A/N: Just a gentle little romance for Valentine's Day. Proving your soulmate can appear at any time. anywhere xx Alexis
Roses are red, violets are blue. Our romance is dead, and therefore, Screw You!
How could I be so blind, how could I be so stupidly naive? I gave up Edward for him, to be with him! Well, not really, I was giving him up anyway but hey, Jake didn't need to know that. Edward and I were going nowhere and he was never going to change me, so I called it quits and sent him packing. He might be happy being a sexless eunuch, by not me! So I chose Jake, I chose humanity. Thank god I never gave him what he really wanted, the never-ending bragging rights to him having taken my virginity! I always just held back, never letting things get too far. I said we had all the time in the world for that and no need to rush into anything too fast. Dad was so happy; he always wanted me to pick Jake! I bet he won't be happy now; maybe he'll shoot him instead? If he had imprinted, well I'd have understood that.
I was always a possibility, there in the back of my mind. But no he goes to a party the night before Valentine's Day and sleeps with..., I can't say it! Think slut, think dyed blonde slut! Yup, you got it in one, Lauren Mallory or Typhoid Mary, as the boys like to call her! Hell, even Paul wouldn't touch her with a ten-foot barge pole and he's not that fussy! I hope Jake gets the biggest case of crabs or something even worse from her! Talking of Paul, I intend to give him the pleasure of taking my virginity before I leave Forks forever. Only if he promises to replay it over and over in his mind whilst phased. I want Jake to see what could have been if he'd just kept it in his pants! If you're going to learn how to use it, it might as well be from the best and damn, Paul is hot as hell!
So between now and graduation, I'm going to have Paul teach me all I need to know about sex. I know he'll do it, anything to get one over on the Baby Alpha! He's not like the others, his mother wasn't from here and it shows. He's leaner, more refined than a normal Quileute and he knows how good he looks. In fact, he's more than a little vain about his body.
"Hey, kiddo! I thought you were going out with Jake today?" dad asked as he got home from work,
"Nope, he went to a party last night and slept with Lauren Mallory. I don't need an STI, so we're done!" I say as if it's no big deal,
Dad damn near chokes on his beer, which he just pulled from the fridge. He was all for going down to the Rez and kicking his butt. I told him to ignore it, that indifference would hurt more than belligerence. Why let him think he had any effect on me or Charlie for that matter. Jake likes being important, likes that he's the future Chief, so ignoring him will rankle way more. I have blocked his number on my cell and if he phones the house I'd just say I was too busy to talk. But he's not keeping me away from my friends; I'll still be visiting Emily. Hell, I'll still visit Uncle Billy, it's not his fault his son's a douche! So it was with a light heart I went with my dad to the hospital where they were having a Valentine's dance on the children's ward. I was more than happy to be some sick kid's date for the evening, someone way more deserving.
Lauren of course thought she'd have a go at school the next day! Ha-ha, the joke was on her.
"Don't get all high and mighty Mary! It's not like he offered you a second date, that's if you can call a quick fuck a first date!" I said nonplussed, but continued with to her my unexpected gratitude,
"But thanks anyway for showing me how shallow he was. You saved me from giving it up to a douche-bag!"
She as you would have guessed was not amused. But everyone else was, in fact, they were laughing at her and that was not the response she expected. She really reminds me of Edward Cullen, always having these conversations in their heads and never once considering what the other person would say in return! Nobody just goes along with everything you say, that's not normal. Anyway, school was quiet after that and I was planning to go down to the Rez and see Emily afterwards. I hoped I might run into Paul too. I need to get my plan in motion before I chicken out. I want to be comfortable in my own skin when I go to College. If anyone can make me feel relaxed and a hell of a lot less embarrassed about sex and sexuality, it's got to be Paul Lahote. So by the late afternoon, I was sitting in Emily's kitchen when this happened,
"Hey Bella, Didn't expect to see you here! Jake said you were holed up in your room, devastated from being dumped by him. What gives?" Jared asked and Kim thumped him in the side,
"No Kim, it's fine. He didn't dump me, I dumped him! He dipped it where no decent person would!" I said calmly,
"What? You mean, oh shit, at that party on the beach! That blonde tart, remember Jar? She was trying with everyone! Yuck! I can believe he did her of all people?" Embry said spitting out his drink,
"They call her Typhoid Mary at Forks High!" I added smiling,
"How did you know?" Kim asked now all agog,
"I was putting out all the lights and saw his Rabbit down the street; she lives nearby, just a couple of blocks down. Lauren got out laughing and then in full view of the street put her underwear back on. I'm naive Kim, but not stupid. So I dumped him first thing yesterday morning. Not such a happy Valentine's Day for him!" I say stirring a pot for Emily,
"Jesus, how stupid is he? She could be carrying god knows what. Bet the idiot didn't even wrap it!" Paul said coming through the door,
We chatted while the guys are watching the TV and everything was going well and relaxed until he showed up.
