AN: It is 2020 here in Norway and is about 2 AM, but I wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible. 2019 has been a year with many ups and downs, but a major highlight of the year is my reintroduction to Twilight Fandom. I have gotten so many new friends and support and I truly hope to just continue on this path and see where it takes me. Thank you for your amazing reviews and feedback!
Happy New Year to ALL!
A Visit to The Den
Walking back to our table, I feel my nerves begin to grow again. Rose is blunt and has proven that she has very strong opinions with regard to her brother's future and I can't help but wonder how many more share her view. Knowing it won't be long before Edward and the other guys show up, I find myself second guessing everything. Was starting something with Edward a good idea? Could I stop whatever it is between us if I really tried? Would my wolf let me distance myself from him if I ever tried? She was pretty clear about her feelings for him and would certainly give me hell. Our wolves mating had definitely complicated things, I just didn't know exactly how that was affecting our connection as humans. Then my questions started to go more in the lines of: how I should act when he arrives? What should I say? ARG!
Inside, I feel like this insecure fifteen year old whose only wish is to fit in, but who has no idea just how to even begin to accomplish that. My relationship with Edward has drastically changed in such a short amount of time that I haven't had time to even wrap my head around it. Now with everything Rosalie has revealed… I feel like I've been thrown into the deep end and I'm drowning. Leah's words were reassuring and have acted like a life vest, but now it's almost as if said life vest is slowly deflating.
Lost in thought, I almost walk directly into a tall male form who is suddenly blocking my path. When I raise my eyes from the floor to apologize, I am greeted by a pair of familiar and kind brown eyes.
"Riley!" I exclaim as I am pulled into a hug that perhaps lingers a little longer than necessary.
I haven't had time to prepare my wolf and it doesn't take her long to show her disapproval. She really doesn't like it when Riley touches me. When he finally releases his hold I quickly distance myself by taking a large step back. As I do, I see Benjamin who quickly leans forward to greet me with a light kiss on the cheek before moving away respectfully. I smile.
Behind Riley and Benjamin's backs, I can see Leah who has just noticed that I've become detained. She quickly sends me a look to see if I want her to join me and I shake my head, showing that she is free to go back Alice and Rosalie. She nods, albeit reluctantly, but then moves in the direction of our table.
The men are both smiling widely in my direction, each cradling a new beer in their hands. It looks like they've just arrived and I take a moment to regard them. They've both cleaned up nicely and I can see that they have already garnered the attention of several females nearby. I turn my attention to Riley, glad to see that he is alert and on his feet. He still looks a little worse for wear, but he's in much better shape than he was when I left Aro's place.
"Glad to see you back on your feet and among the land of the living," Benjamin says with a wink and I feel my cheeks heat a little with embarrassment. I know the training session didn't go exactly to plan and I know I need to call Aro and reassure him that I'm feeling better.
"I could say the same about you, Riley. How are you?" I carefully evade the question by turning it in his direction.
Both Riley and Benjamin chuckle and I can see a pink splash of color rise on Riley's cheeks.
"I'm fine," Riley answers reassuringly. "When I got home I had a good, long nap and was back to my old self in no time."
Both he and Benjamin take a sip of their beers.
"I'm glad," I begin, feeling bad about what happened during the session.
"Riley, I'm really sorry you got caught up in -."
Riley interrupts my apology by placing a comforting hand on my shoulder. My wolf tries to snap at him, but I quickly push her back. My shoulders grow tense under his hold, but it doesn't seem like he notices. Riley shakes his head and smiles softly.
"Bella, you have nothing to feel sorry about. None of what happened during the training session was your fault," he continues seriously.
"You took us all by surprise, I don't think even Aro expected you to do so well. Your power and natural abilities are incredible," Benjamin interjects with a look of honest admiration on his face.
Riley moves his hand from my shoulder and trails his fingers down my bare arm before enveloping my hand in his. His touch feels way too intimate and there is a part of me that wants to rip my hand from his, but I don't want to appear rude. I can feel how much my wolf hates this, but I fight her. Riley hasn't been anything but nice to me, but I know I desperately need to be honest and inform him that I'm not interested in him romantically. I just don't feel like this is the right time or place, especially considering Benjamin's presence. Riley's eyes are serious and there is a look of deep concern and worry on his face.
