Wonderful Trip Home: Part Three: Exceptionally Well Day

Author’s Note

A little overdo, but it still counts. It’s longer than usual, but I hope it’s worth reading.

Tell me what you think, and I hope you enjoy!

-Page Break-

Bella smirked as for a lucky chance she was up earlier than Klaus. This gave her the opportunity to talk with Maddox. Bella tiptoed to the couch, her smirk only widening as Maddox was still sound asleep. She smiled and as loudly as she could she clapped her hands together right beside Maddox’s ear. She fell into the recliner with a laugh as Maddox sat up startled. “Got you.”

Maddox groaned laying back down on the couch. “Don’t you have something better to do?”

Bella smiled, “Come on, Maddie, I thought we bonded last night over pizza and drinks.”

Maddox rolled over turning his back to Bella. “Please, I was talking to Klaus most of the time. I think I did a wonderful job ignoring you. If only you can give me the same courtesy that I’ve given you.”

Bella sighed, “Come on, Maddie, I need your help.”

Maddox sighed moving to lay on his back his eyes looking at the ceiling. “What is it?”

“The torture of course.” Bella said her feet moving to rest on the coffee table. “I know you know what I’m talking about. Did you get the herbs I asked you for?”

Maddox nodded, “Of course I did, I’m not incompetent.” He sat up and rubbed his face. “If you want my help you’re going to have to stop calling me Maddie all the fucking time.”

Bella smiled widely as he stood. “You’ll still help me regardless. Don’t think I don’t know that you hate shapeshifters, you want to torture this asshole just as much as I do.”

Maddox grumbled as he made his way to the bathroom. Suddenly regretting not sleeping in Charlie’s room as the couch worked up his back.

Bella smiled and stood heading to the kitchen deciding she’d make breakfast for Maddie since he wouldn’t be joining them for their trip to Charlie and Sue’s. She paused her hands as they cracked an egg as something crossed her mind.

Bella stood beside Maddox her hands crossed over her chest as they watched Jacob fall to his knees.

“The thing is, Jacob.” Bella said staring at the boy in front of her. “No matter what you do, no matter what happens and what happened in the past, Klaus is always who I end up with. There’s nothing you can ever do to change that.”

Maddox opened the bottle for Bella and handed the contents to her. “It’s ready to go, just throw it at him.”

Bella nodded, she took the small glass bottle and knowing she wasn’t going to miss she threw it at Jacob. The glass erupting just in front of Jake. A puff of green smoke filled the air and Jacob roared as the smoke over took him. “It’s called Devil’s smoke.” Bella said calmly. “It brings force all your bad thoughts towards others and uses them against you. I hope you enjoy the next hour, it’s sure as hell going to be painful.”

Maddox turned and began to walk away leaving Bella staring at Jake. “We should get going, I told Klaus I’d have you back in one piece. We don’t want to be here when he shifts.”

Bella nodded, “Don’t you ever fucking try to come between Klaus and I. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Bella turned to walk off and joined Maddox as they made their way to Sue and Charlie’s home.

“You need to try Sue’s lemon cakes, Maddie.” Bella said with a smile. “They’ll blow your mind.”

“If I didn’t know Klaus would kill me, I’d trip you right now and leave you to get lost.” Maddox responded unamused.

Bella smirked, “Don’t act like you don’t like me, Maddie. I don’t need my gift to know that you’re my friend.”

“I didn’t know adding bits of shell in would make the dish taste better.” Klaus said putting his arms around Bella’s waist and pulling her out of her mind.

Bella shook her head, there was something her gift was hinting at, but it wouldn’t tell her directly. She hated how it worked sometimes, only giving her little bits of what was said to occur. “I got distracted.” She said reaching for a spoon to try and get the egg shell out of the mix. “You know, that pesky little gift of mine.”

Klaus chuckled, “Something important?” He questioned kissing her cheek before stepping away to make her coffee.

