Cauldrons, Ice and Old Lace

 

Chapter 9

 

 

 

 

Author's Notes: Many thanks to my amazing beta Thyme and my kick ass husband Kevin!

 

*****

 

 

Jasper's POV

 

Looking down at my beloved her brown eyes sparkle up at me with so much love and affection. Her radiant smile warms my dead cold heart. Gently I brush my fingertips against her cheek. “How is it possible that you remember everything, my love?”

 

Her smile widens even more as she cups her hand against the side of my face tenderly. “Magic, my dear, pure magic.”

 

We lay in bed with our arms and legs entwined holding each other close, soaking in each other's essence. Our need for each other is apparent, yet all we can do is gaze into each other's eyes lovingly. Nothing in this world exists except for us. There is no past, no future. Just the here and now that I hope will last for eternity. Now that my beloved is with me once again I could not imagine ever letting her go. Our eyes are captured by the other. I am unable to look away because I am so afraid if I do she will no longer be with me. Our souls are humming to each other. It is the most sensual and unusual sensation I have ever felt. It is as though we are one entity. Even when she is not with me I feel connected to her. I know that is why I hung on for so long instead of walking into the fire. Somehow I knew she would be disappointed in me if I gave up. She would sense it somehow, but I did not know how.

 

Tenderly I caress my fingertips over her neck and shoulder. She feels warm and inviting. Slowly I rise and hover over her. Bella’s heart rate quickens and her emotions spike with pure delight. When she smiles she lightly nibbles on her bottom lip… leaning down I whisper into her ear. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” She giggles softly which is music to my ears. “Do you have any idea how much I missed you? I thought you would never come back.” I could hear the emotions in my own tone.

 

She closes her eyes for a moment deep in thought. When she opens them, tears are brimming in her eyes. “Not nearly as much as I missed you.”

 

Gently I gather my love in my arms. I move her so she is lying on top of me. Her laughter is musical as she willingly covers her body over mine. Her long brown hair flows down tickling my face. Bending her knees at my sides she lifts her body and sensually glides her hands over my arms, raising them above my head. She looks down at me adoringly with her hands firmly on my wrist, like she used to do so many decades ago.  

 

Looking into her eyes, I can see the woman I have always been in love with; her soul shines. Venom begins to pool into my eyes. Looking on her beauty, she sits on top of me so unashamed. A light golden glow caresses her flesh, as my eyes rake over her whole body. She is so beautiful. Her pert breasts bounce slightly when she giggles. And a moan parts from my lips. Without hesitation I gently remove my wrist from her grasp and guide my hands to her breasts, lightly caressing her nipples with the pad of my thumb. She moans ever so softly, arching her back. Lifting up I balance myself with one hand on the bed, leaning forward lavishly licking the small double rosebuds on her left breast.

 

My tongue slides soothingly in the infinity sign between her nipples. Looking up slightly through my lashes, she looks like an angel to me. Bella’s lips are slightly parted as she leans her head back. A small groan is whispered from her lips. Tenderly she runs her fingers through my hair entwining her fingers through my silky waves. Passionately she tugs at my hair pulling me tighter to her. Her moans become more fervent, and I feel venom begin to pool into my mouth in ecstasy. I never thought I would ever be with my love again.

 

Sensually she moves her hips against the hardness hiding within my jeans. It takes everything inside me to be gentle and not fully claim her. I know Bella is new to everything even though the spirit of my beloved remembers how we once were. Bella’s body is new and needs to be treated delicately.

 

When I feel her warmth and wetness through my clothing, and then smell her feminine scent as it flows through her, I just about lose all my control. Her sweet nectar calls to me. Pinching her nipple a little harder than I mean to, I hear her yelp as she lets go of my hair.

 

Swiftly I draw back and I'm so concerned I will see fear in her eyes. What I see is laughter and amusement. She whispers my name ever so softly. “Jasper, I want you. I want to make love to you like we used to. I will admit I’m slightly scared; it’s been so long since it was my first time.” She takes a deep breath. “I know it must sound silly. My spirit has been around for so many centuries. The idea of my body being so new scares me.” She takes a deep breath and gently takes hold of my cold hands, enveloping them in her warmth. She looks deep into my eyes and speaks ever so softly. “I remember the passion we once had. How you used to make me feel. I can’t help but wonder if it will be different. What if I‘m no good at it? What if it’s not like it used to be?”

