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"Show time." She thought.
Looking up at the assembled faces before her Bella observed none were happy or smiling. They looked uncertain as though they weren't sure which face to wear. Thinking ironically to the first time she had been in this position she realised it had all been a lie. They were simply very good actors. Well so was she now. She was going to mess with them as much as possible. She couldn't hold back the quiet chuckle that escaped.
Pasting a huge, warm smile on her face and pulling up a memory of her and Alistair making love, she allowed it to fill her with longing and lust. Knowing it would confuse the hell out of him, she walked up the stairs straight to Jasper and hugged him.
"Hi Jasper, how are you? I have missed you" She purred softly. Trailing her hand across his chest she kissed his cheek, lingering ever so slightly and then walked past a gobsmacked Alice, Emmett and Rosalie and into the house. She felt rather than saw him turn to watch her and so she put a little more wiggle into her walk knowing exactly where his eyes would be drawn and was very thankful she was wearing her skin tight blue jeans. She could hear growls from some of the vampires assembled, Edward she recognised but not the others.
"Men" she thought to herself, suppressing a giggle. Alistair had told her that vampire men think about sex more than human men, it crops up in almost every thought they have.
"Poor Edward" she thought sarcastically, she was going to torture him through the thoughts of the others.
"How are you Bella? It's so lovely to see you again." Alice said in her usual enthusiastic tone.
Bella turned slowly and smiled. Alice had obviously recovered first. Emmett was looking like he wanted to approach her. Rosalie was standing in front of him like a furious guardian. They didn't know what was happening. Was she here by choice?
"Time to set them straight." Bella mused.
"Well Alice I really wish I could say the same." Her voice was conversational and happy. "As for how I am. Well I am annoyed that I was practically knocked out and have been dragged here against my will. I am pissed that dickhead over there seems to think he can still call me "love". Oh and I am fucking sick to the back teeth of you pretending to be anything other than the controlling, manipulative, poisonous little freak you are." She did the finger speech marks over the "Love" and blew Alice a kiss at the end before turning to Carlisle how had quickly stepped in front of Alice to prevent any attack she may have wanted to launch.
"Carlisle can you point me in the direction of my room please. I really need a shower. Oh yes, could I also have some cream for my tattoo?" She asked in a cheery voice.
"Of course Bella dear." He replied carrying her bags and heading towards the stairs. He looked her straight in the eye and Bella was sure she saw a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Follow me. Do you need any help with the cream?"
"Thanks that would be great." Bella answered in a husky tone as she followed him up the stairs aware of Jaspers eyes on her arse. She had been momentarily taken aback by Carlisle's offer. But then again he had to know she was playing a game. Maybe he was trying to call her bluff, well he was in for a shock, she wasn't the shy, easy to blush virgin he remembered. She had done things with Alistair she was sure weren't legal. She would play along for now.
At the top of the stairs Carlisle turned back to his assembled family.
"Esme darling will you please fill the others in, while I help Bella."
He then turned and led Bella toward a bedroom door before standing aside so she could enter. Stepping inside she looked around the room she had been directed to. It was a nice large room with elegant furniture and a comfortable looking bed.
"Plenty of room to roll around in." She thought with I wistful smile.
Carlisle put her bags down and un-zipped them. He was looking at her with a dark, amused expression. His eyes roaming over her body in a lecherous manner. It made Bella's skin crawl but she fought not to show it, or let Jasper feel her revulsion. After pointing out the bathroom and wardrobe he asked her to sit so he could look at her head.
"It is healing well but be careful when you wash your hair or you will open it up again." He said.
"Well why don't you wash my hair in the sink then I can take a bath." She suggested sweetly. He looked at her as though she had lost her mind. But there was also something hopeful in his expression. Bella began to wonder if he wanted to seduce her.
"You are the one who will find it easier to resist my blood if it bleeds again." She answered his unspoken question. She knew she could ask him to lick it and heal it but she wouldn't do that but that thought made her want to vomit again. She would only ever willingly allow Alistair to do that.
He nodded his ascent and led her into the bathroom. She settled herself into the chair. Closing her eyes she allowed her mind to drift. Bella had decided that the best way to wind up the Cullen's was to play with Jasper. She could send him emotions and his thoughts would wind Edward up as well as piss Alice off. Their combined annoyance would affect Jasper so that he was pulled in different directions. Hopefully this would make him start to project and wind everybody up. But now she began to wonder if she could use Carlisle in a similar fashion. It was clear he wasn't unaffected by her. His thoughts were bound to upset Edward into a tantrum, and his feelings would get to Jasper. It was worth a shot, so with that in mind she summoned forth a memory of Alistair washing her hair and let it go while Carlisle washed hers. The hands were wrong, too cold and not the same size. They were gentle but not loving. She could work with it though.
