Chapter 6 – First Night

BPOV

Raven and I stood our ground on the argument of men versus women. She and I sat together on the lounge chaise by the fire. She and I laughed together as if we were friends from years, instead of hours. Strange; she reminded me of Alice. You couldn't help but like her. Another joined in our conversation. Gregori came to speak with Mikhail, but he properly introduced himself to me, having that this is the first time I'm seeing him since I woke up from my injuries. He was the one who brought the soil to place on my wound, but I was too afraid to let him. His eyes met mine, then lightly bowed his head. My skin prickled with concern. Jacques looked at me, feeling my distress. Mikhail rose from his desk, "Bella, you've met Gregori. He helped us treat you and Jacques."

I nodded, "I remember. Thank you for all your help." Raven rested her hand on mine, I know he can be intimidating, but trust me; he's all bark and no bite. At least with us. Her reassuring smile helped, but I still felt those silver eyes on me. I wanted to cringe away from his stare, but didn't. I've faced worse and survived. His expression was emotionless, as he joined us in the study. Gregori's eyes reminded me of something forgotten in a dream. A wolf; I dispelled the thought. Was that even real?

Gregori began to interject his thoughts, claiming that women were emotional creatures that need to attach, or as he put it 'talk to' others like themselves to produce a clear thought. My mouth hung open from that statement. That was the smuggest comment I have ever heard. "Wait a minute! That is not true," I protested. The fire suddenly roared, fueled by Raven's anger. I jumped a bit from the sudden heat, seeing the flames reaching out of the fireplace, Sorry. How was she able to do that?

Raven adjusted herself on the chaise, crossing her legs, trying to keep herself composed. This is what I was talking about, Bella. Raven smiled, "Ok, Jacques, would you believe anything these too have said about women and emotions. That we're ruled by them?"

I watched Jacques while he thought of his answer. This little debate was a good way for me to learn about his way of thinking. He leaned forward, pressing his elbows above his knees and clasping his hands together, tightening the muscles in his arms, "Well, I for one, look forward to time away from you, Raven, as a way to spend time with my brother, without him so blinded by his love for you." Mikhail scowled deeply at Jacques, "I am not blinded by love, brother." Gregori scoffed, leaning back in his seat, "Oh, yes you are. You give Raven too much leeway. When she should be kept safe and remaining here, you bring her because she doesn't want to be left behind."

Mikhail was getting angry, feeling utter betrayal, "Independence is very important to Raven. I'm ensuring her happiness." Frustration and anger surged between Mikhail and Gregori. "You should be ensuring her safety, because she is the key to our future." On that note, Raven took my hand and silently guided me out of the room. The two of us slinked out while the men argued amongst themselves. Raven and I were smiling widely at each other, You see how easily they turn on each, like animals. I looked back at the door, listening to their fading voices, "No, Gregori, I feel that if she is with me, I can ensure her safety better." I huffed as I looked forward, "I'm guessing this is an argument they've had before." Raven threw her hands up, clearly annoyed, "Again and again. Gregori is a great man but he feels my safety, the safety of all women, is more important than their happiness." I nodded slowly, "I can relate with that. Well, being told that, at least."

Without consciously thinking about it, my mind reached out for Jacques's, How's it going in there?

It's the same old debate. At least now, I see both sides clearly. My brother wants Raven to be happy and safe. He argues that keeping Raven with him, even in a dangerous situation, that is how he can guarantee her safety.

Because she's with him, not here alone, where someone might get to her.

Exactly. Please, tell me you're not as stubborn as she?

I laughed lightly, Too soon to tell.

Raven and I were in the kitchen and I watched as she prepared another cup of herbal tea. She set the kettle down on the stove, "Oh, I'm being so rude. Are you hungry? You must be." So many things have happened that hunger never crossed my mind. I should be starving. "I guess I am, a little." She started rummaging through the refrigerator, "Is there anything you'd like?" My hunger should be ravenous, but it was barely there. "Umm, a salad." Raven turned from the fridge, "Ok, just give me a minute and I'll have that ready for you." She moved around the kitchen, cutting up the salad.

