ask her meaning, reality contorted heaven. Dreary Forks shrouded Eden's brilliance. Clothed and in human form, she found herself standing in front of Charlie's house. A blanket of snow covered every surface but the shielded front porch. There were no signs of life within the house. Both vehicles, the cruiser and Chevy, were missing from the driveway. Confused, Bella hiked to the front door. Unsurprisingly, the withered threshold was locked tight. It took her minute to recall the spare key above the doorframe.
Unlocking door, Bella strolled inside to a dank fortitude. The electricity seemed functional due to the oven's clock, but the heat remained silent. By the stuffy air, no one had bothered with circulation. Suspicious, she snuck into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. The only item within was a box of baking soda. Confusion twisted into panic. The priestess trotted down the hall and upstairs. Charlie's room fit the rest of the house. He typically forewent making his bed everyday, but the four-post monstrosity was well-made. Little things were misplaced too. His trusty alarm clock and shoe shining kit no longer crowded the nightstand. It appeared that her father had vacated some time ago.
She exited the room and inched towards hers. The door was tightly shut. Bella had to wiggle the knob to gain entrance. After it finally gave, sunlight breached her sight. Unlike the other rooms, the curtains were drawn back displaying hundreds of photographs and sympathy cards. In essence, everything remained exactly how she left it. Her laptop and homework rested on the whitewashed desk, while a pile of dirty laundry lay within the hamper. Jacob's dream catcher still hung on her headboard. Unfortunately, the violet bedspread was hardly visible due to the unfamiliar memorabilia. Bella closed in on the chaos and picked up a flowery card. It was from the Mike Newton. It offered Chief Swan condolences for his daughter's death. Frantic, she read twenty more Hallmark wishes. All noted the same loss.
Bella's knees buckled. Her volcanic frame nearly crashed into the floorboards. She eyed the mess with disbelief. How could anyone presume her dead? If she was, she'd missed a very important memo. For Christ's sake, they couldn't have found a body. Poor Charlie, the priestess thought. Bella could only imagine what he went through. She needed to find him. He couldn't have gone too far. The cards were dated five months ago. However, knowing her father, the event probably occurred months before. Without valid evidence, he wouldn't just give up.
Tugging the hoodie over head, Bella trudged downstairs. The phone line was still active. It only reassured her more. Picking up the headset, she dialed the station. It rang once before a rookie answered. "Hello, is Chief Swan available?" The man said he was off for the day. It seemed odd considering his work hours. "Doesn't he usually work until six?" The cop responded with a delightful chuckle. It was Charlie's fortieth birthday. A party was being held in his honor in La Push. Bella hung up the phone immediately. Forty years meant she was nineteen. Considering the jumping timeline, Bella found herself over one year from her original jump. She needed to get onto the reservation, wolves be damned.
The priestess stormed out of the house. Without a car, she had two choices: fly or walk. Neither sounded particularly great. It'd be quicker to phase, but she'd be without clothes. Hell would freeze over before she entered that spectacle. Walking would take a significant amount of time. La Push was miles away from town. She needed a ride, but where? She had no money. The grocery cash jar sat empty above the freezer. Everyone thought she was dead. There was a chance that the Cullens might've left a car, but that was a big-fat if. Maybe, she could hitch a ride from a stranger. If they turned out to be a creep, she'd zap them with Isis's mojo. Decided, Bella took a sharp right onto the main street.
About fifteen minutes into her hike, someone did pull over. She didn't even have wave a thumb in the air. It was an elderly woman, mid-fifties. Her obnoxiously sized pickup slowed as soon as Bella reached a convenience store. With a bushy brow and pink lips, the woman demanded she hop into the cab. After asking where Bella was heading, she rattled on about young women roaming the streets alone. Her attention was charming, a bit old-fashioned. She constantly asked if Bella was warm enough considering the freezing temperatures. Though the woman couldn't see her hooded face, the priestess smiled the entire way.
They reached the Quileute border fairly quickly. The woman insisted driving to her specific destination, but Bella promised walking wasn't a hindrance. She thanked the trucker with a small wave and power-walked into the woods. For the first time since arriving home, she felt calm. The serenity of the native lands sent strong waves through her broken soul. It was like the earth knew who she was. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise her if it did. Isis claimed that all living things would gravitate towards her. For a brief moment, she merely accepted the energy offered. Soon, she'd be a lamb for slaughter. Bella wasn't entirely too sure which pack she'd be greeting. Would a crippled Billy greet her or an able one?
The question was soon answered. As Bella hid amongst the wilderness, she spotted Jake's house. Several cars littered the lawn including Charlie's cruiser. Music echoed from the backyard, while rich laughter filled every room of the house. Several large natives filtered in-and-out from the patio. Someone unfamiliar was grilling steaks, but a very scarred Emily passed around beer. Bella didn't know if she should be relieved or absolutely horrified.
