Chapter 66

BPOV
The last thing I wanted to do was talk to Maggie, the woman was so delusional about her son it was almost laughable. She never saw anything that James did to me as being his fault. There was always an excuse made and it would eventually turn into being my mistake. When James and I separated Maggie called me to ask when I was going to come to my senses and go back to where I belonged. In her mind we were married and that was all that mattered.

Maggie and George never approved of my decision to continue with an education; they were still stuck on the idea that a woman is to stay home and cook, clean and raise children while the man provides. The wife is to be subservient to her husband taking his word as final law and accepting him as head of the house just as Jesus is the head of the church. In their perfect ‘Leave it to Beaver’ cookie cutter world, that sounds like a wonderful life, in reality it was hell on earth. Because I wanted a career that meant that I was rebellious, headstrong, and selfish. According to their perspective James was the martyr in our marriage because he tolerated my willfulness.

They considered my college to be a waste of both time and money, stating very plainly that it would be useless once we had children because I would be home with them. That however was in no way supposed to keep me from having a part-time job to help supplement James’s income until the children came. That was one thing they did approve of with conditions; the hours were to be convenient to accommodate his schedule. That way I could see that James woke up in the morning, had a hearty breakfast and a healthy dinner every night. I was never to do anything where I made more money than him. That would only serve to emasculate my husband and take away from his responsibly of providing for his family. And under no circumstances was I to be in charge of anything or anybody. That would only serve to leave me with that idea that when I came home I should have the same privileges.

Maggie was one of the few people that I told about James’s temper, I didn’t go into details with her however I did mention that he slapped me and would pull me hair. I had hoped that as his mother she would have been appalled and done or said something to him- that never happened. Her advice to me was to stop doing whatever it was that upset him, after all I must have done something to deserve it and it was James’s place to keep me in line.

She then went on to explain to me where the expression ‘Rule of Thumb’ came from. In order for a husband to keep his wife in line he was allowed to beat her with a stick as long as it was no wider than his thumb. Her parting words in that one and only conversation I ever had with her on the subject was, ‘Some young wives are mulish and the only thing that helps them learn their place is a good slap across the mouth.

As an eighteen year old girl, sitting in her kitchen helping to make Sunday dinner while she sang hymns, I didn’t know what to say to her. I had never seen George hit Maggie, nor had I ever seen him raise his voice to her. As a grown woman who could see beyond the illusion, I wondered. Maggie kept her house immaculate, wore dresses with heels and pearls, and held luncheons for her friends. To anyone looking in their front window the view would have seemed perfect, yet I pondered how many times Maggie was slapped across the mouth until she complied.

She never understood why I left James; in her mind I was just being unruly not wanting to accept my place under my husband’s authority. Maggie told me that I was breaking my vow, not only to James but to god, even going so far as to send the minister who performed our marriage ceremony to come talk to me in hopes that I would see error of my ways.

If there was ever one thing that turned me away from organized religion it was Reverend Faire. Speaking with the man I gave him a small glimpse of what I endured. The slaps, punches and choking made no difference to the so called man of god as he told me that in all things I was to submit to my husband. According to him it was my place to stay in the marriage trusting in god to take care of me.

Maggie continued to see the separation as my inadequacies, believing what James told her. When the divorce was final, the woman who on my wedding day told me I was the daughter she never had cursed me saying I wasn’t good enough for her Jimmy. Since that time Maggie had refused to speak to me so I was surprised when we came out of the restroom that she stood to even acknowledge my presence, even more stunned when she asked if I would talk with her.

Leah wanted me to ignore her, keep walking without even saying a hello, but I wanted to know what Maggie had to say. I had thought that perhaps she had heard about what happened the day before at Casey’s and she wanted to know why I slapped her precious son. I didn’t want to have a conversation with her standing in the middle of the diner with everyone watching, so I sat down in the booth next to her sister Janise, feeling like I was lamb being led to the slaughter. The only thing that kept me there was my curiosity and the fact that Edward was only forty feet away watching me very intently.

Maggie looked over her shoulder following my gaze. “Your friend is very handsome Bella.”

“Yes, and Edward is very kind to me,” I agreed, making sure to throw that in.

“I was wondering how you were doing?” Maggie asked.

My eyes went to my ex-mother-in-law. It was the first time in almost three years she inquired about my wellbeing. “I’m fine thank you.” The three of us were quiet and I suppose it would have been polite to inquire of her welfare but I just couldn’t summon up enough emotion to care.

“Yes…well.” Bethany brought over their coffee giving me an inquisitive look before handing menus to the booth behind us, when she walked out of hearing range Maggie continued, “I thought maybe you might be interested to know that Jimmy and Vickie are thinking about getting married and starting a family.”

I nodded not really caring yet hurt that Victoria could have children while James took that away from me. Not wanting to sit there feeling sorry for myself when another thought came to my mind and I wondered how Maggie justified James carrying on an affair with Victoria the whole time we were married. Surely his sin of adultery had to be worse than my sin of independence, but I didn’t ask. I didn’t want it to get back to anyone that I was interested in their life or that I was bitter for the wrongs committed against me. That would have made it seemed like I cared and frankly there was no reason to bring up the past when my eyes were gazing at my future. A future who looked like at any moment, was ready to jump out of his chair to come and get me.

“Bella you were always a very reasonable girl,” Maggie’s compliment got my attention, “and I can understand that at the time of the divorce you would have needed the support. But now that you are finished with school and you’re working it should be easier. Besides if you didn’t already receive the money from your mother’s death, you will be soon.”

The callous reference to my mother’s dying stung a little, “You’re concerned about my financial situation?”

“Well honestly Bella regardless of what happened between you and Jimmy I still care about you, in the eyes of Jesus you are still my daughter.” Internally I scoffed because I knew that Maggie could care less about me, outwardly I remained expressionless while I listened to what she had to say. “I certainly didn’t want you to go hungry or homeless, but now your situation has improved so there is no more need for the support.”

What support?

“And like I said Jimmy wants to move on with his life, remarry and be happy but they simply can’t afford to.”

“You want me to give James money?” My voice was louder than it should have been and the people in the booth across from us turned to stare.

“No…” Maggie said in a hushed tone reminding me to lower my voice, “I just thought that maybe now since you no longer need it, you could stop taking the money.”

“I don’t know what you are talking about. What money?”

“Bella,” she said drawing out my name with displeasure, “the six hundred dollars spousal support you get every month.”

My eyes widened in surprise as her eyes narrowed in shrewdness. “Come now Bella I’ve seen the bank records. On the third of every month an automatic transfer of six hundred dollars is deposited into your bank account in Seattle.”

“My account? It actually says my name Isabella Swan?” my finger was tapping the table knowing full well that it didn’t.

“No it doesn’t say your name,” she said like I was stupid, “it just has the transfer with the routing number and the confirmation but…”

“I’m going to tell you, I do not now - nor have I ever received any money from James.”

“You don’t have to lie Bella,” Janise said accusingly.

My eyes went to the woman sitting next to me with too much makeup on her face, then back to Maggie who became indignant. “The transfers have been occurring since the divorce so are you honestly going to tell me that you know nothing about them? Who else would James be sending money to in the city?”

“How the hell am I supposed to know, ask him.”

“I did, that’s how I know it’s going to you.”

My anger was flaring that I was being used in some kind of game that James was playing. Looking up I saw Edward eyeing me with suspicion as the bell on the door rang and Charlie came in with Sue. I needed to put an end to this conversation. “Maggie you can choose to believe me or not, but I’m telling you that James is lying. The only money I ever received was nine thousand eight hundred and thirty seven dollars from the divorce settlement. That was my half of the equity in the house, which by the way I lost ten thousand dollars on. And let me make it very clear, after everything that James has put me through, I don’t care if I had to sleep in someone’s basement and eat out of the garbage bins, I wouldn’t take a fucking dime from him.”

“You don’t have to curse Bella,” she sounded like I offended her but at that point I was done caring. She and George with their fucked up ideas raised a psychopath. Moving to stand I leaned across the table towards her, “You can fucking go back and ask fucking Jimmy where the fucking money goes because I don’t have a fucking clue.”

At the end of my little tirade I stood not realizing that Edward was there taking my hand. The feel of his warm skin along with the tingle of his touch calmed me, “Come on Isabella, everyone is waiting for you,” then always the gentleman he nodded at the two woman staring at me like I was insane, “ladies.”

Placing his hand on the small of my back he started walking us over to where everyone was sitting. I paused as the gravity of what I had just been accused of gripped me.

“Edward,” my voiced was hushed while my eyes looked up into his face, he had his own look of concern as he kissed my forehead. “We’ll talk about it later.”

Plastering half a smile on my face I nodded in agreement. It would be one thing to talk in front of Jake and Leah but not everyone else, although when I sat down everyone was staring at me waiting to know what happened. Charlie was the one to speak, “Everything ok Bells?”

“Yeah,” I said looking over a menu that I knew by heart. “Maggie just wanted to say hi and see how I was doing.”

That wasn’t really a lie she did inquire how I was. Putting down the menu I took a sip of coffee that I realized Edward must have ordered for me, and glanced at Jake. His expression was murderous as he shook his head; I knew what he was saying. He hated those people and all that they stood for, and he wondered why I even bothered to talk to Maggie. Not having the answer, I shrugged. My eyes went to Edward sitting directly across the table, he was watching me with no expression what so ever. I smiled at him making him grin lazily back at me just as Bethany came to take our order
.
As I ordered my standard everything omelet with extra gravy, Quil groaned. “Do we have to watch you eat that?”

I laughed, “Don’t look,” while Edward questioned, “Extra gravy?”

“Ah…it’s disgusting,” Quil commented, “everything is all mixed together, and then they pour sausage gravy on top of it.”

“It’s good,” I assured him as Edward chuckled, “That my girl.”

After Bethany got everyone’s order Sue leaned over to talk to the table, “You all look tired, what time did you go to bed last night?”

“What time did we go to bed or what time did we go to sleep?” Leah asked smugly raising her eyes in my direction.

“You couldn’t sleep?” Sue was concerned but Kim couldn’t resist, “No there was a lot of yelling going on.”

“Lots of yelling and banging,” Emery added.

Before the conversation with Maggie, Kim and Leah were teasing me in the restroom about how loud Edward and I were. So that meant that everyone else must have heard us too, which should have been evident by the laughter at the table. My face heated up as I tried to control my embarrassment while Edward just winked at me. Charlie on the other hand had no idea what was so funny came to his own conclusion. “I guess the kids on the beach must have been putting up quite a raucous if you heard it all the way back at the house.”

Thank god Charlie is so oblivious

“Oh yeah it was a raucous alright, as a matter of fact there was two of them.”

“Two?” Emery questioned Leah before looking at Kim, “We must have missed the second one.”

Edward chuckled while my face burned as I stared into the coffee cup as Charlie still not getting it said, “I’m glad we went home it was nice and quiet there.”

“I think it would have been quieter if you stayed on the rez too Charlie,” Quil said from his place at the end of the table next to Edward while Claire giggled next to me.

Please god, make them stop

One of the good things about breakfast is that it never takes very long for the food to come. Bethany carrying the plates out from the kitchen put an end to all the innuendos as everyone focused on their food. I could feel Edward watching me as I cut up the toast into small pieces and squirted ketchup on top of the my eggs. When I reached for the jelly packets he had already placed three of them in front of me. “Thank you.”

He nodded with a grin when I picked up the first bite the flavors and textures exploded in my mouth and I unconsciously moaned slightly. Edward wagged his eyes at me grinning wider while Claire who was sitting next to me choked on the juice she was drinking.

“Damn Bella you’re the only person I know who can practically orgasm over eggs.”

“Here try it,” bringing the fork up for her.

“No…that looks gross.”

“Close your eyes and try it,” my voice was stern and to my surprise Claire did what I said. Bringing the fork out of her mouth I watched her lips wrap around the ends of the prongs as her tongue peeked out to clean the remnants of the small spot of gravy that remained. Claire sighed and a feeling of satisfaction came over me along with something else that I had never experienced from a woman, excitement.

I wasn’t sure if it was the fact that Claire had done what I told her to, or if it was the act of watching her mouth work in a sensual manner, either way it was something foreign to me. It wasn’t like I felt the need to throw her down on the floor and start making out and it was easily pushed back, but it was there.

“See I told you, it’s all in the texture.”

Claire smiled, “yeah well that don’t mean I’m going to start eating like you.”

