Chapter 13 – Quiet Evening

BPOV

I woke up and took in everything in the dark room. They adjusted easily to the dark. Jacques's arms were around me, holding me against his chest. My hearing was much stronger that I could hear, not only his heartbeat, but mine as well. They were beating in perfect synchronization. Looking at Jacques's peaceful face, that meant little. He could wake up at any moment. I brushed my hand over my mouth, still feeling the warmth of Jacques's lips. The heat of his skin was still on me. Yesterday, I was panicking, but now, after last night, I truly feel like the most beautiful woman in the world.

I wonder how this stranger can do that to me. I don't know this man and I didn't come here to be sleeping in his bed and yet, I didn't want to leave him. I really was in love with Jacques. The thought of being his wife didn't scare me as much as it did last night. Rolling to the other side of the bed, I reached for my watch on the nightstand. It was late in the afternoon. I took the opportunity with Jacques being fast asleep to slip out of bed. Fighting the urge to look back to see if he was looking at me, my foot made it to the floor. More luck was with me as I was able to cross the room and walk into his closet. The dark did nothing to hide the clothes in the small room. I pulled on a pair of jeans and a thick sweater, then walked across the room. I was so close, but I was nervous he would wake up. My hand caught the door handle as I hoped that the door would open.

Jacques, as handsome and kind as he was, was still a dangerous man. The door opened easily and I stepped out into the hallway. Gritting my teeth, I walked up silently to the next floor. The castle was so quiet again, it was eerie. There was no sound anywhere as I walked down the hall. There was the faint howl of the wind outside, along with the cracking of wood. Thick, heavy curtains covered the windows, completely blocking out the sunlight. I looked behind myself after every few steps, worrying that Jacques would catch me. He would be furious that I was gone, but why is that such a concern for me?

My cream colored coat was where I left it. I wanted to go for a walk to clear my mind. A gentle breeze caressed my skin as the door opened. The smell of the grass called to me. My eyes were immediately assaulted by the shining sunlight. The stabbing pain was so sharp; it was nothing I've ever felt before. Stumbling, I fell to the floor, as I look for an escape from the painful light. I searched blindly to shut the door. White spots dance in front of my vision as my eyes readjust. I couldn't even step out in sunlight. What was happening to me? My hand fell to my side, feeling a lump under the coat; there was something in my pocket. I blinked slowly, trying to dull the sharp pain. I took out what was in my pocket; a smooth oval box. My eyebrows pull together; where did this come from? Inside the box was a pair of black feminine sunglasses. These weren't mine. My sunglasses were still in my pack.

The glasses were a perfect fit and they blocked out everything in the room. My eyes couldn't make out anything inside. I really didn't want to feel the sharp pain from the sunlight, but I really wanted to go for a walk. Taking a chance, my head leaned out into the light and the pain was there again. My eyes felt like they were being stabbed, but it wasn't as bad. This was more of an annoying feeling than pain. I sighed and walked out into the afternoon sunlight. There were thick spruce trees surrounding the castle, almost hiding it from the world. The cold air nipped away at my skin, but it was nothing I couldn't handle.

Walking through the trees, it reminded me so much of home. Home, would I ever see it again? I never believed that I would actually miss Forks. The small town in the Olympic Peninsula, that was almost always under thick clouds. I sighed as I leaned against a tree. My thoughts were a jumbled mess these past days. "What am I doing here? I should be leaving." My body slumped down to the ground as I thought about my parents. I've told them to focus on their own lives, so that I could live my own. How was I going to live my own life, staying in a castle, in the middle of the mountains with a handsome stranger that I've fallen in love with?

I laughed to myself, realizing that I was living every girl's dream. Swept away to a world of secrecy and wonder with a man who was willing to show me everything. What girl or woman would turn down the opportunity to be whisked away and marry a man who was like a total prince? How would those women handle the fact that he wasn't human, but something more? My mind pulled up the memory of an old friend; Jessica Stanley. She swooned over Edward, hoping that he would notice her instead of me. What would she do in this situation? To be with Jacques, living in a castle like a princess and showered with gifts and affection. I knew what she would do; enjoy every moment of it. I thought to myself, could I do that? Enjoy what is laid before me. Not focus on the downsides, but see what is being offered to me?

It's not the end of the world; it's just a different path. At seventeen years old, I was ready to say goodbye to my parents and friends, to join a family of the supernatural. I wanted to be in that world, to stray from the norm, because it was boring. This is the same situation; I didn't see it coming, but now, I was right in the middle of it. A man and his family were my guide through this world, like the last time, but there was still a fear that I couldn't ignore. Would Jacques turn his back on me? In my heart, I already knew the answer to that. Jacques wouldn't, couldn't do that. I was, after all, his lifemate, his wife.

