Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Twilight or Vampire Diaries. Those rights are reserved for Stephanie Myer and L.J. Smith. Thank you.
Writer's Notes: Thank you angelintraining118 for your review! I've had the same internal battle that Bella is having with exactly who I wanted her to end up with. I know some wanted a poly romance, and while that might get interesting, I wanted to keep it simple. Let me know what you think!
The next week went by in a blur. Bella wasn't allowed to travel alone anymore. The meeting concluded that. Someone would always be by her side. Violet even had agreed. Alaric pushed the training even harder now. So, every morning at 5am, he was there at the boarding house in the second living room, practicing throws and defensive maneuvers. Ezra had tagged along. She found out that he was a third-degree black belt in Karate. His adopted parents owned a karate dojo in Seattle and both him and Callum were extremely skilled.
Friday morning Bella groaned as she pulled herself out of bed. She had bruises along her arms from training and her legs mirrored those bruises. She got dressed in her navy athletic pants, and a black sports bra and pulled her hair up in a high ponytail. She pulled on her sneakers and then left her room, and headed to the makeshift training room, slowly. She bumped into Jasper and it startled her. She was still half asleep.
"Oh Bella," Jasper said, and he put his hands on her shoulders and steadied her. He noticed the bruises up her arms, and he sighed. "You know, you don't have to go at this too hard. You don't want to wear yourself out darlin'".
She groaned. "I know, but I have to try and keep up. I'm tired of being the poor pitiful Bella. Ezra gave me my white belt. I think it was to lift my spirits," she said and smiled. Jasper smiled at her and then leaned in and kissed her cheek. Her heart thudded a little fast.
"I uh…." She said and then she took a step back. "Jasper…"
"I know," he said and smiled, letting his hands fall to his sides. "Go on to your training Bella," he said and walked on past her.
She let out a sigh and then ran her hands over her face. She was frustrated with herself. Her heart was doing flips and spins, and she just wanted to stop feeling like she's at a tug-of-war with herself. She took a moment to take a few deep breaths before she finally made it to the "training room". Alaric and Ezra were sparring each other. Ezra had the upper hand and moved so fluidly, that Bella almost thought that Ezra could even be a vampire.
Elena was stretching and warming up. She had tagged along with Jeremy in tow. They were used to Alaric's training sessions. She smiled at Bella when she entered. "Good morning," she said, and Bella smiled back at her.
Ezra moved to the side of Alaric's blow and then suddenly Alaric was flying backwards a little. Ezra snapped his leg back to his side and dropped his hands and walked over to help Alaric up. They were laughing. Bella raised a brow. "Well. Today is going to hurt," she muttered, and started stretching.
"So, Klaus has his hybrids searching for Angela and Ben," Alaric said as he picked up his water and drank from it. "We'll find them. How's Bonnie?" Alaric turned to Elena now and she sighed. "Well, she's tried everything she could, but she just can't locate them. She says there has to be another witch involved," Elena said then took a guarding stance while she faced off with her brother.
"I know Klaus will find them. Violet said that her and Lexi have been wandering around in town too trying to hunt down some leads," Bella said and then she and Ezra bowed to each other.
They started their little dance. Of course, Ezra didn't get hit, and landed every hit on Bella. It was frustrating, but she was giving it her all.
Damon paused in the doorway to watch Bella train with the others. A smile curved at his lips as he watched her fight so intensely. He heard a voice and looked up to see a friend that he had missed for some time. He grinned widely as he stepped forward and hugged the man, slapping his back.
"Enzo St John," Damon said and laughed when Enzo slung an arm around his shoulders.
"I ran into Violet and Lexi in town. Such a quaint little town here, "he commented and the both of them moved away to the parlor. "So, I'm here. Violet filled me in as much as she could, but I think we should have a deeper conversation," he said motioning his hand between the two, Damon grinned and moved to the cabinet that held all the liquor and got them a couple drinks and sat. Damon started telling about the whole ordeal from the start.
Bella groaned as she lay flat on her back on the mat. She was panting. Every muscle screamed at her and told her not to move. Ezra was looking down at her with an amused look. "Come on little sister, you can't be done already. It's not even six yet," he said with a laugh. Bella narrowed her eyes at him. "Not everyone is a karate master. Plus, I have to start getting ready for school, and so do you," she said and reached a hand up. Ezra clasped his in hers and pulled her to her feet.
"Okay, saved by the school excuse," Alaric called over. He nodded to Elena and Jeremy. "Guys go ahead and head out. Jeremy, you're not skipping again today," he said, and Jeremy groaned. Elena laughed at her brother and then looked up when Stefan emerged. She smiled at him and crossed over and gave him a light kiss. He smiled, but it didn't quite reach his eyes. She could tell that he was still off about the whole situation. She looked down at the ground a moment before looking behind her. "Come on Jer, we'll be late if you don't move your butt," she said and then brushed past Stefan, Jeremy and Alaric following behind.