I laughed and when I looked across the table Quil and Edward were staring at us. Quil like he had just witnessed us having some girl lovin’ and Edward with astute curiosity. Something told me that the subject would be revisited, in the meantime
Quil couldn’t contain himself, “Do that again.”

Claire leaned across the table talking quietly, “Do you want us to get naked first?”

I thought Quil’s eyes were going to pop out of his head, “If you don’t mind and maybe we could get some whipped cream.”

At first my eyes narrowed at the suggestion but then I laughed along with Claire while Edward grinned in his own amusement. The rest of the talk around the table went from one subject to the next. Charlie asked Emery when he had to report for pre-season practices and then inquired about being able to get a better parking pass. That comment made me look to Edward with my own grin, as I kept my mouth shut. The rest of the talk centered on when everyone would be returning. As we talked about the Fourth of July picnic I realized that I was sorry we wouldn’t be able to make it.

Every time I was expected to come to Forks, I would do almost everything in my power to avoid it. Now for some reason that I didn’t comprehend I wanted to be here. I didn’t loath the thought of returning or seeing everyone in fact it was the opposite-I found myself looking forward to it. Was that simply because Edward was with me and his presence made everything better or was there some other reason? The people were the same, the activities hadn’t changed, I ate the same breakfast and slept in the same bed, yet I felt for the first time in a long time like Forks was my home. It didn’t matter to me what people said or what they thought, I had no reason to feel inferior. This is where my family lives, I was a part of it and more importantly it was part of me.

Kim and Emery had to leave because her mom still had the children as we said goodbye Kim told me to have a nice time at the beach and then mentioned calling me about the clothing donation. I knew that was a front to being able to coordinate Leah’s shower which was only two weeks away. She then hugged Edward saying something about a dinner but I wasn’t listening because Emery had me in a hug, reminding me to keep my mouth shut about the parking pass and thanking me for having a boyfriend who liked golf. He shook Edward’s hand telling him that he would be calling him on Friday about the foursome. Something about the word foursome made me giggle, it just sounded naughty.

Quil and Claire left soon after with a hugs and handshakes, Claire said she would call me at the end of week while Quil was talking quietly to Edward. With them gone Edward and I moved down to sit in the vacant chairs next to Leah and Jake. Charlie asked Bethany for another pot of coffee and then looked to me expectantly. Knowing what they all wanted, I told them what Maggie had said about James and Victoria wanting to get married. That they couldn’t because of the money transfers, which James had told his mother were going to me. After recounting all that was said, the questions started.

“Did you ever get support?” Edward wondered and I explained that I didn’t want to have any ties to James at all, so the answer was no.

“This is every month?” I shrugged at Sue’s question, “That’s what Maggie said, and it’s been happening since the divorce.”

“Only since then?” staring blankly at Charlie I didn’t have an answer for him, “I guess. That’s all Maggie knows about, it could have been happening before then.”

“What kind of game is he playing?” Jake was angry however his question was one that must have been on everyone’s mind as they all started coming up with theories.

“Six hundred dollars sounds like some kind of payment,” Sue thought aloud while Leah added, “maybe a car payment.”

“Have you seen him with a new car?” I asked my dad who shook his head while giving his own opinion, “Maybe it’s rent.”

“That would be really cheap rent,” Jake commented as Edward narrowed his eyes, “Not for a boarding room.”

Jake’s eyes shot to Edward in acknowledgement of the possibility as he went on talking, “If for whatever reason James needs to establish residency in the city, that’s a way to do it.”

“Wouldn’t his mail pile up?” Leah asked.

Edward had an answer for that too, “It’s easy enough to obtain a post office box.”

He was right, I had one. There was never any mail delivered to my home. The question was- why would James need residency in the city? Sue had another idea, “Maybe it’s a second mortgage or some other kind of loan payment.”

“Then wouldn’t he just tell that to Maggie, why bring me into it?”

“I don’t have the answer for you kid. All I can say is that it has nothing to do with you, so don’t let it worry you.”

The problem with Charlie’s theory was that it had everything to do with me. For whatever reason James saw fit to bring my name into whatever he’s doing. Making me look like I’m still beholden to him and I didn’t like that one bit. However, I didn’t know what I could do about it especially since up until an hour before I didn’t know anything about it. I don’t know if Edward could tell where my train of thought had gone or if his went in the same direction but his next statement made me feel more at ease.

“I’ll give Mr. Weiss a call and have him take a close look at the money trail. We are meeting with him on Friday morning, I’m sure that gives him enough time to check
it out.”

That’s right; I had forgotten that we had a meeting with the private investigator on Friday. We had been having such a great time while we were away that I pushed all the shit that was happening at home to the back of my mind. We only had a few more days and then we would be home. My selfish nature wanted to push everything aside so that we could enjoy what little bit of alone time we had left. The only good thing about going home was that the playroom was there and at that moment I was longing to please my Master. It seemed like it had been so long ago since we had a session in the playroom and all of a sudden my mind and body felt like it needed a fix.

“Who’s Mr. Weiss?” Charlie’s question made my thought process come back to the topic at hand, however as I listened to Edward answer him in that strong commanding voice he uses the yearning grew. Edward explained some of what was happening, Seth’s collar, my tire going flat, people knowing my personal business and then finally about the break-in at his house. As he spoke about that I remembered the business card in my wallet, which I promptly retrieved. Before I could say anything to Charlie he stared at me with an angry expression.

“Why don’t you tell me about these things?”

I sighed in frustration, “Because there was nothing to tell…”

“Jake tells you that someone purposely let the air out of your tires and there is nothing to tell?” His voice was harsh yet kept at a normal tone so none of the surrounding patrons could hear what was being said.

“We thought it was kids, so now I keep my car in the garage.”

That wasn’t a good enough answer as Charlie questioned, “And someone breaking into Edward’s house, that was kids too?”

All I could do was stare at my father because I had nothing to say that would have made him feel any better. Charlie huffed “Always like your mother…”
His words hurt at the insensitive mention of her “…keeping all the misery to herself instead of talking to me,” Charlie sighed calming himself down then held out his hand, “What is that?”

Looking down, I remembered Officer Hawks card. “This is the cop that came to the house after the break in. I wanted to know if you would go into the data base and check him out?”

“Check him out how?”

“I don’t know, see if he’s a good cop or not.” Charlie continued to stare at me so I went on, “When he came to the house he was rude, arrogant and kept insinuating that I knew more about what happened with my open case then I was letting on. Like I knew who did it.”

Charlie narrowed his eyes, “You do know.”

I could feel my breath hitch as the tears formed in my eyes; blinking back the moisture I watched my dad lean over to glance at Edward, “Are you privy to this information?”

“Yes Sir.”

Charlie narrowed his eyes, “Bella told you?”

Edward reached over to take my hand before he answered, “I know everything that happened.”

My dad huffed sitting back in his chair glaring at me, “Then you’re the only one.”

Dad was wrong about that, Leah knew. Her hand patted my leg in support as Sue tried to interject, “Charlie…”

“No…” he shook his head adamantly, “…this officer Hawk was right. She does know who attacked her and because of her unwillingness to come forward everyone at this table has been forced to be a silence accomplice in the whole mess.”

“Charlie,” Sue’s tone was forceful. “You know what they do to the victims of such crimes. The way defense attorneys treat them, they turn it around to make it look like their fault, like they were asking to be brutalized.”

“After what that bastard did, no one would do that to her,” Charlie seemed sure of himself.

“You just did.”

Sue’s accusatory tone couldn’t have been more forceful if she had slapped him in the face. My father’s features softened as he looked at me with regret.

“I’m sorry Bells…this whole damn thing is just…” he sighed rubbing his forehead with his fingers like he had a headache. After a few seconds Charlie held out his hand asking for the card, after looking it over his gaze settled back on me. “I’ll take a look but the only thing the data base will tell me is his record, any citations he received, if he’s been reprimanded or had complaints lodged against him. Other than that there might be a few comments from fellow officers or past partners, that’s about all.”

“Thank you,” I spoke softly because even though Charlie apologized his words still hurt.

Charlie insisted on paying for breakfast so while he waited in line to pay the bill the rest of us went outside to wait. I hugged Leah goodbye telling her thanks for keeping Seth while Jake shook Edwards’s hand, saying something about letting him know what happens. I didn’t know what Jake was talking about but I figured Edward would tell me. I watched in shock as Leah gave Edward a tentative hug but couldn’t spend too much time thinking about it because Jake engulfed me in his arms.

“Have a good time and don’t let what Maggie said worry you, she’s delusional. Besides na-WAY-th, we got something wonderful to look forward to.” Unsure what Jake was talking about my eyes narrowed while he grinned down at me happily, “Puppies!”

At that word my mouth fell open while Edward chuckled next to me. Sighing because although I wasn’t happy there wasn’t anything I could do about it, “Just take good care of my baby.”

“I’m on it Bells,” he laughed and I hugged Leah once more before they got into their car.

As they drove away my gaze went back to Edward who was leaning against the driver’s side door of his car watching me intently. Wrapping my arms around his waist I buried my head in his chest letting his scent draw me in. His hand ran slowly through the length of my hair “Are you alright baby?”

I nodded against his chest, “I don’t know what Charlie wants from me.”

“He loves you Bella. He wants…”

“What every father wants,” Sue’s voice coming from behind me interrupted Edward. Turning to face her she had a small blue cooler in her hands. “I packed you a lunch.”

“Thank you,” Edward said taking the cooler from her and placing it in the backseat while Sue looked to me. As she spoke there was that glint in her eyes she always got while reprimanding me, it was gripping without being hostile.

“Your father wants to be a part of your life Bella. You came to him when you were eight years old and he wonders if the circumstances had been different and you had another choice, would you have wanted to know him at all. He was a single man raising a daughter and he worries that perhaps he didn’t always do the right thing by you.”

“Charlie is a great dad, what could he have changed?”

Sue raised her eyebrow, “He wants you to talk to him, tell him what’s going on.”

“But when he finds things out, look how he responds.”

Sue had to see what I meant after all she yelled at Charlie for his reaction.
“That’s because he always gets secondhand information or told after the fact Bella, and it hurts him because he feels like you are shutting him out.” Sue spoke with conviction and then was quiet while I thought about what she said before going on, “Do you know how he felt when he had to hear from Mrs. Weaver that you were dating Edward? It doesn’t take much effort Isabella Marie…”

Shit she used my full name

“…a simple phone call on a Sunday night, ‘Gee dad how many fish did you catch today, oh by the way I met a man’…nothing to it.”

“But then he always wants to go into details…where you met him, what does he do…”

“That’s his way of being interested, don’t be so selfish.” Sue wasn’t angry she was
trying to make me understand, and I did yet there were things that my dad wanted to know that I didn’t want to tell him.

“I’m not being selfish. I’m trying to protect him.”

“Protect him from what? You think he hasn’t heard the rumors? Wouldn’t it be better to tell him the truth rather than letting his imagination run wild, picturing all kinds of horrible scenarios in his head?”

“Tell him so he can rush in and make it all better?” I didn’t see how that could help either of us, Sue however had an answer for that too.

“So now you are going to fault your father for being male. Because any man of worth is going to be concerned about the people he cares about. You know that it is a male’s natural inclination to want to step in and try to fix something that he sees as being wrong or unsafe especially when it concerns his child.”

We were both quiet for a moment before Sue went on, “I love you like my own daughter
Bella, that will never change, but in reality you only have one parent and he loves you more than I ever could. All he wants is to know from your own mouth that you are happy, healthy, and safe. You refusing to let your father be a part of what is happening in your life is cruel and hurtful. Put yourself in his shoes and you think about that.”

The shuffling of feet and murmured voice caused us to stop talking as Edward and my dad walked towards us. I wasn’t sure when Edward had made his exit to allow Sue and
I some privacy, however the look on his face told me that he caught some of our conversation. Sue gave me a hug saying she would call to make final arrangements for the shower, while Edward shook Charlie’s hand.

When I hugged my father goodbye he said that he would see me in two weeks like it was a long time away. Looking up into his face there was a longing there and I knew that Sue was right; he deserves to know what is happening in my life, “Do you want me to call you after the private investigator leaves?”

“I would appreciate that Bells,” I nodded because that was a start and something I could give him.

“I love you daddy,” I told him with another hug, “love you too kid-o.”

As Edward held the door open for me to get in Charlie called out for me to buckle my seatbelt and before we pulled out of the parking lot Edward rolled down his window to say goodbye one more time while Charlie reminded him not to drive too fast because Oregon wasn’t going anywhere. Before turning out of the parking lot Edward glanced over at me, before he could say anything I spoke up. “Ready to blow this joint?”

