Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Catharsis

By Mama4Dukes

Chapter 16:

Two weeks went by, and Sam had gone to Seattle with Alison and Charlie to interview for the merit scholarship he had been offered by the University of Washington. Paul and Bella were hanging out together in Port Angeles. He had picked her up at home a few minutes after she arrived home from school because he needed her to run an errand with him.

“Okay, so what are we doing here?” she asked him.

“We are here to pick out a present for Rachel since she’s coming back on Wednesday and her birthday is on Thursday.”

“So, why am I here with you?”

“Because you’re my buddy, and I like you. I like you way better than the other chicks in the pack. Heck, I like you better than anyone else in the pack with the exception of Rachel, but I like you almost as much as I do her.”

“You know, Paul. You can be really sweet sometimes.”

“That’s what my mom says, especially when I ask her to do my laundry.” He turned to Bella enthusiastically. “What should I get her?”

“Let me think. Hmm….” Bella leaned up against a building wall. “How much do you want to spend?”

“I don’t know. Thirty bucks at the most, maybe. I know she’s my imprint and all, but this is only my first present for her, and to tell the truth, I don’t really know her well yet. I know you way better than I know her.”

“What would you get me if you were to buy me a present?”

“Seriously? That’s a no-brainer. I’d either get you a book on the study of werewolves or a Nerf Gun.”

“A Nerf Gun? Why?”

“Duh, so we can start a Zombie Nerf Gun War on the reservation.”

Bella broke out into a grin. “Awesome! We should really do that. I’m not so sure how the other imprints will feel about it, though.”

“Sadly, I think you’d be the only one who would join in on a Nerf Gun War with me.”

“Nah-uh. Jake and Quil will definitely do it with us, and so will Tyler and Mike. I don’t think Sam will, though.”

“Maybe in the summer, we’ll do it then. Anyway, the problem is I have to buy a gift for my girly imprint whom I know nothing about.”

“Yes, but you’ll get to know her.” When Paul looked doubtful, she added, “I think you’re sweet when you’re yourself. If you show Rachel that side of you, she’ll like you, just like I like you.”

“You know, it’s nice to have a buddy like you.”

“Hey, you’re my buddy, too.” They crossed onto a side street, heading towards Levi’s awesome bookstore. Bella’s expression suddenly changed to one of excitement when she saw the row of stores they were in front of. “Ooh! I have an idea! Come with me!” Bella led Paul to a shop located a few stores over from Sam’s great-grandfather’s bookstore.

“What are we doing here? This looks like some sort of supply store.”

“It is a supply store-for beads.”

“And why are we here?”

“You are going to make Rachel a bracelet. Do you see that sign hanging over that table there? The one, which says, ‘Create Your Own Jewelry?’ That’s what you’re going to do. You’re going to design a bracelet for her.”

“I see it, but I can’t do that! I’m not artsy fartsy!”

“Neither am I, but I figure we can make her a charm bracelet. Between the two of us, we can probably think like a girl.”

Paul glared at Bella. “You do realize that the statement you made is wrong on so many levels, don’t you?”

“Why? It’s true. I’m not girly like Rachel is.”

“Well, that sucks, I thought you were really girly and all, but if I’m wrong, and you’re not. How am I supposed to deal with a girly imprint?”

“How should I know? I’ve never been a boy dealing with a girl.”

He sighed. “Come on, Bella. Let’s get this bracelet making thing over with.”

They decided to ask the saleslady for help since neither of them knew what to do. The lady suggested that they go with a plain bangle with a clasp and simply add charms to it, which required no skill at all.

“We can do that.” Paul nodded his head together with Bella.

“We have no skills,” Bella declared proudly.

“Ah, well, this one doesn’t require any jewelry making experience. The current trend is to add charms according to the recipient’s interests. For example, does she like flowers or is she into reading?” the saleslady asked.

“Uh, she likes teeth,” Paul informed her. “She is majoring in pre-dentistry or something.”

“Ah, I have just the charm for you.” She came back with a silver charm shaped like a miniature tooth.

“Hey, this is great!” Paul exclaimed. “Do you have one of a wolf?”

“I do. I’ll bring that and some spacers for you. Would you happen to know what her favorite color is?”

“Her room is sky blue,” Bella noted.

In the end, Paul ended up putting together a silver bracelet with a tooth, a wolf, and a heart on it. It only cost him twenty dollars and some change to create. The lady even wrapped the gift up and put a pretty bow on it. Bella put the gift into her tote bag for safekeeping.