"Bella, you really scare-."
Suddenly, my wolf jumps to attention within me and the hairs on the back of my neck rise as my entire body tingles with awareness. Edward is nearby, I can feel it. Without thought, my eyes begin to drift around the room, searching for him. A light shudder visibly rolls through my body and a strong craving builds in my stomach. I need him by my side. NOW! The doubts I had about my feelings for him and my ideas for ignoring whatever this is drawing us together have become completely obliterated from my mind. All I can focus on is this intense longing that only he can fill.
When a towering form steps forward from behind me and stops directly by my side all of my growing anxiety is replaced by a wave of sensual heat and anticipation. He's standing so close that we're almost touching, and my wolf is jumping for joy because she is thrilled to have him this close. A surprisingly large part of me desperately wants to touch him and feel his skin against mine. Suddenly, my attention is drawn to the hand that is still encased in Riley's. Excruciating pain begins to spread and it feels like my hand is caught in a blazing fire. Quickly, I wrench it from his hold and cradle my injured hand against my chest. The pain immediately vanishes and when I glance down to search for visible damage, there is none. I exhale shakily in shock.
Without thought I seek comfort from the man by my side and turn my body towards his. Our bodies still don't touch, but can feel every inch of me hum with satisfaction by simply being so close to him. My eyes drift upwards as they run across Edward's strong form and the strangest feeling expands within me. It's as though a missing piece deep within me has finally clicked into place and I feel oddly complete now that he is by my side. He looks incredible, dressed in a grey knit-shirt, dark jeans and black leather jacket. Within me, my wolf makes a sound of true satisfaction.
I'm so caught up in my reaction to Edward that it takes me a second to realize that Jake has also appeared, taking a protective stance at my left. After a while, I'm finally able to draw my eyes from Edward and focus my gaze on Jake. I am shocked to see that my usually smiling and lighthearted cousin is now shooting deadly and menacing glares in Riley and Benjamin's direction. Surprised, I trail my eyes over Edward's face as well and see a similar look of pure disdain radiate from him. Riley and Benjamin have also broadened their stances and are meeting Edward and Jake's gazes with alarmingly vicious glares of their own. The tension between the men is palpable and both teams of two seem ready and willing to throw the first punch at any moment. My mouth drops in shock and before anyone can react, I make an impulsive decision to step away from Edward and move to stand protectively in front of Riley and Benjamin, facing Edward and Jake's hateful glares head on. Everything in me revolts against my decision and I can feel each limb struggle to stay in place. My wolf roars her disagreement. She doesn't understand my decision and believes wholeheartedly that I should stand with her Packmates against our mutual threat. Not the other way around.
"Gentlemen," I greet Edward and Jake, forcing my voice to be as soft and calm as I can.
I know need to defuse this situation, but I can see that my actions have taken my Pack members by surprise. A hint of betrayal shoots across Edward's face before he quickly masks it by his familiar icy cold look of indifference.
"Riley. Benjamin," he pauses, running his impassive green eyes over my face before continuing. The way Edward carefully enunciates each name with a cool and almost lifeless tone of voice, causes a chill to run down my spine.
"Isabella."
I have to concentrate on not revealing the strong sense of discomfort and unease I feel when I hear him address me by my full name. My stomach drops and I feel hurt and confused by his change of attitude towards me and I find myself second guessing everything again. Is this the way Edward is always going to treat me in public, as if I don't mean anything to him? Or are his actions simply provoked by this underlying hatred between the Pack and Coven? My heart breaks when I begin to wonder if that sweet and affectionate man from this morning and afternoon will only show his face in private. Or when I do his bidding? My eyes burn and I quickly cast my eyes downwards so that no one will see my reaction.
"Edward. Jacob. You both look well. We were just telling Bella what a magnificent job she did with her magic today," Benjamin steps forward, taking a protective stance behind me. His tone of voice is light without a hint of strain and I can feel that he is trying his best to defuse the situation.
Edward's jaw clenches and I can see anger simmering in his eyes. Low growls rise between us and I'm surprised when I realize that they are coming from Jake's mouth.
