To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing, 31: I Will Protect You
Title: To Mend a Butterfly's Broken Wing
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
You would fight for me/You would starve for me/You would suffer for me/You would die for me/Well I feel the same way too/You know I feel that way about you
*~*~*
As I followed Jake home, my mind raced and tried to comprehend what was happening. It didn't matter if I was involved in this battle or not, but my fear for the Cullen's safety was high. The pack was on alert, but they were safe. Charlie, Billy, and the people of Forks and La Push were safe. I kept trying to tell myself that the Cullen's leaving for Denali and meeting up with their friends' was the best way to deal with this fight.
It didn't really help.
The drive home was torture. I wanted to be with Jake, holding on to him for support. I also didn't want him to see me like this. When we finally crossed the border into Forks, my hands were shaking and sweat was beading on my forehead. I wasn't ready to say good bye to them, to leave Edward still confused a lot of the time, to have nothing resolved between us. It was going to be difficult and I was dreading it.
We reached the Cullen's, and Jake was by my side as I got out of the truck. I took a deep breath.
"Are you sure you can do this?" Jake asked. His features were schooled into something resembling calm, but after everything that just happened I knew it hurt him which in turn hurt me.
It was an endless cycle.
I nodded with some reluctance. "Jake..." I said hesitantly as he started toward the door. I pulled him back slightly.
"I... I won't do this if you don't want me to. You're too important to me and I don't want to hurt you." The decision to not hurt Jake again was strong.
"Bells..." he sighed. He hugged me as tight like he used to; so tight I could barely breathe.
"I won't stop you from this. I don't want to. I know you want to do this and that's okay. Just as long as you come back to me."
I touched his cheek. "Of course."
I flung myself at Alice when she appeared in the doorway. "Please, please, please be careful," I begged. My eyes were already beginning to water.
"Bella, don't worry. We will be careful. I'm really going to miss you; everything has just been so wrong and I miss just being able to talk to you."
I nodded against her shoulder. "I know. I wish things were easier."
"Is everything okay with you and Jacob?"
I glanced at her face, but she was calm and seemed fine asking me that. It wasn't something we ever really discussed since I actually started dating Jacob because of how strange it might have been for her. The wolves were supposed to be their enemy, I had been with Edward, and now everything was completely different.
"For the most part," I said quietly. "We're fine right now, but there are things we still have to work through."
She nodded, still holding on to me. "You haven't resolved much with Edward, have you?"
I bit my lip, the knowledge of that cutting deep. It was going to hurt so much, but I had to keep it together. I would keep it together... for Jake's sake. I couldn't forgive myself yet for hurting him. I gave everyone a hug, begging them to be careful, even Rosalie who accepted it. My anger toward her had thawed; I knew she was just hurting because of her brother.
"I always thought you should have a normal life," she said a little stiffly after I hugged her. "We all thought you should move on when Alice told you that. It just hurt to see Edward so lost and you happy with the do... with Jacob," she amended.
Before I could open my mouth, she added, "I know this hasn't been easy for you, though. I know you still love Edward, but this is for the best."
I lifted my face to the stairs, catching sight of Edward, his eyes locked on me. It wasn't truly him, not fully anyway, but I hurried over to him and threw my arms around his neck. I couldn't stop the tears that trickled down my cheeks. I made an effort to rein them in, though, as I leaned back to look at him.
He lifted his hand, catching a tear on his finger. He looked at it curiously and then at me. "Bella, you shouldn't cry."
I sniffed and just gazed at his familiar face, so lovely in its frozen perfection. I breathed in his scent. "Be careful," I whispered. "Stay with your family."
His eyes met mine and then he pulled me against him. "I'll be careful, Bella. I wish I didn't have to leave."
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you more," I whispered thickly.
"What's important is that you did. You've helped me so much, Bella." He looked at me as the confusion warred with his need to come back. "I wish I could really be me for you before we leave," he added looking upset.
I squeezed his hand. "You'll know either way that I care a great deal about you. You'll make it through this, and we'll see each other again. I promise."
He hugged me again, and I pressed my cheek to his chest. A few more tears fell as I gave him one last squeeze. I moved instinctively closer to Jake, burrowing against him, as they moved outside to leave. Carlisle offered his hand to Jake, and after a moment's hesitation, Jake shook it.
What surprised both of us was Alice turning around and flying over to give Jake a quick squeeze. His eyebrows nearly shot off his forehead, but he awkwardly patted her on the back and they shared a more genuine smile. "Thank you," she said. "We appreciate what you have done to help Edward and also taking care of Bella. I know you would have done it anyway, but I still wanted to thank you."
He nodded. "I always will. No matter what. Thank you for keeping us informed on everything. Be safe."
