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Conceding

Every option I have costs more than I've got
If you trust in me, if I could I would be there
All I have to give seems to be all over you and everyone else
Plans by Grizzly Bear

I couldn't believe that I was seriously considering this offer. I was being backed into a corner and I didn't like the feeling at all. At this point I wasn't sure which was worse, the prospect of seeing Edward or spending more time with this jackass. How I'd ever had a sex dream about him was beyond me, he was positively infuriating.

"How much did you tell them exactly?"

Damon looked bored, his posture made him look like he was dripping with contempt. I fingered the edge of my tattered suitcase waiting for an answer, trying to be the perfect picture of patience, while inside I was like a cat clawing up the curtains.

"School and apartment building, something tells me they'll be able to sniff you out," he teased, sniffing the air as though the smell of apple pie permeated it. Man I wanted to hurt the fucker.

"Fine, I guarantee they'll come anyway, so I can't stay here."

"Which means you'll be paying for the hotel room," Jacob said with an intimidating smirk at Damon.

"But what about school, I can't just drop everything, I'll lose credits and it'll fuck me up, Dad will freak out. He was so proud."

"Then tell them you're sick, ask them if there's a way you can have someone pick up the work for you. There are other options, Bells. You don't need to completely halt your life because these assholes can't take no for an answer. Anyway, if you're going to make a decision, it has to be while I'm here. You know Alice can't see past me."

"See past you?" Damon asked with an air of indifference.

"Alice . . ."

"No, Jake," I screeched stopping him. "I need to make a decision before I tell them anything. Until then I am a fortress."

"Nice ass for a fortress, Princess."

Jacob growled at him.

"Hello? Bacon's burning out here," Embry shouted, cursing before the metallic hiss of hot water on a pan rang out.

I pushed past the two men and darted out into the small living room. Embry was stood by the sink in the kitchen, prodding his palm with interest. I'd seen the wolves healing before; it was wild. Sadly, as much as I wanted to be worried about his burn, I had more pressing matters at the forefront of my mind.

"Were you patrolling?"

Embry blushed but grinned. "Yeah, why?"

"Did you catch a scent? A full one not the partial one?"

"No, why?" he asked perplexed at my erratic behavior. "Is Victoria . . ."

"No, worse," Jacob dead panned. "It's the Cullen's."

Embry looked around the small group as Damon stepped out of the bedroom. That's when the bulb seemed to go off over his head. His shook his head and headed to the couch falling into. Mumbling about how wrong it was.

"What did this guy do to you exactly?" Damon asked, moving pictures to look at the ones behind them. He infuriated me. He was a nosy son-of-a-bitch, but it seemed to go with the territory. He liked having ammunition against people, and the best way to do that was to dig.

"That's nothing to do with you or the information you want."

Damon shrugged and continued fingering the pictures. He picked one up and turned it around pointing at the girl in the picture with Jacob. In his usual arrogant manner he examined the picture and smiled approvingly before turning to Jacob.

"This one yours? Any puppies in the foreseeable future?"

Jacob gave a shake, the power rolling down his spine. No one talked about his imprint like that. I should know I'd seen him snap in a bar when I went home for Thanksgiving a couple years ago. I put my hand on his arm and shook my head. I would love to see Damon missing a limb, but wolfing out in such a small space would not be good, especially seeing as said small space belonged to me.

"We're off topic here," I sighed, marching forward and attempting to pull the picture out of Damon's hands. He gripped it tightly and no matter how much I pulled the thing wouldn't budge. "Let. Go."

He did, with the sardonic smirk I was beginning to think was simply part of his DNA. Asstard.

"Okay, so back on topic then, where were we?" he asked leaning into me as he passed.

"You, paying for the hotel room," Jacob said regaining his composure.

"Ah yes, that." Damon leaned against the arm of the couch, as far from Embry as he could get. He may be acting all cool and calm, but I suspected he was scared shitless of my wolves, and wouldn't have doubted that he'd been about ready to shit himself when Jake had phased.

"Yes, that. You brought this shit down on my head. You're making up for it."

"I have a better solution."