He chuckled, “I am if you are.”

“Let’s go.”

I thought that we would have headed towards Port Angles then south on the 5; instead Edward took the 101 back towards LaPush telling me that this was the quickest route. Passing the welcome sign for the reservation my mind thought about all that had happened this weekend. It was filled with revelations starting when we first arrived and Leah’s misconceptions about my relationship with Edward. I had thought that most of her concerns had been laid to rest, so I was ticked off that she had confronted Edward with the same fears. My first instinct was to remind my sister that she should mind her own business. Edward reminded me that the only way Leah was ever going to fully accept my choices were with time and understanding. She was going to have to see firsthand that our relationship was the same as everyone else’s, just with a kick added in for spice. By her own admission, that was the part of our relationship she didn’t want to know about. Edward was sure that it was her preconceived notions that caused the worry and he didn’t mind in the least as he told me.

‘Bella if all it takes to ease your sister’s mind is to answer basic questions then I have no problems with that. I have nothing to hide from her or anyone else. The last thing I want for you is to be placed in a position where you have to choose between your family and me. So if it helps her to accept your choices and the fullness of our relationship, then so be it. I can’t fault her for being worried about you and you shouldn’t be angry with her because she is.”

Did I say lately how much I loved him?

The whole episode with James was completely messed up. As I thought about it, replaying the moment I slapped him in my mind, I don’t know who was shocked more, me or him. Had he not grabbed me and called me a cunt - which is the most demoralizing word - I would have walked away, left Casey’s without any incident and headed back to LaPush. Instead the whole episode snowballed into my own little panic attack resulting in a spanking – which a day later still left my buns with a delicious tingle.

Edward must have seen me shifting around because he chuckled, “What’s the matter love?”

“You know,” I told him with a sideward glance as my face heated up even more than before making him grin wickedly.

“No, why don’t you tell me. Or better yet show me.”

I tisked crossing my arms over my chest in defiance, “I can’t show you we’re driving and it’s illegal to remove my seatbelt.”

It sounded like a good excuse but I knew if Edward really wanted to see my butt he would pull over – he’s done it before. Instead he chuckled again, “Well perhaps when we stop for lunch.”

I rolled my eyes at him earning myself a pointed look of disapproval as my mind went back to what Maggie had said. “Edward, what do you think James is doing with six hundred dollars every month?”

He sighed, “I honestly don’t know Bella, it could be anything.” Edward’s hand moved to take ahold of mine giving it a reassuring squeeze as he spoke the words I needed to hear. “Baby we have four days left before we have to go back to the reality of everything that’s happening. So I say let Weiss earn his fee by doing the job we hired him to do and you and I enjoy the rest of our time together without worrying about it.”

When I nodded in agreement Edward brought my hand up to his face pressing his lips against the back of my wrist. “Good. I had a very nice weekend by the way.”

“You did?” I asked skeptically as more of the events from the past three days went through my mind while our entwined hands rested on the console.

“Yes, I did. I enjoyed meeting all your friend and family. They were all a lot of fun.”

He was right about that, even when I didn’t want to be in Forks, everyone always made it a pleasant trip. I thought about some of what was said last night at the beach and back at the house, remembering that Paul wasn’t there. “I wonder what happened to Paul last night?”

Edward groaned, “Ohhh… he was rather drunk and I think Rachel took him home before Jacob lost his temper.”

Why would Jake lose his temper?

As I thought about it I already knew the answer, “Paul was acting like his usual asshole self?”

Edward nodded but there was something else there that I knew was bothering him. The thought crossed my mind that in Paul’s inebriated state he might have been offensive. “What was he saying?”

As I listened to Edward’s recollections of Paul’s comments I was getting mad myself, the shocking part was Edward telling me that after Jake walked away Jared was the one who told him that everything Paul said was bullshit. From the way his eyes shifted between the road and me I wasn’t sure that Edward completely believed that. “You know that Jake and I never…”

“I know,” Edward said the words with conviction so I knew that he believed me yet there sounded like there was still something that bothered him so I asked, “but?”

“But…” he sighed “…there is a bond between you two that transcends childhood friendship.”

“That’s because he’s my oji-chaag- giiz-is, my spirit of the sun- and I’m his,” looking down at my forefinger the cut was long since healed yet the meaning was still there. My eyes filled with tears as at the thought of my best friend and all that we have meant to each other. Edward sat quietly for a second before he asked what he really wanted to know, “What exactly does that mean Isabella? Your spirit of the sun.”

Taking a deep breath I thought how best to describe what I was talking about to someone who had no idea of native legends. I thought the best way would be to start from the beginning. “My mother died when I was eight years old in a car accident in the month of May. The following year when Jake was eight, his mother died in a car accident in the month of May.”

“Is that when Billy became paralyzed?”

“Yes. Anyway Jake never cried or showed any emotion until he was with me. I don’t know if it was because I had gone through the same thing, or if even as children we knew that fate had bonded us together. It is said that your oji-chaag-giiz-is, is the friend who warms your heart allowing you to feel safe in your emotions because they have experienced the same ones. We didn’t know that as children- we just knew that when we were together each of us was happier, so we spent a lot of time together.”

“Slept in the same bed,” Edward didn’t ask and there was no accusation surrounding his statement yet I answered.

“Yes, until I was around fourteen and Billy put a stop to it saying we were too old, but there was never anything sexual. There was intimacy in that we comforted each other, much the same way a security blanket comforts an infant. We would lie in bed holding hands telling all our secrets, he was my best friend.”

“So where does the boob touching come in at?”

I giggled, “who told you that?”

Edward shrugged, “Paul in his drunken state might have mentioned something.”

I squeezed his hand while I giggled some more as the memory came back, “That was right around the time Billy said we were too old to sleep in the same bed. One morning I woke up and Jake had his arm around me with his hand cupping my boob. I was so embarrassed because I was just getting used to having them and he was embarrassed because he did it in his sleep. Anyway, we started sleeping head-to-toe.”

I could see that Edward didn’t know what I was talking about, “You know, his head was at the top of the bed, mind was at the bottom. But Billy said that didn’t matter because our other more important parts were still together.” Laughing I explained, “I think Billy’s statement embarrassed us more than an unconscious grope.” I sighed, “Billy was right, we were too old and Leah used to hate that Jake and I were so close. She wanted to be to him what I was…”

Edward narrowed his eyes shifting his gaze to me quickly before looking back at the
road, “how did Leah come to terms with that, because it doesn’t seem to bother her at all?”

“I don’t know, you’ll have to ask her,” looking at the intense expression on his face I wondered, “Does it bother you?”

The fact that Edward didn’t immediately deny my question began to worry me, “Not totally because I can see the relationship as being one of platonic friendship yet I still wonder if Jacob is your oji-cha…” giving up on the pronunciation Edward stuck with English, “…your spirit of the sun, who warms your heart. What does that make me, where am I going to fit into your life?”

I couldn’t help but stare, cool, suave, sex-on-a-stick Edward Cullen has a bit of insecurity in him. I could have laughed at the sheer absurdity of the situation. Here is a man who has had countless number of women, all of which are still bidding their time waiting for him to grow tired of me. Women who I have to deal with on a regular basis and are in no way shy of letting me know their desire to take my position. Yet as I thought about it, each time my own insecurities would rear their ugly head Edward always took the time to make me understand his feelings for me and he deserved the same thing.

Squeezing his hand I told him exactly what he was to me, letting there be no doubt in his mind. “Edward you are injichaag, my spirit, my soul mate, the one who completes me and makes me all that I can be. There is no one above you, because without my spirit- I would cease to be.”

His features softened as if a weight had been lifted; leaning over as much as possible I was able to kiss his cheek, “You’re cute when you’re jealous.” He chuckled shaking his head as his face got a pink glow to it.

“You’re even cuter when you blush,” I said with a giggle running one finger down the length of his jaw.

“Alright, that’s enough out of you.” Sitting back in the seat I couldn’t help but giggle at him. “So what pact did the two of you make?”

Trying to think how Edward knew about that, I was quiet while he explained in a sheepish voice that sounded almost guilty. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop while you were talking. I came looking for you this morning and then when you were on the porch talking I didn’t want to interrupt, but I couldn’t stop listening either.”

Oh

“You could have joined us.”

He shrugged like it didn’t bother him but I could tell he really wanted to know. Holding my hands out I traced the spot on my right forefinger where it had been cut all those years ago. “The summer after Jake’s mom died…this is going to sound really cliché but we became blood brothers. Slicing our fingers and promising that no matter what we would always be there for each other. We vowed to one another that no one or nothing would get in the way of our friendship.”

“Hmmm…” he hummed, “…then I’m really glad that we get along”

“Me too.” From the very beginning, Jake had always been a point of contention with James. Looking back, that should have set off some warnings in me, I was just too naïve to see it and I took the possessiveness in James as a sign of his love. Thinking that he cared so much about me that he wanted me all to himself, that’s not love that’s manipulation and a way of isolating someone to gain complete control.

“And what would have happened if he Jacob Black didn’t like me?”

“What’s not to like?” I offered in an answer because I couldn’t see anything about Edward that Jake would have disapproved of. “That’s like trying to rationalize a positive. Your girl choose wisely Master.”

He laughed, “Did she now?”

“Yes she did.” The smugness in my voice gained me a grin. “I thought it was I who chose you.”

“This one thinks it was destiny and that our choices were written for us,” it seemed philosophical yet I believed that for whatever reason Edward and I were meant to be.

“Perhaps your right nâhtötse,” I beamed at Edward’s word – my pet.

“How many words did Jake teach you?”

Edward chuckled once again, giving me a sly gaze, “I guess you are just going to have find out.”

I rolled my eyes in mock irritation yet I was practically giddy that he would take such an interest in my life as to learn words and phrases to a language that means so much to me. We drove for another hour talking about some of what happened over the weekend as well as going over the pronunciation of a few more words. Just before reaching the Oregon boarder the GPS said we had another two hours of driving time. After a short discussion Edward pulled into the rest stop so we could eat the lunch that Sue packed.

Before opening my door, he got the cooler out of the back seat while I reached back to get the small blanket that was folded up. The day was sunny with a warm breeze blowing, it was perfect for a picnic lunch. Opening the cooler I wasn’t surprised to see everything that we needed, plates, silverware, napkins, Sue had thought of everything. The food consisted of leftovers from the potluck the night before. Fresh ham and turkey with rolls, potato salad, chips and fresh fruit salad, and two pieces of wet bottom pie, she had even included a small container of mayonnaise and mustard packets. The only thing missing was drinks which Edward bought from the vending machine while I set out the food.

“Wow! Remind me to thank Sue for this,” Edward commented handing me a Diet Coke, “I was thinking fast food, so this is a hundred times better”

I nodded pulling open the bag of chips, “Whenever we went on a road trip Sue packed lunches, she always said it was better for us and didn’t cost anything.”

We sat under the tree eating our lunch and talking about nothing of importance. Edward hadn’t heard from his family so he didn’t know if there were any plans made for dinner but I should assume that there was. After eating I started to gather up the garbage and replace the leftovers in the cooler, I wanted to use the bathroom before we got back in the car. Edward’s leather seats were comfortable however sitting in one position for so long was causing a small cramp in my neck. With my hands flat on the ground behind me, I leaned into them stretching out my back while rotating my neck.

“Are you stiff?” Edward asked in concern watching me as he relaxed on his side perched on one elbow.

“Just a little, I’ll be alright.”

He sat up twirling his finger in a circle, “Turn around.”

As I complied he moved to sit closer to me, gathering all my hair to hang over my left shoulder. I could feel the heat from his body before his hands ever touched my skin. Edward massaged the muscles in the back of my neck then his fingers moved under the silver of my collar to work their way across my shoulder then back again. As he hit the spot where the tension seemed to radiate from I sucked air in through my teeth and a moan escaped my throat.

“There?” my head nodded, ‘mh hm’

I sighed feeling the muscles loosen. Edward kissed the back of my neck and then I believe he kissed the closure on my collar before speaking against my ear. “Isabella do you have a shirt that buttons down the front packed in your bags?”

I did have one- it was white – nodding I was admonished, “Answer please.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good girl. Before using the restroom you are to get that shirt and a skirt out of your bag and change before coming back to the car.”

“Why?” As soon as the word left my mouth I knew it was the wrong thing to say. My mind wasn’t completely prepared for sub mode and between the magical fingers and his breath against my skin I wasn’t thinking very straight. Edward quickly brought me to reality.

