Bella, the Vanderbilt Vampire:
Recap: Bella's POV:"You boys ready to be annihilated?" I asked rhetorically as our game began.
Chapter 15: Live and Let Learn
Bella's POV:
The sun had set and the bonfire was roaring. I am in a standoff with my last opponent. I had already cleaned out the others of their chips. Embry was the first who was cleaned out due to his cockiness. He bet all of his chips during the third round. Jared folded soon after knowing he wouldn't win.
Paul, Emmett, and I put his chips in the jackpot. Paul won the jackpot that round, lucky dog. The following round I tricked Emmett into going all in. To make a long story short, he is now sulking by the fire while Rose rubs his shoulders.
Paula and I have been neck and neck this entire time. I admit I underestimated his card playing ability. Currently we are both all in for the champion title. I am pretty certain I have this in the bag. I'm holding a royal flush in my hands. He can't have anything better. He won't win.
"Show your hands," Jasper said. Paul and I slowly laid our cards down on the table. Paul held his breath, nervous about the outcome as well. I looked at his cards as he looked at mine. He held a full house? YES! I won! "Bella wins," Jasper announced.
"What can I say?" Paul said. "You are good."
"You were an even match Paul. I look forward to playing more cards with you. You keep me on my toes." I complimented.
"Good now that that's over, let's put this behind us. How about we tell some scary stories?" Emmett said hopefully.
"No can do Emmy. You along with Embry, Jared and Paul need to face your punishment." I said. All of them began to groan. "So tell me Sam, what should these boys do?" I asked him.
"I have thought long and hard about this Bella." Sam said,
"Stop with the dramatics and tell us!" Emily shouted at her fiancée.
"Em, I'm hurt, I thought you loved my dramatics," he said and winked at her. Emily's blood rushed into her cheeks, the bright pink blush that adorned her tan face was evident enough of her embarrassment.
"Sam!" Emily squeaked, "Don't be crass."
"Leave poor Emily alone and let's embarrass those hot heads," Leah said.
"Alright, alright," he chuckled and threw his hands in the air. "Since, you all have strong and bottomless stomachs. I have decided that you are all to eat three meals prepared by Greasy Bob at Sue's Diner." I have heard of Greasy Bob, he is the night chef. He doesn't clean out his pots or pans and serves dishes that people send back during the day. I am so glad that I won the card game!
"Let's get this over with," Paul said. The others nodded, looking a little green. Our little poker party began our trek to Sue's Diner. This will be hilarious. Everyone wanted to come and watch them try to eat Greasy Bob's meals. The elders did not come and neither did the wolves who were new and did not know our group as well.
The boys were all moaning and gagging on our way back to the beach. I think it might have been more sanitary for them to eat out of the Diner's dumpster.
"Well, that killed some time, didn't it?" I asked Edward.
"Yes love, but I can think of more enjoyable ways to kill the time if that is all that you desire." He whispered while peppering me with chaste kisses as we walked.
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Edward." I joked.
"To be precise love, my mind is in the bedroom. The bedroom is precisely where I want our bodies to be as well."
"Edward Anthony Mason Cullen, cut it out or I swear you will regret it!" I said.
"Do not swear love, it is most unbecoming." He sarcastically pointed out.
"Oh, hush Edward." I told him.
"As you wish love," he purred and went back to showering me with little kisses. I playfully shoved him off of me. Then I pointedly ignored him and focused my attention on the still retching boys behind us.
"How are you guys holding up?" I asked.
"How do you think we are holding up?" Embry asked rhetorically.
"I am never playing poker again! I'll stick to video games, pranks, and black jack." Emmett whined.
"I am pretty sure that Greasy Bob's meat was outdated. And that raccoon by the dumpster probably gave me rabies." Paul complained, examining the arm that was bit.
"For the last time, it was an alley cat, not a raccoon. You are fine!" Jared exasperated.
"I would bet my money it was a raccoon!" Paul yelled.
"And look at where your last bet landed you." Edward chuckled. The other boys laughed heartily with him. I turned back around then sprinted ahead of the boys and waded in the ocean.
"Come on in!" I called. "The water is simply amazing."
"Bella, you're crazy!" Leah shouted.
"Jury's out!" I called back to her full of mirth. "So come on in wolf girl! Let's go feed the sharks!"
"I'm in!" She called and ran the rest of the way to the ocean.
Leah and I spent most of our time in the water. We even coerced Alice and Emily into joining us. The others either talked around the bonfire or played touch football on the beach. All of the boys participated in the violent game. I don't understand the game myself. I have come to the conclusion that it must be a guy thing.
After the boys finished their game, we got out of the water to dry off. We all hung around the bonfire and cuddled up to our respective partners. Leah went and sat next to Emily and Embry. I am so glad that she is coming around. Leah was leaning into Embry. Opening her heart up to the people that she is close to will be good for her. Embry had his arm around her shoulder and an affectionate smile pointed at her. Leah will get her happiness now that she has let go of the past.
