The Giver of Life

The Giver of Life

“Relationships”

Chapter Four

A monsoon desecrated the following morning. The hard drops pattered against her bedroom window like bullets. Spurts of thunder shook the glass. Bella woke two hours early due to the constant pounding. She slid out of bed and watched nature unfold. The trees creaked and swayed against the building storm. A car alarm went off down the street. Streaks of lightning created disturbing silhouettes in the distance. Bella could feel the biting cold through the panes. She drew her curtains and tiptoed to the bathroom. Charlie had yet to rise. His loud snores echoed throughout the house. A hot shower sounded wonderful.

Bella went through the motions. She scrubbed her body raw, brushed her teeth, and blow-dried her lengthy hair. The priestess crept back to her bedroom and dressed in some warm attire. Charlie thumped up the stairs soon after. He knocked on her door while she was zipping up her boots. “Yeah?” The police chief peaked inside the room and smiled. His cropped hair fluffed out in several directions. Sleepiness still clung to his brown eyes.

“Morning, Bells. I just wanted to see how you were feeling.”

“I feel good. Sleeping helped.” Lie, Embry did.

“Well, it’s raining cats and dogs outside. It might not be a good idea for you to go to school. The news said the temperature supposed to drop. I think you better take it easy. I’ll get some chains on your truck once the weather calms down.”

“Are you sure? I could drive.”

“It’s better to not take chances, Bella. I wouldn’t be surprised if they cancel classes. You can barely see through this muck.”

“Alright, Dad.”

He nodded and closed the door. Bella undid her shoes and tossed them back in the closet. She sat still for a moment trying to come up with a things-to-do list. Unfortunately, she’d cleaned the house only a couple days ago. They needed groceries but she was locked in. Bella had promised Sam to use the library. A pitiful sigh escaped her glossed lips. She’d have to wait on the books. Her outdated laptop would have to suffice. She stood up and slipped downstairs. A Columbian aroma wafted into her nose. Its strong scent relieved some of her disconnected tension. Bella missed Embry more than she cared to admit.

Making her way to the kitchen, Bella dug out needed breakfast supplies. She pulled out mixing bowls and an assortment of utensils. Pancakes sounded define. The priestess cracked a few eggs, measured flour, and obtained a pinch of salt. Puffs of powder landed on her pristine sweater. Her brows crinkled at the mess. She searched for an apron only to be disappointed. Instead, she wetted a paper towel. As she dabbed the weak material, someone knocked on the door. Charlie answered before she had a chance to budge.

“Hi, Chief Swan. Is Bella home?”

“Aren’t you Jacob’s friend,” her father mused.

“Yes, sir. The name’s Embry Call. May I please come in?”

“Sure.” Charlie opened the door but gave the teenager a suspicious look. Embry pretended not to notice and bounded inside leaving a trail of small puddles. He was dressed in a pair of basketball shorts and muddy wife-beater. “Let me get you a towel,” the chief huffed. “Stay put.”

Bella eyed her imprint from head to toe. He looked gorgeous even covered in dirt and debris. She sauntered to his side with a gleeful expression. Embry reciprocated with a chaste kiss to her forehead. The contact sent delicious heat throughout her body. Bella wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her cheek against his chest. The damp cloth reeked of him. Her nostrils flared in absolute pleasure. She tightened her grip to bring him even closer. Charlie walked in at that exact moment. He began coughing like an flu victim. Bella reluctantly released him.

“Is there something I should know, Isabella?”

“Um, maybe?”

“Maybe? You can do better than that.”

“Okay, Dad,” Bella breathed. “This is Embry, my boyfriend.” She pointed between them. “Embry, this is my dad.”

“Boyfriend,” he stuttered. “You haven’t even been here a week, Bells!” A dangerous redness spread up his neck. Bella knew this to be an indicator of extreme frustration. She’d seen it before the James’s incident. Without thinking, the priestess offered a healing hand and resolved the issue. He settled into a calmer state but refused to remove the fatherly glare. “Fine. I just hope you know what you’re doing.” He shoved the towel at Embry and stalked off.

“I don’t think he likes me.”

“What’s not to like,” Bella smiled. “He’s just being protective. You should count yourself lucky that he didn’t grab the shotgun.”

“Great….”

“He’ll come around, Embry. Don’t worry about it. How about some pancakes? I bet you’re hungry. You look like you ran here.”