"Yeah, succeeding in almost killing herself," Jake's harsh accusation causes an immediate objection to rise at my lips.
"Jake-," I begin before Riley cuts me off.
"She was completely safe."
Jake takes an intimidating step forward, but is quickly stopped when Edward simply raises his hand. Edward turns his attention to Riley and raises his eye brow in question and Riley appears to grow pale.
"I'll be the judge of that, Riley," Edward finally says in a voice that brokers no disagreement.
The men continue to shoot glares at one another, but soon Edward changes his tone and reaches out his hand in my direction.
"Yes, well, as you know we're celebrating my sister's birthday and she's been asking for Bella."
The look Edward now sends me is softer and I can see how he has pushed away his cold and indifferent demeanor to provide me a small glimpse of his true emotions. My heart warms and I can see that he's asking me to return to the Pack, to my family and friends. Glancing quickly at Jake to make sure that the crisis is averted, I see that he too has relaxed his stance and the hard look in his eyes is slowly receding. I reach forwards and allow Edward to encase my hand with his own. The moment our skin touches, I feel a shock of electricity flow all the way down to my toes. Our eyes lock and I feel my body float towards him, completely under his spell. His eyes are a dark, dark green, a color I've only seen in the deep forest; suddenly I see a glimpse of his wolf. Immediately, I feel how my wolf rises to the surface and my body is wracked by an animalistic need to mate, not as a human, but as a wolf. My entire body shudders with the force of my wolf's strong demand and I'm just barely able to keep her at bay.
"Of course."
I am pulled back to reality by Riley's somewhat sarcastic agreement. With a racing heart, I continue to fight my wolf back into submission and feel my mouth run dry. Benjamin steps forward and places a hand on Riley's shoulder, almost as if he's holding him back.
"We will see you later, Bella. Save us both a dance, hmm?" Benjamin says in farewell and I can hear the unspoken reminder. Return to your Pack, but remember that you belong to the Coven as well.
I can feel Edward's fingers tense around my hand and I can feel a slight tremble as he pulls me away from Benjamin and Riley. I follow him blindly, fighting to calm the almost consuming emotions inside of me. It takes me a moment to realize that Edward isn't leading me directly back to our table, but to a dark hallway to our left. Filled with purpose, he yanks open a door and pushes me into a pitch black room before slamming the door shut. I don't have time to even react before his hot mouth envelopes mine and my back is pressed against a hard wall as his body covers mine. All I can do is surrender to his will, and what a beautiful surrender it is.
Our tongues move together in a desperate dance of lust and longing. Each time we pull back to draw a breath, the other whimpers their annoyance and quickly intensifies their movements. We are both breathing hard, but all that matters is that we stay connected. I quickly bury my hands in his hair, clenching my fingers deep in his soft tresses as I pull myself closer. Scrambling to even out our difference in height so that we can deepen our connection, I wrap my thighs around Edward's waist and lift myself off the floor. I can feel him grunt against my lips before we both moan out in pure satisfaction when our bodies come even closer. Everything in me is humming in approval and I can feel my wolf urge me on. My short skirt has bunched up just below my ass and suddenly his deliciously hard column finds that incredible sweet spot between my legs. We both begin to move against one another and the small room immediately fills with our loud moans. I can feel how wet I am through my lace panties and the feeling of him right where I want him is electrifying. Suddenly, I'm overcome by the intense need to touch him, to feel him without the rough material of his jeans. Powered by this reaction, I reach down and quickly unbutton his jeans and pull down his zipper, pushing my hand between us to touch his erection.
My action causes Edward to spring into action, because suddenly my hand is pinned against the wall behind me by a strong hand around my wrist and his lips leave mine with a distressed grunt. We are both gasping for breath and, although I can't see much in the darkness, I see that his eyes are closed in deep concentration and what looks to be agonizing pain. My heart is racing in my chest and I can feel my eyelids blink repeatedly in concentration as I try to cool my burning body. This is getting out of hand, we are in a public place for God's sake. I can feel my cheeks heat in embarrassment. Did anyone see us disappear into this room? My stomach sinks. Jake. He must have seen us.
