{"id":769,"date":"2024-08-20T00:05:14","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T00:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=769"},"modified":"2024-08-20T00:14:16","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T00:14:16","slug":"chapter-05","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/meekobuggy.com\/?page_id=769","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 05"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Chapter 05<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

With great power comes great responsibility. Don\u2019t leave, we need you here. Do you have any idea the power that you\u2019re holding? You can start your own pack, fight the good fight. Join us here. You\u2019re no match to Isaac, he won\u2019t be able to stop you once you go off. You have the power to do something great, or something stupid. He\u2019s an idiot!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s my<\/em> idiot!\u201d Bella had responded angrily, temper flaring up, she could feel it extend to her extremities and both Peter and Derek blinked at her, visibly shaken. \u201cStop pulling other people down to make yourself feel better. Or appear better. You\u2019re telling me nothing new, we\u2019re leaving town. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And at that point, Isaac had been glad to be behind her, not needing to deal with the raw Alpha werewolf standing in the middle of the loft. Peter and Derek both had felt her power, she hadn\u2019t shifted, even, and she was so powerful. There was no doubt that Peter would want to have it all to himself. Again. But Bella wouldn\u2019t allow herself to be played. And that was a good thing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They emptied the food in a large container near the animal clinic and did a quick shop in Walmart before leaving town, there were far too many people with guns walking out in broad daylight, and it was best to be on the move. Isaac decided to keep driving until they were somewhere in Nevada where it was isolated and no people around to wait out the night. It was at a small lake with a lot of fish in them, so Bella got to fish after all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Okay, so Isaac was still slightly on edge because of her, but he had significantly mellowed out once they had put a significant distance between them and Beacon Hills. She liked this Isaac, and with him relaxed, she could relax. She still felt the effects of the impending full moon, of course, but it was less than it had been in Beacon Hills, and she kept herself distracted by cooking and singing along to the loud music that was playing from the radio. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She found it interesting that despite all the warnings, the angst and drama, she was able to stay human, it felt easy. Bella was having fun and doing what she liked. Even her other\u2026 urges<\/em> were being kind to her and stayed away. No, this was good. Having fun, letting go, was good. Now if only she could get Isaac in the same sort of mindset and everything would be even more fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, for now, it was a party of one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe they had too much food for dinner, but it was likely that it wasn\u2019t even that much for the two of them. Her body was burning calories like a mother fucker and she was hungry. Very hungry. The fish tasted delicious and, when all the food was gone Isaac even threw some steaks on the grill to have more food. While the food was all gone, and had been delicious, she was curious to know what Isaac thought about it, since he was the chef and all. \u201cSo\u2026 what did you think of the food?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI liked it,\u201d he smiled at her. \u201cIt was really good, rustic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo you\u2019re telling me that it basically sucked.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo!\u201d Isaac blinked at her. \u201cNo! I honestly liked it! I mean\u2026 I had to go to chef school to even learn how to cook and I only know how to cook that way – chop everything finely, neatly, season right, make sure everything\u2019s perfect and here you are, making delicious fish without being\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnal?\u201d Bella smirked at him. \u201cObsessive? Don\u2019t you know that cooking should be fun, most of all? That when you cook from the heart, instead of your brain, that it tastes better automatically?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, it\u2019s what I\u2019ve been told many times over when I was training\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut the exact measurements and following recipes to the letter did you some good for your anxiety, didn\u2019t it? But what if you followed everything to the letter and realized it didn\u2019t taste good? Would you go back and make it again with adjustments you made?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d he said as he pulled the steaks off the fire. She was digging around in his brain, and he hated it. It was almost as if she knew him, really knew him. Like she saw right through him. \u201cWhy? You think my food is bad?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh no, it\u2019s delicious. It\u2019s something else, alright. I\u2019d like to see you cook when you\u2019ve loosened up a little though, I think you\u2019ll enjoy that a lot better too,\u201d she smiled as she gratefully took the perfectly cooked steak. \u201cYou really don\u2019t have to worry about me tonight, I\u2019m feeling great and Peter has already confirmed that I\u2019ll be fine. You may not trust him on his word but I\u2019ve had enough dealings with his kind and the gifts they have to know that he\u2019s freakishly accurate.