“Since when do you get to ask why Isabella?” The harshness of his tone was enough to make my stomach clinch and my panties soaked.

Keeping my mouth shut because he hadn’t told me I could answer Edward tilted my chin with his finger tip placing a soft kiss on my lips, “Do as I say nâh-töt-se.”

I felt like a puddle of goo, my body craving his touch more than it ever had, yearning to be in that special place and time where my Master had complete control. I could feel the warmth of my blood rushing through my veins as lust took over. It didn’t matter why, I would do it. Hell, I was so far gone that just his words filled me with enough desire that he could have fucked me then and there on the grass and I wouldn’t have cared.

“Ah usdi-Way-th,” my eyes shot to his as he called me little one.

How many fucking words did he learn?

I didn’t get a chance to dwell on his astute grasp of the native language because he was running his nose along the length of my jaw blowing his warm breath against my neck. The shivers that his actions were sending through me were unbearable and I had to bite my lip to keep from whimpering. As his lips kissed a path behind my ear and down my neck the sound that I had been holding in escaped me. I couldn’t help it; he was a Master at seduction playing my body like a composer plays a piano. Drawing out every note and tone from me for his own satisfaction and this time was no different.

“Perhaps we will need something to keep you quiet,” the casual reference of a gag didn’t help to quench my excitement; in fact it had the opposite effect. I was eager to take the next step and just the thought filled my panties with more wetness.

“Come on,” he stood holding out his hands to help me to my feet. I picked up the cooler and the small pile if garbage placing it in the trash receptor while Edward folded the blanket and we walked back to the car. Popping the trunk open he took the cooler from me putting it along with the blanket in the backseat, while I went to get the clothing he wanted me to change into. The realization that my bag was on top for easy access was not lost on me and I wondered if he had planned this the whole time.

Edward joined me at the back of the car unzipping the black tote to take out a deep purple velvet bag. After I had my clothing along with a pair of strappy sandals (because I couldn’t wear sneakers with a skirt) he handed me the small bag as he shut the trunk. “No panties, and I’m sure you’re wet enough that you won’t have any problem inserting this.”

Chapter 65

EPOV

Before I had even opened my eyes the dull thud in the back of my head told me what I already knew - last night I drank more then I should have. I don’t normally indulge in excess alcohol. In part because I don’t like the feeling it gives me of being out of control. It also puts an end to any D/s play. Cardinal rule number one for any Dom is: excess alcohol on the brain equals no submissive in your hands.

It’s not like I have never gotten drunk, my college days were the same as everyone else. Weekends were for parties, bars and women. I had my fair share of waking in my bed with an unfamiliar woman who I would promptly get rid of before going back to bed to sleep off the effects of the night before.

This time could not be blamed on youthful stupidity it was a calculated activity all in the name of having a good time. When I had mentioned to Bella that we were expected to attend a fire burning revelry, I didn’t realize how spot-on that assessment was. I think they did everything except howl at the moon and rut in the sand and even the howling I’m not too sure about.

Once Bella had rejoined me at the table, I told her some of what Leah and I had spoken about. She was upset and wanted to tell her sister to mind her own business. I however thought that our small talk had been a good thing. Leah had gotten some of her concerns out in the open, I wasn’t sure if she was asking me because of her lack of trust on Bella’s part to not hide anything or if she strictly wanted to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Either way I think that the few minutes we talked diminished some of Leah’s worries.

I could have said more to her on the subject and there was part of me that wishes I did. Thinking that the more enlightened Leah was the more accepting she would be. Although I remember my father talking to me about sex, he would only answer what I asked-when I asked, not elaborating any more than necessary. His thinking was that if he answered honestly without giving more information than I was ready for, I would feel secure enough to ask something else when the time came.

I was sort of using the same philosophy, keeping the doors of communication open in hopes that Bella can keep the relationship that she has with her sister. I know that over the past few weeks Leah’s withdrawal has been hard on Bella, the last thing I wanted to do was to be the cause of a rift between the two sisters. Leah said that she was willing to trust me and for the time being that was enough.

When we joined everyone else they still seemed to be segregated into their own groups much the same as everyone was during dinner. Clusters of chairs were scattered around the fire pit taking up their places on the beach for the night. On the far side in front of a larger rock Billy sat in his wheelchair next to Charlie and their friends each with a beer in their hands. We were on the other side situated between the fire and volleyball area. I’m not sure whose pickup trucks we were using but with the tail gates down and blankets to cushion the steel, it became a perfect space to spend the evening with friends.

They were friends, I was comfortable with them and for the most part they seemed to have accepted me, if for no other reason than to placate Bella.

Music came through the speakers attached to the pavilion where the lights had been dimmed. The only true brightness was cast down onto the volleyball area where the games were still going on. The other illumination came from the large blazing fire where the twelve graduates stood throwing things into the flames. Books, papers even some clothing all went up in smoke. I suppose it was like a rite of passage, burning the past to begin a new future. There was a lot of laughing and yelling as each one took their turn at destroying what they no longer deemed necessary.

Sitting on the corner of the truck, Bella stood between my legs with my hand wrapped around her waist holding her back against my body. The kids around the fire seemed to be finishing up when Sue came over to ask Bella if she could speak to her. With a kiss on my cheek the two women walked a few feet away to converse. I wasn’t paying attention to what was happening around me because my focus was on the fire. Someone had handed one of the kids a glass jar with what looked like a light amber liquid inside. Each one took a drink before passing it to the next person. I wasn’t exactly sure what it was but my best guess would have been homemade alcohol.

Quil who was sitting next to me handed over a similar jar, nodding his head as if to give me the go ahead.

“What is it?”

“LAHB…Plum juice.”

Taking a whiff of the contents it didn’t smell like anything, especially plums.

Looking back over across the beach it seemed like every group had their own jar and I figured ‘hell if the teenagers are drinking it, it can’t be that bad.’ Bringing the jar to my lips I should have stopped there when they started to tingle. I heard Bella yell, “Don’t drink that!” and a second later she was standing in front of me but it was too late.

I’ve heard of homemade liquor being called firewater and now I knew why. The tingle on my lips was nothing compared to the burn in my mouth or down my throat as I swallowed. My eyes watered as it felt like someone had taken a hot poker searing my insides. I couldn’t sputter or spit because all I could do was guzzle down the beer in my hand as fast as I could. When my eyes finally focused it was on Bella’s wide eyed gaze that I saw. She had both her hands clasped over her mouth in what looked like fright. At least I thought it was fright until she spoke.

“Are you ok?” the words of worry were mixed with humor.

I didn’t want to breath too heavy for fear that the heat from my breath would singe her eyebrows. Bella was biting her lip in nervous anticipation of my response. My body shook slightly as the last of the effects wore off and I could talk. “What the hell is that shit?”

“I’m sorry, I didn’t know…” Bella’s words were cut off by Emery who took the jar out of my hand giving it to Bella before patting me on the shoulder, “Now you’re truly one of us.”

“Fuck,” I muttered, “If I have to drink that shit I think I’d rather be an outsider.” As I said the words my eyes widened in amazement as I watched Bella take a rather large gulp before passing the jar to Claire.

Emery laughed, “It’s an acquired taste, and you’ll get used to it.”

Bella stepped back between my open legs still looking rather amused yet apologetic as she wrapped her arms around my neck, “I should have warned you.”

My arms embraced her around the small of her back holding her body close to me as I questioned, “Acquired taste?”

She giggled, “kind of like pâté.”

My eyes narrowed while Bella bit her lip trying to contain her merriment, “Oh…I see how it is.”

“I didn’t do it on purpose…honest I didn’t.”

The sincerity of her words were belied by the humor she still showed. But I didn’t care because her lips were so close that I couldn’t help myself. The kiss was soft and sweet until Bella’s tongue ran over my bottom lip. Opening my mouth I had to keep myself from groaning as I tasted the residue that was left from the alcohol she just drank. The normal tingle I felt whenever we touched was intensified by the strong liquid and I felt like I was melting into her. The only reason I was brought back to my senses was the heavy breath that came out of Bella. It wasn’t a whimper more like a needy shuttering that made my body respond with its own desire.

If we kept going there was no way I would make it through the rest of the night without having to take her somewhere to allay the craving that was building. My hands moved down to her hips pushing them away from my growing dick, Bella got the message and pulled her head back. The soft innocent blush that covered her face was worse on my hard-on then the kiss was and I did softly groan.

“You’re going to fucking kill me one day.” Bella tilted her head in confusion. I didn’t want to be crass and put her hand on my dick so she could feel what I was talking about. Instead I pulled her hips back to me smashing my hard-on against her thigh. Bad mistake because my dick throbbed even more with the contact and the blush that deepened on her face.

Bella put her forehead against my shoulder nuzzling her nose into my neck sending more shivers through me as she whispered in my ear, “Death by boner, is that possible?”

Dipping my head so that my mouth was against her ear, I growled quietly, “Hmmm…if he could fucking drown inside your wetness, little Eddie would die a happy man.”

Bella straightened up while she laughed so hard a snort came out as she mumbled ‘little eddie’ making me laugh along with her. The twinkle in her eyes increased as the tears from her laughter filled them. After a moment the laughter settled and with amusement she asked, “A happy man, uh?”

“Happiest man alive…or would he be deceased?” I asked with a chuckle.

Bella moved to kiss me once more with restraint and when she moved back I stared into those beautiful soulful brown eyes and couldn’t help the words that came from my mouth, “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

The loud groan disrupted the moment, “AHHH…can you two stop? I’m getting nauseous over here!”

I wasn’t exactly sure who said it but my money was on Paul. Bella rolled her eyes and I chuckled at the blush that crept back over her cheeks. Jacob however took the opportunity to seek forgiveness, “Since you’re so full of love over there, are you going to talk to me now?”

Bella turn her body back around resting her back once again on my chest giving me a chance to see the expressions of the women staring at us. The smiles on their faces left no doubt that they approved, especially Leah who grinned wider when Bella responded with a resounding, “No, I’m mad at you.”

“Come on Bella, where’s the love?”

I grinned as she huffed ignoring him. She really could be stubborn, but I knew it wouldn’t last much longer.

The relationship she had with Jacob seemed much tighter than what she had with Leah. Not that Bella didn’t love her sister it was more of a closeness that radiated off of her and Jacob. Bella shared something with him that was special and she was much closer with Jacob than with any of the others. I wasn’t sure exactly what it was that bonded the two of them together and I was sure that there were never any romantic ties. Yet it seemed to me that the two of them sometimes existed in their own little space that few people (if any) penetrated. It was like they fed off of each other, needing the other in a way that I didn’t understand.

Kim’s words brought me out of my own thoughts, “Bella what beach are you going to?”

Bella tipped back the bottle of beer taking a drink before answering, “I’m not sure.”

Her admission earned some laughter, “You don’t know where you’re going?”

Her head turned to me with a questioning gaze making me chuckle, “We’re going to Lincoln City in Oregon.”

“Is that where?” I nodded as she gave her attention back to Kim.

“We were supposed to go down to California, but there was a problem with the number of rooms that were needed, so the destination changed.” Bella shrugged “It doesn’t matter to me.”

“Who else is going?” Leah wanted to know.

“Just Edward’s family.”

Claire spoke up, “So you get along with all of them?”

Bella nodded and while she was talking I half listened while answering Quil’s question about how long of a drive it was, and Emery’s response that they had a great golf course there. I was beginning to think that anywhere we went Emery would be able to tell us where the best golfing was. Bella was filling the women in on my family dynamics, giving names and basic information, and then she seemed to have thought of something.

“In fact Claire, you might remember Alice. She went to PACC with us, and would sit in on some of our study groups. Petit girl,” Bella held her hand up at shoulder level, “dark hair - real perky. In fact once you told her that she should lay off the caffeine.”

I had to chuckle at that because I often told my sister the same thing. Claire however shook her head in ignorance. Then after a second recognition came to her, “Wait! Was she the one who was supposed to go to Chicago to that fashion institute, but stayed here to be with that guy who was in Med School?”

Bella nodded taking another drink from the bottle, “Yes…that’s her.”

“Ohhh…yeah, she was annoying.”

I chuckled while Bella became serious, “Alice is Edward’s sister.”

Claire gave me an embarrassed expression, “Sorry…” then she justified her words, “She was just always so bubbly it was hard to believe that anyone had that much energy.”

“No problem,” I told her holding up my hand, “there are times when even I would agree with you.”