I turned and gazed up at Edward from underneath his lean arm. I noticed he wore an identical smile. However, this one was pointed in my direction. Thank goodness. I do not want to think of how jealous I can get. I have regretted many mischievous acts I committed due to anger and envy.
I reached up and kissed Edward. There was no hesitation as he kissed me with equal vigor.
"What was that kiss for love?" Edward questioned.
"Can't I kiss my wonderful boyfriend without my motives being questioned?" I mocked.
"Hey now, I'm not complaining one bit. I'm just confused. I would just like to know what's running through that mysterious mind of yours." He stated then kissed my neck as I answered him.
"I'm just happy Edward. Everything is falling into place. There is no evil chasing us or time keeping us apart."
"If you're going to kiss me whenever you are happy, then I need to make sure you're happy all of the time. You are no longer allowed to feel any other emotion than happiness." He said seriously.
"Haha! I would be a robot." I said.
"Fine, I will let you have some emotions. However, you cannot have sad or angry emotions my dear." He concluded. I was about to reply when Chief Billy Black called everyone's attention.
"Today marks the beginning of a new era. Cullens, I know that while we have had a peace treaty, we have not had peace. The pack has already welcomed you as protectors of life. The council and I would like to officially welcome you into the tribe." He paused and continued to say, "The members of the council will tell anecdotes on our pack's history. We are happy to welcome you all into our ranks. We are also overjoyed that you, Bella, have accepted the role of Venustus Eligitur Salvatoris. If you don't mind Bella, the council would like to speak privately to you once the celebration is finished?"
"That is fine." I told him.
"Great. We hope you enjoy our tales," said Sue Clearwater.
"Then let us get the bonfire celebration started." Billy shouted with enthusiasm as he tossed some powder into the fire causing it to reach for the sky and the logs to shriek as they burned. The fire quickly died back down to a gentle crackling. The place where Billy Black once was, a new man stood in his place.
I took notice of Jacob moving his father directly across from the new man and into a comfortable position. Jacob was being very cautious because his father's wheelchair was not rolling too smooth on the sand and rocks. I wish there was something that I could do for his legs. It must be burdensome to be trapped in a wheelchair without proper assistance. Jacob must also feel guilty when he goes on patrol and cannot help his father get out of the house.
As the new man, introduced himself as Old Quil, began his tale I concentrated. I focused my mind on healing and how to help Billy. I focused on my wish for Billy's legs to heal. I screwed my eyes shut in concentration. When I reopened my eyes, I was kneeling in front of Billy Black with my hands outstretched, but not touching. A faint glow and a warming sensation came from my outstretched hands. The glow swirled from my hands to Billy's legs.
"What is happening?" Billy asked with emotion. A voice not my own answered Billy's question.
"Billy Black, you are being rewarded for the self-sacrificing services that you have performed for this tribe. In return for honoring this pack and council, your legs are now restored to pristine condition." I (?) paused then commanded, "Billy Black stand once again and treasure this gift. The spirits and I have faith that your heart will remain loyal to this tribe and the greater good."
Everyone watched in awe as Billy stood and walked away from his wheelchair. The glow evaporated from the location on his legs and floated away into the night sky. Just looking at Billy's face, his smile is brighter than the glow of the fire.
Several tribe members flocked to Billy, afraid the miracle would dissipate and in awe of what we were all bearing witness to. Everyone who did not flock to Billy stared at me in wonder. I wish that they wouldn't though. It is really awkward and especially when I feel as weak as I do right now. I unsteadily rose to my feet to watch as Billy ran towards the ocean.
"I can feel the sand between my toes again!" He shouted. "The water is so cold! I can feel the ocean water!" he rejoiced mirthfully.
"Edward, love," I said gaining his attention. I already had it but he was in shock. I think we all are though.
"Yes, Bella?" He asked.
"I don't feel all that well," I said and pushed my palm into my forehead, in hopes that it will stop the throbbing.
"Is there anything I can do love? Maybe you need to hunt?" He was definitely concerned now.
"Yes," I said sucking in a deep breath, knowing what is about to happen. "Catch me please." I said as my eyes rolled back and I began to fall backwards.
(AN: Hey everybody. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter! Sorry it has been so long since I have updated. College crazy-ness got ahead of me and I just couldn't update. But I have a few chapters written for you guys. Now that I have time I can type 'em up and publish them for you guys to enjoy. I hope you do enjoy the story and leave me a nice review reviews and new favorites and followers just make my day. You guys have no idea, unless you are a writer too then you know what I am talking about. I do not own Twilight. However, I am so close to publishing. I am almost done editing my book. Anyway, I am rambling. I am glad you guys have stuck with me and enjoyed this chapter. Can't wait to hear from you! I don't own Twilight.)
○Forever and For Always,○
~LHNT~
A.K.A.
*Heather* :D