 

Lovingly I squeeze her hands and rub my thumb over the back of her hand before I let go. Delicately I place my fingertips over her lips. And laugh softly. “Hush, my beloved.” I smirk at her, letting her know I am teasing her.  She laughs softly and nods her head. “Good girl! We won't do anything you feel uncomfortable with. I won't lie. I am having trouble controlling myself with you. It’s been so long and your scent drives me absolutely insane.

 

She blushes and I remember how much I miss her blush. “My scent? I don’t understand.”

 

I chuckle softly. “I thought you remembered everything?”

 

“I do,” she replies weakly. “I think I need a crash course though, in a few simple things.” I’m not sure if she is teasing to get something she wants or really does not remember how sensitive Vampires are to scents. I know one thing; she is hiding her emotions from me. She looks up at me with round brown doe eyes. “Please remind me?” Her innocence overwhelms me completely.

 

Hesitantly she moves off me and lays on the bed. She looks up at me with so much longing and uncertainty. She swallows hard then speaks quietly. “Do you like this body?” For a split moment her emotion shines through, and I am surprised by her lack of self esteem. Annabel was always so confident, sometimes almost wild. Looking deep into Bella’s eyes I can still see my Annabel, but I swiftly realize it’s her human experiences that have made her feel unsure of who she is, when it comes to us. And I am reminded how very new all this is to her.

 

Even though Bella’s self esteem may be lacking, her physical being is betraying her. Closing my eyes I breathe in her essence and everything that is my Bella. Her strawberry shampoo adds a sweet layer of heaven to her blood that smells of freesia. Her natural feminine scent calls to my inner beast. I can taste her on my tongue as my beloved’s essence circulates through the air. Venom begins to pool in my mouth once again, as I try to control the beast inside me from taking over. And I lose the battle when I hear Bella hum nervously in anticipation to my answer.

 

Without opening my eyes I draw from my pure animal instincts and swiftly crawl on top of Bella’s warm inviting body. Everything inside me is trying to fight the beast within me as I straddle her hips. The heat from her core pulsates through me. With her scent and my own hardness betraying me, I reach down adjusting my hard leaking cock that is wanting her sweet release.

 

My unneeded breath is labored as I try to force the beast back inside. Opening my eyes I look to my beloved and I know I must frighten her. Bella’s eyes widen, not in fear but of the unknown. I know I must look crazed to her. Knowing my beloved like I do, she never did what I expected. The shy timid girl from moments ago is gone. A sexy vixen lays beneath me. Bella bats her eyes at me then nibbles on her bottom lip in a seductive way, letting her warm hand glide over my fully clothed chest.

 

A feral growl breaks through my throat in triumph, as my body and beast take full and complete control. Without any hesitation I rip the vile piece of material from my chest so I can feel her warm hands glide up my skin without any barriers in the way. Bella hums softly an old lullaby that always soothed my beast. Her warm hands are intoxicating to me as she slides them over my chest, tweaking my nipples ever so slightly. A gasp parts from my lips and I smile down at her.

 

Tenderly she glides her hands to my side then around my back. Her nails rake against my marbled flesh, sending sensual chills throughout my whole body. Leaning down slightly I place my hands on either side of her head. Bella smiles up at me in contentment. She moves her head slightly from side to side letting her long, brown, silky locks glide over my hands.

 

Looking deep into my beloved's eyes I see something so new I cannot quite pinpoint it. The connection I always knew we had is somehow stronger; I would even say it feels unbreakable. A light golden glow begins to circulate beneath her flesh. Her body now calls to me in other ways. It is spiritual and all consuming. Not only do our bodies need to connect, but so do our souls. Her eyes glow ethereal in anticipation.

 

Leaning down I inhale deeply letting my beloved's essence intoxicate me. Gently I nudge the side of her beautiful face with my nose, pressing my lower body firmly against her. Bella groans in desire when my hardness grinds against her center. Gently I thrust myself forward breathing her in.  Drawing my body back I thrust up against her again, nudging the other side of her face with my nose.