A small bowl was set in front of me, "I'm surprised you only want that." "I know, me too." Maybe it was because of Jacques's blood. Stabbing a piece of lettuce my fork, the smell of the vegetable was very strong, but not in an appetizing way. My stomach twisted as I bit down on a piece of lettuce. My head fell forward, pulling it out of my mouth, "Ugh, my stomach. The only thing I can hold down is the tea." Raven pushed the mug across the counter, "Drink some first. That might help."

The tea flowed down easily. The warm contents relaxed my stomach. Taking another chance, I tried another bite of the salad. The smell of it made my stomach jump, pushing away my appetite. "Nope, I guess I'm not hungry." My hand pushed the bowl away, "Maybe I just thought I should have eaten something. The tea is good, for now." Raven tilted her head briefly, "Ok." "I'm sorry you had to waste that."

She breathed, "Don't worry about it. I never had much of an appetite when I first drank Mikhail's blood." I looked at her as she threw the salad away in the trash, I'll tell you about that later. After finishing the tea and talking, Raven and I walked back to the study. The tea was flooding my stomach, making me feel very full. Perhaps I will have an appetite tomorrow.

"These fanaticals are getting out of hand," Gregori's voice was angry and it made me nervous. I would never want to see that man angry. Their conversation took a dramatic change. "We need to drive them away." Jacques's voice came down the hall as Raven and I got closer, "First and foremost, we must ensure Bella and Raven's safety." The conversation stopped as Raven opened the door. Their heads turned as the two of us stood in the doorway. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, "but I was going to bed." Mikhail stood and came to the door, "Of course, little one. I'll be in shortly." My eyes closed slowly as I just realized that my bed was down the mountain, miles away. Where was I going to sleep?

Jacques appeared behind his brother, "I'll be right back." Jacques's arm curved around my waist, turning me down the hallway. He held me in the curve of his shoulder, Bella, you are so stubborn and its surprisingly attractive. I've told you that you were welcome to anything in our home. I looked up at him, I know, but I just wasn't sure where I was going to sleep. They do have spare bedrooms, but I didn't want to ask right out. The two of us walked quietly down the stairs and he opened the door to his bedroom, You will sleep right here. Blood rushed through me, coloring my face seeing the large bed. I've slept in it before, but now, it seemed almost intimidating. Here? With you?

The thought of sleeping with Jacques never entered my mind. I just met him and now, I was thinking about sleeping in the same bed as him. This is madness. His lips brushed my hair as gentle as a moth's wing, Where else? Did you think I was going to let you sleep alone?

Umm, I thought you were going to respect the fact that I don't know you. And I am most definitely not sleeping with you. His fingers brushed along my neck, over the marks his teeth left, I am. If it makes you feel better, I'll stay on the couch. With some effort, I was able to control my breathing again. I took one step away from him, not letting him trying to persuade me through his touch, "You're recovering from being kidnapped, tortured, stabbed and shot. You should sleep in your own bed and I'll take the couch." He was going to protest, but I cut him off, covering his mouth with the palm of my hand, "I'll be fine." My eyes blinked once and I was locked in his embrace, his chest pressed against mine, "We're both adults here. How about you stay on one side of the bed, under the covers, while I take the other side, on top of the covers?"

His eyes almost glowed, waiting for me to answer, "Or I could sleep in another room." His eyes glowered and I took back my words, "Or your idea could work," I back pedaled quickly. "But what I am going to wear?" Jacques chuckled darkly, "Well…." He thought of me naked underneath the bedcovers. My hand smacked his chest, "I think I have a shirt I can use for the night." His lips grazed mine softly, "I don't think so." His touch was making me tremble, "Well, I could ask Raven. I'm sure she has something." Jacques pulled me tighter into his embrace, "I'm sure she doesn't." Desire rippled through me. It was getting difficult to resist him.

