I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 23: Tent
BPOV
The wind blew fierce outside the tent. A few times I cringed at the sound although I was plenty warm inside the tent. I was resting on top of my sleeping bag wearing Edward's sweatshirt with a long sleeve top underneath. Under that was the thermal underwear. To tell the truth I was a little too warm.
"Are you sure he's warm enough?" I asked Edward for like the third time.
"Seth is fine. Fur coat." Edward placed down a card.
"Has he had enough to eat?" I asked. Edward tilted his head to the side.
"He says he's fine, he will find game after the storm lets up if he needs to. Stop mothering him. Your turn." Edward gestured to the cards in front of him.
"I only want to be polite. I feel like I owe him." I glanced at the card on top and drew from the deck.
Seth had carried me up the mountain from the clearing on his back. This was an attempt to cover my scent to where they hid me. My scent would lead the newborns to the clearing where the Cullens and the wolves would be waiting. It had been Jasper's idea and Seth was willing to volunteer for the job.
Edward picked up my card and laid a new one down. He laid down his hand.
"Gin. I promise that he's fine. But, Seth, if you would like to join us at some point or have some of the food I brought you're welcome to." Edward spoke up. I smiled as I reached for my granola bar.
"Are you warm enough?' Edward asked for like the twelfth time since the snow started.
"Yes, in fact I'm so warm I probably could lose the sweatshirt." I answered.
"Good, I'm glad. I promise next time I take you somewhere it will be warmer." Edward smiled.
"Does that mean I get a honeymoon?" I asked innocently.
"I was thinking of it. A vacation after all this would be nice." Edward looked wistful. He picked up the cards and shuffled them with a blur.
I agree, I hoped we would go somewhere nice too. I wanted to see Edward relaxed and carefree again. We had a nice day in that meadow. But that was in that dream quest.
"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.
"Okay, winner gets to chose honeymoon location?" I suggested.
Edward frowned playing with cards in his hands for a moment.
"I will agree only if you still allow me to pay." He reasoned.
"Fair enough." I agreed. "But you need to deal at human speed. No slight of the hand." I gave him a pointed look.
"I wouldn't cheat." He gave me an innocent look.
"Yes, you would," I snorted with laughter. I pulled the sweatshirt over my head and watched as he dealt the cards.
"One draw, Aces high." Edward placed the deck down.
I picked up my cards to see what I had. I had three queens, a five and two. Trying my luck I got rid of the two and five. At least I had a three of kind.
"Two, please." I pushed the cards towards Edward. He gave me two new cards.
"Dealer takes three." He announced discarding his cards and picked three new cards. That had to mean he had started off worst then I did right? I took a deep breath and looked at my cards. I bit my lip trying not to smile. I got my fourth queen and a jack. That gave me a four of a kind.
"Ready?" Edward asked. I nodded and placed my cards down.
"Four of a kind with a jack." I smiled.
"That is pretty good." Edward nodded and placed his cards down. "Straight flush." He looked up at me triumphantly. My smile faded, I can't believe I lost. But I couldn't figure out if he cheated.
"Best two out of three?" I asked and he shook his head.
"Alright where are we going?" I asked. It was probably somewhere extravagant knowing him.
"It's a surprise." Edward looked very smug as he picked up the cards.
"One hint, please?" I tried Alice's patented puppy dog eyes. Edward looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Alright. If you were dressed like that for where we are going you would be too hot." I pondered that for a moment.
"So…clothing is optional," I teased wanting to see his expression.
"No." I gave him a fake pout. "Clothing prohibited." Edward smirked when my mouth dropped open in shock. He caught me off guard and tackled me softly into the sleeping bags. He started kissing me and slipped his tongue into my mouth smoothly. I got caught up for a moment before I remembered that we weren't exactly alone. I pushed on Edward's chest and he pulled back.
"Um, not that I'm not enjoying this but…" I nodded my head in the same direction Edward did earlier.