By the time the friends left the shop with smiles on their faces, it was already dark. They were just outside the store when Paul suddenly remembered he forgot his keys in the store. He rushed back inside to get them while Bella waited outside in the parking lot for him.

Bella noticed the night air was slightly chilly and hugged herself with her arms for warmth. One of the lamps in the parking lot decided now was the perfect time to go out. She wished Paul would hurry. She looked up to check up on him. She found herself staring into the blood-red eyes of Edward Cullen.

“Hello, love,” he greeted with a sickly tone. “Did you miss me?”

“Can you not keep your word?” Bella asked. “You promised it would be like you never existed.”

“Vampires don’t need to keep their promises, especially to lowly humans,” he sneered.

“What are you doing here, Edward?”

“It occurred to me that you forgot to give me something before we broke up.”

“And what was that?”

“Your blood.”

“My blood? You already had a sample of it in Phoenix, and from what I recall, you overindulged and nearly killed me. So you’ve already had more than enough of my blood. You always were a greedy little shit.”

“I didn’t take enough then. I should have fucked you and drained you!”

“Uh, no. That would have been very uncomfortable for me.”

“I can make you feel really good.” He stared into her eyes, attempting to dazzle her. It wasn’t working. “What is the matter with you?” he asked, frustrated that his efforts at dazzling were unsuccessful. “You love me. I am the love of your life!”

Bella snorted and started laughing. She was actually stalling for time by provoking him, hoping Paul would grab his keys and get to her-the sooner the better, in her opinion. “Are you serious? Do you really think I feel that way about you?”

“Bella, I’m the best thing that ever happened to you,” he arrogantly replied.

“Of course you aren’t.” She rolled her eyes, and let out an exasperated sight. “Let me spell this out for you. You are my biggest mistake. I don’t want you.”

“You don’t want me?”

“No.”

“I’ll just take what I want then!” Before she knew it, Bella found herself pressed up against a building. Edward tilted her neck and proceeded to sniff. He stopped when he noticed Sam’s mark. He glared at her with a venomous expression in his eyes. “You! You gave yourself to someone other than me! You ruined your scent! You whored yourself out like a common human! You’ve simply become an average meal!”

Before Edward could say another word, Paul yanked him away from Bella and shoved him to the ground. Edward immediately got up into a defensive stance against Paul, who had placed Bella behind him for safety.

Edward appeared confused. “You!” he threatened. “Did you take what was mine?” He turned to Bella. “You whored yourself out to this vile smelling…” He returned his attention to Paul. “You’re one of those Quileute wolves. I can’t read your mind. You must be one of Levi Uley’s descendants. I could never read that smart-aleck’s mind.”

Paul didn’t answer him. He just glared at Edward, daring him to attack.

“Why can’t I read your mind or that other boy’s? What was his name? The one who dropped out of school? Sam, that’s it! Sam Uley. Are you his brother? You Indians all look the same. In any case, you took what was mine from me! Her blood and her virginity were mine for the taking, and you stole them from me. You will pay!”

“You broke the treaty, bloodsucker! We can end you!”

“I’m no longer a pussy Cullen. I’m bound by no treaty.”

With one last look, the vampire turned and disappeared into the night.

Paul wrapped his arms around a stunned Bella. “Come on! Let’s get out of here.”

“He had red eyes, Paul.”

“I noticed.”

“Isabella!” another voice interrupted. The kids turned to see Levi Uley standing in the street. He sniffed the air and his demeanor became more urgent as he approached them. “What happened? Both of you need to come in the house now for safety.” He put an arm around each teen in a protective manner, and made sure they were inside his house before locking the door.

Quickly, Bella and Paul explained why they were in Port Angeles together and what had occurred.

“All Paul did was run back in to the store for his car keys, and suddenly Edward Cullen appeared out of nowhere. He had red eyes. He has been feeding from humans. He started babbling about not being able to read the minds of any of your descendants, but Paul isn’t an Uley, is he?”

“I am an Uley. My great-grandmother was Ruth Uley.”

Levi turned to Paul, surprised. “I had no idea. Interesting, you’re my nephew several times removed then.”

“Well, then how come your family doesn’t ignore Alison and Sam like the rest of the Uleys?” Bella asked.

“Are you kidding me? We’re so far removed from the Uley family that we’re not really Uleys. We’re Lahotes! Our reputation is even worse than the Uleys. Besides, my mother detests Sue Clearwater. She’s an uppity bitch, who feels all high and mighty just because her husband is an elder, and Leah is just like her,” Paul blurted.