Bella shrugged, “It didn’t give me specifics, just showed me what I was going to do later with Maddie.”

“I’m assuming you brought him all the way here to help you with whatever you’re planning with Jacob.” Klaus stated moving his eyes to look at her for her response.

Bella nodded with a wide smile. “I can’t ask you for help, because let’s be honest, he’d end up losing a limb. I need something that won’t leave a mark, something that Jacob won’t be able to prove that I did. Besides, this way you can continue to charm my father into loving you.”

Klaus laughed, “I don’t think I’m that charming, love. It’s going to take quite a lot for your father to approve of me.”

Bella smiled, “I know my dad, Nik, and I’m more than sure that he’ll like you. He’ll be inviting you to one of his fishing trips soon.”

Klaus smirked at Bella. “You have too much faith in my abilities to charm people.”

“Nik, I know my dad and one of the most important things to him is me. If you really want to get to him, just mention to him what happened when we were in Portland. You remember? The drug addict that shot me. Just tell him about that. Trust me, my dad will be happy that you did something to protect his little girl.” Bella assured as she continued to prepare the food. “You should also know that Seth has a lot of sway with my dad, and you’ve won Seth over completely.”

Klaus finished making Bella’s coffee, he went ahead and let a generous amount of his blood fall inside. A precaution for anything that might happen that day. He approached Bella as she was at the stove, he placed her coffee beside her and kissed her cheek. “Your coffee.”

Bella smiled already knowing what he did. “Thank you.” She responded deciding this would be one of those time she pretended to be oblivious to his actions.

-Page Break-

Bella hummed as she walked beside Klaus to Sue’s house. “Today’s going to be a good day.” She said taking sip of the mug of coffee she had brought to their outing.

Klaus smirked, “Are you so sure about that?”

Bella nodded, “Nik, I know this, today’s going to be exceptionally well. Just wait.”

Klaus followed Bella up the stairs of the house and kept his arm around her waist as she knocked on the door. He greeted Sue warmly as she invited them in.

“You go into the living room,” Sue said to Klaus. “Charlie and Seth are in there; us ladies are going to be in the kitchen.”

Bella smiled widely. “You’re charming, Nik, don’t forget that.” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “I hope you like fishing.” She whispered before she followed Sue into the kitchen.

“Making lemon squares?” Bella said as she hopped up on the counter next to Leah.

“How did you know?” Sue questioned as she worked around the room.

“It’s a gift.” Bella said with a shrug of her shoulders.

“Know it all.” Leah said with a teasing shove on Bella’s shoulder.

Bella grinned, “Don’t start Leah, you might be surprised how much I know.”

Sue chuckled, “So Bella now that it’s just us girls. How’d you really met this man?”

“You mean the man who has the hearing ability to hear this entire conversation?” Bella said smirk as she knew Klaus could hear everything that was occurring in the kitchen.

“He’s really a vampire?” Sue questioned as she worked around the kitchen. “Seth says he’s a wolf, but Jake told your father he was a vampire.”

Bella smiled, “Klaus is a little bit of both. He’s a natural born hybrid, part vampire part werewolf. And I met him due to my know it all abilities. You should all know I saved his life.”

Sue laughed, “Really, honey, how’d you meet him?”

Bella scoffed, “What? I’m not capable of saving a life?”

“No offense, Swan, but you’re usually the one who needs lifesaving.” Leah responded taking a bite of a piece of bacon her mother had cooked.

“Leah do not eat yet!” Sue said shaking her head “And Bella honey, of course I think you could save a life.”

Bella smirked at Leah. “So Lee Lee, who’s Ralph?”

Leah choked back on the piece of bacon. She glared at Bella. “What the hell, Swan?”

Sue turned to her daughter. “Who’s Ralph, Leah?”

“Her special friend.” Bella responded laughing as Leah left the kitchen in a huff. “He’s a friend she met in Forks, not an imprint, but definitely the gateway to one.”

