Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Freedom

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 10:

BPOV

I woke up this morning feeling the best I have in a long time. Paul was lying next to me. I ran my fingers over the outline of his face. He smiled in his sleep. I lay awake last night after my dinner with Dad. I couldn’t sleep so I went out on the front porch and smoked cigarettes. I had come to a decision before I went to bed. It wasn’t an easy decision and Sam was going to hate it, but it was what it was. I think Amber agreed but surprisingly she had little to say on the subject. She had stopped watching me and Paul together. She had been gone more often. I kinda missed her but I could still feel her.

I placed a kiss on Paul’s cheek and got out of bed. I headed to the shower and prepared for the day. Of course my shower wasn’t halfway over before my hot wolf man walked under the spray with me. He wanted some of this, but I had to slap his hand away. I had business to take care of and fun time in bed could wait. He has such a cute sad face. I left him in the shower and got dressed. My favorite Harley shirt and my tightest pair of shorts. My power clothes.

“So not that it’s any of my business dear, but I was just curious where you were going today.” I heard Paul ask in the politest voice. He was trying so hard to act like it was just a casual inquiry.

I walked up to him and pinched his cheek. “I’m so proud of you baby. You asked a question about my actions in a way that didn’t totally piss me off. You are learning. I may have to teach you some new tricks tonight as a reward.”

He smirked at me. “Girl we haven’t even got started on the tricks I am going to teach you. I mean if you want.”

I reached around for a hug and pinched his ass.

“I’m going to Sam’s. You want to come?”

“Sure.”

I walked out to my bike. He looked at me. I looked at him.

“What?”

“Aren’t we going to take my car? Seems pointless to follow each other since we are going to the same place.”

“Your right, it is pointless. Get on the back of my bike.”

“On the bike? Behind you?” Poor guy looked terrified.

“Yep”

“But…”

“Get over it LaHote. If you wanna go with me you are riding bitch. Now I don’t have all day. Actually I do but there are things we need to discuss and do so hurry up.”

The sad look on his face was priceless. Before we started I looked back at him.

“No playing with my nipple rings either. I need to concentrate with a 6’4 guy riding shotgun.”

We arrived at Sam’s. He was sitting on his porch drinking coffee.

“What’s up mighty alpha?”

“Hell Amber. How are you today?”

” I guess she’s fine. I haven’t seen her in a while. It’s me Sammy. Just plain old boring Bella.”

“Bella you have never been plain and you certainly have never been boring.”

“That’s sweet, Sam. Guess what you and I are going to do today?”

He laughed and looked at Paul.

“Hey eyes here buddy. Did I say what you and Paul are doing today?”

“Apologies Bella. What are we doing today?”

“We are going to tell Charlie everything.”

The look on his face ranged from disbelief to sternness to confusion back to disbelief to firmness.

“Bella we can’t do that. You know the rules.”

“Yeah, see here is the thing Sam. I’m not asking you for permission. I’m telling you I need you to come with me. I think he would take it better from you than from Paul. You’re much more responsible in his eyes.”

“Bella, I can’t let you tell Charlie.”

“And how the fuck do you think you are going to stop me Sam?” I said with the sweetest smile I could muster. Amber would be proud.

“Are you sure this isn’t Amber?” I saw Paul roll his eyes from the corner of my vision.

“Of course I’m sure Sam. You act like I’ve lost touch with reality. I’m here and I am telling you that I am going to tell Charlie everything. I’m tired of lying to him and his life is in danger as much as mine. He has a right to know and you know he can keep a secret.”

Sam looked deep in thought for a moment before inspiration hit him. He looks so cute when he is thinking hard. “Bella you are right. I can’t keep you from telling him but I can keep any of the wolves from verifying it.”

“Sammy, Sam, old friend, I’m disappointed in you. I thought you would be with me on this but I guess it will have to be Paul.”

“Paul will not phase in front of Charlie.”

“Imprint overrules Alpha. You know this Sam.”

Hah, got his ass then. He was quiet for a minute or so staring at me. I stared right back. I saw Amber behind him making faces at him. It was hard to hold in my laughter but I had to remain strong. “Bella I will have to talk to the counsel about this.”

“I understand Sam. Charlie is off today. I will be at his house with my imprint here in about 30 minutes. You have that much time to get them to agree. I personally don’t think you should bother. Better to beg forgiveness than ask permission in my opinion but do what you want. You can always say I did it on my own and you were there for damage control. I’ll lie for you if it means keeping you out of trouble Alpha. I would hate for Old Quil to hit you over the nose with a rolled up newspaper.”

