Disclaimer: I do not own anything Twilight or Vampire Diary.
I don't know how long I was out or where I was. I just knew I was too hot one minute then too cold the next. I knew I heard growls and things breaking. I think I even heard a gun go off a couple times, but I couldn't be sure. I just wanted to stay lost in my own little world and pretend the phone call never happened. It wasn't like I picked up or anything but, in my mind, just seeing his name was almost the same thing.
When I did 'wake up' I knew it wasn't the same time that I 'fell asleep'. I was also not at the boarding house but in my own bedroom, tucked neatly under my purple comforter. I wondered who carried me and who took the time to make sure I was comfortable.
Climbing the stairs one at a time as slow as I can bare it, I just didn't feel like facing everyone just yet, I still needed time to process what had happened. I could hear loud shouting and it sounded like someone was crying, it was the kind of cry I knew all too well and paused, bracing myself for something I would have never wanted to see again. When I got to the living room, I was shocked. Not only was dad there and my new friends but also the Black's and the Cullen's, and I mean all of them.
I took a step back as they all turned to look at me. Alice and Esme looked like they wanted to come near me, but Jasper and Carlisle held them back. Edward was looking at the floor and refused to meet my eyes since he was the one I couldn't take my eyes off him. I thought I was completely over him, but with him here I couldn't help the flood of emotions that flew threw me. I knew Jasper could feel everything, but I also knew that he would keep my secrets.
"What are you doing here?" I sounded so far away, like I wasn't even in the room. I felt like I was going to pass out.
"Love, we came as soon as Alice saw you needed us." Edward finally looked at me and was the first to speak. As our eyes connected, he was by my side in an instant and I was wrapped in his arms. I was stiff and unsure what I should do, part of me wanted to escape and the other part wanted to embrace him. I looked over his shoulder to Damon and pleaded with my eyes for help. "You don't know how worried I've been!" His whispering voice in my ear sounded genuine.
But how could he say he was worried, when he was the one who didn't want me anymore. He was the one that left me, so he didn't deserve to be worried about it, it wasn't his role anymore. And what did he mean Alice saw that I needed them?
"I don't think she wants you to hold her. Honestly, I don't even think she wants you here." Damon's voice was soft, but you could hear that he meant what he said. I was glad he got my meaning and was becoming my rock.
"And what do you know about what she wants?" Edward's chest rumbled as he pulled me up against his chest, it was almost painful. I flinched at the pull and the coldness of his body, something I was no longer immune too and wished for the warmth of Damon.
"Because I'm the one who's been here for her. I'm the one who talks to her and just lets her ramble on about the silliest things. And I'm the one who comforted her when she needed it. Where were you..."
"I was protecting her from this life." This time, when he did pull me closer, it did hurt. I let out a short gasp, but it seemed like I wasn't even in the room. I knew I would have a bruise by tomorrow, I just hope it wasn't too bad. I tried pulling myself out of his grasp, but he didn't even seem aware of what he was doing.
"Did you ever stop to think that maybe, just maybe she wanted that life. That you were worth everything to her." I looked up at Edward's face and felt his hands fall. I stepped out of them and ran into Damon's arms, the tears finally falling. "Shh, I have you now." He held me close and just let my tears stain his shirt.
"I think it's best that you all leave for now. When Bella is ready, she'll contact you. Until then stay away or I'll find a way to hurt you." Charlie threatened and slammed the door in their face as they all left. "Billy, Jake, Phiona, you guys can stay here. I'll make up the couch for Billy and you two can have the bedroom."
"I can't stay here Damon, please don't leave me." I pushed myself more into him and felt his arms tighten around me. He was being so gentle, the total opposite of Edward. He nodded and sat on the couch, letting me straddle him so there was no space between us.
I could hear a few murmurs and think everyone was surprised at Damon. I don't think anyone has seen him act this way with anyone and I was glad he showed them he could be gentle. I think him being like this with me might change their minds about him staying away from me. Damon couldn't hurt me and if anything, he made me better.
"Chief, if it's ok, I'd like to keep Bella with us tonight. Elena's been making one of the spare bedrooms into a spot just for Bella for when she spends the night. Stephan and I have rooms for everyone at the boarding house." I was shocked about the sentiment, but I wasn't sure if he was lying or telling the truth but either way I was glad he was the one to ask Charlie because I knew Charlie liked Damon and trusted him.
