Camel Dicks

Time stood still as we stared at each other. I knew in that moment she had seen me in the forest. Somehow she guarded her emotions from me, but recognition flashed in her eyes. She looked tense, but her breathing and heart beat were slow and steady. If anything she looked pissed. That little 'v' between her brow had formed as we looked each other over. She wasn't tan per se, but she had a delicious olive tone to her skin. She dressed plainly, very similar to me, but she looked stunning. A cozy looking grey henley hugged her torso and the way she filled out her jeans was sinful. Her wild curls hung over her shoulder in a loose braid and she had on a pair of well loved shit kickers to top it off. Somewhere in my brain I registered that Alice had introduced us. Bella. She stared me down just as she had in the forest, with no fear. A silent challenge.

"..Do you guys know each other?" Alice sounded innocent enough, but her emotions said otherwise. She was so full of glee and mirth it was coming out of her ass. I waited with baited breath for Bella's response. Would she tell on me? Reveal her midnight stalkers identity? Or would she keep our bloody encounter a secret?

"No." I itched to get her alone. Her answer pleased me, but there was a rage building in me that could no longer be ignored.

"Oh okay," Alice was bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement at this point. "do you want some ice for your head? What do you feel like doing? We coul-" I cut her off.

"Alice, where's Edward?" I asked in a low tone. Her eyes momentarily glazed over and she cringed slightly as she saw my intentions.

While Alice can't control what she sees, she is forced to control what she reveals. Too little or too much information can destroy lives, so she must pick and choose wisely. I don't envy her. Edward, on the other hand, has no such excuse. I don't give a flying fuck if she's his singer, where I come from he was challenging me. I respect Carlisle and his authority as coven leader, but there was no question who the dominant male was in these lands. My scars instill fear for a reason. They tell stories of unimaginable suffering, of pain both received and reciprocated, of survival. They are a warning to all. Danger.

"He had plans to hike with Em when he was done at the hospital. I think they went to the river." She knew I wasn't going to kill him. I sent her a flash of gratitude, a silent 'thank you'.

With one last look at Bella, I turned and walked out the back door. Once hidden by the trees I sped off towards the river. He'd hear my approach, but he would be foolish to run from me. I could feel his apprehension, his fear. He knew he fucked up. When he came into view I stopped and stood about fifty yards away. Emmet had a wary look on his face as he watched our encounter. I spoke to Edward.

"You got a problem with me, boy?"

"N-no, I jus-" I didn't let him finish.

"You just what? Thought you could hide her from me?" He was afraid, but his indignation was making a comeback.

"She's my singer. Her mind is silent to me. I saved her life. She's mine." By the time he was finished he was practically spitting venom. I was not amused.

"Don't play that game with me Edward," I said with a low growl. "the only person she belongs to is herself. You wanna pretend to be human? Then act like one. Otherwise, we can address this like vampires. Where I come from, the dominant males get first pick. If I wanted her, I'd simply take her. If you tried to lay claim on whats mine, we'd fight to the death. I am your superior in every sense of the word. Would you really try to steal from a Major? A war lord?" He had been in my head enough to know he wouldn't make it a day in the real world with real vampires, even with his gift. No reply was necessary.

"You know what you saw in my head. You should have told me she was your singer. Be grateful Carlisle has gained my respect over the years, because I am usually not so patient." He was absolutely furious, completely self righteous in his belief but too cowardly to do anything about it.

Emmet, who had been very confused until now, finally put two and two together. "Oh shit."

I turned and made my way back to the house. This was an exercise in restraint for me. Edward got off with a warning only because I owed that much to Carlisle. I allowed him to keep his limbs today knowing I'll have the opportunity to remove them at a later date. I was sure of it. His possessive emotions were fueled by his much darker bloodlust. He would cross the line, and I would have my fun.

Emmet caught up with me, clapping a hand on my back.

"I don't think anyone has ever talked to Ed that way. The look on his face was fuckin' priceless." His grin said it all.

"None of it registered with him."

"He still needed to hear it." We slowed to a comfortable stride. "So, all this fuss over one little human, huh? Is she the one who gave you brain worms? I can't wait to meet her." He wiggled his brows suggestively.

"She took me by surprise that night. I'm sure my fascination with her will end when she opens her mouth."

"Maybe she's the metaphorical chicken you've been chasing."

"As I recall, the chicken wasn't on the winning side of your story."

"Or maybe the chicken is the story."

"God, you're worse than Peter." I groaned. He found that very amusing.

We walked in silence the rest of the way. As we approached the house we could hear the girls chatting quietly in Alice's room. Well, Alice was doing most of the talking while Bella listened and hummed in agreement once and a while. She sounded weary, almost sad.

"Esme is a wonderful chef. Her cooking is to die for. And you've already met Carlisle. He's simply precious. They're so perfect for each other."

We had made it to the back steps when I paused. I could have sworn I felt a flicker of some emotion coming from upstairs, but it wasn't Alice. I waited.

"Emmet is definitely the goof ball of the family. He and Rose are madly in love. Jasper is the strong and silent type, but you probably already figured that out." Alice giggled while Bella let out a dry chuckle. "And Edward is the piano protege. A real modern day Beethoven if you ask me. But enough about us, tell me about your family." Alice was almost out of breath by the time she was done.