“Leah is not that bad. She’s just a little insecure and emotional.”

“We’re not here to reminisce about the Uley Family. I need to know exactly what the Cullen said,” Levi pointed out.

“He claimed I whored myself out like a common human. Those were his words, not mine. He seemed very upset about how my blood and scent were ruined. Then he started babbling about being unable to read Paul’s mind or Sam’s.”

“He threatened me and said I would pay for taking what was his-meaning Bella’s blood and virginity. He also said that he was no longer a Cullen, and he wasn’t bound by a treaty,” Paul ended.

Levi nodded his head. “Did you kids eat yet?”

“No, we were going to grab some pizza before driving back to La Push.”

“You’ll eat here, and then help Ellen and me with our packing.” He called for his imprint.

“What is it, honey?”

“Edward Cullen has gone rogue. We need to pack up and move back to La Push.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean you need to move back to La Push? Where exactly is your home on the reservation?” Paul asked.

“Ah, well, this is one of the things I worked out with the tribal council. I have officially been assigned a home on the reservation. It’s one of the older homes near the Atearas that no one wanted, but I have contractors working on the renovations now.”

“Isn’t that the house my dad is working on?”

“It is. Old Quil recommended him to me. He did the renovations to the Swan house, too.”

“Well, that explains why he’s taking mom and me on vacation to Disneyland as my graduation present. His business is doing much better than expected.”

They sat down to a dinner of filet mignon, baked potatoes, and salad.

“God damn! This is good food. If you’re going to cook like this, I’m coming over to dinner every night at your house,” Paul stated.

“Take as much steak as you want, young man. I have plenty. And you’re welcome to dine with us anytime.”

“Oh, yeah. I can get used to this. We’re packing the steak when we move your stuff to La Push, right?”

“If you’d like.” Ellen smiled fondly at Paul. “He does have the look of Ruth about him. He has that charming Uley smile.”

“He does,” Levi agreed. “Bella, I’m surprised that you’re so calm after your run-in with Edward Cullen.”

She shrugged her shoulders. “Honestly, at this point, I’ve had so many encounters with evil that I’ve become inured to it.” She turned to him curiously. “There was one part of Edward’s spiel that I didn’t understand. He claimed that my blood and virginity were his for the taking, but Paul stole it.”

“Yeah, I didn’t get that part either,” Paul agreed, while shoveling more steak into his mouth.

“I see that I still have some explaining to do. What Edward Cullen meant was that the scent of your blood changed after you were claimed, and your virginity was lost. Supernatural creatures have highly sensitized senses. Their sense of smell is particularly heightened. For example, I knew it after you had lost your virginity because your blood lost that particular sweetness virgin’s have.”

Paul leaned over and sniffed her artery. “She still smells good to me.”

“Of course she does. The essence of her blood hasn’t changed, but the pureness of it has.

“Really?” Bella lifted her arm and sniffed her pits. “I smell the same to me.”

“Bella, you don’t have an enhanced sense of smell so sniffing your armpits isn’t going to do anything.”

Meanwhile, between bites of food, Paul kept leaning over to sniff all of Bella’s arteries.

“I think I know what you mean. She doesn’t smell like ripe strawberries anymore, now she just smells like ordinary strawberries.”

“Good. You were able to differentiate.”

“I wonder if that’s what Edward meant when he said I’ve become an average meal.”

“Yes, but your blood smells different, especially after Sam infused some of his scent in you when he claimed you. Your blood lost its appeal, especially to other supernaturals. Think about it this way, whereas your blood was once a highly sought after vintage wine, now it is only a cheap box of trailer park wine.”

“I resent that!”

“It was only an analogy!” Levi Uley protested while laughing.

“What about werewolves? Do they have a heightened sense of smell, too?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never met a real werewolf, but I assume they would.”

“Can we go and meet one?”

“Isabella Marie Swan! Why on earth would you want to meet a werewolf?” Ellen asked.

“Well, why not? I’ve already been exposed to vampires and shapeshifting wolves, it’s only natural for me to want to discover what else is out there.”

“Yeah, I’ll go with you when you hunt for them.” Paul nodded his head. “I mean, we should know who or what we’re dealing with, don’t you think?”

“You two can discuss your future supernatural hunting goals later. For now, we have to figure out how to deal with the Cullen creature.”

