A/N: I received about 60 reviews this weekend. Prior to Friday, I'd received about 40 reviews TOTAL. Thanks to a couple of stalkers, my story has gotten a lot more attention. So, thanks wordslinger and jkane180. This one's for you!

Thanks to my so awesome betas, TwilightHeart21 and DeeDreamer. They are so encouraging and helpful!

Thanks so much for all the reviews! I love every single one. I checked my email like every few hours over the weekend, anxiously awaiting the next review like a kid at Christmas.

One last thing and I'll let you read—I want to give someone credit for my story. Without my amazing husband, I wouldn't be able to write the things that I do. The love, the emotions, the citrus…it's all inspired by the way he makes me feel. He is my Jacob: Rough around the edges, aggressive, HAWT, stubborn, adventurous, fun-loving, protective, raw masculinity at its finest…he's my perfect match.

I wish I could tell him that he's my inspiration, but he has no idea I write!

I'm on twitter now. I'm LavenderSkyJN. Link in my profile. Follow me!

Chapter 12 – At long last

JPOV

The days were too damn long, but the afternoons and evenings weren't long enough. I got into the habit of meeting Ness after her last class each day, then we spent the rest of the afternoon together. I wished her roommate had a night class every fucking night, because both times she did, Ness fell asleep in my arms and I was able to see her dreams. Much to my surprise, I was the focus of every single one.

Dream Jacob had more balls than reality Jacob – he told her that he loved her. Out loud and in English, something I'd only done that first night. I wanted to say it, but I didn't want to creep her out or anything. Instead, I hid behind my native language.

Aside from my slight hesitation in telling her about my feelings, my time with Ness would have been carefree except it seemed the entire campus was pretty tense after a student was reported missing. Some senior girl who lived off campus didn't come home from class Monday and hadn't been seen since. I wasn't too concerned. College girls did stupid shit all the time. Embry and I had chased off or killed every vamp in the area – and there hadn't been many to begin with – so we were pretty confident it wasn't anything we needed to get involved in.

It did throw me off when I saw her picture on the news, though. Ness and I were having dinner when it popped up on the screen. She looked like a less attractive version of Ness. Pale, reddish brown hair, and brown eyes. Ness quickly brought my attention back to her by clearing her throat.

"Can we talk about something else? That shit creeps me out," she said while stabbing her dinner with her fork. Her expression was pained.

"Sure. I don't see why it's bothering you so much though."

"The girl looks just like me," she grumbled.

"Psh. No one could look as good as you."

She sighed. "Kimber hasn't been in class all week, either."

I hadn't noticed until just then, but I hadn't seen her all week either. We usually left the dorm around the same time and crossed paths on the way to our 10:00 class. "Good," I replied instead. Ness didn't need to deal with Kimber after what she had done to her.

"She looks just like me, too." Ness looked really worried.

I sighed. "I think I still have her number." In truth, I'd called that girl so many times in the last year that her number was permanently etched into my brain. "Will it ease your mind if I call her?"

Ness seemed both jealous and relieved. "Would you? Now?" she asked.

I pulled out my phone and pretended to flip through my contacts to find her number. It rang several times before she finally answered. Her voice sounded ragged.

"Are you okay?" I asked flatly.

"I'm really sick. My mom brought me home."

"Oh, okay. When you get back, can you see if you still have my black hoodie?" I asked, the words coming out all wrong. I should have thought of a reason for my call before I actually called.

"I'm sorry," she whimpered. Then there was dead air.

"See? She's just sick. She's safe at home with her mom," I soothed.

"Fine. I still think it's weird." Ness was visibly tense.

I needed to change the subject. Fast. "What time do you want to leave tomorrow?" At last, Friday was almost here.

She perked up just a little. "I can leave after—"

"Calculus," we said in unison. That was the class I needed to stay for, too. The professor was impossible. I think he used the same curriculum for his Honor class as he did for us regular students.

"Embry said he'll call when he's getting close. He needs to stay for all of his classes."

Embry and his fling of the moment were joining us. They wouldn't be staying in whatever five-star hotel Ness had booked for us, but they'd be hanging out with us a lot and coming to the concert.

"What's his friend like?"

