A/N: As usual, HUGE thanks to my girl Simply Jaded4 for beta-ing this and for all her support!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except for Ethan :)

Fresh Meat and Perfect Strangers

JPOV

"Becs, c'mon, I'm gonna be eaten alive in there," I sighed into the phone. This was fucking ridiculous. I'm a grown-ass man with a son for crying out loud and the shop-or rather, hell on earth-in front of me, scared the shit outta me.

My older sister, Becca, gave a small chuckle into her receiver, apparently amused by my current situation. "Oh come on, Jake. You're a big guy. I'm sure you can handle all the attention." She paused; I could practically hear the evil little elves putting cruel comebacks together in her head. "Besides, you never know, one of those oh-so-deadly women could be the answer to your prayers."

Yeah right. 'Cause that's really gonna happen, I thought, cynically. Finding love amongst the diapers and powdered milk. Now there's a solid foundation for an everlasting romance.

I scoffed incredulously. "Come off it, Becca. The only thing I'm gonna find in there is enough material to have nightmares for months." I sighed in exasperation, while pinching the bridge of my nose. "You forget, I've been in there with you before. I've seen the way they hang around in herds, looking for their unsuspecting prey and then pouncing at just the right moment. D'ya really want your poor, innocent little brother to be the victim of such an assault?" I asked slyly, with a mischievous tone to my voice. Shit, I knew full well I was pushing my luck with her, but I really didn't wanna go in there. Hell, I'd rather have my freakin' fingernails pulled out with pliers than even take a step inside that place.

"Don't you give me that crap, Jacob Black! I know what you're up to, but you have to learn how to do things yourself now," she said with an irritated, yet slightly amused, sigh. "Look little bro, you know I'm here for you-for anything. But you're a father now, Jacob, it's time you stepped up to your responsibilities and one of those is going into that store and getting my poor little nephew his diapers," she added, sternly.

I groaned, huffed and rolled my eyes. God, I hated it when she was right. She sounded just like our mom. I didn't need the damn lecture; I already knew that I had to be the father and role-model my son needed, but that didn't mean I had to be jumping through fucking hoops at the thought of going into Satan's playground! This was all new to me. Back in La Push, I had the much appreciated help of my mom, but then the haunting memories and reminders of my past became too much and I concluded that it was time to leave. For the sake of my son and my sanity.

So here I am, sitting in the parking lot of Babies R Us, with my heart hammering away at my chest like a fucking drum set at a rock concert. I mean shit, I had been through worse things than this in my life and never broke into a sweat. But this place, this hell hole, had me sweating fucking buckets and my fingers clinging to my steering wheel so hard my nails left indentations and my knuckles turned white.

I knew she was right. I just had to suck it up and deal with it. Ugh, fucking great. "Fine," I sighed, yielding very reluctantly. "But if I get mauled to death in there, I blame your ass."

Becca scoffed and laughed loudly, "Yeah, h'okay, we'll see about that." She snickered and continued, "Listen, I'll call you later to find out how it went, ok? But remember, if you get stuck, ask for help. They are just humans, Jake. Same as you and I."

I laughed uneasily while looking around the parking lot in front of me. "Humans? These women are more like bloodthirsty man-eaters," I shot back in disagreement.

She sighed again, this time in exasperation. "Ok, Jake, whatever. I'll talk to you later ok? Try not to get eaten!" Her evil, yet sadistic laugh bellowed down the receiver as she abruptly hung up.

Shutting my cell and throwing it on the passenger seat in a huff, my hands dropped to my sides as my heavy, lethargic head dropped back onto the rest and I closed my exhausted eyes. Ok, I could do this; I'm a man. A damn strong and powerful man. I'm a motherfucking Alpha! If those maneat-ladies, wanted a taste of what I have to offer, who was I to deny them?