"I'm sure you do."

"I have several–"

"No doubting that–"

"One of them contains whipped cream and a swing–"

"Enough," Jake bellowed, shaking his head. "I swear with the two of you going at it the Cullen's will get here long before you ever get to the fucking point."

"It's like verbal tennis," Embry laughed, turning in his seat on the couch. "You're evenly matched and the sparring puts Paul and Rachel to shame."

"Not helping man," Jake teased, clapping his hand on his best friends shoulder. He turned back to us and lifted his eyebrows. His eyes moved to Damon. "You had a magnificent solution I believe."

"Magnificent's one word for it."

"Yeah and–"

"Bella," Jake cut me off and I crossed my arms and jutted out my bottom lip.

"You can stay at the house with my brother and I. They have no idea where we live, it's at least an hour's drive, and with your puppy patrol it's doubtful they will be able to follow your scent."

"No they'll just follow theirs," I said smugly. There was no way in hell I was going to go and stay with this ass and his pretentious brother in that reclusive mansion. Especially not when Kitty Kat was skipping off to play with vampire royalty.

I looked to Jacob for backup and then to Embry. Both of them were giving me apologetic looks.

"What?"

"I think it's a good idea, Bells."

Say what? Jacob, the king of growling at this asshole was actually agreeing with him? What the fuck was happening to the world? Had it stopped and suddenly started going in the opposite direction? It sure as shit felt like it. I marched toward Jacob and stopped in front of him, my eyes questioning him.

"Hear me out," Jake said gently, his hands held up in surrender. "Just think about it, We escort you toward the forest, this asshole can have a car between here and there. They won't follow your scent in the car. I don't think they're that good. We'll keep going heading off in a different direction to a hotel as far from the college as we can go, then double back. They'll think we helped you out; that you would go with us. When they follow the trail it will be a dead end, they won't know where you are."

"What's that got to do with staying with this walking turd?" I asked, liking at least that part of the plan. He could still put me up in a hotel. I didn't want to be stuck in a house with him and his sanctimonious brother. Let alone the blonde wonder and the always serious Elena.

"You are a walking danger magnet, Bella."

I lost it. My hand snapped out and punched his arm of its own volition. I'd like to say it's because I didn't know any better, but that would be a lie. I'd hurt myself on more than one occasion trying to give out punishment with my weak as shit human strength. You'd have thought I'd known better, but apparently not.

The pain in my baby finger flared as soon as I made contact. I gripped it with my other hand and felt my eyes grow wide with surprise at my own idiocy. "Son of a fuck, bastard, whore, dick, shit, fuck."

I was putting pressure on the base of the tiny finger as I hopped on the spot. It hurt, it fucking hurt badly. Laughter was already filling the room which only seemed to fuel my anger all the more. I couldn't believe these cock shits. I was fucking hurt.

Jacob stepped forward, his arms out as though he was going to cradle me, and coo like he normally did when I broke something, but I was too pissed off to let him near me, and I swear to fucking everything, my hand snapped out again to administer more punishment. The same fucking hand. What the hell was wrong with me?

This time I growled with frustration.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck and fuck again."

"Bella, what the hell?" Jake snickered, making me back away so my possessed hand wouldn't lash out again. I was so pissed off. No, pissed off would have been good, I was fuming.

I stumbled over to the couch and grabbed Embry's shirt pulling him up with his cooperation. "Sic him, boy."

That seemed to break their tenuous hold on their composure and all three of them were roaring with laughter as I stomped my feet, battling with the pain and fury. I wanted to pick something up and throw it at them. I was so fucking frustrated. I couldn't believe Jacob thought it was good for me to be in this situation.

I stampeded toward the bedroom, passing the kitchen as I did. I gripped the handle of the frying pan in the sink and lobbed it at Jacob's head. He was caught off guard and almost completely failed to deflect it, instead he moved and it caught his shoulder. Satisfied, I stormed into my room and slammed the door with every ounce of strength I possessed.

Damon

I couldn't stop the laughter at her little display even if I tried. Even the mutts were bent over, holding their stomachs. Eventually we all regained control of ourselves and Jacob immediately got down to business.