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOr, he could be merely saying what you want to hear,\u201d Isaac pointed out. \u201cBut we\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re such a Debbie Downer,\u201d she let out a snort as she attacked her steak with her knife and fork. \u201cI\u201dll change that. I\u2019ll show you that you can<\/em> trust people and that you\u2019re not alone anymore, even though I know you prefer to be alone, yes. You\u2019ve told me that. Several times. But you know the saying, right? \u2018The lady protests too much\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He rolled his eyes at her as he dug into his steak. \u201cLet\u2019s just survive the night without getting caught. We\u2019re out in the open and should a hunter come by and shine a light in our eyes, we\u2019ll be in trouble and we\u2019ll have to fight that hunter.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI know how a gun works,\u201d Bella said as she munched on the meat. \u201cDaddy\u2019s a cop. I\u2019ve learned how to shoot guns and rifles. Don\u2019t worry, I have your back. I\u2019ve told you this before. Relax or I\u2019ll get the stun baton and make you relax.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the sun set and the moon came up, Bella had the great idea to go swimming in the lake, and after making sure that Isaac didn\u2019t have his phone on him, she gave him a slight push into the water, as he continued to trip over his feet and face planting on the water\u2019s surface. She jumped after him and, after some persuasion, Isaac turned playful by splashing water at her or pulling her under. And she did the same. She was surprised by the amount of physical strength she had, even hurting Isaac when she was playing a little bit too rough, causing him to let out a yelp. He was fine, nothing that wouldn\u2019t heal soon, but she needed to make sure that didn\u2019t happen again. What if she accidentally hurt a human?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And he was sweet, didn\u2019t mind helping her get it somewhat under control for the rest of the night. He explained that it was mostly the full moon\u2019s doing, but that she was a lot stronger than a regular human when there wasn\u2019t a full moon. Not as bad as the Cold Ones though, so she was happy about that, but it was all about learning your own strength. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They even sparred a little with the moon high up in the sky. Isaac was careful with her and she tried to pull her punches too. She didn\u2019t have to worry about being breakable anymore, one punch would not break her hand or wrist. And if it did, it would heal. She felt the effect of the moon, but she was still human. She was distracted and she was with Isaac. What more did she want? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 3 am she was exhausted, dried up from the swim earlier, but exhausted, and Isaac pulled out the beds in the truck so she could sleep. He even went to bed himself, but she was sure that he wasn\u2019t going to get the rest that he needed because he was still anxious. She felt it, but she also knew that it was going to be a slow process for him to trust her. To accept her and to accept that she wasn\u2019t going anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She woke up the next morning to the smell of coffee and bacon as Isaac was making them breakfast. \u201cUgh. What time is it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSeven,\u201d he replied with a smile on his face. \u201cI want to hit the road early, you can still doze off in the seat in front later if you so desire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella huffed as she pushed her hair out of her face and got up from the bed to make her way outside with a toilet roll. When she returned, Isaac presented her with a bar of chocolate. \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTo commend you on your first full moon and your strength and willpower for not turning,\u201d he replied. \u201cAnd to apologize for not believing you, then not believing Peter and then still not believing you. You were right. You\u2019re stronger and more aware of your body and urges than anyone I\u2019ve ever known. In fact, I don\u2019t think there\u2019s any documentation of what you\u2019ve done last night, so, well done.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella let out a snort as she gratefully took the chocolate. \u201cApology accepted and thank you, I guess? After dinner, where will we be heading?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, as far as we can get today. Now that the pressure is off of the full moon, we need to keep driving. I have a meeting with the sheriff in three days of the place Peter wants me to go next for things, and I want to get the lay of the land, a little.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFair enough,\u201d Bella said as she took her coffee. \u201cWhat\u2019s in Virginia?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnother supernatural hotspot, one without a Nemeton – the tree thing – but a lot of magical history. They have a school for witches, but other than that, no protection at all. The school is well known amongst hunters, but they still have hearts and won\u2019t necessarily go after children.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to help the school?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn a way,\u201d Isaac nodded. \u201cThe town has its own supernatural pull and there have been sightings of werewolves and the other kind of vampires who were looking for protection, but the sheriff turned them all away, despite knowing about the danger they\u2019re in. The town just isn\u2019t equipped to deal with it. Now, Peter\u2019s idea was to open a Bed and Breakfast there, one with a restaurant, rooms\u2026 and some hidden areas.