Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my gang.
Flying solo folks.
Chapter 37
Jacob was uncomfortable as he sat in Bella's living room waiting for her to come downstairs. On the couch beside him, Ryan and Zach battled each other on the Playstation. Every so often they'd hurl playful insults and taunts that included one of them doing something to the other's genitals. He raked a hand through his hair, suppressing the urge to tug on his tie. His shuttered expression masked the tension tightening his solid frame. Everything depended on the outcome of his date with Bella. Dinner reservations at a classy restaurant. His best suit. The wolves under orders to disturb him at their peril. He'd left nothing to chance.
"These nuts in your mouth," Ryan sang in a high-pitched tone as his Superman avatar backhanded Batman through several walls.
"The match's not over yet, dude." Zach's fingers mashed the buttons of his controller and Batman retaliated with a flying kick.
Trent ambled in from the kitchen and settled on the cozy recliner in the corner. He set his glass of red wine on a nearby table and cracked open the pages of his Stephen King novel.
Ryan spared him a glance and asked, "How's it going at the cafe?"
Trent's eyebrows quirked in mild annoyance at being disturbed. Then his steel blue eyes sparked with the wicked glint of someone with a juicy tidbit to share. "We had another visit from Bella's not so secret admirer today."
"Secret admirer?" Jacob asked, the wolf's ears perking up. On the couch, Zach gave Ryan an indiscreet nudge.
"Just this guy who comes in a few times a week. Always makes sure to chat up the boss while he's there." Trent swirled wine around in his glass. "Bella thinks he's being friendly, but I can tell an interested man when I see one."
Jacob's jaw tightened. Without being told he immediately guessed at the man's identity. Mason Ballard was more persistent than he first assumed. While being the type of man that would hit on a pregnant woman wearing a ring on her finger. The wolf bristled at his audacity. The urge to eliminate what it saw as a threat consumed him, triggering his protective instincts. He struggled to gain a handle on the wolf's fury. He'd witnessed the depths Sam and Jared's possessive paranoia had driven them with their pregnant mates and vowed to do better. It was a constant battle to not bombard Bella with constant phone calls and having his wolves keep tabs on her whereabouts. Knowing Bella would never agree to a bodyguard was the only thing preventing him from flat-out stalking her. However the wolf operated on primal instinct, not rationality. In the wolf's eyes, his pregnant imprint needed to be protected at all costs. Whether she agreed to it or not was of no consequence.
"Is this guy trouble?" Jacob asked, more than willing to put in an appearance down at Bellee's. He'd never let another man move in on what belonged to him. Never again. Even if it meant playing dirty or barreling through her defenses at the waterfall. He'd do whatever it took to convince her they belonged together.
Trent gave a light laugh. "The guy's harmless but even if he wasn't, Leah and I are always there keeping an eye on things." He flipped open the pages of his book, leaving Jacob to stew in fantasies of jealousy and dismemberment.
"I've narrowed it down to two dresses. Which one?" Bella's voice drifted from upstairs.
"Hm… I'd go with this one. Black is always slimming."
"Thanks again for helping me get ready, Liz. I really appreciate it," Bella said, sounding slightly out of breath.
"Like I'd let you leave this house in the wrong dress," Liz snorted.
"You're still mad about my date?" Bella asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
"If you want to date Jacob, I won't stand in your way. But I can't help how I feel. It feels like you're cheating on Taylor." Liz sighed. "It took my dad twenty years before he even thought about dating again."
"That's not fair," Bella said.
Jacob's jaw clenched upon hearing the hurt in her voice. He understood Liz was Bella's friend, but he wouldn't stand for her shaming Bella over feelings she couldn't control.
"Look, I get it. The imprint makes it hard to resist him," Liz grumbled, mild bitterness leaking through.
"I won't deny the imprint plays a part in all this, but it's more than that. My feelings for Jacob never went away." Bella paused. "Not even when I was with Taylor."
Silence stretched out between them until Liz asked, "Did Taylor know?"
"Yes but he trusted me to honor the commitment I made to him."
Jacob understood her refusal to walk away from Taylor. When all was said and done, it had nothing to do with either man. It was about Bella and the type of woman she wanted to be. The kind who respected wedding vows. It had nothing to do with loving Taylor more than him. She was the woman who always strived to do the right thing. Even at great personal cost. Knowing this only made him want her more.
"It's hard to accept that Taylor's really gone. In my head, I keep picturing how different our lives would be if he was still here," Liz's voice shook with emotion.
"You miss him," Bella said.
"Everyday," Liz confessed with a moist sniffle. "You're so strong, Izzy. If Ryan died, I'd never survive it."
"People keep saying how strong I am, but I'm not, Liz. I'm lonely. I see you and Ryan together and worry I'll never have that again." The bed creaked.
"Do you think you'll have it with Jacob?"
"God, I hope so." Bella sighed.
Jacob listened, trying to determine if Liz would be a problem for him. While he wouldn't never dictate Bella's friendship, he wouldn't put up with Liz undermining their relationship. The female draken never liked him. Even less so now that Taylor was out of the picture.
"I get the whole imprinting thing, but don't let that pressure you into doing things you're not ready for," Liz said
"Are you giving me the sex talk?" Bella joked.
"Don't laugh. You're going out with a big, sexy werewolf—"
"—You think Jacob's sexy?"
"—and you're hormonal and vulnerable. He'll make his pecs dance—"
"—His pecs what?" Bella burst into laughter.
"How am I supposed to know about the mating habits of werewolves?" Liz huffed. "Anyway, he flexes those muscles and you're on your back before you know it."
"It's just one date, Liz. Why are you acting like Jacob intends to sweet talk me out of my panties and into a wedding dress?" Bella asked, a note of amusement in her voice.
"Don't laugh. I've seen how those wolf girls get about their men. Werewolf magic is crafty." Jacob imagined Liz was pouting, unamused by Bella's sense of humor.
"How about this? I promise to be on guard against Jacob's wolf magic." The wolf found Bella's tone oddly soothing. Her compromise seemed to work as Liz's voice gained levity.
"Wouldn't it be funny if Jacob was listening to our conversation right now?" Their laughter came to an abrupt end, both women suspiciously falling silent.
Jacob sat stone-faced, shiny leather shoes pinching the hell out of his feet. The suit and tie he wore constricted his body enough to irritate the wolf. Though jeans and t-shirts were more his speed, he'd endure the penguin suit for the sake of their date.
Sitting across from Jacob, Trent blocked out the sounds of trash talking and battling superheroes as he absorbed his paperback. Ryan's drunken wedding prediction came to pass. At Bella's request, Trent had moved right on in and made himself at home. Jacob hoped Bella's fondness for strays would extend to his pack.
Ryan glanced toward Trent and asked "So Trent, you really into dudes?"
"That's pretty much what gay means," Trent muttered dryly, without removing his gaze from the book in his grasp.
Ryan's face broke into a giant grin. "Do you find me attractive?"
"You wish," Trent snorted.
"Like I'd waste a wish on that!" Ryan blurted, his face taking on a reddish tint.
A scowl marred Jacob's features as he wondered where Ryan was going with his questions. He met Zach's equally confused gaze and found he wasn't alone in his thought.
"You dating anyone?" Ryan inquired.
"Why? You interested?" Zach quipped. Slamming Superman's head into the concrete had lost its appeal.
"I'm just curious." Ryan too had lost interest in their game. "You seeing anybody?"
Using his thumb as a makeshift bookmark, Trent shut his book with a sigh. He'd resigned himself to the fact that he wouldn't get much reading done. "Haven't had much of a chance to check out the gay scene in Port Angeles. Too busy with work." Ryan's eyes narrowed with scrutiny and Trent shifted in discomfort. "What?"
"Have you ever dated a guy before?"
"Well… I ah…" Trent fumbled for words, a flush creeping across his cheeks.
After watching him flounder, Ryan's eyes lit up with realization. "Wait, are you a virgin?"
Redness spread to Trent's ears as he stammered, "T-that's none of your business!"
Undeterred, Ryan continued on as if Trent wasn't on the verge of death by humiliation. "Dude, we've got to get you laid."
Trent blinked. "No, thank you."
Desperate for an ally in this weird fight, Trent looked at Jacob with imploring eyes. The poor guy was looking to the wrong man. Both Jacob and the wolf had no idea what to make of the odd situation.