With a slight shake of his head, Jake watched with a bemused look as Alice darted back to her slightly incredulous family. I burrowed into his side again, my heart giving a painful lurch as their cars pulled away. Edward's face disappeared from view as they kicked up a cloud of dust in their wake.
They were really gone.
I couldn't help myself; I turned into Jake and buried my face against his chest. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I whispered over and over as my tears wet his shirt.
I wouldn't look at him until he knelt in front of me, pulling my hands away from my face. "Bella? There's no need to be ashamed. They love you, I can see that. And you're someone who can accept them for what they are and love them in return. I think a part of me will always find that weird, but we're not exactly normal either. You care, so I would expect you to be upset."
I perched on his lap, resting my head on his shoulder. "Thank you for being so understanding, especially after everything that happened."
He smoothed a hand down the length of my hair. His lips brushed against the shell of my ear. He held me quietly for a few moments.
"I wish I could stay with you, Bells, but I need to get to the garage. Will you be okay? Do you want company?"
I shook my head. "No, that's okay. I wouldn't mind being by myself for a little bit."
He tilted my chin up, kissing me softly, lips brushing lightly against mine. I held on to his wide shoulders and his tongue dipped inside my mouth for a brief taste. I sighed when he pulled away.
"Tonight we can cook dinner and eat together. We'll just spend some time together and then I'll make love to you until you pass out."
I laughed, turning my head so I could kiss his neck. "Sounds perfect. I'll see you later then. I think I'm going to go up to the cliffs and just relax for now."
"Okay," he replied. "Be careful. I'll see you tonight."
I kissed him again and he left for the garage. I drove the path toward the cliffs and parked. I sent Charlie a text letting him know I was home, that Jake was with me, and that we were okay.
I walked the short distance out to the cliffs and sat on a grassy spot, my back against a tree, so I could look out at the ocean. My mind couldn't settle; images of time spent with the Cullen's kept invading my thoughts. And to know they were putting themselves in harm's way with the Volturi was frightening.
The sun eased out from behind the clouds, filtering through the trees to warm my arms. The crash of the waves on the rocks below was a comforting sound, and I closed my eyes. I had to stop thinking about this, so I accepted the relief of not thinking about it and dozed off.
I stood on the porch of my dad's house, the sky darkening as a storm began to roll in. The thunder was a distant boom and lightning flashed, illuminating the sky. The leaves scattered over the grass, and I felt a sense of foreboding.
Charlie came out, looking worried. "Bella, you better get inside. It's getting closer."
I started following him into the house, the warmth and scent of cooking chicken and blueberry cobbler beckoning me, but I glanced one last time out at the storm.
Near the end of the road, I could just make out the silhouette of someone standing there. My heart gave an unsteady thump, my pulse beginning to thrum in my ears. When Charlie called my name, Jake was right behind him, waiting for me to come into the safety of the house.
Within moments the figure was closer. It was Aro.
His ghostly-white skin glowed in the lightning flashes as we stared at each other. I was terrified, but he made no move toward me. "Isabella," he murmured. "Extend your ability to block your mind to help others. It will help save them."
Another flash of lightning, and he disappeared from view.
I jerked awake, panic clawing at me, as I gasped and tried to breathe. My chest felt tight, and I tried to breathe like I had been taught in yoga in an effort to slow my heart. The sun still shone, the waves still crashed, and I could hear the gulls calling. The fear just felt wrong. Jerkily, I stood up and stumbled my way back to my truck. Uneasiness had settled into my stomach, and I didn't feel safe up here.
I drove home and just as I got into the house, my cell rang. It was Dana, and I answered eagerly.
"I just wanted to check and make sure you got home all right," she said. "Well, that and I wanted to find out if you were still interested in baking. I put some feelers out and there's a woman in your area that is having a baby shower for her daughter and wants a cake."
I grabbed a can of coke out of the fridge and sank gratefully onto a kitchen chair. I needed a good distraction.
"We got home fine," I said, not mentioning what happened with the Cullen's. I couldn't think about that now or I might fall apart. "And yeah, I would definitely be interested. Any specifics?"
She gave me the name and phone number of a Mrs. Waterson, told me what she was looking for in the cake, and I promised to be in touch with her after I purchased what I would need and delivered the cake.
"Thanks Dana," I said gratefully. "This comes at a great time. I could use a distraction."
"Bella, you know you can call me any time," she said.
I smiled slightly. "I know. Thank you."
After I got off the phone with her, I drove to the store to pick up the cake supplies and ingredients I would need. When I hauled everything back home, I started mixing and fell back into the rhythm I had when living in Hoquiam. The vanilla cake with butter cream frosting mixed, I poured it into a round pan and stuck it in the oven.
Jake came home when I pulled it out, preparing to frost and decorate it. I saw him smile as he stopped to watch me begin spreading the frosting on the cake.