 

The golden glow that is circulating through my beloved's body is enhanced, until I can feel the glow throughout my own body. A feral groan parts from her lips as her own animalistic desires call to my inner demon. Her nails rake against my back in desperation, causing my inner demon to roar out in pleasure. I can hear Bella’s blood rushing through her veins as her heart rate quickens. Instinctively I lean towards her neck licking her pulse point.  The glow flowing through both of our bodies is so warm. I feel as though our spirits, minds and bodies are linking together. Lovingly I lick and nibble her neck then sensually twirl my tongue around her ear. I then speak softly the answer to the question she asked earlier. “Your body is just as beautiful as your spirit has always been to me.”

 

When Bella turns to look at me there is no doubt in my mind that what was once lost is now found, and we are one once again. Whole and complete. Her spirit moves and connects me in every way possible. Tenderly I brush my lips against hers then speak softly. “My beloved, why are we glowing?”

 

She giggles softly and playfully brushes her hand against my cheek. “It’s a spell that was cast upon us years ago in a bonding ritual before I was killed.”

 

Gently I caress her face with my fingertips as I turn us on our sides. “I do not remember a ritual or a spell.”

 

For a split moment sadness crosses over my beloved's features. “No, but you will. Soon.”

 

I nod my head in understanding not wanting to taint our moment with past hurts. “Now where were we?”

 

She grasps hold of the back of my neck bringing me into a passionate kiss. Out lips and tongues dance together in perfect harmony, as our moans echo around us freely.

 

Our hands sensually glide over each other's bodies. Her glowing skin feels like silk underneath my fingertips. Her feather light touches make me feel whole. We take our time getting to know each other's bodies again, as it feels like our souls are re-mending.

 

Her perfect breasts are like heaven in my hands. Bella moans softly when I bend my head down and lick between her breasts. She lets out a strangled cry when I kiss the same area then sensually lick and nibble on her breast until I reach her nipple and suck it gently into my mouth. Bella's gasps are like music to my ears reawakening my animalistic desires. My beloved chants my name as she wraps her legs around me, thrusting her pelvis up, rubbing her sweet wetness against me.

 

Gently I roll Bella onto her back and smile down at her. “As much as I am loving this, I’m a little overdressed for the occasion, darlin!”

 

She giggles and blushes ever so slightly. Nervously she glides her fingers into the front of my jeans unbuttoning the first button. Anxiously she nibbles on her bottom lip and I decide to spare her any more worry. Quickly I stand up, take off my jeans and kneel down on the bed between her legs before she even knows what happened.

 

Looking down at my beloved, she is the most amazing creature I have ever laid eyes on. Softly she hums taming my beast into submission. I wink at her, letting her know without words that she is doing everything right. Then I speak to her affectionately, “I love you more than you can possibly imagine.” 

 

Bella smiles and without saying a word she opens up her emotions to me, letting me know how she feels, without words. I gasp at the intensity of her love, our love.

 

Without hesitation I reflect my love back to her, opening a gateway of pure adoration. Both of our bodies glow even more brightly. Tenderly I rub her legs on both sides, slowly inching my hands closer and closer to her moist center. Lightly I brush my fingertips over the small amount of hair covering her perfect pussy. Bella arches her back in ecstasy as my fingertips grazes between her dampened lips, gathering the moisture. I then tenderly massage her clit as I slowly guide a finger into her tight warmth. Bella looks up at me with so much passion radiating from her eyes. She takes a deep breath, gliding her hands sensually over my arms. Slowly she begins to rock her hips bringing my finger deeper inside her. Carefully I add another finger; her warmth feels like home to me.  She chants my name over and over.

 

Leaning down I capture her lips in a passionate kiss. Our moans blend into each other's mouths, our breaths echo around us. Delicately I arch my fingertips forward grazing Bella’s sweet spot. Her whole body convulses in blissful pleasure. The moans coming from her lips are musical as the flood gate of her orgasm opens up, sending her over the edge. Her whole body bursts into white light.