He didn’t like that dig. He would get over it.

“Fine Bella. Are you sure your aren’t Amber?”

“No I’m not. My name is Bella Swan. I have been lying to the one man who has been ready to lay his life down for me my entire life. The one man who has loved me unconditionally my whole life. And the lying stops today. I don’t know if anyone owes me that. But I’m taking it anyway.”

I walked to my bike and didn’t hear footsteps behind me. I turned and saw Sam and Paul still staring at me.

“What? Do I need to whistle or waive a treat in front of you? Let’s go. And Paul you can ride with Sam. I wouldn’t want your masculinity to take any more hits today. I need you functioning tonight. It’s going to be a stressful afternoon and I got a feeling your baby is going to need to blow some steam off tonight. Or anything else put in front of me.”

Before I started my engine, I heard Sam say to Paul, “There is no way that’s Bella.” I had to smile. I may not ever be the Bella that was but this was who they had to deal with now. I looked to my side and saw Amber on her bike next to mine. She hasn’t been talking much but she was smiling. That was enough for now.

Charlie POV

I felt great today. Talking to Bella last night was such a liberating experience. I felt closer to her than I ever have. I wish I still had her in my house but I would take what I could get. Renee was very upset. She was upset about her leaving. She blamed me of course. She was upset Bella had apparently dropped out of school. She blamed me of course, and she was upset that Bella was living with a guy. And of course she blamed me for that as well.

Oh well. She’s my ex-wife. Maybe I should stop giving a damn about what she blames me for. Maybe if I did, she would start to take some responsibility for her own actions.

I heard the loud roar of a motorcycle engine and my heart leapt. Could it be her? I walked out to the front porch and saw her now familiar motorcycle pull into the driveway. God I wish she would wear a helmet.

I was surprised to see Sam’s truck pull in behind her. It looked like Paul was in the truck with him. Bella walked up to me.

“Hi Daddy.”

“Baby this is great. I didn’t know when I would get to see you again.”

“Daddy, Sam and I have some things we need to talk to you about. We need to go inside and make ourselves comfortable. And you may need a few beers.”

“What’s going on Bells?”

“Dad have you ever thought there were things going on with me over the past years that you didn’t know about? Strange things involving the Cullens?”

“Every damn minute.”

“Well Daddy, I am about to tell you everything. We are going to start our new relationship on a platform of complete honesty. The things I’m about to tell you are out there. If I was telling you this alone you would probably have me committed. That’s why I had to bring Sam. You know Sam. You trust Sam. Sam is here to verify and prove to you that every single thing I am about to tell you is true. Do you understand?”

Why did I have a feeling that my life was about to change and this was going to be more complicated than Bella sneaking off a few nights and drinking beer.

“Okay I promise to keep an open mind Bella.”

I led Sam, Paul and Bella into the living room. We all had a seat. I looked at Bella expectantly.

“Daddy we are going to go ahead and get to the point and then I will back up and tell you the whole story.”

“Okay…”

“Dad the Cullens are vampires and Sam and Paul and Jake and some of my other friends turn into giant wolves to protect people from vampires. And there is a crazy vampire who wants me dead and is right now building an army of the undead to come to Forks with the sole purpose of killing me and anyone who stands in her way.”

Okay whatever I was expecting it wasn’t that. I didn’t realize Bella was into Sci Fi that much. I started to laugh until I looked at Sam and Paul. Both were meeting my eyes and there was no humor in them. Paul I could believe was crazy. Bella hadn’t exactly acted sane lately. But Sam? Sam has always been responsible.

“You got all this Dad?”

“Uh, sure.”

“Before we go further we need to go to the woods in the back of the house. I need you to accept the things I just told you as fact before I can go further. Are you willing to give us a chance to prove we are not lying?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Paul and Sam are going to turn into giant wolves. If you see this would it convince you I am telling the truth?”

That one was easy to take. “Baby girl if Sam and Paul turn into giant wolves I will believe whatever you tell me.”

“Good lets go.”

I followed the three out to the woods behind the house. “Daddy whatever you see, don’t shoot okay?”

That caught me by surprise. They are serious. This isn’t a joke. When we were in the trees I saw Paul and Sam begin to undress.

“Hey my daughter is here.”

Bella laughed. “Don’t sweat it Dad. I’ve seen these boys naked more times than I can count.”

Sam turned and looked at me. “Charlie just try not to freak out and breathe. I really don’t want you to have a heart attack.”

I took offense to that. “I’m a cop Sam. It takes a lot to freak me out.” I saw Sam look at Paul and nod. Their bodies started to shimmer and whoa. Yep I just freaked out.

