(Sunday night June 10th)
"We need to talk." He said.
Bella nearly jumped out of her own skin. Jake was incredibly sneaky.
"What the hell Jake!" Bella said as she clutched her heart. She will never get used to that.
"Sorry, I just couldn't wait any longer." Jake said regretting having scared her.
"It's fine. I'm okay now." Bella said as she grabbed her things and locked the truck.
"Where did you go with them?" Jake asked as he followed her into the house.
"I went shopping for graduation with Marcus and the guard." Bella said.
The hairs on the back of Jakes head bristled. He didn't like how easily she became comfortable with them.
"That's it?" Jake asked. He couldn't believe clothes shopping took almost 10 hours.
"We had dinner too." Bella replied as she entered her room and placed the bags on her bed. Jake followed her in.
"We?" Jake asked confused.
"Apparently he can drink wine." Bella said. She was still mad at him but Marcus had helped her put everything into perspective.
"Seriously?" Jake asked. That was new information.
"Yup." Bella said as she took out the dark purple dress she and Marcus had settled on.
"Anything else happen?" Jake asked.
"I invited Marcus to my graduation tomorrow." Bella said. She didn't know how the pack would react to that.
Jake stood still. Sam was not going to like this. "Oh."
"Oh?" Bella replied. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"
She tried to keep her anger in check but it was hard. He had been interrogating her this entire time.
"No, I wanted to talk about this morning. I'm sorry for what I said. I honestly didn't mean it when I called you stupid. It's just that I finally have a chance to be with you and vampires come to put a wedge between us. I'm scared Bells. I'm scared of getting what I always wanted and having it ripped away from me. I'm scared because you are bonding with them and changing your life for them. It's like you're drifting away from me inch by inch and I don't know how to stop it." Jake said. He was revealing his darkest fears to her. He needed to be honest.
Bella just stood facing her closing. She hated how he felt. He had a point. He was powerless in this. She was the one being affected by a bond not him. She didn't put more consideration into how this was affecting him.
Bella turned around and faced a distraught looking Jake.
"I'm sorry. You're right. I didn't think of how this was affecting you. I'm sorry Jake." Bella said. Marcus was right. You have to work to keep a relationship strong and she was going to follow his advice.
"It's okay Bells. We both messed up. This is just so much. We need to talk things out more." Jake said as he held her in his arms. His wolf calmed as he felt her skin. He needed her.
"Okay." Bella said. She chuckled as she remembered Marcus telling her to work things out with Jake.
"What's so funny?" Jake asked.
"Marcus told me that I should work things out with you." She said.
Jake looked surprised. "He didn't."
"He did. I told him what happened and he said that anything worth keeping was worth fighting for." She said.
"Didn't think he would want us to work anything out." Jake said.
"You make me happy so he accepts our relationship. Well, as much as he can." Bella replied.
"I can live with that." Jake said. "So did you two talk about anything else?"
"Just some rules for when I go to Volterra. Apparently I HAVE to be called Princess by everyone there for my own safety." Bella said sarcastically. "Oh and there's a dress code." She finished.
"I'm guessing you don't like that either?" Jake asked.
"Dresses." Bella replied making a stink face.
"You can do it." Jake said sitting with Bella on her bed.
"Yeah, I guess. It will be nice to get to explore a new country." Bella said. "Then again I might not be able to leave the castle since someone might find out about Me."
"Yeah there's that." Jake said trying hard not to get upset.
"I did forget to talk to Marcus about where I would be staying. I mean who will cook for me? They hate the smell of food. I have no idea how the castle is on the inside so I need a heads-up." Bella said. She didn't know how outdated the rooms where either. If it would even have electricity in her room.
"I really don't want you to go to the castle.' Jake said. "Can't you two go somewhere else? The castle gets visited by many vampires right? So going somewhere else with Marcus would be better. I mean it would be safer as long as you where surrounded by guards and it would allow you two to get to know each other better.
"That's a good idea. I'll talk to him about it." Bella said. "Now why don't you break the news to Sam about Marcus going to my graduation." Bella said with a wide smile.
"I knew it was too easy." Jake said as he hung his head. He really did not want to be a part of that conversation.