 

I am suddenly aware of a presence of protection in the room with us, and hushed voices chanting. I look around briefly but I can not see anyone. When I look down at Bella her eyes are closed and she is chanting in an ancient tongue of the Gods and Goddesses. My beloved is with me but she seems so far away, like she is in another place and time, with a smile gracing her lips. Tenderly I caress her body and watch the magic that is taking over my beloved. When she opens up more of her emotions to me, I feel the sensation of lightness, pure magic. The impression is that a new spell or even ritual is being cast or performed.

 

After a few moments I remove my finger from her warmth. Bella comes out of her trancelike state and passionately wraps her hands around the back of my neck, drawing me into a fervent kiss. When she draws back panting, she whispers, “Make love to me, make me yours.”

 

Swallowing the venom that pooled into my mouth I look at her in concern. “Are you sure?”

 

“I have never been more sure of anything in my whole entire existence.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

She reaches down taking hold of my hard leaking cock, stroking it avidly. Panting heavily I thrust into her palm. “Fuck! You need to stop or I won't be able to be gentle with you this first time.”

 

“What if I don’t want you to be gentle?”

 

“You have no idea how much those words turn me on right now. I am already having trouble keeping my beast at bay. I want to be tender with you. This is our first time together in this lifetime and I want it to be a pleasant memory for you, for us.” She nods her head in understanding as she guides my cock to her entrance. She opens her legs wider and the sight before me is the most fucking sexy thing I have ever seen. Taking hold of my own member I gently guide my cock into her warm moist cunt. Her heat is so inviting as the tip of my dick penetrates her. Bella gasps when she thrusts up taking me further inside her. I look into her pain filled eyes and stop all movement. “Are you okay?”

 

She nods her head. “Yeah, just given me a moment to adjust to you.” Tenderly I cover her face in sweet kisses until her body relaxes underneath me and I feel her pain dissipate. She raises her hips once again and I can feel her barrier. Closing my eyes I take a deep breath and hold it before I break through the barrier, knowing how much her blood is going to affect me.

 

Bella raises up on her elbows  repositioning herself for me. Affectionately I wrap my arm around her back as I thrust through. She arches her body back, gasping and moaning in pain and pleasure. Slowly I lay my beloved back on the bed letting our bodies mold into one another. Her thrust meets mine perfectly. Our moans blend together. The moment I smell her fresh blood my beast completely takes control.  Bella gasps out as my thrusts become deeper and more enthusiastic. Wrapping her legs firmly around my ass, bringing me in deeper, she chants my name over and over. Bella tangles her fingers in my hair guiding me into an animalistic kiss. Our tongues battle for dominance. Our breath becomes one. The world around us completely disappears. All I can feel and smell is my beloved. Her heart warms my dead one.

 

When I feel my orgasm approaching, her blood begins to sing to me in a way it never did before. Bella whispers so softly, “Bite me, Jasper, make me yours.”

 

I kiss her even harder. Pulling back I look into her deep brown eyes. “You are already mine,” I growl out possessively then claim her warm lips with my own once again.  While I continue my enthusiastic thrusts into her beautiful and hypnotic warmth, Bella sensually slides her hands down my back and ass and squeezes firmly. I gasp in pleasure and she smirks mischievously against my lips as we continue to kiss. I am pleasantly surprised how bold my beloved is being.

 

I slowly start to kiss away from her lips, down her jaw and neck. She moans in contentment. I smile to myself knowing I am pleasing her. With that thought alone I feel the sensation of rumbling echoing throughout my chest and throat. I smile to myself when I realize I am purring for my mate. It had been so many decades since I have felt and heard that sensation. Only my true mate can make me feel so alive, so free, so loved.

 

Holding her body close to mine I bury my head into her neck thrusting deeper and faster into my beloved. Bella kneads her fingers into my back tightly with want and desire. Her strangled cries of lust penetrate through me when I feel her female juices flow freely over my cock. We both cry out in ecstasy in that moment of heat and passion. Bella’s blood thumps heavily through her veins just at the brink of my orgasm. I sink my sharp teeth into her tender, sweet flesh letting her sweet blood flood into my mouth, releasing my seed deep inside her simultaneously.

