AN: I think I'm going to have to get used to the fact that no chapter is like the last and even in my attempts to keep Jacob's situation as simple as possible, it only gets more complicated. I advise paying attentiont to this oddly long chapter.

I think sometimes I get into the mind-set of one fic that I may disregard the others. I am still writing them, not to worry, but the chapters are coming out slower than I expected and Illusions is proving to be a pain cause I don't want to make it rushed and lacking in plot. The story is thickly layered. As for the Juicy Sequel...well, that is coming along quite well. heh.

P.S. To those of you who were wondering, Emmett is at a dinner with an important "star" for business purposes. Alice mentioned this very briefly in the last chapter. Sorry, if none of you caught it. This was basically in order for Alice to take advantage of being in control of the club for the day and making it a big Halloweeny party.

Thanks to those who reviewed last chapter!

I do not own the characters

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Chapter Nine: Bump N'.....

The dark make-up under his eyes brought the green of his irises. His hair was styled nicely and he wore a black turtle neck with matching tight, leather pants. He looked like a masterpiece. I wasn't really sure what he was, but he looked fantastic.

He smiled.

Oh.

Well, that would explain all the black he was wearing.

"Alice thought it would be better to be a modern vampire. I'm guessing they are more sexy."

I gulped, "Totally."

Victoria made a noise beside me and I had to snap out of it. She had a good eye for things and a special talent for letting everyone know. Victoria was your typical gossip girl.

Edward was now looking me over a smirk on his lips. He raised a hand to my cheek, tracing over my skin lightly.

"This looks excellent." I didn't know what he meant. I turned to the mirror taking a closer glance at my face. It was like a scar that over time unsuccessfully healed. A scrach from my eyebrow, across the bridge of my nose to my cheek. No wonder Victoria took so long with my make-up.

"Have you seen Bella, yet?" Edward asked over my shoulder.

"No." I shook my head, turning away from the mirror, "She seemed to know what she wanted though."

"I heard her calling to Alice before I went to change," Edward informed me, looking through the racks of costumes Victoria had set out for me originally, "She needed help with make-up."

"Do you know what Alice is?" I'm sure it was something priceless.

"I was sworn to secrecy." He winked.

"That's right you were."

I heard Alice say behind him. My eyes landed on her. She looked like, "Fairy?" I querried.

"No," She huffed out, pulling out the sparkling bottom of her outfit, "I'm a Dark Pixie."

The outfit look very much like a Goth Fairy that got attack my glitter glue.

"Is there a difference?" Edward asked, clearly skeptical.

"Yes!" She belted, "Fairies aren't as enchanting."

"Well, honey," Victoria said behind me, "Be prepared for people calling you a fairy all night."

Besides the confusing title, the look fitted her. Her appearance was loud, like her. And from the little I knew of Pixies, they were prone to fun, music and were small. It was Alice in a nutshell.

"Well, you're the most beautiful pixie I have ever seen." Edward opened an arm, pulling her in for a hug.

"Aww," Alice giggled, falling for his charm, "Thank you, Edward." She stared at me, waiting for a compliment.

"You still look like a fairy to me." I teased.

"Whatever, Teen Wolf." She said in a firey comeback. Edward found that hilarious. I nearly fell into Victoria who busied herself with putting away the make-up as we bickered. The denture fang that were put on his canine teeth made him look ...sexy. It was already bad enough that he had the charms and mysteries of a fictional vampire, did he need the fangs as well?

He caught me staring. I looked away.

Alice began a conversation with Victoria, helping her move the rack back to wherever it came from. Edward stood only a few feet from me now, but obviously caught on to me staring at him with my mouth open. He strolled over, hands placed behind his back as if portraying an air of innocence.

"Jacob," He whispered lowly, stepping beside me, "I'm very thirsty." I knees locked together.

"That's not good, is it?" I said weakly, not faking it.

"No, it's not." I jumped feeling a hand on my wrist, "You think you can help?" little fangs poked under his pouty lips. I couldn't answer.

He lifted my wrist to his lips, closing his eyes and sniffing, "Mmm, you smell good. Like a little wolf." He was really into character, but I wasn't sure I could play along. All that came to mind was flirtation. Was he flirting with me? He was very capable with a mind so open. It was innocent flirting, right?

"I don't think wolves would smell good to a vampire." I squeaked out.