"I don't know, I haven't met her. There's this girl I've been falling all over for all week so I haven't had the chance."

Her face brightened and it looked like all traces of worry were gone.

Friday morning came and I was so ready to get out of town. As part of my morning ritual, I listened to the campus radio station while I got ready for class. Since I'd stayed at Ness's room until late in the evening, I never got around to packing anything so I rushed to throw some stuff into a duffle.

I was only half awake when the DJ ran through the news. It took a few seconds to register that there was another girl missing…another pale girl with brown eyes and red-brown hair. My heart sank. I called Ness just to make sure she was safe. The girl mentioned on the radio was a junior, so I knew they weren't referring to Ness, but still…My heart and gut wouldn't settle until I heard her voice.

It was obvious by her tone of voice that Ness hadn't heard the news about the second missing girl. She was so excited and apparently running around like a mad woman trying to get her things together for the weekend. It took me about two seconds to decide that I wouldn't be attending class at all today; I'd be making sure Ness was safe. If there was some sort of creep going around campus kidnapping pale girls with brown eyes and reddish-brown hair, he would not get to Ness.

The majority of the white female population on campus had blonde hair and a fake tan, leaving any redhead obsessed creep with a limited selection. Not my Ness.

She was only going to two classes, and then we'd be far from campus for the entire weekend, leaving plenty of time for these missing girls to return. Or better, plenty of time for the cops to figure this problem out.

I followed her all morning, keeping enough distance between us so that my presence would hopefully go undetected. Despite this, I still didn't relax until the car was packed and we were heading down the highway toward Atlanta.

I wanted to do a little investigating, but there was no way I was letting Ness out of my sight. Besides, I couldn't exactly run around the city as a wolf. The area was too populated and there weren't as many wooded areas as back home.

I tried to tell myself repeatedly that it wasn't my place to go around solving crimes, but my protective instincts wouldn't hear of it. These weren't my people to protect, but it didn't matter. Even though the chances were slim, the disappearances could be vampire related, and Embry and I were the only ones who could fix that problem.

Ness slept most of the way down while I drove her car. I was glad because it was pretty hard to act excited when my mind was reeling over the week's recent events. I took the opportunity to try and clear my roaming mind. I couldn't act like this all weekend. I'd been looking forward to this so much and I wouldn't ruin it by worrying about something that might be a product of my overanxious mind.

When we pulled up to the hotel valet, I was officially out of my element. I tried to remember ever seeing anything so upscale in real life and came up with nothing. I figured we'd be staying somewhere nice – but not this damn nice.

I felt like an idiot when I started grabbing our bags from the back seat. Ness placed her hand on my arm and flashed me a quick glimpse toward the guy who opened her car door getting it all out and loading it onto the cart thing beside him. I had no class and no idea what I was doing in a place like this. What did Ness see in me?

I stood back and took in my surroundings while she got us checked in. I felt like such a douche for letting my...girlfriend wasn't the right word…pay for our room. One night at this place would probably max out my credit card. We followed a guy who pushed a cartload of our stuff – well, my one bag and Ness's four – all the way to our room. He offered to unpack our things but Ness politely declined. My mouth dropped when he opened our door. Holy. Fuck.

It was like I'd just stepped into some Travel Channel special on top luxury accommodations. The place was bigger than my entire house back in La Push. Two of the four walls were floor to ceiling windows and you could see for miles and miles. I couldn't do anything but stare at my surroundings. It was unreal.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Ms. Masen?" the guy asked.

"If you could hang the 'Do Not Disturb' sign on the door on your way out, I'd appreciate it. That will be all," Ness responded in a formal yet friendly tone while handing him his tip.

The door closed behind the bellhop and, suddenly, we were alone. It had been hours since I'd kissed her. I wanted to so badly, but I didn't want her to think that I wanted sex right away. I could wait for her. We just got in and it was early in the day, there was plenty of time for that…if she wanted it.

I wasn't sure what to do, so I just stood there looking lost. Ness walked to where our bags were sitting, just a few feet away from me. She bent down with her ass sticking straight up in the air right in front of me. What a fucking sight.

My feet moved of their accord and instantly I was pressed against her, my hands holding her in place by her hips. She ground against the beginnings of my arousal and fucking giggled.