But it was too late. Like a pit-bull with a designer shoe, Ryan latched on and refused to see reason. At last he'd found a method of befriending the newest addition to their gang. "It will be awesome. Zach and I can be your wingmen."
"Not a chance," Zach flat-out refused, their video game long forgotten.
Ryan regarded Zach, his head tilted to the side. "Why not? I used to wing-man for you all the time back in college. It will be just like that."
"I can think of one big difference." Zach reclined in his seat and arched an eyebrow. "And his two hairy friends."
"Let me guess, you're too chicken to walk into a gay bar?" Ryan teased, mouth stretching into a wide grin.
"Chicken has nothing to do with it. A guy like me can't go to a gay bar." Zach gestured at his face.
"You mean Native?" Jacob asked when no one else would.
Zach made a frustrated noise. "Not Native. Pretty. Those guys would take one look at me and Trent would cease to exist."
Trent choked on his wine and Ryan burst into loud guffawing laughter. A reluctant smile yanked at Jacob's mouth.
"Hey!" Zach yelled, offended they found his overconfidence a source of amusement.
"You're so right. All these years I've been fighting my attraction, you delicious piece of man-meat." Ryan howled with laughter, tears rolling down his face. Trent's shoulder's shook with silent laughter.
Offended, Zach faced Jacob. "You're secure in your manhood, so I trust you to be honest with me. Am I a sexy man or what?"
Jacob met the expectant stares of the three men. His gaze traveled from Zach, to Ryan, then Trent. His eye twitched and then he yelled, "Bella!"
Bella's bedroom door swung open, and he rose from his seat. Ryan was still laughing when Jacob made a hasty exit from the living room.
Jacob paused at the foot of the stairs to watch Bella descend with Liz trailing after. Heat surged through him, threatening to override all sense of decency. Bella's lustrous chestnut hair was piled atop her head, tendrils framing her delicate face. She wore a simple black dress that hugged her soft curves to perfection, and showed off her smooth, sexy legs. Elegant diamond earrings dangled from her earlobes, gently sparkling in the light. The way she oozed raw sex appeal and virginal innocence at the same time would forever baffle him.
"You look beautiful," Jacob complimented and Bella blushed, sensing the intense draw between them as much as he did.
Jacob felt Liz's disapproving gaze on him and ignored it. For Bella's sake, he'd learn to tolerate the woman she loved like a sister. Their date had been five years in the making and nothing would spoil tonight for them. Not even her best friend's unfavorable opinion.
Ryan suddenly remembered his role as Bella's surly, overprotective brother. He sidled up to Jacob and fixed him with an icy stare. "Where are you taking Izzy tonight?"
"Restaurant," Jacob grunted, helping Bella slip into her coat.
Ryan folded meaty arms over his chest and scowled at him. "Izzy has mace."
"I do not!" Bella gasped, face reddening in mortification.
"I slipped a can in your purse earlier." Ryan informed her before turning back to Jacob. "But then again, he'd probably eat it."
Bella smacked his arm. "Be nice."
Ryan ignored her warning and threatened, "Whatever you do to her, I'll do to you."
"So it's that kind of party." Trent chuckled as he joined them in the foyer.
"Just remember, I know where you live, Black," Ryan tossed out, his manner terse.
"I also know where you live," Jacob replied allowing a menacing growl to translate in his tone. Ryan took an abrupt step back, color leaching from his face. Despite Ryan's general harmlessness, the wolf wouldn't tolerate being openly challenged before his imprint.
"Jacob," Bella admonished under her breath, painted nails digging into his bicep. "Time to go."
"Enjoy yourself tonight, boss." Trent's mouth curved in a wicked grin. "Do everything I would do."
Jacob frowned, but Trent laughed when Bella made a playful attempt to scratch his eyes out.
Ryan used the moment to impart brotherly wisdom. "Remember Izzy, good girls keep both feet on the floor."
"Ryan!" Bella's eyes kept being drawn toward the exit.
Trent scratched his chin. "If Bella has to keep both feet on the floor, Jacob here will need to get creative."
"Trent!" This reprimand came from Ryan.
Liz steered Bella and Jacob toward the door, brought her lips to Bella's ear and whispered, "Don't put out."
Bella gasped, but Liz shut the door in both of their faces.
"God, I'm so embarrassed." Her gaze was solemn. "I can't believe they did that, Jake. I'm so sorry."
"It's fine." With a firm grasp on her elbow, Jacob escorted her down the stairs. She continued, but he barely acknowledged her apology, his eyes scanning the walkway for any cracks and stray rocks that could cause a fall. Her safety and comfort topped his priority list, not her friends' shenanigans.
He opened the car door and helped Bella into her seat. He reached for her seatbelt, taking her by surprise. The sweet scent of perfumed hormones erased his earlier agitation, momentarily distracting him from the task at hand. He forced himself to focus and fastened her seatbelt, giving it a couple of test tugs for good measure. The wolf relax once he made sure she was secure. If Bella found his actions strange, she made no comment.
As he withdrew, she stopped him, placing a soft palm on his cheek. "I'm glad were doing this, Jake."
"I am too." He kissed the center of her hand and she shivered in response. With a lightness in his step, he climbed into his truck and pulled away from the curb.
After a few minutes of driving in contented silence, Bella asked, "Are you having car trouble?"
Frown pulling at his brows, Jacob reluctantly shifted his gaze from the road. "No. Why?"
"A three legged dog just outran us," she teased, mirth dancing in her dark eyes.
Jacob checked the speedometer and smiled. His overprotective instincts had them practically crawling to the restaurant. He mashed down on the gas pedal. "Sorry."
In the dimly lit interior of the truck, Bella's soft hand curled around the one resting on his thigh. "Speed doesn't matter. Long as we make it there in one piece."
They were fortunate enough to find a parking spot within sight of the restaurant. Jacob switched off the engine but made no move to exit.
"Everything okay, Jake?" Bella paused in the middle of unbuckling.
"What you do say we skip the restaurant?"
"You want to head back?" There was a sad note of disappointment in her voice.
"No. I'm talking about a change of scenery." He couldn't explain his reluctance to head inside. Only that the wolf was greedy and selfish and didn't want to share her with a room full of strangers. He himself was in no mood to observe the rude stares she'd undoubtedly garner from inconsiderate diners. Then he knew Bella would've been exhausted after putting in a full day at the cafe. "We can head to my place."
Bella gripped his hand in mild panic. "We're still eating, right?"
"Of course." Jacob chuckled, amused that food had topped her list of concerns once again.
"Oh good." She visibly relaxed in her seat. "What are we having?"
"Ever heard of Mac's Burger Joint?" Bella shook her head. "You'll love it."
Jacob got them back on the road and drove away from the restaurant.
Jacob led the way into the house, arms ladened with their order. In no time, the mouthwatering scent of grilled meat filled his living room as he set the bag on the coffee table.
His searching eyes found Bella standing by the door, hands buried in her hair. One by one she removed several hairpins, tossing them into the ceramic bowl that housed his keys and spare change. She performed this task with closed eyes, unaware she was being watched. Her dark mass of curls tumbled down and cascaded over her slender shoulders. The silky curtain swished from side to side as she shook her head. She braced herself against the wall before slipping off her high heels one at a time. Her bent over position provided an excellent view of her lush cleavage. Of which he took full advantage. In the past he'd always been an assman, but Bella's breasts tensed up every muscle in his body. He imagined their pillowy softness in his rough grasp as he slid his tongue along her—
Both feet planted on the hardwood floor, Bella glanced up in caught him staring.
"See something you like, Alpha?" One neatly shaped eyebrow arched in challenge.
On bare feet, she padded over to him with a feminine sway in her hips. An enigmatic smile curved her plump raspberry lips. Espresso brown eyes peered at him from beneath thick lashes.
"Could you look any more uncomfortable in that suit?" She sighed, an amused frown wrinkling her eyebrows. "Here let me."
