Lost and Found ch2: Sperm Donor

Chapter 2: Sperm Donor

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BPOV
“Heathcliff, look out the window, we're almost to Grandpa Charlie's. There's the airport below us.”
He knelt on his seat to see over the window ledge, excitement once again strongly featured on his face. The face of his father from eyes, to nose, even his full lips. I can only hope not to run into him here, I couldn't face him now. Not after he cheated on me the day after getting me pregnant. He never even gave me his last name, let alone his real first name so Jake could find him and let him know I was pregnant. If I find him or at least find out who he is I'm worried what Jake will do or worse that Emmett will find out.
“Bells I'm going to kill the son of a bitch that knocked you up and then left. Who the hell was he?” Something crashed against the wall or floor, Emmett's temper had gotten the best of him. Charlie had been disappointed but Emmett was pissed that someone had taken advantage of me. “Sis, at least give me his name so I can tell him what a sorry dipshit he is.”
“I can't, Emm. I had Jake look for him and I don't have his last name and it's his nickname that his friends use- he doesn't like his first name or something. Kinda hard to look in the yearbook by a nickname. Jake's keeping an eye on First Beach in case he comes back. I am not giving my baby up and do not want a future with the guy but I want to at least tell him he has a baby on the way. I owe him that much.” My voice broke on the last few words, tears finally streaming down. I had thought my tears were cried out when I told Renee the night before and she called Charlie. Emmett calling me today scared me. I didn't want to distract him from school, football was his only chance to get out of Forks and he needed to focus on the team. A sophomore already on the varsity team was a big deal.
“Isabella Swan, you owe that prick nothing! He took advantage of you. Hell, Bells, you are fourteen, you'll be fifteen in a few days, and you're going to be a mom. The only thing you've told us at all was that he was a year or two older. You're both too young for sex, you especially. What sort of high school experience can you have?”
“Mommy! So much green! Look look!” Heathcliff's exclamations brought me out of my daydream, reminding me of the here and now, not my pregnancy. The pregnancy had gone well, some issues with weight gain, not enough because I didn't want to eat at first; and they hospitalized me until after I had the ultrasound and saw my little boy for the first time. When the tech pointed out all his fingers and toes, his face on the screen, and then told me I was having a boy, I realized I had to be better and get myself ready to be a mom.
“Mama, plane goes down.” The plane had started to bank a turn for the descent. I patted the seat and when he sat down in the booster seat the stewardess had brought I buckled him in. He's too tall to sit in my lap comfortably anymore. I reached over and ruffled Heath's hair. He turned and wrinkled his nose at me, looking like a brunette version of his dad.
“Hey, wanna play? My team's short one and we could use a player?” I looked up from my book and saw a god made into teenage flesh before me. He was tall, already six feet, and appeared to be fifteen, maybe sixteen. His hair was lighter on the ends from the sun, his eyes sparkling a striking shade of green above pouting red lips. I must have been staring as he flashed a huge smile. “Like what you see, beautiful?” I blushed and stood up.
“My name's, Izzy, not beautiful. What game are you playing?”
My new god pointed towards the hammock pulled taught to make a volleyball net across the sand. His nose wrinkled up as he noticed I hadn't answered his question about liking him or not. His friends waved and he led me to the game, making introductions all the way around. We played until supper time and I had to head back to Billy's to go home with Dad. I made plans to see him again the next Friday and Saturday evenings here at the beach and he brushed his lips across mine in a sweet farewell. My first kiss.
He was the only man I've ever kissed. I let out a sigh. I'd finally gotten the cheater out of my head for a few weeks only to be inundated with memories before stepping foot in Forks. This was going to be a long year... One year and then I could get us our own apartment. Charlie had already agreed to watch Heath in the evenings the three days a week I'd be working, having gotten me a job at a place called Newton's. I would save every penny so that I could get us our own place. College could wait for three years until he's in school and then I'd have more time to work and save.
A sharp bounce on impact notified me we had set foot, or rather wheels, in Seattle and soon I'd have to meet my new step mother and sister. Charlie had not even told me he'd remarried until yesterday, springing it all on me. Apparently they'd had the house renovated, new rooms added on last year in hopes I'd come home eventually, three new bedrooms added, one for my new sister, one for me, and one for Heath, my old room becoming a guest room and Mary's at-home office when she had to bring work home with her. Alice had her own bathroom but I guess a dressing room or walk in closet connected our rooms and then I shared a connecting bathroom with Heath's nursery room. When I called this morning to confirm my flight number, I'd spoken to Alice and she let me know she'd be coming to get me since my dad had to work and Charlie had taken away Emmett's license after he was dumb enough to get caught drinking while underage.
