Bella's POV
"Bahahahahah!" Leah is holding her sides laughing like a honking donkey.
"What's so hilarious right now Lee? Because nothing about this is situation is funny right now!" I pinch the bridge of my nose trying to stem the impending headache I can feel rearing its ugly head behind my eyes.
"You..," Leah wipes tears of laughter from her eyes, "you said you're a fossil." She places her palms flat on her stomach as though it was aching.
I hear a loud crack as the back of Tanya's hand connects with Leah's upper arm in reprimand.
I feel my face flush. "Oh… I said that out loud, huh?" I scratch the back of my neck timidly trying to distract myself from my embarrassment.
"Yeah B-Rex you did." Leah's laughter slows down to mere chuckles.
Ignoring Leah, I turn back to my mother and gulp.
Hours ago, my only worry was if I'd be able to get Rosalie to reciprocate the feelings I have for her and now… now I need to make a choice that not only affects my life but the life of those I hold near and dear and strange supernatural creatures of the night. I suppose I am now part of the latter category as well since I have these freaking huge ass wings weighing down my back. I'm still too scared to touch them.
I automatically start to pace and think aloud, much to the amusement of my sister.
"So, if I say yes, I must woo Rosalie, unleash her memories, get the Vampire order back on track and avenge my birth mother's death. If I say no, that means no Rosalie, no getting involved in supernatural stuff, living life in blissful ignorance but that could still cause chaos because every action has a reaction."
I suddenly whirl around to my mother, my mind made.
"Fuck you physics!"
I see Nyx flinch at my sudden outburst and wild eyes as I turn around and stalk towards her in a determined haze.
"I'm going to do it!"
Nyx's smile nearly blinds me, but her eyes still hold regret and sadness within their depths.
"You will? My darling child, take a few days to think about it, it is a big ask after all."
I reach out and hold Nyx's hands in mine. "I don't need more time. I know right from wrong and refusing to help feels very very wrong."
The Goddess of night pulls me forward into the circle of her arms and I feel the motherly love pour out of her and wash over me like a blanket. She may not have raised me, but she is my mother. I can feel the depth of her love without having to know her at a full familial level.
She pulls back and cradles my cheek in her hand.
"Thank you, my Child." She leans forward and places a kiss on my forehead. "I can never repay you for what you are about to embark on. I will forever be in your debt, my sweet girl, my eternity will be spent thanking you and apologising for leaving you for all these years."
She leans her forehead against mine. I place my hand over hers that is still cupping my cheek.
"I admit that once I get home, I'll probably freak the fuc-uuudge out but I don't have any hate towards you or anything."
I squeeze her hand to emphasise my words.
"I've had the best upbringing by both Charlie and Renee and I have Leah's mom to call mom too and now…. now I have you as another mom. You did what you had to do at the time, if anything, you are the one who has lost the most. You lost Sybella, your soulmate, my birth mom, and then you 'lost' me. So, I'll say this just the once because I don't want any more apologies after today, I forgive you."
Nyx lets out a sob as tears flow freely from her eyes.
"My sweet sweet child, thank you."
She holds me tightly in her arms again as sobs wrack through her. I hold her back just as tightly, trying to ease some of her guilt and grief.
"uh-hum." Leah clears her throat to gain our attention.
My mother lets go of me, takes a shuddering breath, and wipes the remaining tears from her eyes. She then turns her attention to Tan and Lee.
"Your Magnificence, Bella is my sister and Tanya is my imprint. They are my family. Should Bella need any assistance, my pack is available to help Bella avenge her birth mother's death as well as aid her in anything she needs to keep the Vampire world safe." Leah bows her head in a show of respect as she gives her oath to Nyx.
Tanya looks at Leah with awe and such pride that it hurts to look at them. I wonder if Rosalie would ever look at me like that even with my big ass wings.
Tanya shakes her head as to get out of her Leah filled stupor before addressing Nyx too. "My coven and I are at your disposal too, Goddess of Night." She also bows her head in respect.
Nyx swoops forwards and grabs the mated pair in a tight embrace.
"Oh Sweet Sweet Children, Thank you, you give me more than I deserve, more than I can ask for. I am indebted to you. To all of you."
Leah's cheek tinge red and Tanya just freezes. Nyx finally lets them go and places a gentle kiss on their foreheads.
"There will be time to sit and discuss all that needs to be done, but for now, you all need time to… digest everything."
Nyx holds my hands in hers tightly, "I will need to travel back to the other realm and let your aunt and uncle know about what has transpired here today but before I leave, we should discuss your newly awakened abilities."
"My abilities?"
I hear Leah snort and whisper to Tan, "her ability to trip over her own feet, the most sought-after ability of all superheroes."
From the corner of my eye, I see Tan elbow Leah with a shush.
Nyx mouth slightly curves at the corner to show her amusement. "You do indeed have a very strange affinity for tripping over my sweet one, your aunt Bellona has seen it a few times whilst she kept an eye over you and has regaled the stories to me. I did not believe it until I saw you once with my own eyes. A true wonder."
