Disclaimer: Okay, so I don't own Twilight, but neither do you. Truce?
A/N Sorry for the delay again. I tried to upload this on March 21st, but FF wouldn't let me. Glitches. Lol. It took over a week for it to get fixed. *Sigh* So this is the last chapter! There's an epilogue after this, which should be out sooner since it's not going to be as long as this. Unless FF continues to have errors, which I'm afraid might happen. I was not amused. Hmm...
Also, pretty much everyone seemed to like the idea of a sequel, so there is going to be one. However, I'm taking a break from writing for awhile, so don't expect it anytime soon. And I might post a couple of one-shots first just because I have these plot bunnies in my head that must be satisfied.
I hope you enjoy this chapter. By the way, March 21st was my birthday! I am now the big 2-1. I can now legally buy liquor and throw it at people I don't like! Or maybe I have that wrong…
Ménage
Chapter 38 –Holiday Vibes
Fuck. Why does this happen to me? I mean really! What the hell?
Bella shivered. She was wearing one of Edward's T-shirts and a pair if boxers, but that was it. She'd been sleepwalking. Again. It was the beginning of December, and it freezing outside. Somehow she'd managed to get out of the house without disturbing anyone. Trees surrounded her, and it was dark. The moon was nowhere in sight. She tried to shake off the creepy feeling she was getting. It was only natural to be spooked out there, and to top it all off she was a little disoriented. Where exactly was she? No matter where she looked, all she found was darkness.
Bella didn't know how far away she'd gotten this time. She just knew she was in the woods and that her feet were standing on the cold, hard dirt.
Better get a move on. Keep the blood flowing. Or I could just stand here like an idiot.
Bella walked in the opposite direction of where she was standing, presuming that was the direction she had come from. She hoped the boys weren't worried. They might still be asleep, although knowing them it wouldn't take them long to wake up and discover her missing. She was torn between wanting them to rest and wanting them to rescue her. They were better at finding her than she was at finding them.
There was the distinct feel of winter in the air. Bella felt a jolt of excitement at that, and it distracted her enough to ease her anxiety. She thought of nicer things. Like Christmas. Christmas was mere weeks away. It was going to be the first Christmas she was looking forward to since she was a little kid. She was going to enjoy the holidays with people she loved from now on. Thanksgiving had come and gone, and it was great. Esme and Jasper had spent all day cooking, and Bella had helped out some. It had been a nice reprieve after the tumultuous weeks leading up to it. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
Bella was jolted out of her memories when she stepped on a branch.
"Ouch!" She hopped on her other foot, cradling her injured appendage in her hand. I should wear slippers to bed, and a winter jacket while I'm at it. At least I'm not naked this time.
It wasn't worth berating herself again. Every time she did this, she felt like a big idiot, but she knew it wasn't really her fault. It was just a bothersome habit that she couldn't control.
Bella squinted ahead, unable to discern anything in the dark. Maybe I should attach a flashlight to my hand too.
She walked on, going slowly so as to avoid further injury. She blinked wearily, ready to give up. She'd probably been going in the wrong direction the whole time. She'd never get home.
Just as she thought she was doomed, a light flicked on in the distance ahead of her. Bella beamed. Home! Someone had turned on the outside light. It wasn't all that far away, either. Thank god.
Bella picked up her pace. As she got closer, she could make out three figures under the light.
"Bella!" Edward called. Jasper and Emmett were standing nearby. None of them had seen her yet. She was too far away.
"Bella!" Jasper was going crazy, she could tell.
Bella walked faster, shivering so much that she had trouble talking. But she tried. "H-h-here!" Her projection was weak, but Jasper, Emmett, and Edward each snapped their heads in her direction. She was almost out of the woods, but they still couldn't see her. It was so dark and the trees were blocking their view.
"Bella…" Jasper charged forward along with Edward and Emmett.
Relief swept over them when she finally came out.
"Thank god…" Edward murmured, wrapping a large blanket around Bella and hugging her fiercely. "We were so worried."
"I'm sorry." Bella's teeth chattered.
"Let's get you inside." Emmett said.
Edward picked her up, rushing into the house. He went into their bedroom and got her under the covers in record time. They warmed her up fast, keeping close and rubbing her back and arms.
"What were you doing out there?" Edward asked. "I thought the sleepwalking was over."
"So did I." Bella admitted. "I don't know why it happened again. I just woke up in the woods, confused. I'm sorry I worried you guys."
"Don't be sorry, honey. You didn't do anything wrong." Emmett said.
Edward frowned. "I forgot to put the bells on the door. I got lazy with it."
Bella pulled her blanket closer. "When did you notice I was gone?"
"About five minutes before you came back." Edward replied. He'd been frantic when he couldn't find her. He'd woken up to a missing Bella. He'd assumed she was in the bathroom or the kitchen, but then he saw the front door ajar. He'd gotten his brothers up and they went outside. It scared the shit out of them to think of Bella out there all alone at two o' clock in the morning.
And with Laurent still on the loose. Even if he was supposedly in Mexico.
"How far did you get?" Jasper asked. He wasn't sure he'd be able to get back to sleep now. He was tempted to keep watch over Bella so that the same thing didn't happen again. He almost had a heart attack when Edward told him that she was gone.
"Pretty far. It took me forever to get back." Bella tried to laugh it off, but she was the only one laughing.
"We'll be more cautious." Jasper said, sounding harsher than he intended. He softened, fingering a few strands of her hair between his fingers. "You know how to scare a guy."
"I didn't mean to."
