Chapter One:
Bella and Garrett drove home after a long day of meetings. As she glanced over at her husband, Bella couldn't help but admire the subtle touches of gray in his hair and the scruff on his face. When they had started their publishing firm, they decided to maintain the age Bella had been pretending to be for her parents. It wouldn't do to raise any questions if they ever came to visit. Garrett was portraying a man in his low to mid-40s, and Bella was turning 40 next week. It was hard for her to believe she had reached that milestone. But Bella and Garrett hadn't been idle in their immortality. For the past decade, they had worked tirelessly to build their business, and Bella couldn't be prouder of what they had created with Swan Publishing.
Bella's idea for Swan Publishing was sparked a decade earlier when she worked as a travel magazine writer. She had always been fascinated by the lives of vampires and was convinced that, with their extensive life experiences, many must have captivating stories to share with the world. Bella had been working on a novel of her own and she couldn't shake the feeling that other vampires might want to do the same. However, Bella understood that many vampires were wary of exposing their true selves to humans, especially in close working relationships. It was then that she realized she could create a publishing firm specifically catering to vampires, where they could work directly with her, and she would handle all the human interaction aspects of the business.
Bella had discussed her idea of a publishing company at length with Garrett and her family, the Cullens. Everyone agreed that it was an excellent idea, and by her 30th human birthday, Swan Publishing had been established. Bella had originally wanted to call it Stearns & Swan Publishing, but Garrett felt that it sounded too much like a law firm. He was happy with just calling it Swan Publishing. They decided to move to Florence, Italy, and establish their business there for several reasons. Firstly, Florence was located near Volterra, a location with high vampire traffic due to the presence of the Volturi. Bella was also good friends with the Volturi, and she believed that many of the members could be potential clients. Additionally, living in Florence enabled her to keep in contact with her friends and parents by phone without risk of the unexpected pop-in if they had lived in America.
Swan Publishing had grown rapidly, and now employed a staff of 28 people. Business was booming, and they had published many books of various genres, some of which became bestsellers. Bella and Garrett only visited the office occasionally when they were needed for important meetings, leaving most of the day-to-day work to their capable staff. They had set up a system where clients would mostly meet with Bella and Garrett at their house, rather than work directly with the staff. Bella believed this was the best approach, as it helped to minimize any potential questions or concerns.
Bella had been right. Vampires from all around the world had come up with many stories over the centuries, and now they were finally getting a chance to tell them to the masses. Marcus, one of the Volturi leaders, had written three books, one of which was highly praised. Aro, the leader of the Volturi, had written a popular mystery novel on palace intrigue, which left readers on the edge of their seats. Jasper, a Civil War veteran, had penned two enthralling novels set during the conflict. But to Bella's surprise the most successful book she had published had been written by Jane, a member of the Volturi guard. Her fantasy book had taken the world by storm, and the sequel she had just released was shaping up to be even more popular.
As Bella pondered over the success of her company, her thoughts drifted to her upcoming meeting with Alistair. She reviewed the agenda in her head, ensuring that she had everything in order for their discussion of his manuscript later that evening. It was the only significant thing on her plate, and she wanted to ensure it went smoothly.
Bella turned to Garrett and asked, "How did your meetings with the distributors go today?"
Garrett replied, "They went fine. We're going to have our books available on several more digital platforms later this year. I also heard that Simon & Schuster are going strictly digital next year. No more printed editions of any of their books anymore. I guess that's the way of the future. It's sad that paperback books are not as popular as they once were, I'll miss physical books."
Bella sighed. "I know what you mean. There's something about the feel of a book in your hands that a tablet just can't replicate. But I have to admit, I find myself using my tablet more often than physical books these days."
Garrett nodded in agreement. "It's convenient to have so many books at your fingertips. But it's not the same as sitting down with a physical book and turning the pages as you read."
Bella smiled. "We'll always have our library to remind us of the feel of physical books. And they're not going away completely. It will be centuries before they're truly hard to find."
Garrett chuckled. "You always know how to make me feel better."
Bella grinned. "That's what I'm here for."
They were driving a 2042 Mercedes, and Bella loved its sleek design. As Bella admired the Mercedes, she couldn't help but appreciate how technology had advanced in the automotive industry. The car's windows were a prime example of this advancement, with their ability to switch from clear to tinted at the touch of a button. The feature had been a hit among vampires when it was first introduced, as it allowed them to enjoy a ride in broad daylight without having to worry about their skin glittering and giving them away.
Inside the car, Bella was struck by the sense of space and simplicity. The designers had clearly gone for a minimalistic approach, with fewer controls and gadgets cluttering up the interior. Most functions were voice-activated, making it easier to focus on the road ahead. And on certain highways, the car could even take over driving duties, allowing the passengers to sit back and relax.
Bella had been hesitant about self-driving cars when they first hit the market, but she had to admit they seemed reliable. The thought of being able to get work done or simply relax during a long drive was enticing.
As they made their way home, Bella's mind began to wander. The day's meetings had left her feeling pent up and restless, and she found herself craving some naughty fun. Glancing over at Garrett, she flashed him a mischievous grin as she formulated a plan for a little game they could play.