(Monday June 11th)
Bella was so excited to be graduating in a few moments. The only thing putting a damper on her mood was the fact that the pack was here. Sam was not happy about Marcus going to her graduation but it wasn't on their land so he couldn't do anything. He was still going to protect the people so he had the pack close by in both forms.
Marcus had arrived to the school with Alec dressed in teens clothing. It was a funny look for him. She could tell he didn't like it. Marcus however looked dashing in his dressy yet casual suit. Many of the women in the auditorium were already gawking at him. It was creepy.
Jake and Billy were seated next to a very proud Charlie who had his camera ready.
Bella was so happy. She couldn't wait to be able to take some time off and get to know her new family.
(Time lapse)
"Bella Swan." Her principal called.
(Applause and cheering)
"Woo Bella." Jake yelled.
"That's my girl." Charlie said loudly as he snapped photos.
Bella blushed as she posed for a quick photo of her receiving her diploma. She noticed Marcus taking pictures as well. She looked in his direction so he could have a good photo. She noticed Alec smiling too. She walked off the stage and joined the rest of her class.
The minutes passed as the last speech was being made. She wanted to leave and spend time with Charlie.
Once the ceremony was done and everyone threw their caps in the air and began to hug each other good bye Bella made her way to Charlie. She walked up to him and hugged him.
Charlie had tears in his eyes.
"Congratulations Bells." Charlie said as he handed her flowers she hadn't seen. "These are from your mom."
"Thanks dad." Bella said as she then hugged Billy.
"Congratulations kid." Billy said as he hugged her tightly. "I couldn't be prouder."
"Thanks Billy." She replied.
"Congrats Bells. You did it." Jake said as he hugged her and kissed her.
It immediately dawned on him that Charlie was there staring at them. They had told Charlie last Monday when things had calmed and he was happy. He liked Jake and he knew where to find him to kill him if he crossed the line. The only problem was that after Edward Charlie wasn't as trusting as he would have been. He didn't want another repeat of last time.
"Sorry dad." Bella replied embarrassed.
"Yeah." Charlie said as he went towards Billy. "Come on old man, let's get the cars." He said and then wheeled off a smirking Billy.
"Well that was awful." Bella said.
"I think someone wants to see you." Jake said as he saw Alec and Marcus approach. He guided her to a more private section of the auditorium. Besides many people were already leaving.
"Congratulations Bella."Marcus said as he hugged her. He was so happy that he could be a part of this moment. He would hang her photo on the walls of his office, room and halls of his wing.
"Thank you Marcus." Bella replied as they separated.
"Congratulations Princess."Alec said.
"Thank you Alec." Bella said not liking the title. "You look very handsome." She replied.
"Thank you." Alec replied with a smirk.
"Would you mind taking a photo with me?" Marcus asked. He wanted one of them together.
"Of course not." Bella said as she and Marcus posed side by side and smiled as Alec snapped away.
"I want a copy." Bella said as she and Marcus separated. They didn't want to draw any attention.
"I will send you the best photo I took Princess." Alec replied with a slight bow. His Princess had just given him her first task. It was small but it meant a lot to the guards. He would not disappoint.
Bella smiled in return. She didn't know what his sudden change meant. She would just ask Marcus later.
"I would love to spend more time with you my dear but I believe your dad will be coming in soon looking for you." Marcus said. He could hear Charlie outside. Jake nodded in agreement, he had heard him as well.
"Will I see you later?" Bella asked.
"Of course. Simply call when you have the time." Marcus replied. He gave her a quick hug and left with Alec.
"Come on, Charlie is getting restless." Jake said as he walked with her outside saying farewells to her friends on the way out.
The four of them went for a late lunch to the dinner. It was one of the less crowded places in forks since everyone is celebrating. Bella enjoyed her meal with nearly all of the men she loved. She had also spoken to her mom on the phone who was so proud of her. It was a great day.
After their meal Charlie and Bella headed home with Billy and Jake following them. Charlie had even decorated the front door with a poster saying 'Congrats Grad'. Bella was touched. Inside of the house there were a few balloons and a small cake waiting for them in the fridge.
