Picking up the Pieces, 19: Revealed
Title: Picking up the Pieces
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, future explicit sex)
Summary: Bella returns to Forks a few years after having married Edward and moving to Alaska. Mistakes and regrets, loneliness and grief, she severs ties and returns to those she truly loves to start over. What will she come home to? AU, A/D/R, M-language/sex
*~*~*
'Member when we argued on the concept of regret?/You were an expert even then but not me, not yet/Now all you gotta do's remind me that we met/And there you got me/that's how you got me/you taught me to regret
*~*~*
I sat at the computer, staring at the blinking cursor, feeling horribly cranky and tired. Glancing at the clock, I groaned quietly. I'd only been at work for an hour. Jake had been as supportive as he could be last night, and I loved him for it. This morning I just felt like I needed time alone to calm down, though. The beeping, clicking, humming, and talking in the office wasn't really what I had in mind. I really wished I was in the forests of La Push, sitting by the tide pools.
Sighing, I put my fingers back on the keyboard and began typing my article. Chastity's head popped up over my cubicle, a smile on her face. I plastered one on in response. "I'm going to take a short break and get some coffee," she told me. "You want to come with me?"
I readily agreed; glad to be away from the computer. We walked down the short hall to the break room. She handed me a K-cup of French Vanilla, and I smiled gratefully. She already knew what I liked. We got our coffee and she leaned a hip against the counter.
"You okay?" she asked, taking a sip. "You look a little exhausted."
"Rough weekend," I said with a wan smile.
She smiled sympathetically. "And it's always harder coming back in to work after one of those."
We walked slowly back down the hall, and I listened to her idle chatter about her own weekend, responding when necessary. She was a really nice woman, but I wasn't even up for conversation. At my desk, there was a note that I needed to report to the receptionist, so I walked back down the hall to her desk. She smiled up at me and held up a bouquet of flowers.
A small smile curled my lips, and I felt some of my frustration ease. "These are for you, honey."
I thanked her and went back to my desk. Setting the bouquet down, I opened the card and read: I thought you needed some cheering up. I hope these wildflowers do the trick. :o) Love you, J.
I grinned, feeling lighthearted as I looked at the mix of purple, yellow, and white blooms. It was nice having someone who finally understood me, knew what I needed when even I didn't know what I needed. I decided then and there that I was going to make Jake's favorite meal for dinner and a dessert as well. He deserved so much just by being himself.
When work was over, I went to the store and splurged on prime rib. We tried to be careful about money, but I figured a random treat wouldn't be such a big deal. At home, I marinated them and scrubbed a few potatoes. While the potatoes were in the oven, I took a deep breath and called Carlisle.
He listened quietly as I told him about being followed, trying to explain the feeling I had each time whoever it was had been near.
"What's wrong with me?" I finished in a whisper.
"Oh Bella," he said with a sigh. "I'm sorry for all this trouble. I don't think anything could be inside you, though I don't know how vampire venom affects a person's body if it doesn't kill them. I can't be one hundred percent certain, but it sounds like a warning. I'll definitely look into it immediately and let you know what I come across."
It didn't really assuage my worries, but he continued.
"Do you want me to come back there?" he asked. "I don't know if the Volturi got wind of you still being alive or not, but I'll find out. Either way, I can come and see what I can do to stop whatever it is."
I bit my lip, not sure how to answer that. I wanted this taken care of. I wanted to be left alone to live as normal a life as possible and having something lurking nearby really scared me. "I'll talk to Jake about it," I finally said. "It's going to depend on the pack as well, but they might be able to figure out what it is and take care of it. I'll talk to you again after I speak with him."
Before he hung up, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and mumbled, "Am I okay to go back to my regular activities now?"
My cheeks flushed because it was obvious what I was asking even without saying it. This was a conversation I didn't want to have, but I wanted to know. It had to be awkward for him, too, because of the nature of my relationship with someone other than his son.
He paused, too, as if trying to figure out how to be delicate about it. "You would be pretty well healed by now. How does your stomach feel?"
"I get a minor little twinge, but it's much less frequent. In fact, I didn't feel anything today."
"Then I would think you could… resume physical activities," he said steadily.
I nodded, relieved it was over with, and thrilled that I got the okay. "Okay, thanks, Carlisle."
"I'll be in touch with you soon," he promised. "I'll see what I can find out about vampire venom and who might be lurking."
I thanked him and finished getting dinner ready. Jake came home not long after and looked a little worn. When he saw what I was making, his eyes brightened and he smiled. "Bells, this looks awesome," he said.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him. "Thank you for the flowers. Now go take a quick shower; this is just about ready."
He took the world's fastest shower and then came down, looking a little more alert. We ate dinner and make quick work of the apple tarts I made. He leaned back in his chair after the last bite. "This was so damn good. Thank you."
I deposited our dishes into the soapy water, turning to him with a little smile. "And it's not over yet," I said slyly. When his eyebrows rose, I slid one leg over his lap, perching on top of him. "I have a few more surprises in store for you."