"He went for a quick run around the area. We have some time to ourselves," his smile was devilish as he winked at me.
"Well then by all means," I pulled him back down to me. Just before our lips met he spoke again.
"We stop if you start getting cold at all." I sighed heavily and laid a hand on his cheek.
"I promise to tell you if I'm cold, if you will stop asking if I'm cold."
"Sorry, I just can't help worry about you, this is lest than ideal conditions to camp." He gave me an apologetic smile. "You will tell me the truth though, right? You have a tendency to downplay your pain and discomfort." His look was more stern.
"I will promise to be honest, but just so you know your touch doesn't leave me cold." I reached to pull him close again.
Feeling daring I unbuttoned his shirt and ran my hands along his abs. His chest rumbled under my fingers. My finger wandered further down until I reached the top of his pants. I unbuttoned them and slipped my hand in. He squirmed a bit.
"Bella…" he pulled back his voice sounded hesitant.
"Lay back," I slid off his lap. He paused briefly before lying back but not before pushing his pants off his hip. It took me a second before I realized that he was going commando. His cock was erected in full attention and was much bigger than I realized was possible. I wrapped a hand around him and squeezed. I wasn't real sure what to do next. I always tuned Renée out at this point. I started to slide my hand up and down. Edward let out a hiss and my eyes flew to his face. His eyes were closed tight and his hands were in fists.
"Are you alright?" I stilled my hand.
"Keep going, baby," his voice rasped. I bit my lip and continued. I noticed a bead of moisture at the tip and ran my thumb around it. Edward let out a growl. Curious I leaned forward and licked his tip, he seemed to like it so I started to take him into my mouth until I felt his hand on my shoulder stopping me.
"Not…safe…" he warned voice hitching. I pulled all the way back. His hand shot out and brought my hand back to him.
I realized it was my mouth he was just concerned about. I continued taking my other hand and cupped him from underneath. He seemed to like that too. His breathing increased suddenly he growled so loudly he shook the tent. I let go just as he came.
He sat up in vampire speed and grabbed something to clean up with. He handed me some napkins and wet wipes too. I cleaned up the best I could and he threw everything in a small bag for disposables.
He kissed me hard leaving me breathless. He let me go and I fell on to the sleeping bag gasping for air.
"That was amazing, love." Edward was smiling. I smiled back before I realized something.
"You called me, baby," I smiled teasingly. Edward looked slightly embarrassed.
"I'm sorry, I apologize. I didn't mean to offend you." He rubbed the back of his neck.
"You didn't. I kind of liked it." I promised. Edward smiled shyly as he adjusted his clothes.
BS&EC
Later that night, I sat up sharply in the sleeping bag. I glanced quickly around and found Edward sitting a few feet away. He was looking at me with concern.
"Are you alright, Love?" he asked softly.
"I think so. Just a weird dream. Why are you way over there?"
"I didn't want to make you cold." He looked down at my hands that were rubbing up and down my arms.
"I'm not cold. I'm just trying to calm down. Can you please come back over here and hold me." I asked.
He was back by my side instantly. His hands replaced mine instantly and I laid my head against his shoulder.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he offered.
"Not really. I think it's anxiety over tomorrow. I know everyone says it will go okay. But I think my imagination is running away with itself in my dreams." I felt Edward's lips brush my forehead.
"Maybe you need to distract me." I suggested. I felt him shake with silent laughter.
"How shall I do that?" he sounded intrigued.
"Why don't you tell me about your dreams. They have to be better than my mine." I asked.
"I'm sure that Jasper already gave you a good idea on that." Edward answered sounding less than amused.
"Please, you hear mine all the time." I looked up at him through my eyelashes.
"Isn't it enough to know that you star in all of them," Edward looked a bit flustered which was new for him. I was a little flattered that he actually dreamed of me. I guess he was telling me the truth that day in the kitchen after he admitted to sneaking in my room at night.
"Nope, I want details," I giggled.
"Seth is right outside the tent." Edward argued.