Her hands moved to unfasten the buttons of his jacket. Soft palms grazed his chest, skimming over the heart that belonged to only her. Her innocent exploration aroused him beyond belief and roused the wolf from slumber. The jacket slid off his broad shoulders and she bit her lower lip, eyeing him in appreciation. Her gaze held him prisoner as she discarded the jacket on his couch. Next her fingers unknotted the tie around his neck. It too landed on the small heap. Nimble fingers undid the first two buttons on his dinner shirt and then blazed a searing trail down the ridges of his abdomen.
Bella's lips parted, her breath coming in quick pants. Her heart thudded inside her chest.
Jacob was so hard he couldn't think straight. His fists clenched so hard, sharp pain rocketed through them. He struggled against the wolf's compulsion to take, reluctant to reveal the primal side that had frightened Carmen in the past. But Bella's touch both tortured and stoked the wolf's violent hunger. The wolf demanded he take action. She was there, ripe and ready for the claiming. But he resisted, knowing he couldn't risk endangering Bella and the baby. Werewolf matings were no gentle thing and pregnancy wasn't the time to undertake it. In her current state Bella would be unprepared for the demands he'd make on her vulnerable body.
When she grabbed hold of his belt, he asked gruffly, "What are you doing, Bells?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" she answered, her voice soft, husky. "I'm helping you get comfortable."
With a deft flick of her wrist, his belt came free in one smooth motion. Eyes locked on his, the belt slipped through her fingers and landed at their feet. She closed the miniscule distance and arched into his body, pressing her supple breasts against him. She rose on tiptoes until her lips hovered beneath his. He drove his nails into his palms, clinging to his diminishing control for dear life. The sharp bite of pain and whiff of coppery blood did nothing to douse his yearning to be inside her. When Bella cupped his hardened length through his pants, all rational thought flew out the window.
Fuck it.
Jacob's lips brushed hers but she walked away, leaving him throbbing with irritation and insult.
"What the fuck was that?" Jacob growled his dissatisfaction, struggling to rein in the instinct to take, to claim.
"Payback for that stunt you pulled at the waterfall," she casually tossed over her shoulder.
The wolf was not amused.
Jacob tried and failed to conceal his growing grin. Damn. Bella was more than his match.
He started to speak a few times, but finally settled on, "Well played."
Though he intended to exact his revenge the first chance he got.
Jacob ducked into the kitchen and returned carrying plates and cutlery. They settled on the area rug before diving into their meals.
Bella bit into her burger and hummed with pleasure. "This burger is life!"
"It's pretty great." Jacob chuckled, observing her bubbly enthusiasm over something as ordinary as fast-food. It was something he never did with Carmen who, after witnessing the health emergencies associated with it, abhorred junk food, and would never willingly sit on the floor if an empty chair was available. "I've been eating Mac's burgers for years."
"This burger is better than anything that restaurant could've made." She went to dip a French fry into a tub of ketchup and frowned in dismay.
"Something wrong?" Jacob asked, munching on crunchy onion rings.
"You have any chocolate syrup?" she asked with bright, beseeching eyes.
"Let me check."
After rummaging around in the kitchen, he came across an unopened bottle in his pantry. Bella was lucky the wolves hadn't gotten to it yet. After Carmen moved out, the wolves made themselves permanent fixtures in his home. Edibles never lasted long, not with perpetually hungry teenagers trying to eat him out of house and home. Not that he minded much. Having his pack nearby, grounded him.
He reclaimed his seat, wincing as Bella snatched up the syrup and squealed in delight. She created room on her crowded plate, nudging aside her burger and fries, then got the mad idea to drizzle her fries with chocolate.
She popped a chocolate covered fry into her mouth and moaned with delight.
Jacob looked on in astonishment. "This one of your weird pregnancy cravings?"
"Started out that way until I convince Liz to try one. Now she loves it too."
Jacob enjoyed the sight of her licking velvety chocolate off her fingertips until she waved her new creation in his face. "Here, have a bite."
Salty potato dipped in syrupy-sweet chocolate sauce.
He couldn't keep the resulting grimace off his face. "Yeah, I don't think so."
"Suit yourself." Bella shrugged, popping the unwanted fry into her mouth and chewed with delight.
After polishing off the first of three medium-rare burgers, Jacob said, "I was surprised to see Liz at the house tonight. Last I heard she was apartment hunting."
"That's not happening anymore. She's staying put."
"You guys work things out?"
"Actually, Ryan put his foot down." Bella gave a closed-lipped smile.
"Ryan?"
"The other day, Liz was going on about house hunting and it came to a head. Ryan said she needed to get over her grudge against you, and he would not be moving under any circumstances. He lectured her for pulling this stunt with the baby so close. Then he channeled his inner Monica."
"I'll bite. What's his inner Monica?"
"Monica's his mom. She happens to possess the uncanny ability to make everyone around her feel shitty. An ability her son inherited." She took a swig of her cherry soda. "Anyway, Ryan laid a guilt trip on Liz for upsetting me at this crucial time in my pregnancy. Called her selfish for endangering his niece or nephew. He was all Woman, that's enough out of you. I'm the man and I'm calling the shots. You'll do as I say."
"What was Liz's reply to that?" From an outsider's perspective, Liz wore the pants in their relationship, and Ryan appeared quite happy to let her do so. Jacob couldn't picture him taking that stance.
"For a second I was worried she would go for his throat. But Liz seemed pretty shocked herself. Then she mumbled okay, and that was it. You should've seen it, Jake. Ryan has the reputation as the lovable goofball of our group, but yesterday he was all I have spoken."
"I'm surprised he's still breathing." Jacob went to work on his third burger. Liz didn't seem like the submissive sort to accept being ordered around. He had witnessed the damage a pissed off draken could do, even though Liz never stuck him as the violent type. Still...
"As weird as it sounds, I think Liz was turned on by Ryan's testosterone display." She munched on a piece of lettuce. "Pretty sure they fucked the moment I left the house."
"You must be relieved." Jacob shared her relief. Though he lacked fondness for Liz, knowing Bella wouldn't be alone in that big house soothed the wolf.
Bella sighed. "Liz is being a pain right now, but she needs time."
Jacob almost brought up overhearing their conversation but decided against it. Though his spying had been unintentional, he wouldn't risk embarrassing Bella.
"Please don't take Liz's dislike personally. She's still grieving and there's other stuff."
"Is this about Taylor's family?"
"Yeah." Bella gazed at the leftover burger on her plate. "It still hurts to remember how it felt, finding those files in the attic."
"You okay?" Jacob reached across the coffee table and grasped her hand.
"As long as I've known Taylor, he dreamed about reuniting with Marianna and the others." She squeezed his hand, a small tremor shook her smile. "He found them and hid it. Like he didn't trust me."
"Maybe he had a good reason. Have you thought about reaching out to them yourself?" Jacob asked. The Council was especially interested in learning the outcome if Bella ever established contact. Billy thought an alliance against their mutual undead enemy could benefit the pack in the future.
"What's the point? Taylor's gone and Liz freaks every time I mention them." Her quiet despair made his chest ache. "How do I tell them that the boy they were blackmailed into giving up is dead? I wouldn't know where to begin."
"Hey, you don't have to decide right now, but it could be useful down the road," Jacob said, gazing at their joined hands. With the guidance of Taylor's family, the child wouldn't struggle the way he did. That was if the baby turned out to be draken like its father. Being Quilette he understood the desire to know the history behind the blood running through his veins. "People deserve to know where they come from."
"I never thought of it like that." Her tentative smile eased the sadness lurking in her eyes.
It had been a nightmare when Sam first phased. Being the first wolf meant he only had an inexperienced, hastily assembled Council to guide him through his chaotic emotions. That mistake that nearly cost Emily her life. Jacob would use every resource available to ensure that Bella's son would have an easier transition. For the boy's sake and safety of the reservation.
Which brought him to an earlier conversation he had with Sam, who'd suggested he broached the topic with Bella. "Sam came to see me today. He mentioned Emily and Leah were fighting again." Jacob guessed that Sam feared it was over him.
"It's not a problem. I already took care of it." Bella sipped soda through her straw, signaling the matter was settled in her mind.
"I'd like to be kept in the loop, Bells." Carmen never kept him informed of any problems concerning the female half of his pack. As a result small issues grew and festered. He would foster better lines of communication this time around.
Bella seemed to understand his desire as she met his unwavering gaze. "After I convinced Leah that I would need maternity leave, the subject of hiring short-term help came up. I've already groomed my replacement."