"Something funny?" I asked gruffly, placing a firm but playful slap across her ass.

"Mmm. Not at all," she replied as she stood and faced me. My arms wrapped around her at once and pulled her close. I couldn't help the grunt that escaped.

Our mouths came together and all playfulness was gone. I'd been holding back all week and finally I let everything I had out. All the love, the desire, everything. I kissed her slowly…tenderly but deeply, with passion. Her hands came up to my face. Take me…Make love to me.

The moment I registered what she wanted, I lifted her and began to walk us to the massive bed. One of my hands slid down her back and squeezed her ass firmly. I couldn't help it. I'd been a good boy all week and it was time for my reward.

I gently laid her on the bed and we shared kiss after hot, deep kiss. "Can I?" I asked, tugging upward on the hem of her shirt.

"The answer…is always…yes. Don't ask," she murmured between kisses.

I pulled her top off to reveal the sexiest black lace bra covering her fucking gorgeous breasts. My mouth began to move slowly down her neck. I wanted to savor the moment, memorize every inch I came in contact with – to taste, to smell, to remember everything about the way Ness felt.

My hand slowly came up her stomach to reach her breast. I grasped and squeezed before letting my fingers swirl around her firm nipple. Finally, my mouth came to her breast. I sucked and licked my way down until my mouth was met with fabric. Ness was fucking panting and the smell of her arousal was building more and more by the second.

"Take it off," she breathed.

I unhooked her bra and flung it across the room. I went ahead and slid her pants down as well, revealing a tiny, black lace thong. What a lucky little piece of fabric.

My attention returned to her breasts. I took Ness's nipple into my mouth and gently nipped and licked it, drawing moans from her as I lapped at her skin. With each sound she made, my cock grew harder.

I started moving lower, placing open-mouthed kisses down her stomach. Her skin tasted so good. My hands moved lightly all over her body…her breasts, her sides, and then finally I let myself wander down to her thighs. She let out a loud moan when my hand moved up her inner thigh, just as my mouth reached the top of her panties. I didn't wait for her to tell me, I just pulled them off and tossed them to the floor.

Her pussy was glistening with moisture and looked too fucking perfect. I could feel her pulse as my fingers explored the skin of her thighs and knew her heart was thundering. Mine was too. I took a second to appreciate the view of Ness lying naked right in front of me. I didn't deserve her, but she was fucking mine.

My mouth continued to kiss above and around her center, all around her thighs. I went slowly and lightly. Her legs actually shook a few times. She was panting and moaning already and I hadn't even gotten to the best part.

I reached up to play with her breasts and slowly moved closer and closer to where she wanted me to touch her most. My mouth finally moved over her lips and kissed lightly. After a few kisses, I let my tongue explore all around her pussy, from the very top of the slit all the way into her opening, slowly and lightly. Her clit was swollen and dying to be teased, so after tasting her, I moved back and began to flick it.

"Fuck," Ness moaned. She pulled in a few quick, sharp breaths before moaning loudly. "God you're so fucking good."

I quickened my pace just a bit, though I still wasn't going that fast. I slid two fingers inside her tightness. I couldn't wait to feel her around my cock, but right now it was all about her. My fingers curved and pressed against that magic spot on the inside and her hips lifted off the bed. Her body instinctively pressed against my face even more. I continued to flick her clit, speeding up just a little, while my fingers pressed again and again against that spot, the one that could drive a woman wild.

I spared a glance up at her face; it was so fucking sexy. Her fingers were pinching and rolling around both of her nipples. Fuck, she's too much.

"Please make me cum, Jacob," she begged. "You make me feel so good."

I quickened my pace both inside her body and on her clit. Her legs shook and her walls were tightening around my fingers. Her moans got louder and came with each breath until finally she exploded. Once her body stopped quaking, I ran my tongue all around and inside her again, enjoying the taste of her orgasm.

Ness pulled me up to her face and kissed me passionately. "Your turn," she said sexily.

She pushed me onto my back then slid her hands up my shirt and all over my chest. Her mouth roved over my abs and I thought I was in heaven. My muscles tightened beneath her touch. She pulled off my shirt and gave me an appreciative gaze similar to the one I'd given her. Her lips came down to my pelvis while she worked to get my pants off. Thoughts that weren't my own began to flow through my mind.

