Chapter 4 – Bonding

JPOV

"Jacques, you have to go to ground right away. Your body requires the healing sleep of our people," Gregori stated as I sat with Bella. She was still asleep, but at least she was warm. She no longer shivered as the room became warmer. The heady scent of the burning herbs filled the air. Gregori remained silent, waiting for me to move, I'm not going anywhere. I have to be here when she wakes. My fingers twined with hers as she rested.

Gregori stepped further into the room, trying to persuade me. I snarled at him, halting his approach. It's all right, old friend. You know I won't harm her, but she will need my help. She was stabbed. I turned back to Bella, knowing that she required more aid than I could provide. I ignored my own needs and stayed with her, but I couldn't deny it. I did need the healing of earth to regain my strength. These new emotions were overwhelming. Jealousy grew within me when I saw my brother holding Bella's slender body. I had to take care of myself, but Bella's well-being outweighed that. She was injured and that had to be taken care of first. Jacques, with your permission, I can heal her wounds while she rests. I will not go against your word.

Gregori waited with his back turned as I removed the quilt from around Bella's still form. Bruises were coloring her skin from being injured. Lightly touching my mark on her neck, I felt ashamed of myself. My need for blood was too strong, causing me to hurt her, but my mark would remain on her skin for my people to see. Gregori, please do what you can. Her wound is deep. He bowed his head, Do not worry. I will do my best. I moved the quilt over her undergarments, before he looked at her. This was still my woman and no man can see her like this. Gregori moved closer to her, making my body tighten with anger as his energy left his body.

Bella inhaled deeply in her sleep as Gregori worked to heal her wound. My will drifted over hers, letting her sleep deepen as Gregori worked. I watched as her flesh pulled together on its own. The dark coloring on her skin began to fade as the wound healed. Gregori inhaled deeply as he returned to his body. His eyes drifted over her still form, The wound wasn't too bad, so now she only requires rest. Her hand was in mine, "Thank you." My hand brushed over Bella's hair as she slept.

Raven's timid knock came from the door, "How is she?" She truly could not stop herself from helping others when she can. I looked back at her, "Still resting." Remembering Bella's knowledge of our homeland, a thought came to me. "Raven, would you mind retrieving some soil?" Raven's eyebrows pulled together, "Bella will remember that she was injured and she knew of the soil's healing properties. Bring some to place on her wound. I will make the illusion of a bruise on her skin. That way you two can officially meet."

Raven made a face, "Or I could just introduce myself when she wakes up." "Now, that won't be dramatic enough. Women enjoy theatrics." She scoffed loudly, "Why did I bother to ask?" she turned to leave the room. Gregori arched an eyebrow at me, "Say I'm wrong and I'll call my sister back in here." He half-smiled, "You are correct. The higher the dramatics, the closer they will be." Gregori left the room in silence. The sun has passed its highest point, but our people still needed the solace of the earth. Raven was proving herself stronger as she was not immobilized as most fledglings would be.

My hand curved the shape of Bella's face, feeling the silk of her skin. My thumb brushed over her full lips and they were as soft as rose petals. Bella's eyes fluttered open, as I lifted my will from hers. She needed to sleep for me to bring her to my home. Two large eyes looked up at me and blinked once. She was recalling everything that happened when she found me. "How are you feeling?" Her dark brown eyes looked into mine and they were the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen. "Where are we?" she breathed. I leaned closer to her, not looking away from her eyes, "My family's home. I told you were coming here. Don't worry, you're safe now." She stretched, then winced in pain, "Oww."

It was wrong, but I placed the feeling of soreness and pain at her side. She moved the quilt and saw the discoloration of her skin, "Oh no." Her heart was beating faster, recalling being stabbed. Bella, you have to calm down, I told her. She fought to get up, "I have to get to a hospital." She was stronger than she looked. My hands rested on her shoulders, Bella, she looked at me, feeling the command in my voice, you're not going anywhere. We can help you far better than any hospital can, but you have to trust me. She watched me, the fear leaving her eyes. Teeth bit down onto her trembling lip; she was clearly still shaken up. The memories of the tower were flooding back to her mind. One she clearly remembered was the feel of me biting her. She was in pain, but withstood it to help a stranger. She was too good to the true.

