New Neighbors

Edward found Carlisle sitting in his office, reading a book. “Come in, Edward. I know you know what this is going to be about, but I would like to have this talk not be one-sided.” He didn't look up from his book as he motioned for him to come into the room.

Edward sat down across from Carlisle, watching him. “You know this isn't needed, Carlisle.”

“I think it is. Bella must as well, since she's the one who came to me about this. She asked me for birth control pills.” Carlisle watched Edwards eyes go wide. “I gave them to her so that that she felt better about your new, well...passionate relationship.” Edward's head went down. “It's alright, Edward. After all, I'm glad you two are progressing in your relationship. We both know that she can't get pregnant, but if it makes her more comfortable with your... 'activities', then I see no problem with her taking them.”

“But, it's only because of Anna Belle. I'm using her. Thats the only reason that we have been able to be so close.” Edward protested.

“I understand, but we used you with her.” Carlisle reminded him. “Just remember to be gentle with her in whatever you choose to do with her.” He smiled at Edward who nodded before standing up and leaving his office.

God, that was nerve racking, Edward thought as he made his way back to his room to find Bella already curled up, sleeping. He smiled at his little human as he curled up next to her, protecting her, as he watched her sleep.

*******************

The next morning, it was a chore to get Anna Belle up. It took Esme and Rosalie an hour to get her up and dressed.

“This is a bad idea today, she is still tired from the party last night.” Rosalie was protesting this meeting yet again as they walked down the stairs with Anna Belle, who was dozing off between the two of them.

“We all decided that we would do it today, the last thing we need to do with the wolves is break our word to them. That would look bad.” Carlisle stated the fact very firmly.

“But...I'm sure they will make an exception; look at her, she is sleeping on her feet.” Bella pointed out from her seat on the sofa. She had breakfast in her lap, muffins that Anna Belle had made the day before.

“We have to go, no more stalling or questions.” Carlisle was putting his foot down, which made Rosalie growl with anger. Carlisle, Rosalie, Anna Belle, and Emmett made their way to the garage. Rosalie tucked Anna Belle into the back seat and sat with her, letting her lean upon her shoulder without hesitation. Within moments, the girl was asleep again. Carlisle shook his head as they made their way quickly to the reservation line. They were the first to arrive. “We're early.” He stated as he watched the road, just over the line.

“Or, they're not coming and we brought her here for nothing.” Rosalie snorted as they heard a truck approaching. Soon Billy Black's truck was visible coming down the road. “Damn.” She swore softly under her breath. Sam got out the moment the truck stopped to get Billy's chair from the back of the cab.

Meanwhile, Jacob, Embry and Quil were hiding in the shadows of the trees near the meeting spot. “You're sure it's today, Jacob?” Embry asked.

“Yeah, Sam came over last night to finalize the plan for today.” Jacob nodded as the truck came into view. “Here we go.” He sniffed the air and growled. “They broke their end of the deal.”

Billy and Sam walked to just before the line as Carlisle and Emmett got out of the car, smiling at them. “Sam. Billy.”

“Carlisle. So, did it work?” Billy asked, watching the vampire closely.

“It did, like a charm. Esme sends her thanks. Her name was her first word, so to speak.” Carlisle's smile beamed brighter.

“Your mate seems to be very much a mother.” Sam watched them. “Well, where is Anna Belle?”

“She isn't here! They didn't bring her!” Jacob screamed, coming out from the trees with Quil and Embry following behind him. “I can't smell her, none of us can. They lied! They broke their word!”

“Jacob! Did I not tell you to stay out of this?” Sam barked at the boy, but Jacob didn't back down.

“Actually, we did bring her. Rose!” Emmett called and the back door of the car opened and Rosalie stepped out before bending down and in and pulling Anna Belle into her arms. She slowly carried the sleeping girl over to everyone else.

“What happened?” Billy asked, worried the herbs didn't work the right way.

“Oh, this? She's sleeping. She's still weak and sleeps a lot.” Rosalie looked down at Anna Belle. “Honey, wake up.” A groan was Anna Belle's answer.

“Alice insisted on having a party last night for Anna Belle, so she missed the nap she has during the day. She is almost like a baby with her strength.” Carlisle explained coming up to softly talk to Anna Belle, trying to get her up for a while to talk.

Meanwhile, Embry and Quil came to stand behind Jacob. Embry was looking at each vampire on the other side of the line. Once Carlisle moved away from Rosalie and Anna Belle, he could see that her eyes were open and looking at everyone. Embry looked at her shocked and wide-eyed, moving forward almost as though being drawn forward. No one noticed Embry's movements.

Billy spoke first. “How do you feel, little one?” He asked watching her.

Anna Belle looked at Billy and smiled at him. “Good, thank you for the help.” Her voice soft and musical as she spoke.

“That is very good.” Sam said as he noticed Embry's movements. “Embry, what are you doing?” He asked, his voice going up an octave.

Everyone's eyes were upon the young wolf moving forward, especially once they saw where his movements were taking him. Rosalie held Anna Belle tighter as Emmett then moved between her and the wolf. Jacob was the first to truly react, grabbing his friend's arm and yanking him back. “What are you doing??” He growled at his friend.