"You look rough," Stefan nodded to Bella and he got an eye roll, which made him laugh. "Okay, training has made you sassy. Maybe Violet is rubbing off on you," he joked.
Ezra grabbed his bag from the floor and then stood beside Bella and bumped her shoulder with his. "You're doing great," he said and then left.
"Well, just don't wear yourself down," Stefan said and left to go out to hunt before school.
Bella sighed and walked the stairs to her room. The stairs made her legs burn with every step she took. She wanted to collapse on her bed when she finally made it to her room and inside. She decided a quick shower would do her some good. She didn't even have time to make it to the bathroom when Jasper appeared in the doorway. She looked over at him and smiled. "I know I know; I look pretty beat up," she half laughed.
He moved into her room and shut the door behind him. He was smiling, but he had this look of serious on his face. "Bella, I wanted to talk to you…"
She looked over his face and then nodded. "Okay, what is it Jasper?"
"I wanted to let you know how I was feeling. I'm confused about…you, and I just want to get this out of the way and hopefully be able to move on if I'm….I'm not what you want," he said and then moved to her and took her mouth wit his hungrily.
Bella let out a startled moan, and then she pushed against him now, her mouth letting him ravage hers. Her brain was completely mush now. She couldn't even collect her thoughts to think about what was happening right now. His hands sculpted her body and her body reacted to his touch. He moved her to pin her against the door, pushing her legs up to hook on his waist while his hands traveled over her stomach and to her breast. She closed her eyes and let out a pleasured sound and a small growl rumbled in his throat. He then moved them over to the bed, laying her back as he straddled her. Her arms hooked around him as she pulled his shirt off. She saw all the crescent scars that covered his body and she ran her hands over him. He shuddered as she touched him.
"Bella…" his voice was strained as he closed his hands. She could feel him trembling. He was holding himself back. It was different for him she realized. He wouldn't, couldn't take it farther. His control was staggering.
"Jasper, I…" she said and then he was kissing her again, shutting her up. She arched against him, and he groaned and shook his head.
"I can't Bella. I need…to stop," he let out a shaky breath, but she urged him on, her mouth seeking his, but he groaned again and pushed himself away from her. He ran a hand through his golden hair and covered his mouth with the other.
"Jasper, I'm sorry," she raised up in the bed and then pulled her knees to her chest. What was she doing? Jasper had Alice, and she had who…Damon? He hadn't really looked at her or touched her at all in the last week. She wasn't sure what she was feeling. Why was she having this battle inside.
"Bella, I'm sorry. I know what you're feeling. I shouldn't have…" He let out another shaky breath. He looked at her face. Her face was tinged a little pink and her lips were parted still. He closed his eyes and then went and retrieved his shirt and pulled it over his head and dusted himself off. He was still so aroused that he wasn't sure that he could walk back to his room with Alice in his state. "You have to get ready for school too," he said, his voice still strained. She only nodded and blinked when he left.
She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Get yourself together Bella," she commanded herself and then slid out of bed and went into the bathroom, turning the shower on. She looked at the counter that had the box with the dress that Klaus had left her. It was a deep royal blue. The back was out almost completely, and the haltered top dipped low, but had a dark mesh that would hide the cleavage. It wasn't something that she really saw herself wearing, but she would wear it because what else would she wear to the stupid ball.
She showered quickly and then dressed for school. She made it downstairs and bumped into Violet. "Oh, you're ready, come on. I'm dropping you off at school on my way to dress shop," Violet said, and Bella smiled as Violet linked her arm with hers. They left the house and Violet drove her towards Mystic Falls high, babbling about dresses and the ball. She was Bella's opposite in almost every way, but it made Bella smile.
Saturday came quickly. Elena and Caroline were at Elena's getting ready with Bonnie while Violet, Lexi, and Bella were at the boarding house getting ready for the ball.
"So, who's taking you to the ball?" Lexi asked Bella as she hung glittered earrings in her ears. She was wearing a tight-fitting deep crimson dress that was strapless and had the heart shaped bodice and then it swooped down long and flowing to her feet.
Bella sighed. "I'm instructed, by Klaus, that I'm to be his date for this thing." She swiveled in the mirror and looked at herself. She had dark gloves on that came up to her elbows to help hide the training bruises. The royal blue material clung to her perfectly. She was surprised to see that she was filling out with some nice muscle tone. Training really was making her feel less self-conscious about herself.