"I know, darling. Are you tired?"
Bella shrugged. "I guess." She was wide awake, actually.
"Alright. Let's have a look at your feet."Jasper clutched the top of the blanket as if to take it off of her.
"My feet?" Bella averted her eyes, pretending she didn't know what he was talking about.
"Yes. Come on, I know they must be filthy and probably hurt. Like last time, remember? Let me clean you up, and then we can go back to sleep."
Clean me up? Like a baby? Please. He really does like to dote on me too much sometimes.
"Aren't you tired? You had a long day." Bella reminded them, which they were not pleased about. "You're going to be useless if you don't get enough sleep. Don't worry about my stupid feet. I can clean it myself."
Jasper and Edward fixed her with hard looks. Nope, she was not getting her way this time. She knew when to give up.
Bella sighed. "Fine." She shuffled the covers away and exposed her feet. They were indeed dirty, and that branch had made a small, insignificant cut. But Bella was used to them overreacting over every little thing, especially recently. She expected their reactions.
"Bella!"
"Honey, you have to be more careful."
"Are you in pain? Should I call dad?"
Edward fetched a bucket with warm water and a couple of washcloths as well as his first aid kit.
"It doesn't hurt." Bella insisted. All they were seeing was the smidgen of blood. Edward placed her right foot in his lap, and Jasper took the other. They were so intent on what they were doing that Bella had to stop herself from laughing. She caught Emmett's eye, exchanging surreptitious grins. He knew what she thinking. He understood, even though he worried about her as much as his brothers did. She was grateful that at least one of them didn't lose their head over a scratch.
Emmett settled himself next to her on the bed. He shifted her so that she was lying beneath him, her hair fanned across his broad chest. He massaged her temples, lulling her into sleep. That and the attention her feet were getting made her feel absolutely boneless.
"That feels good." She whispered, unaware that she was drifting into unconsciousness.
Saturday morning rolled in quickly. Edward woke with Bella wrapped tightly in his arms.
There was something exhilarating about watching her sleep. Her innocence really showed when her eyes were closed and she was free of any cares in the world. She was safely in the Cullen Enclosure, in their cocoon.
Beautiful.
Edward looked over at the clock. It was seven-thirty. They didn't have anything to do that day, seeing as it was Saturday. No school. They had debated going back to school after Thanksgiving break. Bella said it was a good idea because then they'd be on the right foot when New Years came around. If they waited until January to return, then they won't have been to work since October, and that was a bit much, wasn't it?
Yes, it was. So they begrudgingly went back to work, despite all of their qualms. Esme even offered to have Bella stay with her during the day, and she could come to her work with her. Bella was a bit hesitant. She hated to intrude, but Esme let her know that she was more than welcome. So, for the past couple of weeks, Bella had been spending more time with her mother-in-law (which Bella referred to her in her head since she was as good as a mother-in-law or even a mom to her). It had been working out. Bella was healing rapidly, and so was Emmett, for that matter. Life was getting back on track. There were still hard parts yet to come, but for now they were simply happy to be out of the danger zone. They were together and safe.
Edward buried his nose in Bella's neck, taking a long whiff of her scent. He was ecstatic that it was Saturday.
And he had no intention of wasting the weekend.
Emmett stirred next, opening his brown eyes to the light of day. He yawned, stretching out his large body and absentmindedly searching for Bella in the oversized bed. He blinked away his sleep and moved closer, leaning over Jasper's body in order to touch Bella.
"Man," he sighed, "we need to come up with a new sleeping arrangement."
Jasper's face scrunched up. He groaned, forced out of his coma. He was lying on his stomach, and raised himself up, getting his bearings. Emmett quickly retreated, pretending he hadn't just woken him up.
"Ugh…what time is it?" Jasper wiped at his eyes. Emmett sniggered, noting that his hair was sticking up in several directions.
"Seven-thirty." Edward answered.
"Why'd you wake me up, fuckhead?" Jasper glared at Emmett, accusatory.
"It was an accident, dude." Emmett whispered, conscious that Bella was still asleep. She'd had a long night, and he wanted her to rest. At least that's what he told himself. "I just wanted to be near her." Okay, maybe he was being selfish. Would it be so bad if she woke up?
"Well could you have waited until nine or something?"
"No."
"I'm going to punch you in the face in a minute."
"Just try, little boy. Someone as skinny as you couldn't hurt a man like me. I'm too manly for your puny fists."
"Would you two be quiet?" Edward chastised. Bella was beginning to stir, her body shifting against his. Oh well. Too late, he thought. Bella's backside rubbed against his groin, instantly causing him to stiffen. She was still half-asleep, and unaware of what she was doing. Edward couldn't resist her, though. He gathered her hair in his hand and arranged it above her head. He slowly peppered soft kisses along her neck and shoulder. Bella frowned, slowly emerging into consciousness. A moan escaped her lips as Edward sucked on her pulse point. She blinked several times, opening her eyes to find Jasper and Emmett gazing at her hungrily.
Edward slipped his hands underneath her T-shirt, lifting it up a few inches exposing her back. He reached around, groping her breasts. He felt her nipples harden under his touch, letting his other hand trail down her hip, down, down, until he reached her boxers. He dipped his hand inside, caressing her already wet folds.
"Edward…" Bella whimpered.
Edward thumbed her nipple once more before flipping her onto her back and taking her lips hostage. He discarded her shirt in a flash, attacking her taut nipples with his teeth and tongue. Bella arched her back, feeling so, so good and wanting more.