Jacob gleaned where topic was headed. "Emily."
"Trent's been showing her the ropes, and she's a fast learner."
"What about Evan?" Jacob asked, assuming the cost placed daycare out of Emily and Sam's reach.
"With JJ headed to preschool in the fall, Amy's been dying to look after another baby. She volunteered to watch Evan. After the first few weeks, Emily will go part time while I ease back into work. She'll earn some money while I spend time with my baby. We thought everything was settled."
"Until Leah found out," Jacob concluded and Bella heaved a weary sigh.
"It turned into this huge thing with Leah accusing Emily of trying to muscle in on yet another thing that belonged to her. That hurt Emily since she thought Leah had forgiven her for Sam." Bella combed fingers through her hair in frustration. "How I missed that glaring hurdle when I was planning my maternity leave, I'll never know."
"Sam said Emily was upset." Which in turn made Sam guilty for being at the root of their divide. "How'd you fix it?"
"I organized a sit down with both cousins to air out their grievances."
"How did that go?" Jacob imagined there was bloodshed involved.
"How do you think?" She pulled a face. "It got ugly, but once the dust settled, Leah agreed to have Emily on a part-time basis." Bella shook her head. "Although Emily and Leah get along, there's bitterness there that will never disappear. Maybe they can use this chance to replace the bad memories with good ones."
"Thank you for handling this, Bells. I know you're being pulled in a lot of directions these days." He brushed fingertips across her cheekbone, and she instinctively leaned into his hand, craving his touch. He enjoyed this image of her, casual and unbothered. Rich mahogany hair wild and unbound, cascading around a face that held scant makeup.
"It's no trouble at all, Jake. Your plate's full enough with the Elders on your back, and wolves in your hair." A smile softened her features. "Besides, I've seen how quickly these issues can snowball and cause problems for the pack. Working at the cafe will be good for Emily. She so excited."
It was one of the things that had been missing from his relationship with Carmen. A true partnership. It was a relief having the ability to trust that his mate would strive to detract, not add to his ever-growing list of problems. Knowing Bella had his back meant the world to him. She was everything he wanted in a mate. Beautiful, giving, brave and a stubborn nature that rivaled his own. The only thing left to do now was convince Bella.
She appeared to deflate before his eyes, the heavy anchor of fatigue bogging her down. With one hand against her mouth, she managed—just barely—to suppress a yawn.
Jacob studied her tired features. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." Bella brushed off his concern, but he pressed until she confessed. "I've had trouble sleeping."
"Is it the baby?" She was in her third trimester. From what he understood, sleep issues weren't unheard of at that stage.
"It's not that." Finished with her meal, she tore small chunks off her burger with anxious fingers. "It's this recurring nightmare I keep having. It feels so real. Freaks me out."
"You want to talk about it?" Jacob asked.
Her lips pressed together as she averted her gaze. Jacob backed off, knowing she'd come to him when she was ready.
"Can I ask you something?" She tucked several smooth strands behind her ear.
"Sure."
"A few days ago, were you or any of the wolves at the cemetery?" Concern wrinkled her forehead.
"The cemetery? No why?" He regarded her through narrowed eyes.
"I thought I saw…" She dismissed it with the shake of her head. "Nothing. I'll blame my paranoia on pregnancy hormones."
But Jacob couldn't let it go. She was unnerved by whatever it was. "Bells—"
"I need to use the bathroom." Bella struggled to stand, prompting him to grasp her elbow to help steady her feet.
"Do me a favor and rinse your mouth while you're in there." He was only half kidding. The combined scent of chocolate and fries was no aphrodisiac.
The comment was received with wry humor. "Somebody's awfully sure he's getting a good night kiss."
"I intend to get a lot more than a kiss, Bells." Jacob grinned, prior tension melt away. He fingered a lock of her brunette hair and loosely wound it around his finger.
Bella blushed, but didn't back down. "So you lure a vulnerable, pregnant woman to your home with promise of food. Wait until I'm too stuffed to protest, then pounce? Kind of predatory, don't you think?"
A wolfish grin stretched across his face. "All the better to taste you with."
Bella's pulse quickened as she spun on her heels and fled to the bathroom upstairs. It wasn't the sharp scent of fear that prickled his nose, it was excitement.
Jacob was in the middle of cleaning up when he heard a knock at the door. His hand froze on a greasy, brown paper bag, quiet fury tensing his limbs. Everyone and their aunt knew his date with Bella was tonight. The wolves were under the strictest orders to stay away. Short of death, there weren't many reasons for this interruption. Chest rumbling with a low growl, he stalked toward the door. He grabbed the knob and yanked so hard he almost tore the damn thing off its hinges.
Michael stood under the porch's dim light.
Behind the pup, Jacob identified the shadows of several wolves lurking by the edges of the forest. His nose told him the majority were young wolves. That hardly surprised him. The older wolves were too smart to get caught up in whatever foolishness the pups were up to. Not to mention the older wolves valued their pelts and knew better than to disturb his date. Young, hormone-addled teen wolves? Not so much. From their bravado filled stances, Jacob concluded they represented Micheal's backup.
Jacob tramped down the wolf's compulsion to chase them—snapping and biting—from his property. "What's this about?"
"I want to talk to you." Micheal's voice cracked on the last word, despite his efforts.
"Talk." Jacob said, the wolf heavy in his voice. The wind shifted, carrying the intermingling odors of fear and sweat.
"We heard about your date with Bella, and came to warn you," Michael said, his chest puffed up like a bullfrog.
"We?" Jacob raised an eyebrow.
Michael spun around and found his so-called backup had deserted him. At some point, the pups lost their nerves and fled the scene. While that did not surprise Jacob, Micheal chafed at their desertion.
"Son of a bitch!" He cupped hands around his mouth and yelled into the night. "Bunch of cowards!"
A distant series of pitiful yips and yowls were the only response.
"So you came to warn me?" The absurdity of the situation amused and piqued his curiosity. He was interested to see how far Micheal's gutsy courage would take him. Whether he had the makings of a future lieutenant on his hands.
Michael turned back to him, his fearsome scowl less pronounced than moments ago. "You hurt Bella, you'll answer to me."
"Is that a threat?" Disbelief colored Jacob's features.
"That's right." Michael raised his chin in challenge.
The wolf bristled. Jacob held the young pup's gaze until he jerked his head away with a curse. Micheal swallowed hard, sensing the Alpha was nearing the limits of control. Jacob exhaled a measured breath, curbing his volatile temper. That Micheal was willing to risk his hide spoke of his affections for Bella. And she was the only reason Jacob hadn't punted the cocky shit off his property yet.
"Thought you were still mad at her." Arms folded across his chest, Jacob favored the pup with a heavy scowl.
"Who says I'm not?" Michael said, heart thudding hard in his chest. The teen knew the razor edge line he walked. "But since she doesn't have brothers and Ryan's a goof, I'm stepping up. She can count on me to kick ass if a guy ever tried to jerk her around."
Jacob could only shake his head. Bella and Micheal had a relationship not unlike that of siblings. Though they squabbled and gave each other the silent treatment, they'd always defend one another in times of trouble.
"Although it's none of your business, I would never intentionally hurt Bella."
"Good to know." The arrogant little punk turned to leave.
While Jacob had him here, he decided to touched base. "How's your dad settling in from rehab?"
"He's doing good." Michael's mouth twisted in a cynical grin. "He said Bella came by and dropped off a welcome home meatloaf."
"Sounds like something she'd do." Jacob said with a satisfied smile. His mate was never one to allow an opportunity to do good pass her by.
"Sometimes I'd come home from school and find a picnic basket of food by the door." Michael's lips pressed together in a grimace. "We're not speaking, why the hell would she do those things?"
"For the same reason you came to threaten me." His ears detected the sounds of her moving around upstairs. "Bella came to me out of concern for you. For some reason she cares about keeping your dumbass from fucking up your life."
Michael remained silent, the muscle in his jaw working. Stubborn to a fault, but Jacob would drill sense into that fool head yet.
"Who do you think picked up the tab for that fancy rehab clinic in Seattle?"
The pup's head snapped up, his body stiffened with shock. "Bella paid?"