You shouldn't want to resist me. Kisses trailed down my neck to the hollow of my throat, We're not doing anything. Just sleeping. My eyes were rolling in my head, I know, but part of me wants to. My head was tilted forward and his lips claimed mine again, I know you do and so do I, but we agreed to take things slow. We are still defining our relationship.

Then, maybe you should stop kissing me.

A growl echoed in my mind, Not right now.

Jacques, I pleaded, you're going to make me burst.

Hmm, you say that like it's a bad thing.

Gathering what little strength I had, my hands pressed against his chest, Ok, stop. He felt my resistance and Jacques's arms released me, leaving me gasping for air. My face felt hot and steamy. Jacques touched my cheek, "I couldn't help myself." He tilted my chin up, "I have to speak with Mikhail, Gregori and Byron. And I'm sure Raven does have something you can wear. I'll get you some things tomorrow." He lightly touched his lips to my forehead, sending waves of affection and want. Jacques turned away and went up the stairs. My body slumped against the doorway, trying to get my body under control.

Raven, my voice was quivering.

Oh, he finally let you go, she taunted. I'll bring some things for you to pick out. Mikhail loves for me to sleep in silk. Not that it stays on long.

I laughed softly, Do cold showers help?

Nope. I'm coming right now. I stepped into the room, pulling my shirt and shoes off. My skin felt like it was on fire. In my mind, I knew this man was a total stranger, but, oddly, in my heart, I knew he was kind. Breathing deeply, I recalled these mixed emotions for another.

Raven came in the room, holding several nightgowns over her arm. The fluffy pile was thrown onto the bed. She held up one that was black and lacy. No way! I wouldn't last a minute if Jacques saw me in that. Raven eyed me, "Next option, then." She held out something in turquoise, with a black lace trim. The color was beautiful and the length only went to my knees. I gritted my teeth, "I don't know." Raven sat on the bed, "You should know that this is the longest one I have." I held up the garment, eyeing it shrewdly, "Thank you, Raven."

She waited while I put on her selection. She smiled encouragingly, "That's looks great on you. That's one of my favorite colors." The silk clung to my stomach, chest, waist and thighs. My legs parted and I could see the separation in the silk. "Yikes." Raven stood, Double yikes. Have fun tonight, she said in a taunting tone. I looked at her in disbelief, "Thanks a lot." Raven left the room, shaking her head and laughing. Looking into the mirror, seeing myself in lingerie, with a large bed standing behind me; my stomach tightened.

A fire came to life in the fireplace and the sweet scent of burning herbs filled the room, Go to sleep, angel. I'll be there soon. The fire blazing in the room, the scent of burning herbs and waiting for Jacques: this felt like it should be my wedding night. It's silly to feel this way, but it was true. Jacques said I was his lifemate, whatever that meant. Well, the word 'lifemate' explained it all. He wanted me to stay with him and, there was no denying it, I wanted to stay with him. How could I get so fixated on a guy again?

Maybe I was experiencing the 'Florence Nightingale' effect. He was helpless and in pain when I found him. I worked to help him and offered part of myself to him. But, to see Jacques now, it was a wonder how he was captured in the first place.

This was all too much for anyone else to handle. I was plunged back into the supernatural, but I wasn't as upset as I thought I should be. I climbed into the bed, tucking myself under the sheet and quilt. The lamp next to the bed went off on its own, leaving the room lit by the fire. The scents of the herbs were lulling me to sleep. Good night, angel, then I felt phantom lips pressed against my temple. I smiled, You mean 'good morning'.

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JPOV

Bella fell asleep quickly, as Mikhail, Byron, Gregori and I spoke in the study. Byron stood by the fireplace, extending his arm over the mantle, "I scouted the land and I didn't run into anyone. But, there were tire marks outside of the tower where we found you and Bella." Mikhail sat behind his desk, his fingers interwoven and thinking to himself, They seem to be getting closer. Now we have another woman to protect. "Gregori, what would you recommend?"