Back in the house I had three beers before I allowed anyone to say anything. Once I had finally calmed down Bella looked at me. I gave her a nod. “I’m ready.”

She smiled and began talking. I listened for the next four hours. I listened to everything. My emotions were all over the place. I went from terrified to sad back to terrified. Bella never stopped speaking. She would only stop for a swallow of the beer she had grabbed from my fridge. Considering everything she has gone through I guess I can’t really get on to her about underage drinking.

“And that’s it. That leads us to right now, right here in your living room.”

Holy shit.

BPOV

He took it rather well I think. “So I guess now that it is all out you probably have some questions.”

“Yes you could say that.”

“First I have a question for you. Do you believe me?”

He didn’t hesistate. “Yes”

“Would you have believed me if I hadn’t brought two big wolves with me?”

“No.”

“So you understand why I kept this from you?”

“Yes. I don’t like it but yes.”

“Okay ask your questions.”

“The trip to Phoenix and the fall through the window. That was set up by Alice. She wanted you turned. And now they all do?”

“Yes, well I’m pretty sure Edward and Alice do. I’m not sure about the rest of them but I don’t trust any of them.”

“And this Victoria has been stalking you and you all figure that an undead army is coming after you because she can’t get past the Wolves?”

“Yep.”

“And the bite mark is from James?”

“Yep?”

“What about the brand?”

I smiled at that. I figured it would come out. “Amber’s idea. So yeah that was all me.”

“Are you still seeing this other person?”

“Not as much. I know she is a figment of my mind. But she is one I need right now to save my sanity.”

“And you let Cullen in your bedroom every night?”

“Yep.”

“But you never did… anything right?”

“Nope.”

“Thank God.”

“And they sparkle in the sunlight?”

“Like Tinkerbell Dad.”

“Okay what does this mean now that I know?” He asked.

“Nothing. Just be on the lookout and stay in La Push as much as possible. If you want you can come stay with Paul and me.” I saw Paul look at me in a panic out of the corner of his eye. I smirked at him. “Paul would absolutely love that, wouldn’t you Paul. It would give you two a chance to get to know each other.”

“Yeah, it would be… great.” Paul said in the most unenthusiastic voice I could imagine.

“And Paul is your imprint? Meaning he is your soul mate. Meaning that he can’t ever leave you or hurt you?”

“Yep, he’s pretty much my bitch.”

“So does this mean you are planning on staying around? You’re not going to take off again?”

“I don’t have plans too. But I told you last night Dad. I won’t leave you behind. I’m going to be your little girl. And you’re going to be my old man and we are going to stick together. No matter what. But I need you to be careful. A wolf has been watching you for a while now. But you need to be aware there may be more than one coming after you to get to me.”

“What can I do if they come after you or me?”

“Nothing Charlie.” Sam spoke up finally.

“Actually Dad throw fire at them. Cigarette lighters and hairspray would work. Or if you think you could get your hands on a flame thrower that would be awesome.”

Dad got up and walked over to me. I stood to face him and he hugged me. We held each other for a few minutes. He kept apologizing to me for letting me down. I looked at him and told him we wouldn’t talk about the past any longer. From here on out is all that matters. He nodded. It was time to move on from past regrets and resentments. For both of us. If I was going to be free I had to do what Amber said. I had to let it go. Not my friends or relationships. I had to let go of my hate and resentment. Except for the Cullens. I think I would hang on to that for a little while longer.

It was 4 PM by the time we walked out of the house. Dad agreed to go to Billy’s tonight and talk with him. Sam gave him a heads up of what was going on. I don’t know if Billy was upset or not. Didn’t really matter. What’s done is done. I saw Amber next to me. When we pulled into Paul’s drive, she smiled at me. “You did good darlin.”

“You think so?”

“I couldn’t have done it better myself.”

“Thanks Amber. I could feel you there. I didn’t see you but I could feel you.”

“That’s cause we are getting close to being one, B.”

“Why haven’t I seen you much lately?”

“You haven’t needed to.” She said. That makes me kinda happy and kinda sad. Sam pulled up in the driveway. Paul walked over to me.

“You okay Bella?”

“Better than okay baby. What do you say we go to Port Angeles and you get your girl drunk?”

“Are you asking me or telling me?”

He is so cute. “Baby you are learning. I am so proud of you. Now go get changed and I’m gonna get in my club clothes. You ever fucked a girl in an alley behind a club? Of course you have. But you haven’t fucked a girl like me in an alley behind a club.”