"Seth is asleep. I can hear him snoring. Quit stalling or are the dreams that bad." I started to second guess them.
"The dreams were wonderful ones. Very NC-17. I will love to bring them to life with you one day, but that will have to wait until after we are married. Until then I'm sure you can come up with your own ideas." Edward's voice sounded husky as he spoke to me.
"Will we be able to bring mine to life?" I asked looking up at him. He pressed a soft chaste kiss to my lips.
"I will look forward to it." He promised with a wishful smile on his face.
"Will you sing for me?" I asked, knowing that he would.
"As you wish. Lay down and get some sleep." I laid back down and tried to get comfortable as you could in a sleeping bag.
"Don't move." I placed my hand in his.
"I will stay here until you wake up." He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it.
BS&EC
The morning came and the wind had died down overnight. I expected to see a bunch of snow on the ground but the snow had been light and the wind blew it right off the mountain.
I emerged from the tent bundled up. Edward already had a fire going and was attempting to cook over a small camp stove.
I glanced around to spy Seth eating what looked like eggs and bacon off a plate while still in wolf form. I was amazed that he trusted Edward so much. Most of the wolves seemed wary of the vampires.
"Hungry?" Edward asked looking up at me.
"A little. You brought stuff to cook?" my stomach was in knots worrying about our friends and family. It would hopefully be all over soon.
"I figured you and Seth might get hungry. It wasn't that hard to bring the extra gear." Edward shrugged.
Edward placed a plate in front of me and sat next to me on a fallen log he must have dragged up. He kissed my forehead as I stared to eat.
"Stop worrying. Everything is going to go great. Victoria is not going to expect us waiting for her. Our family is ready thanks to Jasper. The wolves are too, right, Seth?" he nodded towards the sandy wolf. Seth seemed to nod his head in agreement.
"I know. I just will be glad when this day will be over with." I moved my fork around the plate.
"I will be too. After today I will be looking forward to seeing this where it belongs on your hand." He brushed my hair aside and pulled out the necklace. The ring sparkled in the morning light.
"I will wear it when we get home. Knowing me I would lose it out here if I try to wear it now." I joked, but was partly serious at the same time.
"Yes, we are," Edward smiled widely looking at Seth. "Thank you." I elbowed him because I didn't like their one sided conversation.
"He asked if we were engaged and then told us congratulations." Edward explained.
"Thank you, Seth." I smiled at him. He seemed to give some sort of bark and got up to stretch his legs. He seemed edgy as he paced around the campsite.
"Everything is fine," Edward sensed my alarm. "He's just restless. He wanted to fight too, but his been appointed pretty much, as he refers to it, as a walkie-talkie. Sam thought he might be too young for the fight." Edward explained.
I stood and stretched. I grabbed a few napkins and stuffed them in my pocket. Edward gave a curious look.
"I will be right back." I headed towards the trees.
"Where are you going?" Edward was in front of me placing his hands on my arms to stop me.
"I need a human moment." I tried to go around him.
"You're not going anywhere without me." he fell into step behind me. I whirled around stopping fast.
"Um, no offense, I'd rather go by myself." I hinted trying not to get embarrassed.
"Bella, it's not exactly safe at the moment." Edward looked worried.
"I will be fast. In fact I could be back by now." I insisted.
"Love," he stopped turning his head to Seth who looked more alert and was looking at Edward expectantly.
"What is wrong?" I asked.
"Slight complication." He sighed. "Go quickly but don't go too far. I will explain when you get back."
I gave them another quick glance before hurrying into the woods.
After my human moment had past I turned to head back to campground. A figure popped out from behind a tree scaring me.
"Dam it, Jacob. What are you doing here?" I clutched my chest. I didn't have time for this. Perhaps he was the complication. But it confused me Edward didn't follow me after all.
"I came to fight with the rest of the pack. At least I can fight some vampires." His eyes looked lost and a bit cold.
"Then go to the clearing where the fight is taking place." I turned to walk away from him.