Yeah, this shit was going down. Pssh, and there was me worrying about me handling them. Fuck, they were the ones who needed to watch out. I'm young, free and single. Hell, I was Seattle's newest bachelor. Maybe it's about time I broke in a few of those stylish rooms in my pad. Fuck, yeah. Those hungry women would be buzzing around me like bees around a honey pot.

I chuckled evilly and rubbed my hands together eagerly, wondering who the lucky participant would be.

"Right, c'mon Black. Time to grow some balls and get your ass in there," I encouraged myself nervously. Ok, where did the cocky, arrogant Jake go? He needs to get the fuck back here! Ah, who the fuck was I kidding? I could be as boisterous as I wanted but that didn't stop the annoying niggling feeling eating away in my stomach. Despite my apprehension, I knew I had to do this. Becca was right. I'm a father now, I have responsibilities. My son needs to come first, not my own slowly deflating ego.

Nervously, I glanced up and into my rear view mirror, my heart swelling and my lips curling into a proud smile as I cast my eyes over the small, sleeping form of my son. He looked so peaceful and innocent as he rested far away and safe in the world of his dreams. His tiny chest heaved slowly as his miniature, pudgy fingers clung to his safety belt for dear life. He looked so cute with his beautiful, soft head lolled against the cushion of his car seat and his rosy cheeks puffed out as he exhaled.

I couldn't help but chuckle. Yep, that was my boy. Everything from the full head of jet black hair, down to the little dimple in his chin. That was my son, and I'm so fucking proud to know that that little bundle of joy came from my loins.

The piercing, ear-shattering sound of a kid screaming in protest in his mother's arms jolted me out of my proud father moment and snapped me back into the present. Ah, hell. I s'pose I should get my ass in there and sort this shit out. Quicker it's over with, the quicker I can get back to the safety of my four walls and try not to have nightmares. And I do emphasise the word "try."

I rolled my eyes, shook my head, then slipped on my shades and pressed the release on my seatbelt. My shaking fingers-yeah, fucking shaking-curled around the door handle and pulled. I sighed heavily as the harsh Seattle sun shone down upon me, causing me to-even through my shades-wince. My weighted legs swung out of the car and my boots kissed the tarmac. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a cute little blonde with a rack Pamela Anderson would be proud of, and a kid latched onto her hip. I groaned. Fuck, I couldn't get away from it! I wasn't even inside the damn place and I was already getting eye-fucked!

"Good God, kill me now," I muttered as I stepped out of my car and strolled around to the trunk to grab his stroller. I quickly pressed the release, pulled it up and leaned forwards to push in the seat and make sure it was sturdy. Satisfied that it was safe enough, I shut the trunk and pushed the stroller towards Ethan's door.

As cautiously and quietly as I could, I opened his door, smiling as I heard the soft intakes of breath being sucked into his little mouth, and his glistening lips puckered as he slept. That little man was out for the count. I could probably take him to a baseball game and he still wouldn't wake. Yep, definitely my son.

Reaching out, I gingerly unfastened his belt and gently slid my hands under his tiny body. With one hand cradling his back and the other carefully holding his head, I lifted him and smiled warmly as I watched him blow little bubbles of saliva out of his mouth. Chuckling, I dipped down to gently kiss his soft forehead, smiling further as his cute little fingers fisted my shirt sleeve. I whispered an exasperated, "You owe me big time for this, little man." I then placed him in his stroller, closed the door, locked the car and pushed my son towards my worst nightmare.

"Please let me survive this," I grumbled as the automated doors slid open and a sea of constant noise attacked my ears.

Fucking great.

~UH~

Holy, fucking shit. Those were my exact thoughts as I stared wide-eyed at the vast amounts of difference types and brands of diapers on sale in front of me. And that was putting it politely. This shit was crazy!

The store went on for miles! Row after row of shelves stacked up as far as the eye could see. It was mental! I felt like I was in some kind of time warp as I pushed the buggy around all the different aisles. Talk about a mindfuck.