When Steven agreed to quit drinking again, Micheal came to the Council for help. Since the outpatient center in Forks had been a dismal failure, they found an excellent clinic in Seattle. But the facility came with a hefty price tag. In the past, the pack would've organized several fundraisers, but Steven needed immediate help and no one had the cash. That was when Bella paid him a visit. She gave Jacob the money under a sworn promise he'd tell everyone it came from an anonymous donor. A promise he broke.
"I didn't know…" Micheal trailed off, still rocked by the revelation.
"She's always looking out for you, even when you don't appreciate it."
Just then Bella appeared in the doorway. "Jake?" She hesitated upon discovering him with Michael. "Sorry about that. I'll wait inside."
Giving Michael a pointed stare, he jerked his chin toward Bella.
After an exasperated sigh, the pup relented. "Hey, Bella?"
Fingers resting on the door frame, she glanced back at Michael, brown eyes wary. "Yeah?"
"Make any pizza casserole lately?" Michael asked after a drawn out silence.
Bella's expression remained unchanged aside from the slight lift of her eyebrows. Her eyes flicked to Jacob as if seeking confirmation. He gave an imperceptible nod and tension left her shoulders. After weeks of being frozen out, Micheal extended an olive branch.
"Not since you quit coming around," Bella said, a tentative smile on her face.
"Maybe I'll drop by the house tomorrow." Michael glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Then I'll whip up a batch of my pizza casserole."
Jacob bathed in the radiance of her smile before she withdrew, leaving them alone.
As soon as she vacated the porch, Michael's smile disappeared and he returned to being Bella's self-appointed guardian. He shot Jacob a hard stare. "Don't screw up."
"Don't push your luck." A savage snarl ripped from Jacob's throat and sent the pup scampering into the dark night.
Jacob strode inside and found Bella staring at the door to his backroom. The wolf flew into a mild panic, imagining the wheels turning inside her head. Under no circumstances could she see what was in that room.
She glanced at him, her hand gesturing at the padlock. "What's with the locked door?"
"It's nothing." With gentle pressure on her lower back, he tried to steer her toward the sofa.
Body stiffening at his insistent touch, she dug in her heels and glared. "This isn't going to work for me."
Jacob relented with a sigh. He unlocked the door, flicked the light on and stood aside.
He should've known that wouldn't fly this time around. While Carmen never questioned what he did in the room, too afraid of upsetting the status quo, Bella refused to settle for anything less than complete honesty. It wasn't in her nature to wait patiently for an invitation into his haven. Her style was closer to pounding on the gates and demanding entry.
Bella entered the room and drew in a sharp breath. Jacob cringed internally, watching her view the full extent of his fucked-up obsession with her.
Countless sketches of her hung from the ceiling, suspended by clothes pins. In amazement, she raised her hand, letting her fingers brush the edges of suspended paper. He'd captured her face during a multitude of angles and expressions. He'd revived each memory in his mind's eye and breathed life into them. Bella on her porch swing, coffee in hand. On her knees sobbing at Taylor's grave. A silhouette of her cradling the curve of her pregnant belly. Those and many more were on display for her viewing displeasure. Though she strived to keep her breaths even, her pulse raced, blood rushing through her veins.
Leaning forward slightly, Jacob scented the air, desperate to get a bead on her emotions. Apart from her elevated heart beat, he received no window into her thoughts. More than a little frustrated, his fists clenched at his sides. What he wouldn't give to have Cullen's mind reading ability? To see inside her mind, hear the unvoiced thoughts?
Without saying a word, Bella wandered to the area occupied by wooden furniture. One piece in particular drew her. An old world design cradle he had yet to place the finishing touches on. When she slid fingers along the intricate dream-weaver carved into the railing, her slight touch triggered the cradle's gentle rocking motion. A strange sensation of pride shot through him as Bella inspected the work that had taken him months to complete. Months of searching for the perfect wood, creating an elaborate plan, and then came the difficult process of cutting and carving the cherry-wood. Without question that cradle was his finest work.
Stepping away from the rocking cradle, a tall stack of books caught Bella's eye. Jacob suppressed a groan as she picked up a book, scrutinizing the cover with a scowl. Her brown eyes registered surprise upon realizing that pregnancy and parenting books made up his reading material.
A mild tremor shook her hand as she quickly returned the book to its perch and regarded him with a mixture of confusion and anger. Then the curtain dropped and cool impassivity stared back at him. Jacob forced down a mild flare of panic when she edged passed him without a word. He didn't need a mind reader to guess what she thought of him and his creepy little shrine. But he never considered it might be too much for her. That she'd walk away because of it.
He followed her, intending to stop that from happening. But she veered away from the exit, heading to the living room where she started to pace a hole on his area rug. He held firm, resisting the urge to pepper her with questions about what might've been swirling around in her mind. With Bella, he'd learned it was better to let her work through issues on her own. Though it felt like waiting for a tornado to touch down, the wolf followed her movement closely. From the pounding of her heart to the gentle sway of her hair. Her lithe body barely contain her fiery temper.
After a few moments of watching her prowl back and forth, Bella stopped, pinning him with a wounded eyes. "I took you at your word. You said you couldn't raise another man's child. Do you remember that? Do you remember saying those words?"
Jacob began in a neutral voice. "Bells–"
"Now I find out you were secretly preparing for fatherhood?" She gestured at the room behind him. "Building a cradle. Reading parenting books. Reading the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding? I mean, what the fuck?"
The tension in his taut shoulders eased when he realized she was looking at him with incredulity, not disgust.
"Do you remember when Emily had Evan?" Bella gave a hesitant nod, and he continued. "You asked me how much alcohol it takes to get a werewolf drunk."
"Where are you going with this?" She asked with less heat.
"The answer to that question is an amount of alcohol that's lethal to humans," Jacob answered. "I was drunk off my ass when I claimed Carmen. It happened after we fought on the phone, and I found out you went to Edward."
"I was visiting the Cullens, not just him." Bella said, wanting to set the record straight.
A bitter smile touched Jacob's mouth. "I thought you went back to him. I couldn't get the image of you and Edward out of my mind, and I wound up doing something stupid." The pain he'd felt was unimaginable like he'd had a limb crudely severed by a rusty saw.
"I'm not sure what…" She swallowed hard, tucking an errant lock of hair behind her ear.
"I stumbled into a lifelong commitment and threw away the only choice I had." One drunken mistake had tied him and Carmen together for the rest of their lives. Nothing could undo it. It was the reason he'd worked so hard to keep their relationship afloat, ignoring many red flags. "You saw how well things turned out with Carmen, I couldn't repeat the same mistake. We had to be different. I needed time, Bells. Time to be sure I could be the man you need. That you both need."
Dating one woman was entirely different from dating a family. Bella was a packaged deal. He didn't dare pursue a future with her until he knew he'd do right by her kid.
Tears glistened in Bella's eyes as she palmed her rounded belly. "How can this work when you hated Taylor? What if the baby looks like him? I don't want you to wake up one day and decide it's too much for you to handle."
"We're imprints, Bells. I'll never like any of your ex-boyfriends, but I never hated Taylor. We didn't agree on many things, but he was a good man." Bella was alive because of Taylor's sacrifice. He would be forever grateful to Taylor for allowing him this chance with her.
"And the baby?" She took a step toward him, fragile hope shining in her eyes.
His answer came without hesitation. "Being around the wolves and their kids made me realize how much I want a family with you." His readiness to be a dad kept him awake at night. Each time he imagined some faceless man stepping up to raise Bella's baby, it filled him with blinding rage. In a perfect world, he'd have Bella to himself for a few years before kids entered the picture. But he was ready to enter the next stage of his life. "I want to hold your hand in the delivery room, feed you ice-chips then hunt down the doctor that gives the drugs."
Her eyes sparkled with laughter. He'd gladly listen to that throaty laugh for the rest of his days.
As if compelled, he moved toward her. "I want to be the one who teaches him how to build things with his hands. How to fish, how to talk to girls. I want to teach him how to be a man." Despite the blood in his veins, the child would be Jacob's in every way that mattered. In his gut he knew Taylor would've done the same if their positions had been reversed.
She peered up at him, lips twisted in a wry smile. "She."
"What?"
She touched her stomach, a soft smile graced her lips. "My OB confirmed it this morning. I'm having a girl."
