I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 22: Ferocious Monster.
(BPOV)
I was just finishing stacking 5 gallon beverage coolers in a pyramid when the bell over the door rang. I glanced over to see Emmett and Jasper walking through the door, looking around curiously.
I was immediately suspicious of why they were here. I was also wondering where Edward was, I thought he was picking me up today. I was currently without the truck since Rose was working on it.
As soon as Emmett spotted me he broke out into a huge mischievous grin. Oh God, what was he going to do? He looked away from me and his grin grew even bigger. He stalked forward and approached Mike from behind.
"Mitch!" He exclaimed loudly causing Mike to jump in shock. He fumbled with his clipboard before turning around, looking irritated.
"It's Mike," he huffed loudly before spying Emmett towering over him. He gulped and took a quick step back. I slapped a hand over my mouth to cover a giggle.
"What is?" Emmett looked genuinely confused.
"My…name." Mike stuttered.
"Oh, isn't that what I said?" Emmett frowned.
"Um, no." Mike looked a bit nervous.
"Oh, sorry about that," Emmett chuckled slapping Mike on the back. Mike winced and stumbled forward a bit. I shook my head. What was he up to?
"May I help you," Mike shifted nervously. Emmett grinned wider and I was very curious to know what he was up to.
"Yup, I'm here to get some camping gear. Going to need a good sleeping bag for winter like conditions. We need to make sure Bellsy doesn't lose any of toes to frost bite." He looked over at me and gave me exaggerated wink.
"We're going camping?" I tried to hide the disgust in my voice. If camping wasn't bad enough, in the cold it sounded less appealing. Mainly since I knew Edward would probably keep his distance.
"Yup, going right after graduation. Alice says it's going to snow, so make sure you pack for it. You might want to get some good boots and long johns. None of those fluffy girly boots either." Emmett informed me.
"You mean UGGs?" Mike spoke up. We all turned to him in surprise. Mike's ears turned slightly pink. "Alice was in here last Fall trying to convince my parents to stock them." He explained hastily. I saw Emmett rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"That is why when it comes to camping I'm in charge." He stated looking confident.
"I have a pair of good hiking boots. I bought them last Fall and only wore them a few times." I told Emmett.
"Are the treads still good? We don't need you slipping off the cliffs." Emmett snickered. I watched as Mike covered a laugh with a cough.
"They are just fine, thank you. You can ask Edward if you want. Where is he anyways?" I asked slightly worried that they were here without him.
"Off practicing his Caninese." Emmett shrugged. It took me half a second to realize he meant the wolves. I was suddenly curious what Alice saw and why it included camping in the snow.
"Edward can speak Cantonese?" Mike asked incredulously.
"No. So about those sleeping bags…" Emmett asked again.
"Right over here." Mike looked confused for a minute but headed to the section of the store. "We don't have a lot left since it's now Spring, but we have a few left over."
I followed behind them. Mike stopped in front of the shelves and knelt down.
"We do have these," Mike pulled out a few extreme weather sleeping bags. Most of them looked too small for a second person to fit in.
Unfortunately Emmett realized that too as I noticed the evil glint in his eyes.
"Hmm, that one might be good. But there would be no room for any Bom Chicka wah wah. Am I right?" He wiggled his eyebrows at Mike. Mike glanced around for help.
"Um what?"
"You know hanky panky or whoopy, whatever you crazy kids are calling it these days." Emmett snickered. I could see it click in Mike's mind as he turned red in the face.
"Emmett," I hissed under my breath.
"What the matter, do I need to have a little talk with Eddie?" he smirked as he taunted me.
"No, but I think I need to call Rose." I threatened. He looked like he pondered my threat for a moment.
"I'll be good." He gave me an angelic smile which I didn't trust at all. "Seriously, go help Jasper." I turned hesitantly around spotting Jasper in another area of the store.
"What about winterize tents?" Emmett asked Mike like nothing just happened.
I sighed and went over to Jasper, who was looking at tent heaters.
"I don't suppose you can reign him in?" I muttered.
"Sorry, Emmett is in a class of his own. If it makes you feel any better one day soon you will be stronger than him and could easily take him out." Jasper gave me an encouraging look.
"Are you serious?" I looked hopeful before shooting Em a glance. He met my eyes and shook his head.
"Most definitely, make sure you get him good too." Jasper chuckled. "How do these things work?" He gestured to the small propane tent heaters.
"They work well for small tents for about fourteen hours. They will require ventilation though. " I answered.
