A/N Thanks for still following my story. And of course thanks for all the reviews.
I was glad to see that you didn't mind a shorter chapter in between. But now that the foundation is built, more will be happening and soon. Of course, fate will not make it easy for our couple.
Enjoy!!!
Chapter 13 This is fate
Peter POV
Charlotte and I had taken flight just shortly after her arrival. The awkwardness in the room had been definitely too much for all of us. Jasper's patience had been tested far enough for one day, and I did not want him to snap again in the presence of Bella. Not that I'd actually anticipated a similar reaction like this morning, but I didn't want to put my theory to a test either.
We hadn't exchanged even one word since we've left the house. Charlotte just followed me into the woods, knowing exactly where I was taking her. There was a small cottage in the depth of the woods, far away from any human trail. It wasn't very comfortable, but it would serve its purpose … a secluded place for me and my mate, to reunite and then to have a serious talk without being overheard by our brother.
As soon as the door closed behind us, I pinned my love to the ground, kissing her with total abandon. She clearly wanted the same as I, and quickly reciprocated. Any rational thought left my mind, and my primal needs took over.
There will be time for us to talk later … now I have more important things to do …
Charlotte didn't mind the distraction, quite the contrary, she welcomed it. I knew my mate. Forcing her to share information so soon wasn't going to work. In this we were similar. She needed to come to terms with it on her own first, before she would be able to talk about it with me. Knowing that we had hours until Bella would be awake again, I would take my time to worship my wife's body in every way possible.
Hours later we lay naked on the rug in front of the small fireplace, our legs still entangled, holding each other. I had lit the wood moments ago. True, the action wasn't necessary, but the warmth was very pleasant to us vampires nonetheless.
"Feeling better now, honey?" I asked softly, nuzzling her neck.
Though I was sated for the moment, I knew I would never tire to show my mate how much I desired and loved her. I let my finger trail over her arm, across her stomach and she shivered with pleasure. Even in the dim light of the fire, any vampire could see that her entire body was covered with scars just as mine, a permanent reminder of our former life. But to me she was the most beautiful and desirable woman on earth. I knew she thought the same about me.
"Sure do." She giggled, sighing in pure contentment.
"Care to share your epiphany with me now?" I carefully asked.
My mate groaned in answer, wriggling around in my arms, so that she was face to face with me. "Was this all a ruse then? A way to make me feel loose enough, to share information with you? Making me come ten times, so I would finally surrender?" She accused me. To an outsider her words might have sounded harsh, but I knew better. She wasn't angry with me. Not really, anyhow.
"Don't tell it didn't work?" I asked, pouting.
"Stop teasing, Peter!" She chuckled, smacking my arm playfully. "You are evil, you know."
"I do, and proud of it." I said, smirking at her. "Now, spill!"
"There is nothing much to tell … they are soul mates." She simply stated, shrugging, like it was nothing out of the ordinary. I got the feeling that she was somehow not happy about the fact.
"Ah, of course. That's what I'd suspected." I replied. And it was true. I had guessed as much before, but it was good to have my suspicion confirmed by the expert on that particular matter. I gently stroked my mate's cheek. "Tell me, sweetheart, what has you worried?"
She exhaled loudly. "It's not that I'm not glad to see Jasper happy. I am. You know that. But with a human?" She asked me incredulously.
"Is that all you are concerned about? Her being human?" I argued, but staying calm, because I strongly believed that this was just an excuse. Something told me, that she was more irritated by the fact that Bella was connected to the Cullens in one way or another.
"Is that not reason enough? Not only does she know about our secret … and let's face it that alone is bad news. She is responsible for Jasper's breakdown in the first place." She reasoned heatedly. I didn't say anything in return, but let her continue her rant. She needed to get all her worries out in the open. "On the other hand … I must say that I am happy that as a result he finally broke his ties with the Cullens … even if it was not deliberately. But still I think it's the best thing that could have happened … all things considered. They haven't been good for him … especially that pixie.