When he leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine, I wound my arms around him, kissing him with a fierce hunger. My body craved him. It felt like it had been forever since I'd made love to him, and I wanted every inch of him surrounding me. His hands explored my back, fingers grazing over every ridge of my spine, while he trailed his lips down my neck.
I wiggled against him, eager to feel his naked skin on mine. I didn't know how I lived without loving Jake, without really loving him. His mind, his body, his faults, and his loving nature; just everything about him made everything inside of me melt. He was so full of light, of happiness, and he did everything he could to make me feel worthwhile. He forgave me which was a huge feat to be sure. Who would have thought being with and making love to my best friend would be exactly what I needed? I couldn't imagine not being with him.
When he lifted me, I held on, his warm hands cupping my behind. "We need to be…" he started to say, but I pressed my lips to his again.
"No, we don't," I said softly. "I spoke with Carlisle. It's okay."
He leaned back to get a better look at me. "It is? Well, what about…"
"Later," I promised. "Right now, I just want it to be me and you. Please."
His lips became more urgent, his mouth hot and urging my lips apart. I didn't need any encouragement as he tasted me all the way up the steps. He pressed me against the wall in the hallway, his hands skimming up under my shirt to tug it off. He groaned softly when he found me bare underneath.
I smiled. "I was waiting for you."
He grinned, leaning down to tug lightly on one nipple with his teeth. I whimpered, gripping his hair, leaning my head back as his lips skimmed over my nipples. When he gently began suckling, getting harder and more urgent, I tugged at his hair. My body was on fire. "Jake, I want all of you. Now."
He was in the room so fast, tumbling me onto the bed, and kicking his clothes off. I wiggled out of my jeans as he crawled up the bed toward me. He had a predatory look in his eyes, his mouth finding the most sensitive areas to kiss and make me cry out. When he looked up at me from between my thighs, my heart stuttered. His black eyes held so much love and contentment in their depths. When my stomach shivered under his questing mouth, I felt him pause over the scar. His fingers gently traced the line of it, his mouth following after.
Tears welled up, but I felt too good to really let it bother me.
His hands gently squeezed my breasts, shaping them and pressing them close to taste both. I giggled as he gently tried to merge them together and I was rewarded with his grin. "Both are begging to be tasted, but I can only pay attention to one at a time," he said, pouting.
I shook my head with a laugh and urged him down to nip at his lower lip. "Jake, I love you so much," I said quietly. I cupped his face in my hands, searching his eyes. He did so much for me, and I needed him to know he was worth the fight, the tears, the fear, and the heartache.
"You're my sun. You were - and still are - always in my mind. I don't even know how to say you were worth everything."
His eyes looked suspiciously moist, but he just kissed me hard and long in response. "I love you, too," he murmured against my neck.
He sat back, and I explored the hard pecs, the clearly defined abdomen muscles, and curled my fingers around the length of him. I sat up and leaned down to press my lips to the tip of him before we rolled around on the bed, the two of us trying to find leverage and the upper-hand, our need for each other strengthening.
I managed to straddle him, reaching behind me to grip him in my hand, grinning evilly as he momentarily stopped struggling. I began stroking, sliding my behind down to get close, teasing him. His eyes almost sparked as they met mine. His hands wrapped around my hips, spilling me to the side.
He rolled so he was on his side as well, facing me. He slid a hand between my thighs, brushing his fingers oh-so-close to me, making me shudder, but he just lifted my leg up over his hip.
I dug my heel into his backside, and without warning, he nudged himself between my thighs and slid just the tip of himself inside me. My body was on the verge of exploding into a million pieces, but all I could do was wind myself closer to him, hold on and…
He was buried deep inside me.
I touched his lips, feeling his smile against my fingers. He pressed me closer with a hand on my backside, and my eyes rolled with the sensation. It was a slow glide, in and out, designed to drive me crazy. I reached down to fondle where we were joined and he groaned quietly. His hips began to move faster, and I pressed so close to him my breasts were crushed against his chest.
When he rolled onto his back, I ended up on top of him again. He was touching me everywhere now and I began to swivel my hips. I arched my back, cupping my own breasts, pushing and molding them for him as he sat up partially, his tongue flicking over my nipples. His lips latched on and I began to ride him faster.
The feel of his powerful body beneath me, undulating with mine, had my blood singing.
He flipped us again, ending up on top. He pinned my arms above my head and drove into me harder and faster. The soft sounds of our bodies connecting and our mingled gasps permeated the room. My back arched again when his fingers worked their magic between us, stroking and tugging on my clit.
"Oh… fuck…" he finally sighed, pounding his hips against mine again, releasing heavily. His hips jerked against mine rapidly as he came and I struggled to free myself from his grasp and touch him when my own body began shaking with my climax. He let my hands go, and I grasped his tight behind, biting his neck, while my body continued to ride the tidal wave he created.
Spent, he eased himself off me, holding me close. I rested my head on his shoulder, satiated and content, listening to the rapid beating of our hearts before we both fell asleep.