All I wanted was diapers. That's it. It wasn't fucking rocket science. I didn't want ones that changed themselves or cost an arm and a leg to buy; I just wanted plain, simple, velcro diapers. But fuck, I didn't realise I'd need a degree in science to clothe my three-month-old son. Jesus Christ.

"You look like you're about to declare war on the diaper aisle," said soft female voice from behind me. I could practically hear the smile in her voice. I groaned and slumped my shoulders. This was the last thing I fucking needed.

However, I couldn't stop the persistent feeling of curiosity that coursed through my body like wildfire. Her voice sounded so gentle and calm; a part of me felt soothed as I let her kind voice absorb into my fascinated soul. I found a part of me wanted to turn around.

I slowly-cautiously-turned my head to the side, letting my eyes wash over the perfect stranger's leaning form. I had to admit it, she was fucking beautiful. This five foot nothing, long brown-haired, doe-eyed, rosy-cheeked and pink-lipped stunner, leaning against the baby-wipe shelf, was just...wow.

Holy shit. I could have sworn my jaw just dropped. She was absolutely beautiful. Hell, beautiful didn't even begin to cover it.

"New father?" her soft voice asked innocently, cutting through every layer of tough-guy, cockiness and arrogance I had, and gesturing to my battle with the diapers.

I felt paralyzed; my feet were literally cemented to the damn ground. I couldn't fucking speak, and when I tried, it just came out as pathetic mumbles. I became flustered, started fumbling over my words, attempting to be a part of this conversation, but nothing came. This girl had literally sent a shock wave of amazement to my heart.

Awesome, male pride- gone. I just stood there, my body refusing to move, opposite this angel, looking like a complete idiot.

Great, I bet she thinks I'm a complete dick now. Nice one, Black.

Finally, after some billion hours later, I managed to find my balls and snap out of my inner evaluation of her body. With one hand on Ethan's stroller, gently rocking him, while my other ran apprehensively along the back of my neck. I replied, "Guilty as charged," then lifted my hands in surrender, with an impish, yet caught look on my face.

She smiled shyly, lowered those gorgeous eyes to the floor and bit her lip.

Fuck, I didn't even know this girl and she already knew how to make my dick rock hard.

"Thought so," she chuckled lightly, lifting her gaze slowly-purposely-and peering around and straight past me.

Before I could stop myself, my brows furrowed together in confusion. What was she looking for? A boyfriend? Fuck, I hope not. For some reason, the mere thought of this beauty having a boyfriend drove me fucking crazy with jealousy.

I didn't like that; I wanted her attention on me.

As if she heard my thoughts, those captivating, brown orbs returned back to mine, and I could've sworn I felt my heart stop. It felt as if my heart had jumped out of my chest and started break dancing around in front of me yelling, "It's about fucking time!"

"I have to say, it's refreshing to see the father doing the diaper run, usually it's the mom." She looked up at me through those long, brown lashes, her eyes piercing my very soul as she gave me a sexy yet kind smile. Fuck, my heart was literally doing backflips.

I bit my lip anxiously. Now it was my turn to lower my eyes. How did she have the power to turn me into such a nervous wreck? "Nope, no mom. Just this little monster and the worst father in the world," I chuckled, uncertainly.

And within seconds, her beautiful, angelic face fell into a deep frown.

Fuck! Quick, say something you idiot! Anything!

But as I opened my mouth to speak, she cut me off. "Hey," she spoke softly, hints of reassurance shadowed her voice.

My heart began to beat faster as she pushed her gorgeous body off of the shelf and made her way towards me. Fuck, why were my palms perspiring? Shit, Black, keep cool, bro. "Don't be so hard on yourself. Being a parent takes a lot to get used to." She was standing near me now. Christ, even her presence gave me shivers. I groaned inwardly as her intoxicating perfume drifting up my nose and filled my head. Strawberries and vanilla. She smelled so fucking good.

