Disclaimer: All characters and copyright belong to Stephanie Meyer
A/N: This story has been bugging me for some time so I just had to get it down and publish. Please remember that this story is set in an alternative universe and as such it is based very loosely on the original stories and some things are out of sync but I'm just having fun!
Prompt: A highly poisonous plant Wolfsbane is the common name for Aconitum lycoctonum from the Greek 'lykos' meaning 'wolf' and 'kteinein' meaning kill' Long ago it was the only poison known to kill a wolf and often used to poison arrowheads. Like a vampire its flowers appear attractive but are deadly to those who only wish to smell its sweet perfume…..
Chapter 1: Me fussy?...They just have to pass my test!
Bella lifted the blind and looked out of the window of the jet and then glanced at her watch. Another 20 minutes and she would land at McCarran International. She settled back into her seat and her mind began to wander.
Bella was really looking forward to Vegas, she had never been and her old University friend Janine's bachelorette weekend was a great excuse to go. She sighed to herself as she remembered how she had dithered about going or not until her best friend and flat mate Lorna insisted it was just what Bella needed. "Your frazzled Bella!" she said "When do you ever just go out and enjoy yourself?"
Of course Lorna was right Bella conceded. She worked too many long hours and too hard in a job she did not particularly enjoy, for a boss she really did not like. The job was highly paid and she shared a luxury apartment with Lorna, but life had become all work and no play for Bella Swan even though on paper her life seemed perfect.
Bella had graduated with honours and landed a coveted job working for a huge publishing house in New York. New York …it had been her dream to live and work there since she was a teenager. In fact it was one of the few places that her nomadic mother had not lived with her in tow since she breezed out of Bella's father's life when she was 6 months old.
Bella shifted in her seat, trying not to wake the guy in the seat next to her who had spent the first half of the journey trying to persuade her to join him for dinner later that evening. She stared out at the cotton candy clouds that were gradually dispersing as they flew further south. Her thoughts returned once again to her career.
I'm well qualified and liked amongst my peers she thought so I could easily get another job surely. Lorna was right why was she making do? Then there was her private life. What private life! she sighed to herself. She hardly ever went out unless Lorna dragged her and every weekend she took mountains of paperwork home.
No wonder she didn't have a boyfriend Bella mused with a social life like hers that was practically non-existent how was she ever gonna meet Mr Right? After all like all young woman Bella had wondered if she would eventually find her true love and settle down. In University she had been encouraged to set her sights on getting it all. High flying career, successful man and 2.5 kids and why not that's what we had been promised, that's what equality of the sexes had been all about right?
Wrong! Bella thought to herself shaking her head a little. The truth was the reality of having it all, was nowhere near what was promised. She had seen for herself since starting work, colleagues who thought they had achieved it, broken through the glass ceiling only to find that most of the time they were too stressed and too tired to enjoy their man or their kids. Yes she sighed to herself and closing her eyes, since leaving uni and starting work she was slowly becoming disillusioned before she had even ventured onto the path to finding the right man.
Then there was her Mother. According to Renee life was not about getting married or having kids. Although she swore she never regretted having Bella. Life for Renee was about adventures and experiences. They had moved from State to State, town to town as Renee quickly bored of a job, the people or just the town. The result had been a life on the move, no real friends and no roots. Bella grew up without knowing where to really call home.
Bella's thoughts drifted to her father who was the Chief of Police in the small town of Forks in Washington State. Compared to Renee Charlie was dull, dull, dull,mom's words not mine! Bella smiled to herself. Truth was she really didn't know Charlie, as she called him behind his back. Except… well they looked alike. Same dark hair and eyes. Whereas Renee was all bubbly and blond.
Bella felt a little sad as she remembered the few happy summers spent in Forks as a child, especially the beach in La Push. Then, after Renee had thrown yet another strop about how boring this was for Bella, Charlie would fly to where ever they were living and spend his holiday with his daughter there. Eventually even that sort of faded away when she was about fourteen. Bella deeply sighed again the last time she had seen Charlie was at her University graduation ceremony, maybe she could find the time to pay him a visit and soon.
Bella's mind came back to the present with a jolt as the plane started to drop height in preparation to land. Not long after the plane had rolled to a halt outside the airport building and, all around her passengers were grabbing their things in readiness to disembark. The annoying guy next to her tried to persuade her to share a cab but, Bella politely declined. She watched as he headed up the aisle in hot pursuit of a small blond he had just seen pass by. Men she quietly laughed to herself.