*~*~*
JPOV
The following weeks, after I got the information I needed to hear from Bella, we made love frequently. Unable to do so for those weeks after Bella's surgery made me a bit sex-crazed. Bella was more wanton than ever, drawing me in and nearly turning me into a caveman. I'd already felt the urge to drag her to bed several times and told her so, making her laugh and light up with devious glee.
One lazy Saturday, we didn't even make it back up to the bedroom. I had her on the floor, hands and knees, holding on to her hips as I sank deep into her. She cried out, arching back against me. Damn, she was going to kill me. She was so soft, warm, and eager. I drove into her over and over, teasing her with my fingers faster and faster until we both cried out with the force of our release.
I was barely able to tumble over onto my back before I sprawled on the carpet, unable to move. Bella stretched like a cat, curling against me. "Mmm," she sighed lazily. "That was fantastic."
She kissed my nipples, her little hand making a lazy circle over my stomach. "You're a sex addict," I informed her, looking down at her laving my nipple. She giggled and bit me.
"I like your body," she informed me. When her mouth found my dick, I groaned.
"You're lucky I'm young and horny," I teased her, closing my eyes as her tongue flicked out against me.
I finally pulled her up over me after her torturous licks had my body quivering. "Fair play," I murmured, turning her around so she was sprawled on her stomach on top of me, my face between her thighs.
I nipped, licked, and suckled on her, squeezing her delectable behind since it was right there. She moaned around my dick, the vibration driving me crazy. I dipped my tongue inside, tasting her eagerly, my body tightening as she took me in deeper at the same time. It didn't take long for either of us to reach the breaking point.
"Baby, I'm…" I started to say, but she just purred.
"Do it, Jake, I want it."
She swallowed it all, and I nipped her clit, making her squirm and cry out yet again. Giving her ass a smack, she yelped and giggled. She looked back over her shoulder at me, grinning, making me laugh. I gave her another smack.
"So, the little vixen likes to be spanked. When I recover, I'll remember that."
It didn't take long and I had her over my knee, spanking and stroking, sending her into another orgasm. I shook my head at her wonderingly. "Come on, you little horn dog. I'm hungry."
Later that day, I heard Bella on the phone with Carlisle. "There's still no word on what it was? I mean, I haven't felt anything since Halloween weekend, but I just have this feeling that whatever it was is still out there."
She listened as I paused in the doorway.
"Okay," she said, sounding a little dejected. "I know you are. Thanks for letting me know."
After she hung up, I moved behind her and she leaned her head back against my stomach. "He doesn't have any news yet?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Come on, let's go out," I said impulsively. "We can go to a movie, go to one of the parks, and maybe get something to eat somewhere."
It perked her up and we ended up having a lot of fun watching a movie with killer ghosts. We walked around the park, holding hands, enjoying the cloudy but not rainy day. We found an Italian café where we ordered chicken parmesan and discussed the upcoming holiday.
"So, what are we doing for Thanksgiving?" I asked. "My dad called and wanted to know if we'd be home."
Bella pursed her lips and didn't quite manage to hide the flash of pain in her eyes. I knew she was missing Charlie, and I felt guilty for reminding her of that. He hadn't called since we'd told him about vampires and wolf packs. She hadn't called him either, though I had to stop her once or twice, urging her to just give him a little time.
"I don't know. I'd like to go home and see everyone, but well…" she trailed off and I reached over to lace my fingers with hers.
"Honey, he'll come around."
She nodded, taking a bite of spaghetti.
We walked our dinner off in the cold November air, stopping in a bakery to buy some pumpkin cupcakes. When we got back to the apartment, Bella's cell phone trilled. Glancing down, her eyes widened, and she stared at me. "It's Charlie," she said and grabbed it.
I gave her the privacy she needed and waited in the living room, flicking through channels. When she came in, she was excited. "He wants us to come home for Thanksgiving. He said he's going to have dinner at his house with all of us, and then we're going to your dad's for dessert and to meet up with the guys."
I pulled her into me, kissing the top of her head. "See? What did I tell you?" I said, smiling against her hair.
She looked up at me, eyes shining, and I knew things were going to start improving.
*~*~*
It seemed like the threat had disappeared, but I was still on alert. It didn't fool me for a second. Something was out there, whether it was around right now or not. Bella still hadn't felt those shivers since Halloween and Thanksgiving was this week, but I knew she hadn't forgotten it. When I got home from work on Wednesday, Bella was in the kitchen, having had the day off work.
The apartment smelled fantastic, and I groaned as I leaned over the pumpkin bread she was cutting. She giggled, turning to kiss me. "Hmm," I pondered, smacking my lips after. "You taste good. Almost as good as that pumpkin bread will taste."
She gave me a pat on the cheek with the still gooey spatula. She squealed with laughter as I chased her into the living room. She squirmed as I caught her and rubbed my cheek against hers. I pinned her down and licked her cheek until she turned and captured my lips with hers. "Mmm," she hummed as our tongues met.