As Carlisle washed her hair he was struck again by the differences in her. She had calmly walked into his house after her outburst in the car as though nothing had happened. Then to cap it all she walks up to Jasper and kisses him followed by her little speech to putting Alice in her place. Alice had been fuming, Jasper had been completely thrown but had watched her backside as she sashayed up the stairs. Even Carlisle could admit it was a very nice arse. Of course everyone saw where Jasper was looking which caused an eruption from Alice and Edward. This new Bella was toying with them and seemed quite good at the game.
Edward, Carlisle sighed as he thought of his son. What was he going to do with that boy? He seemed to think he could still have Bella, well that was impossible. She had made her feelings on that subject perfectly clear and no amount of venom or time would change them now. Carlisle was appalled by the stupidity and callousness he had displayed when he broke up with Bella. While Carlisle had agreed they needed to split up so she could pine for him, they also needed her to survive. Edward was going to be in for a world of hurt when Esme finished telling the others what he had done.
As he washed Bella's hair he was reminded for the first time in centuries of Clara. He quickly quashed that memory. None of the others knew of the girl who had claimed him as her mate. She had had luscious brunette locks like Bella and the sweetest voice he would ever hear, but she said her instincts drew her to him. He could never accept that. He wondered briefly what had happened to her. Was she still pining for him? Perhaps when all this was over he could.. No. He would not allow himself to consider that option. It would never happen.
Panicking suddenly he listened carefully to the arguments going on downstairs he knew Edward was getting his ass handed to him, as he well deserved. So Carlisle was re-assured Edward had missed his little lapse in thought. Looking down at Bella's relaxed face and closed eyes he wondered what it was about this girl that made him forget himself?
Once he had finished washing her hair he combed and braided it for carefully her.
"Thank you Carlisle that was very pleasant." Bella said huskily.
"Don't try your games on me Bella." He whispered in her ear. "I know you are messing with the others and that's fine, if they can't handle you then we are in trouble. But don't try your tricks with me or I may just make you make good on your hints and insinuations. Are you really ready to fuck a vampire?"
Bella thought carefully about how to answer. She just couldn't bring herself to deny Alistair.
"Been there, done that Carlisle and loved every moment of it." She turned her head quickly and kissed his cheek. "I'd like to take my bath now, unless of course you want to watch."
Rising she turned the taps on full and went to her cases to collect some things. She got her toiletries and I-pod. In a fit of mischief she deliberately didn't take her clothes into the bathroom. Carlisle stood for a moment, feeling torn, he desperately wanted to see how far she was prepared to take this course of action. But he knew that it would cause further problems with Edward so he simply smiled and left. But stopped at the bedroom door.
"Maybe next time Bella, when you are more healed." He said with a smirk.
"Only in your dreams Carlisle" she said under her breath.
Making sure her bedroom and bathroom doors were ajar she sank turned her I-pod onto her 'chillin' play list and sank into the hot water. Laying back she closed her eyes. For a while she just lay there letting the water ease the tension in her muscles and listening to the music. But then a song came on that she remembered playing while she and Alistair were making love. That, combined with the tension of the day was enough to make Bella feel in dire need of some release. Slowly moving her hand over her breast she squeezed gently while the other moved lower.
Down stairs Edward was getting a right royal bollocking. Rosalie and Emmett especially were furious when they heard how he had left her in the forest. But it was Jasper who got close to ripping him apart when they heard about Victoria.
"I told you. You fucking idiot. I told you. You never, NEVER, leave a mate alive to take revenge, there is nothing worse." Jasper raged at Edward. "But NO! You said there was no connection. Bella is right you are a fucking dickhead. Not only did you leave her in a way which nearly cost us her gift, but you misjudged so many situations because you think you are infallible. We could have lost her countless times. And now we may have a wolf pack searching for her if not the human authorities. You are a fool Edward. If this was my army I would kill you for what you have done."
Alice jumped forward at that point to restrain her mate. Even though she was furious with Edward she was also confused. Bella had shown no fear of Jasper, following the events of her birthday she should have been terrified, that had been the plan. But no she was happy, comfortable, had even come on to him and he had not been unaffected by her, then she had turned on Alice herself. This was not the Bella she remembered. That Bella would never have worn such tight clothes or flirted with another woman's husband. She had clearly changed and it made Alice nervous.
Jasper had been completely thrown when Bella had walked up to him smiling and projecting a massive amount of lust and longing. She had touched him in an intimate manner, only Alice did that. She had kissed him, she wanted him. He had to accept he wanted her to. Watching her walk up the stairs, her ass swaying in those tight jeans he had wanted her, desperately. Eddie of course had heard his thoughts and acted like the possessive jerk he was until Esme told them how Bella had rejected him and promised Carlisle she would behave if he kept Edward away from her. Jasper thought that was hilarious. Bella clearly wanted a man. Maybe he could be that man.