"But to be honest what I've seen at the house, scares me. Their bond is already strong … and they don't even realize it yet. With time their bond will strengthen, become stronger … maybe even stronger than ours. Yes, I know he deserves happiness and love … probably more than anybody. But why does it have to be with this human?" She moaned.
"You know that she doesn't have to stay human?" I reminded her.
"Do you actually think that he will change her? Or that she will even allow this to happen?" She countered.
"If it's true what you said about them being soul mates … then yes. You know the Major as well as I do. He can be very convincing when he wants something. And let's face it … we all are selfish creatures by nature." Well, except for Bella, perhaps. I added in my mind. "And I am pretty sure that Bella had considered her transformation before today. Why else would she have been with the mind-reader for so long. Believe me, her becoming one of us some day, won't be an issue."
"So you are going to support them?" She asked curiously. There was still a slight note of irritation in her voice.
"Yes, because I know it is the right thing." I answered truthfully. "And I know Jasper at least will need all the help he can get." I chuckled under my breath. Despite from what I've witnessed at the house today, the small signs of their connection, I knew perfectly well that he, too, would have problems to accept his fate.
"Hmmm …" She mused. I let think for a moment.
"So are you with me or not?" I needed to know where she was standing.
"Seems like I don't have a choice in the matter. And who am I to break up a perfect match? Okay, I'm in. But I don't have to like it … or her." She said, petulantly.
I laughed at her expression. "Oh trust me, babe, you will. Nobody is immune to Bella's charm." I stated with full conviction. It might take some time, but I knew Charlotte would come around eventually.
"Come on." I said, pulling her up with me. "Let's get back."
"But it's still early. Must we really go yet?" She purred, seductively, making me laugh.
"Sorry, my love. But we have something to take care of, before we actually go back to the house." I informed her, getting dressed.
She raised her eyebrows in question. "And what might that be?"
Jasper POV
Bella immediately fell asleep, with her head on my chest and her arm around my waist. The warmth of her body enveloped me like a cocoon, making me feel safe and loved for the first time in a very long time, maybe even for the first time ever.
What a day! I sighed. I was happy, but at the same time utterly exhausted and confused. So much has happened in the past twelve hours or so. I was quite surprised how well I had been able to handle the pressure, to get through all of this mess without any major mental breakdown or physical outbursts. Now, with Bella sound asleep in my arms, I let the events of this day replay in my mind.
This morning my only concern had been how my family would react to my unannounced return, and my long-lasting absence. Instead of having to deal with them, the one and only person whose reaction I'd clandestinely feared the most had shown up today of all days.
It must be fate ...
Being a mystical creature myself, I had never questioned the concept of fate or destiny. I strongly believed that there was no such thing as coincidence. I was convinced that it had been fate when I'd met Maria and her friends that exact night, and they'd decided to change me into a creature of the night ... as the humans used to call our kind inadequately. (Although at the time and place we were exactly that.) As a result it had been my fate that I'd fought for her for many years, creating and destroying countless vampires. It had been fate when I had found and turned both Peter and Charlotte, training them to serve Maria's sole purpose to acquire more territory. I'd let my heart rule me for just one moment and had allowed them to escape. This has been their fate as well as mine. They had come back in my darkest hour, convincing me that there was a life outside this hell, a life worth exploring and living. I truly believed that we had been destined to become friends, otherwise why have I dared to disobey a direct order from my sire?
And of course it also had been fate that I'd happened to be in that dinner when I'd first met Alice. Sure, she'd had her hands in it somehow, but still, it had been my decision to go into the dinner in the first place, she'd just happened to take advantage of the things she always seemed to know. She'd convinced me that my true destiny lay with her, and at the time I hadn't doubted her one bit. I had allowed her to drag me along, eager but at the same time anxious to embrace this new life she'd promised me. Meeting the Cullens for the first time has been hard, and awkward. To say that they had been shocked was an understatement.
The fear the four present vampires had given off, had been mind-boggling but reasonable. To them all of my scars were visible, a clear sign of my past. They practically screamed danger. For a minute there I'd thought to turn around and leave, but Alice had them wrapped around her fingers in no time, convincing them that I meant them no harm.
