A/N WOW! I can't believe the response this story got! That's awesome! Thanks for reviewing. This chapter has a little less humor than the last one, but hopefully you still enjoy it.
Chapter 2
I realized at some point I would need to leave Bella alone, whether to hunt, or shop for all the things she needed. She couldn't very well come to the mall with me. That being decided, I thought Esme would be the least threatening of my family to introduce.
As soon as Bella had caught her scent and Esme started to open my door, Bella was back in cat form, this time hiding behind my bed.
"Come on in Esme." I said, when I noticed my mother paused in the doorframe. She edged her way into the room, keeping her side to Bella, and I looked at her questioningly.
"Caesar says that you should never approach a frightened animal facing them." I rolled my eyes. Esme was an avid fan of the Dog Whisperer. I looked back to wear Bella was watching our interaction guardedly. She didn't seem any closer to coming out to meet us. "Dear, if I may?" Esme said, looking to me as she pulled out a few strips of rare venison. "I had Carlisle bring home some meat from his hunt while you were bathing Bella. I thought they might help us lure her out so I can show her I mean no harm." I nodded eagerly, smiling at how thoughtful my mother was. She handed me one, to start us off and I danced over to Bella's side of the bed, holding the flesh out in front of me.
"Bellllaaa." I sang happily to the lion who was torn between keeping an eye on Esme and sniffing at the meat in my hand. "Look what I have." I cooed, squatting a little ways from her, to try and get her out in the open. She stood up out of her crouch, leaning towards me and opened her mouth, breathing in the scent better. Her tongue fell out, dripping saliva onto the floor and I wrinkled my nose. My poor room was taking a beating from this girl. It's a good thing she's so cute. "Come on, sweetie. Please." I begged, fixing her with my puppy eyes again, and wiggling the meat more. She took a few steps closer and I beamed at her. "Good Bella. Come here."
Finally, after a little more coaxing, Bella gently took the piece of meat out of my hand, before nuzzling her large head against me. I rubbed her fur, praising her all the while before stepping back again and grabbing another slice of meat, Esme tossed to me. This time, I laid it on the floor between Bella and Esme, before rejoining my mother. Bella looked at the food apprehensively before turning her questioning gaze on me and the new woman at my side. Esme smiled softly at the large cat, but didn't say anything. Suddenly I had an idea. Sitting down, I nudged my mother with my arm.
"Here, sit down across from me, and we'll just start chatting. Don't look at her at all. Just pretend you don't even know she's there." I said, placing another slab of meat right next to us, before beginning a conversation with Esme. As soon as she thought we weren't watching, Bella eased across the floor, munching on the bit of venison there, all the while keeping us in her sights. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, crouched, but looking between Esme and the meat near her intensely. As soon as she began to move, I quickly reminded my mother not to react.
After some time, Bella finally approached us, glancing at me briefly before sniffing at Esme, who looked fit to burst from excitement. Rather than taking the meat, Bella laid down next to me, plopping her head in my lap and staring at Esme inquisitively. I stroked her head in a calming fashion and nodded towards the meat beside my mother.
Slowly, so as not to startle Bella, Esme picked up the slice of venison and brought her hand within about a foot of Bella's face, holding it there as an offering. I nudged the large cat with my leg, while continuing to stroke her head. "It's okay, Bella." I said softly, when she finally lifted a bit, leaning towards the hand before her. She sniffed and snuffled a bit, but finally slipped her tongue out, claiming the food.
At last the introductions were complete. Esme and I continued talking with cat Bella laying partially in my lap for the next couple hours. Once Bella seemed well at ease with our guest, I decided to do a little test, and carefully extricated myself, standing and walking across the room, leaving her and Esme alone. She perked up, staring after me anxiously, but didn't follow, or react towards Esme, so I tried another test; this time, slowly leaving the room, and closing the door behind me. As I closed the door, she stood, taking a few steps towards me, a small whine leaving her lips. I stayed outside for about a minute. I couldn't last much longer than that, hearing her whimpers from the other side. When I rentered the room Bella was just inside the door, waiting for me.
"Aww, I'm right here sweetie." I cooed, when I saw her green eyes staring up at me in confusion and sadness. She rubbed herself against me, nearly knocking me over with her weight. "How was she?" I asked Esme, while trying to calm Bella.