I backed off, eager to get her clothes off, but she surprised me with a quick twist and got out from under me.
"Hey," I protested. "What happened to my little nympho?"
She laughed, hurrying back into the kitchen. "Maybe later, big boy."
I gave her a pout, managing to at least finagle some beef BBQ out of her for dinner. If I couldn't have sex, food was the next best thing. She wrapped up the pumpkin bread and I helped her get the ham and what she needed for it prepared for the next day. When she pulled out her chocolate chip cookies, I hung over her shoulder.
She grinned, reaching her hand back with a cookie in it. I kissed her ear and then devoured the cookie. Once we finished getting our stuff together, I threw her over my shoulder cave-man style and carried her up to bed.
When we got to Charlie's early the next morning, Bella paused in front of him at the door, unsure of what to do. Charlie seemed to feel the same way, but he cleared his throat. "I don't know what to say. I'm not sure I even entirely believe all this, but you're my daughter. And I'm grateful you came back to me; that's what I have to be thankful for."
I nodded at Charlie when he met my eyes. He held on to Bella, her arms wrapped around him. When they finally separated, I saw she was trying not to cry, so I kissed her. "Come on, woman, let's get the food ready and eat it," I said, making her giggle.
Sue, Leah, and Seth came soon after us followed by Rachel and Billy. "Becca couldn't make it," Rachel said throwing her arms around me. "But she promises to be here for Christmas."
Inside the noise and laughter was plentiful. I watched as Sue approached Charlie and spoke quietly to him. He was still pretty quiet, but he gave her a small smile and they hugged. Relieved, I turned to Bella to see her watching, too.
The ham Bella made was fantastic. There was also turkey with gravy that Sue brought, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry salad, salad, and when everyone had their fill we moved to La Push for the desserts. My brothers were there, and we played an impromptu game of football outside.
Bella sat with Leah, Rachel, Kim, and Emily. It was good to see her with other women. She'd spent so much time alone or with me when she wasn't with that leech. I was glad to see her have female friends, too, but then she'd changed so much. Her views on life had expanded, as had her friends, and her personality. She was who she was truly meant to be. A warm, loving woman with friends and family who loved her. When the day began to wind down and everyone was drowsy, we made the trek back to the apartment with the promise of coming back over the weekend.
Bella was half-asleep when I parked in the lot. "Come on, honey," I said quietly. "Let's get inside."
She yawned and shuffled up the walk, hand entwined with mine. I kissed her at the door and said, "Everything worked out for the best."
Her cell phone rang and she frowned, biting her lip. "It's Carlisle," she informed me.
She answered and listened quietly. She began to shake a little, and I felt the worry creep back. After a few more minutes, she murmured, "Thanks Carlisle. I'll let you know."
When she pressed the end call button, she turned to me. "He found out that the Volturi sent a scout to see if I was alive, Jake."
I led her inside hurriedly, glancing over my shoulder. "They know? How?"
"He didn't say," she mumbled, eyes fearful. "But oh shit, I had articles printed in the paper with my name on it. I didn't think it mattered; it's a small paper and they live in Italy. It might be my own damn fault!"
"It might not be that," I reassured her. "I'm going to have to call the pack, put them on alert."
She sniffled, looking upset and terrified. "And Jake, he said the venom does seem to be a warning mechanism. It's like if you don't burn vampire parts, they still move. It's doing so inside of me. Jake, I want this out!"
"He doesn't know why, but he thinks maybe I've survived the venom being inside me because of this shield I seem to have. None of the Volturi was able to affect me with their powers, just like Edward was never able to read my mind."
I wrapped my arms around her, hiding my fear. "That's good then. Honey, we'll figure this out and we'll put a stop to it. I'll kill anything that tries to harm you." My body tensed, and I could feel the wolf straining again. My eyes felt different, my mouth felt wider as if my teeth were elongating, my body felt shaky, and I saw Bella's eyes widen.
"The wolf is trying to come out," she whispered, shocked at the sight.
I swallowed with difficulty, but very nearly exploded when Bella cried out, gripping her stomach. "Oh no," she whimpered. She dropped to her knees just as I heard the doorbell.
"Jake, no, please…" she pleaded, holding her stomach and reaching out for me.
I gritted my teeth and went anyway. Whoever was outside the door was pushing my limits and I was ready to rip something limb from limb. I flung it open, and I caught Bella as she stumbled over to me, face pale and filled with horrified shock. It was Edward, his eyes close to black from hunger.
The tremors still wracking my body suddenly stilled. Time was suspended; the only sound was the beat of my heart, the only feeling was my body turning hot and painful in preparation, and the only thing in front of me was my natural enemy.
No one will ever lay a hand on her again.