For Emmett and Rosalie it was different. Emmett had been the one to play the part of 'fun loving big brother.' He had nothing against Bella personally, she was simply a means to an end. He firmly believed Carlisle was right in his quest and would do anything to help. Emmett hoped that the new, improved Bella would decide to help because if they couldn't trust her she would have to die, they could never risk her getting into the wrong hands. Both he and Rosalie agreed she should have been turned instead of the family leaving. She may not have been cemented to Edwards side as Carlisle wished but she had loved the family enough tom stay anyway. Rose felt the same as her mate in that she didn't have anything against Bella. She didn't like the way Bella was behaving though. She was too cocky by far and that made Rosalie nervous.
Edward was standing in the middle of the room taking the bollocking he was getting from all sides. He knew he had messed things up, he now realised how close they had been to loosing Bella. He had been over confident and cocky. He wouldn't make that mistake again. He was barely listening to the berating he was receiving. It was the least he deserved. But hearing Jaspers thoughts on what he would like to do to Bella tipped him over the edge. Launching across the room Jasper sidestepped him easily and grabbed him by the throat before he could impact the wall. Carlisle chose that moment to come down stairs.
"Enough" he roared. "You are behaving like children. Yes Edward messed things up, but we have retrieved the situation. Bella is here and will behave as long as Edward stays away from her. You will all ensure this happens. We will give her a week to get accustomed to her surroundings and us then I will turn her. Once she is changing Jasper, you are in charge of her until you feel we have her under our control. NONE OF YOU will argue with him in front of Bella. Do I make myself clear."
They all nodded quickly. Jasper was looking forward to having Bella completely under his thumb.
"Bella claims to have a husband. Her mother is still alive and she has friends in La Push. We will use this to keep her under control." Turning to Jasper he added. "Don't under estimate her. She has changed. Do whatever you have to, to control her. Whatever it takes. I have complete faith in you son and will give you absolute control."
Jasper preened under Carlisle's praise. It was wonderful to hear he was finally being appreciated. Edward scoffed when he heard Jaspers thoughts but received a cuffing blow to the back of the head from Carlisle.
"You had your chance Edward and you let us all down. I suggest you keep your opinions to yourself and shut up. Or I may decide I have no use for you at all." He said savagely leaving Edward under no illusions as to his position within the family now.
"I think I should spend time with her over the next week. Get a feel for her emotional patterns. Try to find some weak spots." Jasper said questioningly.
"Very well" Carlisle replied. "You may take control of her training now. But remember she is human and should remain so for at least a week to acclimatise to us and her surroundings. She is not to be harmed in any way during that time."
"I will remember." Jasper promised.
At that moment all heads snapped in toward the stairs when they heard a soft moan coming from Bella's room. Edward moved towards the stairs but was wrestled outside by Emmett and Rosalie then dragged off hunting by Alice and Rosalie. Jasper used the confusion to shoot up the stairs. The emotions she was giving off drew him like a magnet. He couldn't stay away.
Standing outside Bella's room he gripped the door frame trying to stop himself from going in. He could hear the water lapping against the side of the bath rhythmically and getting faster. Her breathing was coming in short gasps and her heart was pounding. Faster and faster the water moved until in the mirror he saw her reflection arch out of the water, her head thrown back and biting her lip to stop the cry of release. Sated and relaxed she slumped back into the bath gasping air into her lungs and leaving Jasper fighting himself to remain standing outside her room. He would not allow himself to move forward but couldn't move back.
As the water got cold Bella lifted herself out of the bath and rubbed herself dry. She caught glimpses of Jasper in the mirror but refused to react to his presence. For this to work she needed to wind him up. The best way to do that, Bella figured was to ignore him for a moment then 'see' him. With the towel wrapped around her she walked into her bedroom to grab her clothes. Taking a deep breath and girding her loins for what she was about to do. She picked up her clothes in one hand and held them loosely at her side. With the other hand she reached up to where the towel was folded securely to her breasts and eased it free. Looking Jasper squarely in the eye she let the towel drop to the floor and stood holding his gaze for a second or more before she slowly turned and walked back into the bathroom closing the door behind her.
She heard the growl of frustration from Jasper as she leaned against the door to pull herself together. Her heart was in her mouth. She realised that could have gone so badly, she was shaking as she got dressed. She needed to think things through more. Perhaps it was a stupid idea to wind him up. But she also felt it was the best way to distract them all.
