You are mine, Isabella Swan. Forever.
By LilyAurora
o-o-o-o-o
Chapter Twelve
o-o-o-o-o
Bella, is Paul driving you home?" Sam looked at him.
"It's ok, I can drive myself. I know you guys have a lot to discuss."
"Are you sure? You've just had a bit of a shock about the ritual and everything that goes with it."
"I'll drive you babe. I can just run back." Paul whispered in my ear nuzzling my neck.
"Ok." I leaned into his warmth. Everything I had just learnt didn't sit well with me. I understood Paul's need to prove himself. I even understood the councils reluctance about me, but I didn't understand the need to draw his blood. It was medieval what did Sam say? Archaic... yes it was definitely archaic.
"What are you thinking so"I have to go home soon. Charlie he'll worry."
"Ok B hard about?" Paul whispered. His talented fingers toying with the ends of my hair.
"Just stuff, you know." I shrugged.
"No, I don't. Come on babe, spill."
"Blood. I just don't understand, it all seems so horrific. And for your pack to have to be the ones to draw it." I shook my head. "I just can't wrap my head around the reasoning behind it all."
"It's just the way things are Bella. When you go to Billy he will teach you about our history." Sam explained.
"I know, but it doesn't mean I have to like it." I sighed.
"No it doesn't and I'm kind of glad you don't, it shows you care about me." Paul pulled me tighter.
I looked at him. Was he unsure about how I felt, if I felt anything for him? "I do care Paul. A lot."
He smiled then. "Good. I'm a catch you know." He wiggled his eyebrows at me. "Can't let this slip through your fingers." He danced next to me.
Laughing I slapped at his chest. "Shut up."
He caught my hand kissing my fingers, then every so gently he sucked my index finger into his mouth. I swear my eyes rolled into the back of my head as his teeth scraped across my skin. I held my breath. My eyes never leaving his plump lips.
"If you two have finished." Sam snapped glaring at Paul. Oh, big brother mode.
Blushing I pressed myself against Paul's neck hiding my face, he just laughed holding me tighter.
"When are you going to meet Billy, Bella?"
"I don't know. I'll have to ring him."
Sam nodded.
"I'm not happy about you going to the Blacks." Paul stated.
"Jake won't be there, remember? He will be gone for 3 days." I rolled my eyes.
"Uh huh. Still don't like it." He mumbled.
Shaking my head I turned my attention back to Sam.
"Come see me after your first meeting with Billy."
"Ok." Checking the time I nudged Paul. "Come on I have to get going."
Standing we said goodbye to everyone. He held my hand as we walked around to where the truck was parked up. We didn't speak. We didn't need to. In all honesty I was reluctant to leave. I loved it here on the Rez. Spending time with Paul, just the two of us. It felt good. Right.
"Bella?"
Paul's husky voice pulled me out of my thoughts. His dark eyes focused on me closely.
"Mmm?"
"What are you thinking about?" He purred.
"Nothing." I smiled at him softly.
"Uh huh." His eyes danced across my face looking for something.
"Honestly." I tried to reassure him.
"You were smiling." He teased.
"Am I not allowed to smile now?"
He smirked.
"Fine," I rolled my eyes. "I was thinking about how much I like it here on the Rez... with you."
"Ok." He trailed off as if he expected me to add more.
"See, that's all. Nothing more, nothing less."
"That's good."
"Is it?"
"Yes." He nodded, tugging on my hand, pulling me closer.
Stumbling I caught myself on his chest. The warmth seeped into my cold so warm. I nuzzled my face against his chest, the heat was soothing, comforting. Taking a deep breath I inhaled his scent. He always smelt so good. Tilting my head to look at him, I found his dark gaze already locked on me.
"Paul?"
He didn't answer, just continued to watch me. His large hands moved up my body, slowly. Gently touching, skimming across my skin. Long fingers worked into my hair; combing through the tangles.
"Paul?" I tried again.
"Mmm?" His fingers never stopped their gentle movements.
"You ok?"
"Yeah." He lowered his face to mine, sniffing me. Rubbing his cheek against my own,as his nose ran across my skin. I could feel his hot breath on my skin. Inhaling my scent. His fingers continued to work through my hair. Massaging my scalp.
"I think we should go on a date." He spoke softly.
"Huh?" His statement surprised me. "A date?"
"Yeah."
"What, like in a restaurant kind of thing?" Oh my, a date. Just the two of us. Alone.
"Well, I was thinking more along the lines of the diner after a movie or something."
I could do that. "Ok." I nodded smiling.