"You sure?" His breath fanned across my skin, warming it considerably.

I had to assert my rejection. This was Bella's future husband. What kind of person was I to let him treat me this way even if his intentions were innocent? "Certain."

"Well," he seemed to pull away for a second, "I'd have to disagree." I screamed out feeling his lips close over my wrist and the feel of blunt plastic against my skin.

"Edward!" I whined. He pulled away grinning.

"Don't worry, it's not real." He laughed.

I stared at him wide eyed. Did he have any idea what he just did?

"Hey," His voice was softer now, "Are you alright? I was just playing, Jacob."

I blinked back tears. I didn't know what was going on. It was like the earth was cracking under me, ready to swallow me up. The skin where he kissed me, pulsed like a heartbeat and burned just as much. His touch was poision.

I was suddenly reminded of Emmett in The Cave just over half a year ago, holding me to him as I sobbed pathetically after he confessed he was engaged to someone. The way he kissed me, hurt that I was hurt. His comfort went too far. The things we did that night...

There was conflicting feelings going on and Simon was nowhere to be found. I urged - no begged- for a solution, an action.

Simon, what do I do?

I had no choice but to convince myself that someone like Edward would be attractive to anyone. I'd have to let this go. Maybe I had been deprived of a relationship too long that I was feeling something for my brother-in-law.

I'm sick.

I jerked my hand from his grip like he was spreading something viral. The look in his eyes were torturous.

"Jacob?" He asked lowly.

"I'm going to find Bella, okay?" I muttered, keeping my eyes downcast and walking in the direction she had went earlier. I was soon lost in a forest of clothes, occasionally bumping into something quite wide or misplaced like random masks and a huge tomato costume. By the time I reached what looked to be a row of stalls, I called out to Bella. I heard shuffling behind one.

"Oh!" she exclaimed, most likely falling into something stationary, "I'm almost done. Trying to get this shirt on without ruining my make-up. There was another moment of movement before she stopped and happily claimed everything was in place. There was a sharp click as the stall door was unlocked and it creeked open. A face darted out that had me screaming out despite myself. She looked...scary. Her hair was mostly pulled back, with the exception of a strand here or there and her face was a hideous gray color with shadows under her cheek bones and eyes to give the appearance of a sleep ridden, starved girl. But that's not what had me. Her beautiful, chocolate eyes were now a hideous mix of sick colors, making her look diseased. She pulled the rest of her body out. It wasn't as bad. She donned a white wife beater with bloody finger streaks and a solid blood hand mark over her chest. The jeans that she had on looked worn and bloody as well.

I had to hand it to Victoria. She was definately serious about legitimacy involving her work.

"So I take it I look convincing," Her voice did not match the look. I was expecting a hungry growl or wild, rage-filled motions, "Alice was a genius with the make-up. When I told her she just whipped it out and went to work."

I just stared.

"Jacob?"

I shook my head, "Yeah, definately convincing." Alice had a thing for gore, but I didn't know she could master the look.

"So...why this?"

Bella narrowed her eyes for a second. My initial reaction was to run. She looked beyond terrifying "I used my own fear."

"You're scared of-" I began, but she cut me off, laughing.

"Oh, no," She shook her head, "Just think of an outcome. The reason for you living, no longer existed; went away." She said straightly.

I knew Bella all my life, but right now it was hard to ascertain what her reason for living was.

I just gave her costume the look over and finalized my answer right there, "Your life becomes void," I answered smally, "You become a zombie."

She smiled smally, "Exactly."

For some reason, I thought of Emmett.

* * * *

Edward took to driving. Naturally, Bella would go up front, but she was so involved in whatever conversation she was having with Alice that she slipped to the backseat with her. I felt a rush of guilt wash over me as I settled into the passenger seat, buckling in. I had said nothing to Edward for the last 20 minutes or so and I could see it was bothering him. I was dong this for his own good. I needed to set a line and I really needed a reality check. I was hoping tonight I got lucky.

We were close to the building. Edward breaked at the light and we both sat silent as the girls laughed about something or the other behind us. This felt strained and awkward and very unlike any type of interaction we had even when I endured the few embarassing moments around him. I kept my eyes on the road, knowing he would occasionally glance at me trying to read if I was angry or hurt.

I wonder if he saw pain on my face. I wasn't exactly good at hiding emotions and if Bella said enough to him, he would know as well.