Completely frozen, the priestess watched from the sidelines. She noted that Sam, Quil Sr., Jared, Paul, and Billy were in attendance. The others, Bella didn't know or couldn't recognize. Embry wasn't within sight, which led her to believe that he was running patrol. She assumed that one of the gigantic natives was Jacob. From the distance, Bella couldn't decipher him apart from the other unknowns. Both males seemed significantly more cheerful than the rest. Her father, for example, appeared indifferent. He sat next to his childhood friend drinking Miller. A hauntingly dark expression leaked into his chocolate eyes. Bella knew that particular look: loss. He hadn't properly grieved. A sad part of her was cheerful of the fact.
When the steaks finished, Sue Clearwater fixed Charlie a plate. He thanked her with a timid smile. She responded by kissing his forehead. The simple action explained her father's absence. It seemed they'd began dating. Something must have happened to Harry. Two broken people had found each other. Charlie deserved happiness. Bella only hoped presenting herself was a good idea. She could wait until he arrived home. It would probably fair better than being surrounded by loved ones. Unfortunately, she knew if the tables were turned, she'd want her father coming to her quickly as possible.
Bella squared her shoulders and descended towards the house. She'd only traveled a couple of yards before one of wolves took notice. Their superior hearing picked up on her booted feet. Bella ignored the questionable eyes and kept her head down. The priestess returned her focus to the surrounding woods. "Bring me strength," she breathed. As the words left her lips, every supernatural being turned to her. Curious, the humans followed suit.
The following two minutes became a blur. Charlie leapt from his chair before he could see Bella's face. Fatherly instincts could arguably be a sixth sense. He ran down the icy slope with Sam hot on his trail. The priestess pondered his tail for a moment. It was becoming devastatingly clear that the pack believed her to be a vampire. Logically, the assumption made perfect sense. She'd disappeared after the Cullens left. Dating a vampire probably placed her on the alpha's shit list. Once he saw her eyes, they'd want to kill her. A beating heart meant nothing when one's eyes were yellow. It'd take time to adjust.
"Bells," Charlie shouted. A crazed gleam flashed behind hopeful eyes. Bella removed her hood to display the truth. For the first time in her life, she saw Charlie cry. It didn't matter that she appeared otherworldly. His first instinct was wrap sturdy arms around her and never let go. She welcomed the embrace, accepting his salty tears. "It's you. It's really you."
"Dad, everything's going to be okay. I'm here," she cooed. "I'm so sorry. I never meant to leave you. I love you so much." His grip only tightened with each passing word. He was afraid to let go. Bella snuck a hot hand underneath his coat. She empowered her digits to heal her father's pain. Within seconds, Charlie became a new man, virtually radiant. He lifted the teenager into the air and twirled her like a toddler. This time, Bella's eyes watered.
When he finally calmed down, the Forks' chief pulled her onto the patio. He sat her down on vacant chair and stared. Bella blushed under the attention causing the old man to laugh. It was such a beautiful sound. "I can't believe it, Bells. You're sitting in front of me. I'd say I'm dreaming, but everyone's gawking at yah. Jesus Christ," he grinned, "this is the happiest birthday of my life."
She didn't know what to say. All eyes were locked onto her. Bella stole a glance at Sam to assess the pack situation. It didn't look good. He appeared torn. A part of him wanted to rip her into pieces, while the other half wanted Charlie to enjoy his rediscovered kin. Bella forced an impassive face. She didn't want them to know her secret. It was already predetermined that they'd turn her out. If she was being honest with herself, she'd do the same. Their reasons were slightly different. The priestess just couldn't forgive her absence.
"Where have you been, Bells?"
"Dad, why don't we talk about that later? You should enjoy your party."
"I guess you're right," he relented. The healing touch certainly abided his normal anger. Any other parent would be having a fit. She only hoped that the natives wouldn't pick up on the abnormality.
"Emily, why don't you bring out more beer? I'm going to have a cold one with my daughter."
Like an attentive hostess, Sam's imprint sauntered to the cooler and brought out two longnecks. She popped the caps and handed them off. Bella accepted and timidly took a sip. She'd never tried alcohol before. Of course, every wolf eyed the intake as a questionable feat. Bella ignored them, enjoying the bitter flavor. She could understand why her father adored it so much.
"Are you hungry, Bells? You shouldn't drink on an empty stomach."
"Actually, yeah, but I don't want to put Billy out. There's quite a few mouths to feed." Before Charlie could protest, Paul whipped out a paper plate full of food. He was hoping for a entertaining show. Vampires wouldn't touch the stuff, However, Bella was like them. She hadn't eaten since her first phase. In a very unladylike fashion, the priestess inhaled the entire meal. The only evidence that there had been food was a single speck of barbeque sauce.
