Chapter 1 – Travels
BPOV
Raven finished with my hair and made me look at myself into the mirror, "You look so beautiful. Jacques is going to love it." I smiled, patting the pinned bun, "Thank you, Raven." She put in a lot of pins to hold my hair tightly. Taking my hand, she helped me stand up from the vanity seat. "Do you want to put on your dress?" Her blue eyes danced at the idea. She was more excited than I was. I shook my head, "We're ahead of schedule actually. I just want to finish my drink." I took up the warm mug and drank the soothing crimson liquid; it was calming my nerves. This rising was already a lot to deal with.
I sat myself down on the small bench at the foot of the bed. Looking at my own reflection from across the room, my cheeks had a light color to them. The white robe I wore hugged my body. Another gulp from my mug drove away my anxiousness. I just wanted to see Jacques, but there was still some time before I could. Raven patted my shoulders, You'll see him soon enough. Her raven black hair was pulled back into a side ponytail, drifting down her shoulder.
Listening to the sounds in the house, my eyes glanced at the door, "Come on in, Alice." Alice Cullen bounced into the room with her hair in tight pin curls. Her hand went over her mouth as she saw me, "Raven, you are wonderful. Bella looks perfect." Sitting with me, Alice placed her hands on mine, "Now why aren't you dressed yet?" My shoulders slumped and I clutched at my mug, "Because I don't want to be. You know I have to take it easy, as Jacques ordered." Alice dramatically rolled her eyes, "Fine. But we'll be late." I laughed as I took another sip, finishing off the contents, "No, everyone else is simply early."
Alice crossed the room, "Let's get going, Bella. No more stalling." There was a quick knock and Rosalie came in, "Don't you rush her, Alice." Rosalie Cullen was breathtakingly beautiful. Her golden hair was braided into a bun and pinned atop her head. Her smile was dazzling as she looked at me. She rested a small bag on the vanity, "Everything is almost ready." My heart began to race as I thought about everything coming up so quickly. Rosalie smiled at me, "How are you feeling?" I smiled brightly, "Wonderful. Full of energy," I lied. Rosalie held my hands, helping me stand up. Her gold eyes smiled as she looked at me, "Come on, let's get you in your dress."
My smile faltered a bit, glancing behind myself to the long garment bag hanging on the closet door. The sight of it formed a lump in my throat. Raven took my empty mug, "The sooner you're dressed, the sooner we get this done and the sooner you can be with Jacques." The thought of seeing my lifemate could only make me go through this. I nodded, "Ok, let's get me dressed and downstairs." Raven clapped her hands quickly, Oh, this is so exciting.
Rosalie held my hand as I cross the room. In the past few weeks, it was Rosalie who insisted on taking care of the things I needed, which still shocked me. Alice held the dress in place, letting me step into it and she pulled the gown over my body. The wisps of white silk were pulled over my skin. The hemline was tight around my shoulders, so it would stay in place. The dress had a layer of white lace, which opened beneath my chest, where neatly designed pleats were. Appraising my dress, Alice, Raven and Rosalie were smiling from ear to ear. "Hold on," Alice walked me over to the mirror, careful to not let me trip on the hem.
My smile faded as I saw myself, "I look like Moby Dick." Raven, Alice and Rosalie 'ahh'ed at my statement. Raven held my hands, "No, you don't. Expecting mothers always make the most beautiful brides." The pleats were folded over my growing stomach, which was mine and Jacques's unborn child. My lip trembled seeing myself in a wedding dress, "I'm a snowman and my hair is the top hat." Alice dabbed a tissue to my eyes before any tears could escape, "Now, Bella, stop that. You've never looked more beautiful. You're just sensitive right now." I nodded slowly knowing she was right. My pregnancy was wreaking havoc on my hormones. I couldn't afford to start crying now; it would ruin my makeup.
Rosalie lightly touched my stomach, "And how's the baby?" I smiled at her, "Just fine." Raven clasped bracelets on my wrist, "Is she ok?" "He's fine," Alice answered. No one but me knew the sex of the baby and I had no intention of letting anyone know before I wanted them to. This was the first baby to born among our people in almost a decade. No one knew about my pregnancy until I began to show.