But Edward knew where she needed him; knew where he desired to be. He licked his way down her chest and torso, careful to avoid the not-so-old scar adorning her belly. When he reached his destination, Edward peeked up at Bella, giving her a saucy wink. He saw her lust clearly in her soft brown eyes. Her lips trembled, her cheeks flushed. Edward kept his eyes on hers as he lowered his head to her core. He swiped his tongue along her slit, tasting her juices. She started, her fists balling up.
Edward began his assault, greedily making love to Bella with his mouth. He had half-forgotten that Emmett and Jasper were watching them, willing voyeurs. But they were only going to play the voyeurs for so long. They wanted a taste, too. Jasper moved around to the other side of the bed while Emmett shifted towards Bella.
Bella had her eyes shut. Her mind was a mess of jumbled thoughts. All she could do was feel what the men she loved were doing to her.
"Oh gods Edward…don't stop."
Edward had his lips firmly against Bella's pussy and his tongue buried inside her. Emmett teased her breasts with his mouth and hands, loving the weight of her softness in his hands. She was supple and pliant, and he enjoyed her reactions.
Jasper suckled on her neck, leaving an assortment of love bites in his wake. Bella was sure that every nerve in her body was at attention. It was too much. She almost had to shout for them to stop because it was too good, too much pleasure, and she was going to pass out if they gave much more. But there was no way in hell she was stopping them. She wanted more and then some.
"Ah…Edward, I love you. Please don't stop." She cried, Edward's tongue darting in and out of her in long strokes. He was a precise lover, and he made sure to taste every inch of her that he possibly could.
"More…"
Edward grunted in response, his coarse facial hair tickling the insides of her thighs. She knew she'd have beard burn as a result. Bella moaned, Emmett quickly capturing the sound in a kiss. Jasper attacked her neck more fiercely as Bella climbed her way into orgasm. Edward thrust his tongue in and out of her harder. Bella clenched the sheets in her fists, her release washing over her.
Edward smudged his lips along her thighs as she recovered. Her lovers continued to caress and kiss her body as she lay there, sated and giddy. Bella felt as if her body had turned into jelly. She couldn't move for a couple of minutes.
"Good morning." Edward chimed, looking terribly smug. He crawled up her body and gave her a lingering kiss, letting her taste herself on his tongue.
Bella threw one of her legs around his waist, trapping him. "Good morning indeed."
"Did you enjoy your morning ravage?" Emmett asked, sliding his hand underneath her and cupping her butt.
Bella giggled, overjoyed at all the attention she was getting. "Mm-hmm. You're spoiling me today." She noticed that her voice was a little hoarse. Considering why, however, she didn't mind. Not at all.
"We aim to spoil you everyday." Jasper said, nipping at her neck.
Bella groaned, feeling Edward's erect cock poking her core and Jasper's at her side. Emmett was the only one keeping his away from her, which Bella wasn't going to tolerate. She reached out her hand and took a hold of his large cock, surprising him.
"I guess it's my turn to take care of my men." She bit her lip, thrilled when they all reacted.
"Dirty girl." Emmett growled.
"Oh baby, you don't have to do anything." Edward said, although it was more than obvious how much he wanted her to take care of his not-so-small problem. He twitched, the head of his cock near her entrance. She wanted him inside her so bad. It had been too long. They all craved that kind of closeness again, and Bella knew they wouldn't have to wait much longer. Hell, why wait at all? She was healed, back to normal, or whatever normal was after being shot. It wasn't going to hurt her, that was for sure. She was going to fuck them until they couldn't stand up. She wanted a real ravage. She had been horny for them for weeks. Maybe that was crass of her, but she was desperate to get back to their previous intimacy.
"But I want to make you cum." She ran her foot up and down Edward's leg, all the way up to his ass. He dropped his head to her shoulder.
"If you're not careful, I'm going to plunge into you so hard and fast you won't be able to breath." He warned her.
Bella spread her legs a little further in reflex, welcoming the intrusion. She stroked Emmett's cock a little more insistently.
"You're horny, aren't you?" Emmett purred.
Bella tugged at him in response.
He let out an audible curse. "You're asking for it."
Yes, she was.
"Do you want us?" Jasper asked, his breath hot at her ear. He took her earlobe into his mouth, perfectly aware that he was driving her crazy.
Bella nodded, her self-control slipping. Not yet. She wanted to have the control this time, to make them beg. She wanted to master them.
Emmett's throbbing member pulsed in her hand, and Jasper's was practically leaving an imprint on her hip. Edward slipped the head of his cock past her lips. They were so close…
"Wait," Bella cursed herself for stopping them. Edward was close to entering her, and Emmett was hot and swollen in her hand, but it was their turn.
"Are you okay?" Edward asked, panicked that he had crossed the line.
"I'm perfect." Bella smiled, and Edward relaxed. "But I want to get up."
Edward frowned, disappointed, but he peeled himself off of her nonetheless. Jasper and Emmett were also a bit taken aback by the abrupt change. They were having fun, weren't they?
Bella got on her knees as Edward made space for her. He figured they could all just lay around in bed for the rest of the morning.
"It's okay, love, we don't have to do anything." Edward told her, patting her butt affectionately and letting her know that they didn't expect anything. All they really wanted to do was to please her, and they had.
Bella grinned, gathering all of her courage in order to do what she intended. Instead of laying back down, Bella shocked Edward by pushing him back onto the bed. He looked at her with wide eyes, his arousal coming back full force. Before he could do anything, she straddled him, sitting back on his thighs.
"Now I've got you."