IGSHAWYB
"What's she doing here? She can't be here! She has no right being here!" Jake spat as he saw me in Emily's kitchen,
"I beg your pardon, Jacob Black? This is my house, I say who can and can't be here! If you don't like it then leave. In fact, get out of my house you bare-faced liar!" Emily roared coming out of the kitchen,
She was waving a large frying pan; I've never seen someone move so fast. Not him, her, she was bearing down on him totally enraged.
"I don't need to feed you; you have a home of your own! Next Chief my ass. You aren't fit to be Chief of anything! Get Out!" she yelled so loud the other's covered their ears,
Then she swiped the side of his head with her pan. It rang like a bell chiming and he looked slightly dazed as he staggers back outside. So cast iron actually hurts them, good to know!
"That child is no longer welcome in my home or at my table! Do you hear me, Sam Uley? Until he makes a public apology to us, in front of a full council for lying to his brothers and their imprints! He's not fit to lead anyone and you need to be looking into that, you're a damned elder!
We only have the Blacks word they are a direct line from Taha Aki because I think that it's bullshit! More like Utlapa, the way he behaves!" she ranted before returning to the kitchen,
The other's gasped and I guessed that was the greatest of insults. Being compared to the usurper from their legends.
"Damn!" was all Sam said,
Maybe more like growled before automatically adjusting himself and the guys all burst out laughing.
"Wow, you don't sit on the fence Emily. So the line of Chiefs isn't inherited then? I thought that was normal?" I ask and she shakes her head,
"Shifter tribes don't hold with the same laws normally. Even my tribe the Makah know this, it's in our legends. With them, it's the strongest shifter for Alpha and the smartest tribesman for Chief! That rules Jake out in both cases!" she sneers and I can see a few heads nodding,
"Okay then. Well better get going, could one of you ride with me to the line, just in case the douche wants to force his attentions on me! I haven't been saving myself to be assaulted by a creep!" I ask staring at Paul and he nods,
"I will. Sam, I'll start my patrol from there okay?" he said picking up my coat and bag,
We rode in silence until we had almost reached the boundary of La Push. I was going over in my head what I wanted to say when he just asked me,
"So Swan, what did you want from me that needed us to be alone?"
So I just laid it on the line for him. I wanted him to be my first and teach me how to use my body, how to enjoy my body in the future.
"Damn Swan, I thought for sure the leech would have tapped you! Can't they get it up?" he asked scornfully.
"Oh, everyone else but Edward could! He is the one and only, one hundred and odds vampire virgin. The damned fool is proud of the fact too!" I sniggered and he burst out laughing,
"I didn't give in to Jake, because I had a feeling that's all he wanted. So he could rub it in Edward's face if they ever came back. That's how pathetically childish he is! So I want to turn the tables and have you rub it in his face! In full high resolution, so to speak" I explain and he smirks widely,
"I can do that! I would love to do that! Hell, I'd be happy to do you Swan!" he replied smugly,
So we shake hands and he tells me his schedule and to work out when the house would be empty. I'm not offended as it's just a business deal and I offer to feed him as payment for his services and he cocks his head,
"You can cook Swan?" I nod laughing,
"I make a mean lasagne and my stroganoff is to die for, well so dad says!" I reply and he agrees,
"Food for sex that's my idea of heaven Swan"
IGSHAWYB
One and a half months have passed and I've learned a lot. I've learned about sex, about men and what they like. I've also learned about myself, the list is endless. The crazy thing is I've even put on some weight, very needed I know. Paul insisted I ate with him every time I fed him and well it's filled me out in places that really needed it. I've some curves now; the girls are a little bigger too. I feel healthy, I feel happy and well satisfied, enough that people have commented. I feel confident, I know I've stopped looking down all the time when I walk; I've even managed to stop tripping over my own shadow too. I'm the Bella Swan I remember from Phoenix and I like how that feels. But it's a little embarrassing when your father asks what you're doing that makes you look so great!
'Lots of sex dad might not go down too well!'
I've also had sex in places I would never have contemplated before; Paul has brought out the best and worst in me. Seems like I like a bit of a thrill and the idea of getting caught in the act. Could you imagine me finding that out if I'd stayed with Edward! He'd have been appalled, horrified even. Paul, on the other hand, doesn't care where, when or how. He just cares it's good, that we both get off and are both satisfied. I couldn't believe I would be so vocal about my needs, but he says it's my right, he isn't in this alone. That man is going to make his imprint very happy one day and he'll forever have a little piece of my heart, and my undying gratitude. I don't love him, but I do care deeply for him. He's nowhere near as gruff or irascible as he pretends to be.