Do you trust me? You must say it. My hand held her face, ensuring her that no harm would come to her. The memories faded away from her mind, only seeing me. Her head nodded slowly, I trusted you before, I think I can do it again but, what is your name? I smiled, forgetting common formalities, "Jacques Dubrinsky and yours?" She blinked once and her cheeks began to turn a gentle pink; she was blushing, "Isabella Swan, but call me Bella." Bella meant beauty and she was that. Our faces were inches from each other; the space closing between us. Her breath was gentle as she was now calm. My lips burned to touch hers.

Raven entered the room then, finding us looking at each other. Bella looked away quickly, as my eyes released hers. Raven's lips pursed together, Am I interrupting something? My teeth clinched together, Yes and no. Raven smiled brightly, "Bella, you're awake." Bella looked back at Raven with a confused expression. It took a moment, before her eyes widened a bit as she remembered through the haze of seeing Raven. Really looking at her, my brother was right; Raven's eyes were the color of sapphires. She was lovely, but Bella was beautiful. No beauty compared to hers.

Jacques, how do you know Bella's eyes are brown? Mikhail saw through my eyes, seeing the depth of Bella's as she looked at me. I know because I'm looking at them right now. I never wanted to stop looking at her.

Mikhail's excitement grew, Brother, do you believe she is the one for you? My mind smiled as Raven and Bella spoke with one another. I do. She came to me, without me calling to her. She risked her well-being for me. I've declared her as my woman to our family, but I know what I have to do so that no one can take her from me. Mikhail, I cannot lose her. Bella's eyes shut closed for a moment. "What is it?" She bit her lip, "My neck's a bit sore. I don't know what happened." I touched her neck lightly, hating myself for doing that to her, I'm sorry. Her eyes looked up at me and she smiled, You didn't do anything. It was those people who were torturing you.

Are you going to tell her the truth? Raven asked.

I glanced at her, Not today, but I will.

Bella turned her head slowly, trying not to hurt herself, "How is it we heard each other?" Raven sat on Bella's other side, "I can hear minds too and I felt your pain and fear. I'm getting better at it, but sometimes when someone is in a lot of pain, it affects me. I was torn between finding Jacques and coming to help you." Raven looked toward me, "But, thank goodness, you were together." She brushed her fingers over the back of my hand, "We feared that we lost him." Raven looked back at Bella, "Now we have to help you get better." Raven moved the quilt aside and gasped. There was a large black and blue bruise covering the skin of Bella's waist. The dark coloring spread to her stomach, Jacques, this is too much.

I had to make it seem real. You weren't there when she was hurt. Trust me on this.

Bella looked down and her eyes began to tear. She poked a finger at the discoloration and winced. My thumb brushed away her tears, I promise, you will be healed soon. Raven lightly touched the bruises I created and Bella winced again, "I'm sorry. Gregori and I are going to put some of our soil on your wound." Bella nodded once, pulling the quilt over her body, "I was thinking about that. That's actually why I'm here. I was studying the soil's curative abilities and testing it." I noticed that her fingers grazed over the palm of her left hand. I took that hand, seeing the faded pink line. She hurt herself on purpose for an experiment. Bella took her hand back, "It's fine. Let's focus on the bigger one."

With that, Gregori entered my bedchambers, along with Bryon. I turned back towards them, "The fanaticals are gone for now." Bella clutched at the quilt, fear growing inside of her. She watched as the two of them stood across the room. My dear, they will not harm you. Gregori came closer and Bella inched closer to Raven; not without causing herself pain. Gregori was intimidating to both human and Carpathians. Raven sensed her fear, Gregori, quit scaring her. Raven took the soil from Gregori and began at her work.

Jacques, lift her up. I have to lay down the cloths. Not asking first, I took Bella into my arms. I moved slowly, as I didn't want to increase her pain. She leaned into me, weak from the day. I shielded her half naked body from Byron and Gregori. Bella didn't resist me as I held her close. The warmth of her body ran through me. Her hair brushed against my chest, as she rested her head on my shoulder; it felt like pure silk. Do you mind? My chin brushed over her hair, Not at all.

Her mind smiled sweetly, You have this large place, but you don't even own a shirt? My laughter touched her mind, I was more concerned about helping my lovely rescuer. I owe you my life. "Jacques?" Bella smiled at my compliment. I smiled down at her, forgetting everyone in the room. Her eyes were beautiful jewels that I couldn't look away from. Her smile captured me in an instant. Jacques, Raven attempted to get my attention, but it was all for nothing. Jacques, would you listen to me!

What, woman?