You're so sexy right here, she thought, licking and kissing the lower part of my pelvis.

And I love this part, she continued, kissing just above where my happy trail ended. Thank God I had trimmed in the morning.

She pulled my pants and boxers off in one quick motion. Her hand ran up my thigh and I fought back a groan. I couldn't keep it in anymore when her hand wrapped around my shaft and she brought me to her lips. "Fuck," I grunted.

I watched her move up and down at a casual pace, taking every bit of me into her mouth. It felt unbelievable, but it wasn't what I wanted most. After a few minutes of enjoying her warm mouth, I gently pulled her up my body so that her face hovered above mine. I took my time kissing her neck and down her chest to those amazing breasts then flipped us so I was on top of her. She felt so good against me; naked and soft and mine.

Please, she pleaded inaudibly.

"Tell me," I murmured into her hair while she placed hot, open-mouthed kisses all along the shell of my ear.

"Make love to me, Jacob," she breathed. It sounded so fucking beautiful coming out of her mouth. The words twisted my insides in a very pleasurable way.

Our bodies connected at last. Incredible would be an understatement. My life felt fucking complete. Her voice sounded worshipping when she panted my name. I moved in and out of her body at a slow, tender pace. One hand explored her body while the other cupped her face.

Our mouths only detached enough to take in deep breaths as needed. I'd never hated the need for air before that moment. I wanted to feel every bit of her; her mouth, her body against mine, her hands, and her wet heat…all of it at once. Maybe I was greedy, but I was fucking loving it. I wanted more of it.

Our bodies remained attached as we rolled together all over the massive bed, changing positions but keeping ourselves touching as much as possible. We were both covered in sweat, probably mine, but neither of us cared.

Ness shifted so that we were sitting up and she was straddling my lap. She took control and moved her body up and down my length. Now that I was able, I reached around and groped her ass, lifting her up and down as she moved at her own rate.

Her lips broke from mine and I took the opportunity to admire her… her sexy hair, those swollen lips, down further to her amazing breasts and pink nipples, then back up to where my eyes locked on hers. I could see my entire world right there in her deep brown eyes.

Ness had been sharing her pleasure with me through her projecting talent since we started making love, but when her palm came in contact with my face, intentionally sharing her mind with me, I got much more.

At first, there was just emotion…excitement, certainty, lust, intense pleasure, but there was one that stuck out more than the rest, one that made my heart pound ten times faster. Love. So much love. The feeling alone brought me closer to erupting.

"Please…tell me," I breathed. My body was experiencing so much satisfaction that it was hard to even form a sentence.

"Jacob…" she moaned.

"Mmm…yesss…"

"I…I…" she continued. Her mouth crashed into mine and she kissed me with every bit of passion that I was feeling being passed into my mind.

"I love you," I said with every bit of confidence I could gather. "So…much." Her eyes widened, but in a good way. She kissed me again. It was a little bit slower but still enough to make my fucking toes curl.

Her body continued to move up and down and her rhythm increased, bringing me that much closer to losing it.

"I love you, Jacob," she said with crystal fucking clarity and so much reverence.

I couldn't hold back anymore. I quickly but carefully pinned her beneath me and showed her just how much I loved her. I moved in and out of her body with more intensity than before. My mouth moved all over her neck while she moaned and we both got closer and closer to falling off the edge.

I began to swell inside her body, unable to hold back my release. She became even wetter and her body tightened beneath me. I could see the pure pleasure on her face and feel it through her connection. We both exploded at the same time, her orgasm intensifying my own. She panted my name over and over until we were totally spent.

I pulled out of her body and fell beside her. Despite the fact that I was covered in sweat, she curled her naked form against mine and ran her fingertips all along my chest. It made my eyes roll back inside my head. God the things this girl could do to me.

"Ness?" I groaned, craning my head to look down at that gorgeous fucking body of hers.

"Hmm?" she said, turning to look up at me from where her head rested against my chest.

"I umm…meant what I said…" grow some fucking balls, dude, "about loving you, I mean," I continued, trying to sound confident. It was hard to look her in the face and say it, even though I meant it more than anything I'd ever said in my entire life.