Alice told Edward to park in the special parking behind the alley of the club. He did and the girls hoped out just as he turned off the engine.

"I'm going to show Bella around," Alice said quickly, "We'll meet you at the Emmett's VIP room, okay?"

I didn't have time to answer. They were both out and I was trapped.

Edward took the key out of the ignition and froze. My hand slowly hovered over the lock lever. I was so close to temptation, I needed a quick exit if it became too much. Looking at him now, his green eyes searching the steering wheel in concentration and the way the fangs came out as he bit his lip. I jerked the car door open, not able to take it.

"Jacob," He called out urgently, "Please."

I hated that word. I paused.

"Yes." I said coldly. No intimacy. I can't be friends with him if I'm like this. Maybe after a good lay I could tolerate it, but as for now, I couldn't treat him like I did before.

"If there was anything I did to offend you, I apologise deeply." He sounded so upset. Why get so worked up over me? He didn't have to l like me.

"Look," I said straightly, my eyes on the door, "You don't need to do this. You don't have to spend time with me or get to know me better. It's not your obligation."

He was quiet for a minute, "No, it isn't." Something about that statement stung, "But I want to. Madly." I inhaled sharply at the last word. He was the epitome of temptation.

"You don't know what that sounds like." It flew out before I could stop it. God, I was taking this too far. I needed to stop.

"I know exactly what it sounds like."

I rushed the door open, feeling a sense of relief when I felt fresh air.

I imagined that. I imagined that.

I shut the door behind me, walking to where a bouncer stood firmly as a look-out for sneaks trying to get in through the back. He took one glance at me and nodded, opening the door.

I hesitated, looking to the bouncer, "The vampire is with me." He nodded, getting what I meant.

Once inside, I was greeted with a long hallway, leading to various storage rooms and finally the kitchen. Seth was assorting glasses when he saw me.

"Wow!" He said with a wide grin, "I didn't think you were coming." He stood in a white unitard with a beautiful set of feathery wings on his back. He walked over to me, hugging me as he usually did for a greeting.

"And what are you?" I asked, knowing already. I just wanted to hear him say it.

"An angel!" He pulled away, showing me a grin.

"Yes you are." I added, ruffling his hair. It bothered me that he worked in a place like this. So close to corruption. Greedy men and women came here to feed on boys like him. I really hoped Angela and Emmett kept their eyes open.

"If you're looking for Alice, she took this pretty scary looking zombie with her on a tour."

"Where's everyone else?" I looked around the kitchen. It was vacant, save for a few dish cleaners.

"They are fixing up the Monster Dishes outside."

"Monster Dishes?"

"Something Alice cooked up this morning," He said rolling his eyes, "She has been here all day, having me send out fliers to all the gyms and regulars' houses. Angela had to fix up all these scary goods. Like human intenstines which is really this doughy pastry with red, sweet cherry syup. You get the idea" He pouted.

"I do." I nodded, "You work hard. She appreciates it."

"She better." He clicked his tongue, annoyed.

"I want to see you out there later, okay?" I patted his head, "I want you to dance with me."

"Okay!" He said with much enthusiasm, "I'll need to finish assembling some things and then I'm off the clock."

I walked towards the double doors leading to the heart of the club, "Oh," I started turning, "If a young man dressed as a vampire comes in, tell him that he can meet Bella and Alice in the VIP rooms upstairs. If he needs help, can you guide him to Emmett's?"

"Sure." Seth was always more than willing to help. Have to appreciate the kid for that. He was a breath of fresh air.

I was off to the dance floor, crossing the glass threshold and into the pulsing room where Freddie, Jason, and a Scarecrow danced. I saw a few Scissorhands and even a sexy centaur grinding. It almost seemed like the majority of these people were itching for Halloween so early they had worked on and completed their costumes just in time for the random event. I looked pass the dancing crowd to the large screen, greeted with a huge round moon accomapanied with thin wisps of smoke generating from upstairs somewhere by dried ice and a fan, veiling it occasionally. I looked up at what appeared to be Japanese laterns in the shape of pumpkins, hanging down from the high ceilings.

I was bumped from behind and turned. A young man, tall and built stood behind me and apologised. He was very much appealing, donning an old Confederate costume.

"And who might you be?" It was an interesting costume.