The four of us turned our heads to the door, hearing someone's approach. Alice dabbed my cheek with another tissue and went to answer the door, No more crying. You'll ruin my masterpiece. Renee came in and gasped loudly, smiling brightly, Oh, my baby. Walking with her, Esme held my mom's shoulders as they saw me in my wedding gown. My mom was crying as she came over to me, "My baby's getting married." I turned and held her hands, "Mom, I'm already married. I'm just having a wedding." That meant little to my mom. She cried when she saw me pregnant for the first time. She cried when I told her about the wedding. My mom hasn't been able to stop crying since her arrival two days ago. She insisted on taking care of me like I was a little girl again. Esme held out a little black box in the palm of her hand, "We know. But, still, you're a bride." Esme and my mom knew my aversions to wedding gifts.
With our Carpathian influence, Renee and Charlie weren't aware of the Cullens' lack of aging. I was just so happy to have my human family here. It took my mom a long time to come around to the fact that I was married to Jacques. In the beginning, she and I didn't speak for weeks and it was hell. I would email her, but she would never answer and it wasn't like her. I would call and there wouldn't be an answer. Charlie, Sue and Phil tried to break her down, but Renee wouldn't budge. She thought I was silly and foolish for marrying a man I didn't know. I tried to keep all this from Jacques, but he knew it was eating me inside that my mother wasn't speaking to me.
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I pressed the 'end' button on my phone after another failed attempt at calling my mother. I threw the phone down on the couch cushion and my hand covered my eyes, trying to hold back my tears. This is killing me. My mom was refusing to speak to me. Angel, Jacques found me in the library. My shoulders shivered as I tried to keep myself from crying. "Bella?" Jacques tried to pull me up, but I pushed him away, No, don't, I'm fine. Jacques used his strength and lifted my face from my arm. Tears streamed down my flushed cheeks, It's ok, I'll be fine. Jacques pulled me into the heavy muscles of his chest, My love, do not despair.
I shook my head, Jacques, we're never like this. My mom is my best friend. He kissed my hair, I know. Jacques couldn't take seeing me crying anymore. This was going on for weeks. Jacques held my face in his hands, "Do not worry yourself anymore. I will take care of this." My breathing hitched, "How? How can you take care of this? She won't answer me and she won't listen to anyone. She's becoming just as stubborn as me." Jacques laughed and I tried to move out of his arms, but he wouldn't let me, "Forgive me, but it has some truth." I scoffed, trying to fight off a laugh. What could Jacques do to help the situation?
He leaned his forehead against mine, "You do not worry yourself anymore and it will be explained in time." He held me against himself as I tried to stop crying. This was the worse fight my mother and I ever had. For her to be mad at me was strange. At the most, she would be miffed but it was over within an hour. That's how well I knew her. I could tell when she was going to get over something before she did.
In two days' time, Jacques and I were on our way to the airport. Looking through the glass walls at the airport, there was a small aircraft being prepped. A cursive 'D' was painted onto its side in a faded gold color. My eyebrows pulled together, seeing the expensive plane that we were to fly in, "That is not…?" Jacques nodded as he came to stand next to me, "I purchased it sometime ago, but never had the opportunity to use it. I thought now was a good time, as we are going on vacation." My mouth fell open. It never really occurred to me how much money Jacques had.
Walking onto the plane, I gasped. The interior was as beautiful as our home. All the seats were covered in cream colored leather. Two chairs sat on both sides and behind them, there was a sectional couch. Behind the sectional, there were more reclining chairs facing a large flat screen television on the wall. I walked through the plane in awe. In the back of the craft, there was a small bedroom with a full size bed against the wall. Above it, there was an oval mirror framed by thin lights. "This is unbelievable," I said as I walked through the plane. Taking our seats, the pilot announced our flight to Georgia would be fourteen hours. My heart stopped in my chest. I slowly turned to look at Jacques, "Georgia?" This was not happening. He wasn't doing this. My body slumped into my seat, suddenly feeling trapped. He was taking me to see my mother!
Jacques took my hand and held the cheek, "I cannot stand by and see you cry. We are going to see your mother and end this feud. I want her to see that you're happy and that she has nothing to worry about. I want to reassure your mother that I will take care of you." I blinked once, "You don't have to do this." Leaning closer to me, Jacques lightly pressed his lips to mine, "Of course I do. I must see to your happiness." I looked at him, "Jacques, really, I'm fine. This whole thing with my mom will get better. We don't have to go to Georgia."
