Chapter 13 | What Are You - Updated and longer?
Notes | Alpha Orders | Inner Wolf | 'Talking in Mind Link'
Warnings | Swearing
Loveless heaved a small sigh. "Can we get it to go?" She gave him her best puppy eyes. She could feel eyes on her. And she could see Bella's fingers twitching. She wanted to come over. Bella Bitch is a little wary. Good.
"Really?" He heaved a dramatic sigh. James rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let's go to the counter." He could feel the emotions that surrounded them. James would do what needed to be done to protect his Princess. But that didn't mean he would willingly keep her in a dangerous setting just because he could protect her.
She smiled brightly. "Imma go use the restroom."
"Kay," James nodded. "Stay safe." The phrase was softly spoken.
Loveless rolled her eyes. "It's a bathroom, Jame." A smile covered her lips. No matter where she went, or how long she went for, if she was leaving James' sight stay safe would always be whispered to her.
"I'll order." A smiled that crooked smile. "Hurry back baby."
She blew him a kiss and sauntered off.
"Hi!"
James twisted slightly. His nose scrunched as he breathed in. She smells like them. "Hello." The center of his chest tingled as the girl drew closer to him. His jaw ticked softly as he stared down at her through his nose. She was short and would do better to stay back.
"I'm Isabella Swan. Are you a friend of Nicole's?" Bella smiled brightly. "Everyone calls me just Bella." Her steps faulted at the way he looked at her. She was taking up space that could be used for something else. She'd gotten so used to the way Edward looked at her . . . No one had dared to look at her like that in a long time.
James arched an eyebrow. Lovely calls you Bitch . . . not Bella. "Go back to your pale friends." He knew who they were. What they were. It was always such fun to play with your prey.
"Um," Bella frowned. Why did he? Does he know? "I just wanted to get to know you. . ." She used her puppy eyes. "Make a new friend." She bit at her lower lip. "I remember what it was like to be the 'new girl' and it's not that fun of a feeling." She offered up a gentle smile.
James coughed out a laugh. "I have friends." His stomach turned. Acid. She smelled like rotting flesh covered in acid. She needed to leave. Bella did not need to be around Loveless. His jaw tightened as he stopped breathing. The smell was giving him a headache.
"Always room to make more." Bella smiled. She begged and cajoled. It worked in the past. It always worked.
James turned back to the counter and took the bag and the to-go drink containers from the waitress. "I'm leaving." He paused in front of the small girl. "I don't need friends . . . And neither does Nicole."
Bella pouted. "Already." She blinked. Why wasn't her charm working. It always worked.
James nodded. "I go where Nicole wants to go." It was as simple as that.
"So you're her boyfriend from the city?" Bella questioned. Brown orbs wide and hungry for gossip.
"Jame! Let's go." Loveless called from the entrance of the dinner. She glared at the back of Bella's head. The Bella-Bitch needed to learn her place. And it wasn't anywhere near her James.
James smirked. "Later Darlin'." He tipped his head in Bella's direction before leaving.
Bella pouted. That was useless, but he was a twang . . . Her lips pursed. She trudged back to her seat next to Edward. "The only thing I learned was that he has an accent like yours . . . Jazz."
Jasper nodded. "I heard."
"I think that might be her boyfriend. He was vague, but the things he said." Bella's lips pursed as she thought.
Rosalie frowned. "Why would it matter?"
"Rose!" Bella glared at the other momentarily. "I just wanted to make friends. Edward why is she always so mean to me?!" She turned with shimmering orbs to her boyfriend.
Edward glared at Rosalie.
Rosalie scoffed. You know as well as I, it was just a question.
Edward gave a curt nod in acknowledgment. What was going on with his little Bell?
.
"I heard you use the twang." Loveless cracked a fake smile in the car. She bristled slightly. Her hands clenched into fists.
James nodded. He glanced at the girl beside him. "You okay darlin'?"
"Yeah." Loveless nose scrunched and she rubbed her chest. "It's like I have heartburn or something. I'm shaking too." She breathed in deeply through her nose and rolled her window down partly. "I've been feeling it for a couple of days now. Almost constant."
James's lips pursed. "Is this the first time?" He glanced at the woman beside him. "The shaking?"
"Sorta, not as strong as this before." Loveless shook her head. "Though, it didn't start until I came to live here." A snort fell from her lips. " Maybe God is telling me I don't belong here."
James chuckled. Not even close my Lovely. Not even close.
. . .
"So Lovely what would you like to do?" James questioned. A smile played on his lips as he watched her inspect everything. "Do I live up to expectation?"
Loveless grinned. "Its . . . passable." She winked.
"Good to know, Vic will like it then." James laughed. He set the dinner bag on the table and let her dig in. "So you liked your b-day present?"