"Robert E. Lee. Without the beard." He said proudly, "Scary, huh?"

"Very." I nodded. He definately didn't sound like a southerner.

"And you must be a troubled, novice wolf." He examined my attire with interest.

"Good Job." I awarded him with the compliment and he smirked. I couldn't lie, he was indeed charming.

"Well, you definately make it easy for me to figure out." He spoke, "The look suits you. I don't think I've seen a sexy wolf before."

Flirting. I forgot how to operate around it. I just smiled, looking down.

"Hey now, Troubled Wolf," He laughed, "No need to be shy."

My eyes met his, finally, "Troubled Wolf has a name." I spoke over the music.

"And what, daresay, would that be?"

"Jacob."

He smiled, "Biblical and fitting." It was a weird, but satisfying compliment, "Robery E. Lee has a name as well."

"Isn't that already a name?" the conversation seemed to go so easy. Was this how it was before Emmett? I'd meet a guy, he'd comment and flirt and be ever so charming?

Didn't Edward fit this description not an hour ago?

Maybe I was dillusional and desperate. I needed something levelling.

"It is," He laughed, "But it is the name of a man I would not ever want to be. I go by the name Garrett."

"Uncommon and fitting." I mocked lightly, getting a deep bark of laughter from him.

"So Jacob formally known as Troubled Wolf, would you be so kind as to dance with me?" He offered a hand.

"Why, yes I would." I played along, "How gentlemanly of you." I placed mine in his.

He cocked his head, gesturing to his costume, "It's southern hospitality, of course." and with that he guided me to the floor. We danced close in between a glowing skeleton and a zombie drag queen.

* * * *

Garrett was a phenomenal dancer and a perfect distraction for the hour that passed. It wasn't until our break after when he asked if I came with anyone did I remember Alice, Bella and Edward. God, Edward.

"Not someone you are in desperate need to see now, I take it?" He said, catching my look.

"Oh," I fixed my expression, "It isn't that it's..."

"Complicated?" He finished.

I smiled at him in relief, "Right."

He nodded, drumming his fingers on the counter in thought, "I feel you."

I finished the last of my drink, catching the change in music. The next song was medium tempo, seductive and addicting. My leg bent and straightened to the rhythm and I began tapping my fingers against the glass I was holding.

"Chill out, my little star, before you go Super Nova." Garrett laughed. He grabbed my free hand, pulling me back on the dance floor. Garrett once again moved with me, this time using no inhibitions, moving his crotch against mine. This was definately a grind song.

I emptied everything out from the last year or so, thinking of just the moment. My hands looped around his neck, pulling him in as close as he could get. I thought of nothing but this dance and the urge to feel some form of a legetimate connection with another person without guilt or fear of rejection. Garrett was funny, charming and I'm sure just looking for someone for a night. I didn't mind. I couldn't at this moment. And he definitely didn't mind the closeness. His arms wrapped around my waist, landing on my backside. It had been over two years since I allowed a stranger to touch me like that. We continued this way as the music's pace picked up at the chorous. I closed my eyes, allowing him to take control, feeling lips on my neck.

I imagined baby curls. No...bronze hair.

I imagined pink lips against my skin, puckered on my flesh. My hips picked up speed.

The lips moved to my cheek, then my own mouth.

His fingers grazed up my hips, fingering the holes in my shirt as our kiss deepened.

Yes. Perfect. Kiss me. Cure me.

My hands snaked up under his ponytail that was so securely held in place by a long sliver of leather. I tugged at the bunched hair as warning to the incoming intruder. My hips had a mind of its own. I wanted plastic fangs to puncture my lips and tongue from their reckless force to control the mouth it devoured. I wanted the feel of leather jeans against me. This wasn't working, was it? I stopped.

He pulled away, eyes wide. I felt crestfallen that they weren't green.

"Whoa!" He exclaimed, "Who wound you up, little toy?" He laughed. The song ended and we detached ourselves from each other.

I flushed, "I'm sorry."

"No, it's fine." He smirked, "Although I'm sure this has alot to do with Mr. Complication."

I gaped at him, "How did you-?"

He laughed, "As a wise man once said," He cupped my cheeks and stared at me like a dad stares at his child, "I may have been born yesterday, but I stayed up all night."

"I didn't mean to-"

He shook his head, "Don't worry about it, little man. Half of the guys present are here to dance or screw off some complication in their life just for the night."