Chapter 20
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AN: Wow, I feel so dramatic! Heh So, you think Edward is all vamped out or something else is going on? Either way, there could be a showdown. Hmmm. ;o) And no yelling at me… at least you have an idea of what is coming and I answered other questions! Lol Kidding! Hope you enjoyed the lemon(s)… and the drama. haha
Author: exquisite_ugly
Rating/Warnings: M (language, future explicit sex)
Summary: Bella returns to Forks a few years after having married Edward and moving to Alaska. Mistakes and regrets, loneliness and grief, she severs ties and returns to those she truly loves to start over. What will she come home to? AU, A/D/R, M-language/sex
*~*~*
'Member when we argued on the concept of regret?/You were an expert even then but not me, not yet/Now all you gotta do's remind me that we met/And there you got me/that's how you got me/you taught me to regret
*~*~*
I sat at the computer, staring at the blinking cursor, feeling horribly cranky and tired. Glancing at the clock, I groaned quietly. I'd only been at work for an hour. Jake had been as supportive as he could be last night, and I loved him for it. This morning I just felt like I needed time alone to calm down, though. The beeping, clicking, humming, and talking in the office wasn't really what I had in mind. I really wished I was in the forests of La Push, sitting by the tide pools.
Sighing, I put my fingers back on the keyboard and began typing my article. Chastity's head popped up over my cubicle, a smile on her face. I plastered one on in response. "I'm going to take a short break and get some coffee," she told me. "You want to come with me?"
I readily agreed; glad to be away from the computer. We walked down the short hall to the break room. She handed me a K-cup of French Vanilla, and I smiled gratefully. She already knew what I liked. We got our coffee and she leaned a hip against the counter.
"You okay?" she asked, taking a sip. "You look a little exhausted."
"Rough weekend," I said with a wan smile.
She smiled sympathetically. "And it's always harder coming back in to work after one of those."
We walked slowly back down the hall, and I listened to her idle chatter about her own weekend, responding when necessary. She was a really nice woman, but I wasn't even up for conversation. At my desk, there was a note that I needed to report to the receptionist, so I walked back down the hall to her desk. She smiled up at me and held up a bouquet of flowers.
A small smile curled my lips, and I felt some of my frustration ease. "These are for you, honey."
I thanked her and went back to my desk. Setting the bouquet down, I opened the card and read: I thought you needed some cheering up. I hope these wildflowers do the trick. :o) Love you, J.
I grinned, feeling lighthearted as I looked at the mix of purple, yellow, and white blooms. It was nice having someone who finally understood me, knew what I needed when even I didn't know what I needed. I decided then and there that I was going to make Jake's favorite meal for dinner and a dessert as well. He deserved so much just by being himself.
When work was over, I went to the store and splurged on prime rib. We tried to be careful about money, but I figured a random treat wouldn't be such a big deal. At home, I marinated them and scrubbed a few potatoes. While the potatoes were in the oven, I took a deep breath and called Carlisle.
He listened quietly as I told him about being followed, trying to explain the feeling I had each time whoever it was had been near.
"What's wrong with me?" I finished in a whisper.
"Oh Bella," he said with a sigh. "I'm sorry for all this trouble. I don't think anything could be inside you, though I don't know how vampire venom affects a person's body if it doesn't kill them. I can't be one hundred percent certain, but it sounds like a warning. I'll definitely look into it immediately and let you know what I come across."
It didn't really assuage my worries, but he continued.
"Do you want me to come back there?" he asked. "I don't know if the Volturi got wind of you still being alive or not, but I'll find out. Either way, I can come and see what I can do to stop whatever it is."
I bit my lip, not sure how to answer that. I wanted this taken care of. I wanted to be left alone to live as normal a life as possible and having something lurking nearby really scared me. "I'll talk to Jake about it," I finally said. "It's going to depend on the pack as well, but they might be able to figure out what it is and take care of it. I'll talk to you again after I speak with him."
Before he hung up, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and mumbled, "Am I okay to go back to my regular activities now?"
My cheeks flushed because it was obvious what I was asking even without saying it. This was a conversation I didn't want to have, but I wanted to know. It had to be awkward for him, too, because of the nature of my relationship with someone other than his son.
He paused, too, as if trying to figure out how to be delicate about it. "You would be pretty well healed by now. How does your stomach feel?"
"I get a minor little twinge, but it's much less frequent. In fact, I didn't feel anything today."
"Then I would think you could… resume physical activities," he said steadily.
I nodded, relieved it was over with, and thrilled that I got the okay. "Okay, thanks, Carlisle."
"I'll be in touch with you soon," he promised. "I'll see what I can find out about vampire venom and who might be lurking."
I thanked him and finished getting dinner ready. Jake came home not long after and looked a little worn. When he saw what I was making, his eyes brightened and he smiled. "Bells, this looks awesome," he said.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, kissing him. "Thank you for the flowers. Now go take a quick shower; this is just about ready."
He took the world's fastest shower and then came down, looking a little more alert. We ate dinner and make quick work of the apple tarts I made. He leaned back in his chair after the last bite. "This was so damn good. Thank you."
I deposited our dishes into the soapy water, turning to him with a little smile. "And it's not over yet," I said slyly. When his eyebrows rose, I slid one leg over his lap, perching on top of him. "I have a few more surprises in store for you."