Loveless spazzed. Her eyes widened as she squealed. She jumped up and down before hugging the life out of James. "Absolutely! Where is it?" She questioned with a smile as she peered up at him.
"Glad Darlin'." James smiled and wrapped his arms around her. Cloaking her in a warm protective shield. "It will be here in a few. I had it shipped in and its being flown this way in a couple of days."
Loveless grinned and leaned against him. "You always gave the best hugs."
James smiled and tightened his grip. "Well Lovely, it's not like you go around hugging strange men . . . so how would you know?" The smile on his face spoke volumes otherwise. He was proud of the praise she had given him. "And you can have a hug any time."
She cackled. "You have got to meet Eric! You'd get along so well!"
"Friends?" James smiled. He released her a few seconds later. A bright smile bore on his lips as he listened to her talk animatedly about her new friends. I'm glad you've found friends, my Princess.
"I wanna watch a movie." She grinned cutely. Her dark blue eyes shined brightly.
James rolled his eyes. He knew what movie she wanted to watch. Knew all too well. It was her favorite movie. She loved it above all else. Or was it the spandex-wearing male she liked? His eyes narrowed as his head cocked to the side in thought. Huh? "Top shelf by the flat-screen Lovely."
Loveless smiled.
"But!" James exclaimed.
Loveless paused. A pout already forming on her lips. She knew the sound of that pause. She whined cutely and stomped her feet.
James watched in amusement. "Nope."
"I don't wanna~" She whined.
He shook his head. "Homework must be done first."
Loveless growled. "Fun RUIN-ER!" She huffed but listened to him. As she always did. It wasn't like she had a lot. It was only 115 pages in Bio II with four questions at the end. Not difficult, and lucky for her - James had already taught her about the subject. So, it wasn't long before they were on the couch curled up together, and watched Labyrinth.
"How?" Loveless sniffled. "Why is she so stupid?" She shook her head. "He could give her everything!"
James heaved a dramatic sigh and shook his head. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her closer. "She was naïve, Lovely."
"But still! How stupid can she be?" Loveless questioned. She shook her head. "He was willing to love her for her." A pout marred her lips.
James shook his head. "Lovely, you've seen this movie like 50 times! You know what happens." He chuckled and brought her into the span of his arms. "Besides, sometimes . . . you are willing to do anything for the one you love. No matter the cost, no matter how stupid it is." His voice was gentle as he spoke. James' hand soothed up and down Loveless' spine. "No matter Lovely."
Buzz. Buzz.
Both perked up at the sound of a vibrating phone.
"Yours or mine?" She hummed softly from her perch against his neck. She blew out a soft breath and breathed in the male beside her. Comfort. There was a natural spice that was underneath. He and Vic both had it. But no matter the cologne or anything else. They always smelled like comfort.
"Both," James replied while handing Loveless her phone.
Her nose scrunched. "They want me home before dark." Loveless frowned. She had been told 12 originally. What changed?
James arched an eyebrow. "Bit overprotective." A part of him was glad they were willing to protect her. However, a part of him broiled in anger. They'd already lost that chance.
She rolled her eyes. "Them and their stupid things that go bump in the night."
James frowned. "What do you mean?"
Loveless shrugged. "Native crap." She rolled her eyes. "They believe in werewolves and cold ones."
"Um," James's jaw tensed for a split second. "What do you mean cold ones?" They are called wolfen Lovely. Not werewolves.
"Vampires. But that is just a fairytale. Stupid ones at that." Loveless waved it off. "Who texted you?"
James smirked. "Vic."
She squealed. "When?"
"Vicki will be here tomorrow morning." James sent a sly smirk towards Loveless. "Technically Vic arrives tonight. Which means if you're a good girl . .. we could bring you to school." Yes, he was sort of bargaining. But honestly speaking, he wanted to meet this Samuel Uley who called his baby a liar.
Loveless's eyes lit up. The dark blue depths turned buttery and bright with excitement. "Chincha!? Chincha, Chincha, Chincha?" She exclaimed with glee.
James chuckled. Glad I could make you smile, Princess. "Deh." He replied affirmatively. "You two have been making me watch too many kdramas."
"YES!" Loveless vibrated with happiness. She paused momentarily. "What about you?"
James cocked his head to the side. "What'cha mean?"
"Don't you have schooling?" She wiggled her eyebrows while packing her stuff.
James smirked. "You think the School Board System cares if the James Saintclaire misses a couple of days?"
Loveless rolled her eyes. "You're not that special."
"True, but I'm damn near close," James smirked. "Besides, we both know I am ahead of the curriculum."
She scoffed. "As if."
James chuckled. "Ready honey, I'll bring you home."