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, that\u2019s very interesting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd have friends of his dig tunnels 30 miles long, which will end up at a farm where people will be safe and <\/em>have multiple escape routes should evacuation be necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep, that\u2019s it,\u201d she nodded. \u201cI\u2019m definitely sticking around now. I\u2019ve always wanted to run a B&B after watching Gilmore Girls. You need me, anyway.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd you deserve to live your own life, Bella.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWho says I\u2019m not? I\u2019m choosing to stay with you and do this thing. We\u2019d do something good and I get to do I\u2019ve always wanted. So I suppose the meeting with the sheriff is to give him a head\u2019s up? How well do you think that\u2019s going to go if he\u2019s refused so many supernaturals already?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBecause we can actually help. We have the means, we sort of have the plans, Peter\u2019s still working on that.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to have to talk to the mayor, too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYep, and organize a lot of things, so that\u2019s why I want to get there a bit earlier than expected so we can get an idea of how things work there.\u201d He then let out a snort. \u201cI\u2019m kinda afraid that he also wants to give me a home and has me stop moving around so much.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so wrong about that? A lot of people stay in the same place for years on end. Build a life. You can\u2019t do that when you\u2019re on the road all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt works for me,\u201d he shrugged as he took a bite off of his bacon sandwich. \u201cAh well, if it doesn\u2019t work out, he\u2019ll find someone else for that project.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least he was going to try<\/em>. \u201cAre we going to uhm\u2026 what\u2019s it called? Uhm\u2026\u201d she snapped her fingers as she was trying to remember. She had stumbled across a few mentions of a town in Virginia when she was doing her research on figuring out what Edward was, a town with the myths of vampires walking around and werewolves. \u201cMystic Church?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFalls,\u201d Isaac laughed. \u201cMystic Falls. Fell\u2019s Church is close by. How do you know about it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI like history. And I tried to figure out what Edward was. It came up in the google search,\u201d she shrugged. \u201cI always wanted to go there, don\u2019t they have like a cave system there? With drawings from the Vikings who came to settle in the States?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Isaac laughed. \u201cBut it would be fun to find that out.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd yes, it\u2019s another small town, but at least it\u2019s in a fucking warmer climate,\u201d she nodded. \u201cThis is going to be fun!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

~o.O.o~<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They drove to Albuquerque where they stocked up and Bella took over the wheel, she\u2019d slept some on the way over during the 11 hour drive, and now it was Isaac\u2019s turn to have a somewhat rest on the passenger seat after some food and Bella drove for another 8 hours before stopping outside Oklahoma City to prepare breakfast and have a nap herself. By the time she woke up again, Isaac was driving again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He really wanted to get to Mystic Falls sooner. Yeah, they had another two days until his meeting, but it was still a close 24 hour drive. It felt like fleeing, but on the other hand, it also felt like running away to start a completely new life. Start all over. Yes, it was going to be difficult to start one in a small town where no doubt everyone knew each other, but challenges were there to be accepted. And Bella definitely accepted this challenge, even though the last week had been sheer madness. And exciting. Far more exciting than the previous few years and she was ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entrance to Mystic Falls reminded her a little of Forks. One way. Trees. But warm and it had a real \u2018southern\u2019 look. Movie southern, perhaps. Not that it was fake, it just looked\u2026 fake<\/em>.  The town center looked destroyed, but they were trying to fix things up a little. \u201cWhat happened here?\u201d It was worse than destruction; it looked like a ghost town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, a lot,\u201d Isaac let out a breath. \u201cI\u2019m not entirely sure on the details but rumor is that the devil himself came to town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella let out a snort. \u201cSeriously?