I roll my eyes to take the attention away from my reddened face.
"Yes yes I'm a clutz, but can we please talk more about these things that are currently weighing down my back?"
I reach my hand back and swat at a stray feather.
"Of course, my child. Leah and Tanya, I'll be stealing Bella away for the rest of the day. Leah, please let Charlie and Sue know that Bella is safe. As much as I hate for you to do so, could you please not tell them of me just yet? There's a few things that need to be put into order before I can reveal to them my presence and Bella's heritage."
Lee nods at Nyx before holding her arm out to Tanya.
"Shall we, my lady?"
Tanya hooks her arm through Lee's.
"Also sweet Tanya, there is something you want to show your mate is there not? May I make a small suggestion? Take her there tonight. It'll make the experience more… magical."
I'm sure that not many things have made Tanya Denali flounder in her life before, but I think my mother has done just that.
Tanya unnecessarily clears her throats and whispers a small "thank you," before dragging Leah away.
"Show me what My Queen? Is it…." I hear Leah's voice trail away as they run through the forest to give us some privacy.
"Right daughter of mine," Nyx claps her hands once in front of her, "let's walk, and I shall explain as much as I can and answer all the questions you have."
This is going to be a very long walk.
Leah's POV
"Welcome to our space, my love." Tanya tugs my hand and leads us through the magnificent rustic wooden doors of the modern lodge she had just purchased. For us. To hang out in.
Apparently hanging out at the clearing wouldn't be great when the weather gets stormy.
I don't even want to think about the amount of zeroes my vampire has dropped for this banging bombshell of a place.
When Nyx had said that Tanya wanted to show me something, I didn't know it'd be a big something. But the Goddess of Night was right though. Nightfall suits this beautiful place better.
The lodge is just off the tracks of Burnt Mountain Road. Away from Forks and La Push. Away from prying eyes. And it's perfect. A bit over the top but perfect.
"Let me show you around Boo." She takes me on a tour of our new hangout. It's all timber wood like a typical lodge but on a much grander scale. "Recycled wooden shingles" she tells me. For some reason, the first thing I do is look up and the ceiling structure is a labyrinth of massive beams that makes my mouth drop open in awe. Those are some serious logs.
I turn my attention back to what's in front of me. All the inner walls in the lodge have been removed so that it creates a continuous open space. It makes the place look huge and airy, but the furnishings were all warm ambers, reds and yellows to coexist harmoniously with the massive fireplace in the living room area that is currently lit. The flames are dancing as though they are waving hello in the only way the can. It feels inviting and homely. I can see myself happily snuggling my vamp-woman on the cosy looking sofa watching movies late into the cold nights. I grin dopily to myself just envisioning being cuddled up with my Queen.
The lodge is typically traditional but with just one small modern twist. The back of the lodge is floor to ceiling crystal clear glass. No more wood, just full-on glass. You can see out into the native forest, the lush greens of the trees and vegetation that are usually visible in the day are currently hidden by the nightfall. The twinkling stars are bright against the navy night sky. They seem brighter than usual.
A single sturdy wooden staircase is parallel to the windows leading up to the mezzanine level where I assume a bedroom is.
But before I can go anywhere else to explore, Tanya directs me to the kitchen.
"I heard you wolves have a huge appetite so this will probably at least be one of your favourite areas in the lodge." She smirks at me and I stick my tongue out in response.
The kitchen is filled with the latest appliances that proudly boast modern technology. Yeah… I better not be left alone in here because there are bound to be some casualties. Not me but that expensive looking microwave for sure will be on the hit list. What the hell do all those buttons even do? I'm not exactly the most patient Wolf so if a button breaks it is definitely not my fault.
"Hmmm," Tanya runs her hand over the glass covering the cooker, "maybe I can cook you something sometime. Would you be okay with that Baby?" Tanya smiles over at me and I feel my heart soar.
"Of course, My Queen. Especially if it's made with love. By you." I grin at her and she just shakes her head amused.
"I'd probably end up poisoning you by accident."
"I'd happily die from poisoning if it came from you."
She runs over to me using her vampire speed and places her hand over my mouth as a look of anguish takes over her features.
"Don't talk about dying. Ever. Please?" Her eyes are pleading with me with silent pain shining within their depths. Shit, I've hurt her.
I take her hand off my mouth but keep a hold of it. Placing a kiss to the back of it gently.
"Sorry My Love." I pull her into my arms and kiss the top of her head.
"I've spent nearly a millennia looking for you Leah, let me love you for at least a thousand more millenniums before you even mention the thought of death."
She pulls back but stays in my arms while leaning up to kiss me softly on the lips.
"Let me love you Puppy." She whispers against my mouth.
I feel the air around us charge and crackle with electricity as the mood shifts. The light heartedness is gone and is replaced with the heat of a thousand burning stars.
"Love me all you want, Tanya. I'm all yours."