Everyone enjoyed their dessert and talked about old times. Bella didn't like some of the stories from when she was a toddler but she let Charlie and Billy have their laughs. Jake was as happy as ever now that he and Bella were an item and that their families approved. Even Marcus to Jakes surprise. He knew Caius would never accept him and he liked that even more. That bleached blonde had issues.
It was a little after four that Billy and Jake were about to leave since Charlie had the night shift today because of Bella's graduation. Jake said he would be back in a little bit after he dropped off his dad. Charlie told her to call him if anything happens and no going out to parties tonight since he would most likely be dispatched to break it up.
Bella watched everyone leave from the living room window. She cleaned up the plates and put everything back in its place. After she was done she took out her phone and called Marcus.
"Hello." Marcus replied.
"Hi Marcus." Bella said.
"Hello my dear. How was your afternoon with Charlie?" Marcus asked.
"It was great. He surprised me when we got back home with some decorations. It was nice, he also bought us cake, and I'm stuffed." Bella laughed at the end.
"I am so glad that you had a good time. I take it that he has returned to work now?" Marcus asked.
"Yeah he has the night shift tonight." She said.
"Would you like to do something with us?" He asked.
"Sure, what did you have in mind?" She asked.
"How about we spend time here in my rental home and get to know each other more."He suggested.
"I would love to." She replied. It would be nice to get to know Marcus better. Now she just had to ask Jake for help on lying to Charlie.
"I will send a car to pick you up and take you back. It will be safer since we can't go into Forks ourselves." He said. He also didn't want to ruin things with the wolves since they were important to her.
"Are you sure? I can drive to your house myself it's no problem." She said. She dint want Marcus to go through any trouble.
"It's none my dear. He will be there within the hour." He said.
"Ok ill get ready." She said.
"I'll see you soon. Good bye my dear." Marcus said.
"Okay bye Marcus." Bella replied.
Bella ran upstairs to chance into more comfortable clothes. She did not want to keep the dress on for much longer. Once she was done she went to her closet to look for a small box she had brought with her from Arizona.
(Knock knock knock)
Bella didn't know who it was so she said 'come in Jake' in a normal voice to see if it was a wolf. Sure enough she heard the front door open.
"It's me Bells." Jake yelled out.
"Oh good." She replied.
"You need to lock that door." Jake said in a sour tone when he entered her room. "You never know who it could be."
"It will either be a wolf, vampire or human. Either way I'm protected. Someone is always nearby." Bella said with a smile and a wink as she continued to look through her things.
"Still, please lock it." Jake said as he went over to where she was sitting on the floor. "What are you looking for?"
Bella smiled when she finally found it. "This." She said as she held a small box. "It's the few photos I brought with me from Arizona. I'm going to show them to Marcus and have him make copies for himself." She replied.
"Right now?" Jake asked.
"No in a bit. He's sending someone to come get me." She replied looking through the photos.
"What?" Jake said upset. "When were you going to tell me?" Jake said.
"What's the problem?" she replied.
"I didn't know you were going to see him. You can't go alone." He said.
"Jake it will be fine. He is sending a car since he is keeping his distance. I will just be at his rental house. I won't be far." Bella said trying to calm Jake down. She hadn't thought of how he would take it. To her it felt normal in a way. She felt safe with Marcus.
"I don't know that. You know how the wolf feels about you being near them. And now you are going to their house without backup. You know Paul and Seth would run to get you when they found out." He replied. He could just imagine how they would take it.
"I'm sorry Jake, I just feel safe with him. I should have thought about it from your perspective." Bella said upset now. She did promise to herself to think of Jake when she made choices like these. Sometimes she did think she was moving too fast with Marcus. "I can call him and reschedule." She offered.
"No, I get it bells. He's your dad, somehow. But it still scares me when you are so far away from me." Jake admitted.
"I'll fix it." Bella said as she pulled out her phone.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'll tell Marcus that you are coming with me." She replied.
"Bells. No. Look I get it that you trust him but I can't. It's not my nature. I don't want to intrude on your time with him either." He replied.
"Then how can I make this better?" She asked.
"I'll settle for you texting me like crazy." He sighed. "I just need time to get used to it. I don't think I'll ever like it."
"Okay." Bella said as she hugged him.