“Jacob, Embry, Quil. Leave now.” Sam snapped at the three of them who snarled back as they all took off . Embry turned to look at Anna Belle as he was dragged away. Once they were out of sight, Sam calmed down. “I am sorry about that.” He apologized.

“It wasn't your fault, Sam. But, what was all that about Jacob not smelling Anna Belle?” Carlisle asked, wondering what was going on.

“I believe Anna Belle was meant for the life that she now has. To be a 'peace bringer' to us.” Billy said, simply watching Carlisle as he slowly understood. “The herbal mixture would also make the peace bringer's scent untraceable to wolves.”

“That is amazing.” Carlisle looked back at Anna Belle with amazement in his eyes.

“Wait, what is a peace bringer?” Rosalie instantly questioned, holding the sleeping girl tighter in her arms.

“A peace bringer is destined to bring peace between us and our rival tribe. You, the Cold Ones.” Billy simply stated making Carlisle, Emmett and Rosalie gasp. “I must admit, at first our tribe had no reason to believe you when you said that your family was different from the others, Carlisle. But, you have stuck to your end of the deal with no help or warnings. She is also a tamer, her ability is to tame the wild manners of beasts, even man. Her ability seeks out the primal urges in people and basically calms them to keep them from doing something that may not be a good thing to have happen.”

“That would explain what happened to Edward last week.” Carlisle said, more to himself than the others. “He was with Bella. He always keeps their intimate moments short and brief to keep himself in check and not harm her. Well, things were getting rather intense and his bloodlust came upon him. Suddenly, as quickly as it came, the urges were pulled back and, tied up so to speak. He was surprised that he was able to get so close to Bella and not have to worry about harming her. Anna Belle didn't even know she was doing anything.”

Sam nodded his understanding about the leech having to be careful with a human mate. He knew just how quickly things could go wrong. “It will be a good thing at times. But she must be taught how to use it, rather than letting the ability use her; which is what it seems to do. If she can focus that power, that ability, she can do great things with it.”

“And, who do you propose teach her how to use this ability? Yourselves?” Rosalie asked, not liking this one bit.

“Yes. For now, we would alter the treaty to allow her to come here, to the reservation, so that we could help her with her ability. She is like you, a drinker of animals, and no threat to anyone on the reservation.” Billy watched the three vampires. “Maybe, perhaps one day, we will be able to re-discuss the treaty my great-grandfather forged with you and your family, Carlisle.”

Carlisle face lit up with a smile. “That would be nice indeed, Billy. Very nice.”

Rosalie's face was filled with anger at the suggestion of Anna Belle going on to the reservation. “No! She can't, Carlisle. If we can't go, she can't. We don't know what they may do to her, and Alice wont be able to see her!” Rosalie protested.

“I understand your resistance to this young one, but believe us when we say that she is a precious gift to us as well. She is something we have waited a long time for. Her gift is something that was born into her when she was human. I am sure, just as it happened with Edward, Jasper, and Alice, her gift was intensified the moment she was made into a vampire. You have an enemy now as well, the one who turned her. You even told us that you know he will come after her, to try to get her back. Let us help by training and helping her learn that ability to maybe use against him.” Billy said, clearly talking more to Rosalie than anyone else at this point.

Anna Belle started to stir in Rosalie's arms. “It looks like she's finally going to wake up on her own.” Carlisle smiled. “We are still dealing with the aftermath of how Alexander—the person who created her—treated her. I am hoping that this will soon stop and she will be back to normal.” As Carlisle spoke, Anna Belle actually woke up and Rosalie set her on her feet. Anna Belle rubbed her eyes while yawning.

Billy laughed watching the young girl. “She is so much like a young child now. I am sure Esme is just loving all of this. Well, we can talk more about this idea later. I'm sure Esme is wanting to know where she is and wants her home.”

“Actually, she starts working today with Blaine at his auto shop. She is an 'ace mechanic' according to him.” Rosalie smiled as Anna Belle turned to face Billy and Sam with a smile.

“That must be the new shop just on the boarder of town, that place was pretty run down. He's fixed it up already?” Sam was truly shocked.

“It is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it, and since we don't sleep. Well, most of us don't. Now, we really should be getting back. Maybe we can set up a time when we can better talk about this idea of yours, Billy. Perhaps in my office at the hospital?” Carlisle was picking neutral ground, even the wolves had to agree it was neutral.

“That sounds good. I'm glad you kept up your end of the bargain, Carlisle” Billy nodded at the man with respect in his eyes.

“I could do no other.” Carlisle nodded back at Billy and Sam before he turned around to usher everyone back to the car.

“Good-bye, see you later.” Anna Belle's voice filled the area again before she and Rosalie slipped into the backseat of the car and they headed back to the house.

Billy and Sam watched the car take off heading away from the reservation line. Sam looked down at Billy. “I think we have a problem. Did you see how Embry reacted to Anna Belle?”

“Yes, I saw that. I saw that very clearly. That may be a complication we will have to deal with soon enough. It may be hard, though. I am sure we can do something about it.” Billy said simply as he backed up the wheel chair, heading back to the truck.

