If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?

William Shakespeare

Beta: Jessipooks

Pre-readers: Mist/LuvinJ

Chapter 2: With Just The Right Bait...

BPOV:

Not having the best day already, I started out the door on my lunch break when Milly,gave me a message from Esme Cullen. Apparently she thought it would be a good idea for us to sit down and talk about the child custody battle with Edward and I. What the hell was wrong with this family? How many times did my attorney have to warn them to leave me alone? This family either had some serious balls or just thick fucking heads. Throwing the message in the trash I raced out the front door to meet up with my college roommate, Alice Brandon, around the corner.

She texted me right before my break that she bought lunch for us today and really wanted a chance to chat with me. Walking into her cute, cozy boutique, a strong scent of lavender filled my nostrils. I could feel the calming effects at once. Glancing around I saw several new items she stocked recently that I longed to purchase. With my budget being so tight these days, I would have to put anything I wanted on lay away. Alice only gave me this service. It was one of the perks of knowing the owners deepest and darkest secrets.

"Hey girl." Alice called out as she walked out from behind the counter and past me. I watched as she locked the door and put the "out to lunch" card in place. We walked to the back of the store to eat.

"Mmmm..." The french bread smelt wonderful, making my mouth water up as I quickly sat down to open up the metal covered tray. Alice knew how much I enjoyed Italian food, so it took me no time to devour it.

"So what's up with that frown you wore when you stepped in?" Alice asked between chewing.

"Oh. Well..." Licking my lips before continuing. "Esme called my work again and requested a meeting with me to discuss my case."

"I swear!" Alice shook her head in disbelief.

"I'm not going to meet her."

"You shouldn't. Okay, so I wanted to have lunch with you because you were too busy last night to give me the deets about dinner at Rachel's last night."

"Haha! You won't believe what happened. Billy wants to help me and I understand that but when he suggested that I marry his son in order to help me keep my daughter I thought I was going to choke on my food."

"WHAT?" Alice spit out her water.

"I know right. Can you say crazy much!"

"Ummm...doesn't Jake live in Seattle? How would that work out with you living and working here?" Alice teased.

"I think he does. I don't know, I don't keep up with the way he abandoned his family I'm not exactly a big fan of his."

"So do you know him at all?"

"When I was a kid I would visit my Dad and play with them. I don't think I've seen him since we were like ten maybe eleven."

Covering her face with her hands, small giggles slip between Alice's fingers.

"What's so funny?"

"Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"

"Give me the good maybe it will make the bad news more tolerable."

"Okay, here goes. Jake graduated with us. He came to our school I think Sophomore year. All the girls were crazy about him. He was like six foot two, dark skinned and muscular. Everything a hormonal teenage girl could dream about."

"And?"

"Well, the bad news is, he knew he was everything we teenage girls could dream about."

"Haha! So did you date Mr. I Know I'm Hot?"

"NOPE! See up until my senior year no one really noticed me much. I was the girl with bad skin, braces, and ugly glasses. My parents finally had mercy on me and took me to a dermatologist, the braces were ready to be removed and we decided I was responsible enough for contacts. Over night, I was one of the beauties of Forks High, which is how I won the heart of my beloved Jasper Whitlock."

"He didn't notice you until you were pretty?"

"Not exactly. We were good friends and I tutored him but he hung out with Edward and his so called popular group who wouldn't approved of him dating me. Not when I looked like that." Alice shivered recalling her past image.

"So I guess Jake hung out in Edward's popular group."

"Umm...he did at first but something happened, I think. I can't really remember all the details."

"I can't imagine Jake hanging out with Edward at all."

Goosebumps covered my arms, anytime I thought about Edward it sicken me.

"I guess marrying Jake wouldn't be the worse ideal you've had."

"I didn't have the idea, Billy did. And are you crazy! When I get married it will be for love and nothing else."

"Trust me Bella, there were many girls back in the day that swore they loved Jake. You have to see the grown up version of him to understand what I'm talking about." Alice playfully fanned herself.

"Knock it off." I laughed whole heartedly. We both knew that her heart belonged to Jasper.

"Well, if you change your mind and marry him I will be a little envious of you. I had a few fantasies about him but of course nothing came out of them."

"HaHa. I can't imagine you with anyone but Jasper." I sighed.

