Hey wolf girls; in this chapter begin the real and unwanted interferences, mainly from the bloodsuckers.
SM owns all. This is the way that I wanted things to go. Thanks to Goldengirl62 and Ladyofspain, I do appreciate you so much, my wolf friends.
Chapter Eighteen: Edward's Plans
(Bella's POV)
"What do you mean?." I asked, shocked that he felt he had the right to ask such a question.
"You and Jacob," Mike replied in anger. "What's going on between you two?."
I glanced at Jacob and his hands were clenched, looking at Mike in pure hatred. I knew I had to say something to defuse the situation or things could get really bad.
"Mike now is not the time to talk about that. Even though I don't think you have the right to ask that question; I will answer, but not here and not now," I said with finality.
Just as Mike opened his mouth to say something else, the teacher came by. "Let's get to class people," she ordered, before entering the classroom.
"You and I will talk after school. Until then, don't bother Bella," Jacob told him through clenched teeth.
After saying we would see each other later, I walked into class, happy that I wouldn't have to sit by Mike. But, remembering who I did have to sit by; my spirits dropped.
"Hello, Edward," I greeted just to be polite, then turned my attention to the front. I wanted to leave it at that, but obviously he wasn't going to let it end there.
"How was your weekend?." He asked in that chilling voice of his.
"Very good, but rather unusual," I replied, hoping he would just shut up now.
"Yes," he answered. "It seems that some things have changed." What the heck did he mean by that?.
"Look, Edward, I don't mean to be rude but I am not in the mood to talk; I have too much on my mind." I stated it as politely as I could. "We really need to be paying attention to the teacher."
"Okay, but I just want you to know that if you ever need someone to talk to, or just to vent, I'm always available;" He offered. "Remember that."
"Thanks for the offer," I replied. "But I have someone to talk to if I ever need him." Then I turned my full attention to the teacher.
When class ended, I rushed to get out of there, but Mike stopped me. Before he could say anything, Jacob showed up and put his arm around my waist and took me out of the class. Mike stopped us in the hall.
"I want to know what's going on." Mike insisted. "I suggest we go have a talk in the parking lot."
"If I ask you to let me talk to Mike alone, will you let me?." Jacob asked.
There was no way I was going to allow them to talk alone. Knowing Mike, he would say something to really piss off Jake and get himself hurt. In answer, I just looked serious at Jake.
"Okay… I won't ask." Jake continued.
We all decided to get it over with and proceeded to the parking lot.
When we reached Mike, he turned to me. "Look Bella, I wanted to talk to you alone, I don't see why this Quileute has to be here with us."
"First of all, do not refer to you and Bella as us. Second, this Quileute has a name, so from now on you refer to me as Jacob." He snapped.
I had to admit Jacob was a wonder to behold and very impressive in his anger, but Mike refused to back down.
"Okay, Jacob," Mike replied. "I'll repeat what I just said; my conversation is with Bella, not you." Then he turned to me. "Bella what happened?; We were just starting out; we went to the movies, the beach…."
I couldn't allow him to continue. Annoyed, I asked, "Mike, what are you talking about?, You and I never went out alone; we always went in a group, to the movies and the beach on Saturday…. Look, if I gave you the wrong impression, I'm sorry, but I don't think I did anything to make you suppose that you and I are together. You and I can only be friends, nothing more."
He got this calculating look. "But, beautiful, I thought that maybe… I thought… you and I could be together."
"No, Mike," I replied. "You and I are just friends and I do appreciate your friendship, but that's all, it is—friendship…. I just want to make that clear; it's all I can offer you."
I looked at Jacob after I said that, and he was smiling from ear to ear. He put his arm around my waist and pulled me to him. When I looked around, I noticed everyone, including Jake's friends had gathered in the parking lot. I also noticed just how close Embry was standing to Angela.
"How dare you put your hands on her?," Mike said angrily. "You're just a shameless Indian."