"Well, she didn't seem to care at all that I was in the room with her, just that you had left. I guess that could be a good or bad thing. She seems to have some separation anxiety." My mother said, watching Bella and I with fondness.
Esme stayed with us for a few more hours and soon Bella was comfortable enough that she fell asleep, still in cat form.
Now was my chance. Leaving my mother with strict instructions to call me if anything happened, I raced downstairs to my car and peeled off to the mall.
My first stop was PetsMart to get a grass mat for my balcony, because I didn't think Bella could learn to use a toilet overnight, and I wasn't going to have her peeing on my cherry wood again. That done, I headed to Super Target for some sippy cups and a few food essentials. Then finally it was time for my favorite type of shopping. Clothes! I loaded up on basketball shorts, followed by a few loose pants that I hoped to get her in later on. Next, I picked up some sandals and shoes before heading off to find a shirt that Bella might not shred. I considered my options. It couldn't impede her movement, so sleeves were definitely out. I'm not sure if she'd like anything around her neck or not. In the end, I just got a wide variety of tank tops, tube tops, and blouses. I didn't bother with underwear for now, knowing she wouldn't wear it and wanting to get home as soon as I could.
Skidding to a stop in my driveway, I yelled for the boys to get my stuff while sprinting up to my room. It was quiet, but I wasn't sure if that was good or bad. Approaching my door I heard Esme's soft voice come through the wall and I finally relaxed, smiling.
"…And when he came to the place where the wild things are, they roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth."
Opening the door to my room carefully, I peeked inside only to find my mother sitting on the bed next to Bella (still in cat form) reading Where the Wild Things Are. "Hello." I said softly, as both occupants of my bed looked up when I entered. Before I could react, Bella shot off the bed, tackling me to the ground. Her rough tongue swept over my cheek and I laughed, not bothering to try and push her off of me. "I missed you too, Bella." I said, nuzzling my head under her furry chin.
"I think I'll just go help the boys with those bags." Esme said, smiling down at us as she politely excused herself from the room.
It didn't take long after I crawled up on my bed with Bella before she was fast asleep, her larger body curled around mine. Once she started making her cute little snuffly snores, I knew it was safe to move and I went downstairs to gather her things.
"How is she?" Esme asked from her spot beside Carlisle on the couch, as I walked into the living room.
"She's sleeping." I smiled softly, still able to hear her even breathing from above.
"I'm not surprised. She probably tired herself out." Carlisle said, and Esme nodded. I looked at them worriedly.
"What do you mean? She seemed fine when I got home."
"Your pet was whimpering and whining almost the whole time you were gone." Rosalie put in harshly from behind her book. "I would have happily put her out of her misery, but Esme wouldn't let me."
I snarled at my sister, crouching for a fight, but Carlisle cut in before I had the chance to rip her head off.
"Enough Rosalie. Alice, Bella was perfectly safe while you were gone, so just settle down." Despite his reassurance, it took a couple minutes for me to calm my threatened beast enough that I could speak again.
"What happened?" I asked for clarification, this time to my mother.
"Well, she woke up from her nap, and seemed startled that you weren't in the room with her. I tried to calm her down, but she just started crying at the door. I felt so helpless, I didn't know what to do."
"Why didn't you call me?" I growled, feeling terrible that Bella had been so distressed.
"Well I was about to, but Carlisle suggested that I might try singing to soothe her, and it worked. Once she was a little calmer, I thought I would distract her by reading a little."
"It familiarizes her with the language as well. The more she hears, the more she'll pick up." Carlisle put in.
"I was only in my third book when you came home, but Bella seemed to like them. I was hoping she'd turn back to her human form, but I guess she's still not quite comfortable enough with me." Esme said, frowning, and Carlisle wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
"We all just need to be patient with her. This is all new to Bella. She's like a toddler."
I couldn't help grimacing a bit at Carlisle's assessment. Sure, my mind recognized Bella's infantile intellect, but my body only saw her as a woman. A grown woman with luscious curves, soft skin, and an eagerness to touch and be touched. Her whole being sang to me both as a person and a beast. So frankly, having her referred to as a toddler was fairly cringe worthy.
I made my way back upstairs a while later with a travelling mug of water for Bella. It was like an adult sippy cup, and just like talking about her as a toddler turned me off, so did thinking of her drinking from a Disney Princess cup.