Edward's jaw dropped. "Bella, w-what…?" He gazed at her in amazement as she settled herself nicely on him, brushing her curls against his cock.
"I want you." She said.
"But…isn't it…aren't you…does it hurt?" Edward had a million questions, but he was too aroused to get any to come out of his mouth.
Isn't it too soon?
Are you in pain?
Are you sure?
Please, for god's sake, fuck me!
"I feel great." Bella assured him. "I want you inside me." She saw Edward's concern, though. "Really, I'm fine. If it's too much we'll stop. I promise."
Edward nodded, breathing heavily in anticipation and excitement.
"That is so fucking hot." Emmett said, completely turned on by her boldness.
Jasper concurred. He wondered if they would all get their turns, but he assumed they wouldn't. Bella still wasn't in the physical condition that she had been.
That didn't mean they couldn't join in, though.
Bella was thinking along the same lines. She had no intention of neglecting her boys. She aligned her herself with Edward, almost not believing that they were finally about to make love again. It seemed like forever…
Edward and Bella gasped simultaneously as she impaled herself on him. He filled her perfectly, like a glove. He was by no means small, and she felt pleasure-pain at finally being connected to him again.
Edward clutched her hips, thrusting up into her as she rocked up and down slowly, testing herself. It was funny. As much as she had dreamed about making love, about being with them again, she somehow forgot exactly how amazing it felt. She forgot how perfect it was being connected with the men she loved. It wasn't just physical. With them it was about more than a release (but it was never just about that, really), it was even about more than expressing their love for each other. It was about their souls coming together, it was about them being one in the way only they could be. No other men could make her feel this way, and she was happy about that. She didn't want anyone else. That's how it felt to Bella. She felt as if their souls were dancing with each other, which was something for her, because she was not one for mushy sentiment.
Their eyes met as Bella rode him. He brought her face down so that he could kiss her, meeting her movements eagerly. He was disconcerted to find that he was more into it than she was. In fact, she was having trouble keeping up.
Is it too much for her? Is she not enjoying it?
Edward halted her, tearing his lips away from hers. "Bella, are you alright?"
Bella blushed, embarrassed. She had to confess that she was lacking the energy it took to dominate him. She did not want to stop, but she needed help. She was weak…
"I'm sorry." She said, bowing her head a little. "Can you…can you do it? I don't think I'm ready."
"Of course, love." Edward gently rolled her onto her back, hovering above her. He took her more gently this time, entering her swiftly in one long stroke. Edward's chest rubbed against Bella's breasts, heightening his pleasure.
"Does this feel good, love?" He asked through clenched teeth, grinding into her in careful, exact thrusts.
Bella barely heard him, as lost as she was with him inside of her. "Y-yes. Go faster, Edward, please go faster. I can take it. I want you."
He obeyed, knowing how hard it would be to stop once he got going, but he wasn't going to deny her. Edward pulled back for another approach, pounding into Bella's tight heat faster and harder. Bella dug her fingers into his back. He was slick with sweat. She moved her hands down, gripping his buttocks.
"Bella…oh." He went faster, driving Bella quickly to her release and bringing him with her. He wanted to last longer, but it was a futile effort. As soon as she started coming undone, so did he, crying out her name loudly and pressing his body as close to hers as physically possible.
Edward collapsed on top of her, and Bella welcomed the weight. She'd been missing it. They both panted, reveling in the afterglow.
"That was fucking hot." Emmett commented from the side of the bed.
Edward and Bella flinched. They'd forgotten that Emmett and Jasper were still in the room enjoying the show. Edward briefly pondered how odd it was that they liked watching each other make love to Bella. There was no jealousy or disgust. But there was certainly lust. He could see it plainly in their eyes and, if he looked down, in their boxers. He wasn't sure if Bella was ready for more. They might need to take it slower.
Edward detached himself from Bella reluctantly, lying on his back and pulling Bella to his chest.
"That was fantastic." He said, kissing her hair.
Bella couldn't agree more. "You really are spoiling me today. Two orgasms and it's not even eight o' clock."
She peered at the other two men in the room. They gazed at her longingly. Jasper was trying to think of other things, but she was right in front of him, naked and flushed with orgasm.
Bella motioned for them to come over, wondering why they were being so shy, especially Jasper. He usually jumped on her.
"Baby, you are so fucking sexy." Emmett growled, taking one of her breasts in his hand as he kissed her, slipping his tongue into her mouth.
The phone rang, startling them. Emmett ignored it, much too preoccupied with a naked Bella to care, and Jasper was joining in, running his hands up and down Bella's legs, unable to resist the temptation.
Edward groaned, unhappy at the interruption. He resigned himself to the fact that he was going to have to answer it, seeing as his brothers were determined to have their Bella-time as well. And he was right. As soon as he got off of the bed, Jasper took his place.
Edward picked up the phone, hoping it was nothing important.
It was his mom.
"Hello Edward."
"Hi mom." He sounded as cheerful as he could muster. It wasn't that he disliked talking to his mom, it was just an awkward moment. He was still sans clothing, after all, and he'd just experienced one of the most fanfuckingtastic orgasms of his life. His mom was not someone he wanted to chat with in this state.
"So, what's up?" He asked, praying she kept it short.
"I was actually hoping to talk to Bella."
Bella was currently underneath Emmett's hulking body. He and Jasper were now naked, and by the looks of it, Bella was ready for rounds two and three.
"Uh, it's not really a good time mom." Edward said.
"Oh, isn't Bella there?"
"She's busy."
