All recognizable elements of this work of fanfiction belong to S. Meyer. The rest belongs to me. I make no money from this little endeavor, but I have a whole lotta fun.
Welcome back everyone. I would like to gratefully thank Little Furry Cannibals, Bragi 151, WolvesCanEatMe, and Wordslinger for being brave pre-readers.
As always, this would not be here were it not for the remarkable (chef) Diamondheart. She takes time from her very busy life to help us all out.
Please enjoy chapter 15. Rated M.
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Bella POV
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I woke to a gray and chilly room. Undulating snakes of cold rain danced down my window and traced crazy patterns on the glass. I sighed at the sad reason why I'd be skipping school today and wondered how my dad was doing, since it was he who asked me to play truant and accompany him to Harry's funeral.
According to Charlie, it would be a modest affair with extended family and friends gathering throughout the day at Sue's place. Since Billy and my dad were Harry's best friends, they were going to be involved in the ceremonies themselves as well as helping Sue and her family handle some of the paperwork and all the other complex arrangements that seem to follow the grieving. Why did the world insist on such complicated paperwork and procedure when people were least capable of dealing with them?
I hauled my achy body out of my warm bed and hugged myself a little. I would see Jacob today. It was so unfair that we'd only had a few stolen minutes together since his change- phase, did he call it? And today would be more of the same. There was no way we were getting away from a funeral with both of our dads around.
The bathroom mirror was splashed a little, letting me know that Charlie was up. At least he didn't leave shaving cream in the sink, I thought. I wiped it off with my hand towel as I brushed my teeth and got ready to go downstairs. Halfway down, I could hear him on the phone. He sounded a little upset, and as I walked in to the kitchen I could see him pacing by the table, which was papered with yellow legal pads and scraps of notes again.
"You're not even in the country? Yes I realize it's a territory, but that doesn't exactly change the situation. You should have told me!" He paused, listening, and rubbed his forehead with his free hand.
"I know, Renee. I'm glad it's going so well... I know she's a big girl, but you don't realize what's going on up here!" He stared at the ceiling. "I just can't leave her by herself."
As soon as I heard my mother's name, I backed up as quietly as I could and waited by the stairs. When I heard him hang up the phone, I made my entrance, feigning ignorance.
"Good morning, Dad. Who was that?"
He must have been pretty distracted because he didn't even notice the fib, "Your Mom. I was trying to get her up here for a few days later this week, but Phil's team is doing a tour in Puerto Rico, and she's with him." I reached into the cabinet to get a coffee cup as he spoke. "She's not coming back until the tour is over, which will be the middle of next week." He sighed heavily, exasperated.
The mug made a dull clunk on the countertop as I set it down. I didn't have to fake my confusion, it was genuine. "Why did you invite her up?"
"Oh, a little earlier this morning I got a call from the district attorney in Seattle. Over the weekend they hammered out the custody details regarding the car. It was decided that since the car was discovered here, and we have no interests regarding prosecution of any crime other than the dumping of a vehicle, that we should have official custody of the car."
"Hmm-mmm. So, why the call to Mom?" I filled my coffee cup halfway and topped off Charlie's, then grabbed the milk and sugar.
"Well, transfer of custody involves a lot of people signing off, and Seattle is antsy to get the car. They want it delivered by Thursday, and the paperwork could take a few days to get everything done. I probably won't be back until Tuesday." He took a gulp of coffee and grimaced from the recent warm-up. A burned tongue was just insulting at this point.
"I called your Mom because I didn't want you here alone. It's not safe. I'd send Steve, but I can't possibly make him leave his wife now. Maybe the Webbers could help?" He mused, but the look on my face must have been horrified because he cleared his throat and shook his head, "Oh, of course not."
I made breakfast and my dad sat scribbling on his notepads. He cleared away his notes and gave me a grateful smile as I set a plate down for him. We ate and chatted about the weather, road conditions, and I even pretended to care about the scores he rattled off from the basketball tournament. When I could stand it no longer, I asked about the funeral.
My dad's brow knotted for a moment. It was clear that we had both been avoiding talking about it.
"The actual burial is in the evening, but close friends are gathering early at Sue's before it gets crazy with extended family and all of La Push coming by." He swirled his coffee.
"What time do we need to go?" The phone rang as I finished my sentence and he stood to answer it.
He placed his hand on the phone. "Let's shoot for getting there around ten-thirty or eleven." He picked up the receiver, "Hello? Hi, Billy. How is she?"
I got up to wash our plates, listening to my father's half of the conversation. They spoke somberly as I finished drying the pan, leaving our cups out for refills. I was stepping on the first stair when I heard Charlie ask quietly for a favor, but lost the sound of his voice as I climbed upstairs to get ready.
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Billy POV
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There was no doubt in my mind that the spirits mourned Harry's passing, and had chosen this morning to express their sorrow. It was cold and the rains alternated between the common thin drizzle and fat heavy drops that thundered off the metal roof of the garage. I imagined Sue's tears mixing with the rain and could not stop a few of my own.
The dead were dead. Harry did not need our grief, but his widow would need our strength and companionship. Between her family and friends, she would not be left alone for a few weeks; as much as grieving people may wish to be left alone, it is never advisable. Charlie and Harry hardly left my side after the loss of my wife. I may have hated them for it at the time, but they forced me to care for my children and help them with their grief as I worked through my own.
Leah and Seth had their mother and the pack. They were surrounded by supportive people, and Sue had the Elders and Charlie and me. Her children were old enough to be helpful, too, even if they had their own obligations... and plans. My girls had been old enough to understand and help when my wife passed, but Jake had been too young- not that you're ever really old enough for loss like that.