When the plane stopped, I unbuckled Heath and grabbed my backpack and the diaper bag, ready to go face whatever Forks had to throw at me this time. We patiently waited until the rush had passed, I didn't want him to get overwhelmed or frightened. The doctors still weren't sure if he had autism or his reluctance to speak to anyone but me was just a reflection of his lack of consistent interaction with anyone but myself. Renee and Phil allowed me to home school while I was pregnant and she watched him during the day when I was in classes and then I had him all night, doing homework only after he'd gone to sleep. Phil made enough where I didn't have to work although I did more than my normal share of chores to help out around the house. I didn't go to dances or go out with friends; I didn't have any friends. Boys were only after sex, knowing I had a child and was single made them flock like sharks to blood, and the girls called me a slut and wouldn't talk to me otherwise. I only had sex once but it was enough to condemn me to a life of solitude. My grades were impeccable, I maintained straight A's despite being a single mom.
Walking down the concourse with Heath's hand in mine, he pushed closer whenever someone brushed against him. He wasn't happy with the outfit “Nama Neenee” forced him into and pulled at the sweater every few steps. Up ahead past the gate I could see several people milling around, waiting for their loved ones to run into their waiting arms, a tearful reunion. Yet another experience denied to me.
"Bella! Over here! "I'm Alice" I cringed. The peppy one that was bouncing. Out of all the family members waiting, I had to have the tiny hyper one that looked like a model. Someone up there hates me; I'm certain of it. I took another step towards her and Heath pulled on my hand, stopping me. His face was upturned, a slight note of fear in his eyes. I sunk down to sit on my heels.
“Mama. Too loud. Up please.” I couldn't deny him anything. So I lifted Heathcliff up to rest his weight on my hip in the timeless way of all mothers. I straightened my hair and then picked up the diaper bag before resuming our walk to Alice. She was bouncing in place, waiting for us. Time to get the introductions out of the way so I can get home and settled in. School starts in two days and I need to get Heath as used to the new way of things as I can. He's going to have to get used to a new home and a new daytime caregiver who he has never met before.
"Obviously I'm Bella, you're my new sister, right?" Her emphatic nod made her look like a bobble-head for a moment. "This is Heathcliff, most everyone just calls him Heath for short.” I prefer Heathcliff but it's too bizarre a name for my family so they've shortened it to Heath. In our tender moments I call him, my little gypsy boy. Mom and Phil certainly made us feel like gypsies with the traipsing after his teams. I could feel her eyes on me, taking in my clothes. I dress for comfort not fashion. I've got to have clothing Heath can grab a hold of, smear with peanut butter; clothes I can get dirty while playing outside with him. So I was wearing jeans, some layered shirts, and one of Emmett's old jackets he'd left in Phil's car after the last visit down. Standing here to talk was getting old and my bags and son weren't getting any lighter.
“Oh I'm sorry, Bella. Let me grab the bag for you.” Alice took the diaper bag from me and I saw her quickly take in all the pockets of snacks, toys, and books I'd packed for our trek. A mom travels prepared. I thanked her and we made our way to the car where Charlie had already installed the new car seat Phil had ordered and shipped to Charlie's house for me; a new Britax with a cow print matching the one that they had kept for any trips we made back home.
When we were walking, Heath had finally stopped being as shy and turned to look up at his new aunt and I heard her suck in her breath. He's such a beautiful little boy that I've gotten used to that reaction but she seemed almost angry for a moment before she composed herself. “Is everything okay, Alice? You look a little upset.”
“I'm fine. I just did not expect such bright green eyes from your and your dad's brown. I mean Emmett's are gray so you're mom's must be.” She was grasping at straws. I knew what she was trying to get at.
“Renee's are gray like my brother's. Heathcliff has his father's eyes as well as just about everything except his hair, that he got from me.” Here it comes. The million dollar question. The one question I won't answer to anyone. I don't want them to find him. I don't want him to be tied to me and Heath out of obligation.
“Charlie said you met the sperm donor here in Forks. Do I know him?” I choked, in shock from her wording. I'd never quite heard my son's parentage referred to in that manner. I looked over at Alice, her icy blue eyes shining with mirth. I murmured her terminology in disbelief. We both started laughing.
“No, I've had my friend looking for him the past two years and he's never found him so I think he moved out of town shortly after I left. It's for the best, I don't need to see him. Heath and I are fine without him.” We truly are. I'm a good mom, I've had years of taking care of Renee, he's actually easier than that now that we're working on potty training.
