"Wolves?" Abel asks Bella, pretending to be unsure. "But, Bells, wolves aren't the size of grizzlies."
"I know what I saw, Abel," Bella declares as they sit in Bella's bedroom. "It was...insane."
"I'll take your word for it, Bells."
"Abel... there's something else I wanted to tell you," Bella says awkwardly.
Abel frowns in confusion. "What?"
"I know Emmett's back in town," Bella says and Abel's eyes widen. "I went to your apartment to tell you about Laurent and the wolves after my dad and Harry Clearwater left, but Emmett opened the door, thinking you or Lauren forgot your keys or something."
"Bella..."
"I'm not mad, or upset," Bella says. "Alice told me the difference between mates and blood-singers. If he ever comes back, I'll have a serious talk with him, for separating you and Emmett in the first place. I can already tell you're a million times happier and brighter. I noticed the change as soon as it happened, and now I know why."
"We didn't want you to know because I know the state he left you in," Abel says. "I didn't know how seeing Emmett would do with your progress."
"Jacob helped me a lot, but he's been distant," Bella says. "He won't answer my calls. He put my heart back together, but now..."
Abel wants to tell her that Jacob is okay, he's just going through some life changes right now, but she can't. It's not her secret to tell. She swore to the Tribe Elders and to Sam that she'd keep her mouth shut and she's keeping her promise.
"I'm sorry, Bells," Abel coos. He went that route because he didn't want to risk saying the wrong thing. "Want me to stay?"
"No... go be with Emmett," Bella says. "Have you two had sex yet?"
"No, but we've fooled around in the shower..." Abel grins. "I love you, Isabella." He jumps up and he leaves after kissing her head.
Bella laughs. "LOVE YOU, TOO!"
***
"I'm sorry for answering the door without seeing who it was when Bella came over," a naked Emmett says as he holds Abel after some intense sees.
"It's okay," Abel says. "Alice told Bella what mates were and how they differed from blood-singers. She said she'd give Edward a major talking to if he ever comes back."
"Good," Emmett replies. "Does she know about Jacob Black?"
"No," Abel replies. "I'm not allowed to tell. Their laws are a lot like vampires, but also different."
Emmett hums. "Get some sleep, Abe," he encourages. "I'll be here when you wake. I love you."
"I love you, Emmett," Abel replies softly and he closes his eyes, curling up to Emmett, and falling asleep.