Sue smiled, “Are you certain?”

Bella nodded, “Give it a few weeks, you’ll see.”

“SHUT IT, SWAN!” Leah shouted from the stairs.

Bella laughed, “Zipping my lips.” She said quietly while winking towards Sue. She definitely enjoyed being home again.

-Page Break-

Bella smiled as Klaus left with Charlie, Seth, Sue and Leah to go out on a fishing trip. She had declined insisting that she just wanted to walk along the beach for a while. She turned on her heel once they were out of sight and headed back to Sue’s house to see Maddox already leaning against the door.

“Maddie!” Bella said with a smile. “You’re on time, good. Prepared everything?”

Maddox nodded keeping his pockets inside his jacket. “How long are they going to be gone?”

One hour, 45 minutes, 34 seconds

“We have an hour and forty-five minutes.” Bella said, “My dad catches a big one and gets excited.”

“Good, this should ware off around that time. No one will believe the asshole.” Maddox responded. “Where is he?”

“Patrolling,” Bella said she turned around and pointed into the woods. “About 4 minutes in that direction.”

Maddox sighed, “You didn’t mention hiking would be required.”

“If I had mentioned it you wouldn’t have come.” Bella responded as she began to walk into the woods. “We have to time it perfectly, if we get there too early he’s going to be in transformation and he’ll be able to alert the others that are on patrol.”

Maddox stayed silent throughout their walk. He paused as Bella did the same. “We’re near.”

Bella nodded pushing Maddox back against a tree. “He’ll pass right in front of us, we just have to wait.”

Maddox groaned out. “You didn’t mention waiting.”

Bella rolled her eyes, “I didn’t mention anything that would mean you wouldn’t come.”

Maddox waited his hands itching to use his magic. He smirked widely as he saw the boy walk around the corner. With more power than needed he dropped Jacob to the floor.

Bella stood beside Maddox her hands crossed over her chest as they watched Jacob fall to his knees.

“The thing is, Jacob.” Bella said staring at the boy in front of her. “No matter what you do, no matter what happens and what happened in the past, Klaus is always who I end up with. There’s nothing you can ever do to change that.”

Maddox opened the bottle for Bella and handed the contents to her. “It’s ready to go, just throw it at him.”

Bella nodded, she took the small glass bottle and knowing she wasn’t going to miss she threw it at Jacob. The glass erupting just in front of Jake. A puff of green smoke filled the air and Jacob roared as the smoke over took him. “It’s called Devil’s smoke.” Bella said calmly. “It brings force all your bad thoughts towards others and uses them against you. I hope you enjoy the next hour, it’s sure as hell going to be painful.”

Maddox turned and began to walk away leaving Bella staring at Jake. “We should get going, I told Klaus I’d have you back in one piece. We don’t want to be here when he turns.”

Bella nodded, “Don’t you ever fucking try to come between Klaus and I. You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Bella turned to walk off and joined Maddox as they made their way back to Sue and Charlie’s home.

“You need to try Sue’s lemon squares, Maddie.” Bella said with a smile. “They’ll blow your mind.”

“If I didn’t know Klaus would kill me, I’d trip you right now and leave you to get lost.” Maddox responded unamused.

Bella smirked, “Don’t act like you don’t like me, Maddie. I don’t need my gift to know that you’re my friend.” Bella looked around as this was what she had seen earlier, but something was wrong. Klaus had disturbed her too early before she could see what was going to happen.

Bella shook her head. “Come on, Sue said I was allowed to get some lemon squares from her house. We’ll get them and we’ll sit by the beach and hear the howls in pain. There’s a good echo here, you’d be amazed by how good we’ll be able to hear him. And we can talk about all your past relationships, you know, girl talk.”

“I would rather get bitten by this shifter than talk to you about my relationships.” Maddox responded with a frown.

