Chapter 12 – Acceptance
BPOV
Raven was wringing her fingers as we walked side by side, "Are you going to be all right?" I nodded, "Yes, I have dealt with worse. Remind me to tell you when about the time I discovered my best friend, Jacob's secret. You're not going to believe that one." My heart was pounding so loudly, there was almost an echo. My legs felt like solid steel that didn't want to move, but I made them. Eleanor remained outside as she watched us. I moved forward as I went to face my greatest challenge; my husband. This is so unbelievable. An elbow nudged my arm, You're better than me. I threw a rock at Mikhail and threatened to beat him with a stick if he didn't stay away from me. She smiled at her memory, Well, at least you're not alone. I mean I only had Mikhail to rely when I was going through all this.
Thanks for helping me pull myself together. I guess had a human moment.
Raven laughed, light and bubbly, Oh, that's what it was. I still have those.
Seeing the entrance for the study, my body wanted to turn and run, but I wasn't going to. Like Eleanor said, unexpected things happen every day and you have to deal with it and running wasn't an option. Vampires, werewolves and finding new races of people, that was nothing, but finding out I was married; now that was terrifying. I had to admit, even to myself, I was scared. I didn't know what my life was going to hold for me anymore.
Love, Jacques reached for me, protection and a new life with me by your side. His words were wrapped in truth and I couldn't fight it. It seemed easy enough to believe, as any husband would promise his wife all those things, but I knew better. There was more to it, to being with Jacques. Once inside the study, I knew there was no turning back.
Mikhail and Jacques stood from where they sat. Vlad stood as well, holding Eleanor's hand. How did she get here so fast? She smiled, I'll show you later. Her eldest son held his brother, letting the infant point at the page of his book. Gregori remained silent as he leaned next to the fireplace. It felt like there was no air in the room, even though my lungs still worked. Jacques walked over to me, raising his hand to hold my face, Angel, are you well? I nodded slowly, making myself look into his eyes.
Why me? I asked, Of all the women in the world, why did you pick me?
His black eyes smoldered as he looked at me, It was not I who selected you. It was our souls who choose each other. I was ready to leave this life when you found me. It was fate that you came to the land of my birth and found me. We were drawn to each other by nature and now, we cannot be apart. My hand was taken into his, feeling the connection that went past our skin. I feel it as well, my angel. That is how you know. You are mine and I am yours.
Sitting with my husband and the people who were his family, the night went on. This all felt out of place and yet, I belonged here. Here, in the mountains were an ancient race of people still lived. They had a hope for the future and I was now part of that hope. I don't know what I can do to help, but I will do what I can.
Now, that sounds like a woman who can handle this, Eleanor encouraged. You're not alone in this. Remember that. You can call on me, Raven and any of our women anytime you need us.
The others don't know me.
Eleanor smirked, We women have a few secrets. We feel when another is close, even if we haven't personally met her yet. Don't worry, you'll learn in time. Women keeping secrets; this wasn't so different from the world I knew after all.
Vlad glanced at his sons. Josef nestled against his mother, while Benjamin leaned against her, trying to stay awake. The couple looked at each other and Vlad nodded, "We should get home. The boys need to feed again before going to bed." He took Benjamin up; the small boy curved his arm around his father's neck. Josef was awake and reached his small arm over Eleanor's shoulder. Raven reached out for Josef, wanting to say goodbye. He leaned towards her, his hands opened, "Oh, bye sweetie." She bounced the baby boy in her arms. The baby smiled, showing four small teeth. His small, chubby fingers patted Raven's face, making her smile. "Ow," Raven squealed as Josef pulled at her earring. Eleanor and Vlad looked back as they heard Raven. I went to help her, stopping Josef's pulling at her earring. The small baby had a tight hold on the glittery bauble.
"I told you not to wear shiny things in front of him," Mikhail said, trying to hide his laughter. She groaned, holding her earlobe, "Very unfunny, Mikhail." Josef nuzzled against me as I got him away from Raven. I didn't want to give him back. His warmth was radiating as I held him. Looking at his adorable dimples, I could only smile. I'd never given much thought about children, but this little guy was tugging at my heartstrings. Eleanor was smiling as she took Josef into her arms, "He has that effect on people. I see it in your eyes." Her arms curved around his small body, supporting his weight, "Don't worry; wait until you have your own." Eleanor hugged me; I know you can do this, Bella. You have already proven your bravery and strength. Don't be afraid.