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shrugged then. \u201cLikely some very ancient person who was evil and what not, but yeah, the town was almost destroyed by then due to other supernatural causes as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It sounded as if Mystic Falls was the place to be for supernaturals. Like Beacon Hills, but without the Nemeton. This was confusing, weren\u2019t they going to save people who couldn\u2019t save themselves? \u201cThen why are we—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPeter\u2019s idea. I don\u2019t know why, exactly, but this town has always been some sort of foothold. Humans and supernaturals living together peacefully, somewhat. And after everything that happened, the hunters, the history of this town, the only place that this town now has is that magic school. Protected by one vampire, a teacher and a different kind of hunter,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt\u2019s highly likely that the hunters that are hunting us right now have given up on this place because they know that everyone here is either dead or long gone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo we\u2019re going to hide among the humans, underneath the supernatural taint because the hunters rarely bother to come?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d he parked the truck on a parking lot just off the centre and sighed happily. \u201cFinally. Want to go for a walk? Check things out?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes!\u201d Bella smiled widely. \u201cI\u2019ve seen enough of this truck!\u201d She excitedly grabbed her bag and hopped out, waiting for Isaac to be done securing everything and making sure that everything was locked up. \u201cYou know, we could have just flown here.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI had suggested that, yes, but that was before I knew you were a werewolf who hadn\u2019t turned before, still think driving up here was the best course of action,\u201d he said as he joined her. \u201cAlthough you have surprised me. Maybe we can practise on you turning at will and using your abilities tonight.\u201d Isaac hesitated then. \u201cI doubt you need much practise seeing as you can already control yourself, but it\u2019ll do you some good to get a feel for it and try to control yourself when you do feel that surge of power. It can be quite overwhelming, but freeing in a way too.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhatever you think\u2019s best, Isaac,\u201d she smiled at him, looping her arm through his. \u201cNow, let\u2019s see what this town is all about. Tomorrow is your date with the sheriff, right? How about we surprise him now? Best way to get a feel for people is to simply ambush them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He let out a breath and nodded. \u201cThat\u2019s usually what I do, but this is per Peter\u2019s plan. He\u2019s the mastermind and what he says, goes. Besides, I think we both could use a good night\u2019s sleep before the meeting with the sheriff. Good food in a restaurant or something.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella huffed. \u201cIt\u2019s a Cold One.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAh, but I\u2019ve tried going against him and his gift, and it went horribly,\u201d he barked out a laugh. \u201cI can take care of myself but I made a mess that could have been avoided if I just had listened to him. Besides, what he has in mind for me to set up here, for us, is bigger than even Scott\u2019s little operation so yeah, I\u2019d rather stick to his plan.\u201d That look of pain on his face didn\u2019t escape her at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac let out a breath and shrugged. \u201cI managed to get a young werewolf killed because I didn\u2019t listen to Peter. I took her out when I wasn\u2019t supposed to, just like you\u2019re suggesting now; go before he says it\u2019s good to go, get a head start. I can hold my own, Bella, I can. But there were at least twenty of them and\u2026 I got lucky\u2026 she didn\u2019t. Nearly made me retreat again and fully focus on the cooking, because I really like cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He had spoken about his love for cooking already, and she had figured that this<\/em> was just something he\u2019d do in his spare time. Or actually, at first she thought it was the other way around, but Isaac was clearly more interested in food, measurements, being precise. He didn\u2019t allow himself to feel anything but anger, because she really did see his rage and anger in Beacon Hills. His pain. \u201cI\u2019m sorry to hear that,\u201d she genuinely meant it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf it weren\u2019t for Peter, I would have \u2018wasted my potential\u2019, according to him,\u201d he let out a slight snort. \u201cAnd I get it, loss is a natural thing, I didn\u2019t even know the girl very well, but still, I was supposed to get her to safety.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEver thought about therapy?\u201d Bella asked lightly. \u201cI mean, you\u2019ve gone through a lot in your life, surely you must have sought help to deal with it all?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m more of the \u2018ignore it and the problem will go away eventually\u2019 kind of guy. But on occasion I get triggered anyway and will deal with it the best that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLike in Beacon Hills.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd that\u2019s healthy?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac shrugged then. \u201cShouldn\u2019t you find a therapist after the last couple of days?