Chapter 11

Their eyes were locked together and both their minds were reeling. Jacob licked his parched lips and took her hand in his. This was not at all how he imagined he would be wed. He was fair certain it would happen in the kirk where he had been baptized, and worshiped regularly. He had also assumed that he would be hopelessly in love. He smiled slightly, he imagined life with his beautiful dark angel and realized he was in for a hell of a ride.

Ness was doing the same. She had never expected him to agree so easily. She expected to have to imitate Rosalie and seduce him. Thank God she had not been required to embarrass herself in that way. Still, as she sat bared to him and he made no move toward her she began to feel self-conscious. Finally she forged ahead. "What now?"

Jacob lifted her hand to his lips for a kiss. "Now we say our vows, and make our promises. Promise me nothing ye canna keep. For marriage vows are sacred. Ready?" Jacob waited for her to nod solemnly. Then he began. "I vow you the first cut of my meat, the first sip of my wine. From this day it shall be only your name I cry out in the night and into your eyes that I smile each morning; I shall be a shield for your back as you are for mine; no shall a grievous word be spoken about us, for our marriage is sacred between us and no stranger shall hear my grievance. Above and beyond this, I will cherish and honor you through this life and into the next."*

Ness smiled at the man. He said the familiar words, but somehow she knew he meant them. She had been to enough weddings to know that not all grooms did. Her heart warmed further to her betrothed. She remembered the vows that Rose and Bella had said at their weddings and recalled them to him. "Now, ye are blood of my blood, and bone of my bone. I give ye my body, that we two might be one. I give ye my spirit, `til our life shall be done. You canna possess me, for I belong to myself, but while we both wish it, I give you all that which is mine to give. You canna command me, for I am a free person, but I shall serve you in those ways you require and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand."*

Jacob listened to her vow and smiled himself. He couldna ask her to swear to obey, it wasna in the lass to do so, but he was quite certain that any gift from her hand would indeed be sweeter than he had ever known. He looked into her fathomless eyes and realized that he could care for her with no trouble. He dinna know how long they stared into each other's eyes, but another massive clap of thunder made them both jump.

Ness tittered in embarrassment. Then she decided to move things along. "Isna this where the priest would tell ya to kiss yer bride?"

Jacob raised a brow. He liked this side of her, the bold and willing lass, who was too innocent to know what she asked, and was yet curious enough to face it plain. "Aye, I believe it is." With that he leaned forward and kissed her soundly and deeply. He eased her down upon the soft fur of the rug and lost himself in the sweetness of her breath and taste. It took but a moment for his staff to awaken to this idea and he pulled back to look at her, he needed to remember that she was yet untouched.

Nessie reached for the blanket that still covered much of Jacob's form from view. He caught her hand and took a steadying breath. "Now lassie, I told ye, we must take our time, no matter how fast out blood beats, else I will hurt ye. I'll not allow that. Now," he smiled down at her bathed in the firelight and looked his fill. "I am going to touch you. There willna be a bit of skin that I willna explore. You will relax, and trust me. When something feels good, I want to know it. I canna give you what you want unless I know what it is pleases you. When I have brought you the quickening, I will allow you the same luxury. You may explore my body, as I have explored yours. When you have done so to yer heart's content, then, and only then, will we join. Understood?"

"Aye," it wasna true. Ness had no real idea of what he meant with the exception of a cursory knowledge gleaned from observing animals mate in the fields. Still, Rose, Bella, and Alice had all spoken of the joy in coupling with their mates.

Jacob began by doing something he had wanted to since he first saw her copper curls free on that first evening. He combed his fingers through her locks and made a halo about her head spreading her hair out. His purpose was two-fold, first to finally touch the crowning glory of her hair, and the second to dry some of the moisture from them. He still needed to warm her.

Then he sat up and looked his fill. Her skin was pale in the light. Pale and perfect. He leaned close and kissed her again, dipping his tongue in to taste her and allowing her to taste back. Then he began to kiss her freckles. First the one on her right temple. Then he kissed the one on her left cheek. He ran his tongue over her skin and felt her breath against his skin as her breaths became shallower and more frequent. He kissed her jaw and then her neck. She raised her chin to give him better purchase and sighed. Then he ran his tongue around the shell of her ear before whispering "How do ye feel, Ness?"

She gasped and realized that she had been holding her breath for a moment. Each time Jacob's lips traced a new spot she felt a new sensation. She couldna describe it, but she knew she wanted more. "Doona stop," she sighed, "please."