"So, if I let Bella go with you, are you planning on keeping up with your end of the bargain? I'd hate to have to come back here and go all Teen Wolf on you." I had to laugh at the reference.

"Look, you have no reason to trust me, and neither does Bella, but I don't mean her any harm and I have no intentions of leading the Cullens to her if she keeps up her end of the bargain. Not to mention I really don't like the idea of them knowing where I live. She'll be safe there." Jacob nodded thoughtfully.

"Embry, maybe you should stay behind for a while to make sure that he keeps his end of the deal; and for protection in case Bells needs it." Embry nodded excitedly but I wasn't keen on the idea at all.

"That won't be necessary. Besides, if they smell that one of you is still around won't they be suspicious? I mean, aren't they supposed to believe that Bella left with you?" There was no way I was letting Embry ruin my plans of seduction for the little hell-cat locked in her bedroom.

"I guess that's true. But I feel that I should warn you that Alice won't give up easily. Bella has told me just how tenacious she can be when she wants something. Maybe you could call her and at least get a read on where she is. Maybe give her a heads up that Bella has taken off."

"That's probably a good idea. I'll do that now, if you'll excuse me." I walked toward the window as I placed the call.

"What?" She practically growled.

"Oooh, testy this morning, aren't we?" I chuckled angering her even further.

"We'll be there in about three hours. What the hell do you want?"

"Well, since you asked so nicely… I thought I would give you a heads up that Bella is gone. I came by her apartment this morning and no Bella. She probably took off with those Amazons that were here yesterday." I tried to sound nonchalant.

"And how do I know that you're not full of shit?" She asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

"Well, by all means feel free to come and check. It's no skin off my nose. But I'm assuming that you are no longer going to give me my answers? I mean, it's not my fault that she took off." I knew that if I didn't seem bothered by that she wouldn't believe a word of what I was saying.

"I'm not sure. I will have to speak with the rest of the family. Either way, we will be there in a few hours and after we do some digging of our own I will call you to meet up one way or another. And just so you know, there is no way that you can lie to us in person. We have ways of knowing." With a click she was gone.

"So, how'd it go?" Jake asked, but judging by his posture and the smirk on his face he had heard exactly how it had gone.

"Oh, it went great. Your girl better be worth it. I have a feeling that I've bitten off more than I can chew."

"Oh, I think that would be an understatement. Well, I better go try and coax Bella out of hiding." He rolled his eyes and walked over to her closed bedroom door. He only had to wait a moment before she let him in.

"So, uh, what's up with the blond girl?" Embry asked, pretending to be interested in the crap that was on the television.

"Caroline? She's… well, she's Caroline. Not much to tell. She's a pain in my ass. Why? You interested?" I chuckled as he gave a small shrug and refused to meet my eyes.

I heard the click of Bella's door and she emerged behind Jacob, her full lips pressed together in what was meant to be a scowl. To me, though, it just made me want to kiss her senseless. I scolded myself for how cute I thought she was, because Damon Salvatore simply didn't think anything was cute.

"So, you've decided to come willingly?" Jacob was shaking his head and wincing, waiting for her to explode. Instead she sighed and agreed, explaining that she needed to go and pack.

"Look, I know that Bella is difficult at times, but this is harder for her than she lets on. Just take it easy, okay? One of us will be back to check up on her soon, but just in case you need us sooner, here is my cell number." Jacob handed me a small piece of paper and I placed it in my pocket for safe keeping.

We both turned our heads in the direction of Bella's bedroom as we could hear her mumbling.

"As if I didn't have enough to deal with on a daily basis… now I have to live with the insufferable bastard. 'Hi, I'm Damon. I like the sound of my own voice? Will you play with my dick? No? Why not, it's pretty'." I almost burst out laughing, instead I made my way over and leaned in her door jam.

"I would never call my dick pretty. Huge, gigantic even. A monster, but never pretty." Projectiles began flying at my face and I ran back to the living room laughing like an idiot.

"Oh. My. Lord." Embry managed between laughs. "You are just making things worse on yourself. She is going to give you hell, man!"