I'm momentarily distracted when Edward's eyes open and lock on mine. My entire body trembles as I feel the power of his Beta rise as his eyes blaze into mine.
"You are mine," he commands between clenched teeth.
His words causes a deep struggle to build within me. The wolf part of me recognizes his superiority, accepting his dominating claim while feeling a deep sense of satisfaction and pleasure. The witch, and human part of me, disagrees wholeheartedly.
I tighten my jaw and try to focus, knowing that I need to express myself well, so that there is no misunderstanding.
"No, Edward, I'm not yours," I begin and wince at my wolf's howl of disagreement.
Edward's wolf flares in his eyes and I can see his lips turn upwards as he bares his teeth and I know I need to act quickly. I begin to massage his scalp in slow, but controlled movements with my hand that is still wrapped in his soft locks. I also lean forward, caressing my nose against his to show my affection. I can feel that there is still tension in his body, but when our eyes meet again it's to the human and not the wolf.
"Just as no other person can belong to anyone else."
He exhales deeply and I can see that he understands where I am going with this because his shoulders drop and his grip on my wrist disappears. Slowly, I lift that hand to touch his face and he closes his eyes in surrender to my logic. I can see that he is struggling with something.
"Don't try to take away my free will, Edward," I plead in a soft whisper and I feel his jaw clench beneath my fingers.
A sharp breath flows from his nose before his eyes trail over each detail of my face. His warm and large hand moves to cup my cheek before he leans forward and drags his lips very gently against mine in the softest and sweetest kiss I've ever experienced in my life. Very carefully, Edward moves us away from the wall and guides my feet back to the floor. He doesn't let go of me, however, keeping me wrapped safely in a comforting embrace.
"I'm sorry," he whispers, placing a soft kiss on the top of my head.
I sigh, tightening my arms around his waist.
"When I saw you with them-," he trails off. I keep my arms locked around him, but tilt my head back to meet his gaze.
"They are my friends, Edward, members of my Coven," I begin, but pause when I see how his eyebrows pinch and how his lips immediately tighten. This discussion isn't over. I inhale deeply, willing myself to calm down.
"How about we simply agree to disagree on this for now? We need to get back out there. Alice or Leah will probably be sending out a search party soon."
Edward draws a finger across my cheek and down my jaw, an unreadable expression on his face. I'm reminded of what Rose told me and decide to ask him about it while we are still alone.
"Rosalie told me about what a relationship between us could mean for your status as Beta," I say carefully, studying his face for any reaction. He purses his lips slightly and his finger freezes on my skin, but his expression is otherwise unreadable. The silence between us grows until it is almost unbearable. Very slowly he leans forward and lightly draws his nose against mine and I close my eyes, enjoying his touch as a sense of relief flows through me. He isn't angry at me for asking.
"It's an unnecessary worry," he whispers and I can feel his breath on my skin, but I feel a flare of annoyance grow within me at his vague answer. Opening my eyes, I quickly reveal some of my fears.
"Don't you think I had the right to know? I don't want you to get hurt, Edward and if a relationship with me will do that-," I trail off, unable to continue. He pulls me to him again and hugs me close. His touch is comforting and I can feel my fears begin to fade.
"We don't even know if we will imprint and either way, it's not up to us. An imprint can't be fought," he says softly, running his hands up and down my back.
"But, it's probably best if we keep this to ourselves until you turn 21." His voice is audibly reluctant and I can hear that this isn't something he particularly wants.
"So, none of this," I respond, tightening my hold on him and he does the same. He leans his head against the top of mine and simply holds me close.
"At least not in front of anyone?" I ask, wondering if his wolf, and perhaps Edward himself, will continue to visit in private.
"For now," he answers softly.
"For now," I repeat.
We both know that time is running against us, but we keep our arms wrapped around one another for as long as we can. A thought occurs and I tilt my head back to question him.
"What about Jacob?" I ask.
Edward sighs and confirms my train of thought. Jake saw us disappear into this small room, he knows something is up.
"Let me worry about Jacob," Edward says and I can't help but raise my eyebrow in question.
"He won't say anything," he promises and I can feel that it is an honest answer.