. .
Paul growled softly. Where is she!? The wolf inside of him snarled.
Sam heaved a small sigh and shook his head. "Paul it's 8:30." He glanced at the alpha. "We texted her five minutes ago."
"I know." Paul shifted in his seat. "I just don't like her with him." His shoulders rolled. He was trying to release the tension - it wasn't working.
Jared squeezed Paul's shoulder. "Just breathe man, It feels like this because the imprint hasn't been solidified. But it will. It will be just fine."
Paul squirmed in his seat. "I know." He heaved a small sigh. "It just hurts." He whispered.
Jared nodded. "We know man. It almost kills me when Kim goes to visit her relatives in Florida."
Sam smiled. "Emily leaves to go get groceries . . . I get antsy as hell." He chuckled as Emily rolled her eyes. "It's part of the wolf side of the imprint." Sam shrugged. "The human side is understanding she needs 'me' time too." Sam beamed as Emily gave him an approving look.
Paul nodded. "I know but. . ."
"Just relax boss." Jacob smiled. "Puppy whipped." He muttered under his breath.
Emily smacked him on the back of the head. "I can't wait till you get an imprint. We'll see who's Puppy Whipped." Not even inhuman hearing could touch that of a mother's hearing.
The others snickered.
Jacob pouted lightly.
"Seth, are you staying for dinner?" Sam questioned with a furrow of his brows. "Is Sue okay with that?"
Seth bobbed his head. "Emily invited me." He grinned impishly. "Since Nicole likes me. Em wanted me to be here when she got back."
"Brat." Jacob rolled his eyes. "Suck up!"
Seth stuck his tongue out. "You're just upset that she likes me, actually likes me."
Jacob scoffed. "Didn't we explain it earlier!?" He motioned with both hands. "She tolerates you."
"Sure, sure." Seth shrugged and continued to grin impishly. "Well hey . . . it's not like I got a door in the nose."
The others snickered.
Jacob pouted. "Em they're being mean to me!"
"Well," Emily smirked. "Weren't you just being mean to your Alpha? It's called karma honey." She spoke softly as if he were a five-year-old.
Jacob scowled. Everyone was against him. EVERYONE.
Paul snapped up. "She's here!" A smile broke out on his lips.
"Paul sit back down!" Emily exclaimed with a giggle. "You want to look sweet, loving, and safe. Not obsessive, creepy, and overbearing."
Paul pouted lightly but sat back down in the chair. The corners of his eyes crinkled slightly. His ears tweaked slightly as he tried to listen to the conversation outside.
.
James kept the engine running as he parked on the gravel driveway. "Well doesn't this seem Stepford-y wives?" He chuckled at Loveless's unamused scowl. He grinned widely. James groaned as he stretched. Arm leaning over the back of the seat. He wiggled his eyebrows and squeezed her shoulder.
"Wish I could have stayed at your place." Loveless heaved a sigh and leaned into his warm, comforting touch. "I don't wanna go in." She whispered.
James cooed tauntingly. "Honey, it's okay."
Loveless pouted and shoved him slightly.
"Can I meet your brother?" James murmured.
"Totally up to you." Loveless shrugged.
James smiled. "So is that your approval?" He smirked. He wanted to meet Samuel Uley. Wanted to look him in the eye before he crushed his heart further. Wanted to warn him about the Good Doctor too.
She heaved a sigh and nodded. "Come on. . ." She dragged out as if it was the most difficult question to answer.
"Jeez," James smiled. "Never a dull moment with you Princess. Never."
Loveless giggled. "You haven't called me that in a while." She mused gently. "You've called me that a few times today." Her eyes twinkled. "You must have really missed me."
"Vic gets jealous." James winked. I just haven't called you that out loud Lovely.
She snorted. "Puh-lease!"
"I did." James smiled brightly as he caught her eyes. "I missed you, Loveless."
She looked up at the male beside her. Her cheeks tinted a soft pink. "I missed you too James."
"Now, Come on, darlin' I wanna meet the fam." He smiled that perfect crooked 'Saintclaire' grin. His Texan twang laced the deep timber of his voice.
Loveless rolled her eyes. She stepped out of the car and let the other drag her up the stairs of the porch and towards the front door.
"You gonna knock, darlin'?"
She heaved a dramatic sigh and turned the knob. "I don't have to knock." She rolled her eyes at the smirk on James's lips. "Loser."
"Nicole?" Emily questioned.
"Yes . . . I have company." Loveless shrugged at the look James sent her.
"Oh!" Emily smiled brightly as she rounded the corner. "Are you staying for dinner?"
James' lips pursed slightly. "Would it be too much trouble?"