She had come to understand the way Jake felt about him. The man was trying but the wolf was protesting the entire time. It was only calmed by the fact that they had a parental bond and Marcus genuinely seemed to want to make her happy. Plus the fact that Marcus had even talked to Bella about working through their issues.
They spent a few more minutes together going over how to cover for Bella if Charlie called either of them. Charlie didn't want her going out with Jake tonight since he knew how some people might be out celebrating and may drink and drive. She and Jake both assured him that they would be safe and take every precaution.
When the car Marcus had sent finally arrived Bella gathered her things and got inside. Jake kissed her good bye. He didn't like it but he would trust her.
Bella was a little nervous and awkward in the car since she wasn't used to being driven. She wanted to make small talk but decided to arrange the photos she would be showing Marcus. He deserved to have decent baby photos of her. She was sure the Queens would love them as well.
The car ride was long but not as long as she thought it would be. Then again she was distracted the entire time. When she pulled up to the house Demetri was waiting in the drive way with a smile. He opened the door for her and helped her out.
"Good evening Miss Swan." He didn't use her proper title since there was another human present.
"Good evening Demetri." She replied. She would never get used to the royal treatment.
Marcus opened the door and had his arms open immediately upon seeing her. Bella walked faster and embraced him happily.
"Missed me?" Bella joked. They had already seen themselves earlier.
"Always." Marcus smiled.
"I brought you a surprise." Bella said with a smile. It instantly perked up Marcus more.
"A visit and a surprise. I do like that." He replied.
He ushered her inside and Bella was taken aback. The living room was stunning. The interior did not match the modest exterior.
"Wow." She said as she took in all of the leather and dark wood. It looked like a bachelor pad. It all looked and smelled very new. "Did you get these today?" She asked. She had a suspicion that he bought these for her benefit.
Marcus smirked a bit embarrassed.
"Only a few more things but yes. We don't really need much my dear. The rest of the things were for your benefit."
"You know that you don't have to do that. I don't mind sitting on the floor." Bella said.
Marcus had a horrified look on his face.
"That will never happen. I will carve a seat for you out of a rock if I have to. You are a Volturi Bella. You will be catered to from now on." He said.
"I don't think I will ever get used to that." She said sitting on the couch. It was amazing. The leather felt amazing almost like butter. It molded to her perfectly. She hugged the throw pillow and sighed. "I love this couch." She said with a serene smile.
Marcus and the guard chuckled. In his mind Marcus was already making plans to have that couch shipped to Volterra. He knew he would eventually go overboard on buying her things but it didn't matter. They had an endless supply of money and connections throughout the world to get her anything.
"Good. I wasn't sure if you would. We don't really mind what the furniture is made out of. We could sit on thrones made of rocks and it wouldn't bother us." He said.
"Oh that reminds me." Bella said as she sat up and faced Marcus.
"Where would I stay in the castle?" She asked.
"You would stay in a room adjacent to mine in my wing of the castle. It would be the safest place for you." He replied. He liked to have her speak of her trip to Volterra. He still had a fear of her not going.
"How is the room?" She asked not sure how to phrase her question.
"What do you mean?" Marcus asked confused. "As in where in the castle?"
"No. I mean, well I guess my real question is how modern is it?" She asked shyly.
The guard smiled but did not dare laugh. They understood what she meant.
It took Marcus an extra second to get her meaning. She thought it would be some stone room with a bucket in the corner and no running water. He right out laughed.
"It's not funny." Bella replied. She wished he wasn't laughing at her. The guard had the decency to press their lips together so they wouldn't laugh.
"It is my dear. The castle is actually very modern. Aro has ensured it. The castle has been reinforced through the millennia since we do tend to break things from time to time. The plumbing and electric work was the most exhausting. It took a long time but we made sure to have it in the main parts of castle where we reside. Those are the only two things that need the most maintenance aside from the castle itself. We actually have cable and high speed internet." Marcus added.
Bella had her eyes wide open. She wasn't expecting that. It sounded like a hotel.
"Really?" She asked.