She gestured to the large white cloth to lay her down. Bella looked back, seeing the cloth laid out for her, It's ok. It's not like I can go anywhere. I lowered her back down, careful not to hurt her. My arms immediately felt dead, losing the sensation of holding her. Bella watched as Raven placed handfuls of soil on her bruise, I can't believe they stabbed her, thinking she was a vampiress. They're getting more and more paranoid. How many more innocent people are going to be hurt by these maniacs?

Bella's fingers laced with mine, tightening a bit from time to time. She was biting down on her lower lip, Bella, it will be alright. Her laughter washed through me, I've been through much worst, trust me. Her mental blocks were so strong that I couldn't see her memories. In time I will. Raven pulled another cloth over Bella's body, "That should do it." Raven half-smiled, pleased with her work, "Now, you need to sleep." Bella looked up from underneath her thick fringe of lashes, "I'm not tired."

You need to sleep, little one. I could feel her getting weaker. She turned to look at me, Jacques, I'm fine, really.

My head shook. Were all women this stubborn? Bella, go to sleep. Her head fell backwards on the pillow as her eyes closed. Raven looked at me quickly, "Don't do that to her. I always hated it when Mikhail did that to me." I laughed at my sister's defense, "You just said she needed to rest." Raven folded her arms, "Learn from your brother's experiences. Don't push around American women, because we tend to push back." My arms folded, How do you know she's American?

Raven placed her hands on her waist, Wild guess. Gregori cleared his throat, "Now that that's settled. Jacques, you need to go to ground." He departed and Byron remained silent; his eyes on Bella. He watched as my angel slept peacefully in my bed. I stepped into his line of sight, Is something wrong, my friend? Byron shook his head, taking his gaze off her, No, I will go to ground close by. Good to have you back. Byron left the room to fly out into the night. Looking past my anger of him watching my woman, I was worried about my oldest friend. Years were taking their toll on him. He needed to find his woman soon.

Gregori had opened the earth, waiting for me in the lower level, When you're ready. I looked down at Bella, not wanting to leave her. Her hair sprawled around her head, covering the pillow. She was so innocent as she slept, I couldn't leave her. Raven patted my arm, "I'll check on her while you're healing if you want." I looked at her, "You mean if Mikhail will let you." She smiled in return, "I think he could sacrifice one day." Mikhail entered the room, coming for Raven. "You think so?" he asked skeptically. His arm held her waist and she nudged him, "You can share. I don't want her to wake up alone and upset."

Mikhail held Raven closer, "That is true. I don't want my new sister to be afraid, so I must learn to share." Raven's head fell backwards, looking up at Mikhail. Then her smile turned toward me, "It's true, then?" her voice was bright. My smile grew from her delight, "Yes, I believe Bella is my lifemate." Raven stepped away from my brother to hug me. She tried to be gentle in her enthusiasm. Mikhail's eyes hardened, seeing our embrace. She scoffed one, "Oh calm down, Mikhail. Don't lose sight of the big picture. Your brother found his lifemate." Another human woman that's psychic. She may have a female child.

Raven's arms were around Mikhail, melting away his anger. "You're right, love. Now, let us leave Bella in peace." Gregori pushed against my mind, reminding that I had to come quickly. The sun was sinking in the sky, but I couldn't enjoy this evening. "Raven, please take care of her for me. She is as important as you are to all of us." And she's as important to you as Raven is important to me. Raven's eyes danced, "I will." Don't worry, Jacques. She'll be here when you wake up.

Trusting Raven completely, I went to ground to allow myself to be healed. Bella would need me at my best, so that I could protect her. I bent to kiss her forehead, leaving the command for her to sleep deeply. She will not wake before she is ready. The earth lay open waiting to heal its child. Mikhail and I stared at each other for a moment, Do not worry. I will keep a watchful eye over your woman until you can. My head bowed, Make sure no one gets near her. I departed from the room to go down into the open space of the earth where my family and I rest. The open smell of the soil was comforting, but now, I didn't want to partake of it. Upstairs, in my bed, was an angel I anxiously wanted to return to.

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BPOV

The bed was soft and warm. When did I get back to the inn? My eyes opened, looking around the room. This wasn't my room at the inn; it was too big. A tapestry hung on the left wall where the balcony doors should be. The woven art went around the room, behind the large bed. Nothing in the bedroom looked familiar. The memories of yesterday, or was it today, seemed like a bad dream. Getting lost in the woods, finding a decrepit tower, where a beautiful man was being tortured. It was all coming back slowly. Helping the chained wild man, then being stabbed by his kidnappers, who accused me of being a vampire? Some of the memories seemed wrong.