000
An hour or so later and Bella had checked into the large hotel that Janine had booked for the bachelorette weekend….a long weekend of pampering and dancing and fun…she couldn't wait. Opening up the door Bella excitedly rushed into her room throwing her luggage down and headed straight out onto the balcony. What a view…she could see for miles and down below there were plenty of pools to choose from. Turning back into the room she quickly unpacked and sent a text to Janine to say she'd arrived.
We are down at the pool came the reply. Hurry up and join us, grab some rays your pale skin needs it xxx
Bella smiled to herself. Everyone noticed how pale she was and that was something else she could thank Charlie's genes for. Her skin was creamy white which only enhanced her big chocolate brown doe eyes set in a heart shaped face. The fact was Bella was beautiful, everyone noticed her, only Bella couldn't see it. Years of listening to Renee telling her to lose weight, get a tan and pile on the makeup had only added to her insecurities about her body. Changing quickly into her swim suit and robe Bella grabbed her bag and headed towards the elevator.
The girls were gathered on the sunbeds and after the usual round of air kisses and cuddles Bella settled down. Sheer bliss she thought to herself as the sun warmed her skin and she got out her dog eared copy of Wuthering Heights, and then lay back on the sun bed.
Bella took the opportunity to look around the pool and her eyes almost immediately fell upon a group of young men heading in her direction. Suzette spotted them too.
"Hey girls" she purred "Incoming at 11 o'clock". All the girls looked including Bella, well stared would be more appropriate.
"Shut your mouth Bella!" the other girl's giggled at her "You're dribbling."
How could I not? Bella thought in reply There were eight young guys and they were all unbelievably handsome and some. They were also built like body builders and tall, I mean really tall. Not one of them was less than 6 foot! The tallest one at the back looked over and smiled at Bella. She felt her heart picking up the beat in response. Calm down girl Bella said to herself he's not looking at you. She adjusted her sunglasses so she could enjoy the view without being seen, running her small tongue over her pink bottom lip as she continued to enjoy the sight before her.
"Maybe you will finally get lucky this weekend Bella!" called Louise nodding towards the guys. Bella felt a flush creeping onto her cheeks in response
"Ummm" Bella replied "Depends if they pass my test"
"Oh come on, no one ever passes your test Bella, that's why you're still a virgin". The others giggled in response.
"Just haven't found the right man!" Bella snapped back "And don't keep shouting that out in public!"
But it was true she thought. Isabella Marie Swan aged 24 known as Bella (which she preferred by the way), still a virgin she sighed loudly. Yet to meet a man she really wanted to go to bed with and…well…she just knew she wasn't a one night stand kind of girl. Bella laughed softly to herself Well at least I don't think I am but then again I haven't really had the chance to put that theory to the test, no one had ever asked so who knows?.
The bachelorette party consisted of eight girls including Bella. They had been friends and room-mates at University and Janine was the first to be saying I do. Personally, Bella thought it was a little early in life but hey what I know she huffed putting her book down I hadn't even had a steady boyfriend. Bella got up off the sun lounger "Anyone else want a drink?" she called.
"No thanks" the girls chorused. Bella walked carefully towards the bar area, knowing how accident prone she was, the last thing she wanted to do was to give everyone by the pool a show. Nearing the bar, at the last moment she slipped in a puddle left by wet swimwear. Bella let out a small squeak just as a strong arm shot out and caught her preventing her from tumbling to the ground. She sucked in a breath in relief and surprise as her skin prickled from what felt like a static electric shock received from the strangers touch. Bella frowned as she turned to face her rescuer who wasted no time introducing him -self.
"Hi I'm Jacob but my friends call me Jake" his dark eyes lit up with amusement as he looked at Bella. He was really good looking and, on an impulse she decided he knew it. Probably used to girls falling at his feet but maybe not literally like I had just attempted she mused to herself.
"Hi" Bella replied "My name is Isabella but only my close friends call me Bella" she said rather loftily pulling her arm out of his grasp as he seemed like he wasn't in any hurry to let go. Quick as a flash Jake replied
"Well in that case I shall call you Bells". Bella just stared at him. No one she thought call's me Bells except Charlie. She moved a little up the bar to attract the bar man.
"Maybe see you later?" Said Jacob his face more serious
"Umm" Bella stuttered for a moment biting her bottom lip. Jacob followed the movement and licked his own plump bottom lip in response. Bella almost stopped breathing as she watched him their eyes seeming to lock together for a few seconds before she felt a traitorous blush creeping onto her face. Looking away she said "Maybe but I don't know what the plans are"
"You here with friends?... For something special Bells?" He enquired
Bella bristled slightly at his use of Bell's again. "Umm yes… my friends batchoralette weekend." There was an uncomfortable pause as if he was waiting for something. The penny dropped "Umm what about you?" Bella continued. God I'm useless with small talk she thought.