There was a long pause on the phone, and then:
"Edward, should Bella be having sex in her condition? I don't think it's a good idea to put any strain on her. You should talk to your father."
Fuck! What is she, psychic?
Edward's face flamed. He did not want his mom to know he was having sex. Ugh.
"Mom!"
"Edward, there's nothing to be embarrassed about. I'm your mother, I know perfectly well that my sons are sexually active. I simply want to make sure that Bella isn't hurt because you three have urges. She's a small girl, and she's fragile. You need to be careful. I know you have needs, but you have to put her first."
Oh god. Now she was going on about their needs. This was Hell. It had to be. He was glad they were having this conversation on the phone and not in person. That would have been ten times worse.
Edward moved into the living room, far enough so that she wouldn't be able to hear the commotion coming from the bedroom.
He took a deep breath, wishing he had never picked up the phone.
"Mom, we're not forcing her or anything. And she's not that fragile. She's strong. Trust me." He blushed harder at his own admission. "I mean, she's coming along nicely, and she knows her own limits. And, by the way, we always put her first. We're not the only ones with needs."
Why me, God? Why me?
Esme sighed. "I know the four of you must all have urges, but you have to practice patience."
"Mom, we're grown men. We know how to be patient. We've been patient all our lives. Now can we please stop discussing this? It disturbs me that you're even thinking about our sex life."
"I'm just being conscientious. I'm a mother, I worry about all of my children. As long as she's fine with it and you're not being inconsiderate, then that's alright."
"Mom-"
"Sorry, sorry." Esme suppressed a chuckle. "I didn't call to talk about your bedroom activities. Actually, I was wondering if Bella would like to go Christmas shopping with me tomorrow."
Edward's eyebrows shot up. "Christmas shopping?" Oh yeah. It was only two weeks away. "I don't know. We can take her."
"Well will you ask her?"
No. "Sure."
Esme laughed. "Don't fuss, Edward. It'll only be for a few hours."
A few hours too long.
"Whatever. I'll ask her."
"Good. Have her call me later."
"Will do."
Alright, he conceded that he was being irrational, but he couldn't help it. He was looking forward to spending the whole weekend with her, and there was no reason they couldn't take her shopping. They'd bought almost all of their presents already, but she hadn't. He hoped she wouldn't want to go with his mom. He was selfish, he admitted, but he'd rather spend the morning in bed. Naked and warm.
He had a feeling it wouldn't go his way, though.
Esme picked Bella up bright and early on Sunday morning. She'd been thrilled when Bella called and told her that she'd come. Esme knew her sons were against the idea.
Bella had spent the better part of Saturday night convincing them that it was a good idea. They fought it for awhile, but in the end they couldn't win against Bella and their mother.
"I don't want to shop for you while you're there hovering." She explained.
"We won't hover." Emmett promised. "Come on. We'll take you, or we can go with you and mom. Please?"
"No."
"Love, you don't have to get anything for us." Edward said. "We don't expect you to. Just having you with us is a gift."
Bella wasn't having that. "Edward, this is the first Christmas I've been looking forward to since I was eight. I haven't ever actually bought a gift for anyone I care about. It's just for a few hours. You'll survive for that long."
"That's what you think." Emmett muttered.
"Just call us when you get there." Jasper insisted. "And when you're on your way home."
"Why?"
"Because I want to know that you're safe and I want to know where you are."At this point, Bella didn't even have to ask. She should have known what he would say, but somehow she didn't always expect it.
"You'll see me when I get home." She said. "I'm not calling unless it's important. Sheesh, it's not even that far away."
They pouted, clearly unhappy.
"You're a bunch of big babies. You know that?"
"Yeah, handsome, sexy babies." Emmett grinned.
"Emmett, ew." Bella laughed.
Jasper hugged her, deciding to back off. "Okay, just be safe, and if anything happens, call us. We'll be there in a second."
Bella nodded. She was sure they'd never stop worrying about her.
"Is it just me or this song a little creepy?"
"How so?"
"She's flirting with Santa! She's a gold-digging Santa-ho. I'm just saying." Bella said.
Esme laughed. The thought popped into Bella's head as she sat in the car with Esme listening to "Santa Baby". All the radio stations were playing holiday music. Bella had to admit that she was excited, and even some of the bad music added to it.
"I never thought of it like that. I suppose it is a bit wrong." Esme replied. "It's not a favorite, but now it has a whole new meaning."
"What about 'Baby, It's Cold Outside?'"
"Now, I like that song. You're not going to ruin that one for me, are you?" Esme gave Bella a fake-stern look.
"Not if you like it that much." Bella smirked.
"Alright, you win. What's wrong with it?" Esme asked.
"It's the Christmas rape song." Bella stated bluntly.
"What?"
"You know, 'Say, what's in this drink?' How he won't let her leave. What kind of gentleman doesn't lend a lady his coat and call her a cab? I mean if it's that cold outside and she wants to leave, then you'll do the right thing. Instead he pops something in her drink and starts singing at her."
"I'm never going to hear that song the same way again. Thank you, Bella." Esme switched off the radio as they pulled into the crowded mall parking lot.
Bella looked around in wonder. She never liked malls, and she certainly didn't go to them often. This one was foreign to her, though it wasn't very far from where they lived. To tell the truth, she was nervous about being around so many people. There were going to be a bunch of teenaged girls and boys and kids. She didn't know why, but the thought of it made her feel claustrophobic and out of place. She wasn't one of them.
"Bella, are you ready?" Esme had her keys in her hand and one foot outside of the car.
