Chapter 8 – I Love A Challenge

Emmett's POV

February 5th, 2003

Wicked Witch of Washington: Michael put down 20 on Jas & Alice for Friday

I grinned at Bella's text. When she'd brought up the idea of betting on the rumours the humans came up with about us, I'd been down, but I'd had no clue it was going to be this much fun.

Wicked Witch of Washington: But I negotiated him up to 50

Forks High School was currently divided. Half believed (rightfully) that Alice and Jasper were hooking up, and the other half believed they were just good friends. So Bella and I were rightfully taking all their money for being idiots.

Even a drunk skunk could tell those two were all over each other. But if the idiots wanted to put down money on them not being together—then who were we to stop them?

Me: Well, Mike put in another 40 on Eddie boy being gay

Bella's laugh rang clear from the Study Hall across campus, followed by Edward's furious hiss, "Can you not?"

Wicked Witch of Washington: At this point, we just need to set the two of them up for a date and be done with it

I tipped my head back and laughed at Bella's message, uncaring that the whole class turned to me immediately. I typed one back as the teacher stalked towards me.

Me: Getting laid would definitely improve Eddie boy's mood

Mr. Greco snatched the phone out of my hand and immediately started reading my texts. "What exactly could be so amusing that you'd bring your phone out in the middle of my class?"

Any other teacher and I'd be concerned they would use this to try and end our betting pool, but I also knew Mr. Greco needed gossip more than he needed air. He was silent for a long minute as Rosalie and the humans watched with bated breath (well, more amused breath for Rosalie) before he murmured, "Sixty dollars on Edward and Bella getting into another fight before the weekend."

"Too easy. What would the fight be about?" I narrowed my eyes—it was an easy bet (those two fought more than these humans could bet) and I wasn't about to lose sixty hard-earned dollars for an easy surety. Mr. Greco teetered on the edge, clearly feeling the stares of the students as he deliberated and I added that final push. "Make it one hundred and I'll tell you the details."

It was too strong a bait and he fell for it easily. He flailed around for a suitable topic before blurting out, "His sexuality."

I grinned—these humans really were too easy—and held out my hand for my phone. "Deal."

But he slipped my phone into his pocket and said loudly enough for everyone to hear, "You can get your phone back at the end of class." He lowered his voice. "You can collect your money then too."

I contemplated just grabbing it from his hand anyway—it wasn't like he could stop me—but my attention was suddenly grabbed by Rosalie sliding into the seat next to me.

"Miss Swan?" Greco cleared his throat. "Is there something wrong with your own seat?"

She didn't take her eyes off me as she said, "Tyler's snoring."

Greco turned to the boy Rosalie had just been sitting beside—who was definitely asleep—but I couldn't take my eyes off the work of art in front of me. She was smiling at me, eyeing me like she was sizing up her next meal, and I couldn't get enough.

"I take it I should be expecting another present with all this money you're getting in?" She looked entirely delighted by the idea.

It was a well-known fact that I was chasing Rosalie Swan and that all the money I'd earned in the betting pool went to wooing her. What wasn't as well known, was that she was loving every minute, even if she pretended to hate it. Even if when she put on her little displays, there was always this tiny voice in my head, worrying if this time it wasn't an act.

I knew her public rejections were for show—something to create drama in the school. I knew that this chase of ours was a game. Just like I knew her challenge last week had been real. Their curse might have ended, but things between our families were still tense, and this was her way of giving me a chance to prove it could be better for us.

I'd known all this the moment I'd seen her slip those roses into her locker with a wink at me. I'd been devastated when I'd handed her the bouquet I'd spent hours on, only for her to toss them straight in the bin. But the moment I'd seen that wink and secretive smile, I'd known this wasn't one-sided. That an illusion spell for the humans and a wink for me were the best she could do—the most she was ready for. And I'd been prepared to wait—as long as it took.

And so I kept up the public displays. The showier and more public the better. I learned that she loved the attention these displays gave her; the power she got from manipulating the audience and the story. I noted what she loved and what she hated, and what made her bite her lip in delight. I learned everything that made her smile, and I did everything to prove I wasn't going anywhere. Because I knew those smiles and winks were the best she could do then.

And so when she'd thrown me against that locker last week and issued her challenge? When she'd made her own public display for me, with the biggest bang she could? When she'd returned my attempts with that knowing smirk? I'd gone weak at the knees.

And I knew at that moment that I would have waited for her forever, in whatever capacity I could have her. Because when she looked at me like that?

I reached over, brushing a perfect curl off her face. "Princess, I'd give you the universe if you asked?"

She bit her lip and I heard her heart jump a little faster, but instead of blushing, or shying away, she pressed closer to my hand and smiled through her lashes at me. "Good."