I did what I could, encouraging him to learn anything he could and learn to work with his hands. I taught him to carve and work on the old truck, ignoring the advice and caution my wife had always given me regarding my diabetes. In a few short years, my self neglect became apparent and Harry asked Sue to help me get things under control. She taught Jake about meters and my medications, but I had become weakened and partially dependant. The blow of losing his mother, then having to care for his remaining parent must have been immense; I had a hard time imagining it even as an adult.
I fastened the top button on my best shirt. Jake helped me into a pair of khaki pants and he frowned as he checked the weather. I heard him rummage in the hall closet and he returned to settle a soft blanket over my lap.
"It's cold and rainy. I'll bring the car closer before I wheel you out, okay?" Jake handed me my jacket and left to move the car.
The fine rain beaded on the surface of my coat. I watched the little drops roll down as my chair bumped along the gravel between the end of the ramp and the car. When I heaved out of the chair, he stood by quietly to assist while I pivoted into the low seat of the Rabbit.
He didn't talk on the drive except to ask if I was warm enough. I was thankful; I just didn't have it in me to talk much, and I would need everything I had to help Sue and play my role as tribal leader.
Jake settled me in at Sue's, tucking the blanket back around me and fetching me a cup of coffee before Leah and Seth filed out, ready for patrol. Sue ran her hand down each one of their faces before kissing them on the cheek. The three wolves left and I patted Sue's hand.
"They'll be fine. Jake told me last night that he was going to wear them out today so they could handle this afternoon better." I gave her a smile. "There's nothing like a good run to quiet down a teenager!"
Sue laughed softly and raised her steaming mug of tea. "You're right about that, but I'm worried about what they might find... out there. Jake told you about last night, right?" I nodded, and Sue grew very serious.
"Seth told me how badly he'd wanted to stay out and see some 'action'. It scared me to hear him talk like that; he reminded me of the fighters in the stories you tell."
I felt my face form a grimace and I rubbed my brow to smooth it out. "Jake said the ones they tracked were gone, and the trail ended at the highway, so they probably picked up a car and-"
"Dammit, Billy. I don't mean just last night. I mean..." her voice faded and she looked around the room. A couple had entered the room to sit on a loveseat on the opposite side of the living room. Sue merely shook her head and set her cup on the coffee table, her normally careworn face tired and pale.
"Sue, this is a job for the young." I spoke very quietly so the others in the room would not hear. "The old are too afraid of losing to fight, so it's our job to provide for them so they can defend us and what they see as theirs."
Without looking up, she daubed at her eyes with the hanky that had become a permanent fixture in her hand. She stood and patted my shoulder before murmuring something getting drinks and making sure there was fresh coffee. I sat and drank mine for a few minutes when Old Quil came through the doorway, escorted by some grandchild of his. He had a few dozen and I stopped keeping track years ago. He sat in the chair that Sue vacated and leaned toward me to speak but, as he opened his mouth, he noticed the couple in the room with us. Without saying a word, he glared at them and they hastily rose, leaving us to talk.
I chuckled at his free use of the 'mean old man' trick and he just shrugged.
"I wanted to talk, and I don't feel like whispering. It makes my throat sore and I'm in no mood." He leaned back, relaxing into the seat. "So, what happened last night? Sam dropped by with muffins from Emily this morning and said there was a phone call?"
The phone call. Only once before had we called Cullen outside of a treaty update, and it was regarding Isabella and her disappearance last spring. I warned him then of the penalties if Edward had broken the treaty, but he assured me that they were protecting her, and that she would be back soon. He had not mentioned how much danger she had been in, but since she had survived I could not invoke the treaty; nor did I want to, and my threat felt empty without a pack to back it up at the time. Not two weeks later, Sam phased.
"Jake called Dr. Cullen last night after they found the trail. Jake figures that based on those and the car that probably picked up the leeches, there are as many as nine of them. Between that and the one they destroyed a few nights ago, Sam decided it was time to call."
"Did Cullen answer?" His silver eyebrows rose expectantly.
"Yes. Jake told me that he was shocked at how bold these vampires were; they either didn't expect anything to be there or they had planned to leave. From the damage Paul saw in the woods it looked like one of the leeches wasn't going along with the plan and had to be forced to leave."
Old Quil whistled through his teeth. Sue returned, looking calmer and holding a fresh cup of tea in her hands. She unfolded a creaky metal chair and joined us. We caught her up in the conversation and she nodded weakly as we reminded her that Jake had forced her son to leave.
"So, what's Cullen going to do?" She gulped and clenched the cup, fingers whitening around the handle.
"He said he's going to declare a new second and begin planning the visitor's demise." Old Quil drew in a breath of surprise and Sue glanced at him curiously.
"What? We declare new signers pretty often."
I cleared my throat. "Uh, Sue, don't forget that they are immortal. There has only ever been one set of signators on their side. This means that either he cannot find his second, or does not think him competent enough to perform his duty to the treaty."
Old Quil nodded and grumbled agreement; Sue merely blinked.
"Oh. I see."
Old Quil's grandson brought him a cup of coffee and poured cream into it until the cup nearly overflowed. I chuckled at the old man's antics, knowing that he just liked to keep the young folk on their toes. We sipped our warm drinks in a silence that was broken only by the occasional sad visit with Sue. As the minutes passed, the house filled a bit more. By eleven there were a dozen folding chairs in the room and more in the dining room. The pastry plate had been removed and a few platters of cut fruits and vegetables were set out, as well as a tray with what I knew were finger sandwiches from Emily's kitchen, their origin clear by their enormous quantity. I guessed that Sue's reappearance was due to being diplomatically kicked out of her own kitchen.