Clair however redeemed herself by being interested, “She is still with that guy?”

Bella continued to fill in the blanks while I talked with Quil and Emery. Leah’s question is what caught my attention, “Do you want us to take Seth? Then you don’t have to worry about him.”

Bella looked back to me; I gave her a shrug because it didn’t matter, whatever she decided was fine. She leaned forward looking over towards Jacob. “That depends on if your husband is going to take my baby trolling for bitches in the park.”

Leah giggled while Jacob became indigent, “I told you it was once and done…”

“I’m not even talking to you!” the words were spit at him with venom making me chuckle. Then Bella turned to me all sweet and gentle, “do you want another beer?”

“Sure,” I nodded watching her walk over to the large buckets where the cold drinks were.

Jacob sighed heavily, “Ok…enough of this shit.”

He followed Bella across the sand, but it looked like she was still ignoring him while he tried to use reason. My attention went back to what was happening around me when the jar reappeared.

Are they doing this on purpose when Bella isn’t here?

Eyeing the jar I passed it to Clair who was sitting on the truck bed between Quil’s legs she wasn’t paying attention and automatically took a drink, I shivered from the effect while she showed no reaction at all. Apparently Quil seen my response because he laughed, “There is a trick to LAHB, babe give me one of those sugar packets.”

He held his hand out while Claire pulled a small white packet from the pocket of her hoodie. Quil then proceeded to explain what to do. “It sounds gross, but get a good bunch of spit in your mouth then dump the sugar in it.”

I still wasn’t sure it was something I wanted to do but I figured it was worth a try. Quil handed me back the jar, “Now move the sugar to the back of your tongue and take a small sip, swallowing real fast.”

The wad of sugar kept me from taking very much of the liquid and it still tingled on my lips but the burn wasn’t as bad as it moved down my throat. When I gave Quil back the jar he smiled like he knew that this time around was much better than the first. There was no sputtering and my eyes didn’t feel like they were going to pop out of my head so I was able to talk, “Thanks that was much better.”

Quil smiled, “Sorry about before dude, I just figured that being around Jake so much that you would have some experience with Juice.”

“It’s alright,” I assured him. “There was no LAHB?” I questioned the pronunciation, and Quil understood giving me a nod as I finished, “the few times we got together.”

He seemed to take my words in disbelief and I would have questioned him but I heard Bella yelling, “Jake put me down!”

Looking over he had Bella hanging upside down over his arm like a trapeze artist. She was still insistent but laughing as the two shirts - my shirts - she had on bunched down around her rib cage. While her hands clutched to his leg as he walked slowly back over to us. “Jake I’m serious, my shirt is falling down!”

“Then I guess you better start talking, because Charlie is coming over and he’s going to see that tattoo,” I looked up and Charlie was nowhere to be seen, however from Bella’s position she wouldn’t have known.

“Jake! Come on I’m getting dizzy.”

“You are not and you’re not getting up until you talk to me.”

“No…not until you say you’re sorry and mean it!” By this time they were only a few feet away and Bella tucked her head against his leg and Jacob yelled, “OWE! Fuck!”

Bella started wiggling more and I was afraid he would drop her. “Jacob.” It was all I said while motioning for him to hand her over.

With a sigh his arm swung in my direction, “Take her she bites.”

Chuckling I bent down to grasp Bella under her arms pulling her up and into my body. Her arms and legs wrapped around me as I sat back against truck, “Did you bite him?”

“It was only a little nip,” she assured me while eyeing Jacob with a sideward glance

“I have sensitive skin,” Jacob tried to defend himself.

“Sensitive skin my ass, you’re a big baby.”

Their eyes locked for a moment as something passed between them. I felt like for a second I was intruding on a private conversation, which was fucking weird in and of itself, and it irritated me because I didn’t understand what was going on. If I didn’t know any better I would say they were lovers. Except Jacob was married to someone else and Bella was clinging to me for all she was worth. My eyes went to Leah who didn’t seem to be paying any attention as if it were all ok.

Was it ok? Is this normal behavior for them?

I didn’t want to come off as the possessive jealous boyfriend yet I was beginning to feel like a third wheel.

Jacob leaned down kissing the top of Bella’s head in an intimate gesture that was slowly becoming a habit for them, “I’m sorry na-WAY-th.”

Bella sighed and seemed to relax against me even more as if a weight had been lifted, “I forgive you, but don’t do that again.”

Turning back to me Bella seemed to remember that I was there as she kissed my cheek, “My hero…you saved me.”

“Saved you? I handed you over to him.”

“No you didn’t…Edward took me from you.” The exchange they were having was playful in nature and even though I was at the center of it, I wondered if Bella’s words were more truer than I originally thought.

Had I taken her from him?

“Not that I needed rescuing,” she told me pointedly. “I can handle Jake,”

Jacob laughed, “Only because I let you.”

“Na ah…I know your weakness.”

Bella giggled and their talk was back to playful banter, yet there was a truth behind what she was saying that nagged at the back of my mind. I had a sudden need to take Bella away from there, to keep her from the intimacy that she was sharing with another man. It was stupid and irrational that I should feel that way. I had seen the two of them interact several times, heard and seen the closeness that they shared, yet I hadn’t realized until that moment how close they really were. And it unnerved me as I wondered for the first time if it would be possible for me to ever be to Bella what Jacob seems to be.

I didn’t realize as my mind was wandering that my hands were also roving around until Bella wiggled in my lap and I believe it was Emily spoke, “That’s nice ink Bella. When did you get it done?”

Bringing my mind back to reality I realized that my hands had roamed over Bella’s ribs taking her shirts with them and exposing her back. Emily stood behind Bella who had moved to stand while Claire and Kim also came to investigate.

“Ummm…a month ago?” Bella’s answer was a question directed at me. I nodded in agreement.

“Hey!” Bella yelled as I realized someone pulled the back of her pants out to see the rest of the tattoo.

“How far down does it go?” Kim asked in interest as Bella slapped her hand away from the elastic in her pants and once again looked to me for the answer. Bella’s hand touched the spot on her butt, “To here?”

I smiled at her because this was something about Bella that I knew that Jacob didn’t. “Little bit further down…to about here,” my finger swirled over the black yoga pants she was wearing right where the tattoo swirled on the fullness of her ass cheek.

“Holy shit…you had to get naked for that?” Emily’s question was humorous in its innocence.

Of course she had to get naked

Bella’s back had become the thing to see at the moment as everyone came to take a look. She blushed and whether it was from the attention or the question I wasn’t sure.

“Yeah…but not completely, and Edward was there,” She said that as if it should have been obvious.

“Jake did you know he took her to get a tattoo?” Quil asked.

“Not until it was done,” Leah assured him as Jacob shrugged in nonchalance. Quil’s gaze moved between Jacob and me and when I looked around Jared was openly staring at me.

What is his fucking problem?

The music changed to a dance song that was familiar and Claire stood from her seat next to me grabbing Bella’s arm to take her along. All the other women had already abandoned the art work on Bella’s back to move where the lines were forming. Bella pulled down her shirt taking my hand, “Come do the Cupid Shuffle.”

I chuckled, “You go…I’ll watch. You know how much I like to watch.”

Bella bit her lip giggling and as she turned to go I swatted her bottom making her gasp while a small groan left her throat.

Yeah her ass was still tender

Watching her join the dance lines with everyone else, as they moved to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right…now cha cha, they were all laughing and having a good time dancing in the sand. Leah didn’t join them, instead she stood off to the side taking pictures; I suppose with her advanced pregnancy, jumping around wouldn’t be a good thing.

“I don’t know Black I think you lost your other woman to Edward” Paul’s words rung in my ear. “She’s making kissy face, going to motel rooms and getting tattoos” He laughed taking a drink from the glass jar.

“Bella’s not my woman. And don’t say that shit in front of my wife. Leah’s moody enough without you adding to it”

“Oh come on Jake, you know damn well that Bella and you…”

“Bella and I what?” Jacob was getting irate and so was I, yet my interest was peaked at what Paul was going to say. The jar came to me and I didn’t need any sugar, the burn was welcomed as Paul continued, “Who was your first kiss…”

“That doesn’t count...”

“Oh yeah…” Paul mocked, “I forgot Big bad Bella forced you.”

Jake narrowed his eyes and I wasn’t liking where this conversation was going any more than he was.

Emery tried to interject, “Bella was taller than him.”

“Yeah…yeah…and who were the first tits you ever touched, then walked around with a fucking hard on for three days?”

What the fuck

I wasn’t sure if Paul realized I was sitting there or if he was just too drunk to care either way but I was pissed and so was Jacob. “First off asshole, I was thirteen years old so the wind blew and I was sporting wood…”

“Wood and then you slept in the same bed with her every night…”

That was enough

My body stood, shaking off Quil’s hand that he had on my shoulder, but before I could say anything Jacob grabbed Paul by the shirt.

“You better shut the fuck up right now! And don’t you ever…say anything like that about Bella again. You want to talk about all the other skanks in Forks you go right ahead, but don’t even insinuate anything like that about Bella!”

“Hey..hey..hey…let’s just calm down,” Sam who had been quiet most of the night had spoken up.

Jacob pushed his fist against Paul’s chest making him stumble backwards while letting go of his shirt. Jacob walked passed me with a sideward glance shaking his head as he went over to his wife. My attention went back to Paul who had a stupid look on his face like he wasn’t sure what the problem was.

“What? I was joking around.”

“Not fucking funny,” I told him trying hard to control my temper.

“Whatever, I need a beer.” The last thing Paul needed was another beer and luckily before he could reach the bins Rachel came over with a baby on her hip to stop him.

“That woman must be a saint,” I heard laughter from next to me letting me know that I spoke my thoughts out loud.

“She definitely has patience,” Emery said clapping me on the shoulder as the music changed to play ‘Love Shack.’

There was a squeal from where everyone was dancing and the men standing with me groaned in unison. Not sure what had happened I watched Bella and her friends, do some kind of hokey dance. Laughing with the others as they stomped on the sand, shaking their butts and waving their hands in the air while moving around in a circle.

“Do they always do that?” I chucked watching the silliness of their made up moves.

“It’s like their theme song, and yes they always do it.”

That’s why it’s Leah’s ring tone

The smile on my face left when Jared sat down next to me on the truck bed, “Paul is talking out his ass.”

I sighed tipping back the bottle of beer nodding as I swallowed while he continued talking, “I’ll admit that Bella and Jake are more than friends, more than siblings too. Paul has always razzed Jake about it. That’s what was happening; Paul was looking to get a reaction.” Jared shook his head, “He should know better than to say that shit. Jake never let anyone talk about Bella like that, and Paul just likes to talk smack. He never understood why Jake was always so protective of Bella, or why he would threaten anyone who showed any interest in her.”

“He threatened them?”

“Oh yeah,” Jared took a sip from his own bottle. “It wasn’t really a threat; it was more like a promise. Everyone knew they would have to answer to Jake if something happened to Bella,” he chuckled, “believe me, I had firsthand experience.”

There was no need to tell Jared that I knew what he was talking about, besides I had a better question that needed an answer. “So how did James get under that radar?”

“That was my fault I guess. Paul can be a pain in the ass and he was goading me into saying shit that got back to Jake, who made good on his promise…it was kids stuff and I was sorry about that. Not because Jake beat the crap out of me but because I hurt Bells. Anyway, when she first went out with Jimmy we were all shocked, everyone hated him. He was an arrogant asshole always talking about the college scholarship he was going to get for football. James was ok for Forks but…”

I interrupted before finishing the bottle in my hand, “He was a big fish in a little pond.”

“Yeah,” Jared reached behind him in the truck bed handing me another beer, “and even as a kid he thought because his parents owned the store that he was better than everyone else. The reality that they struggled just like everyone else was lost on him. I mean come on let’s face it…this is Forks, there isn’t a big tourist trade and his parents store survives on placing orders for the surrounding schools along with the occasional backpackers going through.”

What Jared was saying made sense, the landscape was beautiful it was all green and plush. The mountain ranges were vast creating a great spot for hiking. I thought about the kids we had met while Zip Cording, they had started their trail here in Forks. However I wondered if they were the norm, simply due to the location I couldn’t imagine that there would be many hikers that actually came this far west.

“Anyway, when Bells told Jake that she was going out with Jimmy Cummings,” he said the name like it left a nasty taste in his mouth, “He freaked out and somehow or another she made him promise to leave Jimmy alone.” Jared sighed, “and he did. I think she pointed out the strain in our friendship at the time…I don’t really know for sure, except I overheard Bells tell him that he can’t go around kicking everyone’s ass.”