I was envious of her at the moment. She was blessed to have such a wonderful guy who not only adored her but was full heartedly devoted to her. If I could find such a man like that, I would definitely marry him in a heartbeat.

"As much fun as this has been I need to go back and work."

"Okay. Call me later." Alice gave me a quick hug before I left.

Entering the bakery I pushed all the negative thoughts from my mind and focused on the food I needed to prepare for tomorrow's menu as well as a catering job that Milly wanted me to help her with for some extra cash.

It didn't take me long to forget my worries as I immersed myself in the world of cookbooks and my other joy, cooking.

XXX

Waving goodbye at Milly I made my way out of the bakery and started to walk out to my parked truck when my eyes landed on Esme Cullen leaning next to it. She stuck out like a sore thumb dressed in an expensive suit, her hair perfectly in place, and her latest botox smile stuck on her face.

"Isabella." Esme's voice made my blood run cold. Why did she have to keep pushing herself in my life? What did she possibly think she could say to me that would erase the memories of the abuse her son inflicted on me, in the short time that I played the role of his victim?

"Esme, please don't talk to me. My attorney has already told yours we aren't allowed to speak until we go to court." My voice was strained as I struggled with the anger that boiled deep within me.

"I am completely aware of this but as Charlotte's grandmother I feel that I must talk to you. Bella, there is so much you don't know about Edward. You two weren't together long enough for you to get to see his good side." Esme began to ramble quickly as I walked around her and opened my truck door.

My head whipped around, my eyes widen with shock at her stupidity.

"Excuse me? I don't think it's possible that your son ever had a good side." I knew it was cruel to say to a mother but I snapped. This whole process of fighting for my daughter's safety was starting to take it's toll on me.

"That's not true Bella. He did. I swear he was once such a good and loving person." Esme didn't even flinch as I continued to look at her like she had gone mad.

"Well, I'm afraid he is no longer that man. Please stay away from me and Charlotte. Let the court make the decision." My voice lowered as I fought back the urge to wrap my hands around her skinny neck and strangle the life out of her.

She had no right to stand here and try to justify what a wonderful son she thought she raised. We both knew good and well, that Edward didn't really want Charlotte because he felt any paternal instincts. He just wanted our daughter so he could sway his power on me once again.

"Bella, be practical. We have more money than you do. We can prolong this case for as long as we want. Don't lose all your money trying to fight something you will never win."

Her words sliced through me like glass. Looking her directly in the eyes I hoped my final words to her might sink into her thick head.

"My father was smart enough to document every bruise and marking your son put on me. You might have more money than me, but I have the truth on my side. Win or lose I want the good citizens of Forks to know what an abusive jerk your son is." Climbing into my truck, before I really let all my anger loose on her, I slam the door and sped out of the parking lot.

XXX

JPOV:

The air seemed thick with lust and greed as I walked into one of my favorite clubs where several knew me. I waved at the bartender who nodded his head and began to make my favorite drink as I proceeded to work my way through the crowd of bodies. Finally reaching the marble countertop, I reached out for my bourbon and took a long needed drink before turning around to cast a look at tonight's crowd.

Sadly, I didn't see anything that struck me as much of a challenge. Most of the women there were either too young for my taste or I'd already seen them throw themselves at most of the men here. It was starting to look like I might actually go home alone. Of course I had my famous black book that held plenty of numbers should I ever need a night of company. I tried to keep myself from ever straying back to any one woman. I didn't want to give them the illusion they meant more to me than a good night's fuck.

My phone buzzed in my trouser pocket. Reaching in I pulled it out and looked at the caller. Shit. Tyler. My bookie and old college classmate.

Tyler was the guy who introduced me into the dark and exciting world of gambling. Going to school on a scholarship and working four nights a week to earn a meager amount of money, sucked. Tyler showed me how to take my tip money and turn it into real cash, real fast. What he didn't warn me about, was what would happen if you lost big. I mean, real big.

At the start of my Senior year of college I was in need of some money, so being the foolish guy I was, I gambled with my tuition money. Hoping to win enough to buy me my own car, instead I lost it all and owed even more. Fearing that I might have to quit school and go back home was the last of my worries with Jesse and his goons showed up after my shift at work and gruesomely beat me up. My father was of course notified and within a few hours showed up at the hospital. He bailed me out of my debt and swore never to do it again. It cost me my summer vacation plans. The summer that I graduated I had to come home and let my dad show me off to everyone.