 

Bella gasps in pleasure and tells me to open my eyes. While drinking her blood the colors around me change. She is my drug and I can not get enough of her. I see a bright light shining through us both. A tingling sensation creeps through my whole body as I pull back and look at the smile on my beloved's face.  She gently places her hands on either side of my face. Leaning forward she kisses me fervently, moaning in contentment, tasting her own blood on my lips and tongue. She groans and sucks on my tongue greedily. I forgot how much she loved that. My venom could not harm her and the bite always seemed to bond us even more.

 

After we are finished making love I gently pull out of her, and Bella instinctively curls herself into my embrace. We caress each other lovingly and speak of our love and devotion, as she drifts to sleep, wrapped firmly in my arms. While she sleeps, our bodies continue to glow ever so slightly. I can still feel a presence of protection around us and can hear soft chanting all around the room.  Even though she is lying in my arms I know she is in another time and place.

 

A few hours later Bella begins to wake up in my arms. She looks up at me with so much love. Tenderly I caress her shoulder then slide my hand down her back and hips. My beloved places her warm hand on my chest. Leaning up she kisses me chastely on the lips. “Good morning, my love.”

 

I squeeze her to me lovingly. “Morning, darling, how are you feeling?”

 

She stretches her arms and wraps them round my neck. “I feel amazing; you make me feel like anything is possible as long as I have you by my side.”

 

I kiss her softly on the lips. “You make me feel the same way.” I smile down at my beloved who’s glowing with her natural beauty and the afterglow of our lovemaking. Gently I brush her hair behind her ear. “I was concerned you may be feeling sore this morning. I was not as tender as I wanted to be with you.”

 

Bella giggles softly placing her hands on my face affectionately. “Oh that!” she says with amusement in her voice. “It’s a good hurt, and one I would never trade in for 100 red gummy bears.”

 

I shake my head and laugh slightly. “What does red gummy bears have to do with anything?”

 

She smiles at me mischievously and gasps teasingly, “Well, red gummy bears used to be one of my favorite things in the world until I met you. I would now go all eternity without a red gummy bear as long as I was able to spend eternity with you, making love like we did last night.”

 

Placing a kiss on her forehead I hum softly against her warm skin. “Mmmm.”  Pulling away slightly, I tweak her nose playfully. “So what you're trying to tell me is that you love me more than red gummy bears?”

 

Bella shrugs her shoulders. “Well sort of, to be honest with you, I actually love having sex with you more than red gummy bears. I love you more than clear gummy bears!” she says with laughter in her voice then kisses me chastely on the lips.

 

I raise my eyebrow at her. “Why more than clear gummy bears?”

 

She playful slaps my chest. “Well silly, because clear gummy bears are a hell of a lot yummier than red gummy bears. So that means I love you a whole hell of a lot.”

 

“So you're saying when it is all said and done, you love me and my sex more than gummy bears?”

 

She nods her head enthusiastically. “Yup, that about sums it up!”

 

I pull her in tighter to me and kiss her on the forehead. “Well, darlin, I hope you realize I would never ever make you go without your red and clear gummy bears.”

 

She lets out an exaggerated sigh. “Whew, I was hoping you would say that!”  She giggles softly.

 

I whisper in her ear, “I love you more than blood.”

 

She smiles up at me. “That’s a whole hell of a lot of love too. No worries though, I would never let you go without it.”

 

I bury my face in her hair.  “Thank goodness for that. Since it’s my life source.”

 

She whispers softly, “You’re my life source.”

 

Then suddenly our playful banter comes to a complete halt, and Bella’s body stiffens. She closes her eyes for a moment then moves out of my embrace. She leans up against the headboard of the bed pulling the sheet around her tightly. Opening her eyes, she looks so sad as she talks to someone I cannot see but I can feel, and I know instantly it’s Ruby. There are so many emotions in my beloved's voice as she speaks. Unshed tears glisten in her eyes. “I was hoping I had more time but I understand. I love you to, Grams.” Tears begin to glisten down her cheeks. “I miss you so much.” Nodding her head she says, “Yes,” then crumples into my arms.

 

I cradle my beloved tenderly as she weeps softly. Soothingly I caress her silky hair. “Talk to me, babe, what just happened?”

 

She draws out of my embrace and tenderly places her hands on my face. “I just hope you still love me after this. I need to show you something.” I feel her fear and insecurity flowing through her.