Funny, how things change ...
To cut a long story short I was convinced that fate has brought me here today, to this place, reuniting me with this beautiful and amazing person in my arms.
It was such a wonderful feeling to know that she was so comfortable around me that she could let herself be that vulnerable in the presence of a monster like me. But I was hard for me to understand how she was able to sleep like this in the first place. I was hard as stone, and cold as ice. I had tried to move away from her more than once, but every time she just gripped my shirt tighter, begging without words not to leave her side. And how could I? I wanted to stay right here with her ... forever, if she would let me.
Just then I recalled her earlier response. She'd said that I didn't feel that hard and cold to her. But how could that be? I knew from Edward's experience that she often said things to make him feel better, but I knew that this wasn't the case here. I'd felt her honesty behind her words, and her confusion. She didn't seem to understand it, but for some unknown reason she didn't question it either.
I smiled, caressing her cheek with only my fingertips, remembering what she had said it earlier today. 'I hate lies.'
This was just one of the many things that made me love this woman so intensely, so fast. I was shaken by the power of the feelings I already had for her, and she seemed to reciprocate them. How did this happen? What did this mean? Had there been always some kind of connection between us? And how was she able to shut of her emotions at will all of the sudden, when she wasn't able to do that in the past? And why did the touch of her skin didn't burn me?
So many questions.
In the past I would have gone to Carlisle to seek out the answers to these questions. With him being the oldest of the family, and his never-ending yearning for knowledge in the first place ... and of course his experiences with the Volturi, I knew he would be my best chance to get to the bottom of this.
Thinking about Carlisle made me realize how much I truly missed him. He might not have been the father figure for me as he was for the others ... especially for Alice and Edward ... but I'd always had the utmost respect for him, appreciating his compassion, his advice and his guidance. Right now I could his insight, but I knew I wasn't ready to go there ... not yet.
But most of all I missed Rose ... and Emmett. I hadn't had the time before ... with all the interruptions ... to truly come to terms with what I've learned from her letter. True, the majority of the content didn't surprise me, because I've already figured as much. Alice and Edward had been the driving force behind the decision to leave Forks ... and Bella for that matter. To say I was disappointed in Alice and mad at Edward didn't even begin to cover what I was feeling.
Right this moment I heard Bella moaning in her sleep. Somehow it almost sounded like she was in pain, and I realized that I was projecting my emotions on her.
"Sorry, Darlin'." I whispered into her ear. I took in a deep breath, grounding myself. As soon as I was calm again, Bella relaxed as well. "That's it. Sleep, my angel."
I was very touched by Rose's words, and finally realized how much I've hurt her by leaving and staying away for so long. Of course, I wanted to call her, but not yet. First I wanted to share the letter with Bella and Peter. Not that I needed their approval or anything, but I didn't want to keep secrets from either one of them ... not anymore. I made a silent promise to myself that I would tell Bella about my past as soon as possible, knowing it was the right thing to do, if I'd wanted us to become more than friends.
Taking a deep breath, I finally realized that I was ready to take a new path in my life, start over. I knew I had to make some necessary changes and sacrifices to accomplish this goal, but even though ... this time was different ... for the first time ever I was eager to embrace my destiny and to follow it of my own free will. Never in all those years had I met even a single person, human or vampire, I was willing to give my life for; I was willing to do anything just to make this person smile. And Bella was this person. She has shown me my inner strength, the goodness that had slumbered underneath the surface the entire time ... and suddenly I could see that the life I had created with Alice had been nothing but forged. Sure at the time it was what I wanted or at least that was what she made me believe I needed. How didn't I see that my wife has been manipulating me, using my very own gift against me? I must have been blinded by love and trust ... love and trust that she didn't deserve ... not after what she has done in the past ... to me and Bella. Making me believe I was weak, not worth anyone's trust ... the love I've once felt for her turned into pure hatred. I was glad I couldn't keep that feeling to myself, not affecting my sleeping angel with it this time.
