"Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional."
― Roger Crawford

AMOC Chapter 16: The Battle Within

JPOV:

Charlotte watched the television screen while I instructed the movers. I was excited to see my new billiards table in the game room. I always wanted one but my apartment wasn't designed for such a refined piece of entertainment. Bella left for work around eight, later than normal. She insisted on going in to help Milly with the delivery truck, although technically she was supposed to be on vacation for several more days.

The contractors arrived after she left and began to place the stainless steel stove and refrigerator that I ordered along with the new cabinets. I mentioned to Bella that I wouldn't pick out the paint or the flooring for the room, this would be something she could choose. She seemed half delighted with my offer. Honestly, I didn't think she would care that much about decorating the room as much as she would enjoy cooking in it. Women, who knew what they were thinking?

I spoke with the head contractor about the wood flooring I wanted in the family room and hallways before I grabbed Charlotte and took her to grab some lunch in town. We were both famished when we arrived to meet Bella.

Sitting in a booth we all ordered our food. Afterwards I gave Bella an update on the house's status. I couldn't help but notice she seemed in better spirits than when she left this morning.

"How is work?" I asked while stirring my straw lazily in the glass.

"Good. We got a big order for the fall festival. I'm excited to try my hand at a new pumpkin recipe I found." She replied eagerly.

"That's interesting."

"Yep. How about you? I mean, do you have any plans after the house repairs for employment?"

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I pondered over that question. Advertising was a passion of mine but over the past year I found myself growing wearisome with the constant indulgent that most clients expected of us.

"Not sure." I admitted.

"Your father and Paul mentioned the company needed some good advertising. Maybe you can offer them your services."

I frowned at her as the waitress set our plates down in front of us. I waited until she left the table to respond.

"They wouldn't like what I charge." I half joked.

"I think after the money your father provided you with that helping him with your expertise for free would come naturally to you." She cocked an eyebrow as she shoved a fork full of salad in her mouth.

"You don't know me well enough. I don't do free. I'm worth what I charge, trust me." I winked at her.

"Seriously! You should help out your family." She rolled her eyes with a frustrated look on her face.

"If they really need my help that badly then Dad will let me know."

Eating my burger and fries I listened as Charlotte told her mother about her day so far in between bites of her chicken nuggets and fries. Bella in return told her what she had done for half of her day. The two of them were so engrossed in their conversation with one another that I felt like an outsider.

"I was thinking we could grill tonight." I spoke out loud.

"Oh. Do we have a grill?"

"I had the movers grab your father's."

I saw the light dimmer in her eyes. I imagined she was remembering all the times he grilled food for them.

"Oh." She lowered her head and shoved the remnants of her salad around for a few seconds.

"When will the stove be ready?" She inquired.

"Today or tomorrow."

"Good. And the fridge?"

"Definitely today. I warned them that I wouldn't be happy if I returned and it wasn't ready." I chuckled.

"I will go shopping before I come home."

"Charlotte and I can go to the grocery store. I'm sure you will be tired when you get home." I offered.

"Um... well then let me write down a few things."

She grabbed a small notepad and pen from her purse and wrote out a list for me. I noticed how she made little hearts over her "i"'s. It reminded me of the notes I used to get from girls in school.

Watching her I couldn't stop myself from feeling a sense of pride in my new bride. She was genuinely sweet and I liked that about her. I could see now why my father was so fond of her and had such a strong urge to protect her.

"Okay. We are on it." I high fived Charlotte who giggled in return.

"Well, I need to get back." Bella wiped her hands and mouth with a wipey she pulled out of her purse and handed Charlotte a fresh one as well.

"See you tonight."

"Yep."

Bella kissed Charlotte on the top of her head and flashed me a quick smile before leaving.

"I say we get an ice cream sundae before we go shopping."

Charlotte nodded her head in agreement with a big smile plastered on her face.

XXX

BPOV:

"Thanks Bella for coming in but seriously take the days off that I offered you and spend some time with that handsome new husband of yours." Milly smiled softly at me.

"I will." I conceded.

Walking to my car I felt as if I was being watched. Checking myself to make sure I got everything I needed before opening my driver's side, I felt someone's hand on my shoulder, causing me to jump slightly.

Turning around I saw the hand belonged to Lauren. What was up with her? Why did she always make a point to stop me and chit chat as if we were somehow old friends when I barely knew her and what little I did know, well, I didn't like her much.

"Hi Bella. I see you are already back to work. I would've thought that rich husband of yours would have kept you home." Lauren cocked an eyebrow as she curled her thin lips up to form a smile but it didn't quite reach her eyes.

"I like working. Jake understands that I like being independent." I replied quickly hoping to get in my car and escape from any further annoying questions.

"That's nice. Did he also like the fact that he bought my house. Well, my grandparents house. It was suppose to be mine when I turned twenty one but my parents lost it when they filed for bankruptcy." Lauren snickered.

"Ummm...didn't know that."