"I just find it hard to believe a preteen could take care of two young girls by herself! You had to have had help!"

I winced at his idiocy and the silence that followed. Yep. He's dead. It was official; Edward had Idiot's Disease. A terminal disease where the main symptoms included putting your foot in your mouth, and being a fucking idiot.

I should ask Carlisle if a side effect of the Spanish Flu is losing all your brains, I thought idly as I waited for the Wicked Witch of Washington to destroy him.

"Are you bored?" Rosalie said in a dangerously low voice, I snapped back to the present where I had a Swan of my own contemplating my death. She narrowed her eyes at me as I smiled in repentance.

"Around you? Never." I tipped my head back a little. "I'm just listening to Edward sign his death certificate.

"Are you calling me a liar?" I'd already seen Bella's death glare when a senior had tried to cheat her out of her winnings—the kid had shit himself. And by the murder in her voice, I could tell she was definitely using it now. "I ought to throw you out the fucking window for that!"

I grinned and Rosalie raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. "Bella just threatened to throw Edward out a window."

She turned to the door like she could see our siblings arguing from across campus. "They're fighting right now?"

She didn't wait for my response as she turned to Greco and raised a hand, her smile a little pained, and entirely innocent; it was a look that promised chaos and I loved it. "Excuse me, sir? May I go to the nurse's office, please? I have a terrible headache and—" she blushed and lowered her voice, "—I think it's my time of the month now. I didn't expect it today—honestly!—but I can feel it coming, and I kn—"

I could have cackled at the old man's queasy expression as he waved her to the door.

She batted her eyelashes at him. "Do you mind if I take Emmett with me? I still get lost around all these hallways."

He practically shoved us out the door, green to the gills, and Rosalie slipped her arm through mine.

I leaned closer, my lips brushing the shell of her ear and murmured, "That was amazing. You are a delight."

Her breath caught at our closeness but she merely smirked. "Have you only just realised that now?"

"Not at all, gorgeous. I just figure a lady as breathtaking as yourself deserves every compliment I can give."

"Good—you're catching on," she purred, pulling me tighter against her side. "Now where exactly is my sister beating your brother's ass?"

I pulled her in the right direction and using my enhanced hearing, started giving her a blow-by-blow of what they were screaming about.

"What the hell is your problem?" Edward snarled.

"My problem?" This was followed by something hard being smashed into the ground, and I crossed my fingers that Bella had given his ass a well-deserved shove. "You're the one asking intrusive questions and then calling me a liar when you don't believe me!"

"That's not what I said! That's nowhere near what I said! You're twisting my words!" That was definitely the sound of a body dropping to the floor, followed by a male squeal and the tearing of paper.

"You absolute pig's ass!"

Rosalie clicked her tongue. "I could use some popcorn right now."

She was just idly wishing, but I would absolutely run to the convenience store right now if she wanted (not that I want to let go of her hand). Luckily I didn't have to. I glanced around and grinned when I caught sight of just the locker I needed. I tugged her towards it and removed the lock (no one's around and Forks can't afford cameras).

"Why exactly are you breaking into Mike Newton's locker?" She asked, amusement dancing in her eyes as she took the crumbled lock from my hands.

In answer, I brandished a bag of family-sized popcorn. "My queen," I said with a flourished bow.

She took them with a delighted laugh, opening the packet. "How did you know they'd be there?"

"He wouldn't stop talking about them all through Biology this morning," I said with a shrug and a grin. "Apparently you can't get that brand this side of Seattle and he has been waiting all morning to eat them."

She ate one and let out a sinful moan that had me weak at the knees. "Impressed?" I managed.

She looked at me for a moment, eyes full of something before she turned back to the packet. "I am," she finally murmured, and my dead heart skipped a beat.

"Yeah?" I couldn't help the hope that burst open in me. As much as I loved our game, there was always a part of me that worried she'd grow bored and find someone more on her level to play with.

"Yeah." Her smile was soft, like she knew what was running through my head, even if she never took her eyes off the popcorn. "I made an impossible wish, and you made it happen. My favourite flavour too." She looked at me then, and there was this vulnerability in her eyes that I had never seen before. "What's not impressive about that?"

I was a goner. I'd been a goner since she'd thrown me against that locker, but when she was looking at me like that? I'd follow her into eternity.

Before I could say or do anything would she like it if I got on my knees and worshipped her now? a loud bang resounded through the hallway, loud enough even for her to hear.

Her eyes widened and I blinked— I could get lost in her eyes—listening more closely to the still ongoing fight. "I think Bella just threw a chair at him."

Rosalie grinned, pride shining through and we took off for the Study Hall.

As we rounded the corner, we could both hear Bella yell, "I would rather shove a cactus up your ass than answer any damn question of yours!"