Twisting off the lid of the bottle I didn’t know what to say about that. I could see Bella’s point. She had seen what happened to Jared and if Jacob was going around warning everyone to stay away from Bella, how was she ever going to be with someone? Dawning came to me as I thought about it, the boys weren’t blind to Bella’s charms, they were afraid of Jacob’s bronze.

Jacob was only doing what he thought best and I can’t blame him for wanting to protect Bella, but everything that happened only seemed to cement her fate. The one person Jacob should have kept her from was the one who he looked the other way because Bella had asked him to. I wondered if it was out of respect for Bella’s wishes or if Jacob felt guilty because of what happened with Jared. Not that I wouldn’t have kicked someone’s ass if they said that shit about Alice, no matter who goaded them into it.

“That’s what I thought had happened with you.”

“What?”

“I thought Bells had once again asked Jake to back off, and I wanted to make sure that if he did, that someone like Jimmy wasn’t getting through the safety net. Did you know that fifty percent of women who leave their abusers will find themselves in another abusive relationship?”

“No, I didn’t know that.”

His eyes narrowed, “Fifty percent, it’s a toss of a coin and I wasn’t going to let that happen simply because Bella asked. So I was watching, looking for any kind of sign that something wasn’t right.”

That’s why he kept fucking staring at me

I laughed, “and here I thought you wanted my woman.”

“Oh I do,” Jared chuckled stopping when he caught the glare in my eyes. “I want her to be happy…I want her to be safe…I want her to have the good fifty percent.”

The giggling from the women returning was the only thing that took my attention away from Jared. Along with Charlie’s voice telling us that he and Sue were leaving. The arrangements to meet for breakfast in the morning were set. Seth came over – it was the first I had seen him all night – asking if we, the old guys wanted to play them in a game of volleyball.

I wasn’t sure I liked being called one of the old guys but we played them anyway. Three games and I couldn’t tell you how many beers and passes of the jar later us old guys were beaten two games to one, even though our cheerleaders were louder and drunker than theirs. It was fun and getting late.

Most of the adults had left and the kids were starting to put up tents on the beach to sleep out for the night. Emery and Kim sent their children home with Kim’s mom; and they, along with everyone else decided to come back to the house we were staying at to continue with the party.

Jacob started the fire in the ring out in the front yard, while Bella and I got some extra chairs out of the shed. Leah brought out the radio turning it to an oldies station that seemed to be stuck in the eighties. There was more laughing and reminiscing while we sat around the fire for a while.

“Let’s play truth or dare,” Kim suggested.

“No!” Bella was adamant while Emery laughed, “Come on sweet cheeks…”

“Why the fuck do you call her that?” I had been hearing it all weekend and wanted to know the meaning behind the nick-name. Bella took my hand ready to explain but Emery just laughed harder, “because she fucking hates it,” while Leah laughed, “Come on Edward you remember we told you about Bella running around the barn naked and falling in the mud.”

Oh…yeah. The truth or dare story

They all laughed while Jared questioned, “Why wasn’t I there for that?”

Bella pointed a finger at him, “Because your momma wouldn’t let you play with Jake anymore.”

He took the words with a knowing grin as Leah looked over to Bella and out of nowhere exclaimed, “You have to shave my legs tomorrow.”

“What?” she asked dubiously.

“I go to the doctor on Tuesday and I need to shave my legs but I can’t see them so you have…”

“That seems above and beyond the call of duty. Why don’t you go get waxed?” it sounded like a simple solution.

“Because it fucking hurts,” Leah’s response was met with Claire’s reply, “it’s not that bad.”

“The hell it isn’t!” Leah’s retort made me lean towards Bella in wonder, “Does it hurt really badly?”

I made her get a full body wax and she never questioned or complained, so I was surprised by her answer. “Yes…it hurts”

Thinking that she would elaborate I was even more surprised when she burst out laughing, “Ask Jake.”

“Bella!” he yelled but she was laughing too hard to care and the others picked up quickly that there was something they didn’t know, “Dude?” Quil chuckled while Leah wanted to know, “When did you get waxed?”

Bella was still laughing while Jacob was staring daggers at her as she tried to back pedal out of the situation, “No, he didn’t!” but no one believed her.

“Jake, my man you did.” We were all laughing mostly because of Bella’s fit of hysteria.

“Alright…yes I did.”

Leah giggled, “When?”

“Right before the wedding…” Bella was laughing so hard it was hard to understand her, “didn’t you notice…he was all baby smooth?”

“Thanks a lot Bells,” Jacob huffed but the chuckle was there while Emery wanted to know, “Did it hurt?”

That question made Bella laugh so hard there was no sound coming out just a few words at a time, “He screamed…so loud…I …had to go…in and …hold his hand.”

“Dude you screamed?” Quil question through his laughter.

“Let somebody rip the hair out of your ass and see what you do,” Jacob was trying to justify his actions.

“Why the fuck did you need the hair off your ass, was somebody going to use it?”

Bella pointed at Emery still hysterical, “That’s the same thing I asked him!”

Jacob glared at Bella before answering, “I don’t know. The woman called it a fancy name and it came in some kind of package deal.”

“See Leah he loves you,” Bella said before looking at Jacob, “I’m sorry…I should have kept my mouth shut.”

“Yeah..yeah…yeah…a little bit of alcohol in you and nothing is sacred” Bella’s laughter was dying down when Leah asked her, “Did you really go in and hold his hand?”

“I had too…and he was squeezing my hand so hard…I thought he was going to break my fingers…and the whole time he’s screaming into the pillow.”

Bella looked over at Jacob again while Jared assured everyone, “Leah I don’t care how much I loved you, I wouldn’t rip the hair out of my ass for you.”

“Why were you screaming the whole time?” Kim wanted to know.

“Because even when she was putting on the wax – which felt really good by the way – I knew it was going to have to come off.”

“Why didn’t you stop?” it seemed to me that Jacob had reached his limit but his answer made sense, “You can’t walk around with half your ass waxed…besides women do it all the time,” glancing at Bella she nodded with a smug smile as Jacob went on, “The worse part was a month later.”

Bella started giggling again making me wonder but Quil asked before I could, “What happened a month later?”

“The hair grew back.” He said like it was obvious, “I was standing there putting on a set of rotors scratching my ass like a monkey in the jungle.”

“I can’t believe you made Bella go in there with you with your ass hanging out,” it sounded like Leah wasn’t too happy about that and when I thought about it in that light I wasn’t too happy either.

“I didn’t see anything,” Bella assured her but Leah glared like she didn’t believe her so Bella explained, “You know how in TV shows the woman is getting C-section and they put up a drape…” Leah nodded, “That’s what happened. I sat up by his head,” she started laughing again, “holding his hand like an expectant father…”

Bella looked at Jacob, “Who’s your daddy?” she asked seriously before bursting out laughing.

“Shut the fuck up Bells…” he chuckled looking at me, “Give Bella some alcohol and watch her go.”

“Yeah…” Claire interjected, “like at Easter when you told Quil I needed a good ass fucking.”

“I didn’t say that,” Bella was sure but Quil chuckled with a nod, “Yes you did. You said she was all moody and that a high hard one up the ass would get her back on track.”

“Did it work?” Bella asked with a giggle.

“Screw that…I had to ward him off my ass for two weeks…it was nothing but missionary …thank you very much.” Claire added with a contrite grin. “Quil kept saying Bella’s a psychologist…she knows about these things.” Claire giggled as she changed her voice in an attempt to imitate Quil while we all chuckled and he added, “I figured it was worth a shot.”

“A shot in the dark,” Emery laughed handing me the jar that was almost empty. Taking a small sip I realized that the LAHB was actually starting to taste like plum juice. Passing off the jar to Bella, Claire chuckled, “See Edward you don’t even need the sugar anymore.”

Kim giggled as Bella looked at me, “They gave you sugar?”

Before I could answer Kim spoke up, “It’s just like swallowing cum, straight shot right down your throat.”

“I never swallowed cum, but I get the idea,” I assured her while Emery added with a chuckle, “That’s good to know Edward.”

Bella laughed pointing her finger at Kim and Leah, “They taught me how to give head.”

I was thinking about thanking the two girls for that but Kim started laughing, “We did, with the carrot…it was for Jared…” she was in near hysterics as she pointed to him and Leah started laughing. “Bella was sure it couldn’t be bigger than a carrot…or she was backing out.”

“Excuse me but can you all stop referring to my dick as a carrot,” Jared tried to exert himself but his request only spurred on a fit of giggles from the girls as Claire wanted to know, “Was it bigger than a carrot?”

Bella was shaking her head laughing, “I don’t know it never got that far…” she stopped laughing. “Too bad for you Jared, because I just won an award…for the best deep throat…my name is on the wall...” she taught for a moment before pointing to me, “…actually it’s Edwards name…he got the honor for having me…”

“What?” Jacob seemed confused but I wrapped my arm around Bella’s shoulder pulling her me in hopes that she would stop talking. I didn’t want Bella in her drunken state to say anymore then she already had. Taking her chin I kissed her gently, quietly speaking against her lips. “You are the only prize I need love.”

Bella’s whole concentration was focused on me as she stared into my eyes. The trance we seemed to be in was broken when Claire announced, “I won a metal in the Bahamas’ for the best fake orgasm.”

Quil groan as all eyes went to them.

“I did,” Claire said proudly then proceeded to tell the story. “The resort we stayed at was an adult only and every night they have different themes. It was scavenger hunt and in order for the next clue to be given out, each person at the table had to take a turn on stage to do something. Like sing the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ or like Quil’s group had to dress these mannequins to look like drag greens, with makeup and hair dos. Then the audience would vote for the best one, the winner got a medal and then the clue would be given out to the room. Anyway my group had to do a fake orgasm…and I won.”

“Do it Claire,” Kim coaxed. “Come on show us what you got!”

Quil groaned again as she stood closing her eyes and started breathing heavy adding a few moans, heavy sighs and some ‘oh gods’ into it. Her head fell back as the sounds became deeper and more primal and then her body started quivering as the words changed to ‘fuck...yes…harder…yes…do me harder…more…come on more.’

Throughout her little exhibition Quil sat there watching her in disbelief when she screamed, “Yes!” as her body shook one last time before she opened her eyes and started laughing. I had to admit it was pretty damn convincing and everyone else must have thought so too as they were laughing and clapping. Claire bowed, “Thank you...thank you,” she leaned down to give Quil a kiss who didn’t seem as impressed as the rest of us, “I would never do that with you baby.”

Quil pulled Claire down into his lap by her hips chuckling, “That’s not the end of it.” Claire giggled while he went on, “The next day we’re on the water taxi going over to Paradise Island and there is this older lady on the other side of the boat who keeps staring at us. I’m ready to say something to her and she points at Claire and yells, ‘You’re the orgasm girl!’ So my meek, quiet Claire, stands up in the middle of the boat and starts moaning and bowing.”

Everyone around the fire was laughing and Jacob chuckled, “Quil I think she has been practicing a lot,” while Emery asked with a chuckle, “Why would you fake it anyway?”

Leah giggled, “Because sometimes you just want it to be …over.” stressing the last word with a hand gesture of finality, then added “What I really want to know I is when the hell was Claire ever meek and quiet?”

“Hey” Claire sounded indignant “you all know how genteel I am”

The women laughed as Kim comment “Oh yeah you were real genteel when you held on to that guys pants while you popped a squat at the hill climb”

“I couldn’t help it, I had to pee and the port-a-potty’s were a mile away” Claire tried to justify herself “besides he didn’t care”

Kim was laughing again “No he didn’t care he wanted Leah and me to join you”

The three of them were laughing Quil however didn’t fine it as funny “You peed on some guy”

“No that’s disgusting I just held on to his belt so I didn’t fall over”

“When was this?” Quil was sounding more perturbed then amused and Leah interrupted the pending dispute by announcing “I have to pee.”

That declaration made all four women head out in a mass exodus towards the house. When they were gone Quil chuckled, “Women, why do we put up with them?”

“Because the alternative isn’t any better,” Jacob replied and Emery added, “or as soft…” he looked to Jared, “and you know I love you man, but I don’t want nothing to do with your carrot dick.”

“Great…just fucking great…a carrot. You think they would have at least used a cucumber,” Jared sounded dejected but Quil laughed, “You’re just lucky they didn’t use an asparagus.”