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella barked out a laugh. \u201cNo fucking way, besides, I\u2019ve got you, don\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start a bed and breakfast in the little town wasn\u2019t such a bad idea; the only eating establishment Mystic Falls currently had was the Town House Cafe and it had been closed for what seemed forever when Bella and Isaac had found it for something to eat. It didn\u2019t even look like it was open on a regular basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A passerby told them that they used to have a restaurant in town but that it was once again damaged due to a gas leak<\/em> a years ago and the owner had given up as there was no way that he could pay for it again and the insurance hadn\u2019t been able to find the source of this gas leak. Isaac knew this, he had told Bella after the person had left and they continued their walk to the supermarket to go and cook their own food. There was no doubt that Peter had been messing with the situation, either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She also managed to tell them that Mystic Falls was trying to rebuild itself, regain more inhabitants after all that the town has been through. The local supermarket still functioned, but from the 6000 inhabitants Mystic Falls used to have, only about 500 people remained. It would do this town good to have more people living in it, to have the money and courage to rebuild more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As they passed the ruined building of the Mystic Grill, Bella could see why. The restaurant was sitting on a big piece of land, especially because the building next to it was in ruins as well and there were many possibilities when someone would buy both buildings including their land. Isaac told her that the Grill and the building next to it were the reasons that they were there. That they wanted that spot, and only that spot. Supposedly there was a cave system there connecting most of the city\u2019s most important spots with room to break it out further underground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

At least that\u2019s what Peter told him, and he wasn\u2019t sure why or if he was speaking the truth. Isaac told her not to mention this to the sheriff at all, they were going to meet him to get a sense of the supernatural community and the human community and give him sort of a head\u2019s up that Mystic Falls was going to get two more werewolves as part of the supernatural community. And then see what this Donovan\u2019s reaction was going to be like. There was no doubt that Peter would try and replace this sherrif with another one should the outcome be unfavorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac was Peter\u2019s lackey. He moved in the sunlight; something Peter couldn\u2019t do without attracting a lot of attention. And it seemed like Peter was giving Isaac a purpose, something he needed. And Bella too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella had expected to be with Edward forever. To be turned into a Cold One and stay with him and his family for eternity or until they both decided to go their separate ways – but she\u2019d still be a Cold One. Her purpose would be\u2026 She wasn\u2019t even sure if there would have been a purpose for her. To study eternally? To have fun? To have sex all the time? To help protect the coven? She never really considered the consequences of turning into a Cold One. All she wanted was to stay with Edward. Forever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stupid Cold One pheromones and manipulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And she hadn\u2019t wanted to stick around in Beacon Hills, either. The town\u2019s atmosphere had felt like a disease, stuffy like a blanket and her family<\/em> a bunch of werewolves who thought they were better than anyone else. Just because they were from a prominent werewolf family didn\u2019t mean that they could be that arrogant and stuck up. No fucking way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella\u2019s best bet had been to stick around with Isaac, and she still wasn\u2019t disagreeing with her decision. She just hoped that he wouldn\u2019t start trying to push her away harder – she was only going to leave when she<\/em> wanted to. Not when he<\/em> wanted to. If she was going to leave, she was going to leave when she was ready. And she wasn\u2019t ready now. Not by a long shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thankfully this town had a motel, granted most of the rooms were out of bounds, broken, but at least they had a vacancy so Bella and Isaac would have proper beds to sleep in and the use of a shower, but somewhere during the night they both found themselves outside the motel and getting into the truck as the beds there were better. And everything was a lot quieter, too. There had been a couple next door having sex quite loudly and Bella wanted to go over and strangle them both. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their bed and breakfast was going to have better rooms for the same price. Definitely. Looking more classy and more\u2026 comfortable. And better showers. She could have sworn she\u2019d seen a cockroach in her hotel bathroom, but showers were good and bugs didn\u2019t hurt her, but still. It was gross. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And, like Isaac had suggested, he had tried to teach her how to control her shift before they attempted to sleep in their hotel rooms. Control like he did. Partial transformation, claws out, what not, but frustratingly, she failed, much to the hilarity of Isaac. He was laughing so much his sides started to hurt, but he was glad to see that while she had excellent control during her first full moon, that maybe she was a little too much in control over herself and didn\u2019t want to let go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac sucked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at least her failure made him laugh, and such a wonderful laugh that was. She caught a glimpse of how he could be; carefree and truly happy. Unburdened. And that was absolutely beautiful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After breakfast, they went over to the sheriff station where they were going to