Just a single utterance of food shifted his mood. He removed his shirt and dried himself off. Bella wrung out the stained wad and threw it into the washing machine. They traveled together into the kitchen. Embry took a seat in the breakfast nook and watched her fiddle with the stove. A comfortable silence spread between them as she cooked. His presence did wondrous things for her skill. Feeling at ease and relaxed led to little mishaps. Not a sprinkle of substance lay wasted on the counter tops. As a treat, Bella whipped a batch of chocolate chip pancakes for Embry.

Charlie reappeared dressed in his polyester suit. All his weaponry and gadgets strapped to his belt. He poured a mug of coffee and sat opposite to Embry. Before the intimidation tactics could ensue, Bella placed a couple of pancakes slavered in syrup in front of him. She even smeared more butter than usual. Her dad noticed her sly attempts of bribery but kept quiet. Charlie cut up his meal and ate it slowly. Embry was practically salivating when he’s plate came around.

“What would like to drink? We have orange juice, milk, coffee, or water.”

“Is water okay?”

“Of course,” Bella smiled. She grabbed a glass rivaling a vase and filled it to the brim with iced water. Embry finished the drink within seconds. Expecting it, she refilled the cup before he could say anything. He thanked her and tore into his breakfast. The look on Charlie’s face was priceless.

Bella finished up the remaining batter and placed another stack on wolf’s plate. Her father shook his head in disbelief. She joined them with a mug of creamy brew. The kitchen windows shuttered from storm’s aggression. It irked her that Embry would sprint in this terrible weather. Werewolves couldn’t be impervious to all the elements. She eyed him carefully. He seemed completely healthy.

“So Embry, what are your intentions with my daughter?”

“Dad, please be nice.”

“I am being nice,” he stated as a matter of fact. Charlie set down his cup and gave Embry the most threatening stare he could muster. It would’ve scared any human guy shitless. However, Embry took it with stride. He wiped his mouth with a napkin and genuinely smiled. “Well?”

“I really like your daughter, Sir. I’ve never felt this way about anyone. She’s sweet, caring, and unbelievably beautiful. Lucky for me, she’s willing to give me a shot. I hope we can date and see where that takes us. I’ll never hurt her. It’d kill me even if I tried,” he paused to glance in Bella’s direction. “I’d really like your permission, Chief Swan. You mean the world to Bella. It’s partly why I came over this morning.”

Charlie shifted uneasily in his seat. He looked between them and sighed. “Fine, but if you hurt a hair on her head, I’ll end you. I don’t want to see any hanky panky under my roof neither. Keep the door upstairs open. Understand me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Okay,” Charlie rose from his seat and set his dishes in the sink. “I’ve got to go. Thank you for breakfast, Bells. I’ll see you later.” She nodded and kissed her father on the cheek. A pink blush heated his face. He shuffled out of the kitchen and left the house with an umbrella in tow. Embry was right. Charlie meant everything to her.

“You’re father can be downright scary. If I wasn’t indestructible, I might have actually wet myself.” Bella rolled her eyes and took another sip of coffee. “He’s a good guy though. I wish I had a father like him. It also makes me feel better knowing he’s with you when I’m not.”

“Why? What’s your father like?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never met him,” he sighed. “The pack’s been talking about it in secret. They had no idea I was going to phase. It means that I’m related to one of them. A part of me wants to ask my mom. You’d think she would’ve mentioned this sooner. I hate not knowing.”

“Oh, Embry….” Bella scooted her chair next to his. Their shoulders leaned together sending indescribable warmth throughout their bodies. She stole his hand off the table and held to her breasts. “I don’t know what to say. If it were me, I’d want to know. Frankly, I can’t believe the guys would gossip behind your back.” Bella pressed a kiss on his knuckles. The salt on his skin flavored her lips. “And if you want to ask your mom, I’ll stand by your side for moral support. You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Bella. You don’t know what that means to me. Usually, I’d confide in Jake and Quil, but I can’t. Sam gag ordered me to steer clear of them. I’m suppose to be too hostile to function. Whatever. Look at us!”

“Well, I’m your imprint. You can’t hurt me. However, if the guys were to tick you off, you might go ballistic. Both of us should stay low key for a while. I’m kind of disappointed I can’t go to library today. It would’ve been nice to have some idea of what’s happening to me.” This time, Embry kissed her. He plucked Bella from her seat and sat her on his lap. His full lips raged a seductive battle against hers. She forgot her house arrested misery and lost herself in the imprint.