"I think I can handle it. Plus, who doesn't like a little challenge every now and then. Easy ass gets boring after a while."

"Speak for yourself, man. I have no problems with easy ass," Embry looked shocked.

"Well, then remind me to introduce you to Caroline." Embry's smile changed to a scowl before he could catch himself. Interesting.

"All right. I'm all packed for my stay at the Den of Sin." Bella dropped her bag at my feet and smirked.

"Hey, don't knock it. You never know, you may have some fun once we pull the stick out of your ass, princess."

"Ah, there's no stick up Bella's ass," Embry began sounding sincere. "Why, nothing's ever been up Bella's ass… or stuck in any other part of her body either."

He guffawed loudly and Bella raised her hand before eyeing it and wincing. Jacob joined Embry in his laughter until Bella stalked toward the door.

"Hold on, Bells! Come over here and tell me goodbye." He held out his arms and she immediately fell into them. He began whispering in her ear, too low for my ears to hear and she was nodding while sniffling a little. Deciding to give them a moment I carried her bag down the stairs and place it in my car driving it to the prearranged spot they would meet me in. When they finally emerged, she was discreetly wiping her eyes as Jacob let her down and with a final hug to each of them she got in and we drove away.

After ten minutes of silence I decided that was enough.

"So, it's rare these days to find a virgin your age." She immediately took the bait and the sad look was wiped from her face. It made me feel oddly relieved.

"And? I know that sex is no big deal to most people, but I haven't saved it this long to just throw it away." She huffed.

"Still waiting for Edward, huh?" I waited for the outburst that was sure to come and when nothing happened I looked at her. She was holding a Zippo lighter in her small hands.

"So, does fire hurt you, or is that just a legend?" I laughed, but didn't answer. She wouldn't kill me… at least until I got rid of the Cullens.

"You're such a sweetheart, princess. But, there's never a dull moment with you around, that's for sure."

"Well, I am so glad that I amuse you. So, how do you think your uppity brother is going to like this arrangement?"

Her word for describing Stefan made me snicker because I often felt the same way about him. He was just so boring.

"Oh, well, that. Who gives a shit? If nothing else this will be a great source of entertainment!" Bella gave me a real smile and I couldn't stop myself from returning it with one of my own.

"So, how do you deal with seeing them together all the time? I mean, I know you've got it bad for the girl, and your brother is hot, but damn, he's such a stick in the mud. All business."

"You know what? Normally this is where I would tell you to mind your own fucking business, but since I've been all up in yours, that wouldn't really be fair, would it? So I will tell you this; it has gotten easier recently." I winked and watched as a perfect pink blush covered her face.

Wait, did we just have a fucking moment there?

The rest of the ride was spent in awkward silence as I pondered a way to get my man-card back after that little display.

"Don't worry, I won't say a word," Bella whispered conspiratorially when we reached the house. Before I could ask her what she meant she was out of the car and headed for the front door. I grabbed her bag and followed her. The door swung open and we were met with a very stunned Stefan.

Sabi'sSookie: Well, hello all! Poor Bella just can't seem to catch a break, can she? At least she gives as good as she gets ;)

Thanks so much to everyone who read, alerted, favorite, and reviewed! I appreciate all of your support and your comments on Bella and Damon crack me up! Keep 'em coming, guys!

Nostalgicmiss, thanks for being a supportive BFF and for introducing me to some of your obsessions, like Vampire Academy and Dr. Who! I am having so much fun sharing a brain with you! Love ya'!

Nostalgicmiss: Bella really does give as good as she gets. Now the poor thing is being dumped in the lion's den. While the hyena's close in around her. You think Alice and the others will fall for the scam?

Thanks so much to all of you that have read and clicked those little buttons at the bottom, and for reviewing. You guys always have the funniest things to say about the characters and interactions. I love all of you guys, thank you for reading this and for letting us know what you think.

Sabi, you are an amazing Bestie and the thank you goes in turn to you! Veronica Mars is an awesome show and is quickly becoming an obsession of mine! Seriously there are no words for your awesome! Love ya chick!