Hearing Ness' plea gave Jacob a sense of power. He knew she was pleased, or she would have pushed him away. He kissed his way back to her mouth and luxuriated in the welcome he found there. Then he began his journey downward.

Jacob's hands were large and calloused, yet he touched her with such care and concern that her nerve endings rejoiced at his caress. When one hand cupped her breast she felt her nipple pebble against his palm in an instant. His lips drew the other into his warm mouth and again she felt the pull deep within her belly, just as she had last evening. Could it really have been only yesterday? Ness arched against his touch and he drew back.

Jacob blew across the nipple he had just laved and Ness felt a warmth spread in her nether regions. Her whimper made him smile. She was more responsive than any lass he had experienced. It was a rather thrilling addition to bed sport, Jacob liked it. He looked up at her beautiful face and saw the flush of her skin and the desire in her eyes.

"I am a lucky man. Not one man in a hundred will see a sight as beautiful as you are." Jacob watched Renesmee blush at the compliment. He again kissed the largest freckles he found on her chest and shoulders. "I willna complete the task this night," he said between kisses, "but I will kiss each and every freckle upon this creamy skin afore I die. Each," kiss, "and every," kiss, "one."

Ness' skin was becoming so sensitive that each brush of Jacob's lips and tongue made her begin to writhe. When he kissed the freckle at the side of her belly button she shivered with want. Jacob halted. He looked at her again. "Are ye cold?"

"Nay, I burn."

"Alright. Let me show you how to quench that flame." Jacob slid lower and lifted Nessie's legs. He bent them at the knees, ever so gently until they fell open. Ness turned her head in embarrassment, but Jacob eased it by speaking to her as his hands began to stroke her most secret place. "Can you feel how slick you are? That is yer body's way of readying you for me. You mustna be abashed, my wife, for there is nothing more pleasing in all the world than this response."

With each stroke of his long fingers Ness became more and more enthralled. Her breath was becoming shallow pants and her hips began to move of their own volition. Then Jacob leaned forward and began to kiss her there as he had kissed her lips.

Jacob laved her and suckled the bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs. She moaned in wonder at the sensation and Jacob knew she was close. Still she was holding back. He sensed her fear. This was all new to her and she feared it.

"Ness," Jacob said speaking gently and threading his fingers with hers. "How do ye feel?"

"As if I am teetering on a precipice." Her breath came in fevered pants and gasps. The sound was enough to make Jacob's manhood throb below the blanket.

"Aye, and I will guide you over. Just trust me. I'll not let you crash, I will catch ye." With that, Jacob leaned in and began to nibble on Ness' nerve bundle. As he did she began to pull on his fingers. He felt her lift to meet his tongue and then in a moment she began to keen.

Ness' heart beat out of her chest. Her body bowed to Jacob's touch and in an instant every feeling in her focused upon where his lips were. She felt like a tightened bow string and then she felt released.

Jacob guided her through the zenith of her delight and then gently prolonged the pleasure with his mouth and his hand. When her tremors began to subside he eased her legs down his arms and placed them gently on the rug. As he did so his hand brushed a long indentation. His hand stopped and he looked. It was a clear gash of a scar, as wide as his hand. His brow furrowed and he caressed the scar unhurriedly.

"That was the wound my father spoke of, last ev'en. The one I received when I tied to take Emmett down. Doona look at it. In fact," Ness said her embarrassment rising, "doona look at me."

Jacob slip up her frame until he lay holding her front to front. He kissed her softly and incrementally. First he simply slid his lips across hers. When he felt her relax into that he slid his tongue into her welcoming mouth. They kissed deeply and warmly. He felt her hands inch up his arms and begin their exploration. He was anxious, both to feel Renesmee's touch, and with nerves that he might not be to her liking.

Ness pulled back and sighed. She opened her mouth when another lightning strike followed by ear-piercing clap of thunder. Ness had that fear back in her eyes for a moment, then Jacob rolled flat on the floor and laid himself before her. "Your turn."

Renesmee stilled. Her eyes drank him in. Now, Ness had spent a great deal of time in the company of men, but she had ne'er seen one so braw and so naked. Her fingers itched to touch and see if his bronzed skin was truly as silky as it looked. She reached out with her bandaged hand and Jacob caught it. "Be careful, I doona want ye pulling your stiches."

Ness smiled. "Always so thoughtful, aren't you? Now hush, and let me enjoy this."

Her fingers skimmed across his skin and felt the warmth of his heated state. They paused on a scar upon his shoulder. "Sword strike," Jacob said, "one from your clan, as I recall."