Bella's hand began to wander up Garrett's leg as they drove, and when he looked over at her, he saw the unmistakable hunger in her eyes. He couldn't help but smile at her, curious as to what she had in mind. "What's on your mind, love?" he asked, knowing that Bella always had a way of spicing things up.
The look on Bella's face was a mix of desire and mischief, her lips curling into a playful smile as she glanced back at him. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she leaned in closer, her hand still teasingly caressing his thigh. Garrett's anticipation heightened at the thought of what she had in store for him, and he couldn't wait to find out.
Bella turned to face Garrett, her eyes dark with desire. She leaned in close to his ear and whispered, her voice low and sensual, "I've got a challenge for you, my love." She paused for a moment, letting the anticipation build between them, before continuing, "Let's see how long you can hold out while I give you an amazing blowjob. If you can resist coming before we get home, you get to choose what we do in bed for the next month. But if you come in my mouth, then I get to choose." Bella's lips curled into a seductive smile as she asked, "Do you want to play this game with me, Garrett?"
"Seems like I win either way, so why not?" Garrett replied, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation building within him. He knew it wouldn't be easy to hold out, especially with Bella's skill, but the thought of choosing their activities in the bedroom for the next month was too enticing to pass up. He took a deep breath and tried to clear his mind, ready to face Bella's challenge head-on.
Bella's eyes sparkled with excitement as she hopped up on her seat and faced Garrett, a mischievous glint in her eye. With a low and seductive voice, she issued a warning, "No cheating, my love. You lose if you try to speed up the car to get home faster. You must resist until we reach our destination." Garrett swallowed hard, the mere thought of what Bella was about to do to him made him hard as a rock, and she had not even touched him yet.
Suddenly, Bella grabbed a hold of his pants, and with a swift motion, ripped the front of them right off. Garrett gasped in surprise as she revealed his straining erection behind his underwear, already throbbing with anticipation. Bella couldn't help but smile as she saw the lustful look in his eyes. She wasted no time in ripping his underwear off as well, exposing his rock-hard member to her hungry gaze.
With a sensual movement, Bella leaned in and licked the head of his member slowly, savored the taste of Garrett's manhood and enjoying every inch of his pulsing length. With a tantalizing touch, she traced her tongue down his shaft, sending shivers through his body. As she took him deep into her mouth, she could feel him throbbing with desire, responding to her every move. She expertly sucked on his girth, taking him in as far as she could before pulling back and swirling her tongue around his sensitive head. With each bob of her head, she could feel him growing harder, his body tense with pleasure. Bella was in complete control, teasing and pleasing him with her mouth, driving him wild with desire.
As Bella's lips and tongue worked their way up and down Garrett's length, he was struggling to hold on. He tried to distract himself with thoughts of sports and disgusting things like human food, but Bella's skilled mouth was too much for him to resist. The sounds of her moans and the slurping noises she made as she sucked him deeper were driving him wild.
But then, Garrett remembered the day he had asked Bella's father for her hand in marriage. He focused on that memory, thinking about Bella's father and the conversation they had, as a way to distract himself from the intense pleasure. He was determined to hold on until they got home.
However, Bella wasn't about to make it easy for him. She began to massage his balls with her hand, intensifying the pleasure and making it even harder for Garrett to keep control. He searched his brain for another distraction, and suddenly, he remembered a conversation he had with Carlisle and Edward about the ethics of feeding on humans. He focused on that discussion, trying to keep his mind off the erotic sensations Bella was causing.
But it was a losing battle. Bella's mouth and hands were too much for him to handle, and he was on the brink of losing control again. As they approached their home, Bella's movements became even more intense, her moans louder and more desperate.
Garrett was determined to hold on, but Bella was not going to let him win that easily. She continued to pleasure him with her mouth while her hands roamed his body, driving him closer and closer to the edge. Finally, they pulled into the driveway, and Garrett almost screamed "I win!" as he put the car into park.
Bella lifted her mouth off Garrett's throbbing length with a loud slurp and a smile. As she looked up at him, her gaze flickered down to his cock, which was still slick and glistening, covered in her venom. It was hard and pulsing with need, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the effect she always had on him.
"I think we both won," she said, her voice husky with desire. "Now give me what I want." With that, she dove back down, taking him deep into her mouth once more.
Garrett was putty in her hands, completely overcome with pleasure as Bella worked her magic. He couldn't believe how amazing it felt, and he was so worked up that he came almost immediately, his release spilling down her throat as she eagerly swallowed every drop.
Breathless with lust, Bella lifted her head and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She flipped down the car's mirror to check her appearance, but all she saw was a radiant woman, her eyes shining with satisfaction.
"I still look presentable," she said with a satisfied smirk. "Come on, let's go wipe all this crap off our faces and go for a hunt. I need to be back later tonight for a meeting, but I could use a pick me up after a long day."