Jake growled angrily, but I quickly stepped in before things got out of hand. "That's enough Mike, how dare you speak to him in that way! You have no right—"
Jake cut me off by taking hold of my chin. "Bells, I need to talk to Mike—just him and me. Trust me, this is an issue I need to handle by myself."
I didn't want to leave them alone, fearing what would happen, but I trusted Jake, so I nodded my agreement. He walked me over to where his friends stood, and then went back over to Mike. I didn't take my eyes off Jake, but Paul told me not to worry, because Jake would never do anything stupid. However, I still couldn't stop my worrying; hoping Mike wouldn't do anything crazy, because if he did, he would be the looser in that battle.
(Jacob's POV)
This was the last straw, the little dweeb insulted me in front of my Bells, but what truly angered me was the way he acted as though he had some kind of hold on her. Bella was my mate, my life companion and he needed to understand that right now.
"Look, I have not treated you as you deserve …" I began. "… because Bella thinks of you as a friend, but now I will make things clear, and I will not repeat it. If you think calling me an Indian offends me, you're very much mistaken. I am very proud to be Quileute."
He smiled, ironically, but I continued. "As for being shameless, never try to project your image onto me, I would never be with anyone else, only Bella. Never again try to take advantage of any situation regarding her." I was very calm as I said this, but memories of that day on the beach with her bombarded me.
My teeth clenched. "I know what you thought to do with Bella when you took her to the beach, and I know very well how you have been chasing her…"
He interrupted by asking, "And isn't that what you have been doing… chasing her?."
"That's true," I replied. "But there is a difference between you and me. She has my respect, but you're just trying to take advantage of her."
He interrupted again. "That's not true; I really like her, very much."
I groaned in frustration. Was that supposed to make me feel better?. "That didn't stop you from being disrespectful to her when you were at the beach, by trying to force yourself on her. You were so controlled by your hormones; you could hardly leave the water. Who knows what you would have tried to do with her if she had gone with you instead of me to La Push." I took a deep breath and tried to control my anger, but remembering that day and Mike's strategy pissed me off, so I continued. "Listen to me Newton, the way you acted towards Bella was very wrong; she's a lady. Never again in your life approach her. Do I make myself clear… Newton?."
"And what makes you think I'm going to do what you tell me?; I told you I really like her, and I know she can prefer me." He replied smugly.
A growl erupted from me and I almost lost all control, but I heard my friends tell me to calm down, not to lose my temper. I pivoted to look where Bella was standing with my friends, and let her presence and her intoxicating scent calm me. I turned back to Mike.
"I doubt you can get her—not now—not with me involved. I wish with all my heart to make her mine alone and I will do everything… everything to make it so."
"It seems you have competition," Mike replied. "Your task won't be as easy as you think."
As if he was any real competition. "I don't want to disappoint you, but you're wasting your time. As you may have noticed, she has no interest in you as a boyfriend. Instead, she feels comfortable with me, because we have been friends for a lifetime. There's no way in this world anyone can separate her from me."
"And what if she decides to be with me?"; he asked.
I smiled and replied pointedly, "That will never happen. You know why?; Because you didn't treat her like she deserves, so you've lost her before you've even begun."
It seemed Bella was getting impatient and wasn't going to wait any longer, but before she reached us, I cautioned Mike, "Newton, remember well what I said, don't disrespect my Bella and don't try anything with her."
Bella walked over to us and took my hand. "Come on, Jake, let's just go." The feel of her hand in mine and her scent surrounding me had a quick and calming affect on me. I then noticed a few others were now standing out here. Alice, Jasper and Edward were watching us intently.
I knew Edward figured out what was going on by now, because of his mind reading abilities. He must realize Bella was beginning to take her place among the Quileute people and was protected by us all, but much loved by me.
(Bella's POV)
I couldn't understand why the boys were telling Jacob to calm down, when he couldn't have possibly heard them from way over here. But he looked up and nodded towards them as if he did. I recalled the times Angela and I could swear they could hear us talk, despite the distance. I wanted to know what Jacob and Mike were talking about, because I knew I was involved, so I decided to walk over there and find out or put an end to it.