Thank you, I hugged her goodbye.
I watched as Eleanor, Vlad and their sons left. The emerald on my finger caught my attention. Eleanor already had so much fate in me, much like Raven, Jacques and Mikhail. I had to remember that Eleanor told me; I wasn't alone.
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JPOV
Mikhail's movie selection played, leaving the room in a low light. Gregori retired to his home for the night, shortly after Vlad and his family departed. Bella was in my arms; her head against my chest and a blanket rested over our legs. Raven and Mikhail were lying together on the couch with a blanket over them. The movie wasn't very interesting, being that I've seen it already. It did hold some interest as I was seeing it in color for the first time.
When Bella left, feeling overwhelmed with what was happening to her, I wanted to make her feel reassured. It was to be expected and yet, it still hurt to see her walking away from me. I heard Eleanor speaking harshly to her and I wanted to make her stop, but she spoke to Bella in a manner that she needed. This was going to be a challenge and my angel would not walk away from it. Even if she did try to walk away, I couldn't let her. Bella was my life, my bride, my reason for being. All those centuries of standing beside my brother and protecting what few women we had helped prepare me to care for the greatest treasure of my life and now, she was in my arms.
Looking at my brother, I recalled his decision to live with Raven as she aged and he would go into the next life when she did. Her conversion was something none of us expected. I took Raven's advice and I would learn from my brother's mistakes. I will speak with Bella before I convert her. This will be her choice. I took her from her life without consent and she chose to stay with me; thank heavens for that. She accepted that I wasn't human and that I drank her blood to sustain my own life. Her past prepared her greatly for all of this, which provided more evidence that it was her fate to be mine. Bella was plunged into this world and handled it with great stride. She kept the secret of the Cullens all this time and she still had a great deal of love for them. But, how could they do that to her? Leave my poor, sweet angel alone in the world, knowing what true dangers that lie out there?
I'm glad they did, her voice came to me. It made me stronger and it was that strength I used to help you. I leaned down to kiss her cheek, I know. She focused back on the movie and I focused on her. Delicate fingers held my wrist, Jacques, I told you, I'm not going anywhere. We're married, so you're stuck with me. I hope you can deal with it.
I think I can. Her laughter was like bells in my mind, Great, but if you drive me crazy, you're going to pay. I laughed and tightened my arms around her, I don't think you should be talking about driving anyone crazy. You're driving me insane already. Her delicate body against mine, beneath the shelter of a blanket; this wasn't fair. She twisted to look at me, Do you really want to go there? My hand rumpled her hair, You started it. Bella leaned up to press her lips to mine, Fine. Now, let's get back to the movie.
The film ended and Bella was fast asleep. Raven moved slowly to turn off the television. She looked back at my brother, who was asleep on the couch. "My poor Mikhail. He's exhausted from trying to take care of everyone and everything." The both of us looked over to him, "It is difficult for him trying to keep all of us away from the butchers, trying to keep our followers from changing into vampires or seeking the sun and trying to figure out why we're not having female children." Raven was feeling the burdens my brother had to bear. Mikhail worried about our people and Raven worried about him. I adjusted Bella in my arm, "At least there are two less things for him to worry about; me and finding a lifemate. I found her and thanks to you, she's staying."
Raven knelt next to Mikhail, brushing his hair, "Why are you thanking me?" Bella turned in her sleep, placing her arm around my neck, nuzzling against me. Her body matched mine, even in her sleep. "If it weren't for you calming Bella down, to help her think straight, she would have left. And for becoming fast friends with her." Raven smiled sweetly, "I'm glad for that too. I wasn't kidding when I said I was happy she was here. Being around you men all this time was taking a lot out of me." "Raven, we all owe you a great debt of gratitude. For bringing my brother back from the brink of his darkness. Then, saving Eleanor and her son. Now, with you, both of us were rescued." My arm tightened around Bella, "Thank you so much, Raven." She moved to lay down with Mikhail, tucking herself under the blanket, "You can thank me by making Bella happy. She really does love you and I just want you to be as happy as your brother has made me." I looked down at my love's sleeping form, "I promise."