"It's a girl." A vision of a smiling little dark-haired girl came to him. A miniature version of her mother except for the emerald green eyes. The toddler clutching his leg. The shy, awkward preteen hiding her face in a book. The surly, eye rolling teenager with purple hair. A grown woman with kids of her own. Little ones that would call him grampa. Emotion ploughed into him like a Mack truck. He wanted to be there for all of it.
Her tears threatened to overflow. "Do you still mean what you said?"
"Every word, Bells." He placed a hand on her firm stomach.
She brushed away happy tears and gave him a watery smile. "So what happens now?"
"We should be together, for the good of society." Jacob drew her close, a hand tilting her face upward.
"Ah, for society." She stood on tiptoes, her soft beckoning lips touched his own.
A knock sounded at the front door.
Jacob growled in frustration and Bella withdrew with a soft laugh.
"I guess we should get used to people dropping in on us." Bella tried to pull away, but his grip tightened, refusing to release her. She noticed. "Go on. There's Alpha-ing needing to be done."
He couldn't explain the wolf's reluctance at being separated from her, even for a minute. "Bells…"
"There's time, Jake." Her eyes softened as she caressed his jaw with feather-soft hands. Though she didn't voice the words, her patient smile told him she understood his hesitation. That she too craved the intimacy that came from touch.
The wolf settled in a huff, resentful at yet another interruption, but knowing she was right. They'd crossed many hurdles to arrive at the place they were now. They had a lifetime ahead of them. No one would ever come between them again.
Another knock. "Jake, you home?"
His mouth thinned. The voice belonged to his father. "Be right there, Dad!"
"Jacob, I…" she paused as if in silent deliberation. "Whatever choices Billy made in the past, he did it to protect you. We're together now. Leave the past where it belongs."
Jacob searched her face, wondering how much she knew about the rift between him and his father. Did she know about Billy concealing the truth about claiming from him? Or about Billy choosing to keep her cancer diagnosis a secret? Decisions Jacob was certain his father made to protect him and the stability of the pack. He'd never know the depths of madness witnessing Bella's death would've driven him too. However he wasn't ready to let go of his anger at having his choice snatched away and do what Bella was asking. Forgive his father.
He sidestepped the problems with his father. "There's Chunky blueberry yogurt in the freezer if you're interested. Your favorite."
Her eyes lit up with excitement but then her smile slipped. "How did you know Chunky's was my favorite?"
"I might've overheard it when I was hanging out in the bushes behind your house…" He trailed off as Bella's expression grew increasingly horrified. "Nevermind."
They'd address the issue of his stalking another time.
Before he moved away, Bella grasped him by the collar and dragged him into a kiss. His lips parted and her warm tongue slip into his mouth. Jacob groaned against her mouth as she licked and nipped his lips. Just when he'd thoroughly forgotten about his father, Bella ended the kiss and darted from his grasp.
Again, the wolf was not amused.
"What the hell, Bella. Get back here." He growled fully intending to chase her. She couldn't kiss him like that and waltz off.
Giggling, Bella danced out of reach, evading his attempts to grab her. "Later. Billy's waiting."
Before he could reply, she disappeared into the kitchen, delicate laugh taunting him.
In the mood to play, the wolf bared its teeth in a feral grin. Once he'd dealt with his father, he and Bella would pick up where they left off.
Jacob joined his father under the dim lighting of his porch.
"Hey, Dad. You needed something?" Jacob gave a tight smile. Despite his best efforts the ghost of past hurts bubbled beneath.
"Hi there, son. Was about to lock up when I saw your light. Just thought I'd swing by to hear how your date went with Bella."
"It's still happening." Bella's excited squeal rang out when she discovered the yogurt, bringing a contented smile to Jacob's face.
"Sorry. Didn't mean to interrupt." Billy grasped his push rings, preparing to leave.
Bella's advice echoed in his mind and his heart began to thaw. Someday he might find himself in the unenviable position of needing to be forgiven by his kid. For the little girl on the way, he needed to be better, do better. Forgiveness was never the wrong choice.
"Bella and I decided to raise the baby together."
An unfathomable expression touched Billy's smile. "I'm happy for you, son. You'll make a wonderful father."
"I learned from the best." A smile tugged at his mouth.
"Your mother would've done it better." Billy shook his head, a wistful look in his eyes. "I made so many mistakes."
Jacob clamped a hand on his dad's sturdy shoulder. "We both did."
Ten minutes later, Jacob let himself into the house feeling lighter than he had in years. Though hashing things out with Billy took longer than planned, it had been long overdue. It would take time, but their relationship was well on the road toward healing.
He discovered Bella lying prone on the couch, blissed-out from the tart sweetness of her favorite dessert. Her snug dress had ridden up dangerously high on her thighs, exposing creamy legs to his view. Dark hair spilled off the edge of the couch, trimmed edges brushing the floor. As she slumbered, an empty bowl balanced precariously on the peak of her pregnant mound. Watching her sleep, he was startled by the warmth spreading through his chest. For the first time in years, he knew what and who he wanted. He was content.
"Bells?" Jacob approached with muted footsteps.
No reply came as the glass bowl rose and fell with her even breaths.
He caught a fruity whiff of blueberries as he discarded the bowl in the kitchen sink. Bella barely stirred as he lifted her into his arms. Her dark head of hair tucked beneath his chin, and her contented sigh fanned his throat. His chest tightened holding her slight body, knowing she trusted him without question. Careful with his precious cargo, he carried her up the stairs.
Using his foot to open the door, he crossed the threshold into the moonlit bedroom. He settled Bella on his bed and smoothed the strands away from her sleeping face. A frown wrinkled her brow before she shifted from lying on her back to her side. Though Jacob yearned to climb in beside her, he had one small task to complete first.
After a brief search he located the object he'd journeyed downstairs to find. A small phone in Bella's purse. He scrolled through her contact list and called the land line in Port Angeles.
Seconds later Liz's groggy voice answered, "Izzy?"
"It's Jacob. Bella's spending the night."
"The hell she is! I want to talk to Izzy," Liz demanded, her tone indignant.
"She's asleep." He kept his tone neutral.
"Put Izzy on the phone," she insisted and Jacob picked up a male voice in the background.
Jacob ground his teeth, keeping his sharp retort at bay. He'd done Bella's friends the courtesy of knowing her whereabouts, and now his patience had run out. "You'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'm not waking her."
Somewhere in the middle of Liz's tirade, Jacob hung up.
Almost immediately the phone in his hand buzzed with an incoming call. He switched it off, flinging it on the couch with an irritated growl. No one would disturb his alone time with Bella. Tomorrow they'd face the world and its annoyances, tonight was theirs.
He returned to his bedroom and stripped out of his suit. Although he was used to sleeping in the nude, he tugged on a gray pair of sweatpants for both their sakes. As he watched her sleeping form, couldn't stop noticing the way her tiny black dress rode up to her hips. Tiny black panties flashing away, breasts near bursting out of her low neckline, taunting him. Given the wolf's groping habit, Jacob doubted his sanity in sharing a bed with his very pregnant imprint. Especially since they had to abstain until after she'd given birth.
Jacob scolded himself for being a coward. He was a werewolf. Alpha of a pack. He'd battled vampires on multiple occasions. He was no sex-starved lunatic. Surely sleeping next to Bella would be an insignificant trial in comparison.
The mattress shifted beneath his considerable weight as he climbed in beside her. He called upon his discipline reserves as he leaned over and yanked down the hem of Bella's too-short dress. But he wasn't brave or crazy enough to do the opposite for her neckline. He didn't need the temptation.
Drawn to his body heat, Bella scooted closer. He moved his arm out of the way and let her head rest on his chest. Her pregnant belly pressed against his ribs. She exhaled, her warm breath like a caress against his skin. He marveled at how perfectly she molded against his body. As though she'd always belonged there. This woman who was made for him.
"Jake?"
"Yeah, Bells?"
The fingers above his heart unfurled. "Promise me you'll never die."
He swallowed against the sudden tightness in his throat. "I'll do my best, Bells."
Not long afterward, Bella's breath evened out, and she fell asleep once more. However sleep wouldn't come for Jacob, who'd found himself in a torturous predicament.