“Yeah we’d be calling you stalk dick,” Quil laughed while Emery asked Jacob, “Why the fuck would they teach each other that shit and how the hell did Kim and Leah know what to do anyway?”

Jacob shrugged, “I don’t know I think it’s fucking weird Leah just tells Bella, you’re going to shave my legs,” he looked at me, “You know damn well she’s going to do it.”

I grinned knowing full well that Bella would be shaving Leah’s legs. Seth came running out to the fire to sit alongside my chair. I figured Bella must have left him out as I petted his head Jared observed, “He likes you.”

I nodded, “Yeah…he’s a good dog and he’s used to being around me now. Especially since Bella’s been staying with me…”

“Is she going to sell her house?” Jacob asked while Emery added, “I was wondering that myself.”

“Bella moved in with you?” Jared wondered and I realized that when Bella made the announcement earlier he was on the other end of the table and must not have heard that piece of information.

“Not completely. They have been staying at my house …”

“Someone messed with Seth’s collar and Bella’s car a few weeks ago so I felt better knowing that she was staying at Edward’s,” Jacob’s approval seemed to make the other men relax while it made me feel more uneasy about the bond that they shared and whether it could be broken.

“Why was someone messing with Bella?” that was a question that I had pushed to the back of my mind since we left for our little vacation. To be honest we had been having such a nice time away, I didn’t want to have to think about it and the fact that I had no answers to give only added to my uneasiness.

“If I knew that, then I would know who it was and...”

“Maybe it was the last woman you had living with you,” Jared was being cocky but I also knew that it was his way of finding out more about me, so I played along.

“Bella is the only woman who has ever lived with me.” That was a true statement, others stayed over but only on the weekends and only occasionally in my bed. I thought it might be a good time to set something straight. “I’m not sure what Bella is going to do with her house, sell it, rent it, whatever she wants to do that’s up to her. The only thing I know is that I want my house to become our home, permanently.”

It’s not that I needed their approval or was even looking for it; my thought process was more along the lines of, these men gathered around the fire were an important part of Bella’s life, which made them (by proxy) part of my life too. That didn’t disturb me in the least; I found them very entertaining and friendly, even Jared who after we talked didn’t seem so infuriating to me. I wasn’t at all happy that Bella had been taught the art of falatio for him, yet that was many years ago and I could overlook it, especially since he never got to experienced it.

The poor bastard

“Seth,” Bella called from the porch as the other women came out into the yard. She smacked her lips together while Seth looked up at me like he had no intention of listening. Standing up I started towards the house calling after him, “Come on boy.”

Bella held open the screen door letting him into the house before coming down the two steps. I stood there watching her move towards me with a fire in her eyes. As she got a few feet from me she started singing along with the song that was coming from the radio.

“But I know what I like, I know I like dancing with you,” she smiled as the song continued. “And I know what you like, I know you like dancing with me.”

As the song persisted Bella walked up to me tilting her chin to look into my eyes while she sang, “Kiss me once, kiss me twice. Come on pretty baby kiss me deadly.”

As the last words left her mouth she wrapped her arms around my neck tugging my head towards her. Our lips met in a searing kiss, tongues, teeth, raw passion coming through. Reaching down my hands lifted her by her bottom making her whimper into my mouth causing me to become even more insistent. My hands squeezed her cheeks roughly making Bella moan as her legs tightened around my waist while she wiggled against me looking for friction. Her legs formed a vice grip around me and she used her calves to hold on to my back as her center lowered over my straining dick. The contact made me grunt and I squeezed her butt cheeks tighter causing her to gasp and pull back from my mouth.

“Edward please?” Bella’s voice was breathy and laced with lust.

“Please what baby?” I asked against the skin of her neck as I trailed kisses along the line of her jaw.

Once again her center dropped down to grind against my throbbing dick, “Fuck me.”

My head snapped up to gaze into her eyes, if her words weren’t enough to make me take her inside and give her what she wanted, the look I was getting certainly did it. “Say good night to your friends.”

My hands loosened their grip and I expected Bella to get down, walk over, and tell them we were going in for the night, instead she yelled over my shoulder, “Good night!”

Her enthusiasm made me chuckle as I heard Kim call out, “Are you going to bed?”

“Yup…We’re really tired…”

“Sure you are.” Kim called back but I was already making strides across the yard.

When the screen door shut Bella attacked my lips with a kiss that I couldn’t completely give into because I had to look where I was going. Once the bedroom door was kicked closed that problem was no longer present and she had had my full attention. I felt her doing something with her legs and a second later her sneakers dropped to the floor. There was a frenzy of motion as my hands moved to her hips and slipped into the elastic of her pants in an attempt to remove them as our lips moved against each other’s.

Unable to get them passed her hips I set Bella down on the dresser. Her sore butt coming in quick contact with the cold wood made her cry out in a groan while she lifted her legs up for me to strip off the pants. Her breathing was already strained as my mouth crashed to hers forcefully. Our tongues were struggling for dominance as both of us worked our hands feverously to open up my belt.

Toeing off my shoes I had to pull back from her mouth to push my pants over my hips and step out of them. While she grabbed the end of her shirts lifting them off her head, I followed her lead by removing mine. Bella watched me from where she was perched on the dresser with her knees bent and her feet resting flat on the surface. I took in the sight of her; brown tresses hung freely down over her shoulders partially covering the light blue bra that remained. Her thighs spread provocatively exposing her moist glistening center.

Reaching behind my neck she pulled me towards her, “You’re taking too long.”

Her eagerness made me grin smugly as I immediately remedied that situation. Slipping my hands under Bella’s knees I wrapped them around her hips, moving her body to the edge of dresser and she cried out as I slid inside of her. She leaned her shoulders back against the wall grabbed me around my waist with both hands and whimpered, “Please.”

Normally I would draw it out, listen to her beg; make her wait for satisfaction however I myself just couldn’t wait, so I gave her what she wanted. Each thrust was met with her own as she used her thighs to push up against me. She moaned out in pleasure as her hands cupped her breasts, pulled them out and began teasing her nipples.

“Oh fuck baby,” she felt so good and the sight of her touching herself was making me crazy, I needed to taste her.

Withdrawing from inside her I sunk to my knees placing my head between her thighs and took a long slow lap up her center. The sweet tangy flavor that was all Bella sent me into fury. The sounds coming from her were only adding to my lust and I felt like a hungry animal attacking its prey. Lapping up her juices as my tongue worked its way deep inside her core.

“Ahhh….God…Edward!” Bella cried out gripping the back of my head and wiggling herself against my face. Her moans became stronger and when I moved my mouth to circle her clit, Bella fisted my hair so hard I thought she was going to rip it out while she yelled, “Yes!”

My fingers curled inside her while my mouth worked against her clit and it didn’t take long until she was writhing around letting out a loud primal moan as she clamped down on my fingers and came with a shuddering breathless moan, “mm…mmmm…mmyyeeesss….god…fuck yes…”

Moving back I placed small kisses on the inside of her thigh watching as Bella’s body came back down. Her eyes opened as a smile formed on her face and I stood between her parted legs. Before I could register what happened she pushed on her feet, springing herself at me. Her mouth was on mine as her tongue licked across my lips, tasting herself she moaned again. The sound of her pleasure was too much and I grabbed under her thighs while she wrapped her legs around my waist. Our mouths were plastered together as Bella seemed to be searching for any remnant of her juices that was left.

Taking two steps I twisted so that her back was against the wall, lifting Bella’s body I was able to slide into her. That action caused another cry to leave her throat as I set up a steady rhythm of movement. Bella threw her head back banging it on the wall and giving me perfect access to her neck. She gripped the back of my head as I licked, kissed, and sucked any spot I could find. It didn’t seem to be long before Bella was gasping for breath, gripping my shoulders and clamping down on my dick with such force that I couldn’t hold back anymore. My body slammed into her while my dick seemed to find a new depth and I spilled myself inside her with a groan.

“Oh baby…I fucking love you,” I said breathlessly resting my forehead against the wall while Bella’s fingers threaded through my hair.

“Is that because you love fucking me?” her voice was soft and quiet with a touch of humor. However she had to know that it was more than that. Didn’t she?

Straightening my head I looked into her face, even in the dark room her eyes shined in the moonlight that was coming in from the window. “I love you so much…you mean everything to me Bella.”

She smiled hugging me closer and once again attacking my lips, when she pulled back her tongue ran over corners of my mouth, I knew what she was doing. Taking a few steps backwards I felt the bed behind my knees and fell down into the softness taking Bella with me. She giggled gripping my shoulder as I pulled the quilt from the other side of the bed on top of us.

Bella kissed me softly letting her tongue move over my lips.

“I think you missed a spot, right here,” Her tongue snaked out to lick the spot on my chin where my finger had pointed to. When she seemed satisfied that I was cleaned of her liquids Bella looked into my eyes, her hair was a jumbled mess hanging down in her face. Tucking one side behind her ear it was easier to see her. She continued to gaze at me quietly for a moment before I could see her eyes become glassy.

“I’ve never loved anyone, like I love you. And I’ve never felt more loved than I do with you.”

Smiling at her I reached up to kiss her gently before tucking her head under my neck while she settled onto my chest. Lying there in the stillness of the night, I could hear them still out by the fire, laughing and talking; their world was a happy place. My world was lying on top of me falling asleep with one arm against her side and the other against my shoulder, and she was my happy place.

I was drifting off to sleep when I heard someone walking up to the door giving a tentative knock. Opening my eyes the door cracked open a few inches, “Edward are you awake?”

My mind came to full awareness as I pulled the blanket further up Bella’s back to shield her from Seth’s gaze, “Not a good time my man.”

At my words Bella stirred mumbling, “Mas..”

“Shhh…” I shushed her taking her free arm to bring it alongside her body holding her securely, “…sleep my love.” I whispered against her head. Bella wiggled slightly while I restrained her body as much as I could until a small sigh escaped her throat and I felt her relax against me. Once she was settled and modestly covered my attention went back to Seth.

“I wanted to ask you…” cutting him off I told him to give me a minute and I would be out to talk to him. He shut the door quietly as I held Bella turning us so she could lie on the mattress. She snuggled into the pillow with a small whimper as I pulled away from her tucking the blanket in to keep her warm.

Sitting on the edge of the bed I glanced at the clock two-thirty.

This better be important

I didn’t really worry about what I was putting on, grabbing the pair of pajama pants and sweatshirt off the chair that was left there to be washed. The bright light of the kitchen made me squint as I followed the sound of voices out to the front porch. Jacob was sitting on the swing with Jared talking with Seth who was leaning against the railing holding heavy blankets over his arms. The two men on the swing eyed me as I stepped outside but didn’t say anything. That was good because I just wanted to see what Seth wanted and get back to Bella.

“What do you need?” I asked running my hand through my hair which I was sure was a mess

“Listen, when we come to the city for the baby shower can we stay at your house?’

Is he fucking kidding me?

“You pulled me out of bed to ask me that?”

“Yeah,” his youthful selfishness made me chuckle. “I guess, but don’t you want to stay at Leah’s?”

That seemed like an obvious place for him to stay, however his answer made sense. “Well, we wanted to come Friday morning and Leah would wonder why we were there. Oh, but don’t worry we have plans to go shopping and to the movies so we won’t bother you. Besides …Leah can be kind of a bitch sometimes.”

I huffed looking at Jacob, I don’t care who was saying it, if someone called my woman a bitch I would have something to say about it instead I came to Leah’s defense, “She’s not so bad.”

Seth smirked, “You don’t have to kiss up to us, we already like you.”

“Whatever,” I sighed, “is that all you needed?”

“Yeah.”

As I nodded and he turned to go I thought of something, “Who is we?”

“Tracy and me,” his tone made it seem obvious and maybe if I wasn’t dragged from a warm bed with naked Bella in it at two-thirty in the morning it might have been. However, his answer made me wonder.

“How old is Tracy?”

“Seventeen.”

“Seventeen? Does her mother know that she is going and staying at my house?” I wasn’t sure that I wanted a seventeen year old girl that I didn’t know very well staying with me, especially if her mother wasn’t aware of it.

“It won’t be a problem.”

My eyes narrowed in thought as I looked to the two men on the swing for conformation. Neither of them gave me an answer, in fact all I got was a one shoulder shrug from Jacob.

Well that was a lot of fucking help

I had to clear my mind and think quickly, “Ok here’s the deal. You can both stay with us under one condition, does Tracy’s mom know Bella?” he nodded in affirmation. “Ok then, I’m going to need Tracy’s mother to call Bella and give her consent. As long as she does that then I don’t have a problem with it.”