When she came out of the bathroom he was nowhere in sight. Bella found herself to be relieved and a little disappointed. After all she had just stripped for the bloke. Checking her reflection in the mirror she was happy with her look. Letting her hair down and pulling her collar up she was amazed her mark had gone un-noticed until now. Running her fingers lightly over it she could almost feel Alistair. He was coming for her she was certain. Not long now, the thought was a like a security blanket, keeping her warm and safe. Checking in the mirror again she made sure the mark was hidden. It was her secret weapon. She would show it when the time was right.
Emmett and Carlisle had reached Jasper just in time to stop him breaking the door down and charging into the bathroom to Bella. Carlisle had to smile. She was better at this than he had given her credit for. At this rate he would have all of his sons fighting over her in hours. Possibly him as well. He had to wonder what it was that drew his kind to her so.
Hearing her footsteps on the stairs he told Esme to get some food ready and told Jasper to pull himself together.
"Bella is not for you son. Don't let her come between you and Alice." He told the younger vampire in a sympathetic tone. "She is just playing with you. You'll get your chance to get your own back when she is turned."
Jasper listened to Carlisle and his words made sense but he wasn't going to get his own back on her, he was going to get her. If she was as powerful as Carlisle thought and he could seduce her to his side he would, with little or no care for Alice. He would be invincible with her beside him. Alice would never leave, he could have them both. The thought made his imagination conjure up all sorts of images. And she seemed to want him too, Bella would be his. He was certain.
Coming down stairs Bella heard scuffles in the front room, so she headed in the opposite direction. Entering the kitchen she saw Esme cooking.
"Carlisle asked me to make you some food dear." She said in a really genuine tone that made Bella look twice. Trying to make conversation Bella asked the first question that entered her head.
"How did you and Carlisle meet?"
"We met when I was a teenager. I had broken my leg and he treated me. He was such a wonderful doctor it healed remarkably quickly." Esme gushed.
Flashes of conversations with Alistair sprung into her mind. 'venom left in to control you' and 'pining away for the source' came to her.
"Did you miss him after that?" She asked quietly.
"Oh yes. I missed him terribly. But fortunately we met again later and he saved me. I was so lucky."
"Yes you were." Bella answered with a smile while feeling suddenly very sick. This could have been her with Edward if Alistair hadn't come along. No, she had already beaten his hold before that, Alistair said she clearly had. Bella felt desperately sorry for Esme and resolved that if she could help her, she would.
Carlisle entered the kitchen to hear the end of their conversation. He looked at Bella sharply.
"Doing as you are told includes not rocking the boat Bella. Stay out of things between Esme and myself." He said quietly while checking her head again. Esme just smiled at them happily. Bella felt nauseous. Carlisle seemed to have little or no care for her and Esme seemed accepting to everything that he did. Would Esme simply stand aside if she was to have sex with him? Bella couldn't help but wonder, not that she had any intention of having sex with Carlisle. Ever.
"Now let me see that tattoo."
Bella looked at him brandishing the tub of cream like a school boy given a prize. Behind him Emmett and Jasper lounged in the doorway. Both looked 'unsettled'. Not for the first time she wondered if playing her game was a good idea. But looking into Carlisle's face she decided to be brave like Alistair would expect and standing square on lifted her t-shirt all the way up. Then turning slightly and winking at Jasper she lifted her arm stretching herself and showed them all her tattoo.
As Carlisle rubbed the cream into her skin she moaned carefully. It did feel soothing, but not that good. She could see the others practically salivating while staring at her. Esme was too. Jasper must be projecting, so why wasn't she affected? Perhaps she did have a shield after all. Trying to concentrate on it, whatever IT was, some intangible feeling of safety. She tried to push it out over Esme. It made her very uncomfortable having Esme looking at her like that. After a moment she could tell it worked as Esme relaxed and went back to cooking.
"Wow" she thought. "I do have a gift."
"Do you have any other tattoos?" Emmett asked quietly when Carlisle had finished.
"Yeh, want to see it?" She stood and slowly, deliberately, unbuttoned her jeans, all the while staring into Emmett's rapidly darkening eyes. Opening the fly slightly she turned slowly and looked at him over her shoulder. Lowering the backside of her jeans she made sure to show them just enough of her thong panties along with the entire tattoo. Knowing they would see the finger mark bruises on her hips she smiled.
"Let's see what you make of these, boys." She thought cheekily.
Buttoning her jeans up and pulling her top down again.
"Men!" She thought again and chuckled quietly while, ignoring the raised eyebrows her laughter caused.
She looked at the black eyed males before her. The looks she was getting were un-nerving. She was suddenly very aware how prey felt when it realised it was being hunted. It was painfully obvious to Bella that she was prey.
"Breathe the free air" Carlisle said in a husky whisper.
"I intend to." She answered softly.