Jake assured me everything was fine and said we should talk at lunch. I agreed to sit with him, which I did.
The rest of my classes went by uneventfully and I met Angela on the way to the cafeteria.
"I'm sitting with Jake at lunch," I informed her.
"I thought you might. You've never had lunch with him before, and you know what?."
"What?." I asked, smiling with her.
"Embry asked me to sit with him at lunch too. And, I agreed to it." She smiled wider. "I guess the other girls will have to do without our company today." She looked at me curiously. "So, I see you came to school with Jacob today."
"Yes, he asked me to come with him to school, but I actually love being with him," I replied. I knew I was grinning like a fool, but I didn't care.
"What about Mike?." She asked cautiously. "What are you going to do about him?"
I looked at her, confused. "Why should I have to do anything about Mike?. He and I don't have a relationship. We were never close like that, and I already made it clear to him that friendship is all I can give him. After the way he behaved on the beach, we'll be more like acquaintances now."
Angela nodded her head in agreement with me, but before we could continue our conversation, Jacob and Embry entered the cafeteria. Everyone else was already there so we informed the girls we would not be having lunch with them today, so they decided they would sit with the other boys, but hoped to eat with us again soon.
(Jacob's POV)
I took Bella's hand and went up to collect lunch; I paid for ours. Bella tried to resist my paying, but I let her know it was a pleasure to do things for her. Then I took her to sit at a separate table from the others. I glanced around as we sat and noticed the look Lauren was throwing Bella; she also seemed to notice.
"Maybe we'll have a problem with Lauren too." She stated.
"She better not. I already made it clear that I won't put up with anymore flirting from her."
Though I said that, I kept my ears open for any out of the way remarks coming from her table or the Cullens. I did hear Lauren's friends comment on how unfair it was that I showed no interest in the girls here, until the new girl came. I wasn't worried about their petty jealousies; what truly concerned me were the Cullens. I knew Edward found out what happened this weekend by not just reading my mind, but the mind of my friends. I was sure he now knew of Bella's and my connection and that our friendship was now restored. I was sure that bloodsucker had some plot in his mind on how to get my Bells away from me. Though he did have a mind reading advantage, he could never succeed; I would make sure of that.
I decided to get my mind off everything and just enjoy being with Bella, then I thought of something she might like.
"I have something in my garage at home I'd like to show you." I told her.
"What is it?." She asked curiously.
"Just some toys I'm repairing," I replied, refusing to give anything away. "Maybe you should come down and see them for yourself." I suggested.
"I can't; I have a lot of schoolwork to do this week and some of them are projects with Angela."
"I was talking about this weekend, Bella. I already spoke to your dad about it. He was planning on going down for a weekend fishing trip with my dad, so I asked if you could spend the weekend with us. You can bring Angela along with you."
Her chocolate eyes lit up. "That sounds like a great idea."
I wanted to spend as much time as I could with her and not just on the weekend. "Do you mind if I tag along and join you in some homework?." I asked hopefully.
She agreed, and invited me over today after school. It seemed most of her time would be taken up with Angela, but not today, and, I wondered if she would really have any time left over for me. It was so comfortable being with her—easy as breathing—so I was disappointed when it came time to go back to our separate classes. We talked to our friends before we left. I wanted her to feel comfortable with them, become more integrated in their lives, because she had to gradually prepare to be Alpha female of our tribe. She was a strong, honest girl, with a heart that had a great capacity to love. She was already accepted, especially by my dad, who saw her as a daughter and the mother of his future grandchildren.
After school I asked my friends to keep an eye on my dad for a while, just in case he might need something, and then went with Bells. We spent all evening together working on our separate homework. I wished we could spend more days like this together— everyday in fact. I knew it would be that way soon.