"Hmmm, so let's go with at least two with about a refill each. I don't think you will be up there that long."
"Is it really going to be that cold," I frowned.
"That is what Alice has seen. She's the best weather forecaster I know." Jasper nodded taking the items off the shelves.
"Why exactly are we camping in the snow? Does this have something to do with Victoria?" There had to be more to this camping adventure, it seemed to go against Edward's grain to want to go camping in such extreme weather.
"Yes. Alice had a vision about an hour ago. Carlisle and Edward went to talk to the wolves. It looks like it will occur within the next week. We need to hide you when they come. No better place than in the mountains far from everything." Jasper explained. I absentmindedly nodded. Jasper glanced at me and frowned slightly. I felt a few waves of calm to try and sooth me.
"Stop feeling guilty." He stated as he walked to another display of batteries.
"What?"
"Stop, feeling guilty. There is no need for it. In fact, you're doing us a favor keeping him with you." Jasper picked up a few D batteries.
"But he is a strong fighter." I glanced over to make sure Mike wasn't too close. Emmett seemed to have him busy by the tents.
"Yes, he is. But he's also a bigger worrier when it comes to you. If he was unable to see that you were safe for himself or unable to get to you, if you got in trouble, he would be preoccupied the whole time and might make sloppy mistakes. He is where he needs to be. I would do the same if it was Alice." He seemed honest enough.
"Really, I thought Edward was saying that to make me feel better." I answered. I grabbed a few gloves and boot warmers figuring I may need them. Thankfully Newton's carried cooler weather stuff all year round.
"I would, there wouldn't be a chance in Hell I would leave her side if she was human. Especially after that trick she played on me in that vision quest." Jasper nodded.
"We are going to need a First Aide kit too." Jasper nodded to a package on a nearby shelf. I scowled as he chuckled. I went over to grab it.
"Get yourself anything else you might need. Gloves, wool socks, or long johns. We can pay for it all at once. Anything else you might need I will let Alice now if she doesn't already." Jasper instructed.
"One problem…"
"No arguing about who is paying. You know Emmett and I will win." He smirked.
I rolled my eyes; I was learning to give up on fighting on that anyways.
"I was going to say I don't think they make long johns any more, old timer. So I guess I will have to miss out on the butt flaps." I smirked as it was Jasper's turn to roll his eyes.
"Just find something equivalent to it so you don't turn into a Bellsicle, please."
"Yes, sir," I saluted him and he tried to give me a disapproving look as his lips twitched.
I grabbed the appropriate items and met him at the register. Emmett walked up to the counter empty handed as Mike struggled behind him with a couple of boxes.
"Mike, do you need a hand?" I glared at Emmett who just shrugged innocently.
"Nope, I got it." He huffed as he heaved the boxes on the counter. "Is this all?"
"Yup, that should do it. Unless you sell rubbers?" Emmett took out his wallet.
"There are some good waterproof boots in that section." Mike pointed out. But by the smirk on Emmett's face I had a feeling he meant something else.
"Naw, I'm not talking about boots. I'm talking about a raincoat for the babymaker." Emmett had an evil glint in his eye. Mike froze with hands over the register.
"Oh, my god." I groaned as I buried my hand in my face.
"Don't you mean Adonis?" Emmett snickered.
"Who?" Mike looked both confused and amused.
"Emmett," Jasper's voice warned lowly.
"Um, no, sorry." Mike glanced at me and my face turned red. There was a slapping sound as Jasper slapped Emmett off the top of the head.
"Hey, I was just joking. I'm sure Edward has that covered." Emmett snickered.
"Emmett, get out of here before I call Esme." I whispered under my breath. Emmett stopped snickering to eye me with interest. I started to pull out my cell phone. He winked at me before handing Mike a wad of bills.
"That should cover it. Jazz and I are your ride home. We will wait outside." Emmett picked up the boxes with ease with Jasper grabbing the bags. I think I might walk. "Keep the rest, put it towards books or something for school." He told Mike before heading out. I watched as Mike counted the money three times.
"There is like over two hundred extra bucks here. Do you think he made a mistake?" Mike asked me.
"Probably not. He might get insulted if you give it back to him too." I told him. Mike looked a little unsure. I'm sure he didn't want to piss off Emmett.
"Want to split it?" he offered.