Ness furrowed her brow. Somehow she dinna want to think about a clansman striking this beautiful man. Her fingers stroked his collarbones, followed by her lips and then her tongue. When she heard Jacob's breath increasing she smiled to herself. It was emboldening and she moved her lips to his chest. She ran her fingers across his flat nipples and like her own, they pebbled at the touch. She laved his nipples as he had hers and heard him grumble low. She raised her eyes to his and he could see the question in her eyes.

"I enjoy your touch, lass. That was a delighted sound. But if you do not return to touching me this instant, I may forget my resolve and be forced to feel your skin beneath my hands again."

Ness blushed, but she returned to her exploration. Her fingers found the tight muscles of his abdomen. She ran her fingertips across the deep ridges and watched as his breath hitched and held until her lips slid along the center crease. She was drawing closer and closer to what remain covered, but each inch brought a new discovery.

Ness' finger found a round divot at his side. She knew it at once. Emmett had a scar much like it on his upper arm. "This is from an arrow bolt, isn't it?"

Jacob wound his fingers through her hair and gently massaged her scalp. "Aye, how did you know?"

"I have helped my da heal many wounds such as that." She followed around his side to find the exit wound. "At least it was a clean through."

"Aye. I fear you could make a meal out of finding the remains of my battle wounds," Jacob chuckled.

"I think I will, one day, but right now," she said lowering her eyes. "I believe I will feast my eyes on the rest of you."

Ness slid her hand to the top of the blanket and paused. She had some idea what she would find beneath. She had certainly seen enough twig and berries while rolling around in the dirt with the men. Still, she had never seen a man's phallus up close. She knew that they changed for mating, she had seen animals, but she wanted to appear confident and serene. So she took a deep breath and flung the blanket aside.

There at the apex of his thighs was no twig, but rather a tall, straight, branch, nestled in a patch of dark curls. It looked strong and hard, yet it had soft curves and a pleasing covering of Jacob's tawny skin. She was fascinated. With no thought of whether she should or not, she simply felt compelled to touch.

Her hand wrapped itself around his manhood and felt the incredible warmth there. Her fingers did not meet at the back, he was thicker than that. She licked her lips and looked to Jacob's face. "Will you show how to touch you? Teach me to make you feel as marvelous as you made me feel?"

Jake swallowed hard. He wanted her to touch him and would love to teach her to reciprocate the oral skills he had utilized on her, but he was hanging on by the slimmest of threads. Still, he had promised her the freedom to explore. "I will, if that is yer desire."

"It is. I want to bring you pleasure."

"Then I shall show you as I did with the carving. Hand over hand to guide you."

He took her uninjured hand in his own and wrapped their fingers around his shaft. Her touch was feathery light, as if she were afraid to injure him. He began by easing her hand from the nest of curls to the very peak. It felt so good to have her touch him. He eased her up and down with a gentle rhythm and once she had caught the motion he released her hand and let her experience it herself.

She pulled up and watched the skin around the head slide up and cover it. The movement fascinated her and as she continued she noticed a bead form at the opening. She ran a finger across it and found the texture slick and slightly sticky. She licked her lips and heard Jacob gasp. She felt powerful and leaned in to kiss the head of Jacob's manhood.

Jacob shivered and Ness slid her lips open. She descended upon his spire and circled her tongue around in the way he had upon her sex. She felt him thicken even further and as she explored him with her mouth she felt his hips begin to rise to meet her. She lowered herself until she had taken him down her throat and felt him writhe at her touch. "God's blood! Ness… Ness, you must stop."

Ness raised her head and released him with a slight pop. Jacob sat up and took her by her shoulders. "You are the most delicious woman I have ever known, and I will allow you to explore endlessly, tomorrow, perhaps," he said trying to placate his own need as well as hers. "But luv, if you wish to make love this night, then I canna spend myself this way. I want to give you what you want… what I want. Can we agree to return to this at a later date?"

Ness nodded and awaited Jacob's next move. He turned toward her and kissed her again. She melted into him and he rolled her over, so she was on top of him. He gently guided her legs to straddle him, and continued to kiss her and touch her. When he felt her situated well, he eased her shoulders back with his hands and said "Sit up, Ness."

She did looking somewhat confused.

"I listened to what you said. You are right. I cannot roll you beneath me and take you. That is not what you asked for. We can accomplish this, and you can be in charge. All you need do is insert me and lower yourself, at your own pace and in your own time. Just remember that you need to take your time. Let your body lead you."