When Charlie came home we had just finished fixing dinner. It was no secret to me that Charlie was happy to see me here with Bella. He knew how I felt about her and that I would protect her with my life. After dinner Bella got up from the table and I got ready to leave. The thought crossed my mind that Bella never took the initiative to approach, touch, or hug me. I knew we were both inexperienced in that matter, but with her, I always felt the need to be close, even if it was just a touch. I would help her to overcome her reluctance.
I took her hand and asked, "So, were you happy with the service man?." I grinned mischievously. "Were you happy with the transportation service?; And if so, would you give the thought to using this service everyday, from now on?."
She replied, very seriously. "Jake, I don't know if I want to. Although you were on time, and the car is beautiful, fast, and comfortable—but if I decide to, I might not have the money to pay for your service."
I was confused for a minute. Was she serious?; Then I saw her struggling not to laugh. I bit my lip nervously at this funny situation. God, I loved her so much, and although I said I would give her time to come to terms with what we meant to each other, I planned on doing whatever I could to speed up the process. Little by little, without pressure, I would seduce my imprint to accept the love we felt for each other. It would be my pleasure and very pleasurable, enticing my Bells to come to me.
When she had said she couldn't pay for my service, I began to slowly walk towards her. Stalking over to her, the closer I got, the harder her heartbeat became. When I reached her, I took her in my arms.
"Bells, I'm the one who is the winner in this situation." I whispered to her. "Because everyday on that ride to and from school, my best friend and the most beautiful woman in the world will be sitting next to me." I gently kissed her cheek. "You have no idea how happy that makes me. I want to make up for all the time I was separated from you and have no plans on ever having to be without you again, not if I can help it."
She began playing in my hair, hugging and massaging my neck. It felt wonderful—in fact the feeling of her hands on me was indescribable. I had dreamed of this, being close to her was heaven.
"I'll end up just boring you, Jacob, and I don't want that to happen." She told me sadly.
I moved back a bit and looked in her eyes. "Bells, I don't want to be apart from you for a minute. How could I get bored of your love?; Don't you realize how I feel about you?."
Bella was blushing profusely at my words, and the reactions of both our bodies so close together. Bella looked down and put her hand over her heart. I put my face close to hers and said, "Please allow me to keep picking you up and bringing you home."
She smiled lightly and nodded. I was so happy; I pulled her in my arms and held her close, before kissing her on the cheek and leaving. I had to leave quickly, because her lips were enticing me to forget about going slow. I would have ended up plundering her mouth with mine. I gave my promise and I didn't plan on ever breaking any promise I made to her, at least not of my own free will and not even then.
(Edward's POV)
Coming home after another day at school, learning lessons I have learned a million times before, I felt the need to be by myself. I didn't want to speak to anyone. I needed time to think, to make decisions. I was confident in the vampires' ability to seduce our victims, but it did not seem to work on Bella. I tried to approach her as just a man, but still no result. I even offered her help and friendship in her time of need, and what did she do?; She refused and left immediately without giving me any alternative.
I saw in Jacob's mind everything that happened over the weekend. I saw how he found her on the beach, and what happened after. I also saw that the Quileute tribal council accepted her. I knew she would be queen one day and they already loved her, finding peace and joy in her presence. But what I truly hated was the love I felt she had for Jacob. He was doing everything he could to keep her with him, slowly winning her over and he was doing well. The thoughts about how he felt about Bella were so loud; it was like he was yelling it at me. I knew it would only be a matter of time before she completely surrendered to her love for Jacob.
Alice broke me out of my thoughts by asking, "Are you going?."
"Yes." I replied simply.
Are you sure about this?. She asked me in her mind. I want to see her with you, but think well about what you're planning; she's falling for him.
"Enough, Alice, you're not helping me with what you're saying." I snapped at her.
Sorry, it's just that this situation is difficult, but I'm willing to give you the help you need.