Once the summer was up, I fled town and never allowed myself to get in that kind of situation again until recently when I found myself tempted to see if my luck had returned. Like a dumbass I gambled big. It was time to pay the piper.

Knowing it was fruitless to try and ignore the call I answered it.

"Hello."

"Hey Jake. Look I know you hate when I call you like this, but dude Jesse is looking for you. You didn't meet your deadline again." Tyler coughed nervously.

"What? I thought I had two more weeks?" The pit of my stomach dropped to the floor,and the bourbon began to burn like I had drank battery acid.

"NOPE! He said you had one month from the time you made the bet." Tyler replied.

"Shit! I don't get paid again until the first of the month." I sighed heavily as I gulped down the rest of my drink.

"Seriously, Jake. I doubt you are expecting a fifty thousand dollar paycheck. Call your old man to bail you out again unless you don't care about that pretty face of yours." Tyler's warning rang loudly in my ears. I felt suddenly cold and clammy. Gulping hard I looked around the room, checking to see if any of Jesse's guys were mixed in the crowd.

I couldn't afford to get my face smashed in again. The company I worked for would not only frown on it, but they would let me go in a heartbeat. Mr. Whitley was dying for a reason to fire me, especially now that he was positive I was fucking his precious little princess.

"Fuck." I growled, slamming the glass on the counter.

"I know you hate the idea, but for that kind of money it will be far worse than last time."

"No shit!"

"Get out of town Jake, find a way to get that money and then haul your ass here with it."

Tyler hung up the phone before I could response. Shoving my phone in my pocket I left the club quickly. Racing home I knew it was only a matter of time before Jesse or a group of his thugs would arrive on my doorstep. Grabbing some clothes, I shoved them in my overnight bag and locked up before racing out. On my way to my cruiser I realized that I had no idea where to head to next. I couldn't stay in town. They had eyes and ears all over the place.

Hitting the highway I found myself heading toward LaPush. The last damn place I needed to be at the moment, especially after my sisters visit earlier in the week. If by chance she was telling the truth and my father was truly going to give me my trust fund now, then it would be a godsend. However, if there was some sort of catch behind his offer, well, then I was fucked again. One way or another I had to get my hands on fifty grand and quick. I wanted to keep my face the way it was and I definitely didn't enjoy the thought of losing any limbs.

XXX

Driving into the city limits of LaPush I pulled over to the side of the road as I stared down the path in front of me. A sudden feeling of dread washed over me. How long had it been since I visited? Would people even care I was home? Did I really want to associate with people I once washed my hands of? Could I pretend to be the guy they once knew?

My life was my own making and I didn't regret that. I learned much and I saw plenty of things that I would've never known or experienced here. Looking at the light filled homes, I recalled some bad memories of my past and I felt not only dread, but disgust.

No, I was no longer the carefree guy who once gave his all to those he cared the most about. That guy died many years ago. The people who knew me then, we're going to meet an entirely new Jake Black. I knew they would hate this version but oh well, it was who I wanted to be and they would have to just suck my balls if they didn't like it.

Putting my vehicle in drive, I found myself driving straight through LaPush and into a town with more light filled homes and plenty more of life in it. The town of Forks was always a bit more glamorous than my homeland of LaPush. It was one of the main reasons I agreed to join their football team and transfer to their High School. I wanted to be a part of something bigger than what I was raised in. I wanted to feel important. It wasn't enough for me that I held the blood of chiefs in my veins, that my father was the wealthiest man of our people, or that I was the most popular among my peers. No, I wanted to be in a bigger pond where I could work my way up to the top of the food chain. I managed to get this due to my athletic skills. The coach caught me playing on the beach with my friends and seeing how his team sucked big time, he approached my old man about letting me attend their school.

At first my dad was dead against it. When the coach mentioned how I would have great opportunities for scholarships if I played well enough, my dad began to grow keen to the idea. Hell, if he didn't have to pay for my college then he could save a few bucks. He already had the luck of paying for both of my sisters and was quite aware of the costs involved. Us going to college gave our father bragging rights among his people. He liked showing off how his brood was so superior to the rest of them. It once made me embarrassed as hell but later I grew to respect his strive to impress others and perhaps my own vanity stemmed from that.