"I'm here with friends to celebrate my friend Jared's last weekend as a single man" He chuckled. "So…" he went on glancing down at Bella's left hand "No upcoming batchoralette party for you then Bells?" Bella frowned a little he was really starting to irritate her with the Bells bit and she had a sneaking suspicion he was doing it on purpose as she could see a subtle smile playing on his luscious lips. Hold on she thought did I say luscious?
"No" Bella gushed "I don't have a boyfriend. I'm single and free for offers". Her small hand shot up towards her mouth Oh my God she thought as she said it why did I tell him that… now he will think I'm sad or worse desperate…He pressed his lips together trying to hide the laugh that Bella could see he was desperately trying to control
"I'm surprised" He managed to say, then looking a little more serious he said "I would have thought someone like you would have been snapped up!" Bella gave him a small smile. He was just being kind to a desperate klutz she thought as she turned to the bar man to place her order. But as she turned she could have sworn she heard Jake mumble
"Coz I would have snapped you up Bella given the chance". She turned back and looked at him but he was already laughing with a leggy blond sat the other side. Great Bella thought they always lose their interest after a couple of minutes with boring me.
Bella collected her drink, mustered everything she had and sauntered off back to the sun beds praying she would not fall. Grace she thought I do not process, clumsiness I have in buckets. "Don't fall, don't fall" Bella muttered to herself like a mantra as she felt his eyes on her back "keep walking… keep walking and sit". She settled back down on the sun longer and sighed in relief. Made it she thought and not a single trip, drink intact, mission accomplished!
Bella looked back over to where Jake was sitting and she could see he was in fits of laughter with two of his friends who had joined him and the blond. They were looking in her direction and somehow she thought I just know he is laughing at me. Her cheeks flamed in response.
Meanwhile Jacob laughed along with the irritating blond sat next to him. He really wanted to tell her to fuck off but now that Quil and Paul had joined him he had no choice but to endure her stupidity whilst they chatted her up.
His eyes drifted back to Bella. There was just something about that girl that he couldn't take his eyes off her, noticed her as soon as he had walked into the pool area but then again she was so white even for a white chick that she stood out like a sore thumb. He chuckled to himself as he had watched her walk so carefully back to her sunbed, his supernatural hearing letting him hear every word of her little mantra. Jeez she was cute.
Jake took another swig of beer from his bottle and reluctantly dragged his gaze away from the pretty brunette to answer Paul who was standing beside him.
"So boss…" drawled Paul "Who's the small cutie you were busy chatting up." he pointed his chin in the direction of Bella
"Some random girl" muttered Jake in reply "She almost fell over whilst getting a drink and I stopped her from falling, end of story" he took another swig of beer.
"Hmmm…" replied Paul "I think you have the hot's for the little white girl I've been watching you two chatting." He laughed a little "She certainly has the hot's for you man." Jacob said nothing he wasn't going to give Paul's comments any credence by acknowledging what he had just said.
"All I'm saying" Paul continued noticing the set of Jacobs jaw "You have Laylah back home." He tried to look Jacob in the eye, but Jake wasn't playing ball he just stared at his beer, then practically growled
"Mind your own fucking business Paul otherwise I might be tempted to tell my sister about your antics." He looked Paul in the eyes his own deep brown eyes were edged with yellow. Paul ducked his head in deference to his Alpha and held up his hands
"Okay you're the boss" Paul mumbled
"Yes I fucking Am." growled Jacob as he returned to watching Bella and her friends. Ordering another beer he watched as Bella walked to the edge of the pool with the others and noticed once again her slender body, long chestnut hair hanging way down past her tiny waist, the natural red highlights glowing in the sunshine. Just then his cell began to buzz, he glanced at the caller ID shit he thought Laylah…
000
Friday passed in a haze of poolside chatter and lunch. Bella and the girls had excitedly planned the evening as they sat by the pool side. Janine had suggested that they had dinner first then retire to the bar but Suzette had insisted they hit the night club as she was sure the gorgeous guys meaning Jacob and his friends, would be there. Unfortunately they did not appear. Unfazed the girls spent the night dancing and drinking so much that they almost had to carry Janine to her room.
If Bella thought Friday seemed to rush by, Saturday disappeared in a round of beauty treatments and pool sessions. The girls had sighted the guys just the once on Saturday afternoon when they had a boisterous time in the pool and treated them to a display of their muscular bodies and russet skin glistening in the sunlight before disappearing to the pool bar a small entourage of nubile blonds in tow.