meet with Sheriff Matt Donovan. It was as if all sheriff stations looked the same, small, a few offices but other than that a few desks and a small kitchen. Just like the one in Forks. A big city Mystic Falls was not. But that was alright, at least it was in a much warmer climate than Washington, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matt Donovan looked quite young for a sheriff. Then again, if your village had been as battered by the supernatural as Mystic Falls, it was likely hard to find a sheriff. Nobody from the big cities liked moving to small towns unless they had something to hide. Did Donovan have to hide something or was he born here and hadn\u2019t bothered to move away? Maybe she should ask Charlie to check him out, just to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSheriff, nice to meet you. My name is Isaac Argent and this is Bella Swan,\u201d Isaac greeted him with a handshake after entering the sheriff\u2019s office and closing the door. \u201cI believe my associate Peter Whitlock has called you so our visit isn\u2019t much of a surprise to you?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, he did,\u201d Sheriff Donovan shook the man\u2019s hand before sitting down in his chair. \u201cAlthough I don\u2019t quite understand what I can do for you. If you want a licence for your food truck, you should talk to the mayor, apply for one at City Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe just needed a little white lie to get a foot in the door,\u201d Isaac replied, a smile on his face. Oozing confidence. Like he was when he helped Bella to get away from the Cullens. He was on a job. And he was good at his job. \u201cBecause we\u2019re here to talk to you about the supernatural community here in Mystic Falls, surely you know a lot about it?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donovan stiffened in his chair as he narrowed his eyes on the two strangers in his office, seemingly contemplating his next words. \u201cYou don\u2019t look like hunters, are you hiding in plain sight now?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf we were hunters, would we come here to ask you about the community or would we simply kick down doors and shoot first?\u201d Isaac countered. \u201cWe\u2019re well aware of the damage the hunters do and what their ideology is. I\u2019m happy to know that you\u2019re no stranger to the supernatural community and what\u2019s going on, though. How safe is this town for people like us?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou have nothing to worry about when you move here,\u201d Donovan replied, relaxing somewhat. \u201cI make it my utmost priority that the human population is safe in this town, you will have nothing to fear from the small supernatural community that is present here. They police their own. It\u2019s interesting to see that there are more humans that know about the supernatural and that you\u2019ve come to this place for some peace and quiet. Mystic Falls has had quite the beating in the past few years.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac looked at Bella, who had a knowing smile on her face and he simply shrugged before looking back at Donovan. \u201cIt\u2019s great that you have such a warm heart for humans, and you\u2019re absolutely correct, it\u2019s very important that the humans are safe, supernaturals alike. Don\u2019t you have like a magic school nearby?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, but you don\u2019t have to worry about them,\u201d the sheriff said. \u201cThey are harmless and actually run by a friend of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey are more than a school, aren\u2019t they? Like\u2026 I don\u2019t know, they house other supernaturals who are in trouble with the hunters? Take care of them?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, thank God we managed to talk Caroline out of that one!\u201d Donovan barked out a laugh. \u201cYou never know what you\u2019re going to get when scared supes come to town. No, don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll be perfectly safe here in Mystic Falls. You\u2019ll be a welcome addition to this town.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have to admit, I was under the impression that the town was a bit\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn one piece? Yeah, we wish,\u201d the sheriff replied with a sigh. \u201cWith so many things happening over the years all the big cities, the insurance companies and sponsors pulled their hands off of Mystic Falls. We\u2019re doing what we can with the means that we have. Our police force is just me and my deputy, and we haven\u2019t been paid for quite some time. We have a mayor and a small city council. But that\u2019s alright, everyone who lives here loves the town and is trying to pitch in the best that they can while they work elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEver considered to move?\u201d Bella piped up, curious to the answer. This town was a mess, what were Peter\u2019s plans? Rebuild it all? Make Mystic Falls his town? Well, that would certainly be a very Cold One plan, wouldn\u2019t it? A town he could mould into his own private paradise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Donovan replied with half a shrug. \u201cBut some of us need to stay here. This place is of historical value, for both humans and supernaturals alike. It needs to be protected at all cost. And it\u2019s indeed a wonderful little town, despite the rubble, I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll find it enchanting. What are your plans for when you move here?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isaac shrugged then. \u201cMaybe open a restaurant.