What he didn't predict was my major didn't exactly fall into an area where I could efficiently run his business. I minored in business, but I majored in advertising. My father was flabbergasted to learn the degree I spent four years of my life to earn.

That's when the first of many heated arguments begun between us. He tried to convey how important it was for me to take over his business someday and how the people of LaPush counted on us to provide many of our people with work. It was hard to argue with that but then I would remind myself how I had a right to take care of myself first. The people of LaPush wouldn't die with out our business, no they might have to find work elsewhere but it wouldn't be the end of an entire tribe's existence either.

Pulling up into the parking area of a newer and stylish hotel I grabbed my bags and entered with a weary smile. I was more than tired, I was exhausted. However, I knew I wouldn't get much sleep if I even tried. Paying for the best suite they offered I put my things in my room and sat on the edge of the bed.

Today did not end the way I would've liked it too but at least for now I wasn't beaten up or worse dead.

XXX

Waking up a little after nine I took a shower and put on some clothes before I could force myself to call my Dad. I knew he was expecting me to call sooner or later. Becca's offer was far too tempting, especially now in my predicament, to resist seeing what he would offer me in exchange for my trust fund.

The phone rang a few times before directing me to voice mail. Feeling annoyed and anxious I grabbed my wallet and keys and started out of to my Dad's house. If Dad was as sick as Becca claimed then he should be close to the house and not running about.

My instincts were on full alert as I drove up to the front of the house. Stepping out I wasn't surprised to see not much had changed since I left. The house was still painted in the same shade of barn red that my mother enjoyed. It was suppose to match the old barn out back on the border of our property. I used the barn as my own personal haven when I didn't want to deal with the old man'scranky moods.

Walking up the front steps I couldn't shake the nervous feeling from last night when I arrived into town. Why was I acting like some teenage coward? It wasn't like my dad could ground me if I didn't want to accept his terms in order to receive my trust fund.

I knocked on the door and waited for a response. When none came I turn the doorknob and once again wasn't surprised in the least, to find that it wasn't locked as I stepped inside and hollered in.

"Dad. It's Jake. Anyone here?"

No answer just a creepy old silent house. Closing the door behind me I forced my wobbly legs to walk up the stairs toward his room. If he was really ill, wouldn't he be in bed? Why wasn't there anyone here helping him? Something didn't feel right about any of this.

A door closed upstairs, I stopped in mid step and listen for a clue as to who might be up there. Footsteps started toward the stairs. Taking a few steps back, carefully I stepped back down into the front entry way as I watched my father's aging body halt at the top of the stairs. His eyes looked down at me. Inwardly I cringed. He didn't seem too shocked or pleased to see me.

"Jake, is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me dad."

"Oh." He gradually made his way down. I noticed that it took him longer than normal. He held tightly onto the rail. My heart lurched for a moment as I took in his appearance. When had he grown so old? There were wrinkles that I hadn't seen before, his dark hair was covered with more grayand the way he stood,made him look less tall.

"I'm glad you could find the time to visit me." He chuckled bitterly.

"What can I say, I'm trying to go for the best son award." I snickered.

"Uhmp. Let's go to the living room." He walked in front of me, I followed like the good little boy he expected me to be. Once he was comfortable in his old and shabby recliner, I found my usual spot on the couch. Glancing around the room I noticed nothing was out of place. The only thing new was a picture of him with Charlie Swan next to his picture of him and my mother.

"Son, I'm glad you came. I hoped Becca would be able to convince you to come. I have to say it wasn't easy to talk her into such a trip."

"I imagine it wasn't. Becca only likes to take shopping trips."

"True. Thankfully her ex-husband is still giving her plenty of money to help her maintain the living she has grown accustomed too."

I nearly choked on my tongue. Ex-husband? What the hell happened while I was away? She was over the moon in love with the guy she brought home her senior year of college. She swore he was her perfect match as I recalled.

"It seems that Kirk found another woman more to his liking." He explained, as if he had read my mind.

"That must have really pissed her off." I bit down on my tongue, trying not to smile.