Bella watched their antic's from the relative safety of her sun lounger, listening to the loud laughing and joking as she tried to concentrate on her book. But she soon found her eyes trailing after a certain person who had just climbed out of the pool. He was magnificent an absolute Adonis she thought as he stood under the pool side shower. Every set of female eyes were on his back, rippling with muscle, his long jet black braid swinging as he rinsed off the pool water.
Bella shifted uncomfortably, her bikini bottoms felt damp and she had not even been in the pool. Oh my god she thought as she realised what was happening...Well you can forget that she thought looking at all the attractive girls around the pool...no chance… she whispered to herself.
000
Before long, Bella was back in her room getting ready for some Saturday evening fun. After the incident at the pool she made up her mind to have a good evening and really let her hair down after all she was flying back to New York tomorrow lunch time.
Bella chose her best LBD number and some matching high heeled shoes. She knew she was taking a risk in such high heels but they were so worth it as they made her legs look longer and more toned. As long as I watch what I'm drinking she thought and let's face it I hardly drink I'll be fine. Bella took one last look in the full length mirror, slicked on some lip gloss and was out that door.
The girls did not see Jacob and his friends at dinner. Suzette thought they may have gone to the casino. To be honest Bella was a little disappointed and part of her knew she had dressed with Jake in mind. She reined herself in this isn't like me she thought I hardly ever get bothered about a guy and here I am practically panting for one I don't even know! Bella downed a cocktail to calm her nerves and disappointment… That was the beginning of the downward slide of her evening…...
The girls had been dancing in the night club for a few hours when shortly after midnight Jacob and his friends showed up. From where Bella was dancing she could see Jake scanning the club and dance floor obviously looking for someone. As his eyes settled on her, he broke out into his beautiful grin.
Bella watched as he raised his hand and appeared to beckon her over but, before she could move two girls hurried off the dance floor and joined him. He looked startled for a moment but two of his friends looked overjoyed and bought them drinks. Silly Bella she thought to herself why did you think he was beckoning you? She turned her back on where he was standing and continued dancing with Jess.
When Bella finally left the dance floor she noticed that a few of her friends were already sat at Jacob's table so she inched her way over, through the crowds of dancers. Jacob stood up from where he was sitting as he saw Bella approach
"Can I buy you a drink?" he asked. Bella hesitated for moment. "I've just bought a round" He added "Come on come to the bar with me?" They stood at the bar together as the barman came over.
"Hello young lady" He drawled his eyes running over her "Same again?" He enquired obviously flirting. Jake slipped his arm around Bella's waist and she saw the glare he gave the barman reflected on the mirrored wall behind but when he turned to her his face was calm his bright smile in place.
"What would you like to drink Bells?" He asked
"Ummm…" Bella replied whilst she thought about it "Maybe a cocktail? I really liked the one I had before I went to dance…I just can't remember what it's called"
"Sure, sure" said Jacob "Order anything you like Bells." The music was loud so she leant over the bar and asked the barman could he remember the name of the cocktail she had when they first entered the club during happy hour. As the barman whispered in her ear Bella looked absolutely mortified...
"So" said Jacob smiling he had heard what the barman had said to Bella but he wasn't letting on this was going to be good "So…" he repeated "What's this cocktail then?" Bella looked at him her eyes wide. She bit into her bottom lip, something she always did when she was tense. Jacobs eyes lingered on her mouth a fraction too long before he dragged them back up to her huge chocolate brown eyes.
"A long slow screw "Bella whispered
"Sorry" said Jake "You are gonna have to speak up, the music is loud." Bella stared at him for a fraction of a second she was sure he had heard what she said as she could see a smile playing at the corners of his mouth
"I'd like a long slow screw please." Bella shouted and he practically fell over laughing.
"Well if you insist Bells…" he said taking her hand and making like they were about to leave. Bella was mortified she could feel her cheeks were on fire thank god she thought we are in the darkness of the club.
Somehow that little incident broke the ice between Bella and Jacob. They remained at the bar for a couple of rounds jut chatting about nothing in particular. They made their way back to the tables where their friends were sitting. Bella re-joined her girls and they all got up to dance. Problem was as the night wore on Bella couldn't remember how many drinks she had until she felt a little unsteady on her feet as she danced.
Jacob just kept buying the drinks and with the heat from dancing Bella was knocking them back too fast. He appeared to be drinking the same she thought but it didn't seem to have the same effect on him or his friends. Feeling a bit dizzy Bella stood up and nearly fell over much to his delight. His dark eyes twinkled in amusement as she pulled her dress down from where it had ridden up her thighs and readjusted herself before staggering off to the girl's room.