"I don't usually do this." I started, walking back to the bar. He followed, hands holding my own, "I don't just let guys-"

"Don't worry." Maybe luck was kicking in now. Someone not angry by the choices I feel forced to make, "I like talking to you. You're not necessarily here to get laid, but hey, while you're doing nothing..."

I stared at him for a moment, not getting that over an hour ago, I didn't know who he was. He reminded me so much of Emmett in college. "Robert, you're strange." I said straightly, but it was this that made him laugh harder than I had seen all night.

I couldn't help but laugh along with him. Having fun with a stranger. That tends to happen more often than not these days.

"Jacob?!" I turned quickly at the voice.

Alice stood in her little outfit, hands on hips.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" She scolded, walking towards us. Garrett watched her in fascination, a grin still on his face, "Where the hell were you? We found Edward up there alone with Seth who felt he needed to keep him company. And it just ended up being the four of us in there drinking and talking waiting for you."

"Edward, huh?" Garrett said slyly. God, he was good.

Alice raised a thin eyebrow, "Met a friend?"

I sighed, "Alice, this is Garrett." I gestured towards him.

Garrett held out his hand and Alice took it hesitantly. I could already see the little wheels in her head turning.

"Would you like to join us upstairs in the VIP room, Garrett?" She asked him directly - not me. She was up to something.

"Sure." He shrugged, "If that is okay with Jacob." Lord, who handed me this angel?

I opened my mouth to say no, but quickly changed my mind when I saw the look on Alice's face. She really had went through alot to get me here to spend time with her. Was it really worth all this to avoid Edward?

"Yeah, let's go." I said meakly.

Garrett grabbed my elbow gingerly, his lips close to my ear, "You sure about this, wolf boy?"

"I'm fine." I whispered back, "But thanks."

Alice seemed a bit taken back by me being comfortable with our sudden contact, but seemed to keep her cool for the moment.

"Just follow me." She said robotically. We were a few steps behind her. Garrett kept a hand on my lower back bringing back that same weak-kneed response after thinking about Edward. I felt a familar thump against my ribs and an edge of nausea.

My mind quickly rushed to the imagery of the blank, blackness of my room as Emmett held me from behind, telling me how much he cared, but not enough. Was he scared? Like Edward to Jasper? Would everyone I fall for be scared? Would I ever fall for Garrett? Would he back out? Okay, I was getting too far with this and the walk wasn't to a VIP room to have a good time, but more like one to the gallows.

The thick fog effect on the glass kept any outsiders from seeing what was going on inside save for the few shadows playing across it. Alice opened the door, allowing both of us in to a room of fluffy, purple couches and a big screen TV. I looked to a small love seat and felt my heart stop. Blonde and curly black hair melded together as a big body dominated a petite, fair skinned one.

I was imagining this. I closed my eyes, opening them again. The visual was different, but I wasn't sure it was better. Bronze hair shone under the dim lights engulfed by long black locks. Bella straddled Edward's lap as they engaged in a full blown make-out session. My knees buckled like jelly, but Garrett was quick, scooping his arm through both of my own like a needle through to thread loops.

"I think the liquor made me sick." I whimpered quickly.

"I got you, Jacob." He bent down, pulling my knees out from under me, so he could lift me.

"Jake, are you alright?" I heard Alice's voice faintly as Garrett walked quickly down and around hallways. He finally spotted the sign for the restroom.

"Oh boy," Garrett said finally as he kicked open the bathroom door, "You are really in tight a spot, aren't you?" I guess he figured out about as much as the scene allowed.

The irony about this was, "You don't know the half of it."

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AN: I know, I know. The second half of the chapter went for a turn. My intentions were to farther test Jacob's limits, but thought it was best to just test Edward's now. Garrett is in no way going to "initially" be Jacob's love interest. It is Edward. I also wanted this to be Jacob's breaking point of realizing that he may have feelings for his brother in law. And what more confusing way to do it than to compare him and even confuse him with Emmett. The man he loved so far in this fic.

Hope it didn't confuse you and just remember we know the destination of the story (Edward and Jakey), but we do not know the journey. Stay tuned ;)

P.S. Emmett isn't out of the story. He is still Jacob's best friend and will be seen in and out throughout the fic. This and next chapter is pretty much the most you'll see of Garrett....maybe.