I looked down at the emerald ring he gave me. Jacques won't let me go; that was a good and bad thing. He would want to hold on to me, but he won't let me stray too far. Standing back up, I began to walk further away from the castle. I admired the beauty of the mountains. We were away from everyone and everything; it was nice. The mysterious sunglasses protected my eyes from the pain of the sunlight. My hands were in my pocket as I walked. This was one of those moments when I wished that Alice was still in my life. I needed to talk to her; to ask her what I should do. Should I stay here and live with this family or go back to my own? "Alice, where are you?" My head fell forward, knowing that she wasn't near. Without realizing it, I was walking in the direction of the sinking sun. It was almost like I was chasing it, looking to hold onto it, to keep the mountains in its light.

Everything was becoming darker as I walked further away. I watched as the sun moved lower in the sky. It felt like I couldn't go any further, to put more distance between myself and the castle. My hand rested on the soft tree bark, as the fear of the unknown began to grow within me. I was still afraid of what was to come. It felt funny, but I feel like I was saying goodbye to the sun. A sharp wind blew, making my hair whip around my face. I glanced back at the castle and I could almost feel the others waking up. I turned back and half-ran to the front door.

I was proud of myself as I closed the door; I didn't trip or stumble. After removing the glasses and coat, I moved quietly and made my way back to Jacques's bedroom. Reaching his room, I quickly stripped down to my nightgown. Should I be mad that he selected the short yellow one for me to sleep in? My eyebrows pulled together; I don't even remember putting it on. The short garment stopped at the middle of my thighs. My hands drifted down my body and the cold still clung to my legs. The fire kept the room warm, but I was still shivering. The bed would make me feel better, but if he touched me, Jacques would know I left. My head shook; I'll deal with that if it happens.

My padded footsteps walked over to the bed and I climbed back in. The thick quilt was warm, but I still cold. This place was so cold, just like Forks. My fingers held the quilt tightly, trying to shake off the cold. An arm pulled me across the bed into a hard body that radiated with heat. Jacques's leg drifted over mine and his arms held me close. His head rested against mine and his breath blew on my shoulder. My eyes close as Jacques exhaled slowly, showing that he was waking up. A gentle kiss was placed against my shoulder, I still cannot believe I found you.

Technically, I found you. Jacques laughed, Very true. His large hand held the side of my face, turning mine to his, so that his lips could claim mine. His hold tightened, pulling me onto his body. My hair fell over my shoulders, providing a dark curtain from the light of the fire. My legs were much warmer as we laid in bed together. Hands held my waist, drifting up my back. They pushed away the fabric of the night gown, leaving my skin exposed to the heat of the fire. Jacques leaned up, pressing his mouth against mine. His hands drifted along the skin of my stomach. His other arm curved around my waist, as he raised himself into a sitting position. I sat against him, almost straddling his body. Jacques moaned; tempted to tear away the scanty clothes. They separate you from me, his thoughts were almost incoherent. Using one knee, I try to move away from him, until his large hands held the back of my legs, You aren't going anywhere.

I looked down into his eyes. Jacques is a stranger to me and yet, I knew him. The way my body molded with his; not molding to stone, but to flesh. The warm skin of his hands brushing my hair and I still shivered. Not from the coolness of his touch, but from what his embrace did to me. Brushing my hands over his shoulders, feeling the rippling planes, the heat of his skin burned through me. My palms moved over his chest, I could feel Jacques's eyes watching me as I felt his heartbeat. I still found it unbelievable that he was so badly injured when I found him and now, he is completely healed. He's able to move with such speed, that he is easily missed. I have no idea who this man is, but he was my husband. I was sharing his bed and wearing his ring. I've shared my body with his and my blood. How did I fall in love with him?

My eyes closed as my head shook slowly. The thoughts that were coming to my mind were absurd. "Just ask me, angel." I looked at him, "Ok, please tell me that you're not some European playboy who likes to mess with women. I mean I'm staying in your family's castle, you've bought me clothes and gave me this ring," I showed my hand, extending my fingers. "You can get bored with me and have this marriage annulled. Then again, this cannot be legal. We never signed a marriage certificate. You or I can walk away at any time."

My ramblings were silence as lips claimed mine. Jacques held both sides of my head as he kissed me. The humming of his heart was soothing as my breathing slowed. He laughed under the smile, "You're so adorable when you're being silly. None of those things you said were true or relevant. I am not some playboy, as you say, whose looking for a good time. I didn't buy you clothes and give you a ring to lure you into my bed. You wear my ring as a symbol of our union, to show others that you are my wife. In regards of making this legal, that can be easily handled, but you are my woman, my lifemate. You are living with me because it is customary for a husband and wife to live together."