Sue may not have liked the idea of Sam's imprint, and the heartache that followed, but she was a pragmatic woman. While Leah was strong and would move on, Sue knew her daughter simply did not presently have the time or headspace to do so. Even though he understood it, Harry hadn't dealt with it as well, and had wanted little to do with the young man for some time. Thankfully, they had reconciled at least partially before he passed; feelings like that should never follow the dead... or the living for that matter.
A dull chatter had been the constant background noise for some time, so when it suddenly became quiet for a moment, the three of us looked up from our contemplations.
"Charlie and Bella!" Sue rose from her seat, a genuine smile lighting her face. The arrival of whites from town at such an intimate tribal gathering had surprised quite a few of the guests, but when they joined us-the inner circle of the Elders- the gawking tapered quickly.
Sue hugged them both and two chairs swiftly emptied and were placed with ours. Bella hugged me and smiled shyly before sitting. She looked very pretty in her green dress and I told her so, the familiar blush coloring her face. Jake would be sorry he missed that one.
Bella caught Sue's attention. "Uh, is there anything I can do? I'll really feel useless just sitting here when I could help."
"Of course, dear. Emily is in the kitchen, just through there," Sue pointed to the doorway, "And I'm sure she'll find something you can help with." As Bella stood and pushed her hair back, her sleeve rode up and I very clearly saw a roughly made bracelet with a wood carving on it. The work could only have been done by my son's hands, and I smiled a little, knowing now what had come from Jake's long night at the work bench.
Charlie leaned over towards me. "Thanks for letting her stay with you. I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't said yes. I'm actually really glad she'll be here and not in town."
"It's no trouble at all. We'll get the guest bedroom ready and she'll be all set."
Charlie nodded. "I'll let her know tonight. Yeah, there's also the matter of... Jake." He wrung his hands a little. "Just, please, make sure nothing... that is, that they... you know... oh shit." He rubbed his face with his hands. I nudged his arm with my elbow.
"Charlie, I have two daughters. I know. Hell, one is married and I still want them in separate beds around me." He smiled gratefully. "I'll keep an eye on them."
"Thanks. It's not that... They're...I don't think... oh, just tell me to shut up, will you?" We both chuckled. "Really, thanks. I feel a lot better knowing she's safe here."
"She'll be no trouble. Besides, maybe I can talk her into baking me some more cookies."
We sat and talked for another hour, keeping the conversation light for Sue's benefit. Bella brought us all plates of Emily's baked salmon and various sides. I was pleased when Sue ate and I mentioned quietly to Charlie that we were doing our job well.
Bella cleared dishes and brought cups of water to us. Old Quil watched her every move and frowned when she winced reaching for his discarded plate. I glanced at him and mouthed 'What?' but he just shrugged and flicked his eyes in her direction as she walked away.
Seth and Leah returned, looking very tired, and they were hardly noticed as they slipped through the door and immediately disappeared into their side of the house. They returned, freshly showered and dressed. That meant Jake would be arriving soon, possibly with the rest of the pack minus whoever was running patrol. Sue hopped up and took plates to them where they had found seats near some cousins.
Jake walked in a few minutes later. He was a head taller than most the people in the room, and he spotted us as he walked in. The hard look in his face evaporated as soon as he saw Charlie next to me, and he walked over, Embry and Sam right behind him. Sam merely nodded a greeting and headed into the kitchen to see Emily and Embry wandered off to the buffet line.
Charlie stood. "Jake, it's great to see you again. Are you sure you were sick?" He looked my son up and down and I repressed a grin. "You look like you grew. I thought being sick would have slowed you down!"
Jake gave his usual bright smile. "Well, Dad's got this great remedy- it's a tribal thing and-" Charlie cut him off waving his hands a little.
"Son, if it has anything to do with fish guts or deer eyes or something, I don't want to hear it. I'm just glad you're better." They stood in the small space within the semi-circle of chairs with a very obvious unasked question hanging between them.
Charlie's eyes crinkled and he smiled. "She's in the kitchen. Go ahead, she's been waiting to see you."
Jake's eyes lit up and he was about to follow Sam's path to the kitchen when his posture stiffened from halting his motion. Bella had walked in the doorway to the living room. Two soft thuds were followed by a splash when she dropped the two full cups of water she was carrying to Seth and Leah.
"Oh no!" She barely squeaked out the words. Her face was bright red as she apologized to the people she had splattered. Jake's attention was split between her and Seth, who was suddenly tense and still.
Bella was picking up the cups and asked for a towel while Leah started holding Seth's arm. Sam came out of the kitchen and stood in front of Seth. Sue's eyes went wide and she was on the verge of panic.
"Jake," I whispered so softly only the wolves would hear. "Get her out of here. I'll cover for you with Charlie. Go." Jake looked to Sam, who nodded and twitched his eyes toward the back door.
Jake was in motion once again. He grabbed Bella by the hand and gently but firmly shuffled her out the back of the house so quickly no one really had a chance to process her flight as Sue went to sit with her children and the family closed ranks.
The three had their arms around each other. Old Quil and I exchanged a fleeting look with each other, knowing that the grieving family we supported was going through so much more than the loss of a beloved father and husband.
About an hour later, Charlie nudged me. "Have you seen Bella lately? I thought she would join us at the rest of the services."
I chuckled and told the closest thing to a lie I'd ever said to Charlie. "I think she and Jake made an escape to spare her remaining dignity. Did you see her face?"
My friend sighed affectionately. "Bella will blush until she has gray hair. Well, it's going to be cold at the ceremony, so it's probably just as well. I'll get a hold of her later on her phone."
Someone mentioned that a few people were getting ready to leave to go to the burial site. The remaining friends and pack members started cleaning up the house while Sue and her children retreated down the hallway to their bedrooms to rest and get ready for the rest of the day.