When he leaned forward and brushed his lips against mine, I wound my arms around him, kissing him with a fierce hunger. My body craved him. It felt like it had been forever since I'd made love to him, and I wanted every inch of him surrounding me. His hands explored my back, fingers grazing over every ridge of my spine, while he trailed his lips down my neck.
I wiggled against him, eager to feel his naked skin on mine. I didn't know how I lived without loving Jake, without really loving him. His mind, his body, his faults, and his loving nature; just everything about him made everything inside of me melt. He was so full of light, of happiness, and he did everything he could to make me feel worthwhile. He forgave me which was a huge feat to be sure. Who would have thought being with and making love to my best friend would be exactly what I needed? I couldn't imagine not being with him.
When he lifted me, I held on, his warm hands cupping my behind. "We need to be…" he started to say, but I pressed my lips to his again.
"No, we don't," I said softly. "I spoke with Carlisle. It's okay."
He leaned back to get a better look at me. "It is? Well, what about…"
"Later," I promised. "Right now, I just want it to be me and you. Please."
His lips became more urgent, his mouth hot and urging my lips apart. I didn't need any encouragement as he tasted me all the way up the steps. He pressed me against the wall in the hallway, his hands skimming up under my shirt to tug it off. He groaned softly when he found me bare underneath.
I smiled. "I was waiting for you."
He grinned, leaning down to tug lightly on one nipple with his teeth. I whimpered, gripping his hair, leaning my head back as his lips skimmed over my nipples. When he gently began suckling, getting harder and more urgent, I tugged at his hair. My body was on fire. "Jake, I want all of you. Now."
He was in the room so fast, tumbling me onto the bed, and kicking his clothes off. I wiggled out of my jeans as he crawled up the bed toward me. He had a predatory look in his eyes, his mouth finding the most sensitive areas to kiss and make me cry out. When he looked up at me from between my thighs, my heart stuttered. His black eyes held so much love and contentment in their depths. When my stomach shivered under his questing mouth, I felt him pause over the scar. His fingers gently traced the line of it, his mouth following after.
Tears welled up, but I felt too good to really let it bother me.
His hands gently squeezed my breasts, shaping them and pressing them close to taste both. I giggled as he gently tried to merge them together and I was rewarded with his grin. "Both are begging to be tasted, but I can only pay attention to one at a time," he said, pouting.
I shook my head with a laugh and urged him down to nip at his lower lip. "Jake, I love you so much," I said quietly. I cupped his face in my hands, searching his eyes. He did so much for me, and I needed him to know he was worth the fight, the tears, the fear, and the heartache.
"You're my sun. You were - and still are - always in my mind. I don't even know how to say you were worth everything."
His eyes looked suspiciously moist, but he just kissed me hard and long in response. "I love you, too," he murmured against my neck.
He sat back, and I explored the hard pecs, the clearly defined abdomen muscles, and curled my fingers around the length of him. I sat up and leaned down to press my lips to the tip of him before we rolled around on the bed, the two of us trying to find leverage and the upper-hand, our need for each other strengthening.
I managed to straddle him, reaching behind me to grip him in my hand, grinning evilly as he momentarily stopped struggling. I began stroking, sliding my behind down to get close, teasing him. His eyes almost sparked as they met mine. His hands wrapped around my hips, spilling me to the side.
He rolled so he was on his side as well, facing me. He slid a hand between my thighs, brushing his fingers oh-so-close to me, making me shudder, but he just lifted my leg up over his hip.
I dug my heel into his backside, and without warning, he nudged himself between my thighs and slid just the tip of himself inside me. My body was on the verge of exploding into a million pieces, but all I could do was wind myself closer to him, hold on and…
He was buried deep inside me.
I touched his lips, feeling his smile against my fingers. He pressed me closer with a hand on my backside, and my eyes rolled with the sensation. It was a slow glide, in and out, designed to drive me crazy. I reached down to fondle where we were joined and he groaned quietly. His hips began to move faster, and I pressed so close to him my breasts were crushed against his chest.
When he rolled onto his back, I ended up on top of him again. He was touching me everywhere now and I began to swivel my hips. I arched my back, cupping my own breasts, pushing and molding them for him as he sat up partially, his tongue flicking over my nipples. His lips latched on and I began to ride him faster.
The feel of his powerful body beneath me, undulating with mine, had my blood singing.
He flipped us again, ending up on top. He pinned my arms above my head and drove into me harder and faster. The soft sounds of our bodies connecting and our mingled gasps permeated the room. My back arched again when his fingers worked their magic between us, stroking and tugging on my clit.
"Oh… fuck…" he finally sighed, pounding his hips against mine again, releasing heavily. His hips jerked against mine rapidly as he came and I struggled to free myself from his grasp and touch him when my own body began shaking with my climax. He let my hands go, and I grasped his tight behind, biting his neck, while my body continued to ride the tidal wave he created.
Spent, he eased himself off me, holding me close. I rested my head on his shoulder, satiated and content, listening to the rapid beating of our hearts before we both fell asleep.