"I always did like watching you bake," he said sliding his arms around my waist.
"I think you always just like sampling," I replied, curbing a little smile. I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell him yet about my dream or if I even should at all. I mean, there was no proof that it was real, right?
"Well, that, too," he agreed kissing my neck.
When I finished making a baby rattle, little pink bows, and adding the name Desiree to the cake, I covered it and called the woman to make arrangements to meet on the outskirts of Forks.
"I'll be back soon and we'll have dinner," I said as I got ready to leave.
I made the drop-off quickly, got paid, and headed back home. I wrote down the specifics and called Dana to let her know. Jake had already pulled some chicken out of the fridge when I came in so I started chopping up vegetables to make a stir-fry.
Jake pulled a bottle of wine out of the fridge. He gave me a sheepish look and said, "I decided to splurge and use my fake I.D. at a liquor store near where I work. It's outside of Forks, so we're safe."
I just shook my head, but accepted the glass of wine he poured for me. I couldn't forget my first experience with it, so I sipped it slowly as we continued to prepare dinner together.
*~*~*
JPOV
I could tell something was bothering Bella, but it was obvious she didn't want to talk about it. I didn't push her because I could see she needed some normalcy. Cooking together became something we enjoyed doing. It helped me learn as I watched her and participated, so I felt like I was contributing more for Billy, too.
The chicken and vegetables were finished sautéing, so I got out plates and put on the rice as she topped it off. We sat at the dinner table, eating and drinking the wine, and even with everything going on it was nice to just relax after a long day and put aside any problems.
It had been nice to see her baking again; I did love when she let me taste-test, but baking seemed to calm her and make her happy, and I was glad for that.
"Lets sit out on the deck," I told her. "It's really nice out. We can play a drinking game," I added, teasing her.
It worked; she laughed and her eyes warmed to my teasing. "I don't know, Jake, I have experience with pounding wine. I think you might lose."
I chuckled, swept her up easily and snagged the last half of the bottle of wine to take with us. On the deck, she perched on my lap, facing me. She took a delicate swig of the wine, and I watched her throat work as she swallowed it.
"Truth or dare?" I asked her.
She pondered before answering, "Truth."
I thought for a moment. "Okay, I know. When was the first time you truly thought about me naked and got excited?"
"Jake!" she protested with a laugh.
I raised my eyebrows.
"Oh fine. I think I was aware even before we left here, but when I knew and purposely thought about it was when we woke up in bed one morning. You were poking me with a stiffy."
I laughed outright as she smirked. I took a sip as she asked me, and I answered truth.
"What really happened the night I drank that wine in Hoquiam?"
I smiled. "I really was a gentleman… for the most part. You tried to strip during the game, but I wouldn't let you. When I was trying to get you in bed, you needed help undressing. I turned away, but not before I peeked and got a nice glimpse of the side of your breast. I wanted to touch you so badly."
She giggled and sipped, but I could see her eyes darken slightly. Her arms linked around my neck, her lips hovering over mine, and I could smell the sweet, cloying scent of the wine. She tilted the bottle slowly for me, and I swallowed, my eyes on hers.
"Truth or dare?" she whispered.
"Dare," I said.
"I dare you to make love to me right here; in full view of anyone in La Push walking by."
It was definitely possible that could happen and the idea excited me. "That's not a dare," I teased. With one swift tug, her shirt was over her head.
Her cheeks were a little colored from the wine, though she wasn't drunk. A soft buzz made her feel good and a little more brazen which was fine with me. Her mouth collided with mine, her little tongue diving between my lips. She rubbed herself against me eagerly, stirring my dick to immediate rock-hard status.
I squeezed her ass, my hands trailing up her sides to unhook her bra and palm her pretty, pink-tipped breasts. Unable to resist, I leaned down and took one nipple into my mouth. I suckled at her as she squirmed and begged me for more.
"Please Jake, please," she gasped. "I want to feel you; feel every ridge of you pushing deep inside me…"
My eyebrows and libido rose to bursting.
I moved fast, and in a second, we were sprawled on the little rug on the porch. I ripped her pants off her, popping the button off, and tugged her right leg up over my shoulder.
She cried out, gripping me tightly, guiding me to her entrance. I didn't need much encouragement. I drove myself into her, every throbbing inch burrowing deep inside her silken heat.
Every single time, the feel of her body arching against mine, sent me into a frenzy of lust. My hips rocked against hers as I began to thrust myself into her over and over, pulling out and feeling her trying to hold me inside, just to sink into her again.
I could feel her lips sprinkling kisses over every inch of my chest she could reach until I leaned down and captured them again in a searing, tongue-tangling kiss. Her little tongue coasted over my lower lip as I pushed into her again, feeling the sweat bead on my brow.