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Jacob POV
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The whole process took no more than about fifteen seconds from the moment she dropped the cups, drawing Seth's undivided attention, to the moment Sam nodded to me, in effect ordering me to follow my father's directions.
It had to be done. We could not risk endangering so many people with Seth phasing in the house, and even if he could keep himself in check, the funeral would have become a nightmare for him and the rest of his family. They needed their time, and I had to get Bella out of there so they could have it.
I grasped her good wrist and pulled her out of the living room, through the kitchen and out of the house by the back door. Her mouth was set in a shocked 'o' as Emily threw her purse out the back door to me and we made our way across the yard to my car. I opened the door and she sat, staring straight ahead and didn't even blink when I closed the door.
"What was that for? It's not like the entire reservation doesn't know I'm a klutz." She said softly, jutting her chin out. She was upset and confused. I was still in Beta mode and had to gather my thoughts.
"Bella, you remember what happened at lunch with Seth? How Paul had to drag him out?" I kept my hands on the wheel and made no effort to look at her yet, hanging my head and breathing deeply to calm down.
"Of course. You said he felt really protective. But I wasn't in any danger, and nothing should have triggered him!"
"I also said that he was having trouble controlling it because he's mourning his dad, too." I fought the urge to raise my voice when she did. There were too many reasons lately to be upset and she wasn't one of them. "Bella, I dragged you out of there so you wouldn't be a distraction to them. They deserve to be able to mourn without worrying about Seth."
Her shoulders drooped and she nodded. "I'm sorry. I almost ruined everything didn't I?"
"Of course not," I handed her purse to her and took her hand. "We just have to be more careful, that's all." The mist had left little flecks of water on her hair and dress and she smoothed them out over the soft fabric.
"You look nice, Bells. You look good in green." She smiled and plucked at the hem.
"Thanks." She paused and fiddled with her bracelet. My bracelet. "It's a good thing we aren't walking, I'd blend into the trees."
"I'd never lose you out here, Bells." I may have actually heard her heart beat flutter for a moment. "You're as loud as a bull and I can hear everything." She snickered and I started the engine, turning the heat on. Cold air blasted out and she shivered violently for a moment before I shut off the vents so it could heat up. I reached for her hand and she wove her fingers with mine.
"Just go Jake, it's only a few minutes."
She quivered from the cold and I drove the four-minute trip in three. We pulled up to my house and she frowned.
"What? Did you forget something?"
"Sort of. Don't you need to take your dad to the funeral?" She looked up at me nervously.
"Naw, Sam and Jared brought their cars, and your dad could take him, too. Plus there's a whole tribe ready to chauffer him around if he needs it."
"Oh." She picked up her purse and we got out of the car. The rain had gone from mist to downpour and even though we ran to the front door, we both got pretty soaked. I'd be dry in a few minutes, but she'd freeze.
"I'll grab you a towel, Bells. Be right back." I got a blanket, too, and we sat on the couch. She kicked off her shoes and huddled under the blanket next to me, scooting as close as she could without being in my lap. She was still shivering a minute later and I gave up.
"Oh for Pete's sakes, Bella. I didn't bite before, I don't now." I picked her up and pivoted around to lie on the couch, propped on the cushions with her laying half on me, the blanket draped over us. She sighed as the heat seeped through her damp dress and wrapped her free arm around me, resting her head on my shoulder and chest. The wolf rumbled in contentment.
Knock it off, Black. She needs to get warm and dry, not get pawed at by your stupid thoughtless... paws.
I stroked her hair and worried that she was so tired that she had fallen asleep, but Bella propped her chin on my chest and gazed at me questioningly. "So, how many wolves are there? Who are they?"
"There's eight of us now after yesterday. Sam was the first, then Paul, Jared, Embry… me… then Seth and Leah and finally Quil." She laid her head back down.
"So… why?"
"Why what? Why are we wolves? Why now? Or why us?"
"Yes, all of them." She settled in apparently waiting for a big explanation. I wasn't sure where to start, so I started with the bonfire stories. I explained the truths and the myths, my dad's role and the Elders, phasing, the hunger and sleep deprivation, the pack dynamics and how we still had so much to learn. She listened silently, sometimes popping her head up to stare or ask a question. I told her about certain details of the treaty and when her mouth dropped open I ran my thumb over her lip just to see her blush. She turned white when I told her about imprinting, and breathed a sigh of relief when I used my father's words to explain my exemption from the rule.
"You should always have a choice." She said emphatically. I couldn't have agreed more.
I talked for an hour solid and was launching into my funny story about Indiana Jones when she propped herself up and kissed me. I held my hands up in surprise as Bella's mouth pressed on mine. She leaned her weight on me and flung an arm around my neck. When she leaned back she saw my hands were still raised, and a little smile played on her lips.
"What was that for?" I asked, dazed.
"For telling me the truth." Her face hardened. "You know, he never really bothered."
I kissed her forehead to smooth it and she sighed, pressing herself to me. I dropped one foot to the floor and she slid between my legs to face me, frowning a little when she rolled.
She was warm and dry now, and her hair had curled some from the mist evaporating. The little spirals at her hairline sprung back when I fiddled with them teasingly and she pushed my hand away laughing. We horsed around and stayed snuggled under the blanket. I was very aware of where her weight was balanced. I thought back to the afternoon she cooked dinner and fell asleep on my lap. I wished I had a convenient pillow.
"Jake, do you realize this is the first time we've actually been able to just be us since… you know… it all happened?"
The thought had occurred to me and I nodded. I also remembered this was our first time together since we'd been together. I was afraid to bring it up. She might just think I was a pervert.