Garrett nodded, his head still spinning with pleasure. After Bella and Garrett finished cleaning the makeup off their faces, they changed into their hunting clothes and headed out into the forest. Despite their differing hunting styles, they always joined each other when the other hunted. Bella preferred to hunt animals while Garrett hunted humans, but they both appreciated each other's company during their excursions. As they sped deeper into the woods, the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot.
After Bella's hunt, they rushed home and headed straight to the bathroom, eager to wash off the dirt and debris from the forest. They had gotten a little handsy and made out while rolling around on the forest floor after Bella had finished draining her prey. The bathroom was a luxurious sanctuary, complete with marble flooring, a large jacuzzi tub, and a custom extra-large walk-in shower. The shower had twelve showerheads placed strategically all around them, which created a delightful sensation as they washed each other's bodies.
The steam from the hot water filled the bathroom, making the air thick and humid. The sight of their naked flesh glistening under the water's flow was too much to resist, and they couldn't help but make love twice in the shower. The water cascaded down their bodies as they entwined together in a passionate embrace, each reaching the pinnacle of pleasure multiple times.
After they were both clean and well-sated, they stepped out of the shower and dressed in comfortable clothing. The living room was warm and inviting, with soft lighting and plush furniture. Garrett settled onto the couch and turned on the 3D television to watch a football game and started massaging Bella's feet while she lay on the sofa, delightfully engrossed in a book from one of her favorite authors. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day, and they enjoyed the night until the doorbell rang, signaling the arrival of Alistair.
Alistair was an English vampire who had been around for close to a thousand years. At first, he had been hesitant to work with Bella, but after hearing many positive things about her from his friends, particularly Maggie from the Irish coven, he decided to give her a call. After several phone conversations and in-person meetings, Alistair had finally completed the first draft of his book, which was a gripping tale about a small village on the coast of England and the trials they faced from invading Vikings. It was a story based on Alistair's own experiences as a human. Bella had gone through the manuscript, and now that Alistair had arrived, he could hear her thoughts and take back her notes in order to complete a second draft.
"Welcome, Alistair. Let's go to the dining room," Bella said, smiling at him. As they walked, Bella asked, "Would you like me to warm up some blood for you?"
Alistair looked at her with skepticism, taking note of her golden eyes. "Human blood?" he asked, hopefully. He couldn't fathom how Carlisle and his family survived on animals alone.
"Of course," Bella replied with a smile, "I'm friends with the owner of 'Spirit Run' a vampire run dance club here in Florence. I get several cases from him every month. I guarantee you will like it."
"Thank you, that would be appreciated," Alistair said, taking a seat as Bella headed to the kitchen to heat up his drink. When she returned with the warm glass of blood in hand, she handed it to Alistair and sat down across from him. She then placed the edited version of his manuscript in front of her, ready to go over it with him. Alistair took a sip of the blood, savoring the rich taste, and smiled before turning his attention to Bella.
"Okay, I read your story and I like it very much," Bella said, pausing for a moment to gather her thoughts. "The action scenes really bring the reader into what's happening, and I like the story and main characters. However, there are some issues," she continued, looking at Alistair cautiously. She had found that some vampires didn't take criticism well. When Alistair remained impassive, she continued. "The story is too long for one book. At 850 pages, no one is going to read that kind of book from a new author. We need to either drastically reduce its size to around 300 to 350 pages or, and this is what I would suggest, you rewrite the story into two or even three books. I think you could easily rewrite certain sections to make it into a series. I have noted places where I think it would be good to end and start up. I believe the books will be very popular once they are published. I have this edited copy for you here, and I also have it on our servers so you can edit it easily on your computer. What are your thoughts?"
Alistair took a moment to contemplate Bella's suggestion. "I can understand what you're saying," he began thoughtfully. "I can think of several points where it would be good to end the first book. Do you want it to end on a high note or more of a cliffhanger?" he asked, curious about Bella's thoughts on the matter.
Bella's smile widened, pleased that Alistair was receptive to her suggestions. "For the first book, let's end it on a high note with a looming crisis in the background to draw in readers. If you decide to make it a trilogy, then the second book should end in a crisis that can be resolved in the third book. It's pretty much the standard for most literature, and why break the mold with what people like and expect."
After discussing the book further and mapping out a plan, Alistair expressed his gratitude to Bella for her valuable feedback. They finalized their meeting schedule, deciding to reconvene in a few weeks after Alistair completed his next set of revisions. As Bella walked Alistair to the door, she added, "I'm excited to see how your book turns out. With a little more work and the right marketing strategy, I think it has the potential to become a bestseller." Alistair smiled, feeling grateful for Bella's guidance and encouragement.
Bella appreciated the efficiency of working with vampires. With their ability to work tirelessly and multitask, they could accomplish in a few days what would take months for a human writer. This made her job easier, as she primarily dealt with writers and talent while Garrett, handled the business end of their publishing firm. As their company had expanded greatly in the past decade, they needed to hire more people to handle the day-to-day tasks, as well as several lawyers to write contracts. Though they weren't motivated solely by money, Bella and Garrett took pride in knowing they were making a good deal of it, and even more importantly, securing favorable outcomes and benefits for their clients.