I hear her breath hitch as my lady takes a hold of my hand again and leads me to the staircase. She walks up the stairs and I don't even try to make an effort not to stare at her luscious ass as she sways her hips in front of me. She throws a coy look over her shoulder. I bet she felt my gaze. Her gaze makes me feel like the whole Earth is shaking in my veins. I can feel the powerful blood of my ancestors, right back to the two wolves who were transformed from majestic canines to humans by Q'waeti, course through my veins but it's Tanya's gaze that sets that blood on fire. I gulp audibly and she laughs. I'd follow this woman anywhere. To the land of Hades and back, if she needed me to.
"C'mon puppy. Let me show you our bedroom."
The thought of this sacred space belonging to me and her, us, sends warm shivers down my spine.
At the top of the stairs a wooden walkway leads into the bedroom. Like a catwalk. To be honest I could watch this stunning woman walk down this catwalk to the bedroom for the rest of my life.
A huge solid oak bed sits proudly in the centre of the room shrouded by the softest looking cream sheets I have ever seen. There must be at least 8 black pillows/ cushions on that monster bed. At the foot of the bed there's a matching bench covered in a black faux mink fur blanket. The floor up here is fitted with a soft cream carpet. There's a window on one side of the wall and from the bed you can look out in front, right through the floor to ceiling glass wall to outside. On the other side there's a door that leads into the en suite bathroom that houses a top of the range walk in shower with as many buttons as the damn microwave. Yup another casualty up here.
A huge freestanding bathtub that is black from the outside and white on the inside is in the middle of the room. The tub is supported on chrome feet in the shape of wolf paws.
"I wonder what made you choose this tub, My Queen."
"There's just something about wolves that captures my attention."
"Ah and here I thought it was my shoulders that roped you in."
She chuckles while sauntering over and wrapping her arms around said shoulders. My arms automatically wrap around her wasit.
"I do like these strong strapping shoulders"
"See I knew it. Like a bee to honey"
"Oh, trust me, this bee adores this honey, I usually think about digging my nails into these shoulders of yours and leaving my mark there when a certain scenario finally plays out."
She leans forwards and starts to nibble on my earlobe. "mmm sweet tasting, just like honey."
I groan and hold her tight against me. "If you don't stop Tan, it'll be me who'll be doing the tasting."
She pulls back from me, her pupils are completely blown until all I see is black. The look of sheer want obviousin her eyes.
"Is that a promise puppy?"
The way she looks… the closeness of her body to mine… something in that moment snaps me into action and I crash my lips to her heavenly ones. I wish I were a vampire so I didn't need to breathe anymore. Then I could do this all fucking day. Just kiss this gorgeous woman all day, every day.
Tanya moans into my mouth as I firmly grab her luscious ass (effing finally) in my hands and lift her up. She wraps her strong legs around my waist, and I walk us over to the closest wall, leaning her up against it as I push my body as close to hers as possible.
I can feel her breasts pushing up against mine and I groan at the thought of uncovering her and myself and just letting skin meet skin.
Tan must have the same idea as her hips start moving in waves against my still covered midriff.
The need to take in oxygen finally overcomes me and I remove my mouth from hers with a loud gasp.
My lady uses this opportunity to start trailing wet kisses down my throat. She hits a sensitive spot and I squeeze her ass hard, pulling her even impossibly closer.
She trails her kisses to my ear and whispers hotly, "Lee… I need you."
A guttural roar somehow makes it way out of my throat as I hold onto the back of her thighs and moves us to the bed. I gently release my precious cargo so that she's seated on the bed.
Tanya shuffles back onto the bed whilst fisting my top, causing me to fall onto the bed and over her like a ditz.
Her laugh causes my heart to pound with the sheer beauty of it. God, I want this woman so bad.
When I finally get my bearings, I hover over her goddess like body as she lays back. I look down at her as she looks up, our eyes connect and the whole world lights up on fire around us.
She reaches up and cups my cheek. "Baby… make love to me, make me yours, mark me."
I take a shuddering breath and touch my forehead to hers.
"Are you sure Tan? Once I mark you… there's no going back."
She leans up and reconnects our lips in a gentle kiss before pulling back just a little so that our lips are still brushing against each other as she speaks.
"Make love to me."
As the night progresses, pieces of clothing are thrown in random places around the room. A t-shirt at the foot of the bed, a bra swinging from the lightshade above, a skirt at the beginning of the walkway to the room. Sun-kissed skin finally meets moonlight-touched skin and there's ecstasy and euphoria and in every nook and cranny there's unabashed and unrepenting love. Moans swallowed by eager mouths. Fingers caressing and causing curses to fall from swollen lips. A plethora of little deaths one after the other that causes the very foundations of the lodge to shake.
And when I finally bite just on the edge of my imprints left breast, somewhat over her heart, after making her come for the umpteenth time, after she makes me fall apart numerous times, the universe shifts…
And stills…
And everything becomes one.
If you asked the wooden walls of the lodge what they heard that night they would answer with one simple phrase:
Pure adoration.