-Page Break-

“No.” Bella stated as she grabbed another lemon square. “Jacob hasn’t always been an asshole. When we were kids he was okay. Then puberty kicked in and that’s when he became an asshole.”

“Shapeshifters always become assholes once they hit puberty. It’s in their system. They become entitled and expect for the whole world to fall to their feet because they have the ability to turn into a house pet on a whim.” Maddox said with disgust.

“You hate shapeshifters, but not werewolves?” Bella questioned using the sleeve of her shirt to wipe off the crumbs on her face.

“You eat like a child.” Maddox reprimanded her. “Werewolves aren’t shapeshifters. Those wolves aren’t complete assholes to everyone and everything. They don’t feel the world owes them something.”

Bella smiled, “They’re coming back.” Bella said standing almost sending the tupperware to the ground. “My dad caught a huge fish, he’s so excited, it reminds me of a child at Christmas.”

Maddox rolled his eyes but stayed silent as he stood just behind Bella.

Bella looked on as the boat approached. She paused her hands as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck come to a stand. The hidden hint that she had missed something earlier in the morning.

I would rather get bitten by this shifter…

Bella turned her head and looked over Maddox’s shoulder to see a running wolf approaching them. Not hesitating Bella moved quickly just as Jacob leapt into the air, she pushed Maddox to the ground taking the intended bite for him.

“FUCK!” Bella yelled in pain as Jacob had bitten into her shoulder and had scratched up the majority of her stomach and chest. Bella began wheezing for air as the pain was becoming too strong. She saw Jacob fall to the ground whimpering and pawing at his head.

“You stupid girl.” Maddox responded removing his jacket to cover her chest that had been exposed from the scratches.

Bella screamed as the pain intensified. “Dead.” She hissed out as she clutched at the bite on her arm. “I want him dead. His head on a fucking stick!”

Maddox nodded, “Duly noted.” He responded as he did his best to use his magic to heal her. “I’m going to put you to sleep, your wounds will heal better that way.”

Bella’s eyes batted and she didn’t argue. She didn’t have energy to call him Maddie or to insist that he was willingly her friend. No, she merely closed her eyes and started to sleep.

“Maddox!” Klaus shouted jumping from the boat before it was anchored to the ground.

“Your blood is already doing its job. She’s asleep, it’ll speed up the healing process.” Maddox said standing at full alert. “He was coming after me, but Bella intervened and put herself in my place. You need to get her somewhere she can rest and you need to get more blood into her system. It’ll speed up the healing process.”

Klaus nodded, “I want you to figure out the magic that makes them shifters.” He ordered his mind already preparing a plan.

Maddox nodded, “I’ll go now. I’ll call as soon as I have something.”

Klaus kneeled down and picked Bella up in his arms keeping Maddox’s jacket on her. “I want this soon, Maddox.”

“An hour and I’ll have it.” Maddox assured as she walked away but first stopping by the whimpering wolf and giving him a swift kick to the head, a small retaliation for hurting Bella.

“What the hell happened?” Charlie said approaching.

“Shifters have a bad temper.” Klaus responded as he began to walk. “That one on the floor almost killed her.”

Charlie looked to Sue, “Where the hell is he going with my girl?”

Sue placed a hand on Charlie’s shoulders. “She’s his girl now, Charlie. Trust me, he’s going to make sure she’s alright. I’m sure he’s taking her back to your home in Forks. His blood will heal her; we just have to let it. Charlie this tribe is going to erupt soon and we all need to prepare for it.”

-Page Break-

Bella blinked and  flinched back as the light from the window stung her eyes. “Nik. Please the light.”

Klaus moved and closed the curtains of the room. “You did something stupid.”

Bella pulled Klaus’s pillow over her head. “Maddie was going to die. I knew he could save me, but if he got hurt there’s nothing I could’ve done to save him.” Bella let out a small whimper as she turned to her side.