Paul POV

After a few calls it was felt that I would need a few more wolves with me in case we got attacked at the club. Leah got the call. Oh joy. I hoped Amber or Bella didn’t get drunk and stab her again.

I looked up from the bar and saw Bella on the dance floor. She was dancing by herself. She was running her hands through her hair and had her eyes closed head tilted back. She was wearing a tight black leather skirt and a white button up shirt rolled up to just under her bra showing off her belly button ring and her tattoo on her side. God she looked good.

Guys started walking up to her and attempting to dance. That shit wasn’t happening. She was mine. I knew I couldn’t say crap like that to her or she would have my balls but it was true none the less. I walked up to her and kissed her while she still had her eyes closed. I knew she knew it was me by the heat in my hands. We had been talking in between making love. She was learning about me and I was learning about her. I didn’t know everything and I didn’t want to. I loved learning something new every day.

She smiled at me while continuing to sway her body against mine. “Marking your territory wolf boy?”

“I prefer wolf man.”

“I bet you do.” She grabbed my hand and we walked to the table. She downed two shots of tequila without missing a beat and began drinking a beer. Leah sat there shooting down guy after guy who asked her to dance.

“What the hell Clearwater? You seeing somebody?”

“No.”

“You can’t dance?”

“I can dance.”

“I used to not be able to dance until I became a stripper.”

She laughed at that while I growled. I really did not like to think of those times.

“Swan I have to admit I like this new you. It’s a shame you had to go schizophrenic to bring it out.”

“I’m not schizo Leah. Probably more like I have multiple personality disorder except that I remember most everything and the personality is just an extension of my own. It’s hard to diagnose. It may be I lost my mind hanging around a bunch of wolves and vampires. Either way it’s not a shame. Being crazy can be very liberating. I mean I stabbed you and nobody blinked twice. They didn’t want to piss off the crazy girl.”

Please don’t antagonize Leah. I want a good night and I don’t want to see Amber come out. She hasn’t been around in a while and I liked it.

“Leah I need to apologize to you. I really shouldn’t have stabbed you. It was an overreaction on my part.”

Okay that was good. Bella sat on my lap and her skirt lifted a little. I could feel she wasn’t wearing panties. She ordered two more tequila shots.

Leah looked at her and smirked. “It’s really not a big deal, you just surprised me is all and it stung. I’m sorry I hit you. I get a little emotional sometimes. How is your face anyway?”

“No bruises. I’ll be honest, I kind of liked it. It was hot. If you ever want to come over to Paul’s while he is patrolling for a little girl on girl rough sex I’m game.”

I damned near dropped my drink. Leah’s mouth dropped open and she stared at Bella. “Uh thanks for the offer Swan but I’m straight.”

“So am I Leah. Ask Paul here. He can vouch for my straightness. Several times a day lately. But friends can have a little harmless fun. I’m not saying we should get married, just keep it in mind. I picked up a few tricks from my fellow strippers on the road. I could do things no guy would ever be able to do. I won’t even let Paul watch if you don’t want him to.” Bella was smiling.

She was kidding right? What if she wasn’t? I looked at Leah who had a bewildered look on her face. “Anyway it’s an open offer. I think you’re gorgeous. Now I have needs that Tequila can’t take care of. Take me to the alley Paul. Leah you should probably at least listen to us in case we get ambushed by leeches.”

And with a wink she was pulling me to the back. The last I saw of Leah she had a shocked look on her face still. It was kind of funny. Bella opened the door and turned around and grabbed my dick. Time to take care of my girl.

Edward POV

I can’t believe he is going to defile her in the back of an alleyway. I told myself every day I was going to stay away from her because seeing her like this was worse than being away from her. And every day I found myself following her when she was away from La Push. I heard the bitch’s thoughts. I guess she thought she could surprise me.

“I’m not trying to surprise you.”

That was a surprise. “And no I’m not reading your mind. Your just so damn arrogant you’re like an open book.

“Have a seat Clearwater. Shouldn’t you be listening to them have sex? Wouldn’t want them to get ambushed.”

“Oh I think we can both hear them fine from here. So what are you doing here? Why can’t you leave her alone?”

“She’s mine.”

“Not from what we are hearing right now.”

“She isn’t in her right mind.”

“I have a feeling this is the only mind she has got and it certainly isn’t on you. You realize you are stalking her right?”

“It’s my business.”

“Oh but that’s where you are wrong. Bella is an imprint. That makes her Pack. And Pack is very much my business. I am going to go back to my table and wait for little crazy bitch to come back with Paul. Then I am going to tell her you are here. She is not going to be happy. Every time you pull something like this she is closer to seeing you as the enemy. So keep it up. Piss her off. I’ve learned from first hand experience she doesn’t react well when people, or undead people piss her off.”