I nipped at her tongue, drawing it into my mouth, suckling on it. She groaned and her hips began rocking faster against mine. That was when I heard the voices; Bella had as well because her body froze for a second.
"Your dare," I whispered.
Grasping the leg over my shoulder, I pushed the other wider and slammed my hips against hers. As I sank into her, triggering both of our releases, I covered her mouth as she gave a small scream. Whoever was close by paused for a moment and stars burst behind my eyelids as I released what seemed like an unending stream.
My body moved fluidly, holding Bella against me, as I hurried into the house in the nick of time. I could see the wide eyes of two single women on our rez glance at the porch. A burst of laughter escaped as I hurried into the bedroom, Bella still gripping me deep inside of her.
She slid bonelessly into our bed, a soft laugh finally escaping. She gave my ass a smack, causing an interesting friction, but I managed to pull myself out of her.
"Give me a few minutes," I murmured and she laughed as she stretched out completely on top of me.
I finger-combed her hair, and before I had the chance to get hard again, we were fast asleep.
I woke groggily later that night, uncertain of why, but when I heard the soft whimpers and felt Bella thrashing next to me, I was wide awake.
"Bells?" I said softly, gently smoothing her hair to keep her calm. These nightmares were horrible for both of us as she struggled to wake and I struggled to wake her.
"No," she sobbed. "Don't do this. I'm not that strong. Please."
Worried even more as she paled and struggled to breathe, I sat fully upright, gently slapping at her cheeks. "Bella, you need to wake up," I said more loudly. "Come on, honey, it's just a nightmare. Come back to me."
Her body spasmed, a small cry escaping her lips, but her eyes snapped open. They didn't focus right away, but I took her face in my hands, and made her look at me. She saw me, threw her arms around my neck, and I felt her body shaking.
"They're getting worse," I stated. My eyes focused blearily on the alarm clock; three thirty in the morning.
She whispered, "I didn't want to ruin our night together, but I had one earlier yesterday while you were at the garage. Jake, something's going to happen..."
"Bella…"
"No, I know it. They're warnings of something. I saw Aro and he was telling me to expand my mind shield or whatever it is. And I keep seeing fire and death. Jake, I'm really scared. I don't want anything to happen to you; to all the people I love…"
She swung her legs out of bed, restlessly moving toward the window. Suddenly, she gave a shriek, startling me into jumping up. She backed away, bumping into the nightstand.
"Oh my God, someone's out there!" she cried, still backing away.
I grabbed her arm, pulling her behind me, as I listened and looked. I heard nothing, and I didn't smell the distinctive smell of leech. There was nothing out there.
"Bella," I said worriedly. Her eyes were huge and her lips moved, but nothing came out. "Nothing is out there. What is going on?"
The fear for her sanity and safety was gnawing away at me. Her cell phone trilled, and the dread wound its way inside me. A phone call at this hour? She gave me a panicked look and answered.
"Alice?"
She listened and her step faltered. I caught her, lowered her to the bed, and I took the phone from her.
"What is it?" I barked.
"We're coming back," she said sounding hurried. "I got a vision from Aro saying that they decided to kill two birds with one stone. They'll be in Forks soon. We're on our way. Should we bring Bella and you back with us to keep them away from the reservation?"
I rested my head in my hand, worried beyond belief. "We could try, but I doubt my pack would be okay with this. Bella and I are their family, and they won't let me fight without them."
"We'll figure it out. I've seen that we'll get there first, but you need to gather them. Now. I'm sorry, Jake. Tell Bella I'm sorry, too."
I sighed. "I know you are. We'll meet you in the woods when you're back for a quick meeting." I ended the call and glanced at Bella.
Tears streaked down her cheeks, and I pulled her against me, kissing her temple. "I'll always protect you. We'll get through this, Bella," I said even as I worried about what could happen to my family and my pack. "I have to call Sam."
"There is absolutely no way you are leaving me behind when it happens," Bella said. "I need to be there, so please don't even think about it. I'll get a goddamn flare gun and help." Her expression brooked no argument.
I had things to say about that, but I tabled it for now and called Sam.
"They're coming here. Meeting in the woods. The Cullen's are coming back and will find us." He agreed and said he would call everyone.
We headed for the woods. No fucking way would these leeches take Bella from me; nor my father, Charlie, Sue, and my people. I was hell-bent on protecting what was mine. They wouldn't touch anyone that I held dear if I could help it.
*~*~*
AN: Not too bad! 4-5 days later than I normally would post. Anyway, I guess this wasn't much of a surprise for anyone… but hope you enjoyed anyway!