"Now, would you take your woman to bed, so that I can be alone with mine?" I rolled my eyes, "Of course, Mikhail. Good night." Bella opened her eyes, blinking slowly, "Mikhail, you don't have to be rude," her voice was heavy with sleep. Raven muffled her laugh, "He can't help himself sometimes." Bella breathed a laugh as she drifted back to sleep. She cradled herself against me as I held her in my arms, letting me carry her back to our bedchambers. Sleep completely took over as her head rested gently on the pillow. With a thought, I replaced her clothes with the yellow nightgown I recommended last night. The pale shade of yellow was lovely with her skin. She turned over in her sleep, away from me. I tucked the quilt over her body and she sighed deeply. The room was now bathed in darkness and I created the necessary safeguards, leaving Bella safely inside.
This was the first time in years since I ignored my own needs. My body demanded that I feed before resting this night. Bella had fallen asleep before the dawn. It was much she dealt with this night. Out in the dying night, I could still detect her scent in the air, standing in the very spot she was when she departed for a few moments. My woman was truly brave. She learned that she is my mate, my wife. I had to smile at her thought patterns; she could accept that I wasn't human, but she had a problem accepting that she was my wife. Bella was willing to accept our union, but I feared that she will try to leave me. She has no idea how irrevocably tied we are to each other. She couldn't leave me, without it causing herself great pain. I won't allow my lady to feel pain.
Shifting my form, my body changed to a great owl. I soared over the trees and everything was beautiful in our mountains. The deep hues of green was mesmerizing. Their sweet scents was heavy on the air. I flew closer to the village, where more trees were golden, red, yellow and orange. It was autumn and it made our homeland look magnificent. Looking for some fleeting sign of life, I found a small house, where a young man was sitting at his laptop. The young man was looking over several books while he was typing. An aspiring writer who hoped to leave this town and its fables behind. My mind drifted out, so that my control would grasp his mind. The young man rose from his seat and opened the door.
I changed my forms and entered into his home, "Hello Jefferson." He smiled as I walk past him, "Jacques, isn't it kinda late for you to be out?" My fingers drift along the mantle of the fireplace, "I've always been a night person. You're up awfully late yourself." He glanced at his laptop, "Inspiration struck and I had to write it down. What can I do for you?" Taking in his face, Jefferson was worn and he was refusing to sleep. He needed rested and I required sustenance; we would be helping each other. Jefferson walked over to me as my control over him grew stronger. My incisors lengthen and I took what I needed from him. The taste of his blood reawakened my aching body. His blood sufficed, but I needed something else that only one can provide. I let Jefferson's body rest on his couch and took off into the night, seeking the one I needed the most.
Within the confines of my bedchamber, the svelte silhouette of my lady was peaceful as she rested in my bed. The fire burned strongly as Bella slept. I crossed the room, letting my clothes strip away, as my need to feel her skin against mine grew stronger. My hold on her mind lifted and Bella turned over in her sleep. My hand curved the shape of her delicate face as her lovely brown eyes opened. My heart soared as I looked upon the face of the one that was for me.
"What's wrong?" she asked in a quiet voice. The sound of her voice set my body ablaze. Feeling her slight body against mine, my hand drifts down her skin, "Nothing's wrong." Bella blinked once as she looked at me. Already, her body moved, shifting herself to fit underneath me. I'm sorry I woke you. I needed to see your eyes. My lips dominated hers as my urges took over. This moment I was less of a man and more of an animal. Her delicate body reacted to my touch; ready to accept me. I delved my body into my lifemate's. Bella moaned against my skin and her legs tightened against my sides.
Dark hair cascaded over the pillows. I leaned over Bella, pressing fevered kisses against her delicate skin; even this tasted delectable. Her body molded to mine perfectly. Fingers tightened around scattered pillows, looking for something to grasp. Hold on to me, I offered. Bella hugged herself tightly to me as she gasped. Sweat matted the hair at her temples as she moved her body against mine. Bella had no idea what power she held over me. My body filled hers, throwing my head back, Oh, my angel. Sighing contentedly, Bella laid in my arms. Kissing her full lips, I began to look forward to the life she and I would have together.