Jacques looked at me, his dark eyes were hard as steel. I shrugged back against my seat, keeping my hand in his, "You ask me to sit back and watch my woman be upset. I cannot do that and I will not. When I found you crying, that was the final straw. I have decided it was time I met my mother in law and let her see that her daughter is happy with me. Then you will be happy, my love." My head leaned back against the headrest, smiling. How did I get so lucky? Jacques is flying me to the other side of the world just so I can talk to my mother.
How would she take this; the two of us just showing up on her doorstep? I knew once Mom met Jacques, he could work his magic on her. Renee would have no choice but to like him. Now, Jacques and I had fourteen hours of undisturbed time ahead of us. The plane so very comfortable, I almost forgot I was on one. Turning on the television, there was a digital library of movies. There were only two stewardesses and the pilot was a woman as well. An all-female crew, I commented.
I am adamant about not wanting other men near you, especially in such a small space.
Caveman, I teased. Jacques held my hand as the movie played. The stewardess came over to us, "Is there anything you need?" Jacques glanced at me, then looked back at the green eyed woman, "Yes, you will allow me to feed from you, so that I may feed my woman." I watched in surprise as the woman leaned closer to Jacques, letting him take her blood. The other stewardess didn't even seem to notice. They are under my control, Jacques said as he drank from the woman.
Jealousy began to beat away at me as I watched him brush his lips on another woman's skin. Do not worry yourself, my love. I do this only for you. I moved away from them, not wanting to see this. The bedroom was separated from the entire plane. The bed consumed the space of the room. I laid down, listening to the quiet roar of the engines. Nerves were getting to me as I thought about seeing my mother. Jacques told me that things would be fine once she met him, but I was still concerned. My body began to feel heavier as I held onto a pillow.
The door creaked open and Jacques looked at me. He took in the position of my legs as I laid there, I see you heard me coming. I rolled my eyes, "No, I just wanted to lie down." Jacques drifted over to the bed and lowered himself next to me, sinking the mattress under his weight He moved across the bed until his body covered mine. His shirt was open, showing his bare chest, Take what I offer freely. His muscles were taut as my lips touched his hot skin. My fingers curled around his body, holding myself to him. The taste of Jacques's blood reawakened my body. My dying energy was rejuvenated from feeding. Drifting my tongue over the pinpricks, I placed my kiss there, "Thank you. That feels much better." Jacques's blood coursed through my veins, restoring my strength. He looked down at me, brushing his hand over my hair, "You are welcome, but rest now. When you wake, you will be stronger."
Jacques's will molded over mine, making my eyes close. I tried to fight off his influence, Jacques, I don't want to sleep. He pressed a kiss to my temple, You haven't rested peacefully in days. You need this. Do not argue with me.
Jacques, I whined, all I want is to stay up with you. Please? This one word wielded so much power of Jacques, so I rarely used it. I didn't want it to lose its effect. Jacques could never deny me. His will was no longer over mine and I was able to sit up. My body still felt heavy as I looked at him, "I'll sleep when you do." Jacques curved his arms around my waist, pulling my against his chest, I was only trying to help. I kissed his neck, "I know. Sleep isn't on my mind right now. But you are." The two of us laid in bed, twining our fingers together. Unfortunately, my eyelids grew heavier as the day went on. Jacques tried to hide his smile, I thought sleep wasn't on your mind. I smiled back and nudged him, Oh, shut up.
My eyes opened to the dark small room, but it was too quiet. Scanning around me, I saw into the minds of the crew. The plane touched down at the international airport near Savannah, Georgia and a car was waiting for us once we got off the plane. I moved out of the bed, combing my fingers through my hair. Jacques took my hand in his as we walked off the plane, "Enjoy your stay in Savannah," the stewardess said. Before leaving, Jacques looked at the three ladies, "Be back on this plane in a week. I will call you if there is a change in plans." There was the double tenor in his voice, capturing the women under his control and the women only nodded.
Jacques kept my hand in his as we walked through the busy airport. The thoughts of the people in the airport was so loud, my head began to throb. The splintering pain was tearing my skull apart. Living in the mountains spoiled me. It was so quiet there, but here, this was torture. My eyes pinched from the pain, I have to put up my blocks. Jacques nodded once, Do it. You are with me. The moment my mind separated from Jacques, it already left me feeling incomplete, but we were together, so I could endure this one degree of separation. I breathed slowly as my blocks went up, saving me from a terrible headache. I rubbed my temples trying to dull away the pain. Jacques kissed my hand as we walked, "Just relax, angel."