 

I whisper softly, “I trust you.”

 

“I hope you always do, because everything I have done no matter how much it hurt, was for us. For our family.” Tenderly she places her forehead against mine which startles me at first because I know she is not at her full power as a witch yet. So many years ago this was one of the ways she would share her memories with me. “Bella, what are you doing? You do not have…”

 

Before I could finish she interrupts my sentence. “My love, a lot changed tonight, just stay with me and everything will be answered.”

 

Suddenly a bright light shines behind my eyes and colors begin to take shape. Visions from the past invade my thoughts as I learn instantly that while we were making love everything in our whole world changed. In the vision I stand in our small garden watching two young children running up to me. They both appear to be three years old. The little girl has blond hair in small pigtails; her blue eyes pierce deep within my soul. The young boy runs alongside her with his arms outstretched like he is trying to fly. His shaggy brown hair blows in the breeze, his brown eyes dancing with joy.

 

Both of the young children run up to me wrapping their arms around my legs while they giggle and yell out, “Daddy, daddy, Mommy got flowers!”

 

I look down at the beautiful children and my heart warms because I then remember them - I remember everything. Oh how my heart suddenly aches and suddenly everything makes sense to me. Oh my dear sweet children, little Jane and Alec.

 

Suddenly the visions change and I am standing in a sacred circle of some sort. Memories of my sweet beloved standing in front of me with her hand placed upon my forehead, showing me every memory we have ever shared together. I feel my emotions betraying me and all I want to do is be able to weep and let go of those emotions about everything I am being shown. There is so much love, pain, loss and devastation.

 

My beloved shows me why she left me all those years ago. To watch over our children - I understood it now. They needed her more than I did. Of course our children needed their mother in their darkest of  days. My dead heart is breaking for her, for us. I remember the ritual of our bonding and the gift she and the Goddess Diana gave me. With everything she showed me I am glad she has come back to me.

 

I am unaware that I have been chanting. My voice finally penetrates through my ears. I am repeating over and over again, “I trust you, I trust you.”

 

Bella caresses her thumb on my cheek as she whispers. “I know you do and I have one last thing I need to show you. It is what happened this night as we made love and while I slept.”

 

Bella is standing in her family's nexus point, when an older woman walks up to her. I know instantly it is her grandmother and sister twin. She speaks with so much emotion. “Grams, how did I get here?”

 

Ruby claps her hands together and smiles brightly. “Sex magic, my dear. Yours and Jasper's magical energy of eternal love brought you here.”

 

I could see tears brimming in Bella’s eyes. “That explains how I got here, but are you really here? How are you here? I miss you so much.”

 

Ruby’s cheerful tone turns suddenly somber. Delicately she takes Bella's hands in her own and speaks to her soothingly. “I’m here as a messenger. I miss you as well, my sweet granddaughter, more than you can possibly imagine. I am sorry to take you away from your beloved, and I would not have done so if it was not important. Everything from this point on is happening so fast, much faster than any of us anticipated. The Goddess Diana has your last gifts to bestow upon you. You were supposed to receive them on your 21st birthday. Unfortunately things have changed; your life is in grave danger. Everyone you love is in danger. If you do not receive your gifts now, you will be lost to us, and everything we fought for will be gone. I tell you this now because as soon as you leave the bedroom, everything is going to change.”

 

Bella nods her head. “I understand, and as frightened as I am, I know you would never lead me wrong.” Bella swiftly lets go of her Grams' hands and wraps her arms around her in a tight embrace. “Oh Grams, I have missed you so much. I just wish we had time to talk and not be so worried about what is to come!” 

 

Ruby hugs Bella back, with tears in her eyes and so many emotions flowing from her, as she speaks. “Me too, my dear, me too. I love you so much! I just want you to know I have never been more proud of you than I am right now, my beautiful granddaughter and sister spirit. You need to remember to stay strong and always listen to your instincts. Do not doubt them; we have no time to doubt right now.”

 

Bella nods her head. “I understand we have been preparing for this a long time.”