His mind was awash with image of her naked body, writhing beneath him as he made her his. To make matters worse, Bella appeared to be having a sex dream. The intoxicating scent of her arousal fogged the air. Her hardened nipples poked him in the side, and her breathy sighs drove him to distraction. Her proximity made him hyper-aware. The lust running through his veins, the frantic pounding of his pulse. It took every ounce of his will he possessed to keep from pawing at her. He was painfully hard, and he was in hell.
Bella flung a leg over his hip. Her foot landed directly on his crotch, and he sucked in a harsh breath. Jacob was wrong. This was worse than hell.
Although he didn't feel like it, somewhere along the line he caught a few winks of sleep. The rest happened in short bursts and each time he'd wake to find Bella's tempting body practically on top of him. Even in her sleeping state, she tempted him. Not that the wolf was any better. Twice already the wolf took advantage of his exhaustion and he came to with fingers dragging lazy circles around Bella's distended nipples. After this he jammed a spare pillow between her lower body and his, keeping his persistent erection to himself. He sank into fitful sleep, thinking he'd found a solution. That pathetic illusion was ruined moments later.
He jerked awake as Bella swung her leg over his hips, straddling him.
"Bells?" Jacob spoke, his voice roughened by sleep and caution.
Though moonlight illuminated the room with soft lighting, the resulting shadows hid Bella's face from view. She sat motionless, skin tight dress riding high on her thighs.
Her dark eyes bore into him, her chest rose and fell with elevated breath.
"Bells, honey?"
She leaned over and ran her palms across the hard muscles of his chest. Jacob grit his teeth, every muscle in his body locked at her torturous explorations. Questing fingers slid across his flesh igniting naked lust in their wake. Large hands closed around hers, trapping them together.
"We can't do this, Bells," Jacob spoke in a strained voice he barely recognized.
"Kinda feels like we can." She rolled her hips, a deep moan escaping her parted lips.
Jacob groaned at the friction and clench of her milky thighs bracketing him. She rocked again, making him painfully aware that only a thin scrap of lace separated their bodies. With him distracted, she easily freed her captured hands from his grip and raked her nails down the hard ridges of his stomach. The sharp burst of pain spurred his lust even further. His hips bucked. A light sheen of sweat covered his body as he struggled against the wolf's demand that he take her now.
Bella reached behind her back with one arm and unzipped her dress. The metal teeth gave way with a muted buzz, disturbing the tension ladened air. Eyes locked on his face, she shrugged the straps off her shoulders before yanking the material over her head. She discarded the dress on the floor without a backward glance. Under the touch of moonlight, Bella's pale skin gained an ethereal glow. Pregnancy had only enhanced her beauty. A beauty she had zero qualms about using to seduce him.
"Bells." His hoarse voice took on a warning edge. A warning Bella ignored as she unclasped her lace bra, freeing her breasts from constriction. Her full, heavy breasts swung into view, cherry-red nipples darkened by pregnancy. Jacob shook, straining against the compulsion to take them into his mouth and taste their sweetness.
He was both relieved and disappointed when Bella shifted to sit on his thighs. Neither emotion lasted.
She slipped her hand under the waistband of his sweatpants and cupped his hardened length.
"Fuck!" A hiss escaped clenched teeth.
Freed from the constraints of pants, Bella wrapped warm fingers around his straining shaft, pumping him in her tight hold. Jacob almost lost his mind.
Her moist tongue swirled around the sensitive head of his erection, and every scrap of common sense went up in flames. They could not do this, but for the life of him, Jacob couldn't bring himself to stop her. Her tongue flicked out, laving him with agonizing licks from throbbing base to tip. He jerked hard when she took him in the wet heat of her mouth. She set a slow rhythm with tongue, lips and teeth, meant to drive him to the brink of sanity. With him still deep inside her mouth, she hummed, the vibration pulled a low groan from him. He seized her bobbing head by the hair, intending to move her away. Instead his hand curled in her soft hair, urging her on. Fuck. It was like he'd lost control of his body. With her suctioning mouth alone, Bella had enslaved him.
As the furious lashing of her tongue pushed Jacob toward the edge, he made a decision. He'd give into his primal side, but only if he remained in control at all times. He would set the pace and she would follow. It was the only way to protect her from his savage half.
With Bella's uttered gasp of surprise, he flipped her over, pinning her captured hands to the mattress. They peered at each other, both panting from exertion. He squeezed her trapped wrists together, eliciting another gasp from her moist, parted lips. She met his stare, unashamed, brown eyes now pitch black with desire. Her tongue darted out, savoring his taste still on her lips. Still holding her hands overhead, he traced her soft bottom lip with a fingertip. Violence lurked in his hunger as his head dipped, taking her mouth in a punishing kiss. Her lips parted, and he accepted the invitation, his tongue invading her mouth, claiming her with his kiss. He indulged in her sweet feminine taste, her lips twining with his.
His hand drifted to the apex of her thighs and found she'd soaked through her underwear. A brief tearing sound and the flimsy scrap of lace gave way. Barely any resistance at all. He rubbed her moist inner folds, teasing her sensitive nub until she cried out and shuddered violently beneath him. God, she was so fucking sexy.
He licked a scorching trail to the valley of her breasts and did what he'd been wanting to do all night. He bent his head and drew a hard nipple into his mouth, teasing the rosy bud with his teeth. Bella moaned, arching her upper body off the bed, urging him to devour her breasts like a juicy piece of fruit. Jacob released her hands, leaving him free to knead and squeeze the soft flesh of her neglected breast.
"Please," she begged, delirious and writhing with pleasure. Her body trembled as she came again, fingernails clawing his shoulders.
Bella Swan would be the death of him. He'd never been harder in his life, watching her orgasm from nipple play. Who the fuck was this temptress in his bed?
Unable to wait anymore, he parted her thighs and positioned himself at her entrance.
"Hurry," Bella panted, breasts shuddering with each breath.
Hormones called to him, provoking his animal lust. Hands clamped hard on her hips, he thrust home, sheathing himself in one swift move.
"Christ, Bells." Jacob groaned, blood roaring in his ears.
Her indescribable heat stretched to accommodate him, slick channel gripping him all the way. Bella wore a slight grimace, reminding him of his earlier objections. He retreated, gently working his way back inside, concerned the fierceness of their first coupling might bring her pain. Sweat glistened on his body, his teeth gritting under the strain as he fought the wolf. Fought with himself. But Bella had zero patience for that shit.
She suddenly raked vicious nails across his pectorals, splitting his flesh, drawing blood.
"The hell?" Jacob paused at the sudden bite of pain. His skin was already knitting itself back together.
"You're holding back," she snapped in frustration, and then her features softened. "I'm tougher than I look, Jake." A gentle hand touched his jaw. "Be with me."
How could she sense he planned to go easy on her? Bella was ready and unafraid. He trusted her to know the limits of what she could handle.
The wolf's lips peeled back in a feral grin, finally being allowed to slip into the driver's seat.
With a rough grip, Jacob flipped her onto hands and knees. His fingers skimmed the faded scar along her spine to the butterfly tattoo gracing her lower back. The old Bella would've lacked the courage to get inked. She bore zero resemblance to the woman begging him to fuck her tonight. He'd changed as well. Almost unrecognizable from the immature, quick tempered teenage boy. But love still bound them together. A love that had grown and flourished from puppy dog crush to a mature relationship that acknowledged their imperfections.
Bella braced herself against the headboard when Jacob fisted a rough hand in her hair. No holding back. He thrust hard, burying himself to the hilt in her hot greedy channel. A moan tore from her throat and she arched her back offering the full depth of her grasping core. He set a hard pace, maintaining an unforgiving grip on her hair and hips. She gave as good as she got, rolling her hips, taking him in even deeper until he couldn't tell where she ended and he began. He was at home inside her.
Without a doubt their cries and animalistic grunts could've been heard from outside. He hoped like hell Billy and the others would turn a deaf ear to the racket next door. Sweat drenched their bodies. Jacob felt as though his lungs were about to burst into flames.
Bella hit her climax with a scream, tremors shook her from inside out. The rippling contractions pitched him over the edge and he came with a loud growl. Her quivering inner muscles clamped down, milking his hot spurts of semen. He plunged sharp teeth into her neck, powerful spasms shaking his body. Warm copper flooded his mouth, and he drank unwilling to spill one precious drop.