"I think it's best if she was here. I want to keep my eyes on her and I would feel safer if I didn't let her leave the house. The last time the Cullen's were around, it broke her and I... I just can't let her go." I felt Damon nod and begin to ease me onto the couch, so he can go. "Why don't you guys go home too, you guys can come over tomorrow. I'm sure she would love a good distraction."
I didn't want him to leave. I needed him with me just incase anything happened. I knew how Edward and Alice were and I wouldn't put it past them to try to sneak into the house tonight. Plus, with Jake staying in the house I really needed someone here in case he tried anything as well or just in case Phiona and I went at it. I couldn't believe he had brought her here knowing how I felt about the whole thing.
"Stay with me tonight?" I whispered in his ear, it was between a question and a command, so he knew I meant it. I needed him to distract me and although I was very upset, sitting on him as I was, was turning me on and every movement he made, made me just a little more wet. He nodded again and asked Charlie about sleeping on the couch down in my room and he agreed.
I don't think Charlie could have stopped him even if he said no. He knew I was an adult and could do as I pleased but he also knew I need Damon at a time like this. It was either Damon stay down with me or Charlie stay down with me and I was not going to let that happen.
He spoke with Stephan for a couple minutes and then I heard everyone else leaving. My chest felt heavier than ever. How could I depend on these people like this in the amount of time that I've been here? Even though there was a ton of things to discuss and go over, I knew I could trust these people more than I could anyone else.
"That would make me so much happier. That way if anything were too happen, I know you would be there for her if I couldn't get to her in time. Plus, her couch is not as comfortable as my bed." He chuckled for a second and I looked to see the smile on his face. I gave him a smile in return to let him know I was doing ok. He pressed a kiss to my head and then I was being picked up and brought downstairs.
I looked up just before he closed my door and caught Jake's stare. He looked hurt and sad and I think jealous. But I didn't know how that was possible when the love of his life was right there with him. I thought with an imprint all other emotions for a girl were nothing but friendly. This was something I would have to think on and do lots of research on.
#####
Damon sat me gently on my bed and sat next to me. I got up and really didn't care that he was in the room as I pulled out some booty shorts and a tank-top. I changed right in front of him and heard him groan a few times. I loved the sound of his groan because it let me know how turned on I make him. I even wiggled my butt for him and in return was rewarded with a smack in the ass as he headed upstairs.
Just as I climbed back into bed, I heard the door that connected my space with upstairs open and close then softly heard the lock slide into place. He came back a few minutes later with a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with a big bag of nacho cheese Doritos. In the other hand he had 3 bottled waters that were very icy.
I sat up in bed and raised an eyebrow. Who did he think was going to drink all that water or eat the 4 sandwiches stacked on the plate.
"You haven't eaten since this morning and I figured you would be hungry, plus I know I'm starved. The big guy, Jake, said you like this stuff so I made it." I thanked him and ate my food while he stripped down to just his boxers and climbed into bed next to me.
We were quiet for a while, even after we finished eating, I was surprised that he ate as slow as I did. I guess I was just used to Charlie and the guys whenever they ate that I wasn't used to someone with manners. And then he burst out laughing when all we heard was moaning and groaning coming from upstairs. Wasn't Charlie and Billy home?
"I guess the big guy is having fun." I made a disgusted face and turned on my left side to face him. "Charlie took Billy out to look at the town."
"I'm sorry about today, I don't know what happened. Do you think you can fill me in on the events of the day?"
"You got a call this morning and went into total lock down mode. When Charlie got here he read the name Cullen and thought you might try something stupid. Anyway, we brought you back here and I left you on your bed. I figured you'd be more comfortable here than upstairs on the couch. About two hours later, the Cullen's showed up. They said they were already on their way to see you when Alice had a bad feeling about something. Then an hour before you came upstairs your dad's friends showed up and we all had a very long talk."
"Did they include you in on this talk?" He nodded, and I dug my face into his neck. I knew it was time to tell him everything, if only to help me. "I guess then, that I should start from the beginning." He nodded again before kissing my nose. "Promise you won't say anything until the end?" Another nod, which made me smile.
I gave him a soft kiss on the lips, hoping he wouldn't leave in the end. I got more comfortable after, throwing a leg over his and hooking it there. Then placing my hands on his chest and staring at a spot in my room behind his head. I really hoped he would be able to deal with me past.