"Ok?" He looked slightly shocked for a second.
"Yeah ok. We can do that." I beamed at him. The returning smile I received was knee buckling.
He pulled me to him then, our bodies flush against one another. His hand moved to the back of my neck tilting my head into the position he wanted. Then his lips were on mine. Hot, hard and demanding. I couldn't help but moan. His tongue slipped into my mouth, toying with my own. My back was now pressed against my truck, his whole body held me captive. And in all honesty, I didn't care. I didn't care about the noises that were coming out of my mouth. I didn't care if someone was to walk by.
All I cared about was the feeing of Paul pressed up against me.
He lifted my leg then. Manoeuvring himself so he could pressed even closer to me. I moaned, deep and sultry. Paul responded with a small thrust, his hot lips on my neck.
"Oh god."
He chuckled into my skin.
"That's... not... your... nickname." I panted
"If you say so." His lips were back on mine then. God I wanted to crawl inside him. Then all to soon he stopped. He pulled back, eyes sparkling as they flicked over my face taking in my ragged breathing, swollen lips and flushed skin.
"You look fucking beautiful." He whispered, pecking my lips once more.
I smiled brightly at him leaning up to kiss him. I could only manage to reach his throat but he smiled at me none the less.
"Come on, we better get you back."
"Ok." I replied still slightly breathless.
He moved from me slowly, my legs felt weak but then they always did when he was around. Wobbling slightly his hands shot out to steady me.
"Easy there babe." But I saw the smirk on his lips. He was more than pleased with the affect he had on me.
"Sorry," I laughed.
"Don't be. I love the way you respond to me. If you're like this after a kiss." He moved closer again. "Imagine what you'll be like after we fuck." He whispered in my ear. I gasped from his blunt honesty but my god if it didn't turn me on as well.
"Paul." I squeaked.
Laughing he kissed the side of my head. "Come on. I'll drive."
Hopping in my truck, I watched as Paul slid in gracefully next to me. I couldn't help myself but admire the way his body moved, the way his muscles rippled underneath the surface of his skin.
"Bella?"
"Huh?"
He smirked then.
"Sorry." I mumbled blushing.
"Stop apologising. You can look at me all you want." He started the truck. "You can even touch me when you want as well. You don't even have to ask."
"Ok." I smiled. "You can as well. I mean, touch me." My face was burning. I could feel the blood rushing there.
"Oh I will." He purred, eyes moving up and down my body, before huffing. "You're to far." He leaned across and pulled me to him. "Much better." He said as he wrapped an arm around my shoulders. We continued our journey in silence but our hands touched, fingers intertwined. It was comforting.
Charlie was home when we pulled up. The lights on in the house.
"So tomorrow."
"Yeah." I breathed looking at him.
"For our date." He reminded me, smiling.
"Oh yea. Yes. Definitely."
He chuckled pulling me to him. "What am I going to do with you, huh?"
"Anything you want." I replied huskily. My eyes widened as I covered my mouth in shock. Oh my god where did that come from.
"Oh really?" He smirked down at me, eyes dancing with mirth.
"I..."
"Relax Bella." He chuckled. "I'll see you tomorrow. At seven."
"Yeah, you will."
Paul kissed me gently before running towards the woods. I watched as he turned around to wave before heading inside.
"Dad?"
"In here Bells." He called out.
Walking into the room, I was met with my dad and Billy Black both watching the game.
"Oh, hey Billy." I smiled trying not to show the shock of seeing him here.
"Bella." He returned my smile.
"I didn't see your truck outside?" Did my dad pick him up.
"Jacob dropped me off." That would be a no then.
"I thought Jake was..." I looked at my dad, "...busy tonight?"
"No." Billy caught on real quick. "That's tomorrow."
"Oh ok." Wanting to quickly change the subject. "Have you eaten dad?" he looked at me sheepishly before holding up some empty wrappers. "Beer and chips do not count as dinner dad." I scolded.
"I was going to order Bells, just got a little side tracked with the game." Pointing at the screen.
"Fine." I waved him off. "I'll make something.
"There's fish in sink."
"Why is it in the sink?"
"I was going to freeze it later?" Of course he was until he became sidetracked with the game.
"Dad, I swear sometimes you forget everything when a games on."
He just smiled at me.
"Billy, you want to join us?"
"That would be lovely Bella, thanks."
I headed into the kitchen. Luckily Charlie had cleaned and gutted the fish, all I had to do was cook them. As I prepared dinner my thoughts were lost on Paul, once again. Everything about him felt right. The way he touched me, the way he looked at me. Especially, the way he kissed me. Each time had felt different than the previous. The taste of him. Jesus. Shaking my head. I would have to tell Charlie about our date. Oh god, a date. We were going on a date. Well if anything it should be interesting.