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re a town with 500 citizens, are you sure about that?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEveryone drinks alcohol, don\u2019t they?\u201d Isaac grinned as he rose to his feet. \u201cThank you for meeting with us, sheriff, it\u2019s been very informative and enlightening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGlad to be of service,\u201d Donovan shook Isaac\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, we\u2019re having a meeting with the mayor later on, just to get our bearings and stuff. Does she know about the supernatural community?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sheriff blinked then. What possible reason would these two have to meet the mayor? \u201cNo, she doesn\u2019t, and I prefer to keep it that way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll be keeping that from her then,\u201d he smiled before heading to the door, Bella following him. \u201cHave a good day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After they\u2019d left the building, Bella then realized that Donovan believed that they were humans. \u201cHe thought—\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, technically\u2026 we are. We\u2019re not dead. We\u2019re not undead\u2026 Didn\u2019t feel the need to tell him what we are, either. Safety,\u201d Isaac said as he took out his phone. \u201cGotta call Peter and give him an update.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes, and after that, I\u2019m using your phone to call my dad. Maybe he can do something for the sheriff here,\u201d she replied with a nod. She still had to buy a new phone, but even that had proven to be impossible in Mystic Falls that morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou sure you want to do that?\u201d Isaac looked over to her, a curious look on his face. \u201cYour dad might tell someone where you are and they might tell it to someone else and then the Cullens will know that we\u2019re here, and I doubt that they\u2019ve already stopped obsessing over you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, tough. They can\u2019t turn me. I\u2019m a werewolf!\u201d She sighed then. \u201cBut you\u2019re right. Wouldn\u2019t want their big greedy paws in our business. I doubt they will, but I don\u2019t even want to risk it for them turning up here. I\u2019ve had enough of Edfart.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAre you sure?\u201d Isaac asked playfully, earning him a well earned stomp on his arm. \u201cHey, just checking, it\u2019s only been less than two weeks, you know. The feeling of wanting to be around him could still weasel its way inside your mind or maybe it\u2019s hiding somewhere, waiting to give you all the feels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNot going to happen,\u201d Bella shook her head. \u201cI\u2019m not that easy,\u201d she then blinked, realizing what she had said. \u201cNot anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He laughed then. \u201cSo you were easy before?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella blushed, she had only made it worse for herself, hadn\u2019t she? \u201cBite me, Lahey. What\u2019s for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When they got back at the truck, Isaac dialled Peter\u2019s number and put him on the speaker so he could make them a quick lunch before their meeting with the town\u2019s mayor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHit me,\u201d<\/em> <\/em><\/strong>Peter\u2019s voice sounded through the speaker, causing Isaac to smile a little. \u201cAnd don\u2019t even think about giving me the wrong information because ya know I\u2019ll find out.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMystic Falls is a ghost town. Population of about 500. Most of the town\u2019s center is destroyed, buildings are abandoned. There\u2019s one supermarket, but I doubt you can even call it that. There\u2019s not much other than police and city hall. The sheriff told us that the citizens pay for the reconstruction of the town out of their own pocket because they\u2019re not getting the support from insurances and other towns around them anymore,\u201d Isaac said as he handed Bella a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, causing her to raise an eyebrow. \u201cWhat? It\u2019s barely a supermarket, you saw it with your own eyes!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat about the buildings we\u2019re interested in, Isaac?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStill broken and abandoned, the both of them. I think that if we\u2019d tear it down and build something else there that the city center would look a lot better already.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have ideas,\u201d Bella piped up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. How\u2019s the hotel?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTruck\u2019s better,\u201d the two werewolves said in unison. \u201cMuch better!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOkay well. I\u2019ll send over an architect to start working with ya after telling him my own ideas and specific instructions,\u201d <\/em>Peter replied, his voice even. \u201cOffer the mayor 10 million for the land of both plots, tell her of the idea of building a beautiful bed and breakfast type of building there that will also serve as a restaurant and maybe even a bowling alley if theirs is out of commision. Tell her that your boss has shown an interest in Mystic Falls and wants to help rebuild, and that once she agrees to us buying the land, she\u2019ll receive a generous donation for the town.