Bella pushed her worry to the back of her mind. "Yes, let's go. Thanks for taking me with you, Esme."
"It's my pleasure, honey." Esme wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulders. "Now, who should we buy for first?"
The mall was packed, just as expected. She was kind of hoping that they were going somewhere less public. Esme knew all of the stores, though, which made it easier. Bella was lost when it came to buying gifts. She had no clue what to get.
Let's see, Emmett loves to laugh.
Edward loves music.
Jasper loves history.
It shouldn't be that hard. Shouldn't being the keyword. Bella had been embarrassed to ask for money, but Edward gladly gave her a fat wad of cash. He told her not to spend too much on them because "you're all we need." In fact, he told her to buy herself something, or several things. She had no plans to. No, she was going to get what she came for and leave.
Emmett was the easiest to buy for. It took her mere minutes to find the perfect gift. Edward was harder. He already had an extensive music collection and more than enough books. And Jasper was the most difficult. What do you get a history buff?
It took three and a half hours for her and Esme to get everything. Bella was happy with her purchases. Hopefully the boys would like everything.
"Are you having fun?" Esme asked.
Fun? Eh. "Yes. Should we get something to drink? I'm thirsty." Bella didn't want to let on that she was uncomfortable. It was better than she thought it would be, but she still wanted to leave.
Esme agreed, heading towards a newsstand nearby. "Soda? Water?" She asked Bella.
"Just water." Bella flipped through one of the magazines, hastily putting it back when she realized it had naked women in it.
Oops.
Luckily, Esme didn't notice. She was too busy buying drinks.
Bella was about to join her when the local newspaper caught her attention.
Doctor of Death Charged With Murder and Rape in Forks, Set To Stand Trial
Bella paled. Her father's picture was on the cover, and he was the major headline. It was hardly shocking. It was a big deal, especially in a place like Forks. She was thankful her picture wasn't on display. It would be soon enough when the trial began and she had to testify. Right now everyone was in shock at hearing that a local doctor was accused of murdering numerous people, raping his daughter and keeping her in a basement. Not all of the details had emerged, and Bella's name was kept private for the time being. In a few months, she probably wouldn't be able to walk the mall without people knowing that she was the girl who had been raped by her father; that she was the Doctor of Death's offspring. She tried to laugh at the title. She supposed all of these nasty people had nicknames in the papers. She couldn't laugh, though. Her own personal horror story was now selling newspapers around the country. It was public knowledge. All of her secrets would be secrets no more.
Bella held back tears, averting her eyes. Esme was at her side a moment later, looping her arm through hers.
"What's the matter?" Esme noticed the tears in her eyes.
Bella shook her head. "Nothing."
Esme frowned, but then she saw the newspaper. She gasped. "Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. We shouldn't have come in here." She pulled her out of the store, placing a protective arm around Bella's shoulders as if everyone else around was privy to Bella's secret. They quickly made it to the car and headed home.
"Esme, it's alright." Bella assured her. She was grave as she drove, her lips pursed and her face pallid. Guilt weighed heavily on her.
"I knew it would be in the news, I just kind of put it out of my mind. That's all. It's not a big deal."
"It is a big deal. You shouldn't have to see that." Esme insisted.
"I have to see it sometime." Bella said. "I'm a big girl. I can handle it. It just may take awhile for me to not be so…effected by it."
Esme sniffed, putting her hand on Bella's leg for a second. "You're very brave, Bella. Please remember that you're allowed to get upset over this. There might be a time when you feel the need to scream your head off or cry uncontrollably. It's normal, necessary even. Don't hold it in. Okay?"
"Okay." Bella promised. It was peculiar, but in that instant she could see Edward, Jasper, and Emmett in Esme; she could see the similarities. They were definitely their mother's sons.
Bella was set on pretending that nothing had happened when she got home. They didn't need to know. The boys were at the door waiting for her, and they rushed outside when Esme pulled up, opening Bella's car door and smothering her in their arms.
"Thanks for getting her back to us in one piece, mom." Edward said, kissing Bella on the lips.
Esme crosses her arms over her chest. "I wouldn't dare do otherwise."
Bella grabbed her bags out of the trunk, slapping Emmett away when he attempted to sneak a peek.
"Not until Christmas." She wagged her finger at him.
Emmett stuck out his lower lip. "Fine, but you can't see what I got you until Christmas, either."
"That's the idea."
"No, the idea is to find your gifts early and then act like you have no idea what you're getting. Trust me, it comes in handy. Grandma made me a fuck-ugly sweater one year, and if I hadn't seen it beforehand, she would have known that I hated it."
"Em, if you hate what I got you then I'll take it back. I don't want you to pretend to like it."
"Oh no, I'll love whatever you get me." He tucked her under his arm, hustling her into the house.
"So there's really no reason to see what I got you, is there?" Bella pointed out.
Emmett's shoulders slumped. "I guess not. Damn."
Bella giggled. "Come on my giant lover. Cheer up. Do you want to watch a bad movie tonight?"
"Sure. How about Cannibal: The Musical?"
Bella cringed at the title. "Um…okay."
"We don't have to watch it. We could, you know, watch something else, or I could eat your pussy out." He waggled his eyebrows.
Bella would have said yes, but she was still sore from yesterday.
"A movie sounds good. Maybe something less…disgusting?"
"Whatever you want."
Jasper and Edward appeared serious when they came back into the house. Bella was immediately on alert. She was afraid to ask.
"Is mom gone?" Emmett asked, popping a chip into his mouth.
"Yup." Jasper replied. He sat down on the sofa next to Bella. "How did it go?"