"Yes. We don't sleep so in the past we had tasks, hobbies or books to pass the time. Now we have the internet and other electronic devices. Aro is more into the technological things. Caius is still 'old school' as you might say. He loves his books and paintings. He has added more modern pieces to his collections but other than that he mostly indulges in clothes and accessories. Online shopping is the queens' favorite pastime. They love to master any new craft as well." He said.
"Wow that sounds fun." She said.
"I believe so. These past two decades have produced incredible things. The guard mostly enjoys video games." He said.
Bella looked towards the guard who were smiling. "Really?" She asked looking at them.
"Yes princess. It is good to have something new to help pass the time on our off days." Demetri replied.
"It would be better if the controls were stronger too. We tend to break them when things get heated." Alec said while looking at another guard who looked away.
"I'm sure you can afford to replace them." She said with a laugh. "The castle sounds like a hotel." She said as she looked at Marcus. "Is there room service?" She asked sarcastically.
"Yes, the guard will take care of whatever you need." He replied.
Bella sobered up. "No, I can do things myself. I have basically raised myself. My mom always joked that I was born a 40 year old." She said while laughing.
Marcus didn't like her comment. He wasn't sure of what kind of childhood she might have had now. But he would ensure her life from now on was a pampered one.
"It's the way things are." He replied.
"I understand but I don't feel comfortable. I can meet you half way though." She replied.
"How so?" Marcus asked.
"I am not sure yet. We will see." She said with a smile.
"I have a feeling that you will fight me all the way." Marcus replied. He wanted to take care of her but she was already and adult. He hated not having found her earlier.
"For now how about we focus on my childhood photos?" She asked and watched his face light up.
"You brought them?" Marcus asked.
"A few. They're the ones I brought with me." She said as she pulled out the box and took out the pre-organized pack she had separated. "These are all of me, my parents and my friends from when I was little."
Marcus eagerly took the photos as the guards left the room to give them privacy. He studied each photo memorizing each one while Bella described them and told him a story of each photo. He was captivated by her words and the photos that he didn't even care of how much she and Jake were texting. He knew why but it didn't matter. This was a wonderful gift. The few photos they had found of her didn't do her justice. To see her happy childhood was magical.
They spent almost two hours just looking and talking about the photos. Bella loved being able to share part of her past with him that she almost let the time get past her.
"Oh it is getting late." She said as she looked at her phone.
"Do you need to leave now?" Marcus asked.
"No, I can stay a little longer but I forgot to ask you if you had a scanner or a copier." She said gathering the photos.
"I don't understand." He replied.
"I wanted you to keep copies of the photos you like best. I'm sure Aro, Caius and the Queens would love to see them." Bella said with a smile.
"Of course my dear. I didn't know you wanted me to have them as well." He said smiling. She was so giving and caring. She was just like Didyme.
"I don't believe we have any." He said. "Demetri."
"Yes Master." Demetri said as he appeared at his masters' call.
"Do we have a scanner or a copier?" He asked.
"No we do not master." He replied.
"It's alright. I can make them and send them here tomorrow." Bella said. She should have said so earlier. It was almost 8 and surely no place would be open.
"Nonsense. I'm sure there is a place that can do this sort of thing now." Marcus said. "Guards." Marcus said and the rest of the guard appeared. "Find a place to make copies of the photos."
"Marcus its ok. I should have remembered to say something. I will make the copies, it's not a bother." Bella said. She didn't like to have anyone do things for her. The poor guard looks distressed if they can't do something.
"Nonsense. We can do things much faster and I already mention that you don't have to do anything." Marcus said.
Bella was about to protest when Alec spoke.
"Master, there is a pharmacy up the road that is open 24 hrs and does copies of photos." Alec said with a smile and a look of pride. Bella could only make it out for a moment.
"Excellent, problem solved." Marcus said happy. "Take the photos and copy them all." Marcus told Alec. "I can't narrow them down my dear. They are all too precious." He said to Bella. "Keep them safe." Marcus said sternly to Alec.
"Yes Master." Alec said with a bow as he took the bundle of photos from Bella who gave him a smile. He smiled back to her. He liked to see her happy. He was about to leave when Bella called him.
"Oh Alec, could you do me a small favor?" She asked shyly. Alec instantly stood straighter.
"Anything Princess." He said. He took pride to so far be the only person to be catering to her. Jane would be jealous.