"You keep it, it was mainly your sale." I reached under the counter and grabbed my purse. It was about time for me to leave. I had a feeling the Cullens were trying to help Mike out. The store was doing okay, but college would be expensive and Mike failed to get any scholarships
"Bella, wait a moment." Mike sounded nervous. "Emmett said something about that kid from the Res. Jacob… I think… has been harassing you. If he shows up here while you're working let me now and I will take care of it."
"That's thoughtful of you Mike, but it's all under control right now." I gave him a tight smile. As thoughtful as it was, poor Mike wouldn't stand a chance against Jacob.
"Is it true then?" Mike asked twisting the bills in his hands.
"Is what true?" What did Emmett tell him?
"That Black tried to force himself on you" Mike still wasn't looking at me.
"I don't think that is any of your business. Beside I thought your money was on Jacob anyways?" my voice snipped at him. He flinched slightly.
"It's true I'm not a fan of Edward. But that doesn't mean I want to see you hurt." He glanced at my injured hand.
"I punched Jacob." I shrugged. Mike's eyes went wide and his lips twitched.
"I think you did it wrong." He snickered.
"Funny," I rolled my eyes and took off my vest and placed it under the counter.
"Seriously, we have some boxing gloves if you like or metal bats. On the house." Mike teased waving the cash in his hands.
"Good- bye, Mike." I headed for the door.
"Bella,"
"What?" I turned back in irritation.
"Seriously, if there something I can do let me know." Mike seemed serious now.
"Thank you, Mike. But I think between Charlie, Edward and his brothers I think I have my bases covered." I waved and headed out.
BS&EC
I entered the house after Emmett and Jasper dropped me off. I ran upstairs to put my stuff away before I started dinner. Movement caught my eyes as I entered my room and I let out a screech dropping my bags in the doorway. I saw a quick flash and Edward entered my bedroom landing in a defensive crouch. He scanned the room and then glanced at me quickly.
"Don't just stand there get it. It went under the bed." I begged trembling. I pointed to my bed where I saw the enemy run under my bed.
Edward darted forward and quickly looked under the bed only reappear looking confused.
"I'm not seeing anything?" he gave me a befuddled look. How could he miss it, it was huge. I could see it and his sight was better than mine.
I took half a step into the room to see it run across the floor again.
"There. See. Kill it." I screeched. Edward looked to see where I was pointing. He burst out laughing and all previous tension left him as he relaxed out of his crouch.
"It's not funny." I huffed crossing my arms in front of my chest.
"Bella, it's just a tiny jumping spider." He said through his laughter.
"That thing is not tiny. It's a monstrous." Edward was still laughing at me. "Stop laughing. I thought you were my protector." Edward tried to stop laughing but his shoulders still shook. I glared at him.
"I'm sorry, but when you screamed like that I thought you were being attacked." he sighed controlling himself more. "Love, a small spider like that won't hurt you. In fact they are good for eating bugs."
"Then let it go outside. I don't want it in my room. Do you know how many spiders on average that people swallow in their sleep each year?" Edward rolled his eyes.
"Bella, I'm hardly going to let one crawl into your mouth while I'm here." He ran his hand through his hair. His eyes were still twinkling with humor. I glared at him until he sighed.
"I will save you from the treacherous spider." He crawled across the floor to my desk. "She runs towards dangerous vampires, but freaks out over a small spider." He said under his breath.
"I heard that." I huffed. Edward scooped the creepy thing up in his hands and jumped out the window. He was back a moment later. He walked over to where I was still standing.
"There, it's safe. Does the hero get a kiss?" He smiled charmingly.
"Maybe he would've if he wasn't making fun of me." I wasn't amused with his teasing.
"I'm sorry." He said more sincerely.
"Thank you for taking care of it for me." I went on my tippy toes and gave him a simple kiss.
"You call that a kiss." He pulled me to him and gave me a more breathtaking kiss. He pulled back and I held onto his shoulders to keep from falling over.
"Want to practice a little." I asked. I boldly ran my hand down and rubbed his length. I was pleased to feel it respond to me. I wanted to repay him not for just the spider but the other night too. He cleared his throat and took a step back from me. My eyes darted down as he adjusted his pants. I felt Edward's gently release my bottom lip from my teeth. He placed gentle kiss at the corner of my mouth.
"As much as I would love to take you up on that offer Charlie just pulled up." He kissed my nose and led me from the room. We were half-way down the steps when Charlie came in the door. He stopped when he saw us on the stairs.
"What were you two up to?" he eyed us critically.
"I was rescuing the fair princess from a ferocious eight legged monster with my trusty tissue." Edward snickered from behind me. I turned back to glare at him.