“Well, can you tell me what he was like? He must have been something special for you to be that smitten so fast. You don't seem to be the type to fall into a guy's bed for anything short of love and a promise of the future. Why don't we stop at Starbucks and you can tell me what you're willing. We're going to be living together and sisters, we might as well start the girl talk on a juicy note. I'll tell you about my boyfriend and you can tell me about the idiot that let you go. ” I smiled. This was the first time I felt hope at having a true friend.

Lost and Found ch 1

Chapter 1: A New Sister and Nephew

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APOV
"Emmett? Are you sure she is going to be okay with me picking her up? She's never met me and your dad just sprung it on her yesterday that she has a new step-mom and stepsister." He rolled his eyes at me and waved me on out the door mumbling about it's better this way.
Charlie was waiting down stairs for me, the keys to the station wagon my mom made him buy in his hand.
"Thank you, Alice, for doing this. I wasn't sure she'd want to come back here after what happened the last time but Renee thought it best for Bella to be here with Emmett and me, and with a new mom and sister who will have time to be here for her. I have everything set in the car for you so no worries. I hope she'll talk to us once she's home. There's so much she's still keeping to herself. I just want my daughter back. Maybe she'll open up to you or Mary where she won't to Renee, Emmett, or me about what happened in LaPush that weekend. I wish I could be there but I am needed down at the Station and Emmett's license is revoked until next month after his last stunt. Your mom should be home from the hospital by the time you get back from the airport, kiddo."
I still didn't know what was going on with Bella... She had a fling with a guy from here in Forks is what Jake told me. He didn't know who the guy was, only that Bella met him at the beach and then pined for him after she caught him cheating on her. He said anything else was her story to tell, sharing only that he helped calm her down after finding out and that her hug before leaving was a more final goodbye than anyone else realized. I knew from overhearing Charlie and my mom that she left a note for her dad and took a red eye flight to Phoenix and hasn't been back, making her father fly down there to see her or meeting in California. Emmett had taken the loss of his sister hard, he'd looked forward to her living with them for high school and actually having a chance to be a big brother for more than just holidays and summers together.
The drive to Seattle went quickly, I'd have been happier in my car but Mom won't let me drive the Porsche in town except for special occasions. Meeting my new sister is special isn't it? I mean, it's not every day you get a sister who is the same age as you to take under your wing and show the ropes. The gang will take to her pretty quickly seeing as she's Emmett's sister and now my sister as well. Rose will be wary of anyone that takes Emmett's time away from her but I think she'll bounce back quickly. Maybe having fresh blood in town will get Edward to leave the music room and stop being a recluse for a while. Bella already knows my boyfriend, I'll have to thank Charlie for introducing Jake and me.
I mean sure we look funny together, he's nearly two feet taller than I am, but he's fiery and keeps me on my toes. We're explosive together, in a good way. Hobby-wise we're quite different but it works out. He works on my car for me while I sit on the couch in his garage and sketch out clothing designs. Jake tolerates my shopping habits with a smile and says as long as he isn't footing the bill he'll do whatever I want when it comes to shopping as long as I promise to take him shopping at Vickie's when we're ready for that step. He's been Bella's best friend since childhood, the only one she kept in touch with outside of her forced visits with Charlie and Emmett the past two and a half years. Of my cousins, Edward's brother, Jasper, is off to college, a year a head of us like Emmett but Emmett chose to stay local at a community school until Rose had graduated and was off to college.
I already took the liberty of replacing Bella's wardrobe on my father's credit card. He'll never know if it was spent on me or not and I couldn't resist it after her mom sent her boxes ahead of her to make traveling easier. I'd unpacked everything into her room, well not everything, but her clothes I had to see. I kept a few basics that looked well worn but the rest had to go. I had Emmett carry it down to the car for me and I dropped it at the Goodwill in Port Angeles before going shopping. We'll worry about that when she notices. Until then, what she doesn't know won't make the drive home unbearable.
I walked as far as I could to her concourse, stopping just shy of the security stop and waited. I knew what she'd look like from the pictures of her around the house. A few inches taller than me, but still shorter than average, long boring brown hair and dark eyes. I was hoping she'd gain a tan from living in Phoenix but Charlie said her skin was as sun resistant as his, “my Washington blood overrides anything the sun can do” or something like that. I had a bag of welcome home gifts already wrapped on her bed, and was planning on having a girls' at home spa day with her and Rose as soon as we could arrange it. With all that she's been through I knew she'd need it.