"I bet you didn't. Look Bella, I think you are a nice girl who has gotten caught up in a game that,well, quite frankly you will lose at." She sighed heavily.

"Lauren, I don't know what you mean by a game and I don't think you know anything about me."

"Oh I know more than you think. You are trying to make everyone in this town see you as someone worth paying attention too. I mean, you got the rich husband, the rich ex boyfriend who is the father of your only child, and now the biggest house in town. I know this game, I've played it before." Lauren's tongue grazed her sharp teeth as she glared at me with venom in her eyes.

"I'm not playing at anything and trust me we are nothing alike."

"Haha. You keep telling yourself that. When the cards fall we will see who is still in the game."

I got in my car and tried to close the door but she grabbed a hold of it and looked down at me with a menacing smile.

"I play to win Bella and I definitely don't lose to girls like you who aren't even worth the dirt on my shoes."

Before I could respond she slammed my car door and strolled casually down the sidewalk. My heart was racing and my temper was stirred up. Taking several deep breathes I pushed all my anger aside and told myself that Lauren was just jealous and petty. She lost Jake and that was her own fault not mine. Her loss was my gain and if she continued to threaten me, she might discover that I was far from a tame kitten.

XXXX

BPOV:

The smell of the grill greeted me as I walked up the driveway. Standing outside the front door I looked up at the house and felt a tinge of pride. Lauren was right, the house was the largest in town but she was wrong if she thought I would let her walk all over me. Opening the door I was in awe at the work Jake had managed to get done while I was away. I could never accuse him of being a slacker.

Walking into the kitchen I found Jake putting the final touches on the meat before picking up the platter to head out to the grill.

"Hey." I called out as I followed him out the back door.

"Hey." He replied happily while opening the grill and strategically placing the meat upon it.

"What do you think? Looks good, uh." He smiled proudly.

"It does." I nodded my head in agreement.

"I left the salad and bread for you to prepare."

"Oh, yea me!"

"Well, didn't want to do it ALL by myself. I know how you like to participate." He winked lazily at me.

"Cute." I mumbled under my breath.

The steaks would take awhile to cook so I decided to go in search of my daughter. I knew she was well taken care of today. Watching her and Jake interact at the diner was interesting and a little endearing. They were definitely bonding and I knew I should be feeling ecstatic about it but I wasn't.

If Charlotte grew closer to Jake then it would break her heart when this all came to an end. What kind of mother does that to her own child? I mean, I'm giving her a father that she needs but years from now I will have to face the truth and tell her why Jake and I got married. It would cause her pain and perhaps cheapen me in her eyes. I was going to burn in hell for this deceit.

Jogging up the stairs I found her playing with her dollies. She was having a tea party with them. This was the life I wanted for her. I wanted her to feel secure and loved. I was able to provide her with these things, so why did I still feel so awful?

"Mommy!"

Charlotte noticed my presence and came barreling at me. Bending my knees I scooped her up in my arms and held her tightly against me. The smell of sugar and everything nice filled my nostrils. She was so perfect. She was my baby. No matter what happened in the future I would always do whatever was necessary to keep her safe and innocent from the horrible truths of the world.

XXX

Dinner was delicious. Jake definitely had a magic touch with the grill. The conversation we shared was pleasant. Jake couldn't wait to show me his latest purchase that was now sitting in our game room.

OUR.

That was one word I never thought I would say. How strange to sit here in a new home with my husband and daughter and to feel like this was the most natural thing for me. A year ago I wouldn't have even dreamed of such a day. No, a year ago I was still crying over the loss of my father, terrified of Edward and what his family were planning to do once they learned the truth about Charlotte's true genetics. Now that all seemed like a lifetime ago.

"Can I go?" Charlotte asked.

"After I do dishes I will give you a bath." I replied.

"I can do dishes while you give her a bath." Jake offered.

"Are you sure? It's customary in my family that the cook gets to rest after such a fine meal."

"I appreciate the compliment but you are at the moment the only breadwinner in the house so it's only fair that I help with some of the domestic duties."

"Really." I chewed on the corner of my lip while staring at him with curiousness.

"Really. What? You act like you've never heard of a man doing dishes before." Jake chuckled roughly.

"Not one such as yourself."

"Ohhhh! What makes me so different?" His eyebrows raised as he put his hands together and sat his chin on it. Charlotte laughed as she watched our interaction.

"Where would you like me to start? The list is long." I laughed nervously.

"So you've made a list of my differences compared to other men in your life?" His eyes shined with a mutual curiosity.

My cheeks grew warm as his eyes began to glow with a sensual spark that made my stomach clenched up in knots.

"I will go give Charlotte that bath now."

Gulping hard I took Charlotte's hand and started to lead her out of the room.

"When you get back we are going to talk about that list." He warned me.

I smiled tightly at him before rushing us both out of the room.

XXX

Jake came upstairs as I was putting Charlotte to bed.

"Good-night Jake." Charlotte yawned as I covered her up.