I literally think I just fell in love.

As sexy shades of red flushed over her cheeks, she smiled and held out her hand for me. "I'm Bella." You're something alright.

I threw her my best pearly-white smile, glanced down at her waiting hand, and suddenly found my nerves wreaking havoc on my body. What the fuck was wrong with me?!

Taking a deep, anxious breath, I lifted my hand and slipped it into hers.

Nothing could describe the way I felt in that moment. The only thing that kept me upright and my heart beating was the bolts of electricity shooting over my body.

Sparks flew rapidly, fireworks exploded all around me as our skin made contact, and our eyes locked in a deep, intense exchange. Somehow I felt like I'd known her my entire life, yet we'd only just met. Fuck, my heart was beating like a damn jackhammer. As we gazed at one another, I found myself speechless. What was she doing to me?

Out of nowhere, a squeaky, strangled and croaky noise came from my mouth. "N-Nice to meet you, Bella," I stuttered. "I'm Jake." Wow, and the award for lamest ass on the planet goes to... me.

Bella giggled, retracted her hand-much to my dismay-and moved it onto the diaper brand I had my eyes on. Her gorgeous face then adopted a serious, deep-in-thought expression as she looked over the product, then shook her head in an amused disapproval.

What was she up to?

My question was short lived as she met my bewildered gaze and asked cagily, "Ok, I'm not trying to pry or stick my nose in where it's not wanted, but do you mind if I ask how old he is?" Bella's eyes moved from mine and on to my son's.

I couldn't help but smile. How could she possibly think she was prying? Hell, I needed all the help I could get!

Shoving my hands in my pockets, I replied, "You aren't prying; he's three months."

She chuckled. "H'okay, judging by his age and size, I'd say you need size two," she suggested, lifting her gaze to the shelf and picking up the right one. "At the moment, you have a size four. I think you'd lose him amongst all the extra material." Bella winked while chuckling playfully, and handed me the correct ones. Did she just wink at me? That was so fucking hot.

Maybe this was a sign? I mean, she didn't have to help me out, but she chose to. That had to mean something, right?

Fuck, I hope so.

"Anyway," my angel said hesitantly, her lips pursed into a straight line. "I should go. I've taken up enough of your time. I just couldn't resist cutting in on your little battle of the diapers," she laughed softly, though her eyes avoiding mine. Why did I get the feeling she didn't want to leave? More to the point, why didn't I want her to? "It was really nice meeting you, Jake. You and your son."

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment, and before I could stop myself, I reached out and gently brushed my fingers across her arm, stopping her. I groaned internally. Fuck, she was so soft. Her eyes snapped to mine and softened, "Listen, erm, as you can tell I'm not great at this," I chuckled shyly, letting go of her arm and running my trembling hand over my nape nervously. Again with the fucking nerves! "So, I was wondering if maybe you could help a guy out? Judging by what you've just told me, I need all the help I can get," I told her honestly, feeling a little embarrassed. Goddammit!

She smiled and looked down to her fidgeting hands before looking up at me confidently. "Are you asking for my help, Jake?" Good God, my name sounded so good rolling off of her tongue. I wanted to hear more. Fuck, I needed to hear more. The mix of the mischievous glint in her eyes and the innocent, yet seductive, way she said my name had me practically coming undone.

"Yeah, guess I am." I cleared my throat awkwardly, praying she didn't say no. Please don't say no...

She looked up at me with a blinding and beautiful smile on her face and finally put me out of my misery. "Sure, I'd love to."

Whatcha think? do we like Daddy Jake? What about Bella?

Just a heads up to you all, I will only be writing this when I need a break from the others. So I won't be posting very regularly, unless I get whacked with Writers block lol.

One another note. I've just uploaded another story of mine called Intensity.

Head over and take a look if you like angsty Bella and a cocky, arrogant yet loving Jake!

Thank you!