Breathing hard, Bella collapsed on her side, her eyes dazed. Body weak from exertion, he hit the mattress beside her, more drained than he'd been in his entire life. As he worked to control his ragged breathing, he gave her a cursory once over and the tension coiling in his gut eased. The baby's heartbeat maintained its rapid fluttering. Mother and child were safe.
"Best first date ever." Bella released a husky laugh, hazy from spent desire.
Jacob took in her disheveled appearance with an air of male satisfaction. She was his woman now. His first and last. He leaned in and lapped at her wounded neck, the taste of copper and salty sweat on his tongue. She winced at the contact, a tiny hiss of pain.
"Hurts?" He smoothed damp strands off her forehead.
"Yeah but it's the nice kinda pain," Bella said, mouth curved in a goofy grin. She sobered, her eyelids losing their droopy quality. In the dim light, tears welled in her eyes. "I love you, Jake."
"You're my world, Bells. Always were." He bundled her close, nuzzling the curve of her throat, and she snuggled closer, wanting to be held.
She was finally his. Now and forever.
Jacob woke to the early light of morning on his face. He felt invigorated, prepared to met any challenge that came his way. Bella stirred beside him, monopolizing his focus and bringing a smile to his face. A mere hour before she crept away to use the bathroom and crept back to bed before he missed her presence. He rolled toward her, only to scowl when the movement set off a dull ache in his neck. He sat up rubbing the pain that had set in while he slept, wondering at its cause. Didn't take him long to discover the culprit. Facing away from him, Bella laid on her side, chestnut waves fanned out across his pillow. Over the course of the night, Bella managed to procure all the pillows including his own. She crammed one beneath her hip, and the other wedged between her knees. He leaned over and planted a kiss on her naked shoulder, earning himself a sleepy murmur. With a note of masculine pride, he noted her porcelain skin carried the primal scent of sex.
Red teeth marks stood out against her pale skin, drawing his gaze. His mark. The symbol of their mating stamped there for everyone to see.
A possessive growl rumbled his chest, taking him by surprise.
Mine!
Separated by bad-timing and immaturity, brought together by tragedy and fierce love. They'd gone through hell and came out rock solid. He felt incredibly lucky. How could he have been satisfied living without this woman? Waking up beside her had already become his favorite part of the day. Jacob knew he'd never grow tired of it.
The sudden urge to draw her slumbering form struck. He bounded out of bed, grabbing his sketch pad from inside his nightstand drawer. Forgoing pants, he settled into a chair beside the bed and took advantage of the optimal lighting. His hand made quick movements as sketched the outline of her body. He paid special attention to the curvature of her hips and roundness of her stomach. Concentrated on capturing the smooth strands of her sleep-tousled hair. The gentle curve of her exposed breasts. He wanted to immortalize this moment forever. In the middle of defining the soft line of her jaw, she shifted, rousing from sleep.
Pencil hovering above the pad, he observed her languid movements. Unaware she was being watched, Bella arched her back in a full stretch that shoved her soft breasts upward. Her mouth, swollen from his kisses, rounded in an adorable yawn. She combed fingers through her messy hair with one hand while rubbing the fatigue from her eyes with the other. Her head turned toward him and she squinted against the morning light.
"You're drawing smutty pictures of an innocent pregnant woman?"
"After last night, innocent's the last word I'd use to describe you." He grinned as redness bloomed in her cheeks. Not that he was complaining. She'd showed him his fears about harming her had been baseless and then some. He enjoyed this new take-charge, sexually demanding Bella.
"Somebody had to get the ball rolling." Mischief sparked in her gaze. "Am I hot enough for milf Playboy?" She threw off the covers and struck a sultry pose.
"Don't even think it. I want you all to myself." All thoughts of sketching gone from his mind, he discarded the sketchpad and crawled on top of her.
Bella's breath quickened as she gazed up at him, brown eyes darkening with desire. He lowered his head and claimed her mouth, kissing her long and deep. She responded with a moan, her hands sliding through his unkempt mane. Though she was still weary from lack of sleep, the wolf was greedy and wanted more.
"Didn't you get enough last night?" she gave a breathless laugh.
"Never," he growled as he nuzzled her throat, inhaling her heavenly scent.
"You're a sex fiend."
Jacob moved down her body, planting kisses as he went. He drew a rosy peak into his mouth, lashing until it became a hardened point. Bella giggled and tried to squirm away from his assault, but he held firm. Only relenting when giggling turned to gasps. Shifting lower, he left a trail of feather-soft kisses on her belly and felt the baby nudge his lips from the other side. Hard to believe only thin layers of flesh separated her from the outside world. He found it amazing the way Bella's body changed to nurture the little life inside. With gentle fingers, he traced the silvery stretch mark scarring her hip. He couldn't get enough of her pregnant body.
"You decide on a name yet?" He palmed her rounded belly and felt the baby kick against his hand.
"Not yet. Ryan keeps pitching the names of famous football stars." She laughed.
"Guess he had his heart set on a boy, huh?"
"Oh, he's fine with the same names for a girl. He's very progressive." She rolled mirth filled eyes. "Liz plans on throwing a baby naming party to help me choose."
"Sounds like fun."
"Maybe…" she gnawed her lower lip, looking hopeful. "later I can get your opinion on my favorites?"
A beat passed before he realized she wanted them to pick out a name together.
"I'd like that, Bells." He covered her hand with his own, and she beamed at him.
Bella's stomach gave a loud growl and Jacob raised an eyebrow. Her face pinkened. "Sorry. It's the curse of my legendary hunger."
"Don't get up. I'll find us some grub."
"Oooh, someone's trying to get in my pants," she said in a sing-song voice, a devilish gleam in her eyes.
"Get your mind out of the gutter." Jacob yanked on his slacks to a series of wolf-whistles and went to find his woman's breakfast.
Minutes later Jacob's modest sized kitchen was alive with the pop and sizzle of frying bacon. He scooped the crispy, strips of meat out of the frying pan and onto the plate beside sunny-side up eggs and toast. Jacob smiled to himself as he poured Bella a cup of coffee, imagining the excitement on her face. The woman was nuts about bacon. There was something special about preparing food for someone you loved. He gained insight into why Bella opened a cafe and her passion for cooking. His mind concocted a fantasy of the future. Him making breakfast for his ravenous brood while their mother took advantage of his preoccupation to grope him from behind, and plant butterfly kisses on his shoulder. He was looking forward to having breakfast in bed.
A scream of pure terror shattered his fantasy.
Jacob fled the kitchen in a flash. He burst through his bedroom door, primal instincts screaming to protect his mate. Searing heat blazed a trail down his spine. His body prepared to welcome the wolf. He froze in the doorway unable to believe his eyes, mind struggling to comprehend.
His blood turned arctic in his veins. He refused to accept the truth for what it was. This wasn't happening. Not now when they'd finally found each other again. White hot fury slammed into him like a sledgehammer.
"Jake," Bella choked on a wet sob. Panicking eyes stared out of her sickly pale face, frightened tears dampening her cheeks.
The hair on her head had sprung to life, and was now a writhing, grasping mass of dark strands. Strands that grabbed at anything within their distance. Even the air.
Jacob couldn't explain how or why, but Fang was back.
A/N: I must apologize for the late chapter, but I have a decent excuse. I took a break due to the crazy stress of planning my wedding and honeymoon. But with that out of the way (yay!) I'm hoping to pick up the pace. Starting to see light at the end of the long ass tunnel. Hope the giant chapter makes up for the wait. Still aiming to end this chapter in 45 chapters or less.
Back to the story
Ryan's attempt to bond weirds Trent out.
Zach's annoyed the guys don't think he's sexy.
Liz and Bella make up.
The gang embarrasses Bella in front of her date.
Micheal threatens Jacob and makes up with Bella.
Ryan puts his manly foot down.
Bella learns it wasn't wolves she saw in the cemetery. Who or what was it then?
Jacob forgives his father.
Bella sees Jacob's shrine. Cute or creepy?
Bella's having a girl. Jacob looks forward to being her father.
Jacob hangs up on Liz.
Jacob and Bella do the deed. Hope it was worth the wait.
Bella's hair is alive again. Has Fang returned or is it something else?
Review and receive your teasers.