Bo Hunter

Chapter 9

"Okay, we have forty steaks, fifty burgers, twenty-nine lobsters, and enough side items to choke a goat. All we need now are condiments. Peter, take Boyd and Liam to get that please. Mason, you and Corey get buns. Malia and I will go pick up desserts." I instructed.

"I can't believe Esme told you to spend her money on all this. They don't even eat." Malia commented as we pushed the carts to the bakery section of the store.

"She's a mom. She likes to provide for people. I tried to tell her we could handle it, but she wasn't having it. Besides, this dinner will help improve their relationship with the La Push pack. They should get along. Having a united front will protect La Push and Forks more than being enemies will. Now, what do you think: cake, pie, or ice cream?" I asked, holding up some of the options.

"Pie and ice cream. Esme told you to use her card, and she told me to make sure you got everything you thought we'd need."

"Why you?"

"Because Stiles told her how I used to be. Like when those Mexico hunters had Scott."

"Alright, pie and ice cream it is. Come on, pick a couple pies. I'll go grab some ice cream. I'll meet you back here with the guys."

"Jeez, did you guys buy out the store? How much did you spend?" Stiles complained as we unpacked the groceries in the Cullen's kitchen.

"They spent exactly what they needed to, Stiles. I told Malia to make sure Bo got everything she thought we needed." Esme cut in with a kind smile.

"You know how much everyone eats. And I got all of y'all's favorite side dishes. Plus, Esme said she'd love the excuse to use the kitchen and grill. The La Push pack are bringing charcoal. Emily insisted since we're giving her a break from cooking for her boys. Oh, and I happened to stop by a liquor store for those of us who can enjoy it." I mentioned.

"I miss wine." Rosalie commented as she passed us with dishes.

"Now, why don't we get started on some of these sides. Alice says Jake's pack just arrived." Esme suggested.

"I'll be right back in to help. Stiles, help me grab glasses." I requested as I grabbed a bottle of wine. I stepped out of the house, making a straight line for Jake's pack. "Thanks for coming. You won't regret it. my name is Bo Hunter. Would anyone like a glass of wine?"

"That sounds lovely. Kim, you want a glass, too?" A woman with three jagged scars responded.

"You must be Emily. It's nice to meet you. Sam, the grill's over by the house if you want to drop that charcoal off. You're more than welcome to help Isaac. We're just getting started on the side dishes inside if anyone wants to hang out in the kitchen. Lydia, Kira, Corey, Mason, there's wine if you want some! Bella, you're welcome to it, as well. I'm going to head inside to help cook. Feel free to relax. I'll see you all in a while." With that, I made my way back inside to the kitchen to join Esme, Jo, Stiles, and Allison. I paused for a moment when I saw all but Esme had a glass of wine and one was set out for me. "Thanks guys. So, what should we cook first?"

"Let's start with the potatoes. Those'll take the longest. Stiles, you want to get the green bean casserole together?" Jo suggested.

"I'm on it. Who's got the salad?"

"I do. You always add too much vinaigrette." Allison volunteered.

"I'll take the potatoes. Esme, can you make a gravy?"

"Of course." And we got to work.

"Isaac, how are the steaks coming?" I asked as I brought out the lobster and scallops.

"Just finishing the last few. You want to slap those on?"

"You know me so well. The lobsters only need a few minutes each. Of course, you know not to overcook the scallops. We're almost done inside to give me a holler when you're done."

"Will do. Bo, have you been eating candy?" Isaac asks out of the blue.

"No... why?"

"You smell like candy again. Are you sure you haven't eaten anything sweet?"

"I'm sure, Isaac. But... could you sniff closer to my neck?" I requested. Isaac complied, taking a deep whiff as close to my neck as possible.

"You smell kinda like a candy factory and sweat - like you went out on a run. Kinda like you and Emmett have been touching all day." He answered after some hesitant deliberation. I froze for a moment, taking it all in.

"Thank you, Isaac. I'll be back before too long with the others. Don't burn anything."

"No one wants to pray, do they? Because I'm starving." Stiles complained. "We don't pray." Sam spoke up.

"Then let's dig in. Humans first, please." I asserted with a smile. I watched contentedly as Emily, Kim, Bella, Mason, Allison, Stiles, Lydia, and Clare were served first; then Corey and Kira. After that, it was a free for all at the table, the Cullens sitting at their places with smiles as they watched the rest of us.

"So, you're just going to watch us eat?" Paul asked rudely, eyes cutting to the Cullens without actually making polite contact.

"We don't eat food. It's a waste since we can't actually taste it." Edward replied.

"Manners, Paul." Emily scolded him. Scott and Liam chuckled, earning a stern look from Stiles.

"At least you're not the only 'pack mom', Stiles. You and Emily should trade some discipline secrets while the rest of us fight." I suggested. There's a slight pause from the La Push wolves at my words. "What? Don't want Emily to know some of the best ways to put you in your place?" They relax slightly at the tease, though all but Seth are still tense.

"Could someone pass the butter?" Lydia broke into the silence. All at once, things seem to relax, the two pack and coven merging into one group. It's no time at all before all of dinner is gone and Allison and Emily retrieve the pies and ice cream.

"So, what are the plans for tomorrow?" Stiles asked.

"I need time to meditate, so I'll be heading out early. You guys are free to do whatever until I get back."

"Edward, Bella, and I graduate in two days. The army will be her the day after that." Alice spoke up.

"So we'll train again tomorrow night. We'll be ready for hem when they get here, Alice. I have a good feeling about it. We're going to survive this."