"Night Charlotte." Jake waved from the door as I made my way over to him.

Turning off the light I left the door open as we quietly made our way downstairs.

"Now that she is asleep I insist on taking you to my new prized toy." Jake announced grabbing my wrist and pulling me to the game room.

Opening the wooden oak doors he smiled excitedly as we stood and looked at the expensive billiard table in the center of the room.

"You got a pool table." I frowned.

"Yeah, isn't it a beauty."

He walked over to it, stroking the sides of it like it was a woman's leg. His eyes widen with pride and beamed with joy. This was the side of Jake that I found so mesmerizing. One minute he was like a kid at heart and then a few minutes later he was cold as a winter breeze. What happened to him? What led him to act like such a non caring human being?

Suddenly I remembered my run in with Lauren and how she threatened me. How did she break his heart? Was she one of the reasons that Jake became the man he was now?

"What's wrong? Do you hate it?" Jake frowned at me.

"No. It's lovely. I didn't know you liked playing pool."

"Yeah, it's something that I use to do with my friends after school. We would slip into the pool halls and make us some extra dough." He rubbed the back of his neck and gave me a weak smile.

"Do you play?" He asked.

"A little. Dad tried to teach me a couple of times but...I wasn't too good."

"I bet I can teach you a few tricks."

He gazed at me with a heated look that made my panties wet with desire. I could just imagine him inside of a dirty old pool hall, gambling his money and having a few drinks while the women watched his every move passionately.

"Maybe." I mumbled.

"So what's on your mind? You look like something is troubling you."

"Actually, I did have a run in with Lauren today. You left out something important about this house's history."

"I did?" He looked puzzled.

"You know about the previous owners who happened to be the grandparents to a one Lauren who is also your old High School sweetheart. She has it in her head that you purchased this house to hurt her somehow."

Jake's earlier happiness suddenly disappeared. His eyes were no longer light and merry but filled with a darkness that sent shivers up my spine.

"She is a fool, Bella. I wanted this house for the mere size of it and because it's a nice house."

"I hoped you would say that." I exhaled loudly.

"Why wouldn't I?" His voice sounded icey and unfeeling.

"She sees me as an enemy and pretty much threw down her gauntlets and warned me that we were at war with one another." I crossed my arms over my chest as our eyes locked.

"That is absurd!" Jake snickered.

"I agree but my womanly intuition warns me that Lauren is about to start trouble for us."

"She can't start trouble where there is none."

"I think that she hoped you would come back for her and that you two would be married and living in this house, not me."

His nostrils flared, his hands curled up in fists by his side, and the looked he wore frightened me.

"I would never make her my wife." He replied firmly and without hesitation.

"Whatever happened between you two is your business but I'm warning you Jake, she isn't over you."

Jake lifted his hands and ran his fingers through the sides of his hair as he stared up at the ceiling for a moment. The room no longer felt warm and loving but was now filled with pain and a coldness that made me rub my upper arms.

"I'm sorry if I upset you. I just thought I should be honest with you."

Jake lowered his head and looked across the pool table at me. I watched as the anger began to subside and the man I found so attractive earlier was starting to reappear.

"You didn't upset me, not directly. Forget about Lauren and her feeble threats. I won't ever let her hurt you. I promise."

I watched as he strolled around the table and filled up the space between us. His hands reached out and grabbed my arms as he pulled me up against him.

"You are my wife Bella and I won't let anyone hurt even a hair on your head." His voice was filled with conviction and instantly I believed him.

"I know." I smiled softly.

He pressed his lips against my forehead for a brief moment and for a second, I felt complete.

"We should go to bed." He whispered before releasing me.

I simply nodded my head and walked out of the room. Making my way up the stairs I knew he was close behind me. I didn't want to upset him further so I remained silent until I reached my door. Turning around I expected to see him at his own door but instead he was a mere inch from me.

"What's wrong?" I asked as I leaned my head back against the door and stared up into his eyes.

They were dark again but not like before. They screamed seduction and need but I couldn't give him what his eyes were asking for. No, it was too soon for us to be physical again. I needed to have my head on straight and my heart locked away before I could allow myself the pleasure of having sex with him.

"Good night Jake." I moaned.

"It could be." He offered as one side of his lip curled up.

"I'm really tired."

"Okay."

His lips brushed my cheek before he walked away. I rushed into my room and panted for air. I was reeling with lust. I wanted nothing more than to run to that room and throw myself at him but my head was reminding me of our circumstances and my heart gave me a quick replay of how much it hurt the last time I made that mistake. Climbing in bed alone, I closed my eyes to dream of what I would have done if our situation was different.

XXX

A/N: Hope everyone had a festive Holiday! I'm going through some difficulties in RL and hoping that it doesn't keep my brain so boggled that I can't write. Love to hear what you guys think at this point in the story. Will Lauren be a problem for them? Do you see any subtle changes in our bad boy now that he is growing accustomed to having Bella and Charlotte in his life? Where will this all lead?