It was true, though- neither of us had anywhere to be, no patrols, no visitors, no one to take care of or cook for, and no one barging in. The idea that we were actually alone was shocking. I hadn't really been alone in a week, much less with her.
She raised her arms to cup my face and neck and it brought her body flush to mine. I wrapped my arms around her and held her tight against me, feeling every inch of her softness. She kissed me again, barely darting her tongue out along my upper lip. My belly tightened and I slid down to bring her face up to mine, returning the touch. Then she did the last thing I expected.
She pressed her hips into mine just slightly.
I wasn't even sure she meant to do it, but we each drew in a sharp breath when she did it. Her eyes were wide and dilated, and they drifted in focus from somewhere far away, then back to me. I tucked my hands under the blanket to rest them on her sides, barely moving them to lightly caress her curves as I started kissing her jaw.
"Jake,"
"Hmm?" I inhaled deeply, savoring the warmth that had suddenly crept into her skin. The wolf knew what it was before I did, and we wanted more of it.
"I missed you. I missed… this." She whispered shyly. Her breath fanned over my forehead and every hair on my body stood up, prickling at the thought that she might want to explore again. Bella dipped her head a little and lightly kissed me again. The leverage from my planted foot let me press up against her and she made a soft breathy moan before pulling up to her knees.
I sat up. "Bells, what's wr-" But instead of getting up like I thought she was going to, she set one knee on either side of me, slowly resting her weight on me. There was no way she was ignoring what I'd tried to hide from her before.
"I told you... I missed you."
"Oh God, Bells... baby..." I ran my hands down her sides slowly. The skirt of the dress had ridden up high on her hips when she spread her legs so wide. We were still under the blanket, and even though there was no possibility of interruptions, I thought that maybe some of her boldness might be because she was hidden. I would carry a blanket everywhere I went for the rest of my life.
She leaned forward and kissed me, then my cheek and along my neck. "Bella, through everything...mmmm...I've been through the last week...ooohh..." My eyes rolled into the back of my head when she shifted her weight to start on the other side, grinding her body against me on the way. "All I ever thought about was how I could get back to you." I groped for the words, wheezing them out.
The heat was blooming off her body and I was starting to hate that blanket. She paused and lifted her face to look me in the eyes, her hair falling around us and tickling my face. "You have me, Jake. I'm right here." Her soft lips molded to mine lightly for a moment, but hearing her say that burned through my caution. I ran my hands more boldly down her hips, skimming over the bunched fabric and settling them over the bare skin of her upper thighs.
"Jake!" Her little gasp when I squeezed her against me made me throb. She sat up a little, her hands shyly resting on my chest and rocked her hips just once. I pulsed with a force I'd never felt before and I raised my hands to her rounded rear, raising her dress as I went. Her panties were smooth and soft, and I ran my hands over them, feeling them stretch over her curves from the base of her arched back and waist, to the creases where her legs began. I gently tugged the neckline of her dress to bring her lips back to me.
She rolled forward, the motion pressing along the hard length constricted by my jeans. I used one hand to caress her neck and hold her hair up while the other cupped her rear to repeat that pressure. I couldn't keep doing this. I needed more, but I needed to be sure first.
"Bells, are you okay?" I breathed. "We can slow down, or just stop. I don't want to hurt you."
"You're not hurting me, Jake." She dipped forward and gently drew my lower lip between hers. "What did you ask me on Saturday night?" She released my lip very softly and pressed her cheek to mine.
I felt a churning heat deep in my belly as I recalled it. I'd needed to be sure then, as I did now.
"Do you want me, Bells?" My voice wavered as I whispered the question to her ear. Her skin gave off a potent mix of warmth and want.
She exhaled, the puff of air brushing over my sensitive ear. I felt her lips quiver on my cheek as she answered. "I always want you, Jacob."
She reached down and tugged on my shirt to untuck it. The blanket shifted and wafted a new fragrance to me that scorched my senses. I knew it from the shared mind, where I had experienced certain… things second and third hand, sometimes with mild distaste – but context is everything. This was… woman, heat, desire, want and, because it was Bella, love, too. We wanted more.
I sat up, raising her with me, and pulled my shirt over my head. Her eyes flickered over my chest and belly, lingering over the little sprinkling of hair that went into my jeans. I took her hand and placed it over my pounding heart.
Those brown eyes grew bright and sparkled in the dim gray light. I frowned and brushed the beginnings of tears away, kissing her cheeks and then her lips as sweetly as I could. We sat like we had against the log, her straddling me, but I didn't want to do that again. I had promised her something.
"Bells, can I touch you?" I stroked her lower belly through the dress, wanting her to understand what I wanted to do. Her lips trembled and moved, but no sound came out. She nodded her head.
Very gently, I slipped her off me to sit on the couch, and guided her to lay back. I took off my belt and undid the button to relieve some pressure, and she glanced at me nervously. "I'm just loosening my pants, Bells. They're a little...tight right now."
"What are you going to do, Jake?"
"I promised I'd take care of you first, remember?" Her face flamed and her neck and exposed legs tinged pink, too. I felt the flare of heat radiate off her body, sending out ripples of her scent. Her face was flushed and I wanted to see if the color went everywhere, but mostly I wanted to do whatever it took to make her feel good, and I'd learned a few things over the week. Thank you, Embry and Paul.
Her dress had fallen to cover her to just above her knees again. I ran my hands along her legs, massaging her calves and caressing her behind the knees. I worked my way up slowly and gently until I was kneading her lower thighs, only nudging the skirt of the dress up.
I smoothed a hand over the green fabric. "Can I... take them off?"
She looked at me with complete trust, but fire smoldered behind her eyes that took my breath away.