"Don't worry, but I'll need your help very soon." I informed her, but refused to say more. I didn't want to talk about Bella in front of Rosalie and Emmet. I knew that Rosalie would be against changing Bella into one of us and Emmet always supported his wife. He didn't want that young girl to be forced into this life, to become one of us. I knew I would never find an ally in Rose, and she would be more than likely take up the cause of the Quileute people, to have Bella with them, and most important... with Jacob. However, the rest of my family supported me and wanted to see me happy with the woman I had chosen for my mate.
Carlisle wasn't home when we got there, so I called him and invited him to go hunting with me tonight. Hunting was just an excuse, to talk to him privately without Rosalie and Emmet overhearing. Alice went with us.
That night, deep in the woods far away from our home, I told Carlisle everything I found out about Jacob's progress with Bella and about the love they had for each other. Even without the imprint, Jacob loved her since they were children. The Quileute people already accepted and loved her as their future queen.
I looked at Carlisle pleadingly. "I want Bella to join me in this life, to become one of us," I began to explain. "But I cannot do it. She would hate me forever if I did, and never accept me. I want someone else to do it, and when she is alone and turned, I will offer her my friendship and help to learn about our way of life. Then eventually she can become my partner."
"You know if we do this Edward, we will have to leave Forks," Carlisle warned. "Because it means breaking the treaty, and when we leave, we can never return. But… I will help you; all that matters to me is that you're finally happy and not alone anymore."
I knew that turning the Alpha's mate, taking her away from him, would kill him; but what did I care, as long as I got what I wanted?.
"I think I know of someone who can do it," Carlisle informed me.
"Who?." I asked excitedly.
"There were four nomad vampires," Carlisle began. "Victoria, her partner James, Laurent, and his partner Yanara. They were hunting in Forks and Yanara passed the border and entered into the Quileute reservation; she was about to attack a child when Jacob, who was on patrol at the time, came upon them, He killed her, alone; Laurent came just when he was destroying her, and tried to attack Jacob, but Jacob is very strong. Laurent had no choice but to flee. The other wolves joined in the chase, but he ran across the border and met up with Victoria and James, then they all got out of the area."
"Yes, I remember you telling me about that a while ago." I said when he was done. "I also remember you saying that Laurent was looking for revenge against Jacob. This would be perfect; they and I have the same goal, and we both will get what we want— to destroy Jacob."
I knew it wouldn't be easy, I had to get in contact with them and present my proposal, they would need to return to this area, but where they cannot be found and wait for a time when Bella and Jacob are somewhere in the woods alone. As strong as Jacob was, I knew he would not be able to take on three vampires by himself and live. That day, while two of the nomads kept hold of him, the other nomad would take care of Bella, and make him watch as the other bites her, feeding our venom into his mate, changing her into one of us, his mortal enemy. The actions of watching the love of his life, his soul mate being turned into a vampire, will traumatize and weaken him so fully, that it would be easy to end his life then and there. So, after he is forced to watch it all, he would be put to death.
I would need the help of Alice, to use her gift to locate the nomads. I wished she could also see what the outcome of this all would be, but since she could not see the wolves, and Bella's future was now entwined with them, she could not see her future either. We would just have to make sure we did not fail.
(Carlisle's POV)
I knew that Edward's plan had a great chance to succeed. But I also knew that afterwards we would have to leave Forks forever, because sooner or later, the pack would find out that it was Edward's idea to change Bella. All that really didn't matter to me, as long as Bella didn't find out any of this, and my child was happy with the woman he loved. That was worth any sacrifice.
I was sure, though Emmet and Rosalie were against turning Bella, when they saw what had happened, not knowing Edward planned it all, would embrace her as part of our family. Even soft hearted Esme, who would never hurt a child, would accept her as another of her children. As long as they never learned of Edward's part, everything would be fine.
I wanted everything to work out for Edward and would give these nomads whatever they needed to help my child get what he wanted. I was even willing to pay for their help. No parent wanted to see their child unhappy and alone; I was no different, his many years of solitude would end once and for all. He would have what his family did, someone to share his life with, happiness and love. My son deserved to be loved, like the rest of us.