I saw her walking out, a backpack on and a large duffel in one hand, a little boy's hand in the other. "Bella! Over here! "I'm Alice" I announced when they were closer. The little boy stopped and tugged on her hand, making her crouch down to his level, setting her bag onto the ground. He whispered a few words into her ear and she ruffled his hair before picking him up and settling him against her hip. Bella pushed her hair out of her face and picked up the bag before resuming her walk to me.
"Obviously, I'm Bella, you're my new sister, right?" I nodded and bounced in place. "This is Heathcliff, my mom just calls him Heath for short.”
His hair was a dark brown, his face turned into her arm. He was dressed like a child model, a pair of tan corduroys, dress shoes, a white long sleeved shirt and a pale blue and tan sweater vest. Sadly his mother did not clothe herself as well. Bella had on a pair of well worn jeans and a faded out band t shirt that was no longer legible over a long sleeved henley, topped with a too big for her denim jacket. If I didn't know better I'd think it was Jake's, or maybe even Emmett's based on the fit. Luckily I had been prepared by her wardrobe and didn't roll my eyes. I'd gotten it out of my system at home. She was bouncing lightly in spot, obviously struggling with everything.
“Oh I'm sorry, Bella. Let me grab the bag for you.” I took what up close was a huge diaper bag and could see kid-friendly snacks sticking out of each pocket as well as several books. She had sent his toys and clothes ahead as well but I'd left those for her to handle when she got in.
“Thank you, Alice. I don't have any checked luggage so we're good to go. Did Cha- my Dad install the car seat like he was going to?"
I nodded and assured her that he and Emmett took care of everything and even had driven to Seattle the week prior and had it checked for safety. Heath was finally getting used to me being near his mom and stopped hiding in her jacket. His face turned up towards mine, offering a dimpled smile. I took a good look at the toddler she held. He looked nothing like her except in hair color and face shape, a round cheeked heart structure. His lips were fuller, a deep blush across his cheeks and slight tan from growing up in Phoenix. However it was his eyes that captured my attention. Above a nose too straight and delicately boned to be from Charlie or Renee's stock, held the green eyes that I knew only one family in town had. One of the Cullen boys had some explaining to do, fast.
A/N part two:
Relationship and age breakdown:
Emmett (19) is Bella's brother.
Emmett is dating Rose(18) who is Jasper (19) and Edward's (just turned 18) sister- Rose is adopted and not blood-related to Edward and Jasper who are biologically half-brothers and adopted by the Cullens.
Alice (17) is dating Jake (16) . She will not end up with Jasper no matter what. Don't like it, don't read it, don't whine to me about it.
Heathcliff is Bella's son, age 2. Bella is 17, and turns 18 shortly into the story.

This blog needs...

Some JaXXX

TTTB 10: How Vampires Play Tetris

EM POV
I didn't think in one day I'd go from being desperately in need of sex, to having a discussion with Edward of all people about sleeping with his wife, to actually being with Bella in the woods and having her scream out my name, a few times. I had expected things to be weird after fucking her senseless, but it wasn't. We bantered like normal and played games as always. Saying goodbye was awkward I mean, this wasn't just a booty-call and I didn't want to treat her like that. She's still my sister; family with benefits? No, that's not the way to put it. I like her. She likes me. My brother lets us have sex. We just are. Good enough for me. I hope Edward isn't home, I don't hear Nessie's heartbeat so I bet he took her out for a while to avoid us. I don't know how well I can keep my mind off her legs wrapped around me and how it felt. Shit! Sorry Edward if you're listening. I'll try harder err better. Umm I'll shut up now. Football. I like football, especially college football. I bet I'd make one hell of a quarterback if Carlisle would let me on a team but he's so worried someone will run into me and break a rib.
A car came up the driveway, wheels slipping slightly on the gravel. I couldn't tell from my vantage point who it was so I picked up my pace to see who was coming. The jog helped clear my mind but I was still whistling. I was in too good of a mood after sex to not enjoy the high. I heard footsteps, too heavy for Edward- he was always in stealth mode. I heard Carlisle clearing his throat. “Oh, hey, Dad.” Carlisle took in my state of undress and rolled his eyes.