"Yes."
My wolf licked his lips as she raised up enough for me to slip my hands under the dress, caressing her until I got to the top of the panties. I wrapped my fingers around them, careful not to gouge her delicate skin, and I pulled them off slowly without disturbing the dress.
A sweet musk surged into my nose. Woman, heat, Bella. The wolf and I began to meld closer.
I pushed one leg to the side and she let it dangle over the side of the couch. I kneeled and just ran my hands up and down the insides of her thighs, only barely reaching up under the edge of the dress. Her breathing was ragged with need and I placed one hand under the leg still on the couch, just under her knee. She bent it, raising her leg and dragging the dress up with it. With my other hand I grazed my fingertips over her thigh to push it up on that side, too.
She was glorious. Bella's creamy skin was crowned with soft springy curls. The fragrance that tantalized me was strong and no longer filtered by layers of fabric or blankets. I ran my hand lightly over that little pile of curls and her breath shuddered, making her abdomen jump and roll. She sat up suddenly, pulling her legs together slightly and forcing me to lean away to give her space. I edged around and stroked Bella's forehead, kissing the little curls around her face.
"Are you okay?" I asked again. She panted and nodded. One of her hands was fisted in the blanket that now lay on the couch beneath her. The other she raised to lightly touch my chest, settling it over my heart again. She lifted her chin and kissed me, deepening the kiss and moving with me. She drew back and lay down again. I thought she wanted to stop but her legs moved.
She spread herself wide, wider than before. "I'm okay, Jake." She lifted her hips and dragged the dress up and over her head. My body shuddered as inch upon inch of her was slowly revealed. She only had on her bra now, the soft ivory cups nearly blending with her pale skin.
I nuzzled into her neck and kissed my way down between her breasts. Her chest was barely blushing and I ran my tongue over the coloring flesh, working my way down.
Her belly was supple and slightly rounded. I pressed and nipped into her, my chin brushing the soft frizz below. I skipped over to kiss her inner thigh and she bent her knee back up, opening herself to me completely. The other leg bent and rose, and she balanced her foot on my thigh, angling her hips up. I slipped my arm under her outer leg, raising it, then kissed her knee and moved up.
She panted and murmured. "Oh god, Jake. What… oh please…" I never wanted her to stop saying my name that way. I was just a kiss away from it. Her sex was pink and shining, and I felt a possessive rumble start in my chest. The deep vibration was like an order from my wolf to me. Stop fucking thinking… taste.
I dipped lower and ran my nose over the curls, inhaling deeply. Every nerve ending shot on full blast and electricity ran through my body, ending at my throbbing tip. I'd never wanted anything this badly. Stop fucking thinking….taste!
"I'm going to touch you, Bella."
She whimpered and I dipped my tongue to her sex, running it over the folds, not delving in yet. She jumped, and then pushed herself up to my face, wanting more. Taste.
I pressed my tongue to the very center of the petals, the heat and rich musk blooming on my mouth. Bella arched her back and writhed, gripping the blanket. I raised my arm to lift her leg higher, sliding it over my shoulder to raise her body back up and I returned to her, running my mouth over her once again, now up to where I had brought her to climax before.
I suckled at the soft folds of flesh there, nipping and licking as they grew slicker. I wrapped my arm under her other leg and caressed her belly, loving the little moans and pants she made as I made her happy. I raised my head and saw the concentration on her face, her furrowed brow at odds with the smile of pleasure on her lips.
"Jake," her breath came in fast puffs, "please!"
I dove back down and supported her legs on my shoulders. I sucked and flicked at her, her sex plumping in my mouth, the taste and scent frying my brain. I worked her with my tongue as I had done with my hands before, massaging her rear and thighs and everything I could reach. I didn't let up for a second, feeling the vibrations of approval and encouragement in my chest rumble louder as Bella's cries and moans rose in volume as well. Her hands crept to my hair and she grasped, pushed, and pulled at my head, nudging me where she wanted me to go.
Bella's hips rocked, matching my movements and I felt her begin to quiver with her frantic heartbeat. Not moving my head, I glanced up and saw her face, mouth opening and panting, eyes tightly shut as her sex pulsed hard and grew hot. New moisture seeped from her as her eyes flew open and she thrust her hips into my face, rubbing herself on me. I lapped at her, not missing a moment of her release and I ran my hands over every inch of her body, brightly flushed with her climax.
The twitching in her legs slowed and I released her from my mouth. I pushed off from my heels and knelt in front of her, kissing her belly and back up to her ear.
"I love you, Bells."
"Oh, Jake... I love you." Bella's eyes drifted open and closed and she sighed contentedly as I wrapped the blanket around her. I kicked off my shoes and slid my arms under her, lifting her and carrying her to my room. I laid her gently on my bed and stepped into the bathroom to rinse my face.
.
Billy POV
.
Charlie was a pretty stoic guy, but he started to tear up and had to sit when were given instructions at the funeral home. I was an honorary pallbearer, not being able to actually perform the duty, but bearers did more than just carry a box. Being Harry's closest friends, we also handled some of the paperwork when Sue left the room to calm down.
We sat together in the office while the extended family and friends milled around, looking at the hastily assembled photo albums and a slideshow someone had thrown together on their laptop computer. Charlie fidgeted with his phone and finally handed it to me.
"I can't right now, can you just call and find Bella, make sure she's okay?" He stood and crossed the hall to the bathroom.
I had no stomach to check on the kids either, but for Charlie's sake I would do it anyway. Which number should I call first? I called his home number and got no answer. I dialed mine and Jake answered after the fourth ring.
"Hey dad," he sounded winded.
"Hey Jake. I'm calling from Charlie's phone. Everything okay?"