My focus was split between this and watching over Bella while she slept. "Jacques, what can you remember before you were captured?" Mikhail and Byron watched me. My weight shifted, leaning forward, "I wish I could. The earliest memory was seeking prey, then everything went black. Then I was in a coffin, shackled down. They dragged the coffin up some stairs to that room. The days went by and all I could do was try to reach out to any of you." My fingers raked through my hair, "Honestly, the most vivid memories was when they let the afternoon sun burn me and hearing their laughter."

Mikhail snarled darkly, "Well, they weren't laughing when I tore open their necks." My brother didn't want Raven or Bella to see this; the fact that he enjoyed killing the men that tortured me. Mikhail still saw me as the little brother that he had to protect. You must focus on the time you were taken. There is something else there, Gregori said, probing my mind for any information about who took me.

"How long was I gone?" Byron's fingers dug into the mantle, damaging the wood, "Three months. None of us would believe you were dead." Mikhail's head dropped, "It was hardest on Raven. She searched for your mind for hours after we realized none of us could reach you. She refused to give up." My head shook, "I never wanted to do that to her or any of you." Gregori clutched one fist in the palm of his hand, "She was quite determined to find you. Maybe that's why she's so anxious to spend time with Bella; out of gratitude." Mikhail laughed once, "I think it's a bit more than that. She was being honest in wanting another woman around. Remember, Raven never really enjoyed having female friends in her youth." He rose from his seat and paced across the room, "Bella's psychic abilities are quite impressive. She didn't cause Raven pain from their proximity."

My mind drifted away from the conversation, seeing Bella in my bed. Her hair was sprawled across the pillow. The silk of the nightgown barely covered her chest. Her lips were slightly parted and begged to be kissed. My physical body was still, as I drifted to my bedchambers, where my angel rested. The quilt drifted off her body, only leaving the thin sheet. It disappeared from her body, revealing her bare legs. My hand drifted up her skin, my lips brushing it lightly. She moaned and rolled over in her sleep, trying to escape me, but she couldn't. Bella believed that she was going to walk out of my home and life. This was the most difficult part of the seduction; having your woman learn that she was bound to you for the rest of her life. Bella couldn't leave and I wasn't going to let her. She was my woman and I had to bind her to me soon.

"Jacques." Byron's voice finally got through to me, "What?" Mikhail hid his laugh, knowing what I was doing. Do not judge. You've done it yourself. Byron and Gregori looked at each other, "Well, tomorrow, I think we should scout out and see if we can pick up a trail on the murders. Maybe to the source of their society." I'm not leaving Bella alone, my voice snarled. And I want to leave Raven? Mikhail turned toward me, At least they'll be together, having their much wanted time together. I shook my head, "Fine, the ladies have each other now. They can distract one another."

Neither Gregori nor Byron would admit it, but they were envious of my brother and me for finding our lifemates. Their souls were beaten away at with each passing year and every kill they made. Byron turned his eyes on me, "With that, I'll say good day. The sun is rising and the last few days have been a lot to deal with." Gregori and Byron departed to their homes. Mikhail saw them off, then departed to his bedchamber, Welcome home, brother. Extend my welcome to my new sister.

Entering my bedchamber, Bella's form was peaceful in my bed. Her bare back was exposed; a tantalizing sight. She was making it damn difficult for me to behave myself. She didn't realize how tempting she was. Pulling off my sweater and jeans, I slid into the bed next to her. Needing to touch her, I reached out and there was a slight chill to her skin. The quilt drifted over the two of us and I held her in my embrace, intending to warm her body. She turned over, leaning her cheek against me. Her breath blew against me, setting my body ablaze. Nuzzling her hair, I allowed myself to sleep with my angel in my arms.