Since Bella was still sleeping I decided to just grab a magazine and join her on the bed. With the latest Vogue in hand I crawled up into bed, scooting over until I was leaning against a pillow, right next to Bella's head. Her nose twitched and one large paw came down over my lap. I giggled lightly to myself before settling in.
Bella seemed quite content to sleep for a long while. It wasn't until almost four hours later that I felt her finally stir next to me. I had finished my magazine and adjusted so that I was now lying down with my eyes closed. It was peaceful to just be still and listen to Bella's little sleep sounds. She couldn't have been cuter if she tried. At some point, she had moved closer and laid her large furry head on my stomach. I smiled as I felt her purrs vibrate through my body.
I heard the yawn next to me as the large lion awoke, but remained committed to my false slumber. The warm body next to mine was too comfortable to give up so soon. I was surprised when I felt her shift forms without any enticement and wondered what she wanted that required her to change. I peeked through my barely open eyelashes to see Bella's beautiful and curious face hovering over me. Her eyes were lidded like she was still partially asleep, and there was a soft smile on her face, barely even noticeable. Suddenly, she leaned down until her face was nearly touching my own and the tip of her pink tongue peeked out as she licked my cheek. It was just one small swipe, and I saw a blush color her face before she moved back away from me.
I couldn't help the ear to ear grin that broke across my face as I finally opened my eyes completely to see Bella watching me from her side of the bed. She smiled that feral smile back at me and I laughed.
A soft knock distracted me and Bella started inching to the far side of the bed, away from the door. I patted her hand with a reassuring smile before calling for Esme to come in. I was watching Bella closely to see if she would change, but she didn't. Instead she just slipped off the side of the bed, so it was between her and Esme when she walked in the room.
I saw my mother's eyes widen, but thankfully she swallowed her gasp of surprise. She quickly collected herself and met my eyes, trying to remain as casual as possible as she made her way towards the bed. Bella's green eyes watched her like a hawk, waiting for the slightest threatening movement.
When Esme was about five feet away, she stopped and I finally noticed she was holding something behind her back. When she brought her hands forward, I saw that they were different types of children's activity books; coloring books, alphabet books, ones with numbers or shapes.
"You bought those for Bella?" I asked, despite already knowing the answer. Esme nodded, smiling gently as her eyes briefly darted to the still human girl hiding behind my bed.
"Carlisle and I went out and got a few things." My mother said happily and I resisted snorting. That was an understatement if my vision was anything to go by. In the last few hours Esme had turned one of our small rooms downstairs into a makeshift classroom, complete with a student desk, full size white board, and several posters and supplies for teaching. I couldn't really blame her though. Bella was probably the closest thing to a real child my mother would get. Sure, she'd always thought of Edward as her baby, and him being so young, she is still able to coddle him occasionally; but Bella required much more attention and affection, things Esme would happily shower her with if given the chance.
I smiled, thanking her on Bella's behalf. I also took note that she seemed to want something else and raised an eyebrow in a silent question.
"Well, Carlisle and I thought Bella should be introduced to the rest of the family so she can at least move about the house in cat form. I don't like her being stuck up here. I think she needs more room." Esme said frowning.
I had to suppress the growl rising in my throat. The vampire side of me didn't like Esme's insinuation that I wasn't properly caring for Bella. It liked being told what to do with her even less. Bella is mine. If my mate needed something, I would provide it. Where Bella was concerned, no one else should be. At least, that's what my beast told me.
The rational side of me realized that this was my mother and she was only concerned for Bella, as she would be about any of her children. I should be happy that she already thinks of Bella like family. But that didn't make it any easier to stop myself from jumping up and growling that Bella was mine. It wasn't lost on me that the beast considers Bella its mate either, but any self discovery would have to wait for now. Bella was looking between my tense posture and Esme, her eyebrows furrowed in either worry or anger; I couldn't be sure which. When she hissed at my mother, I had my answer. Esme frowned deeply, taking a few steps back from the bed. I felt bad, but her retreat also helped me gain some control of my monster and I moved to the side of the bed to soothe my frazzled girl. It was a good sign, at least, that she hadn't changed form.
"Shhh, Bella. I'm okay. I'm not upset, see?" I cooed, running my fingers through her hair until she finally looked away from my mother. It was a completely different experience trying to calm her in her human form. More intimate. I liked it.