"OK," I concede, leaning my cheek against his chest again, breathing his scent deeply.
"You ready?" he asks gruffly and I nod reluctantly releasing my hold.
He begins to pull back as well, but then a look of pure determination passes across his features and a strong hand holds my head steady as he leaves a hard kiss full of promise on my lips. My eyes stay closed for a moment longer as I try to etch this moment into my memory when he pulls back.
"Just a little something to hold you over," he says with a mischievous smile when I finally open my eyes.
"Hopefully not for very long," I say, my voice surprisingly sultry and I can see heat shine through his eyes. He chuckles in response, but nods in affirmation.
We both take a few moments to get ready. I brush my hair back from my face and pull my dress down a little while he quickly buttons his pants and runs a quick hand through his tousled hair. When we are both ready, he lightly runs his fingers down my cheek and sighs.
"We need to go."
I nod and he opens the door. Luckily the light isn't blinding since the lights in the nightclub are slightly dimmed, but I still have to squint my eyes a little before I become accustomed to the lighting. Jake is the first thing I see. Apparently he's been standing guard. His muscular arms look enormous as they are crossed at the front of his chest. For the second time in one night I am met by a very different side of my cousin. His eyes are locked on Edward's and I can see a threatening and ferocious gleam in them. Edward steps in front of me and pushes me behind him, protecting me with his body. The two men appear to be having a silent discussion, and it doesn't take Jake long to relax his stance and submit to his Beta. I can see that he isn't happy about it, though.
"You all right, Cuz?" he asks with something that almost sounds like a dare in his voice.
I move to Edward's side so that Jake can see me. Edward automatically grabs my hand in his to hold me back and keep me to him. Jake's eyes narrow and I realize that I have to calm him down.
"I'm perfect, Jake, please don't worry," I beg, trying to reassure him.
Jake clenches his jaw before pointing a finger at Edward.
"You hurt her and I will challenge you. No matter the cost."
His promise is deadly.
"If that happens, I'll let you," Edward replies an equally eerie promise in his voice. I release my hand from Edward's and step towards Jacob.
"No one knows. Promise you won't say anything," I ask, knowing that it is a lot to ask. I can see the struggle on his face, but he reluctantly complies.
"Thank you."
He doesn't answer, but gently places my hand in the crook of his arm and guides me to our table. Edward is following a few steps behind. When we arrive, Leah is the only one who isn't locked in an intimate embrace and she looks greatly relieved to see us. Emmett and Rose quickly stop as we begin to find our seats, but Jasper and Alice seem lost to the world. It's as if they haven't seen each other in months and they are plastered against one another in a way that is highly inappropriate in any other setting than in the privacy of one's bedroom. Jake sends the couple a look of disgust and quickly allows me to jump into the booth next to Leah. Edward has moved up behind Jasper and I can see that he is holding a large glass of ice water. Before any of us can say anything, Edward tips the glass over Jasper's head and the lip-locked couple quickly untangle themselves and sputter out in shock. The rest of the table roars out in laughter.
"Down boy," Emmett commands, holding Jasper in place as he jumps from his seat to find the culprit, arms swinging.
Rose is still laughing loudly, but gives her sister a napkin to dry her face. Most of the water hit Jasper and I can see that Alice is quickly getting over the shock, a large, if somewhat embarrassed, smile spreading over her face.
Edward takes a seat on the chair next to my booth and Jake moves to the other side to sit next to his sister, directly across from Edward. I can see the subtle warning on Jake's face, but Edward quickly draws the table's attention to Jasper and Alice.
"Sorry, Jazz, but I am just not interested in seeing you and my sister play tonsil hockey all night. Try to take it down a few notches will you?" he feigns a shudder and grabs one of the many beers that are in the bucket at our table. Someone has ordered a wide variety of beverages so that we don't even need to go to the bar.
Jasper shoots Edward a glare, but it doesn't take long before a wide smile also spreads across his face. He grabs a napkin and quickly dries his face.
"Remind me of this when you finally imprint, Eddie-boy," he says with an unspoken promise of revenge, clinking his bottle of beer against Edward's. They both share a smile before starting up a teasing conversation. Beneath the table Edward's warm hand finds my knee and I smile.