A long black limousine stood outside of the airport with a driver holding a sign with our last name. "A limo? Really?" Jacques smiled down at me, "Only the best for my angel." He kissed my hair as we walked over to the sleek vehicle. The interior was lined with dark leather along with a stocked bar. Jacques let me lean against him as we were driven to our hotel. I watched as the town went by the dark windows. This was a beautiful place, mixed with modern architecture and of the Old South. There were low hanging trees over ponds and fountains. We drove past a beautiful old church, with high turret points. I see now why Mom loves this place so much. My eyes widened as we stopped in front of a huge building. The hotel looked exactly like a mansion, "This is beautiful."
The chauffer opened my door, "Welcome to the Mansion on Forsyth Park." The driver held out his hand to help me out of the car. I took his hand to step out of the car. My skin crawled as I realized another man was touching me. My repulsion was not hidden from Jacques, Try not to kill him. He was only helping me. You said only the best for me, right? I looked back my lifemate as he stood out of the car, Only because you did not realize it until the last moment, there is no need to harm this man. Jacques reclaimed my hand, instantly making me feel better.
The lobby of the hotel was breathtaking. Jacques let me linger behind as I looked at everything while he spoke with the man at the front desk. A marble statue stood to the right of a woman. This statue was exactly like the ones in Rome. I caught a glimpse of the piano lounge. There were only a few people lingering there. My love, we must get upstairs. Hands claimed my waist before I could go into the lounge. It was so beautiful, with low tables, dimly lit and the smell of the trees coming from an open door. I tried to hide my face from Jacques, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Sorry, you know I love architecture. This place is dreamy." Jacques pressed a gentle kiss to my lips, "I knew you would."
Our room was on the top floor, looking out to the river. The bellboy placed down our bags as he gave a brief tour of the room. "Everything is to your disposal. The cooking school, the restaurants downstairs and as preferred guests, you have unlimited access to the spa." My head whipped back to look at him, "Did you just say 'spa?'" He nodded once, "Yes, Mrs. Dubrinsky." Jacques came into the bedroom where I spoke with the bellboy, "Thank you. That will be all for now." He pushed a large roll of money into the young man's hand. It was now early morning as we got into our hotel room. The sun was low in the sky as the bellboy left us in the room. Jacques's eyes were hard until the front door closed. I made a face, "Sorry about that. He was just telling me about the hotel." Jacques really didn't like it when I was near other men; especially men he didn't know. Jacques shook his head and smiled, now that we were alone, "I know. What do you think of this room?"
A large white bed dominated the center of the room. A red chaise and ottoman sat in the corner of the room, next to the window that looked out to the river. A tall darken wood armoire stood from across the head, with a flat screen television inside of it. A marble top desk stood between the window and armoire, with a single chair and a circle mirror on the wall. I sighed, "I love it." I turned to lock my arms around his waist, "Thank you so much for doing this. No one had ever done anything this generous for me."
Jacques leaned down to kiss me again, Just say it, Bella. I smiled after the kiss, "Can I go to the spa? I've never been to one before." Jacques held his arms tightly around me, "Wouldn't you rather sleep a bit first?" I shook my head, "I slept on the plane." Jacques pursed his lips together, trying to come up with other reasons for me to stay in the room. I bit down on my lip, "Please? Please, please, please?" I took a page out of Alice's book of pleading. I all but hopped up and down as I begged. Jacques finally gave in, "Stay with me for the day and we can go this evening." My arms flew around his neck, "Thank you." My lips claimed his, showing my gratitude. His hands drifted down my legs, pulling them up around his waist. "Uh-uh," I tried to get out of his hold, knowing what he wanted. Jacques's hold on me tightened, keeping me hard against his chest, I don't think so. You're not going anywhere.
Jacques, my plea faded as my urges for him took over. My blouse disappeared as Jacques tore it off my body. He placed me on the bed, then pulled off my jeans. You know I hate you in those things, he practically snarled. I breathed slowly, I know. That's why I wore them. His shirt fell to the floor as he laid above me, Must you do things to upset me? My fingers trailed down his chest, Am I upsetting you now? I kissed the indentation at his shoulders, Or am I making up for it? His eyes shut as my fingers drifted down his body. Jacques exhaled slowly, We can discuss it later. Jacques pushed himself against me as he joined his body with mine. My legs locked themselves around his hips as he pushed again and again. My head fell against the white pillows and my fingernails raked over his shoulders. Feeling my thoughts, Jacques turned my body over, laying me on stomach and made us one again. Oh my God, my mind screamed. Jacques tugged at my hair, pulling my head back against his shoulder. His tongue drifted along my ear, down to my throat. He pushed once more, Now, it is for you to please me.