"What is it with Bella and cactuses?" I glanced at Rosalie with a questioning grin is it cactuses or cacti?

She shrugged. "We're Arizona girls. Always good to have a cactus on hand."

As we walked up to the doors of the Study Hall, a couple of students ran out, fear on their faces. I watched them go, impressed. Eddie was a vampire, but from what I'd heard—and what I knew about the stick in the mud—he was keeping up appearances. So if the humans were running scared, then it was definitely from Bella.

"You Swan sisters are truly remarkable," I murmured to Rosalie. "I can't wait to see what chaos you'll cause next."

Her eyes flashed violet for a second as she pushed the door open and purred, "You've barely even gotten a taste, handsome."

She steered me over to where Jasper and Alice were watching the action from one of the nearby tables. Alice was sitting cross-legged on the table, leaning against Jasper who had his arm wrapped around her waist. I made a show of winking at Alice who blew me a kiss back and I grinned at Jasper when he scowled at me, arm tightening around her. He knew exactly what my feelings towards his girl were, but he was still a possessive asshole and so easy to rile up. Rosalie rolled her eyes at us as she sat down next to her sister, offering her popcorn.

The Study Hall was set out so that students could sit in groups at each table, talking quietly amongst themselves, or sit spread out individually. It was typically monitored too, but whoever was in charge had apparently skipped—that or they'd been the first to run screaming.

Which was a fair assumption considering Edward and Bella were currently standing at opposite ends of a table snarling at each other like feral cats (so maybe Ed wasn't entirely keeping up appearances). There was a broken chair behind Ed and notebooks were strewn around them like a tornado had blown through. They looked ready to kill each other.

"We should probably break them up," Alice said, reaching for more popcorn.

"Nah, let her vent a bit," Rosalie argued. "He's been pissing her off since they met—she could use the chance to let loose a little."

I agreed wholeheartedly. She'd let loose on a few humans in the betting pool yesterday, but I'd had to hold her off from actually killing them. So her venting here was good on two points: 1) she wouldn't kill our money bags, and 2) it was always fun to watch Eddie get his ass handed to him.

But at that moment I heard rushed footsteps heading our way. I sighed, disappointed—one of the scared humans must have run to get an adult. "There goes our entertainment."

"Principal Greene is on his way," Jasper supplied, eyeing Alice with a slight smirk. She curled into him, grinning like they had some inside joke between them.

"Christ, keep it in your pants you two." I made a show of gagging. "Quit eye-fucking each other for a minute."

Alice threw a pen at me while Jasper sent a small wave of my own lust at me with a smirk. I swiped at him with a growl, but he just dodged, pushing off the table.

"Moody bitch," I called after him as we headed in to break up the fight.

Alice tipped the bag upside down for the last few kernels of popcorn before she hopped off the table. She and Rosalie headed towards their sister while Jasper and I headed to Eddie. He straightened up the moment we were blocking his view of Bella, but I could hear her still snarling behind us.

"Why is she so mad?" Edward hissed. "What is wrong with her?"

I raised an eyebrow and snorted, "If you don't know what you did wrong, I'm not going to tell you."

It was a testament to how flustered he was that he didn't read my mind. He scrubbed his hands over his face and groaned into them when he no doubt heard the footsteps. "Great. Just what I need."

I looked over my shoulder to see Bella still vibrating with rage as her sisters tried calming her down. I hadn't heard their entire conversation, but he must have said something bad. She looked like she wanted to murder him—and not in a fun way.

Rosalie met my eyes and raised an eyebrow. I winked at her and my dead heart leapt when her cheeks flushed. She didn't look away though. She eyed me up and down, slowly, sinfully, with a smirk that promised everything delightfully awful.

"What the hell is going on here?"

I tore my eyes from her to see Principal Greene staring aghast at the state of the hall. I could have laughed at the expression on his face, but Alice beat me to it by bursting into tears. "He hurt my sister!"

I rubbed a hand over my mouth to hide my grin. In the last two weeks I had seen nearly every form of the Swan sisters manipulating anyone and everyone with their acting, and it was always a delight. Even when we were the ones on the wrong end. Like today.

The man's stern eyes turned immediately to us. "Explain yourselves! Now!"

Less than two weeks ago, this man had given a week of detention to Alice for throwing Jasper through a wall, but all it took was a few tears from her and he was under her thumb. I didn't have to look at Jasper to know he was staring at her like a starved man in a five-star restaurant.

"It's my fault, sir," Edward said with barely concealed chagrin. "We were discussing our Home Economics project, and I must have said something to upset her. I didn't mean to—really."

The principal turned back to the girls, confusion clear on his face. "Miss Swan?"