Chapter 32
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, sexual situations)
Summary: After the newborn fight things take a different turn with the Volturi. Edward goes missing, the Cullen's leave to search for him, and Bella flees town from the pain of loss. Can Jacob help her deal with the grief a second time? AU, M for language, sex
*~*~*
You would fight for me/You would starve for me/You would suffer for me/You would die for me/Well I feel the same way too/You know I feel that way about you
*~*~*
As I followed Jake home, my mind raced and tried to comprehend what was happening. It didn't matter if I was involved in this battle or not, but my fear for the Cullen's safety was high. The pack was on alert, but they were safe. Charlie, Billy, and the people of Forks and La Push were safe. I kept trying to tell myself that the Cullen's leaving for Denali and meeting up with their friends' was the best way to deal with this fight.
It didn't really help.
The drive home was torture. I wanted to be with Jake, holding on to him for support. I also didn't want him to see me like this. When we finally crossed the border into Forks, my hands were shaking and sweat was beading on my forehead. I wasn't ready to say good bye to them, to leave Edward still confused a lot of the time, to have nothing resolved between us. It was going to be difficult and I was dreading it.
We reached the Cullen's, and Jake was by my side as I got out of the truck. I took a deep breath.
"Are you sure you can do this?" Jake asked. His features were schooled into something resembling calm, but after everything that just happened I knew it hurt him which in turn hurt me.
It was an endless cycle.
I nodded with some reluctance. "Jake..." I said hesitantly as he started toward the door. I pulled him back slightly.
"I... I won't do this if you don't want me to. You're too important to me and I don't want to hurt you." The decision to not hurt Jake again was strong.
"Bells..." he sighed. He hugged me as tight like he used to; so tight I could barely breathe.
"I won't stop you from this. I don't want to. I know you want to do this and that's okay. Just as long as you come back to me."
I touched his cheek. "Of course."
I flung myself at Alice when she appeared in the doorway. "Please, please, please be careful," I begged. My eyes were already beginning to water.
"Bella, don't worry. We will be careful. I'm really going to miss you; everything has just been so wrong and I miss just being able to talk to you."
I nodded against her shoulder. "I know. I wish things were easier."
"Is everything okay with you and Jacob?"
I glanced at her face, but she was calm and seemed fine asking me that. It wasn't something we ever really discussed since I actually started dating Jacob because of how strange it might have been for her. The wolves were supposed to be their enemy, I had been with Edward, and now everything was completely different.
"For the most part," I said quietly. "We're fine right now, but there are things we still have to work through."
She nodded, still holding on to me. "You haven't resolved much with Edward, have you?"
I bit my lip, the knowledge of that cutting deep. It was going to hurt so much, but I had to keep it together. I would keep it together... for Jake's sake. I couldn't forgive myself yet for hurting him. I gave everyone a hug, begging them to be careful, even Rosalie who accepted it. My anger toward her had thawed; I knew she was just hurting because of her brother.
"I always thought you should have a normal life," she said a little stiffly after I hugged her. "We all thought you should move on when Alice told you that. It just hurt to see Edward so lost and you happy with the do... with Jacob," she amended.
Before I could open my mouth, she added, "I know this hasn't been easy for you, though. I know you still love Edward, but this is for the best."
I lifted my face to the stairs, catching sight of Edward, his eyes locked on me. It wasn't truly him, not fully anyway, but I hurried over to him and threw my arms around his neck. I couldn't stop the tears that trickled down my cheeks. I made an effort to rein them in, though, as I leaned back to look at him.
He lifted his hand, catching a tear on his finger. He looked at it curiously and then at me. "Bella, you shouldn't cry."
I sniffed and just gazed at his familiar face, so lovely in its frozen perfection. I breathed in his scent. "Be careful," I whispered. "Stay with your family."
His eyes met mine and then he pulled me against him. "I'll be careful, Bella. I wish I didn't have to leave."
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you more," I whispered thickly.
"What's important is that you did. You've helped me so much, Bella." He looked at me as the confusion warred with his need to come back. "I wish I could really be me for you before we leave," he added looking upset.
I squeezed his hand. "You'll know either way that I care a great deal about you. You'll make it through this, and we'll see each other again. I promise."
He hugged me again, and I pressed my cheek to his chest. A few more tears fell as I gave him one last squeeze. I moved instinctively closer to Jake, burrowing against him, as they moved outside to leave. Carlisle offered his hand to Jake, and after a moment's hesitation, Jake shook it.
What surprised both of us was Alice turning around and flying over to give Jake a quick squeeze. His eyebrows nearly shot off his forehead, but he awkwardly patted her on the back and they shared a more genuine smile. "Thank you," she said. "We appreciate what you have done to help Edward and also taking care of Bella. I know you would have done it anyway, but I still wanted to thank you."
He nodded. "I always will. No matter what. Thank you for keeping us informed on everything. Be safe."