I looked down at her, and realized that Bella was the exact opposite of Alice, and that was why I had no doubt in my mind, that she was my future. My true destiny.
*
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Peter and Charlotte came back around six in the morning. Neither one of them came looking for me or Bella, and vice versa. I didn't want to leave Bella's side. No one would be able to drag me from this place. I finally understood what had driven Edward to watch her sleeping almost every night. She was a vision. And she talked during her sleep. I hadn't been able to make any sense of her words, but at least whatever she was dreaming about wasn't bad. I monitored her emotional state very closely, glad that she hasn't put up her shield again. But maybe she wasn't able to do that when she was sleeping?
Who cares about the reason? Enjoy it while it lasts ...
Then I heard some noise coming from downstairs, which made me curious.
What are they up to now? I groaned silently.
Slowly, and very carefully, I inched out from underneath her, and lowered her head to the pillow. My beautiful angel stirred a bit at the repositioning, but fortunately she didn't wake. Sleeping Bella looked rather appealing, and I had a hard time leaving. But my curiosity has gotten the better of me in that moment. I placed a quick kiss on her temple, smirking when she sighed out my name, and then I made my way downstairs.
I could detect the fresh scent of coffee and baked goods, like muffins and stuff. I remembered that smell from the time Esme had cooked for Bella. I went into the kitchen, freezing in place when I took in the sight in front of my eyes. My brother stood, wearing a fucking apron, setting up an enormous breakfast feast for Bella.
I burst out laughing. "You look ridiculous." Peter chuckled, but did ignore my comment or my presence otherwise.
"I told him the same thing." Charlotte said, joining us in the kitchen. "Where is the human?"
I could sense that Charlotte had some reservations about Bella. I could also pick up the tiniest amount of jealousy, an emotion I strangely seemed to share with her in that moment. I should be the one making breakfast for her, not my brother.
"Bella is still upstairs, sleeping." I answered shortly. "What's all this?"
"What does it look like? Breakfast for the human, of course." Peter said, waving his hand dismissively, like he was doing nothing out of the ordinary. I had no idea that he knew how to cook. He put down the knife he has been using to cut some fruit and looked straight at me for the first look I'd entered the room.
"Well, well, well ... must have been some night for you." He said, smirking and then sniffing the air. "Her scent is all over you. Couldn't keep your hands to yourselves, eh, Major?" He teased.
"Fuck you. It's not what you think." I snapped.
"It's not?" He countered, sparing me a meaningful look.
That's it. He knows something ... other than my make-out session with Bella.
"Spit it out, man." I commanded.
"Spit what out?" He tried to play innocent, but failing miserably.
"Whatever you think you know." I huffed.
"I know nothing ... yet." Peter kept on continuing his tactic.
I realized that he wasn't going to tell me anything right now, and since I wasn't in the mood for playing his game or a fight, I shrugged it off. "Whatever."
Peter laughed and returned to his former task. Charlotte shook her head, apparently feeling just as annoyed as I was with Peter's childish behaviour. I even caught her rolling her eyes at Peter. When she saw me, watching her, she smiled at me timidly.
"I'm sorry about yesterday." She said, and I could tell that she really meant it. "I hope I didn't scare her."
Both Peter and I laughed at that statement. "Don't worry, you haven't. Actually, I think there is almost nothing that can scare Bella." I assured her. "But in any case I think you should apologize to her, and maybe explain why you'd reacted the way you did." I recommended. I was very curious about the reason myself. But since Peter wasn't in the mood to share any information with me, I doubted that Charlotte would be more compliant. I was pretty sure they've talked about the events from last night, but decided to keep it a secret from me.
"That's a great idea. Why don't you go up, wake Bella." Peter quickly suggested, picking up a cup and filled it with coffee. I got the impression that he wanted me out of the kitchen before I could ask any more questions. He shoved the cup in my hands. "Here take this with you. Trust me. She will be very grateful." He explained, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. I growled at him, but refrained from making a verbal comment.