Emily shook her head as an elated smile slid on her scared face. "I insist." She moved forward and held out her free hand. The other holding her trusty spatula. "My name is Emily Uley. Come meet the others!" She twisted around "Sam!"
James chuckled. He slung his arm around Loveless's shoulders. He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Oh~ She likes me." He smirked as he was jabbed in the side. "She's nice."
Loveless scoffed. "Whatever." She snapped. "She likes everyone."
James laughed softly and steered her in the direction Emily had gone. He smiled sweetly as Loveless nuzzled into his side.
"You are always so warm." She murmured.
James grinned. It's the fire in me, Princess . . . I'm sorry you will never feel the fire yourself, even if you wield it. He squeezed her shoulder and came to a stop. His dark eyes raked over the five hulking men in the kitchen.
Emily twisted back towards James. Her eyes widened as she stared at Loveless coiled against his side. "Oh! This is Sam, Jared, Jacob, Seth, and Paul." Her nose scrunched as her lips pursed. "I'm missing two heathens." Emily's eyes narrowed.
James smiled brightly. "Hello. I'm James Saintclaire." His eyes lingered over the males. "Sam? Samuel Uley?"
"Y- yes." Sam smiled and stepped forward. He held his hand out. "It's nice to meet you."
James shrugged. "Yes, it usually is." He flashed a million-dollar smile.
Loveless scoffed and backhanded his stomach. "Be nice."
"Hey Nicole!" Seth chimed cutely.
The edges of her lips curled upward. "Hi, Seth."
"What would you like for dinner?" Emily questioned the guest.
James glanced down at Loveless. "Anything is fine. Huge steak fan . . . and apple pie."
Loveless rolled her eyes.
"You like apple pie too?"
James nodded, "Big fan."
Emily nodded. "Then y'all can have a seat in the living room and chat while I get to work." She smiled brightly and began to bustle around. Shewing the others out of the kitchen.
Loveless sighed. "I'm gonna go get a shower." She whispered to James. "You'll be fine?"
James gave his signature cocky smirk and nodded. "Take your time, Darlin'." His dark vivid green eyes followed her up the stairs until she had disappeared. He turned back to the five hulking males in the living room with him.
"You can sit anywhere!" Emily called from the kitchen.
Sam smiled brightly at his imprint's happiness.
"She seems like a character," James murmured softly
Jared nodded. "She is. And she's always had the ability to whip our dear Sam into shape."
James sat down on the loveseat. "I suggest you ask me now." He got situated and crossed his left leg over his right knee. His hands folded over his lap. He looked as royally aristocratic as his actual bloodline was. "Nicole, she won't be happy if you wait." His eyes lingered on the biggest male before looking at Samuel again.
Sam frowned. "Why did you say her name like that?"
"Samuel," James taunted before snorting. "We both know I don't have to use her middle name."
Sam flinched as if he had been physically hit. "How bad?" The voice was hoarse as he spoke out in a whisper.
James stared at the male in front of him. His lips pursed in thought. His dark green hunter eyes boring deep into Sam's soul. "We both know you don't want the answer to that."
"What are you to her?" Paul questioned. Breaking the rising tension in the room. He let the unknown focus completely on him. Head on.
"I'm her protector. Even when it should have been someone else." His green eyes darkened, blackening cruelly. His voice was hard and fierce. He glanced at Sam once more, pinning him in place with a glare. James' eyes flickered to the biggest once more. Alpha.
Paul frowned. He didn't like that answer.
"Are you staying long?" Jared questioned - keeping a level head.
James shrugged. "As long as she needs me."
"We can do that." Seth frowned. "We can protect her."
James snorted. "Is that what you were doing when you called her a liar, Samuel?" His head cocked to the side. Interesting. This pack, they didn't seem to know how Samuel had reacted that night. "Protecting her?" His head cocked to the side.
'Go' The simple word filtered in through the mind link. Jacob, Seth, and Jared stood easily and moved towards the kitchen. It was the best Paul could do. A semblance of privacy. Even if they all knew it was untrue.
Sam flinched once more and began to fidget. His eyes are unnerving. He swallowed hard as he felt the pack's eyes on him. He glanced at Paul and took a steadying breath. He might not be strong enough to face his mistakes alone. Be with his pack . . . for Loveless he would.
"That's what I thought," James replied. "Now," he glanced at the ones still in the room. "I understand how it works." He could feel the emotional connections. And not just with Sam and Emily towards Loveless.
What works? Sam frowned. He was confused.
"And, while I don't feel safe leaving my Princess here with a bunch of animals." He sneered the word. "I am far more angry about the Good Doctor."
The pack froze. Had Bella been right?
Paul shifted. His eyes narrowed. "What are you?"
"The Good Doctor?" Sam questioned.