*~*~*
JPOV
The following weeks, after I got the information I needed to hear from Bella, we made love frequently. Unable to do so for those weeks after Bella's surgery made me a bit sex-crazed. Bella was more wanton than ever, drawing me in and nearly turning me into a caveman. I'd already felt the urge to drag her to bed several times and told her so, making her laugh and light up with devious glee.
One lazy Saturday, we didn't even make it back up to the bedroom. I had her on the floor, hands and knees, holding on to her hips as I sank deep into her. She cried out, arching back against me. Damn, she was going to kill me. She was so soft, warm, and eager. I drove into her over and over, teasing her with my fingers faster and faster until we both cried out with the force of our release.
I was barely able to tumble over onto my back before I sprawled on the carpet, unable to move. Bella stretched like a cat, curling against me. "Mmm," she sighed lazily. "That was fantastic."
She kissed my nipples, her little hand making a lazy circle over my stomach. "You're a sex addict," I informed her, looking down at her laving my nipple. She giggled and bit me.
"I like your body," she informed me. When her mouth found my dick, I groaned.
"You're lucky I'm young and horny," I teased her, closing my eyes as her tongue flicked out against me.
I finally pulled her up over me after her torturous licks had my body quivering. "Fair play," I murmured, turning her around so she was sprawled on her stomach on top of me, my face between her thighs.
I nipped, licked, and suckled on her, squeezing her delectable behind since it was right there. She moaned around my dick, the vibration driving me crazy. I dipped my tongue inside, tasting her eagerly, my body tightening as she took me in deeper at the same time. It didn't take long for either of us to reach the breaking point.
"Baby, I'm…" I started to say, but she just purred.
"Do it, Jake, I want it."
She swallowed it all, and I nipped her clit, making her squirm and cry out yet again. Giving her ass a smack, she yelped and giggled. She looked back over her shoulder at me, grinning, making me laugh. I gave her another smack.
"So, the little vixen likes to be spanked. When I recover, I'll remember that."
It didn't take long and I had her over my knee, spanking and stroking, sending her into another orgasm. I shook my head at her wonderingly. "Come on, you little horn dog. I'm hungry."
Later that day, I heard Bella on the phone with Carlisle. "There's still no word on what it was? I mean, I haven't felt anything since Halloween weekend, but I just have this feeling that whatever it was is still out there."
She listened as I paused in the doorway.
"Okay," she said, sounding a little dejected. "I know you are. Thanks for letting me know."
After she hung up, I moved behind her and she leaned her head back against my stomach. "He doesn't have any news yet?" I asked.
She shook her head. "Come on, let's go out," I said impulsively. "We can go to a movie, go to one of the parks, and maybe get something to eat somewhere."
It perked her up and we ended up having a lot of fun watching a movie with killer ghosts. We walked around the park, holding hands, enjoying the cloudy but not rainy day. We found an Italian café where we ordered chicken parmesan and discussed the upcoming holiday.
"So, what are we doing for Thanksgiving?" I asked. "My dad called and wanted to know if we'd be home."
Bella pursed her lips and didn't quite manage to hide the flash of pain in her eyes. I knew she was missing Charlie, and I felt guilty for reminding her of that. He hadn't called since we'd told him about vampires and wolf packs. She hadn't called him either, though I had to stop her once or twice, urging her to just give him a little time.
"I don't know. I'd like to go home and see everyone, but well…" she trailed off and I reached over to lace my fingers with hers.
"Honey, he'll come around."
She nodded, taking a bite of spaghetti.
We walked our dinner off in the cold November air, stopping in a bakery to buy some pumpkin cupcakes. When we got back to the apartment, Bella's cell phone trilled. Glancing down, her eyes widened, and she stared at me. "It's Charlie," she said and grabbed it.
I gave her the privacy she needed and waited in the living room, flicking through channels. When she came in, she was excited. "He wants us to come home for Thanksgiving. He said he's going to have dinner at his house with all of us, and then we're going to your dad's for dessert and to meet up with the guys."
I pulled her into me, kissing the top of her head. "See? What did I tell you?" I said, smiling against her hair.
She looked up at me, eyes shining, and I knew things were going to start improving.
*~*~*
It seemed like the threat had disappeared, but I was still on alert. It didn't fool me for a second. Something was out there, whether it was around right now or not. Bella still hadn't felt those shivers since Halloween and Thanksgiving was this week, but I knew she hadn't forgotten it. When I got home from work on Wednesday, Bella was in the kitchen, having had the day off work.
The apartment smelled fantastic, and I groaned as I leaned over the pumpkin bread she was cutting. She giggled, turning to kiss me. "Hmm," I pondered, smacking my lips after. "You taste good. Almost as good as that pumpkin bread will taste."
She gave me a pat on the cheek with the still gooey spatula. She squealed with laughter as I chased her into the living room. She squirmed as I caught her and rubbed my cheek against hers. I pinned her down and licked her cheek until she turned and captured my lips with hers. "Mmm," she hummed as our tongues met.