Once diner was done, I took Billy and Charlie's into them. There was no way they were moving from in front of that screen. I ate my own in the kitchen before washing up.
"I'm going to have a shower dad." I called out.
"Ok kiddo."
Entering the bathroom, I quickly stripped off before climbing under the hot water. The past few days events running through my mind. Being with Paul was something I would never have even considered a few weeks back. But now that I was, being without him wasn't even an option. Massaging the shampoo into my scalp, I froze. Oh dear lord we were going on a date. A giggle escaped me. Paul was not the type of boy who dated. Well, not from the gossip I had heard. But he asked and I was more than willing to go. It would be an experience. Fingers crossed a good one. But first I had to tell Charlie.
As I walked down the stair I could hear voices coming from the living room. More than just Charlie and Billy's. Oh shit.
Deciding to avoid an awkward situation. I headed straight for the kitchen. There were still some dishes to do and the fish wouldn't freeze themselves. Standing by the sink I wondered if Jake would ever speak to me. I hoped he would. Sometime. I couldn't be mad at him. Not really. Disappointed more so than anything. But he was my best friend. Always would be. Drying my hands I pulled the bags out to freeze the fish in. Why the hell Charlie caught so much I never knew, he was just lucky I liked fish as much as he did.
Turning around fish in hand I screamed. There in the door way stood Jake. Silently watching me. We just stood staring at one another. Not a word spoken. His dark eyes watching my every movement. I couldn't stand it. Bending down, I quickly scooped up the fish making my way to the freezer. Jake was still stood there when I returned.
"What Jake?" I Snapped at him. I didn't like the silence.
He just continued to stare.
"Fine." I huffed. "If you don't want to speak to me, that's just fine. Just stop watching me. You're creeping me out."
I watched as his lips twitched slightly, before his mask slipped back in place. I tried to ignore him just standing there. But I couldn't. He was annoying me and if he thought somehow he was intimidating me. Well he had another thing coming. Has he not met my mate? Now, he is intimidating.
Holy shit. My mate.
I chuckled to myself, earning an eyebrow raise from Jake. Rolling my eyes I turned my attention back to the kitchen counters. Concentrating on a very stubborn stain.
"Why him, Bella?"
My hand stopped scrubbing, as I turned to look at him. The look on his face. Utter devastation.
"I-I don't know Jake. It wasn't as if I woke up one day and decided to be with him."
"Why am I not good enough?" He looked so heartbroken.
"That's the problem Jake. You're too good." He huffed. "No, let me finish." I moved closer but kept some distance between us. Paul was not going to be happy but this needed to be done.
"You are the most amazing person I have every met, Jacob Black. You are good, kind, loyal..."
"You're making me sound like an obedient dog, Bella." He grumbled.
"Shut up Jake... beautiful, amazing, talented and everything a girl would want as their boyfriend."
"But not you?"
"No Jake. Not me. I love you, I do. But not like that. And if I've ever given you the impression that it was more. I'm sorry, so sorry."
"You mean everything to me Bella." His voice quiet.
"Jesus Jake." Scrubbing my hands across my face I took a few deep breaths before speaking. "Do you know how it tears me apart, knowing that I can't love you, the way you want me too? Don't you think I know how perfect it would be with you. How you would do everything for me, just to make me happy?"
"Why didn't we just try?" He was trying to find a reason, something that would make him understand. I could see it in his eyes. He would do anything for me, if I had just said yes. But I couldn't. I wouldn't do that to him. To us.
"Because you're not enough Jake. We would be happy. You would have done everything for me. But would you push me? No. As long as I was happy, you would be happy. I need more Jake. I need someone who will push me, who will make me do things I would never do."
"And Paul is that person?" He spat.
"Yes, I think he is."
"But it's Paul."
"I know who he is Jake, but when I'm with him... God, I feel so much. And he wants me for who I am. He doesn't want to change me. If anything he's making me believe in myself more. Paul encourages me to hold my head up high. To push myself, to try new things." I smiled then. "He's good for me."
Jake just looked at me. An unreadable expression on his face.
"I know you're upset."
"I'm not upset. I'm jealous Bella." He growled out. "I can admit that much. First Edward." He spat out. "And now Paul?" He shook his head. "I just though that after he left." He took a few deep breaths. "We grew closer but I was mistaken." He sighed, hands running through his short hair. "I realise that now, especially with you attending the ritual. It's made me realise. Well, once I cooled down and dad spoke to me." He smiled slightly.