Ness licked her lips and moved her folds across Jacob's throbbing staff. He moaned in appreciation and this made Ness feel more confident. She began to slide her slickness across him and then flexed her hips until she felt the tip enter her, just slightly. Jacob watched her face and knew she was ready. He reached down and assisted her by holding himself up for her. Then he said "I give myself to you, now, you take what you want."

Ness slid down a bit to take more of him into her sheath. The feeling was nice, filling, but not quite what she had expected. She had heard tell of pain and blood, but thus far it was only pleasant and easy.

Jacob wanted to give her time to adjust and to do the deed herself, but somewhere in the endless moment that she remain still above him, teetering on consummation he realized that she truly dinna know what to do next. He thought fast, he decided he would not cause her humiliation by instructing her. Instead he slid his hands up her thighs and began to touch her again. His thumbs drew circles on her nub and almost instantly she began to move against him. In an instant she had slid herself further down his shaft and her mouth opened in a sweet oh. "There ye go, lass. Just a bit more and the worst will be over."

She looked down at him with a furrowed brow. She pushed down on his chest with her hands and plunged herself upon him until they were fully joined. She gasped at the feeling of burning and tearing she felt. Jacob held her hips still and whispered sweet things to her. "I know, I know… It couldna be helped. But I swear that is the worst of it, and from her on out there will be naught but pleasure."

Ness searched his eyes and found truth there. She breathed through the stitch she felt and found the pain had passed rather quickly. She realized that she liked the feel of Jacob inside her. She felt full, possessed, but in a mutual way. She sat there for a few quiet moments and then Jacob flexed his staff within her.

She hissed and for a moment Jacob feared he had hurt her. "Again," she sighed.

"Are you sure?"

She moved her hips against him in response and sighed again, "God, yes."

That utterance snapped the very last string that had held Jacob at bay. He took her hips in his hands and guided her up and then down his cock. He had never felt anything as perfect as her burning heat surrounding him. Once she caught the rhythm he moved one hand so he could stimulate her own pleasure. He could feel her flood with nectar as she impaled herself.

He listened to the soft and sweet sounds she made in response. Ness moaned and sighed and he grunted and growled in response. The lass was perfection itself. He felt his heart lurch and then realized that she was exactly what he had always wanted. She was his go deo, his forever. He would never again be the man he had before this night, and he dinna want to be.

"Are ye ready, Lass?" he asked increasing his rhythm.

"For what?" she panted out.

"I want ye to come with me, lass. We'll fall together, and land softly in each other's arms."

He pulled her to him and kissed her as they moved together toward that goal. She burned for him and when she met her completion she felt her inner muscles contract around him. In a moment she felt the hot surge deep within her as he spilled his seed within her on a long drawn out exhale. This made her peak again and when she could no longer take the pleasure she collapsed against his chest. They lay there breathing with the sound of the fury outside thundering on. For the first time in her memory, Ness dinna shiver from the fear she always felt in a storm. She realized, lying there in the arms of this man, she felt safe and cherished. She knew in her heart that he would let no harm come to her, and that knowledge cheered her.

From this moment she was his. She was no longer the innocent lass that could not understand the deep abiding emotions that her kith and kin shared with their mates. For she knew her life would be forever divided into before and after Jacob Black, and she was thankful to God above that she need never return to the life before.

"Are ye alright, Ness? Tell me I havena hurt ye."

Ness raised herself up enough to kiss her husband deeply. "The farthest thing from it."

"Thank God," he sighed kissing her in return.

They kissed for quite a while when a sound other than thunder pierced the moment. It was a low grumble that emanated from the girl's belly. Jacob looked at her with a raised brow. "Was that you?"

Ness bit her lower lip. "Aye, I hunger."

Jacob laughed. "Then I must feed ye. What kind of husband am I, keeping a lass from her nourishment?"

"A fine one," she said easing herself into a sitting position and feeling Jacob's manhood respond within her to the movement, "and one who has managed to raise an appetite of more than one kind."

Knowing that he was instantly ready for another go Jacob decided to let her decide. "Which appetite needs quenching most?"

Ness moved against him, feeling her own response as she flooded for him again. She had all but decided to forego food when Jacob's stomach answered hers. They both laughed at the sound, and as they laughed felt their muscles enflame again. In no time, Jacob had rolled Ness beneath him, never slipping from her sheath, and began the dance again. "I swear, when we finish this round, I will feed your belly, but right now, allow me to feed your pleasure."

There was no need for an answer. Ness wrapped her legs round his back to draw him more deeply into her body and food was forgotten until they had each reached their peaks again and rested enough to necessitate the need for movement.

*Traditional Celtic wedding vow