Embry moaned under her touch, but broke away so they could breathe. He nuzzled into her neck instead. Goosebumps spread beneath her clothes. “That’s why I came by this morning,” he panted. “I did a little research after patrolling. Apparently, Isis is an Egyptian goddess sometimes called the Giver of Life. Some say she deals with magic and others say love. The one consensus I discovered was that she lived among mortals. She taught common people how to grow crops and how to heal their sick. Isis had a soft spot for women too.

“I dug a little deeper and found out why the crabs responded to you. Isis has an array of animal symbols associated with her. Crabs are one of them. You could probably round up a swarm of snakes, crocodiles, scorpions, geese, or kites. The last one is some type of bird. I don’t know if they live around here or not.”

“Just great,” Bella muttered.

“I think it’s kind of cool. They could protect you against human enemies or make a great Thanksgiving dinner.”

“Embry!” She playfully slapped his back while his sweet laughter poured into her ear. A subtle sting spread through her palm. It was worth it. Despite their previous discussion, the werewolf knew what buttons to push to bring forth happiness. Bella adored his natural capability. In fact, she loved it. A year of her life lay wasted at the hands of a selfish vampire. Edward’s self-righteous and forever brooding persona chiseled away at her heart. Sitting in her imprint’s lap made her thankful that she’d endured the torment. Without Edward’s dismissal, Bella would’ve never found true companionship.

“You look gorgeous when you smile like that.”

“I could say the same for you,” she blushed.

“Well, it’s a good thing you’re the only one capable of…,” he paused and sniffed the air. Much like yesterday, Embry’s nostrils flared in disgust. He abruptly stood from his chair. It screeched against the tile and fell onto its back. He lifted Bella into a standing position but kept her close. The lightness in his eyes had all but disappeared. “Leeches,” he stated. “There’s two outside the house.” As if on cue, a light knock patted against the door. Embry bolted.

Alice and Edward Cullen waited outside on the porch. An obtrusive, Chanel umbrella shielded them from the rain. A series of snarls and growls flooded between the trio. The sight was almost comical. Bella suppressed a chuckle and initiated interference. “Guys, calm down.” The pixie passed the first motion. She forced a bleached grin and asked for permission inside. Embry obliged but only at Bella’s pleasing touch. He pitifully stepped aside. Edward shook the umbrella out and trailed in last. One could cut the tension with a knife.

“I’m sorry, Bella! I didn’t know you had company,” Alice rushed. “I was just so worried! I haven’t been able to see you since yesterday! We thought the worst had happened. After you warned us about the nomads and then leaving with a werewolf... I just didn’t know what to think! I called you about a dozens times but you never answered.”

A twinge of guilt burned in her heart. She had completely forgotten about the rebellion. Bella spent the majority of the day meeting the pack. Once home, her father demanded she sleep off her ailment. Was it possible that Embry acted as some sort of buffer? Her yellow eyes gazed at the wolf. His body language sang a dangerous tune. He looked ready to pounce at any moment. “I’m so sorry, Alice. Why don’t we move to the living room? We can talk there.” They each nodded. Bella snuck her hand in Embry’s. For a brief second, he loosened up.

The vampires surveyed the room and decided upon the worn loveseat. Embry trudged further into the space and sat in Charlie’s recliner. His strong arms pulled Bella into his lap. Edward snarled at their intimacy. Seeing the potential pissing contest, Alice mentally scolded her brother. He ran his chilled fingers through his bronze locks while hanging his head in defeat. It didn’t deter the sprite. She continued to begrudgingly smile.

“I’m really sorry,” Bella continued. “I didn’t think. I spent most of my day on the reservation. Once I got home, Charlie sent me straight upstairs. He thinks I have some sort of cold. I should’ve called you immediately, Alice.”

“It’s okay! I’m just happy you’re alright. I’ve never had my visions turn fuzzy. Edward thought it might be because of the mutts, but I wasn’t sure.” A low growl rumbled in Embry’s chest. Alice threw her hands in the air like a criminal. “Sorry! It’s not like you didn’t call us “leeches” before you answered the door.”

“You are leeches.”

Alice stomped her foot against the carpet. The hilarities wouldn’t cease. Her golden eyes were slowly receding into darkness. Bella pulled a Charlie and coughed loudly. The supernatural beings snapped to attention. “You guys need to stop the name calling. If you’re going to be around me, you have to at least pretend to get along. Especially you, Edward.”