---

At the same time that this was all happening, Sam was waiting in the car with his parents on the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island. Something wasn’t sitting right with him. For just one moment, he felt the pull intensely, but the feeling receded quickly so he knew Bella wasn’t in any trouble. Still, he had an uneasy feeling and he wanted to get home quickly.

He had text messaged Bella earlier and she had replied that she was hanging out with her buddy, whom he assumed was Paul. Apparently, they were shopping for a present together and considering having a Nerf Gun war. Oh, hell! It had to be Paul she was with. Only he would think something so nerdy was cool.

“You’re pretty quiet back there, Sam. What’s wrong?”

“I just miss Bella.”

“You’ll see her soon enough. She’s a big girl and she’s doing fine. Besides, a little time apart is good for you. You don’t need to spend all hours of the day with her. What are you planning on doing in college? Because I can tell you for a fact that she’s not going to be majoring in neurobiology like you are.”

“What do you think she’ll major in?”

“Heck if I know! I’m just the one who’ll be paying her tuition because she couldn’t be a good daughter and get a full scholarship like you. Your mother and I are very proud of you, Sammy.”

“Thanks.” His stomach growled at that moment.

“Well, now, there’s the answer to your sulky mood. You’re just hungry. We’ll grab a bite to eat as soon as we get off this ferry.”

“Maybe you’re right,” Sam replied, even though the feeling of unease still lingered.

---

At their home in Montana, Alice Cullen collapsed onto the floor of the living room in a fit of screams. She rolled on the floor, her hands clutching her temples, and her eyes wide, as a powerful vision hit her. The members of the Cullen Coven watched helplessly as she continued shrieking in agony.

When the vision stopped, she sat up with venom-filled eyes and faced everyone. “It’s Edward, he tried to attack Bella, but something stopped him. He’s angry, and he’s going back for her and the Quileute wolves. He hasn’t formed a plan yet, but…”

Another vision stopped her mid-speech, and she let out an ear piercing howl. She sobbed as her vision presented her with his plans. “When he returns to Victoria, they will form a newborn army. They plan to kill all of the inhabitants of La Push as retribution.”

“Retribution for what?” Jasper asked.

“I don’t know, but it has something to do with Bella.”

“But Bella shouldn’t matter to him. He has a mate now,” Carlisle reasoned.

Alice closed her eyes to try and see into the future. “We have to go back. He and his newborn army will decimate all of Forks and La Push. If we don’t go back, the Volturi will find out and destroy every single one of us standing in this house right now.”

“How are we to stop Edward?” Carlisle asked.

“He and his mate must be culled,” Jasper replied coldly.

“No! No! I forbid it! He is my son! He can be rehabilitated. He’s a good boy at heart.” The patriarch turned to Esme. “He is our son!”

“He is no son of mine,” Esme stated with determination.

“If you won’t help us, Carlisle, so be it. I’m not beholden to you in any way. You didn’t sire me,” Jasper said. “I will plan a counterattack. Who here in this room gives his loyalty to me?”

Carlisle watched helplessly as the members of his coven slipped away from him to stand by Jasper. Esme, his mate, gave him a stern look and simply shook her head at him. She approached Jasper and asked, “What do we need to do first?”

Before Jasper could reply, the doorbell rang. Carlisle went to answer the door. Peter Whitlock and his mate Charlotte walked inside.

“Carlisle, Carlisle.” He shook his head. “Your golden boy has been very, very bad.” Peter turned away from the former patriarch and faced Jasper. “We thought you could use some help lobbing some newborn heads, Major.”

“You saw, too, huh?”

“I sure did, and the Volturi has already gotten wind of Eddie Boy’s actions. If you don’t destroy him and his mate, they will make you watch as they terminate the lives of each and every one of your coven members with the exception of Alice, Jasper, and you. They’ll bond the three of you to them.” He turned to Carlisle slowly. “Now, tell us. Is Edward’s life still so valuable?”

With determination, Carlisle turned to Jasper and asked, “What are your orders, Major?”

Jasper was about to speak when Peter put a hand up in the air to stop him. He turned to Emmett whose cell phone rang.

“Hello?”

“ Your fucking brother just threatened to eat me! Now what the hell is your family planning on doing about it because if I see him again, so help me God, I will find a way to shove a live grenade down his throat and splinter the little prick into a thousand pieces!”

“Oh, hey, Bellsy. How’s it going? We were just talking about you.” Emmett replied casually as the heads of every single member of the Cullen… er… Whitlock Coven snapped to him.