"It did. It cost Kirk half of his money. I hope that new wife of his was worth it." My dad sighed heavily, leaning his head back against the chair.

"Enough about Becca. Let's talk about why you are here. You want your money, don't you?"

I didn't even blink an eye as I responded to his question.

"Yes."

"Your mother's father left you each a large sum of money after he sold all his stock and investments and of course there is the money from your mother's life insurance policy added to it. The money has earned interest after all these years and I think you will be quite pleased with the amount you will receive." His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Bracing myself for what he would say next, I knew it would come at a price. There was no such thing as a gift from my dad.

"You have ten million dollars waiting on you at the bank, all I have to do is sign some papers."

Still holding my breathe I waited for the other shoe to fall.

"But before I do that, I need you to do me a favor."

Here we go.

"What kind of favor?" I hoped my voice didn't shake as much as my knees were starting too.

"I need you to marry someone for me."

My mouth dropped wide open. I was pretty sure it had hit the floor. Marriage? He was going to force me to marry someone for the money? That I didn't see coming, not by a long shot. I was gambling on him to offer me to take up his position at the business or something related to it, but nevermarriage.

"Are you kidding me?" I gasped for air.

"Nope. There is a young lady who has been quite good to this family and especially to me. I need you to marry her, it will help her keep full custody of her child."

"She has a kid too? Are you kidding me Dad! Are you heavily medicated?" I shouted.

"Jake, I know you think I'm losing my marbles with my old age and my bad health but this is important to me. I need you son, to help me keep my word to her father."

"What the hell are you talking about exactly? Whose father? Why can't she keep custody of her kid without getting married? Lots of single mothers keep their kid."

"It's Bella Swan son. Do you remember her? Her father saved my life the night of the accident and he helped me from truly going insane afterwards. He passed away and before he did he asked me to watch over his daughter and his grandchild. Bella is trying to keep the child's father from obtaining full custody of her." His eyes filled up with a mixture of tears and anger as his voice rose.

"Okay, I get that you want to help a old friend out but Dad, I can't marry her. I don't want to marry anyone right now. I'm only twenty-five years old. I have so much more living to do. Taking a wife is the last thing on my bucket list." I shook my head back and forth like a child refusing to take their medicine.

Standing up I walked over to the fireplace staring down at the ashes and wondered how in the world could I convince my dad to give me that money without having to lose my freedom to a girl I met a couple of times when I was a kid.

"Jacob. Bella needs us to protect her and her daughter from this man."

"Dad, come on. Bella is a grown woman. Can't she find someone else to marry her?"

"She's quite beautiful son. Don't doubt that for a second. It's not like men haven't tried to win her heart over the yearsbut shortly after having her daughter her father grew deathly ill and she stuck by him. Now, she is either consumed with working or spending time with her child. She doesn't want a man in her life. Not after what the last one did to her." He scoffed furiously.

"Okay, so she got knocked up. Big deal. Lots of women make that mistake." I still couldn't see how me marrying her would help her situation.

"She doesn't want the father near her child Jake. She is scared to death of him. " He continued to argue ferociously.

"Are you serious? Who is this man that has her so scared and obviously you in agreement with her fears?"

There was no way in hell, I was going to marry her but I was grossly curious at who would not only knock up Chief Swan's daughter but also whocaused such fear in her and my father. The Bella I knew was fearless. She was also extremely clumsy as hell. Several times when we played together she would end up in the kitchen with my mother applying bandages on her wounds.

"Edward Cullen."

My father spoke the last name I thought I would ever hear come out of his mouth.

"Are you fucking kidding me?"

The first time in my life I felt light headed.

"No. His parents are helping him. So you can see how she doesn't have a fighting chance."

"Mmm...this changes everything." I mumbled before I stormed out of the house.

"What did you say?" My father asked but I ignored him as I walked past him and opened the front door. I needed air and space to think. My blood pressure was higher than a kid on his first experience with weed.

Standing on the front porch I considered my options. With the knowledge that Bella was trying to keep Edward from his own child and the fact that I needed the money quick, I already knew my answer. Although it sicken me to the core that I was about to make one of the biggest mistakes of my life, I had no other choice. Looking on the bright side, not only would I be richer but I would also get my chance at a long awaited revenge.

XXX