Chapter 3

• "WOOOOOWEEEEEEEE!" The man shouts, throwing his hands in the air. My father's body is out the car door in seconds, his strong arms quickly wrapping around the other man in a tight hug.
• Although feeling very confused, I can feel my father's joy and tears begin to burn in my eyes and a lump grows in my throat. My father is finally home. I can already see how a huge burden appears to have been lifted from his shoulders. The rest of the group has arrived now, each of them wearing huge smiles as they pull my father into heartfelt embraces. Several new people are joining the group, all greeting my father. Some of the younger men and women simply smile and shake his hand, but each one showing an expression of genuine happiness on their faces.
• I watch safely from the car for a few moments, allowing my father some time alone. I don't enjoy large crowds and am building up my courage to exit the car, when one of the younger men with long dark hair turns his gaze my way. His dark eyes are warm and his smile wide. He is the first man's son. I am sure of it.
• My father turns towards me and others follow mimicking his movement. Time to face the music. I exhale deeply before opening my car door. My father is there, luckily, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. His touch instantly calms me, and for some reason, this group of people don't bother me as much as usual. I feel accepted. Loved. And I don't even know them.
• "Everyone, this is Bella. Bella, this is your family."
• My mouth drops and he laughs.
• "Well, not all close family, but family nonetheless," the first man who had greeted my father steps forward.
• "It is so nice to finally meet you, Bella. Charlie has been sending me photos ever since you were born. I almost feel like I know you!"
• The man is almost my father's height and their resemblance is truly uncanny.
• "Bella, meet your Uncle Billy, my younger brother."
• Before I can truly process my father's words, I am swooped into a tight hug. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, I just pat his back awkwardly in return. Why hadn't my father ever told me I had this huge family? When Billy pulls back there are tears in his eyes.
• "Dad, you're scaring her," a deep voice rumbles from my left.
• The younger man who had met my gaze when I was in the car, punches his father lightly on the shoulder. Billy reluctantly lets me go and wipes the tears from his eyes roughly. I stand still, unsure of what I should do.
• "I'm Jake. Nice to meet you, Cuz! Welcome home!" Jake says breaking the silence. Shaking my hand firmly.
• "Let's get you guys inside. Lunch is supposed to be served in about 15 minutes and then you can meet everyone properly instead of out here with everyone smothering you. Quil, Embry, help Charlie out with the suitcases," Billy orders, seemingly back to his usual self.
• Leading the way to the largest of the four houses, he wraps his arm around my father's shoulder and pulls him with him while the rest scatter to finish up before lunch. I release a deep exhale, following a few steps behind alone.
• "Hi! I'm Leah," a sweet girl about my age catches up to me and reaches out to greet me.
• "Bella. Nice to meet you." I answer walking slowly towards the large house.
• Leah walks beside me, her curious eyes taking me in. I notice how she's bursting with questions, but seems to be holding them in for now, for which I am grateful for.
• "I'm Billy's daughter. Jake's little sister," she explains, walking a little bit in front of me to pick up a basket that has been left on the ground.
• "We're seven in total. My Dad, Mom- whom you will meet inside, Jake, Quil, Embry, Seth and me," she blurts.
• My eyes widen. Seven close family members I know nothing about. Why has my father hidden this from me?
• "That's a big family!" I blurt out. Leah laughs sweetly.
• "Well, not around here, really. It's pretty common to have big families in this Pack."
• We have just arrived at the door.
• "Pack?" I ask, just as a whirlwind of blond hair exits the front door and pulls me in yet another unexpected and tight hug. Again my hands fall to my sides as I allow a complete stranger to hug me.
• "Oh my God, you have no idea how happy I am that you and Charlie are home! Uncle Billy, Nanna, Pop and Mom, talk about you all the time!" The stranger exclaims.
• I pull back carefully, distancing myself, but trying not to hurt the girl's feelings.
• The girl… or woman, she looks slightly older than I am, is drop-dead gorgeous. Thick blond hair hangs in waves around her doll-like face. Her wide eyes are sapphire blue, surrounded by perfect, long eyelashes. I blink, suddenly feeling my old insecure teenage self, arise to the surface. Pushing my shoulders back, I force myself to keep my head held high as I remind myself that I am not that girl anymore.
• "Rose, how about we get Bella inside. I think she might be a little overwhelmed. There are a lot of new faces," Leah says inching us towards the door.
• "Yeah, but we're all family. Charlie must have showed her tons of pictures of us. We've all sure seen many of her." The girl, Rose, states. I laugh dryly at her comment.
• "Ah… Not exactly. I had no idea my father had any living family left," I say, unable to hide my annoyance.
• Rose and Leah share mirroring looks of shock and surprise on their faces.
• "So, lead the way, and please feel free to fill me in." I say, squaring my shoulders as I stepped through the door.
• Rose and Leah quickly follow. Each flanking my sides, as they lead me past even more unfamiliar faces. Their stances are protective and they both calmly help by making introductions. The names are a blur, but I do my best to smile and repeat their names as I greet them.