“You and Bella have fun, Emmett?” I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. Did everyone in the house know before I did what Alice had expected? My look of shock must have made everything apparent. “Don't look so surprised. Esme and I talk about anything that goes on in the house, like good parents should. We knew what was going on before you left thanks to letters from Alice, and I had a lengthy discussion with Marcus on the way to the airport. Seeing as Esme called me a half hour ago saying I'd probably need to take you all out on a bonding trip one of these weekends, you look rather rumpled but entirely pleased with yourself, and smell strongly of Bella, I'm assuming you two had a rather nice time out in the woods.”
“You mean you don't think I'm stupid or screwing up?” I couldn't believe it. The king of proper behavior was talking plainly about me and Bella going off in the woods and having sex. Un-freaking-believable. He clapped me on the shoulder, knocking me forward slightly.
“Perpetual young male, forever eighteen female, a bunch of hormones, definitely not stupid. I've seen a lot in this world, taking part from time to time before I found my mate.” Carlisle then stepped right up to me, putting his arm around my shoulder like a hug. “And don't tell anyone, but a few times after. Esme and I have a little thing with Siobhan's friend Maggie from time to time.” Two women, one time. My father is the man.
“So Carlisle, I had been thinking the past few days that we were planning on moving in a few years and that we have a lot of extra clothing from the girls. What should I do with Rosalie's stuff?”
“Well, there are homeless shelters, thrift stores, or the idea I think Rose would like the most- donate it to a women's and children's shelter.” I smiled. He was right. Given her history, helping women who had been treated as she had been by Royce would be the best thing to do with her clothes. “Come on, let's go get some boxes and then talk to Jasper about Alice's clothes.”

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EPOV
My phone rang after Renesmee had finished a snack. Charlie was pleased we came to visit, even if Bella “wasn't available” today. Renesmee had picked out some souvenirs for her grandfather, including a handwoven fishing hat among the other things Bella had picked out. So it was over. I let out a short sigh, earning me a questioning look from my daughter but by now Charlie was used to it.
“They're back, Edward. Bring Nessie to me at the big house, I think Bella could use some time with you. She's better after I helped her calm down but she's going to let the guilt eat her alive if you don't let her know that you love her no matter what. So you know, I gave her a necklace like the one I gave you for Renesmee. I don't know if Bella will want to talk about it so don't push her.” My throat tightened at the thought of Bella hurting.
“Is she alright? Did he hurt her?” I pitched my voice too low for Charlie to hear but I knew even through the phone Jasper could.
“She's fine physically, just shaken up a bit from what I could sense. This was a lot for her to process. She's gone from virgin human to vampire mother and lover to more than her husband in just a few months. I think it would be normal for her to overwhelmed. When Bella saw me at your cottage I think she thought I was there for less than innocent reasons and panicked. She seemed relieved to see that I had run a bath and had set up the room for her to relax only giving her one kiss. Mostly I wanted you to return home to her not smelling like Emmett and this helped both of you.” He truly cared about her and me. Jasper has been through so much but he's still looking out for us first and his heart second.
“Thank you, Jasper. Thank you for taking care of her and for making it a little less hard on me. Your actions are appreciated.”
“Don't thank me Edward, you really don't want to know the thoughts going through my head. Now get your ass home to her before I go offer a back massage.”
I clicked my phone shut, made my goodbyes inviting Charlie for dinner tomorrow and then picked up Renesmee for the run home. As soon as we hit the woods, we were gone. Unlike her mother who wanted to be carried on my back if I had to run with her, Nessie preferred to ride on my shoulders. While I had to be a little more careful with my run so any higher branches didn't hit her, it did help in making some paternal memories I never thought I'd have for myself.
Daddy? Aren't you listening to me? She yanked on my hair, emphasizing each word.
I hadn't been; I was too wrapped up in my own thoughts. Her thoughts surprised me. I had expected a running commentary of what she could see from her new higher vantage point, not the question she posed.
Dad, why were you asking Uncle Jasper if mom was hurt? Did she fall down again? This she accompanied with an image of Bella stumbling in the kitchen doorway before falling into the countertop, leaving gouges where she caught herself. I hadn't known how those had got there and Bella had distracted me from asking again, she and Esme just took out that piece of granite and replaced it with a dishwasher for all of Renesmee's dishes. Bella still hadn't quite mastered how to hold fine china long enough to wash it by hand and Esme refused to let us have plastic or paper plates in the kitchen she'd designed.
“No, honey, your mom is fine. Jasper was calling to let us know he wanted to play at the house with you so I could go see how your mom is doing after her talk with Uncle Emmett.”
Talk? She was wrestling with him the last I saw. She showed me the scene Jasper and I had already witnessed and then Esme pulling her away before the kiss. I was thankful for that; things are confusing enough for us, let alone knowing how we're going to explain it to our daughter.