“I hope your right, Billy.” Sam respected the elder man, he was one of those whom helped him when he first found out what he was. He also helped him keep the others in line, but this wasn't going to be an easy job.

**********************

Anna Belle made quick work once they got home of changing and heading to the shop. Her car pulled up and into a spot marked 'Employee Parking', swiftly and easily. She had pulled her hair up into a bun while changing into a work shirt that was black with the name of the shop on it and her name on the other side and a pair of jeans. Switch Blade Custom Repair Shop was now open and they were instantly a success. A few cars were sitting in the lot waiting for repairs or other work, while four more were already in the service bays.

Anna Belle rushed inside, nodding at a couple of older men as she entered the service bay. Both of whom turned and watched her walk inside, their mouths hanging open slightly. They then started talking amongst themselves thinking she was the girl who would work behind the counter.

Blaine was working under a car when he heard the extra conversation with his vampire hearing. He laughed softly. “Hey, Anna Belle! You here?” He called out from under a Ford truck.

“Yeah, I'm here. Where do you want me to start?” Anna Belle bent over to look at Blaine under the truck, giving the guys a very clear view of her backside.

“Start on the car in bay Three. I think it just needs a regular tune up, but I'm not completely certain. That's what the owner said.” He called out to her.

“I'll go take a look.” Anna Belle stood back up and hurried over to the hook of keys, grabbing the set for bay Three and went to start up the car. She sat in the car, listening to it run for a few minutes before getting out to pop the hood. She took a look inside and started to work.

A few hours went by while Anna Belle worked on the cars alongside Blaine. The guys around town, began coming to the shop now just to see the female mechanic and gawk at her. Blaine laughed at them, knowing they were all in awe of the Cullen's newest member of the family. Anna Belle for the most part ignored it and continued to work until a scent and a sound filled their senses. They looked at one another from across the garage. “I will go see.” She softly said as she grabbed her cleaning rag to wipe off her hands as she exited the service bays.

Jacob's VW Rabbit pulled up to the service station slowly. Looking shocked and impressed at the station, it was rather nice looking for being owned by a blood-sucking leech. Quil sat next to him while Embry sat in the back seat, sulking.

“I can't believe this place. My god, it was a dump just a few days ago.” Jacob exclaimed. He was shocked when he saw Anna Belle walking out from the service bays, looking almost like a super model. Embry was instantly pushing himself between the seats, watching the girl come closer to the car.

“Hey! Watch it man, you can't sit up here unless you want that gear shift someplace where it shouldn't be.” Quil joked softly, but was being serious at the same time.

Anna Belle came up to the car, watching closely, as she got to the drivers side window she leaned over to look inside at everyone in it. “Nice car, needs a paint job, though. But somehow, I don't think you're here for one.” She softly said, watching the three males in the car. Embry was almost fighting to get out of the back seat.

“No, we're not. Besides, what would a leech know about painting cars? A female one at that.” Jacob growled, fighting Anna Belle's ability as it slowly washed over them.

“Look, what's wrong, huh? I haven't done anything to you and from what I have seen, neither have the Cullens. The only thing that they have done wrong has been to exist.” Anna Belle said, her voice as musical as ever. Embry was moving towards it like a moth to the flame of a candle.

Quil watched Embry, finally realizing what was happening. It was the same look he got around Claire. And Sam with Emily. Oh god...this wasn't good, it couldn't be good.

“Look, I'll be right back.” Anna Belle turned around and started back towards the building and into the office. She quickly started moving through some books on a bookshelf, looking for something.

Jacob turned to look at Embry, concern written on his face. His friend looked like he was about to tear his car apart to get out of it. “Hey, what's wrong, Embry?” He growled at the other male.

“Um, I believe it's the girl, Jacob.” Quil suggested, watching Embry closely.

“Wait, you mean....?” Jacob looked at Embry and then at the building where Anna Belle was now coming back with a photo album in her hand. “Oh, great. This is just great. She is a leech, man. A blood sucker.”

Embry turned to look at Jacob, his eyes cold and angry. “Don't you ever call her that again.” He growled as she got closer.

Anna Belle got back to the car, shoving the photo album in the window. “Take a look at that. Then come back and tell me I don't know how to paint cars.” She smiled before turning around to head back into the service stalls to work. The men waiting for their cars all kept their eyes upon the girl.

The moment Embry noticed the other men watching Anna Belle, he growled loudly, definitely loud enough for someone to hear. “Dude, lets get out of here NOW!” Quil suggested to Jacob, who quickly put the car into gear and fled from the station.

“No! I want to go back!” Embry demanded, angrier now more than he was just seconds ago.

“Wait, I thought Anna Belle could calm and tame us. If thats true, then what the heck is going on with Embry? It obviously isn't working on him.” Jacob demanded.

“I'll explain, I promise. Let's just get back to the reservation.” Quil stated as they made a mad dash towards La Push.

A/N

Hmm I wonder what all that fuss was over with Embry????????? Guess we just gotta see what happens, Chapter 22 is already done and with the beta reader so it probably won't be too much time between this chapter and the next one. Promise.