Behind that cocky grin is a heart of gold and a quick mind. The wolf gene has done those boys no favours really, they have all been held back by it more than aided. That seems wrong to me and I doubt it was the original plan. I think the elders are wrong keeping them chained to the Rez, just in case. Surely one leaving for college or one working in Port Angeles wouldn't be a massive problem. I've only got another month and a half to go, roughly seven weeks and I can't wait. I'm ready to be out there in the world, making my own small mark on humanity. Once I graduate I'm doing something for myself. I'm going on holiday to see mom and Phil and then I'm heading to my destination, The University of Virginia's School of Architecture. To study Historical Architecture as my major and Archaeology as my minor.
Yeah, I know most people would think that literature was for me, but my love of books gave me a love of old buildings. I've already been accepted, it's just a matter of graduating. If anyone had ever asked my opinion I'd have told them, funnily enough only Paul has so far! Neither Edward nor Jake were interested enough to bother, that would involve them both in thinking about someone besides themselves. I'll be living in the dorms, to begin with, well the first year anyway and then who knows. I was a little worried, mainly because I've never shared a room with anyone before. But hey, new experiences and all that. I know I'm adaptable, living with mom made sure of that. I was looking forward to my future because it was my choice, my life to live!
IGSHAWYB
It's here at last Graduation and I couldn't be happier. Everyone has turned up to support me and we're having a cook-out at dads after this is over. I didn't need a meal at the Lodge or anything like that. I just wanted to hang out with my friends one last time. Rachael Black brought Uncle Billy because Jake refused to! That was really nice of her and well, Paul took one look and he was a goner. He hadn't seen her since he shifted and now he'd found his imprint! I was so happy for him, happy for her too. They would make a good power couple, neither was a pushover. Dad and Uncle Billy were talking to Angela's mom and dad when Paul, Sam and Embry stiffened. I knew it was either Jake or a vampire out there. I didn't expect it to be both. They were arguing loudly and before anyone noticed, Sam slipped into the forest.
Paul being Paul was honest and up-front with Rachael, telling her all about us and why. She was pretty chill about it since she could see we were now nothing but friends. Plus I was leaving for years, probably forever really. She of course knew all about the legends and wasn't in the least fazed about Paul being a wolf. We all edged towards the forest and Uncle Billy nodded and kept dad distracted. I almost laughed when I saw who was there, Jake and Edward Cullen! Jeez, my past returning to bite me in the ass.
"What the hell do you want? Graduation is for friends and family of the graduates, you two are neither?" I demand,
"Bella love...!" Edward starts to say before I tell him to fuck off and drop dead or deader than he already was,
This stuns him momentarily and has Jake smirking. So I ask him,
"What are you smiling at asshole? Did you come to see your tart graduate? Sorry to disappoint you but Lauren's at a private clinic in Seattle. Seems she finally got herself knocked up, unfortunately, she has no idea who the father is! It might even be yours, who knows!" I sneer at him,
Edward was now growling at Paul and he was smirking. I knew he was showing Edward, memories of us together. Jake was getting annoyed saying,
"What's he showing you? What's going on?"
"He's been doing degraded and disgusting things to Bella!" Edward gasped,
"No, he was having sex with me, which is neither degrading nor a cause for disgust! Paul is very good at what he does and I never had any complaints as you can clearly see Edward!" I replied laughing,
Jake phased and lunged at Paul and all hell broke loose. Paul had also phased now and was showing him everything that Edward saw but in much more graphic detail. The pair were howling and growling respectively and I was laughing my head off, hanging on to Rachael as she laughed too. Sam Alpha ordered Jake back to the reservation and turned to Edward, whilst standing there in all his naked glory. Rachael and I nudged each other as Emily appeared and smiled widely,
"Yup, that's all mine girls! Isn't he glorious?" she said smacking her lips and we were rolling our eyes,
But damn, she was one lucky lady. He was hot, not as hot as Paul, but damn all the same!
"Cullen leave now and tell your coven leader, I the pack Alpha have rescinded the treaty. It was made in fear by the previous Alpha; I do not fear a child like you! Return and your lives are forfeit. I expect him to call me and accept our decision" Sam said with such authority, Edward stepped back,
"Yeah, run far away kids, us grown-ups have a party to attend," I said turning to Rachael and Emily taking their arms,
The rest of the day was so much fun; dad even cracked out the beer and warned us he'd deny all knowledge of it. I had a feeling a couple of times I was being watched, but it wasn't Jake or Edward I knew that. I wasn't uncomfortable or concerned the exact opposite, to be honest. I was just happy, happy for Paul, happy for the pack with Sam leading, happy for myself. I would be heading out to mom's place late tomorrow night and was looking forward to some uninterrupted sun. I didn't really tan but took on a nice peachy glow. Now I had the body to fill out a bikini I was looking forward to wearing one. Before I would have hid in a one-piece with shorts on top. Plus I loved how the sun lightened my hair and brought out the red tones in it.