With a slight shake of his head, Jake watched with a bemused look as Alice darted back to her slightly incredulous family. I burrowed into his side again, my heart giving a painful lurch as their cars pulled away. Edward's face disappeared from view as they kicked up a cloud of dust in their wake.
They were really gone.
I couldn't help myself; I turned into Jake and buried my face against his chest. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," I whispered over and over as my tears wet his shirt.
I wouldn't look at him until he knelt in front of me, pulling my hands away from my face. "Bella? There's no need to be ashamed. They love you, I can see that. And you're someone who can accept them for what they are and love them in return. I think a part of me will always find that weird, but we're not exactly normal either. You care, so I would expect you to be upset."
I perched on his lap, resting my head on his shoulder. "Thank you for being so understanding, especially after everything that happened."
He smoothed a hand down the length of my hair. His lips brushed against the shell of my ear. He held me quietly for a few moments.
"I wish I could stay with you, Bells, but I need to get to the garage. Will you be okay? Do you want company?"
I shook my head. "No, that's okay. I wouldn't mind being by myself for a little bit."
He tilted my chin up, kissing me softly, lips brushing lightly against mine. I held on to his wide shoulders and his tongue dipped inside my mouth for a brief taste. I sighed when he pulled away.
"Tonight we can cook dinner and eat together. We'll just spend some time together and then I'll make love to you until you pass out."
I laughed, turning my head so I could kiss his neck. "Sounds perfect. I'll see you later then. I think I'm going to go up to the cliffs and just relax for now."
"Okay," he replied. "Be careful. I'll see you tonight."
I kissed him again and he left for the garage. I drove the path toward the cliffs and parked. I sent Charlie a text letting him know I was home, that Jake was with me, and that we were okay.
I walked the short distance out to the cliffs and sat on a grassy spot, my back against a tree, so I could look out at the ocean. My mind couldn't settle; images of time spent with the Cullen's kept invading my thoughts. And to know they were putting themselves in harm's way with the Volturi was frightening.
The sun eased out from behind the clouds, filtering through the trees to warm my arms. The crash of the waves on the rocks below was a comforting sound, and I closed my eyes. I had to stop thinking about this, so I accepted the relief of not thinking about it and dozed off.
I stood on the porch of my dad's house, the sky darkening as a storm began to roll in. The thunder was a distant boom and lightning flashed, illuminating the sky. The leaves scattered over the grass, and I felt a sense of foreboding.
Charlie came out, looking worried. "Bella, you better get inside. It's getting closer."
I started following him into the house, the warmth and scent of cooking chicken and blueberry cobbler beckoning me, but I glanced one last time out at the storm.
Near the end of the road, I could just make out the silhouette of someone standing there. My heart gave an unsteady thump, my pulse beginning to thrum in my ears. When Charlie called my name, Jake was right behind him, waiting for me to come into the safety of the house.
Within moments the figure was closer. It was Aro.
His ghostly-white skin glowed in the lightning flashes as we stared at each other. I was terrified, but he made no move toward me. "Isabella," he murmured. "Extend your ability to block your mind to help others. It will help save them."
Another flash of lightning, and he disappeared from view.
I jerked awake, panic clawing at me, as I gasped and tried to breathe. My chest felt tight, and I tried to breathe like I had been taught in yoga in an effort to slow my heart. The sun still shone, the waves still crashed, and I could hear the gulls calling. The fear just felt wrong. Jerkily, I stood up and stumbled my way back to my truck. Uneasiness had settled into my stomach, and I didn't feel safe up here.
I drove home and just as I got into the house, my cell rang. It was Dana, and I answered eagerly.
"I just wanted to check and make sure you got home all right," she said. "Well, that and I wanted to find out if you were still interested in baking. I put some feelers out and there's a woman in your area that is having a baby shower for her daughter and wants a cake."
I grabbed a can of coke out of the fridge and sank gratefully onto a kitchen chair. I needed a good distraction.
"We got home fine," I said, not mentioning what happened with the Cullen's. I couldn't think about that now or I might fall apart. "And yeah, I would definitely be interested. Any specifics?"
She gave me the name and phone number of a Mrs. Waterson, told me what she was looking for in the cake, and I promised to be in touch with her after I purchased what I would need and delivered the cake.
"Thanks Dana," I said gratefully. "This comes at a great time. I could use a distraction."
"Bella, you know you can call me any time," she said.
I smiled slightly. "I know. Thank you."
After I got off the phone with her, I drove to the store to pick up the cake supplies and ingredients I would need. When I hauled everything back home, I started mixing and fell back into the rhythm I had when living in Hoquiam. The vanilla cake with butter cream frosting mixed, I poured it into a round pan and stuck it in the oven.