While one hand continued combing through her hair, the other one gently cupped her cheek as I tried to relay the fact that I wasn't upset through my eyes. Bella seemed to understand, leaning into the hand on her cheek, her eyes closed briefly and I smiled.
A small unnecessary shuffle reminded me that Esme was still in the room and I reluctantly leaned back on to the bed. To my shock, Bella crawled up onto the bed with me, curling into my side, a small possessive growl on her lips, while her eyes remained focused on Esme. My mother also seemed shocked by the fact that a naked Bella was now latched onto my side. My hands moved unconsciously to conceal Bella, as best I could, from Esme's view. The beast and I agreed that Bella's bare form was not for others to view.
"We'll come downstairs in a few minutes for introductions, once Bella's had a little time to calm down." I told my mother, though Bella seemed have already reached that point, nuzzling her head against the side of my breast. Esme nodded.
"I'll be sure to tell them how to act, so they won't frighten her." My mother said, before finally leaving Bella and me alone. My hand moved of its own accord to stroke her soft brown tresses and she looked up at me, green orbs practically glowing with what I hoped was happiness. Her emotions were still so difficult to read, but her actions usually told me all I needed to know, especially right now.
Her purr deepened and she kneaded my stomach, relaxing me enough that I could ignore the fight downstairs between Rosalie and our parents. Not surprisingly, she didn't want to do introductions.
About five minutes later, I reluctantly sat up, dislodging a now disgruntled Bella from my side. A tiny growl fell from her lips as she tried to push me back down. "No Bella." I shook my head, without any real feeling, since I didn't really want to leave either. Never the less, I climbed out of bed and started moving towards the door looking behind to see if Bella was following. I didn't bother with clothes, knowing she'd be back in lion form as soon as we left the room. The hard part would be getting her to leave the room.
She stood next to the bed, staring after me in confusion and looking a little upset. I immediately felt the need to wrap her in my arms and make it better, but I didn't. I couldn't.
"Come on Bella." I urged, waving my hand towards the door. When she still didn't move, I decided it called for drastic measures. So leaving the door open, I strode purposefully into the hallway, not looking back. As I knew she would, Bella was right behind me before I'd made it half way down the hall. What I hadn't predicted was that she was still a woman. Stopping dead, I turned around, giggling as my shadow bumped right into me. I wanted to make her change. It was bad enough that Esme had seen her naked, but I didn't want anyone else to. But if I forced her to change into her lion form now, it might give my family a negative connotation for her, and I didn't want that. So with a huff, I continued my march down the hallway.
I didn't need to worry, as it turned out, because as soon as we reached the staircase and Bella caught the scents that several people were present, she was back in cat form faster than you could say kitty. I couldn't help the smug little smile that snuck across my face. My Bella's goodies were safe from prying eyes once more.
"Okay, we're coming down. Remember, no sudden movements, no sounds. Just stay still and be quiet." I called down the stairs, as my siblings grumbled. Despite their obvious displeasure at being ordered around, when I finally coaxed Bella downstairs, our living room looked like a wax museum. Carlisle and Edward were sitting at the chess table, while Esme sat in a chair nearby, a partially knitted baby hat in her lap, a charity practice she did for the hospital nursery. Rosalie was scowling, but sat stiffly beside Emmett on the couch. My large brother was grinning, and even though he was perfectly still, the controlled energy was practically falling off him in visible waves.
I looked down to see Bella taking everything in warily, but at least she wasn't hiding behind my legs anymore. Slowly I walked further into the room and took a seat in the center on our couch. Bella quickly followed, leaning against my legs, as they hung off the front of the sofa.
"Well this is boring." Emmett whispered out of the side of his mouth, and I glared at him as Bella whipped her head around, hissing.
"Shhh, Bella. Shhhh. You're okay." I soothed, running my fingers over her back, watching her body quiver at my touch. Her nose was twitching like crazy at all the scents. After about ten minutes, with no further movement on Bella's part, I decided to push her a little. Standing I moved over to where my youngest brother and father sat. They had remained completely still and silent the whole time, and Bella had barely given them a glance. I was half way there before she rejoined me. Her body was low to the ground as she tried to stay close to me. I noticed her tail was between her legs and couldn't help reaching down to rub her head. She was so hard not to coo at, but I restrained myself…barely.