"Wait, I wanted to talk to you first." He called after me. It sounded like he was following me.
"I have nothing to say to you. Leave before I scream for Edward." I snapped. I wasn't comfortable being with him alone. I was surprised Edward hadn't come yet. I hope that didn't mean anything was wrong.
"You're going the wrong way." Jacob huffed behind me. I ignored him and kept going. "Seriously, you're about to get lost. Or walk of a cliff."
"Go Away, Jacob!" I hissed.
"Not until you listen to me," Jacob insisted I felt him reach for my wrist.
I whirled around to face him pulling away from him before he could touch me.
"What? What can be so important?" I crossed my arms in front of my chest.
"I just thought I would tell you that I will step aside. Edward wins all right. I will take myself out of the picture in the fight today. After today I will just be a memory," He gravely announced.
"Are you fucking serious?" I pinched the bridge of my nose, a bad habit of Edward's. When I opened my eyes I could tell from one quick glance at Jacob he was. "Jacob William Black, that has to the stupidest thing I have ever heard you say. Do you think that makes you a martyr? Because it doesn't. It makes you a jackass. You were never a choice. It was always Edward. Go ahead and kill yourself if that is how you're going to be, I don't care. But think of the others you're letting down like Billy, your sisters and the pack who needs you. Good bye." I turned back around to storm off. I pushed through some bushes to a small clearing. I took another step confused where I was and felt the ground crumble from underneath me. I screeched as I started to fall.
A warm hand shot out and grabbed me.
"Let go of me." I cried fighting against him.
"You seriously want me to do that right now?" Jacob looked down at me incredulously.
I looked down to see that I was hanging over the cliff and it was a long way down to a rocky bottom. I felt myself being lifted up and placed on my feet by the edge.
"Thank you, but that doesn't change anything. I'm sure Edward will be here any second." I didn't want him to get the wrong idea. Jacob opened his mouth to say something but we were interrupted.
"Don't count on it," Jacob whirled around and started to shake from head to foot.
Victoria was standing about two feet away from us with a vicious smile on her face.
"Edward is a little busy with one of my new friends." She sounded amused and confident.
I looked frantically around for some sign of him. Victoria took a step forward.
"We had a deal. I led you to where they were; you got to kill Edward and I got to take her away from him." Jacob growled. My heart faltered in my chest. He led Victoria right to us.
"I lied. She's to die." Victoria sneered.
"You made a deal with Victoria! Jacob, how could you." I yelled at his back, pounding on it. I glanced around frantically for Edward. If Edward was hurt in any way I would kill Jacob myself. But Victoria had to be gone first.
"Back off, bitch. I can kill you easily." Jacob threatened.
"Somehow I don't think so. If you turn into a mutt, you will only kill her for me." Victoria let out a sinister laugh as she took a dramatic step forward. Jacob's trembling increased.
I glanced around to see if I could find a way to give Jacob more space, so I didn't get hurt this time. Maybe if I made myself as tiny as possible. I started to crouch down into a ball.
I looked up as Jacob's hands grabbed at my shoulders.
"Forgive me." he pleaded, his eyes full of determination and sorrow.
Before I could respond I found myself flying through the air and a pair of cold arms caught me.
A/N: And breathe. I know… you hate Jacob for his further betrayal. And where is Edward? I will update as soon as possible, I promise. I'm glad most of you liked Mike last chapter.
Thank You For All Reviews!
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Preview Alert!
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Preview:
Victoria appeared a moment later with a young male vampire. She scanned the campsite with frown on her face.
"She isn't here, Victoria. Do you think I would keep her in the same place as myself where you could find her?" I smirked. She glanced around eyes looking sharp and black. She seemed to be calculating every move. I fought to control my fury when I discovered it was Jacob that led her straight to us.
"She was here very recently. I will find her and kill her nice and slow." She had no plans keeping her promise to Jacob to let Bella live. "Kill him." She hissed at her friend. If you're lucky enough to survive, Bella should already be dead.