With the cup of hot, steaming coffee I went upstairs. I could sense that Bella was awake already, and without announcing my entrance, I opened the door to my study. Bella stood beside the couch, just pulling on a shirt. I got a good look at her upper body. She was wearing tiny, red bra. Damn, my favourite colour. My breath got stuck, and I froze on sight. I barely noticed the cup of coffee slipping out of my hand, not until I heard the thud it was making when it hit the floor.
Bella's head snapped up at the noise. Apparently she hadn't noticed my entrance at all. When she took in my demeanor, she blushed at first, but quickly composed herself again. Her eyes wandered from mine, down to the floor, examining the mess. Suddenly she laughed.
"Bella, I'm ... I'm sorry." I stuttered.
By now she almost doubled over with laughter. "What ... what are ... you apologizing ... for?" She managed to ask, while she was trying to catch her breath. "For seeing me half naked or ruining your own carpet?" I simply stared at her in total astonishment. I stood like an idiot, with my mouth open, stunned speechless. I didn't know how I'd expected her to react, but this ... this was surely the last thing that came to my mind.
She is fucking laughing at me ...
Her amusement about the silly incident was simply mind-boggling but sobering and quite obviously infectious. I could even hear Peter's and Charlotte's laughter from downstairs. They might not have seen anything, thank God, but they had heard every word. I finally couldn't fight it no longer and joined in. When we've finally calmed down some, I turned around, shutting the door with a bang, making Bella jump.
It's time to show you that it's not nice to antagonize a vampire, my sweet, innocent girl ...
I slowly but deliberately closed the distance between Bella and myself, I moving stealthily ... almost like the predator I actually was hunting his prey. I kept my face calm, and my eyes never left hers. When I stood right before her, I put my arms around her, pulling her close to me. I leaned down.
"So, Darlin'. You think this was funny?" I growled into her ear. I could detect a slight shiver running down her spine, and her heartbeat sped up. She wasn't frightened, but excited ... I sensed the slightest trace of her arousal.
Is she for real? She is getting turned on by this? I was surprised, but also immensely pleased by this discovery.
"Is there anything I can do, to make it up to you?" Bella whispered seductively into my ear. I only groaned in answer, swiftly capturing her lips in a heated kiss, before she could say or do something else. She moaned in response, quickly turning this kiss into something dangerous, when she allowing me to thrust my tongue into her mouth. Her luscious scent, her sweet taste, her soft skin on mine ... everything assaulted my senses, making me hard in an instant.
How I was able to even have one lucid thought under the circumstances was truly beyond me. But I knew this was neither the time nor the place for taking this further, like I wanted to ... like she obviously wanted to also. I reluctantly broke our connection, smiling down at her, leaning my forehead against hers, giving her the opportunity to catch her breath and calm down. To be honest I needed to do the same.
"Consider your apology accepted!" I teased, making her laugh in response. I would never tire to hear that sound. I loosened my hold on her, but didn't release her completely. I craved her touch so much in that moment, that I thought it would actually cause me physical pain, if I'd actually let go of her. I gently stroked her face. She closed her eyes, and sighed in pure contentment, leaning into my touch.
"Food's getting cold!" I heard Peter shouting from the kitchen, and I groaned in annoyance. Damn cock blocker! Bella's eyes snapped open, looking at me inquisitively. "Peter." I mouthed, and she giggled. Right this moment her stomach growled.
"There is food and more coffee waiting for you downstairs." I said. "Let me clean up this mess. I meet you in the kitchen in a sec." I added, placing a quick peck on her forehead. She just nodded, and went out of the room, but not before glancing back at me one last time, giving me a dazzling smile.
Oh God, this woman will be the death of me, I swear! But it would be so worth it ...
Just as I'd expected as soon as she was out of my arms and out of the room, a feeling of incompleteness bordering on emptiness crept upon me. Did she feel the same way? My body, my soul ached for her.
This is just crazy! She is like a drug ... and I feel like I'm anxious for my next fix. Weird!