Jacob watched her swaying as she gingerly picked her way across the club. He was attracted to her he finally admitted to himself but it was going nowhere, he wouldn't let it, in fact he thought he should leave and now. The spirit wolf that shared his body had other ideas, he wanted to spend more time with this small woman, he was intrigued in a way that Jacob had never felt before.
He shook his head get a grip he told himself Alpha's don't fucking imprint so it can't be that, besides he had a girl back on the Rez. The wolf growled at the mention of Laylah for some reason he did not approve of her but Jacob enjoyed her company and that was all that mattered for now.
Jacob felt the eyes of his pack upon him they too had seen and felt his fascination with Bella. That was it he snapped and immediately Alpha ordered them all to fuck off. They instantly obeyed and left, Bella's friends following. They had also noticed the attraction between Bella and Jake.
"Maybe this is the night Bella finally gets to pop her cherry" laughed Suzette as they walked towards the reception area.
"Only if he passed that damn test of hers though" giggled Jess in response.
On her way back Bella noticed the girls had vanished. What time was it? She thought, she could hardly focus on her watch. Time for bed girlie she told herself. She straightened up as best she could and managed to walk reasonably straight to the table where Jacob sat waiting. She mumbled a little prayer that she would not do her usual clumsy act and fall down.
Bella made it to the table in one piece leaned over to grab her things from underneath and practically fell into Jakes lap. Embarrassed Bella's little hands grabbed onto him to steady herself and he laughed deep and throaty at her antics.
Bella grabbed her wrap and made to get away blushing hard Oh my god I've practically groped him by accident she thought her face on fire from the blush. Jake jumped up and grabbed her arm holding her upright.
"Come on" he said "Let me walk you to your room." Bella tried to pull away she needed to get away from him before she did anything to embarrass herself further, but stumbled again.
"No you don't" laughed Jacob as he held on to her saving her from a tumble to the ground "You can't even stand up let alone walk you're that drunk."
"I'm…I'm not drunk…" Bella slurred "I'm just a little tired that's all." She stood on tip toes so she could look straight into his eyes "After all" she continued "You have had the same number of drinks as me and you don't even look tipsy...why is that?" She cocked her head to one side there was something odd about Jake but she couldn't quite put her finger on it…
"I hold my drink better than you do light weight." he laughed as he started to propel her towards the door. Bella was getting feisty now
"What do you mean light weight!" she almost shouted but Jacob just laughed
"Come on get in the elevator" he ordered and for some reason she couldn't fathom Bella obeyed. They stood together in the elevator; Bella had placed herself slightly to one side still annoyed that he had called her a lightweight. She felt him step closer and she could have sworn he sniffed her on the sly; she shivered as she felt his hot breath near her neck. But Bella was mortified yet again that evening as she thought that maybe she didn't smell particularly fresh and oh god Jake had noticed.
It was then that she had her craziest idea of the evening so far. Two can play that game she thought and trying to be sneaky she sniffed Jacob back. Oh boy she wished she hadn't because he smelt like nothing she had come across before. He smelt woodsy and musky and well just damn right manly and dear god she thought… sexy. It set off feelings she never knew she had. As she closed her eyes to the effect his scent was having on her body she felt him place an arm around her waist and pull her close.
Bella dared to open her eyes and looked up into his deep brown ones. God he was handsome… she gasped to herself mesmerised by his gaze for a few fleeting moments broken only by the elevator door suddenly opening. She pulled away from him then as she turned to say goodnight she nearly over balanced practically falling out of the lift. Jacob laughed out loud he had such a sexy throaty laugh. Bella felt her feet suddenly leave the floor as she was lifted up and carried along the hall way.
"Which room Bella?" He asked
"Number 673" she replied. I need to get down and off him Bella thought but her body refused to budge it liked what it felt. Once again she noticed the warmth radiating off him like it had all evening but being this close, he felt like he had a raging temperature. She also felt that buzz of electric every time their skin touched. Jacob lowered Bella to the floor slowly sliding her down his front. Then as Bella opened the door, he grabbed her hesitating for a moment before his lips locked with hers.
That kiss reached all the way down to that special secret place in Bella and tingled. As she responded he deepened the kiss even more.
"Bella…" he groaned "I could kiss you all night." Her body felt like it was on fire and what Bella did next shocked her to her core but she didn't care she wanted more…
"Well why don't you then?" she whispered surprised at herself for even suggesting it. Not missing a beat Jake lifted her up and carried her into the room kicking the door shut with his foot as we went.
A/N: well, well …what do you think …worth continuing? Xxx