“Why?”

“Because if the legends are true, you’ve been around Quileute wolves before. You have no reason to lash out. Embry’s here to stay. There’s absolutely nothing you can do or say that’s going to change that fact.”

“You don’t know the revolting thoughts he’s thinking.”

Bella sighed and slumped into Embry. It was becoming devastatingly clear how unchangeable vampires were. “He’s a teenage werewolf, Edward. I can tell you his desires aren’t one sided. That’s how relationships should work. You live with three mated couples! Get over it!”

“What have I done to create such a raft between us,” Edward whispered. “Your wellbeing has always been my main priority. No good can come of a human living amongst dangerous creatures.” Alice squeaked in protest.

“Edward, you’ve done everything to deserve my repugnance. I’m not a bashful, lovesick fool any longer. Whatever feelings you hold for me, put them aside. You, yourself, told me that there would be no friendship between us. It’s time you lived up to your promises.”

An uncomfortable silence supervened. The vampires sat deathly still forgetting to breathe. Edward’s tortured spheres bore into hers. She knew the message he was attempting to portray, love. He’d given her the same expression numerous times. Bella knew it to be a trap. Edward bated naïve virgins with his classic charm and left them to die of misery. For a moment, she debated rehashing their previous history. She’d visit the Cullens while Embry patrolled and relive her nightmare. Bella could retell their love story going into great detail of how he broke her. A small piece of her lavished in the thought. She was only human after all.

Alice sucked in a gulp of air drawing the group’s attention. A murky gaze shrouded her bright eyes. She quickly snapped a mask into place, but it was too late. Whatever vision she foresaw entered Edward’s mind. The forever seventeen year old openly sobbed. His venomous eyes returned to Bella’s. Embry stiffened behind her. He was unprepared for a bloodsucker to show such emotion.

Edward slowly rose the couch. He towered over the group for a moment. “I see,” he breathed. “I apologize for interfering.” Bella’s head tilted to the side in confusion. Before she could question the silent dilemma, he vanished. Only the click of the lock signified his departure. She looked to Alice for questions but received a heartbreaking look.

“What’d you see?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t you worry! He’ll get over it.”

“Why are you lying, Alice? You don’t have to.”

She rose slowly from the couch and forced a tight smile. Her hands fiddled with the hem of her blouse. “I’ll talk to you later about it. I should probably talk to Edward first. He’s upset.” Bella nodded and crawled from Embry’s clutches. She wrapped her heated arms around the pixie’s cold form. Both girls flinched from the drastic temperature change. “Be safe, Bella! With the mu--Embry around, I can’t see your future. Please call me later? Maybe we can plan a girl’s day?”

“Of course, you can,” Bella grinned. “I might even stop by at your house sometime. I’d love to see Carlisle and Esme.”

The excited reaction never came. Alice merely nodded and vacated the house. Edward’s Volvo rested in the driveway, but he was nowhere to be found. A tortured sigh escaped her lips. Somehow, the Cullen siblings knew her secret. It was the only explanation for their odd behavior. Alice hoped she’d plunge into their immortal world. She’d seen the change at some point. However, her visions were always subjective. Something happened inside the den to end their conquests. A part of her felt relieved, while another wilted. It made absolutely no sense.

“Bella, what’s wrong?”

“Alice,” she whispered. “I don’t want to lose her friendship.”

Embry guided her into the kitchen once more. “You won’t. She cares about you.” He took a seat and shifted uncomfortably. Bella’s relationships obviously bothered him. The small distance between spoke plenty. “I think you just have to give her some time. It’s not easy choosing a loved one over a brother.” The double meaning wasn’t missed by Bella. Her yellow spheres burned into his. For the first time, their nearness didn’t heal the ache. She reached out to touch him but he recoiled. “I’ve got to tell Sam about this. He needs to know your friends with them.”

“Embry….”

“Bella, don’t worry about it. I’ll be back later.” He rose from the lacquered seat and left without another word. Bella waited for him all day. She dried his shirt, fixed a three course dinner, and read two books. Embry didn’t return. The ache blossomed into agony. She felt like old Bella again. This time, she knew better than to ask Isis for any favors. It was time to grow up. At some point, the priestess knew she’d have to cope without supernatural assistance. It only seemed to make matters worse.