When we reached the chess table, I quietly reminded them once again to hold their postures. I knew I was being bossy, but I couldn't help it. It seemed anything to do with Bella's comfort or safety triggered primal urges to protect my mate, and they overshadowed my family bonds.
Bella was a little further behind me now, but still reached her head around my leg, sniffing wildly in the direction of both my father and brother. After a few minutes, Bella started moving a bit more, and looking around the room again, before heading towards the kitchen.
"She needs the bathroom." Edward said, chuckling quietly. My eyes widened and I hurried after the large cat before she piddled on Esme's floors.
"Bella! I called, but I found her a moment later, trying to open the kitchen door with her head. Hurrying forward, I grasped the handle and opened the door, letting Bella take off into the back yard. When I saw where she was headed I gasped. "No Bella! Not the rose bushes!" I squeaked, running after her. Esme's prize winning roses were one thing not even Rosalie messed with. They were completely off limits to anyone who didn't wish to die or be severely maimed.
Despite running at full speed, Bella was faster. But rather than stopping at the garden she darted past it into the woods, and I breathed a sigh of relief, before following her more slowly. I wasn't thinking as I blindly followed Bella into the woods, and had to quickly turn away to afford her some modesty when I found her relieving herself in a clearing.
"Sorry." I mumbled, embarrassed, despite knowing Bella didn't really care, nor did she understand my apology.
Even though I knew she had finished, I remained turned away out of politeness. I didn't hear her approach, so when her rough voice whispered my name I shivered involuntarily.
"Lisssss?"
Turning around I found Bella human once more and she was holding up a handful of wild berries.
"Foo?" She murmured, as if she wasn't sure she was saying it right.
"Food. Yes! Good Bella!" I praised, grinning widely at her. She held her hand out, offering them to me and I shook my head, pushing the berries back towards her. Stubborn as always, she frowned, thrusting them back at me.
Sighing, I held out my hand and she dropped them in, smushing a couple in the process and beaming at me. When she turned away, I quickly tossed the berries over my shoulder and shuffled to her side. I wasn't sure where she was going, but she seemed to have a destination in mind as I followed her further into the forest. Reaching down, I gently took her hand in mine and intertwined our fingers. The gesture apparently surprised her because she stopped abruptly.
She looked down at our clasped fingers curiously before lifting both hands higher and looking at me with confusion. I just shrugged, letting our arms swing while carrying on in the direction we headed, causing Bella to continue along with me. At first she walked awkwardly, seemingly unsure how to move with an arm tethered to someone else, but soon enough she'd gotten the hang of it.
The further into the forest we got, the wider Bella's grin grew until she finally stopped and turned to me. A raised an eyebrow as she looked at me from beneath her lashes, still grinning madly.
"Liss." She purred softly before pulling me after her again. In just a few steps, we emerged into a small clearing. It seemed almost perfectly circular, maybe only ten feet in diameter, but it was large enough for a ray of sun to sneak through the normally thick canopy of trees. The light fell upon the small clearing like a divine golden beam, bouncing off the array of wildflowers growing there. I'd never seen so many different colored flowers growing freely in one space. It was gorgeous and I couldn't fathom how this small wonderful place had escaped my notice on all my past hunting trips. But I suppose it was still fairly close to our house, not where I normally roamed.
But the natural magnificence of the space paled in comparison with the girl who'd brought me here…who was currently watching me shyly…and nibbling on her bottom lip. Damn….She's so sexy and she doesn't even know it!
Her skin seemed to be glowing from within, as the sun shimmered down onto her naked body. I couldn't stand it. My feet started moving before I'd even thought to do so. This time I was the one invading her personal space, stopping only a couple inches from her face.
"It's beautiful Bella. Thank you." I told her softly, leaning in and giving her a quick peck on the cheek. I couldn't stop the giggle from bursting passed my lips when I leaned back and saw her green eyes wide and looking at me in confused awe. Still chuckling, I shook my head, pulling her into the middle of the clearing and laying down in the flowers. She laid beside me, propping her head up on her elbow and staring down at me. I watched her eyes traveling along my skin and knew she was inspecting the sparkles.
She started poking at them like she was counting freckles, glancing up to see if I was reacting. I remained still, letting her observe and explore. A few minutes later, Bella's curiosity seemed appeased and she finally settled in at my side, her arm brushing against mine as we stared up at the clouds.
A/N I changed the ending.