Jacques tightened his hands around my waist, "I cannot and will not walk away from you. I love you, Bella. You are my life and world. There is no other for me. Believe that and let me make you happy. I know this is difficult for you, but put away your questions and suspicions and believe that the one holding you at this moment is the one for you. I want you to live your life with me. I want you to know that I will care for you as best as I can. If you believe this, then this will be easier to understand." My shoulders slumped as Jacques spoke to me. He saw right through me and said everything I've ever wanted to hear from the man of my dreams.

Silly or not, but I did think about the man who was perfect for me, but the reality was that I was never going to find him. Taking in what Jacques said, I was going to try this his way. I was going to try and live with him.

I sat on the edge of the bed and brushed my hair. A beige sweater dress was laid next to me. I made a face, "What's this for?" Jacques stood in front of me. His hands leaned into the mattress on both sides of my body and leaned closer into my face, "You need to dress. I have some work to do and you don't want to spend the next few hours alone in this room." I bit my lip. I could use the time to get my own work done. Jacques brushed his lips over the skin of my neck, "Angel, please get dressed in this lovely ensemble." A laugh escaped my lips, "If you'll get out of my face, I will." Eyes grazed down my body, I can help with that. My hands pushed into his chest, moving him away from me, "Down, boy!"

I laughed and escaped into the closet, so that I could change my clothes. The dress hugged my body down to my knees. I looked at myself in the mirror and Jacques stood behind me, appraising me. Perfect, he complimented, you could break any man's heart. He kissed my hair, Thank God you're mine. Shaking my head, I walked out of the closet, Let's go. We both have work to do.

In Mikhail's study, Raven came in from the glass doors that led to a courtyard, wearing a heavy coat with her hood up. Outside the glass, heavy rain pattered down on the ground. A slight breeze came into the room, but the coolness never reached me as the fire blazed. Raven took down her hood, "The rain came from nowhere. So much for running tonight." Mikhail came in behind her. His height towered over her as he looked down at her face, "My dear, it's only rain." She smiled at me, "Hey B." I waved, "Hey Ray." Mikhail looked between us, "You already have nicknames for each other?" Raven nodded, "Yea, it's a female thing." The two of them walked out of the room, hand in hand.

Jacques sat down by the decrepit excuse of a computer. The machine wheezed to life as it came on. Turning on my laptop, the quiet processor turned on and it was ready to use long before his machine was. No one likes a show-off.

Jacques, I responded, that thing is old.

After writing emails to my parents, step-parents and Jacob, I continued my work. My information was inputted and sent to my professors. All this was completed long before Jacques was. I looked over to where he sat at the desk and he was looking through a large, leather bound book. The pages were yellowed; aged with time. Walking over to him, I looked over the book. Numbers were scrawled in black ink and the handwriting was beautiful. The dates in the columns read 1854. Jacques was transferring the information into the computer. I offered a solution, "You know you can get scanners and this information will be transferred much easier. And it would be organized right away." Black eyes looked at me, "That's a wonderful idea. I'll order that, which will leave me more time to attend to you." I rolled my eyes and walked around the desk, "Oh, just type it in." Was he so relentless in keeping me to himself? Jacques stood from his seat and walked around the desk. He leaned against it, mimicking my stance, "Well, now that you've saved me an evening from transferring my company's information, what are we going to do?"

The two of us had our arms folded over our chests, watching each other with the same expression. He was waiting for me to come up with an idea. I couldn't fight my growing smile, "Well, we've toured the castle, had movie night and battle of the sexes; what else is there?" A smirk began to curve his lips at the word 'sex.' My eyes widened a bit, "Not that! I'm starting to think you have a one track mind." His eyes looked over my body, Can you blame me?

I walked across the room, over to the glass doors. Some distance between us was a good thing right now. Looking out at the rain, the sound of the pattering was quiet, but I could still hear it so clearly. My eyes closed, listening to the sounds of nature. The sound of the rain hitting the tiled ground and the wind blowing through the trees; it reminded me of home. Is this something you enjoy? The sound of the rain? I nodded, I do. I've come to love the sound of the rain and thunder. Thinking of home, this would be a perfect evening to lie in bed, under my thick quilt and listen to the rain while reading. I did it a lot during college.

The back of Jacques's hand caressed the side of my face, If that is what you want, we will. My eyes looked up at him, seeing his sincerity. He leaned down to kiss my cheek, "We have books upon books in the library and empty bedrooms upstairs. It could be our quiet evening together. We have yet to do that." With one glance, Jacques saw the memories I thought of. Shivering from his gentle touch, I smiled at him, "Ok." My hand was taken into his. Jacques and I walked upstairs to the second floor. A red carpet ran along the center of the steps. On the second floor, the long hall was lined with closed doors. The ceiling was curved and intricately painted in a dark mauve and gold. Soft padded chairs stood underneath candle like lights along the walls. Jacques guided me down the hall, moving in a slow pace, allowing me to take in everything. The craftsmanship on the lighting was so beautiful. Opening a door, Jacques lead me into a large room; a bedroom was fit for royalty.