"Me too," she said shyly, climbing up my body. Her face nuzzled my neck. "I love you, Jacob," she whispered.

Both our hearts were thundering. She fucking loves me. ME! I turned my head and kissed her with all of the energy I had left.

I locked my eyes on her and decided to be a fucking man. "I love you, Ness. So much."

She made a little contented sound and returned to her spot on my chest. I realized she'd fallen asleep when her hand that was running across my chest stopped moving. I continued to lightly play with her hair until I, too, fell asleep.

Ness and I were in her car. We both looked so nervous.

"You sure you're okay with this?" she asked. I nodded. "Remember, we don't hurt people. I love them. They're my family. Just keep telling yourself that, okay babe?"

My attention was drawn to the sparkling ring perched on the steering wheel…the one on the third finger of Ness's left hand. We were engaged.

I saw myself swallow hard. "I'll be fine. I promise."

We rode in silence up a long road through the woods. Ness twirled the ring around her finger nervously. Finally, a large house came into view.

"You ready?" she asked, but it sounded more like she was asking herself. She let out a deep breath.

Two figures came out the front door and stood by the stairs.

"Please try not to think dirty thoughts about me. My dad…he sort of reads minds," Ness said as she climbed out of the car.

My eyes widened. I stepped out of the car and the two figures came into full view – two faces I'd recognize anywhere. Edward fucking Cullen and Bella…Cullen.

"Welcome home, sweetie!" Bella said sweetly, embracing my Ness.

"You must be Jacob. We've heard a lot about you," Edward said, walking toward me calmly. I didn't hesitate when he shook my hand. "I don't want to start out on the wrong foot, so could you at least try not thinking about that?" he asked.

"Leave him alone, Dad," Ness called from the porch.

I shot straight up, accidentally knocking Ness across the bed in the process. What. The. Fuck?

"Jacob, what's wrong?" Ness asked urgently.

I shook my head, trying to get rid of what I'd just seen. "Nothing. I just had a really fucked up dream. Come' ere, we can go back to sleep. I'm sorry, babe."

"It's fine. I didn't mean to fall asleep. We've got a lot to do today," she said, hopping out of bed and going straight for her bags.

I stared as she leaned over – completely naked – to rifle through the largest bag. I'd been a good boy all day…until then. I moved behind her and pressed my growing cock against her ass and gave it a smack. "What's first on the agenda?" I asked playfully.

She moved her body slightly and my head was pressed against her opening. In a matter of two seconds, I was fully erect. "Mmmh, I think a little more of this, then shopping."

She walked toward the bed and I followed behind closely. She surprised me. Instead of climbing in, she simply placed a hand on the footboard and leaned forward until she was practically bent in half. I couldn't help but slap her voluptuous ass again. Her hips came back as mine moved forward and I was burying myself inside her.

This time was different. It was the wild, hot-as-fuck Ness I'd seen in her dreams and the visions she'd shared with me. Making love to her was unbelievable, but this was pretty fucking awesome too.

All traces of that fucked up dream were gone. We finally went shopping after our second round. I tried not to pay attention to the ridiculous prices she was paying for clothes and shoes. The best part of the whole trip was when we stopped at a few lingerie stores and one adult novelty store. She had me pick out a few things but I wasn't allowed to see most of her purchases – her five huge bags full of purchases.

We drove for a while until finally coming to a very different part of town. The sidewalks were lined with people most would dub freaks. We went to a few stores where Ness bought some of the sexiest black leather shit I'd ever seen, with shoes to match. I begged to go into the fitting room with her, but she wouldn't let me.

By the time she was finished with all her shopping, the trunk and backseat were full of bags.

A/N: So we're starting to get a taste of progress. Hope you enjoyed this chap! Leave me a little review. They make me smile.

If you'd like a sneak peek at chapter 13, tweet my story! After you tweet, send me a direct message there or on letting me know where to send it ( message, your email address, etc.) and you'll get it soon!

One more important note. I've posted a companion story in Kimber's POV. It's called 'Maniacal: Second Chances'. Go to my profile to check it out! It isn't absolutely necessary to read it, although it does provide some details that aren't expressly mentioned in Maniacal (and some lemony goodness that my beta referred to as delicious).