Klaus moved and helped Bella sit up he put his arms around her as she pressed her head into the curve of his neck. “You almost died Isabella.”

“I’m sorry.” Bella whispered. “It was instinct, Nik. I didn’t know if I was going to die or not, but I did know that if I did die I’d come back.”

Klaus shook his head. “You’re not allowed to do anymore torture plans without me being there to protect you.”

Bella nodded, “Everything hurts. It all stings and aches. I thought your blood dealt with that.”

Klaus smiled, “Not exactly, love. Your wounds were deep, my blood healed up the wounds, but it won’t take away the aches.”

Bella groaned, “Come on, I want Jacob’s head so I can hang it over my fireplace as decoration.”

Klaus chuckled as Bella stood but swayed. He blurred quickly to her and set her down on the bed. “I’ll get you a new change of clothes, just try not to move.”

Bella nodded her head was spinning and she felt like she was about to puke. “My sunglass.” Bella begged as she covered her eyes with her hands. “I feel drained.” She whispered as Klaus placed her sunglasses on for her. She moved and laid back down on the bed. “I’ve changed my mind. I just want to take a nap.”

“Your father is worried and I have to deal with that mutt.” Klaus responded as he put a sweatshirt down beside Bella. “I’ll be dealing with the wolves while you stay with your father.”

“I don’t want to walk.” Bella replied as she sat up and slipped on the sweatshirt. “Everything hurts, Nik. This is worse than being shot.”

Klaus moved and placed on her shoes for her. He pushed back the hair on her face. “Do you want more of my blood?”

Bella shook her head slightly pouted. “It won’t work. Your blood has already fixed the wounds, the aches and soreness will go away with some medicine. Can I ask you to carry me?”

Klaus chuckled, he gently picked her up and cradled her to him. “Once I’m done you and I are going to talk about what it means for you to be safe.”

Bella nodded, “I know, Nik. I promise not to fall asleep during it.”

-Page Break-

Klaus approached the house and as soon as his foot stepped on the first step the door swung open.

Bella lifted her head from Klaus’s shoulder and looked at her dad. “I know what you’re going to stay, and if you can spare me the shouting that would be great. I already feel horrible dad; I don’t need a migraine.”

“Your arm? Chest?” Charlie questioned stepped aside to let Klaus enter with Bella.

“Perfectly healed.” Bella responded resting her head back on Klaus’s shoulder.

Klaus moved and set her down on the couch. “Don’t do anything stupid.”

Bella nodded, “At this point all I think I’ll be doing is sleeping.”

Klaus nodded he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be back, love.”

“Your plan is clever.” Bella whispered as her eyes closed. “It’s worst then him dying.”

Klaus smirked, “I’m glad you think so, love.” Klaus watched as Bella drifted back to sleep. He moved and draped the blanket on the couch over her.

“How is she really doing?” Charlie asked worried.

“Her wounds are healed, but she’s tired and sore.” Klaus responded. “She’s going to be fine, she just needs to rest, when she wakes up again the best thing to do would be to give her some water and something light to eat.”

“Where are you going?” Charlie questioned.

“To deal with this.” Klaus responded seriously. “I am going to make sure that mutt doesn’t get a chance to hurt her again.”

“Are you going to kill him?” Charlie asked seriously.

“I haven’t fully decided, but it is an option.” Klaus responded truthfully.

“I don’t want to see that boy anywhere near my baby girl.” Charlie responded clapping Klaus on the shoulder before heading back into the house. He was left alone after Sue, Leah and Seth were called in for a tribal meeting with the pack.

-Page Break-

Klaus approached Maddox. “Did you get what I asked for?”

Maddox nodded, “They keep all the stuff relating to their abilities sacred, so it wasn’t that hard to track down the memoir of the witch who blessed them with the ability.”

Klaus nodded, “Do you have the ability to reverse it?”