Jake came home when I pulled it out, preparing to frost and decorate it. I saw him smile as he stopped to watch me begin spreading the frosting on the cake.
"I always did like watching you bake," he said sliding his arms around my waist.
"I think you always just like sampling," I replied, curbing a little smile. I wasn't sure if I wanted to tell him yet about my dream or if I even should at all. I mean, there was no proof that it was real, right?
"Well, that, too," he agreed kissing my neck.
When I finished making a baby rattle, little pink bows, and adding the name Desiree to the cake, I covered it and called the woman to make arrangements to meet on the outskirts of Forks.
"I'll be back soon and we'll have dinner," I said as I got ready to leave.
I made the drop-off quickly, got paid, and headed back home. I wrote down the specifics and called Dana to let her know. Jake had already pulled some chicken out of the fridge when I came in so I started chopping up vegetables to make a stir-fry.
Jake pulled a bottle of wine out of the fridge. He gave me a sheepish look and said, "I decided to splurge and use my fake I.D. at a liquor store near where I work. It's outside of Forks, so we're safe."
I just shook my head, but accepted the glass of wine he poured for me. I couldn't forget my first experience with it, so I sipped it slowly as we continued to prepare dinner together.
*~*~*
JPOV
I could tell something was bothering Bella, but it was obvious she didn't want to talk about it. I didn't push her because I could see she needed some normalcy. Cooking together became something we enjoyed doing. It helped me learn as I watched her and participated, so I felt like I was contributing more for Billy, too.
The chicken and vegetables were finished sautéing, so I got out plates and put on the rice as she topped it off. We sat at the dinner table, eating and drinking the wine, and even with everything going on it was nice to just relax after a long day and put aside any problems.
It had been nice to see her baking again; I did love when she let me taste-test, but baking seemed to calm her and make her happy, and I was glad for that.
"Lets sit out on the deck," I told her. "It's really nice out. We can play a drinking game," I added, teasing her.
It worked; she laughed and her eyes warmed to my teasing. "I don't know, Jake, I have experience with pounding wine. I think you might lose."
I chuckled, swept her up easily and snagged the last half of the bottle of wine to take with us. On the deck, she perched on my lap, facing me. She took a delicate swig of the wine, and I watched her throat work as she swallowed it.
"Truth or dare?" I asked her.
She pondered before answering, "Truth."
I thought for a moment. "Okay, I know. When was the first time you truly thought about me naked and got excited?"
"Jake!" she protested with a laugh.
I raised my eyebrows.
"Oh fine. I think I was aware even before we left here, but when I knew and purposely thought about it was when we woke up in bed one morning. You were poking me with a stiffy."
I laughed outright as she smirked. I took a sip as she asked me, and I answered truth.
"What really happened the night I drank that wine in Hoquiam?"
I smiled. "I really was a gentleman… for the most part. You tried to strip during the game, but I wouldn't let you. When I was trying to get you in bed, you needed help undressing. I turned away, but not before I peeked and got a nice glimpse of the side of your breast. I wanted to touch you so badly."
She giggled and sipped, but I could see her eyes darken slightly. Her arms linked around my neck, her lips hovering over mine, and I could smell the sweet, cloying scent of the wine. She tilted the bottle slowly for me, and I swallowed, my eyes on hers.
"Truth or dare?" she whispered.
"Dare," I said.
"I dare you to make love to me right here; in full view of anyone in La Push walking by."
It was definitely possible that could happen and the idea excited me. "That's not a dare," I teased. With one swift tug, her shirt was over her head.
Her cheeks were a little colored from the wine, though she wasn't drunk. A soft buzz made her feel good and a little more brazen which was fine with me. Her mouth collided with mine, her little tongue diving between my lips. She rubbed herself against me eagerly, stirring my dick to immediate rock-hard status.
I squeezed her ass, my hands trailing up her sides to unhook her bra and palm her pretty, pink-tipped breasts. Unable to resist, I leaned down and took one nipple into my mouth. I suckled at her as she squirmed and begged me for more.
"Please Jake, please," she gasped. "I want to feel you; feel every ridge of you pushing deep inside me…"
My eyebrows and libido rose to bursting.
I moved fast, and in a second, we were sprawled on the little rug on the porch. I ripped her pants off her, popping the button off, and tugged her right leg up over my shoulder.
She cried out, gripping me tightly, guiding me to her entrance. I didn't need much encouragement. I drove myself into her, every throbbing inch burrowing deep inside her silken heat.
Every single time, the feel of her body arching against mine, sent me into a frenzy of lust. My hips rocked against hers as I began to thrust myself into her over and over, pulling out and feeling her trying to hold me inside, just to sink into her again.