"Could you get me something to drink and some chips? Any will be fine. I'm not picky." She said.
"Are you hungry?" Marcus asked mad at himself for not thinking of having food or drinks here for her.
"No I had a lot to eat earlier but I want something to snack on during the ride home." She replied. Truthfully she was hungry and she was thankful that her stomach hadn't made any noise but she didn't want to complain. The man bought furniture today to make her comfortable she didn't want to have him kidnap a cook for her too.
"Are you certain?" Marcus asked.
"Yes." Bella said with a small laugh. "The car ride is long. Besides I will be talking to Jake to whole time.
"Very well, that will be all Alec." Marcus said dismissing him.
Bella and Marcus waited 34 minutes for Alec to return. He apologized for taking long but in reality the time flew by for her. Alec handed Marcus the copies and a disk with digital copies so they could send them to the kings and queens back home. What she wasn't expecting was the two bags Alec had brought full of drinks and chips. It looked like he bought every kind the store had. How the bags had not broken was beyond her.
"Are these to your liking Princess?" Alec asked her as he set down the bags on the coffee table.
Bella's eyes went wide as he took out everything.
"I think I'm set for the week, or a movie night with the pack." Bella said. "Oh Yoo-hoo, my favorite." She said as she grabbed the drink. She hadn't had it in a while.
Alec smiled to see her pleased with something he brought.
Bella was pulled from her thoughts when her phone buzzed. It was Jake wanting to know if she was okay. Bella smiled and told him yes.
"I have to go before it gets much later." She said as she put down the drink.
"Of course my dear, you're welcome back any time." Marcus said as he handed her the photos back.
"Thanks for listening to me ramble on." Bella said smiling.
"I enjoyed the stories as I am sure the family will as well." Marcus said. He liked saying family, that's what they were.
"Good, let me know what they think of the photos please." She said.
"I will my dear." Marcus said.
Bella was about to gather the bags when the guard took care of it for her. She was going to say something until Marcus came up beside her and ushered her outside himself. The driver was waiting with the door open. The guard put the bags in the seat next to hers since she said she would be eating on the way home.
"I had a lovely time my dear." Marcus said as he looked into her eyes. He was so happy.
"I did as well." Bella replied and hugged him.
They held each other for a moment and then parted. Marcus walked her to the car himself and closed her door. He and the guard waved goodbye and watched her ride away.
Bella was happy having spent time with him. She was also happy to be able to eat now. She opened up the Yoo-hoo and some air popped cheddar popcorn and calmed down her poor stomach.
"Would you like something to eat or drink?" Bella asked her driver.
"No thank you miss." He replied.
Bella simply smiled and took out her phone to call Jake.
"Hi Jake." She said.
"Is everything okay?" He asked.
"Yeah I'm on my way home now." She said.
"Good. I'll be waiting for you." He said.
"Can we watch a movie when I get home?" She asked now in the mode for a movie after saying it. "Call the guys."
"Are you sure?" He asked. The pack would eat her out of house and home. Plus he wanted to be alone with her.
"Yeah. But they might not want to be near me until I shower." She said laughing. She would have said because of the vampire smell but she wasn't alone.
"I'm sure that will just make them want to cover up the smell." He said but she had a point.
Bella and Jake kept talking about other things as she waited to get home. They changed the subject and mostly talked about making plans for a proper first date for them. Almost an hour later Bella finally arrived home. Jake was waiting for her on the porch. He was surprised by the amount of snacks she had with her. He didn't like that they were covered in leech stench but it was food.
Paul and Seth were there too and they were happy to help with the food. They both kissed Bella hello and headed inside with the bags. They were the only ones who could come over. Everyone else had patrol, work or plans already.
"Missed me?" Bella asked as she held her boyfriend.
"More than you know." He replied as he watched her driver disappear up the street.
They both went inside and enjoyed a nice night in watching the movies the guys had brought over. Bella was finally happy with everything around her. She just hoped it stayed that way.
Sorry for taking so long in updating this story. I hate to have left you all for so long. So I made this chapter extra long. I uploaded this without spell checking so sorry if I have made any mistakes.
Let me know what you all think of this chapter in the reviews.