"I'm sorry." Hopeful he would believe me.
"I know you are Bells."
I smiled at my nickname.
"I'm sorry about what I said. I didn't mean it."
I just looked at him.
"Ok, I did." He laughed. "But I'm a 16 year old, hormonal boy." He shrugged. "I'm not responsible for the stuff that comes out of my mouth in a jealous rage."
I laughed. "Fine you're forgiven." I looked at him seriously. "But if you ever speak to me like that again, Jacob Black. I swear I'll take a baseball bat to your thick hear me?"
"Yes Bella,." He smiled.
"So, Alpha huh?"
"Yeah. I think it's about time I took on the responsibility, my wolf doesn't like being submissive, he knows we're supposed to lead. Dad said I have a lot of things to learn and read over, so it gives me something to do other than wait around for some girl."
"Jake." I sighed.
"I'm joking Bells." He smiled then. Sure it wasn't his usual sunny smile. But it was there. Hiding just underneath the surface.
"You'll find the right one."
"Yeah, maybe. I've been so focused on you, I've never really seen anyone else."
"Well if I didn't feel guilty before..."
"It's not your fault Bells." He cut me off. "It's my own. I know that now. I was just too stubborn to see."
"I don't want to lose you Jake. I know that sounds selfish and it probably is, but you're my best friend. You were there for me through everything, I can't just forget that. I won't"
"You won't." He agreed. "Paul is not going to let me any where near you. You know that, right?"
"Let me deal with Paul."
"He's protective of you."
"I know, he thinks you're going to try to keep us apart when you claim Alpha."
"What? Why the fuck would he think that?" He growled out. Obviously not happy with that statement.
I shrugged. "After your little display of offering to bite me. Can you honestly blame him?"
He sighed then. "No. I guess not."
"What possessed you Jake? Put yourself in Paul's shoes. How would you feel if the roles were reversed?"
He growled deep within his chest.
"Exactly. Just speak to him."
Jake snorted.
"He can be... reasonable. When he wants to be." He raised and eyebrow at me. "Just try. Please. I want us all to be friends. I hate all this shit." I stated flapping my hands around.
Jake chuckled.
"What?"
"You cursed." He looked at me with a mixture of amusement and shock.
"Did I?"
He laughed harder then. "You've been around Paul too much, you don't even know you're doing it."
"Oh shut up." I groused slapping at him.
Billy called out then, telling Jake he was ready to, "haul ass".
"I'll see you soon Bells, ok?"
"Sure, sure." I smiled at him. Hoping this meant that our friendship was back on track.
"And I'll speak to Paul." Smiling I hugged him around the middle. Yep he had definitely gotten bigger.
Closing the door behind them, I turned to find Charlie watching me.
"Made up then?"
"Yeah, I guess." I shrugged.
"So, he still not happy about Paul?" He looked troubled.
"No. Not really. I guess it's just hard for him." I Smiled weakly.
"Of course it is Bells, he's loved you since he was 6. Always thought you'd end up together if I'm honest."
"Dad."I grumbled.
"What, I'm just saying. It's your life kiddo and if Jakes not the one then so be it. So about this Paul?"
"Smooth dad. Real smooth." I laughed.
"What can't a father ask his only daughter about the boy she's interested in?" I could see the smile under his moustache.
"About that. Paul's asked me on a date. Tomorrow night."
"Ok..." He trailed off.
"So, can I go?"
"Bells you're 18. You can go on a date." He chuckled.
"I know. I just wanted to tell you, so you don't worry or anything."
"Is he picking you up?"
"Yeah." I answered cautiously.
"Good, so I get to meet him?" Oh crap.
"Dad." I wined. "Do not try to scare him."
"Me?" Definitely a smile underneath that caterpillar.
"Yes you! Don't try to look all innocent. I remember the whole, gun cleaning thing when Edward came here that one day."
"I don't remember that." He feigned innocence.
"Sure you don't." I laughed. "I'm going to bed."
"Yeah you need your beauty sleep. Hot date tomorrow."
I rolled my eyes before walking up to Charlie, hugging him. We weren't the most emotional pair but sometimes I just wanted a hug from my dad.
"I love you dad."
"Love you too kiddo." He kissed the top of my head.
With one final squeeze, I headed off to bed. Thoughts of tomorrow running through my mind. Just as I settled into bed, the buzz of my cell drew my attention.
One message.
"Nice chat with Jake?"
"Oh shit." I cursed. Paul.
How the hell had he known.