IGSHAWYB
I had just settled into my seat for the flight to Florida, now that mom and Phil were in Jacksonville. I'd splurged for once on a first-class seat and had my headphones on. I felt him before I even saw him slip into the seat next to me. He was very lithe for a man of his size, only the Quileutes were that tall in my world.
"Hello, Miss Swan. I must say it's going to be a pleasure getting to know you!" he said and I turned to meet his bright red eyes,
"I don't suppose I've got any choice in the matter, do I?" I said sighing, slipping my headphones back off,
"Not much, I'm really sorry. Oh, mi scusi (excuse me) I'm Felix by the way, Felix Volturi!" he explained and I nodded calmly,
"So, what brings you all the way from Italy to America Felix? It's Bella by the way, well, Isabella actually but I prefer Bella" I say smiling and he relaxes slightly,
"I was, no I am doing a nomad headcount for my bosses and I was looking for Carlisle Cullen. I called at the house but no one was there. Then I picked up Edward's scent in the forest and was treated to a floor show.
Epic arguments between immature children, naked Native Americans and very sexy girls laughing their heads off. Highly entertaining stuff!" he snorted and I just burst out laughing,
"Ah, just another day in good old Forks! So how long are you going to be here in the States?" I quiz him,
"I just got here and have a year to eighteen months to complete my mission. Longer if I can swing adding in South America and all of the offshore Islands. I was looking for a home base, that's why I called on the Cullens, but now anywhere you are, will do me nicely!" he informed me sincerely,
"Was that you watching me from the trees yesterday?" I asked and he seemed surprised,
"You knew I was there?" he enquired frowning,
"Yes, I could sense you, well more like feel your presence. It was calming and comforting actually" I explained and he smiled happily,
"Do you know why Tesoro? (Sweetheart) " he queries and I nod,
"I think so. Well, I'm drawn to you and you are now my shadow! So are we mates, real mates. Not that bullshit load of crap that Edward Cullen was shovelling at me?" I reply and he laughs low and hearty, very sexily too,
"Yes, you are quite correct and since you seem to like things direct, I must tell you this. If you want some space and me to actually work while I'm here in America, we need to seal our bond!" he says looking at me with hooded eyes.
"Ah, in other words, you need to do me six ways from Sunday?" I retort and he smirks,
"Yes, that sounds good to me La mia volpe! (My vixen)" he confirms as he takes my hand and squeezes it gently,
I felt the buzz of electricity, as did he and that just made him smile widely.
"So Felix, how old are you really?" I asked in a hushed tone,
"Let's just say, Rome hadn't burned yet!" he mumbled,
"That was in 64 AD*!" I said with a shocked tone, "Well, damn!"
"Claudius was Caesar when I was changed! We were making an assault, a foolhardy assault on Britain at the time. I caught some stupid sickness and almost died" he explains,
"Who changed you?" I wanted to know,
"Aro, but over the years I have become more Caius' man than his!" he told me now and I nodded,
"So what does this mean for us, Felix? I had plans, wants, needs, desires! I'm only eighteen for God's sake" I demand, getting agitated,
"Relax Il mio cuore (My heart). We are not backward barbarians as the Cullens would have you believe. We have some freedoms, I can leave the Castle, just not permanently for now, but I am not a prisoner! I have a mission to complete first and I will always be Volturi, but I don't need to live there. I will be like Eleazar of the Denali coven, if that's what you want and need!" he assures me and I relax somewhat,
"Can I at least finish a couple of years of college, while you hunt down your nomads? Would that be allowed?" I ask with bated breath,
"Si bellissimo (Yes, beautiful) you can. I will inform my rulers I have found my human mate and I wish her to finish her education before changing her. I want you to be nearer my age if that is acceptable, about twenty-two or three. I am not actually sure but it is approximately right. I want us to be on an even keel" he commented,
I was blown away that he was being so considerate of me. Of what I might want and he has only just met me. He's so different from the Cullens it's quite glaring, but not in a bad way at all. Yes, I think Felix and I will do very well together. So, while I'm not rushing to join the mile-high club with him today, I won't rule it out in the future. I can judge just by his attitude I will not be disappointed in any way by him. Believe it or not, he's Paul in vampire form. Smart, considerate and willing to give as well as receive. Oh, on the plus side as a student of historical architecture, I bet the Castle in Volterra is absolutely amazing! I wonder if they'd let me do my final on it?
* I didn't know whether to put AD (Anno Domini) or CE (Common Era), but in 2005 it would have been more widely known as AD for sure xx Alexis