I quickly picked up the broken pieces of the cup, disposing them into the wastepaper basket hidden underneath my desk, and then I went into the bathroom across the hall to retrieve a towel, sweeping up the spilled liquid with it. I knew it wasn't the best way to clean up this mess, but the fastest. I didn't want to waste time apart from Bella with searching for proper cleaning material. I threw the stained clothe into the hamper, and went down to join Bella and the others in the kitchen.
Bella sat at the counter, sipping her coffee. A plate loaded with pancakes and scrambled eggs stood before her. She looked totally at ease. Of course, I knew that she already was quite fond of my brother, but somehow I was a little afraid that Charlotte's presence might make her feel uncomfortable. But I should have known better by now not to underestimate Bella, because it obviously wasn't the case. I could actually sense nothing but curiosity mixed in with a hint of awkwardness ... coming from both of the women in the room, in fact.
"And the Oscar for 'The clumsiest vampire of the year' goes to." Peter greeted me, with a full-sized superior grin on his face.
You wait ... You are so going to pay for this ... once we're alone ... I threatened him, but only in my mind.
Peter smirked at me, knowingly. "So are Bella's tits actually that impressive?" He taunted me.
Charlotte reacted faster than me. Thud. Her hand met the back of Peter's head, hard enough to make him hiss in pain. "Ouch! What was that for, woman?" He wailed, sounding much like Emmett at the moment, and behaving not much differently.
"Like you don't know." She scolded him. "Just be glad, it was my hand instead of Jasper's." She was so right with her assessment. Too bad she beat me to the punch.
"Thank you, Charlotte." Bella said, drawing our combined attention to her. She was a little flushed, sign of her embarrassment due to Peter's uncalled-for choice of words. Fucker!
"For what?" Charlotte asked, totally taken aback by Bella's heartfelt gratitude. I was evenly surprised by her words, but I could also sense a little mischievousness brewing underneath Bella's posture.
"For doing something I am unfortunately not able to do myself ... not unless I want to break my hand in the process. And believe I had my share of hospital visits this year." She said, grinning at Peter's mate.
Charlotte's former indecisive feelings towards Bella changed all of the sudden. "Anytime." She winked at Bella. Both women giggled.
"Hey, no conspiring with my wife ... especially not against me." Peter groaned, playfully. In truth he was as glad as I was to them so at ease with each other. For a moment I wondered if he'd planned this whole thing. Even it was, I couldn't be mad at him this time. "Major, a little help here, please."
"Sorry, dude. You are on your own." I said, playing along.
The rest of the morning went by uneventful. Bella eventually finished her breakfast, thanking Peter over and over again for doing this, which was making me feel not precisely happy.
"See, she likes me better than you." He taunted me, then looking straight at Bella. "Don't you, little lady?"
"Just because you kinda remind me of Esme." She reasoned. That statement did shut my brother up for good, and making the rest of us laugh.
"She's a keeper!" Charlotte whispered. I couldn't agree more.
Charlotte and Peter excused themselves soon after ... leaving to do God knows what. I didn't care, because all I wanted was spending more alone time with Bella. With the others around I had restrained myself to show any kind of affection. It wasn't an easy task, because her body was literally screaming 'Touch me!', and it took a lot of strength not to succumb to my desire. But I thought Bella might not be ready to put our new relationship on display. It was way too soon for that. And to be honest I wasn't ready either. But even though Peter and Charlotte seemed to have figured out that there was something more going on between us than just being friends.
"So do you have any plans for today?" I asked when we were back in my study. She sat on my chair, watching me transform the bed back into its original state.
"No I don't, but I think it's better if I go home right now ... just in case Charlie will be back early." Bella explained.
"Okay, let me take you home." I agreed, smiling when I detected her excitement. But there was something else. Relief? Was she actually thinking that I had something better to do than spending the day with her? That I would just kick her out after all that had happened yesterday? She clearly needed to get over these rejection issues of hers ... but then again, it has been my very own brother who was the source for Bella to feel this way. I surely reminded her of him ... at least in some ways. I didn't like the thought but I understood it to some extent.
"Hey, since Peter and Char are gone, maybe I could spend the day with you ... at your house, keeping you company until your father comes home. What do think?" I suggested casually.