Marcus had mentioned some polyamory books that would have information on ways to share the information without causing many problems. Being born into a family of vampires, and effectively being betrothed to a werewolf, should be more than enough for one little girl to deal with, let alone that Mom and Dad are happily married but Mom has two boyfriends on the side that Dad knows about. What is important, is that Nessie knows how much we love each other.
“You know Uncle Emmett, he's just a big kid, and still looking to beat Bella at wrestling even while she has her newborn strength. I was worried that they had another match in the woods without Grandma Esme or any of us to keep them in check.”
I felt her warm breath on the top of my head. “Faster, Dad, really run with me.”
My daughter had a thing for speed already. Her voice was one of the sweetest things in the world to me, second only to her mother. That I'm a father still surprises me each moment, for so long I had thought it eternally denied to me and regretted damning Bella to the same fate, but then in compromising with her we gained a daughter. A beautiful bronze haired, brown doe eyed daughter. Running as she wished we were home in less time than even Jasper expected. He was still coming down the main stairs when I opened the door. He had a box balanced on one hand and a stack of folded boxes in the other.
“We're packing up the girls' clothing to take to a shelter. Emmett and Carlisle came up with the idea and Esme has been donating time as a counselor and benefactor at a battered women's shelter in Port Angeles. We're loading up the Jeep and Mercedes with boxes of clothes. Esme thought that the baby and toddler clothes from Nessie could be used by the shelter. So here, take some boxes and when Bella's ready, pack up the clothes and bring them to the house. Esme is planning on taking them up first thing in the morning.”
I helped swing Renesmee down to the ground where she promptly forgot about us and ran to see if Grandma and Grandpa had anything new in her games area. Her happy squeal was nothing compared to her shouted thoughts about the new computer we'd picked out for her while she was away and Carlisle had finally set up for her.
I'm so glad she likes it. Esme is pleased when she can do something that makes Nessie happy.
I guess Edward and Renesmee are home. Sounds like she found her computer. Maybe I'll stop finding pop music downloaded to mine. He noticed me standing there. “I see Ness found the iMac. Carlisle had me set it up while you were out.” Jasper's thoughts drifted to Bella's lips and him leaning towards her before he started singing old war time songs. I shook my head and smiled. He was trying so hard.
“Love you, Ren. Be good for your uncles and grandparents.” Her thoughts barely registered my voice, an image of her waving flickered before she turned back to the computer leaving me and Jasper alone. “Thanks for everything. We'll be up in a little while.”
I grabbed the boxes from him and took off before I could see or hear any more of his thoughts on Bella. The river was beginning to frost at the edges when I jumped. I stopped to look into the clear water, today's changes had started here. No, they hadn't started here, they just accelerated here. They started the day I lost my sisters although Alice would say the events started the day she had the vision. If I tipped my foot into the slowly freezing water it would feel like my own body temperature, cold not worrying the stone my cells had turned into.
Get home, Edward; I can sense you are still out there. She needs you.
I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. My body may be cold and hard but Bella loves me, all of me, and this was my idea after all. Now I have to accept it fully and that means listening to my brothers and getting my head out of my ass.
I could hear music coming from the bathroom, the door still firmly closed. The boxes I stacked neatly inside the door to be dealt with later as I headed down the hall. I loosened my shirt with each step until only my boxers clung to my skin. Outside the bathroom door was a bottle of freesia body oil- I'm assuming for that back massage Jasper had mentioned. I picked it up before knocking on the door.
“Love, how is your bath? Can I come in?”
“I'm all done, but sure.” She'd been crying, I could hear it in her voice. She was still sitting in the water, the water lapped against her skin when she moved. Worried that I would frighten her I stifled my urge to slam the door open and pull her to me, opting to go slow and take Jasper's advice at the massage. I'd be the one sliding my hands along her shoulders this afternoon and evening.
“Stay, Bella.” I left my boxers in place and slid in behind her, not giving her time to argue. I wrapped my arms around her and buried my face in her neck. The bath oils and shampoo had removed most of Emmett's scent from her but a few places on her neck still retained the scent of his venom. I'd have to replace that with my own later. Cover her in my own scent once again. My body began to respond to my thoughts but I'd have to wait. This time was about Bella and making her feel loved. Time enough for me or rather us to find pleasure later. “Close your eyes, love.” I flipped her hair over her shoulder and kissed her now bare skin gently. The cap of the oil easily pulled off and I filled my palms.