"Sure, sure."
"Is Bella alright?" I lowered my voice. "Seth didn't scare her, did he?"
"Naw, she's, uh," He hesitated. "Taking a nap right now."
"A nap?" It was the middle of the afternoon.
"Yeah, she got cold on the way here…you know, from the rain. She fell asleep on the couch."
"Oh. Well, he asked me to call and check on her. He isn't really up to talking right now."
"I'm really sorry, dad." Jake spoke more clearly. "Are Seth and Leah okay? Have they had to leave?"
"No, they're still here. It's good that you got Bella out." I rubbed my forehead wishing I knew what to say. "I wish things had gone smoother, but it is what it is."
"I know. We're okay, don't worry about us."
The attendant returned to the office with a draft of the forms we needed to sign. "Jake, I need to go. Take good care of Bella and we'll see you in a few more hours."
"Bye, dad."
The man handed me a pen as Sue walked back into the room. The moment she saw my signature she turned and ran out of the room once again. Somehow putting our names down meant we had to acknowledge all that had happened, and I wasn't sure how well Sue was handling it all.
Charlie returned, his collar damp from splashing water on his face. His eyes were red but dry and I handed him the pen so he could sign off on the arrangements.
.
Bella POV
.
I heard Jake on the phone as I dozed, my nerves still crackling and itching to touch him. I felt only half sated. Now I understood why he felt the need to 'take care of me' first.
I was taken care of first…that meant he would get taken care of next. What do I do?
I got up, wrapped the blanket around myself, and went to the bathroom. When I finished I went back to his bedroom and found him sitting on the edge of his bed, his head in his hands.
"Jake, are you alright? Who was on the phone?"
He didn't pick his head up. "It was my dad. Charlie asked him to check up on us." He heaved a deep sigh.
I squirmed. "What did you say?"
He picked his head up and glanced at me. "I said you were taking a nap." He smiled ruefully and dropped his face into his palm.
"Oh. Did you talk to my dad?"
"No. He wasn't able to talk. They're having a tough time." Jake was feeling guilty about us when everyone else was grieving.
"It's okay, Jake. I don't think we did anything wrong." I sat close to him on the bed and wrapped him in the blanket with me. I was still in just my bra and I pressed myself to his side. He put his arm around me and held me tight, turning his head to bury his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply.
"I love you, Bells."
"Kiss me, Jake." He lifted my chin and touched his lips to mine gently, as if he was about to pull away. I put my arms around his neck and held him tight. The blanket fell off my shoulders and he slid both his arms around me and pulled me to sit across his lap. I unpinned my arm and wrapped it around his back to stroke his spine, reclining slightly. The blanket covered only my legs now, and he ran a hand down my chest, skimming over the satin bra, and placed his palm flat on my belly. I started to feel warm all over, remembering what he was capable of doing to me.
His tongue was soft in my mouth and I caught the slightest taste of something sensual and sweet in his kiss. I licked at his upper lip and he lightly caught my lower in his teeth. I felt him harden fully against my side and my hand drifted down I chest to brush against his boxers peeking out from his loosened jeans.
He drew in a sharp breath and tightened his grip on me, moving his hand from my belly to my thigh.
"Bells, I need to...um...take care of things."
"Why?"
"Because I need to...you don't have to help, it's okay."
"Jake, I told you...I'm here. I want to." I ran a hand from his shoulder to his waist, then trailed a finger along the thin fuzz under his navel. The muscles clenched. "But, um..." My cheeks grew hot.
"What is it, Bells?"
"I don't know what to do." He laughed and I glared at him.
"No, no baby! I just, uh...don't know either." My mouth dropped open. "No, I mean, technically, I know. And I've seen lots of stuff in the other guy's minds but that's...ugh...not really us. Um, I mean, I know what to do, but...I ...shit." He let go of my leg and face-palmed himself again.
I tugged on his hand so he would look at me. "Jake," He let me pull his hand away and he looked at me with miserable longing. I guided his hand to my chest, placing his palm over my heart as he had done for me. I felt the beats speed up as he gazed at my chest, my mouth, then lower…
He withdrew his hand and began to push his jeans down. Jake looked at me nervously. "Bells, you can say no anytime. It's okay."
I nodded and he pulled the denim off the rest of the way. I plucked at his boxers and he watched me for any signs of hesitation, but I wasn't going to change my mind. I wanted him to feel the way he made me feel: loved and cared for.
My eyes fixated on his pulsing erection as he lay next to me. I had nothing to compare to, but it bobbed heavily when he pushed the band of his boxers over it. I reached for him and ran my hand over the solid length and he jerked in my hand.
He moaned and closed his eyes. I shifted myself down the bed and faced him, the veins pulsing and taut.
"Where are you go- Oh God, Bells!"
I took the very end in my mouth and replicated the movements he had done to me, sliding my tongue over the ridges and feeling the delicate skin ripple as I moved my lips over him. He was heat and salt and musk and I breathed in the aroma I remembered from the beach. The smell had been on his skin everywhere, but here it was concentrated. I felt my body respond to his breathy moans.
His hands were on my shoulders then, lifting me up and stopping me.
"You don't have to do that." He panted, his eyes glazed.
"But you...took care of me, right? Unless..." My eyes drifted to where my hand was rested on his abdomen. I chewed my lip nervously. "We could, you know...If you have...um...?"
His mouth fell open. "I have some." I raised my eyebrows and he looked sheepish. "Uh, Embry dropped them off yesterday."
"I'm not sure if I love him or hate him right now."
Jake grinned a little. "That's funny, I think that all the time."