Bella swallowed, determined to lie, lie, lie. "It was great. It's been a long time since I was in a mall."
"Bella…" Jasper used that tone of voice, the tone that indicated he knew that she was holding back. Fuck. Did Esme have to tell them?
But she kept on. "What? It was great."
"Bella, mom told us." Edward said.
"Told you what?" Emmett was confused.
Bella fumbled with her hands in her lap, refusing to look at any of them. Since she wasn't going to say anything, Jasper did.
"It's in the papers." He said. "James…Bella saw it in the mall."
"It's not a big deal. Please don't make it out to be one." Bella begged. She wasn't in the mood to talk about him, or to think about him. She was content to forget him for awhile, if only she was allowed to.
A hand began rubbing Bella's back. Jasper relented. "Fine, I'll let it go. But if you need to talk…"
"I know."
Jasper, Emmett, and Edward shared worried glances, but they decided to let Bella have her way.
"So, you're looking forward to Christmas?" Emmett realized that it was a dumb question. Bella had let them know several times how excited she was, but he was desperate to change the subject. Bella smiled at him gratefully.
"Yeah."
"Curious to know what we got you?" Emmett teased.
"Dying of curiosity." Bella joked.
"You'll be surprised."
"I can't imagine what you got me, so it will be a surprise." Bella didn't know what he was getting at.
Emmett looked as if he was bursting to tell her. "You won't be expecting it."
"I can't wait." Well now she was curious.
The next couple if weeks went by slowly. Bella stayed home for a couple of days, and stayed with Esme the rest while the boys worked.
Emmett was the most well-adjusted when they came back to school. Part of him had missed teaching. He even got a slight thrill out of grading papers. The students were happy to have him back, too. They thought it was cool that he got shot. They asked him for details everyday, but Emmett refused to tell.
Jasper was still as intimidating as ever, but that didn't stop the girls from ogling. The same went for Edward, who found himself once again hiding in the men's bathroom. Jane and Violet had welcomed them back with open arms…which they stubbornly backed away from.
All in all, they were happy.
But they were still more than eager when Christmas break began.
"Bella."
She felt a warm hand on her arm.
"Bella." The voice continued in a low hiss. "Wake up."
Bella groaned. "Why?"
"Because it's Christmas and I want to open presents."
A set of lips kissed their way up Bella's arm, to the junction between her shoulder and neck. She opened her eyes to find Emmett before her. It was dark outside, she noted.
"What time is it?" She whispered, groggy.
"Five."
Bella's eyes bugged out. "Too early. I'm going back to sleep." She plopped back down on the bed.
"Bella, it's eight. Time to get up."
Bella finally woke up, the light coming at her through the curtain. Emmett was on his knees next to her wearing a Santa hat and sleigh-bell boxers. Edward and Jasper were nowhere in sight.
"Merry Christmas." Emmett sang. "Ready to open presents?"
Bella rubbed her eyes, yawning. "Uh-huh. Where are Jasper and Edward?"
"In the kitchen making breakfast. Shall I take you to them?"
"What?" Bella understood what he meant when he suddenly picked her up off the bed and carried her out.
"Emmett!" Bella playfully slapped his back, laughing, and kissed his cheek. "Merry Christmas."
"Oh, but isn't it?" Emmett brought her into the kitchen and sat her down on his lap.
"Good morning, love." Edward greeted her, standing at the stove.
"Merry Christmas, darling." Jasper winked at her. "This is almost done." He motioned to the food. "Should we eat in here or the living room?"
"Living room." Bella said. "Are we doing presents after?"
"Yup."
"Oh!" Bella jumped off of Emmett's lap and raced out of the room. They heard a door open and close in the hallway.
"What is she doing?" Emmett wondered aloud.
A minute later Bella emerged, flying past the kitchen on her way to the living room, a bundle of presents in her arms. She stacked them neatly on the floor by the tree.
"Right, all done." She dashed back in, settling back on Emmett's lap.
"You move fast when you want to." Edward commented. "It's like you were on speed."
"No, I'm just excited." Bella chirped.
Jasper and Edward finished making breakfast a minute later.
"Ready? Em, you get the silverware." Jasper instructed as they moved out of the kitchen. They placed everything on the coffee table and huddled together on the floor.
Bella peered at their surroundings, feeling that something was off. "We're missing something."
"What? Did I forget the napkins?" Emmett asked.
"No…" She grabbed Jasper by the hand abruptly. "Come with me!"
Jasper followed helplessly along as she dragged him. He watched her, amused. "What has gotten into you? You're really into the holidays, aren't you?" That made him happy. Bella was positively glowing. It was the best holiday he'd had yet, and it wasn't even noon.
Bella burst into their bedroom and began yanking the comforter off of the bed.
"Bella, what are you doing?"
"I was thinking that we should make it cozier." She explained. "Can you get the pillows?"
Jasper obliged, rather liking the idea.
Soon they were all sitting on the living room floor by the tree, wrapped in their blankets and pillows and eating breakfast.
"Best Christmas ever." Emmett declared. He nudged Bella. "Hey, you realize this is our first Christmas together? This is monumental."
It meant a lot to him, more than he could say. He may act silly and childish at times, but he was honestly just a happy man who had all he wanted in life. He remembered feeling lonely last Christmas, despite being with his family. He didn't think that he would ever get to share these things with anyone except his brothers and parents. He didn't imagine they'd ever be this happy, this lucky.