“Edward, what are you doing? What am I smelling? Flowers?” From my place behind her I could see her cheeks rounding out as she smiled. I stroked my hands over her shoulder blades and hummed against her neck.
“Massage oil, which makes what I'm doing self explanatory.” She turned and smirked at me but laughed when she saw me smile at her. Bella's neck stretched as she twisted her head further, seeking out my lips and while I longed to trace those muscles with my lips I opted to kiss her as she desired. Her whimper into my mouth was Heaven to hear as she shivered against me. The fingers of my left hand outlined the tensed muscles in her neck while my right worked down her arm and back up as she relaxed beneath my touch. A purr started in her throat, the softer more lady-like version of the one I'd coaxed from her earlier in the day.
It was not like our muscles were ever damaged or torn from regular use but the sensation is still quite pleasurable. I let my thumbs stroke down over the delicately curved flesh where neck and shoulder blend together and earned a soft moan. “You liked that spot?” I stroked it again earning yet another whimpered moan. In the candle light I could almost imagine the blush that would have swept across her face. My left hand repeated the motion while I let my tongue apply the pressure on the right side. Her purr turned into a growl.
Edward!
I smothered a laugh against her shoulder.
“Sorry, love. I couldn't resist. I'll behave,” for now. I started up the massage again, working down her back and sides. When I had finished all that I could reach above the water I stood up and stepped out onto the bathmat, pulling my wet boxers off and tossing them onto the shower floor. I kept my eyes down but could see Bella watching me in the mirror, trying to be sneaky about looking at my body. There was a fluffy white towel with purple embroidery that smelled of Jasper so I'm guessing it was from his shopping trip to get the oil. I reached for my normal navy cotton towel and wrapped it around my waist, tucking the edge into the top to keep it from falling. Her towel felt like the softest velour beneath my fingers, each strand of fiber both sharp and then soft under my sensitive touch. Once I had the length fully opened I held it out to her, willing myself not to ravish her as she stood up shyly. I circled my arms around her, pulling her into me, and kissed her forehead before stepping away to let her dry off.
“Dry your hair and then come to our room, I didn't get to massage your legs.” I had stopped dripping at this point so I loosened my towel and dried my legs and then hung the towel back up on the bar. Keeping my movements slow and deliberate, I reached for the bottle of oil, tossed it up into the air and caught it behind my back, knowing that she loved when I showed off for her. I did my best to keep my modesty in check, feeling awkward to be naked outside of our bed but it was time to make sure she still wanted me. Based on the quickened breathing and her eyes fighting to stay on my face but failing I knew that I had won this round. I left her standing on the mat, watching my back as I walked towards our bedroom. I didn't make it halfway down the hall when I became quite close and personal with the floor, and Bella was sitting on my back.

---

BPOV
Lunging at him had seemed like a good idea until I miscalculated the distance and we toppled to the ground instead of ending in a naked piggy back ride to our room. He had deliberately taunted me, leaving his towel in the bathroom and then walking down the hall without clothing. Except for before and after sex he's never naked, his Victorian morals strong regarding propriety. Once Edward had recovered from the shock and had gotten air into his lungs again he started laughing and then rolled over, knocking me off of his back and into the wall. I joined in his laughter and we laid there, naked, on the wooden floorboards for several minutes rocking from our amusement. Edward turned to look at me, and I felt his hand graze my cheek before settling over my waist.
“Were you trying to throw me to the ground?”
I bit my lower lip and looked away which prompted another round of laughter from him.
“I'm so sorry, Edward. I was trying to land on your back for you to carry me the rest of the way to our room and I don't know if my distance was wrong or the angle but I jumped and then we hit the floor.” I looked into his shining gold eyes and saw the merriment glowing there. One corner of his full bottom lip was tilted up as he tried to smother a grin.
“My Bella. My dear, sweet, clumsy, beautiful Bella. No matter any of the changes, you are always you, my loving Bella.” He punctuated his words with small kisses, his lips moving as gently as a butterfly's wing against my skin. When his thumb came up to my lower lip I bit down gently, teasing him. His eyes darkened and my brain barely registered the movement as I found myself on our bed with my very naked husband kneeling over me.
Edward's eyes were almost black, just small flashes of topaz and gold, and I could feel his arousal pressing against my inner thigh. My back arched, making our bodies closer to fulfilling the ever present need for one another. “Not yet, love.” I whined against his arm, turning my face into it to kiss my way up to his shoulder, licking the scar I'd left him earlier in the day. He hissed lightly, locking his arms tightly to strengthen his resolve. “Was it good, Bella? Did you enjoy my brother?”
