Charlie's niece

Chapter 06

Mellie's POV
I was getting ready to go to the counsel meeting bonfire in La Push.

I did my hair in a fishtail braid before putting on the swan necklace that Nana gave me when she arrived.

I went downstairs to see my mom softly arguing with Papa and Nana as she put the finishing touches on her brown sugar and maple pecan pie.

"She's 16! The most stress she should be under is school! Maybe a part time job....but not being a head of household! She hates politics and is too young!" My mom snapped "She agreed to it, and signed off on the paperwork for her inheritance. There's no backing out now" Nana said and Papa added "We wouldn't have done this if we had any other choice and if she refused. Melanie wants to do this. We will prepare her for her duties and support her, the question is...will you?"

My mom gave them an offended look "Is that a serious question? Of course I'll support my daughter and defend her from rats like Renee and Bella, forever and always" I smiled at the old family promise before revealing myself to my family "I'm ready, what do you think? I wanted to be comfortable and casual so I didn't seem intimidating."

They looked at me and smiled "Beautiful, Mel, now here's the pie and don't forget to send my love to the counsel, alright?" Mom asked as she handed me the now wrapped up pie and kissed my temple making smile and say "Okay mom!"

Before leaving with my grandparents.

~~~at the bonfire~~~
We sat on La Push beach eating and chatting about everything that's happened in the pass six months.

1). Sam Uley, Jared Cameron, and Paul Lahote have all shifted into wolves and Sam imprinted on Emily Young (who was present) while Jared imprinted on a girl named Kim who was still unaware.

2). I was formally introduced as the next head of house.

And 3). We talked about future problems with the Cullens.... And Bella.

"She's just a spoiled brat, what's the worst she can do?" Paul asked while rolling his eyes making me frown and speak up for the first time since I greeted Billy, Harry and his wife Sue, and Quil Ateara the first "Isabella is may be entitled and vicious but she's not stupid. The minute she finds out about vampires she will want to become one. Beauty, wealth, and power are all that girl cares about and she will do anything to get it, even trick one of the Cullens into turning which violates the treaty, doesn't?"

This caused murmurs amongst the group and my Papa gave me an approving nod to tell me that I was correct in my thinking and judgment.

"We can't do anything to stop her from doing that, we can only wait for them to make the decision and take action then. What we should focus on is how to we prevent Isabella from finding out about the wolves" Nana said as she grasped my hand in hers. My grip tightened at her next words "Billy, I hate to say it but it needs to be put out there; Jacob is compromised. He hasn't shifted yet, which is troubling in itself, and his feelings for Isabella clouds his better judgment."

"That won't be a problem once he imprints" Billy states with a wave of his hand making Harry speak up "What if he shift and doesn't imprint right away? He could tell her everything he expose us to an untrustworthy snake!" "We all know he won't imprint on Isabella, that pack wouldn't be sensed a potential imprint in her like they did with Damian" I perk up at Quil's words and look at  my grandparents questionably making them shake their heads and whisper that they'd tell me later.

"Both Jacob and Isabella are liablities" Sue states and I spoke up to say "While I do agree, who's to say that he will shift at all?" They all look at me In befuddlement and I continue "From my understanding of your ancestors and history, the Alpha is always the first to shift then the betas. We are assuming that Jacob is the future Alpha because he's the chief's son, and his grandfather was Alpha, so that mean he should've been the first to shift, not Sam" they started murmuring and looking at each other.

Their gazes darted between Sam and I as he stared at me intently with Emily clinging to his arm "But Sam did shift first. My question is.... Is it possible that the ancestors have abandoned Jacob because of his conflict of interest with Isabella in favor of Sam who....well, quite frankly is more responsible and protective of the Rez and people who live there" Everyone turned to Billy who looked floored.

"I-! My son, has shown signs of shifting, he's just taking his time. He'll get over his feelings for Bella, he isn't compromised, at least not like Charlie is" Billy said snappily. I could tell he was embarrassed and acting defensive over Jacob so I attempted to amend the situation.

"Charlie is compromised so that's why I am being named heir not him. No one is judging you and Jacob nor are we trying to question your judgment or integrity. We are simply discussing possible threats to the safety of Forks and La Push. Please, Billy, understand that we need to have these conversations before anything happens" I said making the others murmur in agreement.

"Let's say, hypothetically, that Melanie's theory is true....what happens if Jake shifts?" Emily suddenly spoke up causing everyone to go silent. Billy then said "Let's worry about that when it comes. For now the meeting is dismissed."

We started packing up, when Quil approached me "May I borrow you for a moment?" I looked to my grandparents who nodded and I followed him along the beach.

"I just wanted to say that I think your grandparents made the right call naming you heir over Charlie. You're calm, patient, intelligent, open minded, and protective of your people" he started before adding something that surprised me "Charlie wouldn't have accepted this world so easily if he knew the truth and he would play favorites between the Cullen, the shifters, and the humans here."

"Wait- Charlie doesn't know? He was supposed to be head of house before me" I said making Quil shake his head "No, he was going to be told, but then he met Renee, and I'm sure you know what happened next" I nodded and looked downwards at the sandy shore.

"Something that makes you both different from Charlie, and better than even Billy?" Quil suddenly says making me hum questioningly "You can admit your loved one's wrongdoings and faults, no matter how hard and painful it is. You can not only admit them, but you know when to let go of that person."

I looked up at him and smiled slightly "I wish it wasn't true, but I think that mine and Charlie's relationship is ending soon. I wanna wait a little longer to see if he'll come around, but if not...." I shrugged and Quil nodded understandingly "I won't keep you, sleep well little Swan."

I gave him a hug and we parted ways. My grandparents drove me home and I changed into pajamas before going to bed.