I smiled back and he reached to his nightstand and pulled a little box out of a drawer. It was sealed and he finally just tore the whole thing open and pulled one packet off a row of them and set it aside. Then Jake pulled me to him and lowered his head to my chest, kissing between my breasts and licking at the skin. He ran a hand over my back and touched the clasp there.
"Can I…?"
I would be completely exposed. The faintest cold ache in my chest throbbed and I wanted nothing more than Jake's hot skin to thaw it away. I nodded slowly and he pinched the clasp to release it. The straps went slack and I let them fall forward before pulled away the satin and tossing it to join his boxers on the floor. He leaned back and as he ran his eyes over me I felt my whole body grow warm under his gaze.
"You're beautiful, Bells." He placed a palm over my heart and it skipped before thumping a little faster. He cupped a breast and nestled alongside me to place his mouth over the other and began kissing and suckling me. The heat of his mouth engulfed me and I rolled my hips up to the air to meet with anything for relief. I felt my sex begin to pulse and flush again.
He moved to the other side and dropped his hand to cup me, skimming over the sensitive folds with his fingertips, making me raise my hips to meet him. I spread my legs and bent my knees up to allow him access and he pressed his fingers to me and caressed softly. He released my now sensitized nipple and crawled down, a rumbling from deep in his chest growing louder, tantalizing in its possessive sound.
He ran his hot, slick tongue over me again and I arched up. I moaned as he nipped and flicked at me again before returning to me and reaching for the packet. I knew I could trust him.
As he kissed me, I now recognized the scent of myself on him and I bit at his lips, holding the lower in my mouth as he rolled on the sheath. He paused, rubbing his tip against me, concentrating very hard.
"Are you okay, Bells?"
I arched my back and thrust myself up to him, forcing him to push in. We both gasped. Jake's shoulders shook in my hands and he retreated slightly. I felt a little burn that faded, and I pulled him to me again. He let me guide him, gritting his teeth as he waxed and waned into me, advancing a little further each time until the burn made me tense my hands on him to make him stop.
When the burn became a sharp pain I dug my nails into him. We took deep breaths and stayed still, half filled and half encased, and I felt him throb inside me. He raised his eyes to mine and watched, waiting for my final consent. I relaxed, easing over him again and pressed my palms to him shoulder blades. I pushed harder this time and felt the stinging pop as I gave way and he slid into me fully, filling me completely.
He swore, his body was shaking and the rumbling in his chest grew louder as we both drew back and pressed forward again. The burn and sting gave way to tightness and within a minute he threw his head back and clenched his eyes shut, jerking and growling my name. He pressed his forehead to mine and his eyes flew open wide and unfocused.
I watched his face relax and he eased his weight onto me gently, holding some on his elbows but staying cradled between my legs as I wrapped them around him and hugged him with my entire body. He kissed me softly over my chest and neck inhaling and nuzzling into me, whispering soft and loving words. He began to soften and, sighing, he slid from me, brushing his lips over mine as he rose.
…
It was nearly six thirty when we got back to my house. My dad was not home yet, so Jake and I cuddled on the couch as I let the frozen lasagna cook in the oven. We ate and I kept the rest warm for whenever Charlie got home.
It was nearly seven thirty when Billy called letting Jake know he was home, and that Charlie was on his way. We said goodbye, not quite sure what the right words were, but he smiled and gave me the sweetest and most loving kiss I'd ever felt, promising to see me the next day after school. He hopped down the steps and I could see his white teeth in the car as he grinned, pulling out of the driveway.
Charlie hugged me when he got home, and said very little apart from telling me it was a nice ceremony, and that Billy had arranged for a traditional burial fitting for an honored member of the Elders. I asked about Sue and he only said that he was glad Billy and her family were with her.
I was washing his plate when he leaned back in his chair and tapped his fingers a little nervously.
"Bella?"
"Hmm?" I set the plate aside and picked up the glass to dry it.
"I decided that I won't have you staying alone while I go to Seattle, and I don't even want you staying in town either." He frowned. "I know you and Jake are getting close, but I expect you to be an adult about this."
"What's wrong, Dad? Are you mad about something?" The glass slid in my hand slightly as I lost my grip for a moment.
"No, of course not, Bells. But, you see…since I'll be gone, I want to know you're safe, so I asked Billy if you could, uh…stay with them." He fiddled with invisible lint on his shirt and cringed.
"I'm going to stay with Billy and Jake for a few days?" He nodded. "When?"
"Thursday night until Monday or Tuesday, depending on the paperwork."
"Over a weekend? Do they even do this kind of stuff over weekends?" My dad's ears turned pink and he looked down. "Dad, are John and Andy having you up for the weekend?"
He smiled and might have even smirked a little. "Well, I was going to come back late Friday night, but if you're okay staying at La Push then I think I might catch up with them." My dad fidgeted again and looked at me doubtfully. "Do you think I should?"
I grinned at my dad. "Good for you! At least someone around here will be having some fun. You just transferred my house arrest, didn't you?" He stood and gave me a big hug.
"I have a feeling Jake will make sure you have a good time under house arrest." He grew serious. "Bells, I'm trusting you. Don't do anything…foolish. Please."
"I won't dad. I won't do anything wrong."
He stood and his eyes were a little misty and red. We'd both had a very long day. He said good night and headed up to bed. I called Jake only to discover that he was out, and I left a goodnight message for him with Billy.
So...my first big girl lemon. And some of that whole plot thing. *stares at keyboard* Ummmm... Yeah. Did we like?
Thanks so much for reading. *heart pounding* I'm a little nervous about hitting the post button. If you're reading this, I guess I didn't back out. I could use some love right now. Thanks.
Yours,
sfiddy (Now on twitter as sfiddyfic.. stop by and say hi)