“Ok…see you in two weeks,” he walked away with a smile but he stopped on the first step turning back to look at me with a strange expression. “Is that comfortable?”

I had no idea what he was talking about and my eyes narrowed in question. “Bella sleeping on top of you, is that comfortable?”

Not wanting to get into my sleeping arrangements I didn’t answer, instead bringing the subject back to a more important point so that there would be no misunderstandings. “Seth…no phone call…no room at the inn.”

“I got ya, and Tracy will have her mom call,” he seemed sure about that as he opened the door to his truck. While he drove away my attention went back to the other two people on the porch. “What did I just agree to?”

Jacob laughed, “It won’t too bad. Although, you’ll have to put up with their loud sex.”

“Great,” just what I want to deal with, loud teenage debauchery, oh well one weekend wouldn’t kill me.

“Yeah they might even be louder then you,” Jacob’s comment made me smirk, but not care at all as I opened the door to go back inside. “I’m going back to bed.”

Grapping a bottle of water from the refrigerator I used the bathroom before going back in to Bella. As my eyes adjusted to the darkness I could see that she was lying on her side much the same way I had left her. The blanket tucked under her arms with her hands nestled under her chin. Pulling off my pants I sat on the edge of the bed to remove the sweatshirt.

Bella’s hand touched my back making turn to look at her. “Where did you go?”

“I got a drink,” I said picking up the bottle of water off the nightstand and opening it, “and Seth wanted to talk to me.”

“Mmmm…” she sighed. “What did he want?”

“I’ll tell you later,” I said putting the bottle on the table and leaning down to kiss her bare shoulder.

“Mmmm…round two?” Bella asked with a sleepy grin.

“Are you up for round two?”

She smiled, “The question is, are you up for round two?”

“Oh baby,” I said removing the blanket from under her arms and perching above her. “I’m always ready for you, it doesn’t matter if it’s round two, three, or ten.”

Bella gripped my shoulders as I kissed her. Round two was gentle, filled with soft whispers and touches that showed our love for one another along with the squeaky bed. When we were both sated we crawled under the blankets holding each other and letting the long day finally come to an end.

Even through closed eyes my brain realized that it was actually sunny out. Reaching out, my arms searched for Bella only to come up empty.

Where the hell is she?

Sitting on the bed putting back on the clothes that I wore to speak with Seth my eyes glanced at the clock- seven twenty-four. With a groan I looked around the room realizing that the laundry bag was missing as I went to find her.

The tidy kitchen that usually held so much activity was empty. The pot of fresh coffee on the counter stood half full, with cups hanging on the holder next to it. Pouring myself some I could hear the soft hush of voices coming through door that stood open. With my cup in hand I stood inside the screen door watching Bella and Jacob on the front porch. They were sitting together on the swing looking out into the rising sun. Jacob was sitting upright with his arm draped across Bella’s shoulder while she leaned against his side with her head on his shoulder and legs tucked underneath her.

I knew I should have made my presence known and not eavesdropped but I was torn between two instincts. The first was that even though Bella was cozying up to another man, there was no feeling of jealousy and I didn’t want to interrupt their moment. The other more dominating impulse was the one that wanted to hear what they were saying. That was the one that prevailed.

“Teddy is thinking of retiring, I could sell my shop and buy him out. Leah can work from here as well as anywhere else.”

“Would you live here in this house?” Bella asked.

“No. Seth is going to stay here. We could either build on our parcel or a better plan is to add on to Billy’s house.”

“Would I still have my closet?” Bella asked hopeful.

Jacob chuckled, “Of course. You know you still have shit in there.”

“Why doesn’t Billy get rid of it?”

“He says it’s yours and he’s not touching it. Besides, I think he likes knowing that you are still part of the family.”

They were quiet and I was going to refill my cup to join them when Bella asked. “When?”

“Two maybe three years, a lot of things have to happen and it sort of depends on you.”

“Jake you can’t live your life around me,” Bella’s voice was soft.

“I can’t live it without you…besides we made a pact…remember?” Jacob held his hand up with his forefinger sticking out.

“Yeah…I remember,” Bella’s forefinger grasped his curling around it with a resounding, “…always.”

“Always.”

I could hear the squeak of the springs from the porch swing moving. I assumed that what they were sharing was childhood pact of friendship that created a bond of loyalty. That was something that I admired in Bella her unyielding devotion to those she loved. I had worried that what she shared with Jacob would interfere with our relationship however I thought of her words from the night before.

“I’ve never loved anyone, like I love you. And I’ve never felt more loved then I do with you.” And I believed her.

Pushing open the old wooden screen door they both looked at me, Jacob had a grin on his face but Bella’s smile lit up my day.

“Hi, good morning.”

“Good morning,” I told her leaning against the railing in front of them while Jacob asked how I was feeling.

“Not too bad, I just have a small headache.”

Jacob glanced at Bella with a smirk, “THOH-oh-lee.”

Bella sat up with a look of concern, “I’ll get you some Tylenol.”

“Please.”

When she stood taking the cup out of my hand, I saw that all she was wearing was a short yellow nightshirt with a thin grey rope that wasn’t much longer. My eyes went to her form and the way the material clung to her body leaving very little to the imagination, to Jacob’s credit he didn’t seem to notice. Regardless of how close they seemed to be or what they shared it truly was a brotherly –sisterly love.

“Bells,” Jacob called out as she reached the door. “put a tablespoon of LAHB in the coffee, it will make him feel better.”

The thought of even a tablespoon of that stuff made me nauseous, “Isabella, just the Tylenol” I knew using her full name would stress the point. She nodded giving me a smile before going inside.

“You’re up early,” Jacob had gone to bed after I did however he shrugged, “I get up at the crack of dawn every day and I heard Bells walking around in the kitchen…”

Bella came back out with fresh coffee, giving me a kiss along with the blessed Tylenol. “Since you’re up, I’m going to change the sheets, throw in the last load of wash and shower. Then I thought maybe we could take Seth for a walk?”

“Sounds good to me babe.” I said taking another drink, “We can look for a good rock.”

“I already have a rock from here.”

She still didn’t get it so I enlightened her, “We…don’t have a rock.”

Bella’s face lite up in understanding and she kissed me again, “I love you.”

Jacob groaned, “I can’t wait until you two pass out of this stage and act like normal people.”

I chuckled as Bella gave him a smirk before going back into the house. I sat down next to Jacob watching Seth run around the yard. While we talked he said they were going to be staying until late tonight and were keeping the dog while we were at the beach. That must have been decided while he and Bella talked alone. He worked with me on some more words for a little while until Bella came outside to hang the quilt from our bed out on the wash line and she told me that I had better shower and dress or we wouldn’t have time for that walk.

In the bedroom everything was packed away, her suitcase sat closed on the bed with the picture Leah gave her sitting on top. My bag was sitting next to it, open waiting for me to dress so it could be closed. Showering quickly and shaving I dressed in the bathroom and by the time I got back into the bedroom Bella had both bags ready to go with the laundry bag containing her sleep shirt sitting on the floor. Assuming that was where she wanted me to put my own pajamas I took both suite cases with me to put in the car.

Leah was up, sitting at the table with a cup of tea looking rather tired. “Do you have everything?”

“I think so, Bella packed it.”

“Then you probably do, she double checks eight times.”

Bella came in with the dry quilt looking at the clock and then giving me a knowing smile, “Ok..I’m going.”

Shutting the trunk- after putting the bags in- Bella had Seth on his leash and ready for the walk. Instead of going towards Sam’s house we went the opposite direction. Coming out of the woods there was a red garage with all kinds of rusty car parts sitting alongside of it. Bella had no qualms about going inside the barn and pulling the string to turn on the light. Back in the corner she showed me the two bikes that were covered in dust leaning against each other along the wall. One was painted a cherry red while the other blue, they were simple basic models yet I could see her young and carefree riding around the reservation.

Turning out the light she closed the door and we headed for the small red house. Not even bothering to wait after knocking Bella seemed shocked to see a woman standing in the kitchen making breakfast. “Oh…excuse me is Billy here?”

The words no sooner left her mouth when Billy came around the corner from the hallway where I assumed the bedrooms were. “Hey Bella, I was hoping you would stop by before leaving.”

“Of course,” She hugged him but kept her eyes on the woman reminding me of a mother hen. Billy seemed to come to his senses. “Loretta, this is Bella and her boyfriend Edward…this is Loretta, she insisted on making breakfast before we go out on the boat for the day.”

Loretta wiped her hands before shaking ours with a pleasant smile and a ‘nice to meet you’ to me and telling Bella that she heard so much about her that it nice to finally met her. Bella however eyed her skeptically and then noted, “It’s kind of late to go fishing.”

“Oh were not fishing, we’re taking the boat over to the Island for a picnic.”

Bella smiled replying conventionally to Loretta, “It should be a beautiful day for a picnic,” then looked to Billy telling him that we had to leave. After another hug Billy shook my hand saying he was looking forward to getting to know me better and he would see me in two weeks. When we walked by the cars on the side of the house I laughed as Bella felt the top of a white Sentra but she didn’t seem to care as she gave me a pointed look, “I think she slept here.”

Her assumption made me laugh and after what Billy had said the day before at Charlie’s, I’m sure Bella was right – Loretta did sleep there. However, I had other things on my mind, Billy’s parting words reminded me of Seth’s request. Walking through the woods in the back of the house I told Bella about the two of them staying with us under the condition that Tracy’s mom calls giving consent. She agreed with me that it was a good idea to make sure they had permission however she was sure that Tracy’s mom wouldn’t have a problem with it.

A few minutes later we walked out of the woods into an open area with a cliff that jetted off over the ocean. The sun was shining brightly making all the green from the grass and moss shine. Bella took my hand leading me over to edge, looking down my stomach dropped. Far below us the black water of the ocean rolled smashing white foam against the wall of the cliff.

She didn’t need to tell me what this place was, “You jumped off of here?”

“Several times” My eyes went from her to the ocean below and unlike being able to picture my Bella on a motorcycle; my Bella jumping off a cliff was inconceivable. I could actually feel my heart beating in my chest at the thought of what could have happened to her. The danger she put herself in was mind-boggling.

“What’s the matter?”

What’s the matter?

“I’m seriously thinking about dispensing a retro-punishment and for the first time I think a spanking is in order.”

“You can’t do that,” she giggled.

“Oh…” I assured her, “I think I can, somewhere in that contract there has to be something about deterring dangerous behavior.”

“I’m not going to jump off anymore and besides my butt is still tingly from yesterday,” she gave me a knowing grin, “and no spanking for punishment remember?”

I did remember, however I wanted to make my stance clear. Placing my hands around the small of her back, looking down into her eyes I guaranteed her, “if you ever even think about jumping off this cliff again, believe me when I say, I will make an exception.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t do it again.”

I knew she wouldn’t and as the story she told me about jumping off the cliff something else came back to me - the kiss from Jared. Tilting her chin my lips pressed against hers in a claiming kiss that left us both breathless and me with a straining pole in my pants and no time to take care of it. After finding a rock, Bella and I made our way back to the house where Jacob and Leah were waiting for us to leave. Packing up the rest of the stuff we headed into town to meet everyone for breakfast.

Emery and Kim were already seated and while we waited for the others to arrive the girls went to bathroom. Emery made a comment that I had survived my first trip to Forks, laughing like it was some great feat or something. Then laughed harder when Jacob told him I had woken up with a headache. Quil and Claire joined us a few minutes later ordering coffee and asking if Bella shaved Leah’s legs. I had forgotten about that and was surprised when Jacob said that she did.

“When?”

“While you were in the shower,” Jacob said with a smirk. “It took all of about five minutes and Leah’s right I couldn’t have done it.”

The others laughed at my expression of disbelief but I didn’t have time to comment as Leah and Kim came quietly back to the table without Bella. Leah sat down in a huff and when I looked over I saw Bella standing there talking to a woman with short blond hair that looked to be in her early fifties.

“What the hell does she want?” Jacob asked his wife.

“I don’t know. I told Bella not to talk to her, but you know how she is.”

Everyone else at the table was quiet as they all looked over to where Bella was. She didn’t look anxious, yet I could see that Bella wasn’t exactly happy to be having a conversation with the woman either. Everyone’s reaction piqued my curiosity making me question. “Who is that?”

It was Kim that gave a name, “Maggie.”

Raising an eyebrow, I had no clue who Maggie was and Jacob sighed in annoyance. “Maggie is James’ mother.”