Jacques moved us, so that I was lying on his well-muscled body. His hand rested on my throat, making small circles with his thumb over my pulse, Please me, Bella. Please me as only you can. I breathed heavily while looking down at him, moving my body against his, feeling him deep within me. A long moan escaped as Jacques leaned up, drifting his tongue over my chest. My head fell backwards enjoying the feel of his mouth on my skin. Jacques pulled my head so that I looked into his eyes, Feed now. You must. As they lengthened, my teeth bit down into his neck, tasting the hot flavor of his ancient blood. Jacques all but snarled as his body exploded within mine. The taking of blood and the union of our bodies was as intense and pleasurable as it can get. My body fell limp onto the bed, breathing heavily. My legs trembled wildly as I pulled the quilt over my body. "Well, you win again."
Jacques smiled, showing his perfect teeth, "It's not about winning. I just knew what you needed." My head lifted off the pillow in disbelief, "And I needed to have sex?" He laughed darkly, "No, I needed that. Your body, but you needed to feed." My eyes popped as betrayal washed through me. I scoffed and pushed against his arm, "You could have just said that, not tear my clothes off." Jacques shrugged undisturbed, "Where was the fun in that?" My hand came down hard, smacking his shoulder, "You get on my nerves." I pulled the sheet off the bed, tucking it around my body, "I'm taking a shower, going to the spa and you can't stop me."
Jacques watched as I stormed off to the bathroom, the same way I always did when we were home. "What about your mother?" I stopped in mid-stride and looked at him. I almost forgot why we were really in Georgia. Renee, we came to see her. Jacques chuckled smugly, I thought I couldn't stop you. I half-shrieked as I locked myself in the bathroom. Taking an extra precaution, I placed a safeguard over the door, so that he couldn't get in.
The heavy stream of water was soothing as it beat down on my skin. If the shower was that impressive, I could only imagine the spa. The climbing of the sun was beginning to take its toll on me. I could shake it off, but not much longer. When the day becomes the early afternoon, my body would begin to feel too heavy. Wrapping a towel around myself, I went out to the main room and ignored Jacques watching me. In one of the drawers, the hotel had a book on what the spa had to offer; massages, facials, manicures & pedicures, a gym, pool and steam showers. Dammit, too bad Raven wasn't here. When we got back home, I'll have to look for a spa for us to go to.
Jacques sat on the marble top desk, reading one of the tourist books. "We're actually near the historical district of Savannah. The hotel offers private carriage tours. We'll have to do that before we go home." Ignoring him, I went to get clothes out of my suitcase. His black eyes followed me, Angel, are you really not going to speak to me? I looked at him harshly, letting him feel my blocks go up. He laughed, "Keep ignoring me then, it's actually attractive. You may not make it to your spa." My lips pursed as I selected a shirt, trying to maintain my silence.
Jacques crossed the room and held my waist, "I'll be waiting for you." He kissed my neck slowly and I cleared my throat, refusing to let one word out. His hold tightened, "You're not leaving until you say something nice to me." I bit down on my lip, "See you later." He pushed me against the wall and pressed his lips to mine, Close enough. My defenses were gone as he lips pressed mine, I knew you couldn't stay mad at me. This evening, we will go see your mother, but for now, we must rest. The sun is rising and you are not leaving my side.
I looked up at him, "But I thought…" Jacques shook his head, "Sunlight can easily hurt you. I cannot see you hurt like that." Jacques recalled all too well what happened to me on my first night as a Carpathian. The blood in my eyes and a burn on my cheek and worse of all; the look on Jacques's face when he saw me like that. My teeth sank into my lip, "Alright." Jacques opened the button of my blouse, leaving my skin bare before him. "I promise I'll be good," he took my hand as we went to bed. This bed wasn't as nice as ours at home. "I couldn't agree with you more," Jacques said as we laid together. Just rest, sívamet.
Carpathian Language
*sívamet: my love or my heart (Shee-vaw-meht)