The man, Jacques licked my wound; which somehow stopped the bleeding then he kissed my neck. For most, this would all seem strange, but not to me. I knew the world I lived in was a strange one. After so much time away from the supernatural, had I fallen right back into it? This wasn't a bad thing, just another secret I would have to keep. I could handle that. I sat up slowly, remembering a woman named Raven treated my stab wound with soil. Looking around the room, there was nothing to indicate the time. My watch wasn't even on my wrist.

Moving the quilt, the white cloth was still draped over me. Taking a chance, I examined the damage myself. Brushing away the clumps of dirt from my skin, there was no damage. I must be more tired than I thought. Fatigue was affecting my eyesight. The stab wound was really bad. I wanted to be taken to a hospital, but Jacques assured me that his family could care for me better. I should find a hospital just in case. The surface seemed fine, but there could be more damage on the inside. I touched the place where the knife dug into me and there was no pain or tenderness, not even a bruise. My skin was warmer in the place of the stab wound. I got out of the bed to search for a mirror. This had to be wrong. I got out of the bed, to look for a mirror. This had to be wrong. I should be more hurt than this.

My body froze in the middle of the grand bedroom. I just jumped out of bed, half ran across the room and there was no pain. It was true then. Jacques's methods helped. My eyes closed, Welcome back to the world of the supernatural. But how can this be supernatural? Jacques and his family must had curative abilities, which may be a reason why those people thought they were vampires. Vampire, werewolves, fighting off fake vampire hunters; was there ever going to be anything normal about my life? Taking in my reflection in the dresser mirror, embarrassment slammed into me when I saw that I wasn't wearing any clothes, except for my underthings. My jeans rested on the footboard of the bed. Where were my boots and backpack?

I remembered asking Raven to get it for me, but did she hear me? A narrow set of double doors stood to the left of the dresser. Taking my chances, I opened one of the doors to a dark room. My eyes adjusted easily to the dark and found a light switch. Turning it on, men's clothes consumed the space; a closet. Leaning against one of the shelves, there was my backpack. Going through the pack, I found another pair of jeans and a sweater. Finally, something that belonged to me. I examined the clothes while walking back into the bedroom, making sure they were mine.

"Bella," I jumped and shrieked, covering myself with my sweater. Raven laughed, as she sat on the footboard, "Don't worry, we're the only ones awake." It took a moment for my rigid stance to relax, "Oh. I didn't even hear you come in."

Her eyes looked down my torso, "How do you feel?" I exhaled, flaring up a strange taste of copper in my mouth, "Better, but I think I need something to drink." Raven looked back to the bedside table, I brought that for you. I thought you might need something. The content of the glass looked like apple juice. Ignoring my embarrassment of being undressed, I walked across the room and lifted the glass. The cool fluids were good, washing away the copper taste. Suddenly, my stomach tightened, rejecting the drink. The drink wasn't good anymore. The flavor changed in my mouth. I coughed roughly. Raven took the glass from me, before it fell out of my hand, "Are you okay?"

I coughed again, "I think so. I don't know what happened." Raven sighed and looked at the glass, "I'll make you some herbal tea. That would help." She helped me sit back on the bed, while I coughed, trying to clear my throat. She went for the door; Call me if you need anything. I nodded. "Oh, Raven?" She looked back before leaving. Her blue eyes were kind as she looked at me. "Would Jacques mind if I took a bath?" She shook her head, loosening her black hair, "Just stay in the shallow end." I laughed, "Thanks."

In the bathroom, I saw the point to Raven's joke. The bathtub was enormous, large enough for three people. It was carved from polished marble and stood on steel legs. The shower head was directly above the tub. I don't remember seeing the house before we came inside, but I wondered how recent the redecoration was. The fixtures were seen in high-class homes in magazines. Fiddling with the knobs, water filled the huge tub. It was strange that I felt some comfortable in this home.

Jacques? I waited for his answer. I hadn't seen him since I woke up. His voice came from the void, You're awake. I smiled, hearing the sound of his voice, Where are you? He laughed in my mind and the touch was so soft, I'll see you soon. Enjoy your bath. You're welcome to anything you need. I bit my lip and he laughed again, The shampoo is underneath the sink. Take your time.

Thank you. How do you feel?

Better, now that you're awake and feeling better.

Oh, thank you for helping me.