Dammit she is right. If Bella sees me here she is going to be mad. Madder. I had to leave. I was getting tired of listening to her anyway. I mean the things that come out of her mouth. What the hell? I don’t even think half of what she wants him to do to her is possible, even for a supernatural being. I wish I had never left. This is my punishment, not only for my arrogance but for my sins over the past hundred years.

I had to come up with a new plan. Stalking and dazzling her wasn’t working. Maybe I could appeal to her with another member of my family. Alice was out. Carlisle refuses to get involved until she lets him help her. He says until she gets treatment there is no help for her anyway. I can hear in his thoughts he suspects that she has already bonded with the wolf and nothing will change that. Esme is devasted but refuses to approach Bella. She feels she deserves what Bella said to her. Rose refuses to help me because she wants Bella to remain human. Jasper is still pissed at Alice who Bella hates. That only leaves one person. Emmett.

Amber POV

I saw him. He thinks he is so clever. I know Paul and Leah smelt him. But they said nothing. They wanted Bella to have fun. And she needed to have fun. But I saw him. I didn’t say anything to Bella because she deserved to cut lose and have a great time. Even if the great time including getting our back scratched up against a wall and ruining one of my favorite shirts. Bella hasn’t been able to see me all night. I find I am seeing more out of her eyes. Soon. Very soon. What she doesn’t know is now she is affecting me as much as I am affecting her. I am starting to see things her way.

I am redefining my notion of freedom. I don’t want to run from Paul anymore. I also am not bothering to remind her that she hasn’t been using condoms with him. I don’t know what our problem is. The idea of something between us and him is just wrong. I guess we will have to live with the consequences. I wonder if Bella remembers all her legends? All those campfire stories. I wonder if she remembers marking. I am generally against the idea but if we are going to be stuck with this asshole, who admittedly isn’t much of an asshole anymore, then it may be the only way to turn Cullen off. I can’t believe I am even considering this. I knew Bella was affecting me.

Sam’s POV

I had just finished patrol when my cell rang. I sighed as I saw the number. “Hello Carlisle.”

“Sam, how is Bella?”

“I’m sorry I can’t talk about Bella to you without her permission. One it would be rude and two she can scare the hell out of me at times and I don’t want to piss her off.”

“I understand Sam. I am calling with important news. Victoria has made a decision. She is moving her army against us in two weeks. Jasper would like us all to start training together. There are 20 vampires coming.” When and where? “

The clearing at midnight.”

“Fine, and Carlisle, when this is over I expect your family to leave immediately. The treaty is over.”

“Why Sam? We haven’t violated the treaty.”

“Actually you did. By your actions a human was bitten. Or should I say by the little one’s inactions. Although technically it is not a breach of the conditions technically I don’t give a crap. I’m Alpha and I am saying the treaty is over. We work together and then you are gone. Understand?”

“I will discuss it with my family Sam. I don’t know how Edw…”

“I don’t give a damn about Edward, Carlisle. I am giving you fair warning. After this battle you have one day to be gone or we are enemies. Thanks for calling. We will see you in the clearing at midnight.” I ended the call and felt great.

I heard Paul’s car pull into my driveway. He said he would be stopping by to see if there had been any developments. Leah and Paul got out of the car and I saw Paul begging Bella to stay put. He walked over and I informed him of the development. I also told him about the training in 30 minutes. I heard the car door open and Bella sort of walked, stumbled her way over to us. She was very drunk.

“So we are having training? That’s awesome. We are going to kick some vampires, uh… yeah asses. Kick vampires’ asses.”

“Bella you are going home to bed. I am going to the training.” Oh Paul and you had been doing so good.

“Excuse me? Did you just tell me what the hell I was going to do?”

“For fuck’s sake Bella you’re drunk off your ass. You want to go to the clearing you go right ahead but I won’t take you.”

“Fine but would you rather I walk around the woods looking for you drunk or take me where you know I will be safe in your big strong arms? What if mean nasty Vicky finds me? What would I do? I would be eaten. What if a big mountain lion came and got me? Oh Paul the things that could happen to me. Poor little me. Why didn’t you protect me Paul? Why?”

“FUCKKKKK!”

“I take that as a yes wolf boy. Now get naked and drop your furry ass to the ground. We need to take it slow if you don’t want me to puke on you.

So we are going to train with vampires. With a very drunk Bella Swan. I wonder if Amber will make an appearance tonight. I wonder if there is a difference anymore. Oh well. If nothing else this should be entertaining.