Maddox nodded, “Once I reverse it the entire pack changes, a new alpha will be named and a new Chief of the tribe will be named as well.”

“Good.” Klaus responded as he walked ahead of Maddox as he already knew where the pack had been gathered. Klaus interrupted the pack meeting just as the tribal leaders, including Sue, were about to discuss the punishment of Jacob.

“It’s my suggesting he should be beheaded. Or at the very least be neutered.” Klaus responded catching the attention of all that were gathered.

“IT’S ALL HIS FAULT!” Jacob wailed from his spot at the front. “HE WAS THE ONE THAT TOOK HER AWAY AND MADE HER A PSYCHOTIC BITCH!”

Klaus growled in warning his eyes glowing brightly as he faced the pathetic shapeshifter. “I would watch how you speak about my mate. I will end your pathetic existence in the blink of an eye.”

“Mr. Mikaelson.” Billy said. “As tribal Chief I have to assure you that we will deal with him properly.”

“I think you’re biased.” Klaus said stepped closer. “He is your son; you wouldn’t let any harm come to your precious child. You’ll simply let him get away with attacking and almost killing a human. You care more about your child than you do about the well-being of the humans you’re supposed to be protecting.”

“This matter does not concern you.” Billy said glaring at the original. “This is pack matters and you have no say in what is to happen.”

“He attacked my mate.” Klaus responded, “I have all the say in the matter. You all would do anything to protect your imprints and I will do everything I can to protect my mate. I am stronger than all of you and I will prevent this stupid boy from harming her again.”

“You will do nothing of the sort.” Billy growled in anger.

“You will not order me around. I am not under your control.” Klaus growled he turned to Maddox, “Are you ready?”

“Sir, yes, sir.” Maddox responded as he cracked his knuckles and walked towards Jacob.

Klaus growled as some of the pack stood to protect their alpha. “SIT.” He growled his fangs lengthening and his eyes glowing a bright gold color.

The pack listened and sat down letting Maddox approach Jacob.

Klaus turned to the leaders. “What is about to occur is simple. My warlock is going to reverse the curse that allows this boy to become a shapeshifter. By doing so it is stripping the Black family of their leadership, this boy will no longer be Alpha in the community. A new, more qualified Alpha will rise and take his place.”

“You cannot do this!” Billy shouted struggling in his chair.

“ENOUGH!” Sue shouted standing. “This man is doing what is needed. We told you from the beginning that you needed to get your son under control. He is ruining all the standards this tribe stands for. These boys were meant to protect the tribe, to honor their name and yet they’ve done nothing of the sort. They have become a group of thugs that most of the tribe members are scared of. It is has come to the point I try to keep my own children away from them as much as I can! This pack needs a change and I hope that the next Alpha has the capability of creating a new change.”

“I agree.” Old Quil stated standing. “This pack needs a change and Jacob Black needs to be punished for bringing harm to another being. This is not what we stand for, it is time we end the corruption in this tribe.”

Klaus smirked at Billy. “I suggest you start coming to terms. If I’m right, as soon as a new wolf takes the role of Alpha, that family becomes the chief of the tribe. You’re going to be losing your title soon.”

-Page Break-

Bella’s eyes blinked open. “DAD!” Bella whined as he had the TV on in full volume. “Please turn down the volume.”

Charlie turned the television off. “How are you feeling?”

Bella sat up and grabbed her sunglasses that had fallen off and put them on. “Like I’m suffering from the worst hangover of my life.”

“Sue left you some food.” Charlie said standing. “Klaus said you needed to eat and drink.”

Bella smiled, “Warming up to him?”

“He saved your life.” Charlie responded. “How does that work? Jacob practically tore you in half.”

Bella leaned back on the couch. “Vampire blood is strong; it can heal a lot. Klaus is the oldest of his kind and his blood is remarkably strong. It healed the wounds, but it didn’t take away the soreness. Do you have any Ibuprofen?”