"I'd like that." She answered.
"Good, that's settled then. Pack up your things, and then we can go."
She quickly went into the bathroom to retrieve her toiletries. In the meantime I snatched Rose's letter from where I'd put last night, and stashed it in the back pocket of my jeans. Minutes later we were ready to leave.
"Car or my back?" I asked when we stood on the front porch.
She grinned. "Your back!" Her response was quick and clear. I could clearly remember how much she'd enjoyed the ride yesterday, and I was just as excited as her.
The ride was too damn short for my taste. But I take what I can get, right? I helped her of my back at the edge of the woods near her house, and we walked the rest of the way together. She didn't fumble with the keys like she had done yesterday, but somehow I got the impression that she still was a little nervous about something.
"Would you like to come in?" She asked me, smirking at me. It was the same question she'd asked me the day before. This time I was ready and more than eager to except her invitation.
"Gladly." I replied. She went in first, and I followed her in quietly.
We went straight upstairs to her room. She put down her bag and then turned around to face me. "Well, this is my room ... oh right, you've here before ... yesterday." She blabbered.
I cautiously closed the distance between us, taking her hands into mine. Again the strange electric tremor went through my entire body, but I decided to ignore it for the moment. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to." I reassured her. Maybe she was nervous because she was thinking I would take advantage of her. She needed to know that despite what already had occurred between us, I wouldn't force her to take things further before she was ready, even though I really, really wanted to.
She blushed, clearly realizing what I was referring to. "I know. That's not it."
I guided her to her bed, and we sat down beside each other, barely touching except for our still entwined hands. Maybe it was not the best idea under the circumstances, but it was the only choice, considering she didn't have a couch. At least that was what I kept telling myself. I could have taken a seat on her chair, but I wanted to be as close as possible to her.
"Then tell me, what are you so nervous about?" I asked softly, letting her feel my sympathy.
"How says I'm nervous?" She quipped.
I chuckled at her attempt to distract me. "Empath, remember." I reminded her. "Please, don't feel uncomfortable, just because I can sense your emotions. And please don't feel the need to hide them from me either. I rather like it ... being able to sense what you are feeling. It gives me great comfort." I confessed.
She seemed to take great comfort in my admission. "I only keep my emotions to myself when I think it would hurt you. I don't want that."
God, I love you!
Instead of saying those words out loud, I placed both of my hands on her cheeks, kissing her very gently. "Thank you!" I breathed, when I broke the kiss. She looked sort of dazzled, but didn't say another word.
Her reaction took me by surprise again. She crashed her mouth on mine, pushing me on my back. I eagerly complied, pulling her on top of me. Our tongues duelled for dominance, but eventually settling into a nice rhythm. My hands were groping her back, while hers were buried into my hair. When she needed to breathe, I didn't stop, just began trailing open-mouthed kisses along her chin, down to her throat. I could almost taste the blood pumping through her veins underneath the thin skin there. But this wasn't as distracting or alluring as her scent of arousal. She constantly moaned, making me harder than I already was. I bucked up, letting her know what she was doing to me, how much I wanted her. In answer the grinded her hot core into my groin. Even through the many layers I could feel, how wet she already was. I groaned at the realization.
Take it slow! I reminded myself sternly. But she wants you ... and you want her ...
Suddenly I could hear a car coming down the street, considerably slowing down the closer it came to the house, which could only mean one thing.
Fuck! Speak about bad timing!
I gently pushed against her shoulders. "Bella, we need to stop this, now."
"No, no, no, we don't." She insisted, trying to get me to continue where we've left off by pulling at my hair. I rather liked that, but I knew I needed stop her ... right now.
"Your father is back." I let her know. That seemed to sober her up in an instant. She sat up immediately, still panting hard, her face flushed, both from our
I popped myself up on my elbow, watching her, trying to fix her hair and smoothing her clothes.
"Wait for me here?" She asked timidly.
"Sure, I promise." I said, stealing one last kiss from her. "Now go ... eat ... spend some quality time with your dad." I ordered jokingly.