I backed off, eager to get her clothes off, but she surprised me with a quick twist and got out from under me.
"Hey," I protested. "What happened to my little nympho?"
She laughed, hurrying back into the kitchen. "Maybe later, big boy."
I gave her a pout, managing to at least finagle some beef BBQ out of her for dinner. If I couldn't have sex, food was the next best thing. She wrapped up the pumpkin bread and I helped her get the ham and what she needed for it prepared for the next day. When she pulled out her chocolate chip cookies, I hung over her shoulder.
She grinned, reaching her hand back with a cookie in it. I kissed her ear and then devoured the cookie. Once we finished getting our stuff together, I threw her over my shoulder cave-man style and carried her up to bed.
When we got to Charlie's early the next morning, Bella paused in front of him at the door, unsure of what to do. Charlie seemed to feel the same way, but he cleared his throat. "I don't know what to say. I'm not sure I even entirely believe all this, but you're my daughter. And I'm grateful you came back to me; that's what I have to be thankful for."
I nodded at Charlie when he met my eyes. He held on to Bella, her arms wrapped around him. When they finally separated, I saw she was trying not to cry, so I kissed her. "Come on, woman, let's get the food ready and eat it," I said, making her giggle.
Sue, Leah, and Seth came soon after us followed by Rachel and Billy. "Becca couldn't make it," Rachel said throwing her arms around me. "But she promises to be here for Christmas."
Inside the noise and laughter was plentiful. I watched as Sue approached Charlie and spoke quietly to him. He was still pretty quiet, but he gave her a small smile and they hugged. Relieved, I turned to Bella to see her watching, too.
The ham Bella made was fantastic. There was also turkey with gravy that Sue brought, mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, cranberry salad, salad, and when everyone had their fill we moved to La Push for the desserts. My brothers were there, and we played an impromptu game of football outside.
Bella sat with Leah, Rachel, Kim, and Emily. It was good to see her with other women. She'd spent so much time alone or with me when she wasn't with that leech. I was glad to see her have female friends, too, but then she'd changed so much. Her views on life had expanded, as had her friends, and her personality. She was who she was truly meant to be. A warm, loving woman with friends and family who loved her. When the day began to wind down and everyone was drowsy, we made the trek back to the apartment with the promise of coming back over the weekend.
Bella was half-asleep when I parked in the lot. "Come on, honey," I said quietly. "Let's get inside."
She yawned and shuffled up the walk, hand entwined with mine. I kissed her at the door and said, "Everything worked out for the best."
Her cell phone rang and she frowned, biting her lip. "It's Carlisle," she informed me.
She answered and listened quietly. She began to shake a little, and I felt the worry creep back. After a few more minutes, she murmured, "Thanks Carlisle. I'll let you know."
When she pressed the end call button, she turned to me. "He found out that the Volturi sent a scout to see if I was alive, Jake."
I led her inside hurriedly, glancing over my shoulder. "They know? How?"
"He didn't say," she mumbled, eyes fearful. "But oh shit, I had articles printed in the paper with my name on it. I didn't think it mattered; it's a small paper and they live in Italy. It might be my own damn fault!"
"It might not be that," I reassured her. "I'm going to have to call the pack, put them on alert."
She sniffled, looking upset and terrified. "And Jake, he said the venom does seem to be a warning mechanism. It's like if you don't burn vampire parts, they still move. It's doing so inside of me. Jake, I want this out!"
"He doesn't know why, but he thinks maybe I've survived the venom being inside me because of this shield I seem to have. None of the Volturi was able to affect me with their powers, just like Edward was never able to read my mind."
I wrapped my arms around her, hiding my fear. "That's good then. Honey, we'll figure this out and we'll put a stop to it. I'll kill anything that tries to harm you." My body tensed, and I could feel the wolf straining again. My eyes felt different, my mouth felt wider as if my teeth were elongating, my body felt shaky, and I saw Bella's eyes widen.
"The wolf is trying to come out," she whispered, shocked at the sight.
I swallowed with difficulty, but very nearly exploded when Bella cried out, gripping her stomach. "Oh no," she whimpered. She dropped to her knees just as I heard the doorbell.
"Jake, no, please…" she pleaded, holding her stomach and reaching out for me.
I gritted my teeth and went anyway. Whoever was outside the door was pushing my limits and I was ready to rip something limb from limb. I flung it open, and I caught Bella as she stumbled over to me, face pale and filled with horrified shock. It was Edward, his eyes close to black from hunger.
The tremors still wracking my body suddenly stilled. Time was suspended; the only sound was the beat of my heart, the only feeling was my body turning hot and painful in preparation, and the only thing in front of me was my natural enemy.
No one will ever lay a hand on her again.
Chapter 20
*~*~*
AN: Wow, I feel so dramatic! Heh So, you think Edward is all vamped out or something else is going on? Either way, there could be a showdown. Hmmm. ;o) And no yelling at me… at least you have an idea of what is coming and I answered other questions! Lol Kidding! Hope you enjoyed the lemon(s)… and the drama. haha