“Yeah, Sue keeps some around.” Charlie responded. “What’s he got in mind?”

“He’s going to have Maddox remove Jacob’s ability to become a wolf.” Bella responded taking the glass of water her dad handed her. She smiled at the wrapped plate of a sandwich and some carrots. “No lemon squares? I didn’t get to finish the ones she left me.”

Charlie rolled his eyes, “Eat this first, I’m not letting you fill up in sweets.”

Bella sighed and ate at her sandwich. “Maddox is a warlock.” She said as she swallowed a bite of a sandwich. “He works for Klaus.”

“The same way you worked for Klaus?” Charlie questioned sitting down a bottle of Gatorade and a Ibuprofen for Bella.

“No dad.” Bella said with a roll of her eyes. “They don’t sleep together.”

“Bells.” Charlie warned.

Bella rolled her eyes, “You set yourself up for these.” She said taking a carrot into her mouth.

“What happens when Jacob can’t shapeshift?” Charlie questioned.

“A new Alpha takes his place; the family leader of the Alpha’s family takes on the role of Chief in the tribe. This is going to cause a huge shift in the tribe.” Bella stated with a shrug. “I can’t wait for everyone to see the new leader. It’s going to be beautiful.”

“You know who it’s going to be?” Charlie questioned.

Bella nodded, “It’s a process of alimentation. The pack is undergoing a rebirth; the alpha has to be someone who can lead them into a more positive future. They’re meant to be leaders of the tribe, and instead they’re enticing fear in everyone they’re meant to be protecting. The alpha has to be the purest of them all, it has to be someone that knows how to lead, but understands what the pack is meant to be for this tribe. There’s only one person in that pack that knows what it is to be a wolf, and can understand what their role is in the tribe. There is only one member of the pack that will put the life of the tribe before their own. That member is going to be alpha and because of them, the pack is going to be led into a better future. One were this tribe can grow.”

“You’re not going to tell me?” Charlie questioned.

“Not a chance.” Bella said taking a bite of her sandwich, she smiled at her dad as she finished her bite. “I love, Sue. She’s the best, my little brother is going to be so lucky to have the both of you as parents.”

“We don’t know if it’s a boy or not, Bella.” Charlie reminded her.

Bella scoffed, “Dad, I’m willing to bet anything that you’re going to have a boy.” Bella finished the remainder of her sandwich and half of her carrots before taking the medicine. “Want to play some cards? Klaus has been teaching me some good tips. I think I can beat you at poker.”

“Kid, you can’t beat your old man at poker.” Charlie said standing. “Come on, we have to do this on the table. More space for me to teach you how to really play poker, you can’t beat your old man.”

-Page Break-

Klaus smirked widely as Jacob fell to the floor. “There we go, he’s just a regular human who no longer holds the power to hurt anyone else.”

Maddox stepped away. “I can feel the spirits conversing.” He told Klaus. “I think they’ve chosen a new Alpha.”

Klaus nodded, “Go and check on Bella.”

Maddox nodded and began to walk away. Klaus turned to the elders of the tribe as they all waited for the change to happen.

“AH!” Leah screamed as she fell to her knees panting. “What the hell!” She yelled as she felt like her insides were burning. It reminded her of the first time she ever shifted.

Klaus turned to the elders and smirked. “Ladies and gentlemen, your new alpha.”

Billy began to yell along with a few of the pack members. The room went up in yells as everyone was taking a side. Most of the members were siding with Leah but a few were arguing that an Alpha couldn’t be a woman.

Klaus smirked as a large growl erupted through the room causing it to go silent. “It seems your alpha has spoken.” His smirk grew as the pack members fell into place. He noticed the way Seth stood beside Leah, it was clear that Leah had named her Beta.

Each pack member began to kneel one by one in front of Leah. Asserting their alliance with her, each member bowed their heads to her.

“NO!” Jacob shouted standing. “This can’t be happening! Dad do something.”