Violet snorted. She was wearing a deep purple gown. One that hugged her curves. It was oriental in style but flowed like Lexi's to her feet. Her hair was a tussle of curls now that was pinned in certain places. Her eyes were shaded in a smokey style, and her ears glittered with teardrop diamond earrings. "Well, me and Lexi made a pact to go as each other's dates," she said and Lexi grinned. "You bet cha baby," Lexi said, deepening her voice for play and the other girls laughed.
"Let's just have fun at this thing," Bella said and then grabbed her mask in one hand and reached and grabbed the clutch off the counter that Rebecca had let her borrow for tonight. It was all so fussy, but she wouldn't let her friends down.
The trio walked down the stairs still laughing. Alice was a dazzling sight. She wore a black gown that swooped to her feet too. Hers was haltered like Bella's but her dress had a little sparkle. Jasper was wearing a dark tux with a crimson tie. He really looked exotic standing there next to Alice, who also looked just as exotic.
Stefan jogged down the stairs at a human pace and smiled at Lexi as he swirled her around. "Ah, looking good Lex," he said and then disappeared out the front door. He was going to pick up Elena. He had spared Alice a glance but didn't want to stare too long at how beautiful and stunning she looked. He was still trying to mend things with Elena and couldn't jeopardize that.
Jasper looked at Bella and smiled. He felt her nerves and he sent her a soothing calm. She smiled at him. Damon appeared and her head turned to look at him. Her breath hitched a little, and Jasper took notice of this and looked away. Damon was stunning himself. He wore all black, normal for him, and the top few buttons were open at the top where he hadn't bothered with a tie. His eyes looked over Bella quickly and Jasper could feel Damon's emotion and then cleared his throat.
"Alright, we're heading out," Jasper said, and Alice smiled before disappearing out the door with him.
Lexi whistled at Damon. "Not bad Salvatore," she teased and then Enzo appeared. Violet turned and smiled at him. "Aw, look at you. All dressed up and looking handsome.
Enzo grinned. "Well, I always look handsome. Now ladies, let us take our leave." He offered an arm to both Lexi and Violet and they laughed, snaking their arms through his and walking out, leaving Damon and Bella alone.
Damon looked at Bella for a long moment. "You look stunning Bella," he said softly.
She looked at her clutch in her hands. "Thank you, Damon I- "
He crossed the distance between them and pulled her into a kiss. She hadn't realized how she missed his mouth on hers. How she missed the closeness, but Jasper was still burning in her mind. She pulled away from him slowly and smiled at him. "We need to get going," she murmured, taking a step back.
He watched her turn and open the door. "Bella, I know there's a lot going on in that head of yours. I want you to know, that it's okay," he said and then let her walk out the door to join the trio. He let out a breath and looked down at the floor. He wanted her so badly, and normally he wouldn't care about rushing or pushing her, but she was different. She made him feel different. He walked out the door, closing it behind him as he left. This masquerade ball better be over fast. He wasn't looking forward to watching Bella dance with Klaus.
The manor was packed with about a hundred or so people. Klaus really did know how to put on a ball. Everyone from town was here. Everyone was dressed to the nines, and everyone was wearing a mask. Elena and Caroline were standing off with a few other girls laughing and talking and some of the men had grouped together holding flute glasses of what was probably champagne. Klaus came up beside her.
"You look marvelous love," he said in her ear. Bella turned and smiled. "Well, thank you for the dress. I probably would have worn jeans and a t-shirt." He laughed and offered her his arm. She hooked her hand through his arm, and they moved across the room. The music was changing into a slow rhythm and then he swirled her and pulled her to him. One hand was at the small of her back, right about the material that stretched over her butt and went down to her feet. His touch made her shiver because of the tingling in her scar. His other hand clasped with hers as he led her into a dance, she honestly didn't know, but Klaus guided her with ease. They swirled around the floor effortlessly, while Damon watched, his chest tight with a little anger.
In the crowd Edward was watching. His topaz eyes watched Bella dance around with the host and he tightened his fist. His mask hid his face well, and so he turned, leaving to go outside to get air. His Bella was dancing closely with another man, and the way he looked at her made the anger boil through him. He wanted to say it was fair, that he had left her, and it was natural for her to move on, but, how could she? Elijah walked up beside Edward now and held out a champagne flute. "I don't know who you are, but I know what you are. I have a very good memory. I'm only going to tell you once. Leave. If you make a fuss, I will rip you apart and set you ablaze right now," he said lowly and Edward didn't say a word. He had heard that the hosts of this manor were called the Original vampires. He knew that their species was stronger and faster than he. Without a word, Edward slithered off into the darkness.
The song changed inside and then Klaus and Bella walked outside to the courtyard to get some fresh air. Klaus noticed that she was too quiet. "Is there something bothering you, love?"