"I'm so happy I get to spend it with you guys." Bella leaned her head on his shoulder. If she wasn't careful, she was going to start thinking about where she was the year before. The change was phenomenal. Her life was completely different. She was different.
"So, ready to open presents?" She was both nervous and excited for this part. She hoped they liked what she got them. She might be rubbish at this, though.
"So ready." Emmett said.
He carefully tore open his presents, happy with each one. Bella bit her lip, watching him anxiously when he got to hers. His face revealed nothing.
"FML." Emmett opened the book and started reading. He startled everyone when he burst out laughing a few seconds later. "Oh shit. This is hilarious."
Bella had gotten him the FML book. Apparently, he loved it.
Thank god!
Next was Jasper. She had been absolutely lost when she shopped for him. In the end she had found a movie that she thought he might enjoy.
"If you don't like it, I can take it back." She told him. Jasper responded by saying how ludicrous that was. Of course he liked it. It was a film called The Dish.
"Hmm, this sounds interesting, Bella. Thank you." He said, giving her a hug.
Edward was easier. It wasn't terribly thrilling, but he could use it, right? She had bought him a stack of blank sheet music and a movie called Vitus.
"I'm going to use this paper to write songs about you." Edward warned her.
Bella blushed.
But she turned absolutely crimson when she opened her presents.
She gaped when she saw what Emmett had gotten her.
A vibrator.
"We're going to have a lot of fun with that later." Emmett promised, squeezing her inner thigh for emphasis. Bella couldn't deny that she loved it. She'd never used a vibrator. Just the thought of using it was making her wet.
Jasper's was a bit more innocent. He bought her a diary and a book of poetry.
"Now you have a place where you can put all of your thoughts down, especially when you don't want to talk." He shrugged, feigning nonchalance.
"Jasper, that's so sweet." Bella said, sincere. He'd put earnest thought into it. Even Emmett with his vibrator had put thought into it. She was equally touched and turned on.
Edward's was, without a doubt, one of the most unexpected. In front of her were six different movie versions of Wuthering Heights.
"You said it was your favorite book." He explained. "And I wasn't sure which one to get, so I got them all."
"Wow."
"Do you like it?"
"I love it. I've only seen one of these." Bella examined each one carefully. She failed to see Edward breathe a sigh of relief next to her. Truth was, they were all nervous.
Emmett interrupted her. "So, when you do wanna test out your Christmas vibrator?"
Bella quirked an eyebrow.
There was no time like the present, after all.
They arrived at their parent's for dinner at six. They were afraid that their afternoon activities were written all over their faces. Needless to say, they had given the vibrator a whirl…and, yeah, it worked.
Great.
It seemed Esme was always able to tell when they'd had sex. It might have been the pink tints on their cheeks, or the slightly smug look on Emmett's face, but she knew. They all pretended that she didn't, though.
"Merry Christmas!" She gave each one a brief hug. "Come in, get out of the cold."
"Where's dad?" Edward asked, Carlisle's absence being very obvious.
"Oh, he's upstairs." Esme strode into the dining room. "He's wrapping last-minute gifts."
"Can I help with anything, mom?" Jasper followed her into the kitchen.
Esme waved him off. "No, no. Everything's cooking. Dinner will be done in about half an hour. Just sit down and make yourselves comfortable." She started setting the table, refusing any help.
Jasper took Bella into the family room and sat down in front of the fire. Emmett and Edward got drinks from the kitchen.
"Having a good day so far?" Jasper hugged her close to his side, wrapping his arms around her.
Oh, you know I am!
Bella was having the best day. It wasn't just because of the sex, either.
Jasper took her face in his hands, running his thumb across her cheek. "You make me so happy. Thank you for sharing this with us."
Bella closed her eyes, soaking in his touch. "Thanks for letting me be a part of your family."
"You're stuck with us." Jasper grinned.
"That's not a bad thing."
"So you don't regret anything do you? About us, I mean." Jasper searched her eyes for any hint of remorse, but Bella couldn't imagine regretting what they had. It had started off rocky, to put it mildly, but being loved by them was the best thing that had ever happened to her. She couldn't wait to see where life went from there.
With them.
"No, Jasper, I don't regret us. I love us." Jasper almost seemed shocked by her statement, but she had told him before, hadn't she? She loved him like she never thought she was capable of loving anyone. She loved Edward and Emmett the same way. Life was close to perfect.
"I love us, too." Jasper touched her cheek tenderly with the back of his hand.
Emmett and Edward came back then, taking up the rest of the couch.
"Whatchya talking about?" Emmett asked, handing Bella and Jasper their drinks.
"Oh you know, this and that." Jasper replied, not taking his eyes off of Bella.
"Dinner's ready!" Esme shouted from the kitchen.
"Ready?" Jasper stood, offering Bella his hand.
"Always." Bella said, grasping his hand and stealing one of Emmett's while she was at it.
This was going to be the first Christmas dinner of many. Bella just knew it. She had a family now, and like hell she was letting them go. This was the way it was supposed to be. Before she had been lost, hopeless, and her life had almost ended. Now she had purpose, she was alive because of them, for them. She had a future with these men.
And it was only just beginning.
But as she looked upon the family that had taken her in and cared for her, she wondered, for just a moment, how she got so lucky.
And she sensed (because she knew better) that she would have to fight for them. Eventually, something, someone, would try to rip them apart. But Bella ignored it for the time being. She was simply going to sit down for Christmas dinner and enjoy being with them.
A/N So there's the last chapter! Please leave a review! And thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited, and alerted. I wouldn't have written this story if you weren't supporting it.