 

Ruby pulls away from the embrace slightly and gently holds onto Bella’s forearms. The love she holds for her granddaughter and sister spirit is extremely powerful. She speaks with so much love and emotion. “Yes, but things have changed. It’s different now, more intense than it should have ever been. I have no idea how things will turn out, but I do know there is so much light around you, around all of us. Most importantly the Gods and Goddess have faith in you. They choose you and your beloved for a reason to lead their army. Together your gifts are manifest. You make each other stronger and capable of anything. When the darkness tries to take over and taint what’s inside you, stay strong, hold on tight and remember the love you and Jasper have is unbreakable.”

 

A distant look crosses over Ruby’s features. She looks back at Bella with a great intensity in her eyes. “It’s time, and before we begin, I need to tell you to please make sure you call your father right away and let him know to meet you at the Cullen home. Tell him it has begun.”

 

Bella seems so confused. “My Father?! But he can’t know. He always seems so aloof about everything.”

 

Ruby laughs letting the intensity of the situation go for just a moment. “All a front, my dear, all a front. He is more aware of everything than you think.” She waves her hand in the air trying to shoo away the situation. “But enough of that! We have more important things to do right now.”

 

The visions slowly vanish. Instantly I feel Bella’s arms wrapping around me, and she buries her head in my neck as she weeps. Her body shakes against mine. My own emotions become overwhelmed. So much has happened in such a little time. So many unanswered questions, answered. My undead heart is breaking slowly for what has happened and what is to come.

 

Bella whispers softly. “I wish we could stay in each others arms all day and not have to walk through our bedroom door but sadly we need to get up and face this hell together.”

 

Drawing back I looked deep into her damp eyes. “Are you sure?”

 

“No,” she says weakly. “But I feel something’s not right. We should get dressed. Oh shit, I have nothing to wear?!”

 

Tenderly I kiss her forehead. “Mmm, you can wear one of my long t-shirts and my boxer shorts.” I purr into her ear and she giggles softly.

 

“I’d like that, plus I know that will also make you all territorial, and I love that even more.” She smiles wickedly at me then kisses me on the lips chastely.

 

After we both dress I look at my beloved adoringly. She looks so fucking sexy wearing my clothes. Fondly I place my hands on her hips to bring her body close to mine. “Mmmm, you look good in my clothes.” She smiles up at me as I lean down placing a passionate kiss upon her sweet lips.

 

Without any warning everything changes. In the distance I can feel an overwhelming amount of pain and agony, emotionally and physically, to the point where I almost crumple to the floor. I can hear someone yelling for me in the distance, and I know instantly who it is. It is Jacob Black. I can hear footsteps pounding through the forest at a frantic rate. Jacob calls for me again, and I hear him yell, “You need to save her, you need to save my imprint, my love.” My heart aches for him knowing what it’s like to lose the one you love.

 

Bella can see the horror in my eyes and she asks, “What’s wrong, what happened?”

 

“It’s Jacob Black; he needs help.”

 

“Who’s Jacob? Oh my gosh, is he related too?” Before she can finish her sentence I answer for her. “No, he is our old friend and he has changed his name to adapt to the world around him as we all do.

 

A look of horror now crosses her face. “Where is he?”

 

“He’s on his way here.”

 

Quickly we both run out the bedroom door and instantly we heard a loud pounding. I smell the blood right away. Before I can open the door I see Edward. He is breathing heavily as his demon is trying to break free. His eyes are pitch black, and I know he has not fed recently.  I point at him and speak to him firmly, “Go out the back door, get the fuck out of here now! And by the way, mother fucker, I just found out everything. You have a lot of shit to explain.” He nods his head and runs out the back.

 

When I open the door, I am not prepared for the image in front of me. Jacob is covered in blood. His eyes are wide with fear. He holds a young woman who is mangled and torn. Tears stream down his face. “You got to help her, please!” he yells in desperation. “I just found her. I just found my imprint, I can’t lose her now!”

 

I hold my breath trying to calm the beast inside me that longs for her blood.  I guide him into the house to lay her on the kitchen table. Her limp body sinks like a rag doll upon the wood.

 

And that is when I hear Bella gasp in emotional pain. “Angela! Oh god no, not my best friend.” And that is when I see the face of the young woman I met just yesterday.

 

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