I could feel her lips sprinkling kisses over every inch of my chest she could reach until I leaned down and captured them again in a searing, tongue-tangling kiss. Her little tongue coasted over my lower lip as I pushed into her again, feeling the sweat bead on my brow.
I nipped at her tongue, drawing it into my mouth, suckling on it. She groaned and her hips began rocking faster against mine. That was when I heard the voices; Bella had as well because her body froze for a second.
"Your dare," I whispered.
Grasping the leg over my shoulder, I pushed the other wider and slammed my hips against hers. As I sank into her, triggering both of our releases, I covered her mouth as she gave a small scream. Whoever was close by paused for a moment and stars burst behind my eyelids as I released what seemed like an unending stream.
My body moved fluidly, holding Bella against me, as I hurried into the house in the nick of time. I could see the wide eyes of two single women on our rez glance at the porch. A burst of laughter escaped as I hurried into the bedroom, Bella still gripping me deep inside of her.
She slid bonelessly into our bed, a soft laugh finally escaping. She gave my ass a smack, causing an interesting friction, but I managed to pull myself out of her.
"Give me a few minutes," I murmured and she laughed as she stretched out completely on top of me.
I finger-combed her hair, and before I had the chance to get hard again, we were fast asleep.
I woke groggily later that night, uncertain of why, but when I heard the soft whimpers and felt Bella thrashing next to me, I was wide awake.
"Bells?" I said softly, gently smoothing her hair to keep her calm. These nightmares were horrible for both of us as she struggled to wake and I struggled to wake her.
"No," she sobbed. "Don't do this. I'm not that strong. Please."
Worried even more as she paled and struggled to breathe, I sat fully upright, gently slapping at her cheeks. "Bella, you need to wake up," I said more loudly. "Come on, honey, it's just a nightmare. Come back to me."
Her body spasmed, a small cry escaping her lips, but her eyes snapped open. They didn't focus right away, but I took her face in my hands, and made her look at me. She saw me, threw her arms around my neck, and I felt her body shaking.
"They're getting worse," I stated. My eyes focused blearily on the alarm clock; three thirty in the morning.
She whispered, "I didn't want to ruin our night together, but I had one earlier yesterday while you were at the garage. Jake, something's going to happen..."
"Bella…"
"No, I know it. They're warnings of something. I saw Aro and he was telling me to expand my mind shield or whatever it is. And I keep seeing fire and death. Jake, I'm really scared. I don't want anything to happen to you; to all the people I love…"
She swung her legs out of bed, restlessly moving toward the window. Suddenly, she gave a shriek, startling me into jumping up. She backed away, bumping into the nightstand.
"Oh my God, someone's out there!" she cried, still backing away.
I grabbed her arm, pulling her behind me, as I listened and looked. I heard nothing, and I didn't smell the distinctive smell of leech. There was nothing out there.
"Bella," I said worriedly. Her eyes were huge and her lips moved, but nothing came out. "Nothing is out there. What is going on?"
The fear for her sanity and safety was gnawing away at me. Her cell phone trilled, and the dread wound its way inside me. A phone call at this hour? She gave me a panicked look and answered.
"Alice?"
She listened and her step faltered. I caught her, lowered her to the bed, and I took the phone from her.
"What is it?" I barked.
"We're coming back," she said sounding hurried. "I got a vision from Aro saying that they decided to kill two birds with one stone. They'll be in Forks soon. We're on our way. Should we bring Bella and you back with us to keep them away from the reservation?"
I rested my head in my hand, worried beyond belief. "We could try, but I doubt my pack would be okay with this. Bella and I are their family, and they won't let me fight without them."
"We'll figure it out. I've seen that we'll get there first, but you need to gather them. Now. I'm sorry, Jake. Tell Bella I'm sorry, too."
I sighed. "I know you are. We'll meet you in the woods when you're back for a quick meeting." I ended the call and glanced at Bella.
Tears streaked down her cheeks, and I pulled her against me, kissing her temple. "I'll always protect you. We'll get through this, Bella," I said even as I worried about what could happen to my family and my pack. "I have to call Sam."
"There is absolutely no way you are leaving me behind when it happens," Bella said. "I need to be there, so please don't even think about it. I'll get a goddamn flare gun and help." Her expression brooked no argument.
I had things to say about that, but I tabled it for now and called Sam.
"They're coming here. Meeting in the woods. The Cullen's are coming back and will find us." He agreed and said he would call everyone.
We headed for the woods. No fucking way would these leeches take Bella from me; nor my father, Charlie, Sue, and my people. I was hell-bent on protecting what was mine. They wouldn't touch anyone that I held dear if I could help it.
*~*~*
AN: Not too bad! 4-5 days later than I normally would post. Anyway, I guess this wasn't much of a surprise for anyone… but hope you enjoyed anyway!
Chapter 32