Bella stopped and looked up at the night sky. She let out a sigh. "I'm not sure what to do…"
Klaus raised a brow. "Would this be about Damon and Jasper?" He asked, not throwing out his silly pet names for the two.
Bella looked over at Klaus, a little stunned. "How did you know?"
He smiled at her and took her arm again and led her farther away from the manor. "I see how Damon looks at you. He has incredibly strong feelings for you and then there's Jasper. He's not as easy to read like Damon, but I've gotten really good at reading people," they stopped and then he turned and looked at her. "I'm not going to tell you its an easy path. I'm quite jealous myself because I fancy you Bella," he said softly.
She wanted to run away from everything and everyone. How could she possibly have made three men fall for her. He lifted his mask up and then slid hers up as well so he could see her face fully. She sighed as she looked into his blue-green eyes. "I don't think I can handle all of this…emotion."
"I'm willing to bet you can handle your emotions, and that you already know what you want," he said gently.
She thought about this. She had loved Jasper like family, like her brother. Him and Alice were always there for her, and she welcomed that. His feelings for her is what made her hesitate, but she realized that if it wasn't for him surprising her with those few kisses, that she would not be so tied up in knots now. She had given herself to Damon and she felt comfort with Damon, but she felt like something was just missing somehow. "I don't know…" she finally said as she searched inside her heart.
Klaus smiled and then leaned down and kissed her cheek, and then the other cheek and then her lips. Ever so softly, and yet Bella felt like he wanted to do more. He showed a lot of restraint. It was different from the man who was feared by every vampire in existence. He was said to be the King of Vampires, and he lived up to that title well. He was ruthless and merciless, and yet, he was standing in front of her, speaking to her gently, and encouraging her that she could handle anything. To have faith in herself like he told her after the Riley incident. So, what did she want? She looked down at the ground as her heart started to beat fast. Her stomach twisted in knots as she lifted her head to do the one thing that she honestly thought she would never do. She lifted her mouth to his and kissed him.
Her heart hammered in her chest as Klaus returned the favor, his mouth opening for hers to explore. Her hands gripped his arms tightly, to keep herself steady, and when the world didn't spin and explode, she eased away. He nodded, already knowing what she was about to say. "While my heart would love for you to choose…me, go ahead. Go to him," he murmured and then she turned and left him standing in the courtyard, one hand in his pocket the other holding his mask as he smiled at her leave. It was out of his nature to let something as special as Bella slip out of his fingers, but he knew better that it wasn't this twin that tied his hearts in knots, but the other.
Bella searched the crowds of people until her eyes met Damon's. His icy blue eyes stared at her maskless face and then she moved quickly through the room towards him. His arms opened as she collided against him. She embraced him hard and his arms wrapped around her tightly. He moved them out of the public eye into a side room and shut the door. Her mouth greedily sought his and her hands was popping his shirt open and running up his bare chest.
Damon's hands pulled the halter clasps apart and the dress fell down her body, slithering to the floor, leaving her bare, with a pair of black lacey panties. He moved to pin her against the wall, his body pressing into hers. She let out a little pleasured moan as his hands ravaged over her body. Her heart was slamming into her chest so hard she was sure that she would burst open, but it stayed in her chest as he lifted her up and then he was inside her moving. She gasped at the little waves of pleasure that rolled over her. She arched her neck as Damon's mouth came down and bit into her. They moved together passionately as he drank a little. His mouth moved back to hers as he felt her start to climax. He covered her mouth to stop the moans so no one would hear her, well anyone with human ears, and came with her as he emptied himself.
"I…want you Damon, no one else but you," she said in between pants.
He kissed her hard, making her lips swell. The knots that were braiding around his heart broke loose and he hadn't realized that this is what he really wanted to hear. What he really wanted the most. He pulled back and then let her slide to her feet. He kissed her softly again and then rested his forehead against hers as he regained his composure.
"I'll have to buy you new panties," he said, noticing the shredded black lace in the floor. It made her giggle. He then did as he did the first night, they made love and flicked his wrist to his mouth and offered it to her. She drank easier this time, and she sighed as the puncture marks closed up.
He rebuttoned his shirt and fastened his pants and then bent and picked up the dress. He helped her slip back into it, placing a kiss on her bare shoulder. "You have made me…extremely happy Bella," he murmured, and she turned in his arms to look at him. She hooked her arms up around his neck and smiled up at him. "Well, I'm happy now too." She said and kissed him lightly. She ended up letting her hair fall down over her shoulders because she didn't have a mirror to fix it right. They joined the rest of the others and her eyes met Klaus' and with a knowing smile he only nodded to her before dragging Violet into a dance now.
The night was perfect now, it was nice to not worry about the impending war, and the possibility that soon, some of these people would not be standing here with her anymore. That war was deadly.