"Oh, I see. Well are having a banquet to celebrate or should I order pizza?" Charlie's mustache twitched.
"Funny. You both are so funny," I huffed as I stomped into the kitchen.
I spent a few moments slamming around the kitchen. I started slice up a green pepper to make some chicken enchiladas. A white hand grabbed my hand making me stop.
"Slow down before you get hurt," Edward lectured softly. I yanked out of his grip.
"Let go, please." I heard him sigh behind me. His arms came around me from behind and wrapped around me.
"I'm sorry for teasing you. I didn't think you'd get this upset." Edward apologized. I decided to ignore him and went pack to the peppers. I knew it would drive him crazy since he couldn't hear my thoughts.
After a moment he spun me around and picked me up and placed me on the counter next to where I was working. We were now eye level. I glanced behind him towards the door.
"He is busy watching the game. Say something even if it's to yell at me." Edward pleaded.
"I'm not mad. I mean I am, but just not at you. It feels as if I have been picked on all day." I sighed. "You couldn't have just said you were killing a spider?"
"I'm truly sorry. I was just teasing you and distracting Charlie about why I was upstairs with you. I thought if I made it funny he would let it go faster. Plus you're cute when you're mad." He brushed my hair back.
"Great, so you purposely try to make me mad." I huffed. Edward gave me a guilty smile.
"What can I do to make it up to you? Make sure that it's Tyler who trips at Graduation?" Edward offered. I had tripped on stage during rehearsal when someone yelled out don't trip when I was halfway across.
"No," I shook my head smiling slightly.
"Alice promised she doesn't see you tripping during actual graduation." Edward gave me a soft smile.
"Like I ever plan to trip." I scoffed, Edward smirked but wisely remained quite. "It wasn't just Tyler either. Although, having the entire class laughing at me, I could do with out."
"Did Emmett and Jasper do something?" he asked looking suspicious.
"Jasper wasn't that bad at all. Emmett on the other hand was a real brat. He basically told Mike that we were camping so we could have sex." Edward's eyes narrowed slightly and his eyes darkened.
"I'm sorry. I had a feeling he might be up to something, but once he gets going trying to stop him just makes him get worse. I will deal with him later." Edward promised.
"Is it true I will be stronger than him after I'm changed?" Edward grinned and started to chuckle.
"Yes, you can feel free to get your revenge on him then. I'm sure no one will stop you, Rose included." Edward's eyes danced with amusement. "Of course, it will be your turn to not hurt me, when the time comes."
"I would never hurt you," I wrapped my arms around his neck. It was impossible to stay mad at him for very long. "Emmett on the other hand, I may remove an arm and wack him with it a few times." Edward chuckled. He leaned into kiss me.
We pulled back fast when Charlie cleared his throat.
"So are you planning on cooking dinner or are you still to busy thanking the knight?" Charlie opened the fridge to get a beer without really looking at us.
"I'm cooking." I blushed furiously. I was surprised to see Edward also looked caught off guard.
"Alrighty then." He walked back out of the room. He paused at the door and turned.
"Oh and Bells, you might want to give your mother a call about your necklace. I'm not telling her about it." He took a swig and left the room.
I quickly looked down to see the ring hanging out. I looked back at Edward and he reached forward to help me down.
"Didn't you know he was coming?" I whispered.
"I got distracted." Edward looked slightly embarrassed.
"Well, he doesn't seem overjoyed, but doesn't seem upset either." I moved back to fixing dinner. Edward gently pushed me aside and chopped up all the vegetables I needed fast for me.
"He still wishes we would wait until after college, but he is not against it." Edward smiled and kissed the top of my head as I started heating up the skillet. I smiled since that took a load off my mind.
A/N: It has been awhile since I picked on Mike. Emmett was just giving him a subtle hint to back off and to warn him about Jake.
I know the last few chapters seemed more like fillers, but I didn't want to jump from one problem to the next so quickly. Next chapter we will reach the tent on the mountain. No wolf needed to keep it warm although one will be there.
Thank You For All Reviews!
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Preview Alert
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Preview:
"New game?" Edward offered.
"How about strip poker?" I suggested playfully. Edward's eyebrows shot up and he looked amused.
"I don't think that is a good idea in a tent while there is a blizzard outside." Edward chuckled then nodded his head toward the side of the tent. I gave him a confused look until he mouthed 'Seth'. Right I probably didn't want to be responsible of corrupting a minor's mind.
(See just Seth. Who did you think Jake? I wonder where he went?)