Sue stood, “There’s nothing he can do, the spirits have made their decision.”

“Leah Clearwater is the new alpha.” Old Quil stated standing leaning against his cane.

-Page Break-

“You’re cheating!” Charlie said standing as the doorbell rang.

Bella rolled her eyes and stood pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. “Don’t get all mad because I won. I told you I learned some new tricks.”

Charlie looked through the peephole and opened the door. “Can I help you?”

Bella looked over her dad’s shoulder. “Maddie!” Bella said with a smile. “Dad, this is Maddox, he’s my friend.”

“Hardly.” Maddox replied with a sigh. “I came to see how Bella was doing.”

Charlie nodded, “Come in, can I get you anything?”

“No, thank you,” Maddox responded. “I’m just here to make sure Bella isn’t in too much suffering.”

Bella smirked she reached forward and put a hand on Maddox’s forehead. “You don’t have a fever so I don’t understand why you’re acting so strangely.”

Maddox rolled his eyes, “And by the annoying tone in your voice I can tell that you’re doing just fine.”

Bella smiled, “Yes, I’m feeling much better, thank you for asking.”

Maddox sighed and nodded his head. “I’m sure you already know everything has been taken care of.”

Bella nodded, “Got it. Don’t worry, Maddie, I think you’re free to go take a nap.”

Maddox nodded and put his hands in his pockets. “Call if there’s anything you need.”

“Even if I need a chocolate shake from the diner?” Bella said as she followed Maddox to the door.

“No, only if you’re dying or gravely ill.” Maddox responded unamused.

Bella grinned, “Thanks, Maddie.”

“Saving my life doesn’t mean you can call me Maddie.” Maddox responded unamused.

Bella shrugged, “I think that’s exactly what it means.”

“He’s your friend?” Charlie questioned curiously once Maddox was gone.

Bella shrugged, “It’s a strange friendship, but trust me dad, he’s a good guy.”

“So why didn’t you date him?”  Charlie questioned.

“He’s not Klaus.” Bella responded with a shrug. “I only want, Klaus.”

Bella moved and sat down on the couch while her dad sat down on the recliner. “Wake me up when they get back, dad.”

Charlie watched her scrunch herself on the end of the couch turning herself into a little ball before falling asleep. Charlie turned on the TV lowering the volume as he didn’t want to wake Bella with the noise.

Close to an hour later Charlie heard the front door open. He stood as Sue entered with Leah and Seth following behind. It seemed Klaus had walked past them to check in on Bella as he was already kneeling down in front of her.

“How’d it go?” Charlie questioned the three that stood in front of him.

“It was so cool!” Seth said stepping in. “Klaus came in there and he was just so awesome. He took away Jacob’s gift and that meant that he wasn’t alpha anymore. And then LEAH became alpha! It’s so cool, dad! Everything has changed and the pack is said to be stronger. It’s been so EPIC, dad.”

Sue and Charlie froze at Seth’s slip of the tongue he had never outwardly called Charlie dad and it had come to a bit of shock to them all.

Bella smiled at Klaus as she stood. “This is the part where my dad sees just how amazing you are. I told you, Seth has a lot of pull with my dad and you’re a hero in Seth’s mind.”

Klaus chuckled, “Did you send Maddox away?”

Bella nodded, “He needed to get some sleep. Come on, Sue is about to take out the angel cake she was saving for tomorrow.”

Klaus smiled and put his arm around Bella’s waist to keep her steady when she walked. He looked down at her as she wrapped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Bella replied she looked up at him and smiled. “You’re warm, so I’m going to be glued to you for the remainder of the evening.”

“That doesn’t bother me, love.” Klaus responded amused as she held him tightly.

“I know.” Bella responded with a smirk, she looked up to him and her smirk only grew. “I told you, today was going to be exceptionally well.” She rolled her eyes at the look on his face. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was a good day.”

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