*
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I sat on Bella's bed, waiting patiently for her to finish her dinner with her dad. Well, maybe not so patiently. I already missed her closeness terribly … her touch, her warmth. I grinned, replaying the earlier events in my mind. It had taken everything to stop myself from taking her right then. I wanted her badly, and this desire seemed to increase with time. But considering that she didn't have any experience in this department, I should take this slow … for her sake. But she didn't make it easy to accomplish that.
Try harder!
Unfortunately, I didn't have a chance to show Bella the letter my sister had left me, like I had originally planned when I came here.
Funny, how things turn out.
For a moment there, I was imagining how Bella would actually react. I was pretty sure that Bella would appreciate my sister's honesty, and knowing that she was quite perceptive, I wouldn't put it passed her, to read between the lines, maybe even realizing that Edward hasn't left her for her own good but because he actually didn't really love her. At least that was what I was convinced of. I was concerned how she would take this.
But on the other hand, maybe now she would see Rose's true nature, the one my sister has been hiding from her and the rest of the family. Leaving Bella without her consent, without giving her the chance to say goodbye in person, has made quite an impact on both my sister and my brother. I still hoped that Bella would be able to forgive both of them ... at least in time. But knowing Bella, the odds were in their favour.
Gotta love that girl ... I sure do ...
Suddenly my beeper buzzed. Peter had given me this thing a few weeks ago. At the time I'd wondered why he hadn't given me a cell phone instead, but he'd just said he had his reasons. Cryptic son of a bitch!
I pulled the thing out of my pocket, and read the message.
GET BACK TO THE HOUSE. RIGHT NOW! THERE IS A PROBLEM. P.
Problem? What kind of problem could there be? Did the family return? I doubted that. But whatever it was, it was urgent enough for Peter to let me know. I didn't want to leave, but when the second message came in, repeating the words 'RIGHT NOW' plus a dozen exclamation points, I knew that I had to check it out.
I went over to Bella's desk, picking up a piece of paper and a pen. I wrote Bella a message, telling her that I went home, but promised to return later. I actually felt bad not telling her the truth. But what could I have told her anyway? Until I didn't know what was going on, I didn't want her to worry. I wrote Peter's cell number down, just in case.
I placed the letter in the middle of her bed, where she would find it immediately, and then I was out the window, running home. It only took me minutes.
Peter stood on the porch, scanning the immediate area. He was tense, which was not a good sign. When I reached the house, I could pick up the scent of another vampire right away.
"Someone has been here." I stated the obvious.
"Yes." He confirmed. His voice was strained. "I didn't' recognize the scent. I thought you might though."
I took in a deep breath. The scent was faint, but still strong enough to identify its owner. A low, but menacing growl escaped my chest.
Bella POV
After dinner I cleaned up the kitchen and Charlie went into the living room to watch some game. I took my time, because I already knew that nobody was waiting in my room upstairs. How I knew this was still unclear to me. It was just like yesterday, when he'd showed up at my window. I had known beforehand, had felt him coming … It was like a buzzing at the back of my mind, telling me when he was near. This feeling had disappeared while I was talking to Charlie during dinner.
I wonder why I had never felt this kinda connection with Edward … I mused for a second, but I quickly discarded that thought.
I wasn't mad that Jasper didn't say goodbye in person. How could he, with my father in the house? I was just a little disappointed, and anxious to be honest. Something important must have come up, otherwise why would he break his promise to wait for my return.
Maybe he just went hunting …
Just when I'd finished the dishes, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it." I shouted from the kitchen. I could hear Charlie grunt in approval. On my way to the door, I could see that my father hadn't made one move, his eyes fixed on the TV.
Way to go, Dad. Chivalry is dead.
I finally opened the door, and was more than surprised, when I recognized the person standing on our porch.
A/N Oh, oh … again with two evil cliffhanger this time *taking cover behind the couch, sniggering*.
Sorry, guys! I promise not to leave you hanging for too long. In the meantime, leave me a message and share your thoughts and guesses with me. Thanks!!!