"Damn," someone hollered, "she eats like a wolf."
"Sorry," Bella blushed. "I didn't realize how hungry I was."
"You're blushing," another said.
"Of course, she's blushing," Charlie scoffed. "You embarrassed the poor girl, Seth. Frankly, I'm thrilled she's eating. You always picked at food like a bird." Bella couldn't help it, she giggled. It was too ironic.
Eventually, the party ensued around the familial pair. Gifts were exchanged, cake passed around. Most steered clear of further questioning. However, the tension within the pack never eased. They now understood that she wasn't a leech, but there was an uncertain promise that the Cullens might return. Fortunately for her, they couldn't inquire about the coven without outing their secret. They'd either have to wait to hear the news through Charlie or try more a more subtle approach. Bella was honestly curious how it'd play out.
The sun began to set causing a shift around the room. Paul left with a cheesy goodbye and was replaced with Embry. Bella needn't spare a glance in his direction. She could still feel the half-formed bond. It sang angelic tunes of sweet adoration. Without moment's hesitation, the priestess returned her hood. She couldn't risk eye contact. The group spread hellos like wild fire, which he returned with charming zest. Of course, when his presence towered of the Swans, Sam whispered a short explanation. It wasn't exactly quiet. Embry's eyes widened in shock but quickly smoothed it over. Bella merely nodded in his vicinity, taking a generous gulp of beer.
"How was work, Son," Charlie asked. "Sam says you've been at it nonstop."
"Yeah, I'm just trying to keep busy. We've had some disturbances around the reservation. You know, bear attacks."
"Bears, huh? You'd think they'd be hibernating this time of year. Has anyone actually spotted one?"
"Well, Jared spotted a couple close to the interstate. They're pretty fast…."
"Yeah, be careful, Kid," Charlie forewarned. "They'll take a swipe at yah. I've been telling Bells to steer clear of those beasts before she could crawl. They're known for eating hikers. Make sure you bring a shotgun."
A few wolves snorted at the comment. Evidently, Embry wasn't talking about grizzlies. "I will. Don't worry, Chief."
Eventually, Embry claimed a foldable chair near Jared. The duo animatedly chatted, while Emily filled an entire tray with food. She heaved the mass to Bella's mate with a motherly smile. A pitiful blend of jealousy and longing iced the priestess's heart. She missed serving the wolf. Bella would never forget the morning he ran through the rainstorm. Seeing bits of pancake batter plastered on his face was the highlight of her day. The priestess prayed that breakfast wouldn't be their last. Maybe, she'd bake something for him. An anonymous package delivered to the Call residence wouldn't be too suspicious.
"Bella, would like another drink," Emily asked.
"That'd be great, Emily. Thank you."
"You're welcome," she smiled, again.
As she walked to the cooler, something intersected. Emily released a girly shriek stomping on the stained deck. Bella peaked across the floor expecting a spider. What she spotted, was something not entirely different. A tiny scorpion scampered across the dark slats attempting escape. Its reddish stinger curled forward to attack. The men were laughing at the sight, but Sam surged forward to his imprint's rescue. Fortunately, the arachnid had an advantage. It swiveled at a masterful speed towards Bella. Tiny black eyes pleaded for salvation. Being who she was, the priestess could never deny a follower. She blocked Sam's path and ushered the little guy into her palm. Her natural heat automatically sedated the critter. Its tail relaxed, beady eyes in complete awe. Bella stroked its tan spine gently.
"Are you insane," Sam shouted. "Throw it into the snow, right now."
Bella dryly chuckled, continuing the affection. "He's harmless."
"Actually, Bells is right. That's a Northern Scorpion. They have a wicked sting, but they aren't lethal," Charlie reassured. "It's still dangerous to hold one, though. You should put it down." The priestess shook her head. "Come on, Bells. It could still sting yah. They don't like socializing."
"Trust me, he wants to stay in my palm. It's nice and toasty."
The chief smirked, scratching his mustache, but didn't say another word. He waved Sam back to his seat. Emily, too afraid to near the thing, suggested Jared grab the beer. As he went to rise, Bella stood. She told him to sit and grabbed herself a brew. All eyes followed her semi-graceful movements. To humor them, the priestess curtsied before returning to her seat. It earned a few chuckles.
"Well," Billy hollered, "I guess I just wanted to wish Charlie a happy birthday! It's been a tough year, but I think Bella's return is an omen. Let's make the best of tonight and enjoy the new year. Congratulations, Old Man. I love you like a brother!"
True to Charlie's nature, a deep blush stained his neck. He hid behind his beer as if it magically allowed the drinker invisibility. The pack laughed at his expense, clapping bottles. Bella threw a soothing smile in his direction, vowing to always be there for him. Despite whatever crap came her way, she wanted nothing more than his happiness.
- 5
- 6
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The Giver of Life