"It's just me and my mother. We live a very nondescript life." There, another flash of something, guilt maybe?

"Ooh tell me all about her."

In an instant the flood gates were opened. Maybe her concussion played a part, the events of the day finally catching up to her. Whatever force that kept her emotions hidden from me had collapsed, and the devastating reality of her pain brought me to my knees. I knew this anguish. I had lived it.

It lasted mere seconds, but left me reeling in shock, gasping on the ground for air I didn't need. The carefully constructed walls I had put around my own psyche came crumbling down and memories I had long since buried came rushing to the surface. I shook my head and focused on breathing. How was she still standing? Still carrying on the conversation like nothing happened?

"She's an artist so she's very eccentric. Short hair, bad choice in men, she'd loose her head if it wasn't attached to her neck. You know the type." Her voice was neutral. Rehearsed. Detached.

Emmet was looking at me like I had grown a second head. He extended a hand and I greatfully took it, standing up.

"You're all sorts of fucked up today, huh?" He masked his concern with humor.

"I don't know how she's still breathing. She's in agony."

"You can feel her emotions?"

"I couldn't the last two times I was near her. I just got a glimpse, a few seconds, I haven't felt pain like that since-" I didn't have to finish. The unspoken name rang between us. Maria.

"Like, physical pain? From her accident?"

"No."

"And it brought you to the ground? I gotta see this girl." He couldn't contain himself anymore. Bellowing loudly he walked into the house. "Ali, come introduce me to your new friend!"

I slowly followed suit. This girl had me wary. She walked and talked like a human, her heart was beating and blood flowed through her veins but there was something.. else about her.

I watched her carefully as she walked down the stairs and into the living room. She was gracefull, even in shit kickers. Her eyes scanned the room and it's exits before coming to stand strategically with her back to a wall. Whether it was deliberate or unintentional, her instincts were strong. Emmet gave a low whistle.

"Well well, now I understand all the fuss about you." He stood with his arms crossed, looking her over. He probably looked rather intimidating. She didn't flinch away like most people would have, instead she stood strong. Silently sizing him up.

"Bella, right? I hear you're quite the danger magnet."

"And I hear you're quite the chicken chaser, Emmet." And with that he was wrapped around her little finger. His eyes were beaming and his stance immediately relaxed.

"Oh we're gonna be besties you and me."

"I think what you meant to say was 'Did we just become best friends?'."

"I would have, but I'm not allowed to quote Step Brothers because this house is a fucking prison."

"On planet bullshit." She said with a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her mouth.

"In the galaxy of this sucks camel dicks."

He already loved her, I could feel it. One week and this creature had completely captivated four vampires. I'd say she was an empath if I didn't know any better, with the way she naturally draws people in. I bet even Rose will like her.

"Bella, do you want to pick out a movie or something? You can totally sleep over if you want, we could play games and paint our nails and make the boys go out and get us krispy kreme."

"I do love krispy kreme, but I should probably turn in early tonight. What with the concussion and all." She pointed to her head.

"Will you stay for a movie at least? Not Step Brothers though, that's strictly sleepover material." It was Emmet who tried to convince her, and it worked.

"Alright."

"Perfect! Em, come help me in the kitchen with snacks please." Son of a bitch winked in my direction and left with Alice.

Bella turned and walked slowly over to the tv. She didn't look at me as she flipped through DVDs, but she kept me in her peripherals. I moved to stand behind her.

"Fancy meeting you here." She spoke first.

"You look better covered in blood." I said. It was true.

"I'll keep that in mind. I could say the same to you." She turned to face me. Her eyes bore into mine and I was transfixed by her stare. From afar they looked monochromatic. But up close flecks of gold swam in a forest of green, surrounded by a ring of grey.

"Are we good?" I asked. Now that she was literally in my house I wanted to be on good terms with her, especially considering our first encounter was sketchy at best. She gave a slight nod. It was infuriating not knowing what she was feeling. My silent frustrations were interrupted when Alice and Emmet returned.

Twenty minutes later a movie had been picked out and they were thoroughly engrossed. I stared at the tv but saw nothing. I was too busy watching Bella out of the corner of my eye. It gave me a perverse satisfaction every time I would see her sneak a peek at me.

About two thirds of the way through, Edward walked in. The scowl on his face said plenty, but he kept his mouth shut as he came to sit with us. Bella however, instantly stiffened. She looked uncomfortable, like her hackles we're raised.

"Actually if it's not too much trouble I think I should probably get home now. My head is killing me." She did look fatigued, but she sounded more nervous than anything.

"Oh, Carlisle should be home soon if you want him to take a look at you. And Esme should be back any minute, she's going to absolutly adore you." Alice went on, completely oblivious to Bella's growing discomfort. She threw me a quick glance, a silent plea for help, and I obliged. It was an opportunity to get her alone. To pick her brain.

"I was just heading out, if you'd like a ride?" I said, stretching and heading for the door. She nodded and quickly said her goodbyes, before coming to stand by me. I held the door open and she quickly scooted through, and with one last hard look at Edward I turned and followed her into the night.

AN: I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the amazing response to the first two chapters of this fic. Your continued support inspires me to try a little harder with my writing every day. Next chapter, Jasper and Bella have some one on one time. Let me know your thoughts!