Rosalie had wrapped her arms around her shaking sisters and was glaring at us like we were the villains of this story. Bella let out a broken-hearted sob and pressed herself deeper into her sister's arms. It looked like she was completely overcome with tears—it even looked believable to me, and I knew she still wanted to murder Eddie boy.

Rosalie looked up from her sister. "Sir, I was on my way to the nurse's office when I heard all this shouting! I think he even broke a chair in his anger!"

The man turned back to Edward, incredulous and angry. I could practically hear Edward clenching his jaw.

"Principal Greene—if I may add something?" Jasper waited until the man nodded warily. "I believe this has been some kind of misunderstanding. You see, my brother has never had a particular way with words, and so I believe what likely happened was he put his foot in his mouth—so to speak."

Jasper turned to Edward with concern on his face, and only years of restraint kept me from cackling at the look of humiliated fury on Edward's face. "This is a safe place, brother. Why don't you tell Bella what you were really trying to say?"

"I hate you both," Edward hissed, too low and fast for anyone but us to hear. He turned to the principal and the sisters with a pained look on his face. "He's right. I'm sorry, Bella. I—" He took a deep breath before saying in a rush, "I like you, Bella. Like, really like you, and when I'm around you I get so nervous that I say the wrong thing. I'm so sorry for hurting you."

I could have cried with how hard I was trying not to laugh. Principal Greene looked flustered—that was clearly not what he was expecting—as he looked between the girls and us with a gaping mouth before stammering out, "Well—use your words next time! I can't keep breaking up these fights between your families. If this happens again, I'll be calling both your parents!"

With that, he almost darted out of the room, the moment he was out of earshot I started howling with laughter. I couldn't even dodge Eddie's shove in response. Jasper chuckled as Edward glared at us before grabbing his stuff and storming out of the room. We were going to get an earful of snapping and whining for the next century, but it was well worth it to hear the sisters cackling too.

"Mike's going to be so disappointed," Bella grinned, and that just set me off again.

"Oh, that was the best." Rosalie clutched her stomach, wiping away tears.

"The look on his face!" Bella crowed,

"Nice work," Alice added, eyeing Jasper appreciatively.

He grinned at her and I saw his plan. Dumping Eddie under the bus to get brownie points with his girl—oh, we were definitely getting an earful at home.

He offered his arm, eyes smouldering as she returned the look through her lashes how can anyone think they're not fucking?. "Shall we?"

She smiled at him like she was laughing at an inside joke and they left.

I watched them with a smile. We weren't brothers by blood, but they were both my brothers in every other way, and to see Jasper so happy—it was a nice change to see. In all the fifty years I had known him, I'd seen almost every emotion from him (and all the negative ones many times), but I had never seen him as happy as he was when he was with Alice. I'd seen him amused, but never like this. Never as in love as he was with her.

"They're so gross, aren't they?" Rosalie said fondly.

I turned back to her and I couldn't fault my brother in any way for carving out his piece of peace with his girl. What I wouldn't give for even a moment of that with her…

"They're disgusting." I grinned, making my way slowly over to her.

She sat on the table, watching me with a slow smile as I closed the distance between us. I brushed the hair out of her face and her eyes closed as my fingers ghosted along her cheek.

"You know," I murmured. "I won our bet about those two getting together. How about another one? This time about Eddie and Bella?"

She snorted. "You want to bet on Edward and Bella getting together? Are you suddenly suicidal?"

I tipped her chin up. "I happen to know for a fact that at least one half is willing. I mean, he did just confess."

"That was real?" Her grin was slow and wicked. "Oh, Bella's going to love that."

"Exactly. So now the next step is convincing her to spend time with him voluntarily outside of school. On a date."

"You saw today—Bella would sooner gut him than go on a date with him."

"Then how about we make this interesting?" I lowered my voice, delighting in how her eyes darkened. "A bet—just between us."

"To get Edward and Bella to go on a date? Voluntarily and without killing each other by the end of it?" She raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and grinned. "You seem confident you can get that to work."

"Well, I am Bella's favourite. Besides, no one can say no to this face." I wiggled my eyebrows. "Why? Are you scared you'll lose?"

Her eyes flashed at the challenge. "What are the stakes?"

"I win and I get to take you on a date." I stepped between her legs, watching as her heart rate picked up.

Even as I asked I wondered if this was crossing a line. Up until now, we'd kept this game of ours during school hours—something to entertain us as we entertained the students. And I knew this wasn't one-sided, but did that mean she was willing to spend time with me outside of this.

"Fine," she purred, restarting and stopping my heart. She leaned up and brushed her lips against my ear as she whispered, "But if I win…" She pulled back and her eyes were shining with sinful delight. "You're my servant for the day."

Her wicked grin told me that was something I would definitely enjoy.

"Deal," I choked.