The canopy hand carved bed stood in the center of the right wall. The canopy was solid wood and beautifully designed. The ceiling was decoratively carved, with two matching lighting fixtures on either side of the bed. Two nightstands with matching lamps stood on both sides of the bed. A thick green and white carpet covered the floor. My hands covered my mouth taking in the room, This is gorgeous. Jacques smiled as I walked across the room, "I'm glad you like it. If you wish, this can be your room. Raven has one down the hall."

I sat on the soft mattress, "This is way too much. This room is just beautiful." Closing the distance between us, Jacques held a lock of my hair, Only the best for my lifemate. He leaned down and kissed my hair, I'll get us some books. He slid out of the room silently, leaving me alone for the moment. I moved the thick tapestry away from the balcony doors. The gilded frame of the door was lovely. Behind the glass, the rain clouds were spread over the mountain range. I realize I was seeing well past what any human should be able to see, that I could make out the valley in the distance, hidden by the wild mountains. Looking closer, I can make out the wolves running below. The pack ran together in a tight unit, much like Jacob and his brothers.

My hand rested against the glass, feeling somewhat separated from the storm. This was strange; part of me wanted to be out in the rain. To walk and feel the droplets touch my skin. It's not strange you feel that way, Jacques was suddenly behind me. My heart didn't lurch from his sudden presence. That's normal and a good thing, he crooked a smile. Shaking my head, I walk past him, needing to keep the distance between us. Not for him, but for me. On the small round table in the corner of the room, there were several books waiting. Jacques gestured to them, "Your favorites?"

One spine read 'Wuthering Heights.' My eyebrows pulled together, but I shook of the suspicion. I would have to get used to him knowing things about me without my telling him. "Angel, I have merged my mind with yours from the day I met you. I know everything about you." I looked up at him in surprise, "Everything?" He smiled, "Yes. I know you loved the truck your father bought you as a homecoming present and it broke your heart when it died. You hoped Jacob would be able to fix it, but he said it was beyond repair." My hand cupped over my mouth, "How could you know any of that? I've never even mention my old truck." Jacques took my hands into his, "We can talk about this later. We're wasting our perfect evening." He towed me to the other side of the bed, were a set of male pajamas was waiting. The black satin garments rested innocently on the bed and yet, they terrified me. I was worried about what they meant. The top is for you and the bottoms are for me; another one of your fantasies.

I bit my lip, You're already making us dress alike. His laugh was quiet in my thoughts, Must you question everything. Just change, the words were a command. I found myself picking up the top before realizing what I was doing. My eyes blinked several times, like I was coming out of a trance. Jacques was already changed, Change your clothes or I will do it for you. I huffed, holding the smooth satin close, Impatient.

Once I was changed into the black satin top that drifted past my hips, I pulled the dark coverlet of the bed over my legs and began reading the same book I've read over a hundred times. Jacques sat on the other side of the bed, reading quietly to himself. The rain became louder as the storm grew worse. Quiet thunder crashed above. The room was warm, with the scent of herbs lingering in the air. 'Terror made me cruel; and finding it useless to attempt shaking the creature off, I pulled its wrist on to the broken pane, and rubbed it to and fro till the blood ran down and soaked the bedclothes...'

A book closed, "This isn't right." I looked over to Jacques, who didn't look happy, "What are you talking about?" A hand closed around my arm. Using gentle strength, Jacques pulled me to the center of the bed to lean against his body. His bare chest was warm as I leaned against him. His other arm curved around my neck and across my chest and the quilt was tucked around the both of us. "Much better," he commented as he opened his book. I had to admit that this was nice. Jacques and I were alone for one evening, doing something normal. I reread the same paragraph for the fifth time, trying to ignore what was really on my mind.

What Eleanor said to me ran through my mind. My teeth began to mash into my lip. I looked up, watching Jacques while he read. My heart thumped loudly just from the sight of him. I'd fallen in love with him in only a few days. I'm living in his house and friends with his sister-in-law. Like any challenge, it was worth looking and working for the prize. Being his lifemate wasn't so bad, but this was only day three or four. Days ran by like dreams now. What was reality anymore? Hearing his heartbeat, I knew Jacques was. Raven and Mikhail were part of that reality. Setting the book down, I leaned away from Jacques's embrace. Having him touching me was making me lose my nerve.

Black eyes looked at me, "What is it, my angel?" My mouth opened a bit, but nothing came out. I cleared my throat, "I was curious about something." "Which is?" he prompted. Thinking of Eleanor and Raven's faith in me, I said the words, "How do I become a Carpathian woman?"