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t work that way,\u201d Bella rolled her eyes as she took a bite out of her sandwich. \u201cIf you\u2019re unsure you\u2019re going to get the land anyway, go in with the big numbers first, then ask for a favor. What\u2019s the generous donation? I\u2019ll handle this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cVery well. Would ya reckon that 50 million is generous enough?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella\u2019s jaw nearly hit the floor as she looked at Isaac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYeah, he\u2019s serious. Money works always,\u201d Isaac nodded as he started to eat his own sandwich. \u201cAnd I think that 50 million is very generous. They\u2019ll be able to rebuild and thensome. Make it a real small town again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood. And still 10 million for the land.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019ll handle it, I promise,\u201d Bella smiled. \u201cFor some reason, I think it\u2019s best if it\u2019s a woman to woman thing, I have no doubt that the mayor will take shit from anyone if she\u2019s so stubborn not to leave this town. But geez, that\u2019s a lot of money.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need that land. We\u2019re desperate. Doing this the right way instead of taking over the town by replacing the mayor. Because of that oaf you\u2019re with. He was against a hostile takeover.\u201d <\/em>Some clanging could be heard in the back of the phone call. \u201cCall me after your meeting with the mayor\u2026 I have things to take care of.\u201d<\/em> The call got disconnected then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bella was still looking at Isaac with an incredulous look on her face. \u201cI am no stranger to Cold Ones having money, it\u2019s like they\u2019re hoarding it like the dragon from The Hobbit<\/em>, but to throw it away like this?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not throwing away when it gets us what we need. Peter really has his sights set on that specific plot of land, there\u2019s no other area in America that has the same qualities or structure underneath. Believe me, 50 million is still only just a drop in the bucket for him. He\u2019ll likely invest another 50 in some oil company or whatever\u2019s doing good on the stock market and make it back, double,\u201d Isaac replied as he used the coffee machine to make them coffee. \u201cIt\u2019s not like he\u2019s using his money for evil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo\u2026 I suppose that\u2019s true\u2026\u201d Bella sighed, finishing her sandwich. \u201cBut still, you\u2019re going to allow me to do all the talking?\u201d She asked, hopeful. She wanted to show him, and Peter, that she was going to be a part of this as much as they were and that she could chip in. That she could do whatever was needed. She needed to show Isaac that she wasn\u2019t going anywhere. It was okay to trust. It was okay, for her, to trust Isaac. She couldn\u2019t allow herself to stop trusting people after what Edward had done to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He shrugged. \u201cPeter didn\u2019t object, so\u2026 yeah, why not?\u201d He was going to give it six months to a year, tops. Then she\u2019d leave. She\u2019d be gone and he\u2019d be left on his own. Again. But still, he couldn\u2019t help but feel that a small crack had appeared in the walls that he\u2019d put up and the strange feeling of hope came through it. Was it okay to let her in? Allow himself to get used to the idea of having her around like this? He wasn\u2019t going anywhere, but she could go anywhere she wanted to go, and within a year, she was going to explore the rest of the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

She gratefully took her coffee from Isaac as she looked at his face. His brows were furrowed as if he was thinking hard about something, the slight hunch was back in his shoulders. \u201cWhat are you thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat are your thoughts? You look so deep in thoughts that I believed you might hurt yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, it\u2019s nothing,\u201d he flashed a faint smile before taking a sip of his coffee, hiding his fake smile from her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI call bullshit, but that\u2019s okay, I\u2019ll find out soon enough,\u201d she shrugged, a knowing smile dancing on her lips. \u201cBecause I can<\/em> call Bullshit, too. And there\u2019s no doubt he\u2019d want to spill the beans on you seeing as he already knew I\u2019d be sticking around and that you needed a friend and all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI don\u2019t—\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c– need anyone, yeah yeah. You\u2019re fine on your own, blah blah\u2026 Stop being so emo.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Chapter 05 With great power comes great responsibility. Don\u2019t leave, we need you here. Do you have any idea the power that you\u2019re holding? You can start your own pack, fight the good fight. Join us here. You\u2019re no match to Isaac, he won\u2019t be able to stop you once…<\/p>\n

Continue reading<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":748,"parent":750,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-769","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nChapter 05 - MeekoBuggy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Chapter 05 - MeekoBuggy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Chapter 05 With great power comes great responsibility. Don\u2019t leave, we need you here. Do you have any idea the power that you\u2019re holding? You can start your own pack, fight the good fight. Join us here. 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