I could not do anything else. He laughed again, If we keep talking, we should see each other. Perhaps I could join you in the bathtub.

I scoffed, Not today. Not ever.

I should feel offended, but I oddly wasn't. Shrugging, I went to take my shower. The hot water washed the dirt and grim from the past few days. The camping, hiking, experimenting and rescuing was a lot to do in short amount of time. What day was it? After my shower, I had to check my laptop. Your watch is in my bedside drawer. Does privacy mean anything to him? Thank you. Is there anything else? Jacques smiled in my mind, Not right now. The water drained from the tub. Where were the towels? Jacques's sigh went through my mind, Bella, please stop tempting me to come to you now. I scoffed again, ready for his smugness, Don't be rude. Where are the towels? He took a long time to answer, I won't tell you. You can just wait in bed as you are.

My face burned with a blush, realizing what he meant, Forget it. I'll look for them myself.

They're in the bathroom closet. Why didn't you check there?

I shrugged, I didn't want to be rude and look through your things.

That's very considerate of you. As long as you're here, what's mine is yours.

Wow, are all European men as generous as you are?

I don't know about the others, but I know how to treat a lady. Please relax yourself.

Finding a large black towel, I wrapped it around myself and went out to the bedroom. In the closet, I changed into my jeans and sweater. My hair was still damp after I was changed. Bella, can I come in? Raven was back, Yes. She walked in carrying a large coffee mug. Steam billowed out of the mug as Raven handed it to me, "This may help." Did they all communicate with their minds? How many mind readers were out there?

The herbal tea was good and my stomach was fine, "Thank you." Raven pulled the ribbon from her hair, letting the dark black mass fall around her shoulders, So you can tie up your hair. The black satin tie was so well hidden against her hair, that I didn't even notice it. "Thank you." She took her seat back on the footboard, "Are you feeling better?" Her blue eyes were kind and very trusting. I wondered how strong she was her telepathy abilities were. Very strong. I heard you from miles away. How long have you be telepathic?

I laughed, "The better question would be how long I blocked it out?" She watched me as I unpacked my laptop, "Yes, your block is quite strong. I felt that about you. How did you do it?" My laptop came to life, lighting my face in its glow, "Practice."

She rolled her eyes at the obvious response, "Of course. I've tried to make my blocks that strong, but it took a lot of time and energy. People's emotions slam into me so badly, I had to isolate myself just for peace of mind." I sat on one of the couches, next to the tapestry. My portable wireless router was plugged in, but it was only a weak signal. My mouth fell open as I saw it was a day after I was supposed to return to the inn. "How long was I asleep?" Raven's eyebrows shot up. I sighed, "Forget it. You can feel people's emotions?" I looked up and jumped a bit, seeing her sitting on the other side of the couch, Sorry, I didn't hear you move. Or see you.

She laughed, It's fine. The castle can play tricks on you with its low light. My eyebrows pulled together, We're in a castle? Raven smiled, Yes, in the mountains. Shaking my head, I focused back on my computer. My mom must be flipping out. Raven seemed confused, as she watched me work on my laptop. "Is something wrong?" She blushed, "I'm being rude. I was fascinated at how thin your laptop is." I laughed out loud, "How long have you lived out here?" She shrugged, "Ten years."

The two of us sat closer together, letting her see the advances in technology. "You don't get much updates out here in the mountains, do you?" She shook her head, "We try to keep up, but things come up that we have to focus on." I nodded, "Like finding out who kidnapped Jacques? Did you find out who did it and why?" Her head turned away, covering her mouth with her hand, "They thought he was a vampire." My eyebrows pulled together," Why?" I asked, skeptically. She huffed, "Vampires have been known to be bred in these lands and there are some who believe me and my family are the monsters of legend."

Wow, Bryan was right. Raven glanced at me. My lips mashed together, realizing she heard that. "Bryan was someone I met at the inn. He's Mrs. Galvenstein's nephew. We almost met a Dracula's castle. He told me there were some out here who thought out-of-towners would be vampires, but I didn't believe him. He even told me to take garlic on my camping trip." Raven rolled her eyes, Garlic doesn't even work. It's just annoying.

I know, I said in response to the absurd legend. The two of us looked at each other for a long moment. She smiled and shook her head, "Well, I'll just say it's nice to have another woman around the house. It can be tough being the only girl." She was hiding something, but it was fine. I've been around people like that before. "Well, then, I hope we can become friends since we both have so much in common. Mind reading Americans are in the middle of nowhere."