His words shocked me although he kept his tone light, teasing, yet I knew he truly wanted to know. I leaned up on my elbows and kissed him. It was enjoyable, love.
“Was he better than I am? He's had decades to perfect his technique. I've only had you.”
His voice had taken on an edge, Edward truly worried that he was not good enough as my lover. I shut him up with another kiss, roaming his mouth with my tongue. It was good but not better, just different. You are my soul mate, our bodies were made for each other. Every stroke within me makes me want you more. Emmett does have more experience in general but you have more experience with me. Edward, it's you that knows how to coax every little moan from me. You are the one that can make me wet with just a look. I am yours, love.”
His hips lowered and he thrust into me, reminding my body that it is his as he is mine.
Later after more reassurances that he's the one I want more than anything else in the world, we showered together before returning to our room to find clothing. Edward hindered my dressing- kissing my shoulders as I tried to button my shirt, sliding his hand between the layers when I tugged a sweater on over the blouse, playing with the hem of my skirt as I tried to zip it, and then pulling me back into his hips when I bent to pull on my shoes. I playfully slapped at him and he pouted, looking up through his lashes, knowing full well he'd be forgiven. “Edward, pouting at your age, really?” He looked so shocked that I couldn't help but kiss him. He kissed my nose before sprinting down the hall to grab the boxes he'd brought.
“Carlisle and Emmett came up with the idea of taking my sisters' clothing to the battered womens' shelter and Jasper thought the children there could get use from the numerous outfits Renesmee has outgrown and I agreed. I hope you do not mind too horribly.”
I wrapped my arms around his neck. It's a wonderful gift we can give. Although I'm going to keep a few of them for the memories. I showed him the day I awoke and first held our daughter, a blue dress she wore the day of her first steps, the shoes Alice had special ordered to match her own when they had a shopping trip to Seattle.
“That's fine, love. Keep anything you want.”
We spent the next two hours boxing up clothing according to size, matching up outfits, and setting aside the ones we decided to hold on to. The moon was high in the sky when we finished reorganizing Renesmee's closet and I had picked out some more interesting choices from my closet that I knew I'd never wear. Edward and I divvied up the boxes, a stack each, and headed towards the house.
“Bella, Jasper has some new books that came in while you were gone. I think it would mean a lot if you could resume your schedule from before the Rio trip. He really enjoyed the time you spent reading with him.”
The thought of spending more time with him was definitely appealing, especially after this morning in the bathroom. With my free hand I fingered the necklace he'd given me, a piece of Alice with me always.
“That's beautiful. He gave us one for Nessie when she is fully grown as well.”
I looked up at him, tears threatening to fall again. Edward set his boxes down to wipe away the venom, wiping it onto his pants. I leaned in and gently pressed my lips against his, stretching to my full height on tiptoes to do so. Are you sure, love? I'd be glad to stay home with you and repeat last night, I was looking forward to giving you a massage.
His mouth turned up into a smile against me. “As nice as that would be, I think Jasper needs some reassurance that you enjoy spending time with him.” He kissed along my cheek to my ear, nibbling in the hollow behind my earlobe. Edward's voice dropped to a bare whisper. “His jealousy was almost as strong as mine and even now he's worried that between Emmett and myself you won't need him anymore, despite the connection you've already built.” My husband straightened up, glanced at the moon, before turning his eyes back to me. “Carlisle is waiting for us to load the cars. I'll be fine tonight with Nessie. We'll have a daddy and daughter hunt and movie night. When she finally gets tired I'll get her tucked into bed and either read or compose. Then in the morning you and I can have another bath before she wakes up but tomorrow night is mine. I will make love with you until your legs are too weak to stand, your throat is hoarse from calling out my name, and my back is sore from your scratches.”
My breath was coming out in pants. I never thought he would speak dirty to me. I liked it, a lot. Based on his nostrils flaring, Edward could smell how much I liked it. His hand slid down and then up my leg where he pressed his hand against my panties. I arched my hips down into his palm. Edward smiled and then removed his hand.
“Not now, love. You have a reading date and we need to get these boxes to Carlisle. Oh, and tomorrow Charlie is coming over for supper so we will need to do some grocery shopping or you give Esme or me a shopping list for what we should make. I know he really liked that hamburger and noodle dish you made as a bribe, perhaps make that again? I think Renesmee would enjoy it as well.”
I stood there, frustrated, feeling slightly rejected but mostly annoyance at my way too smug for his own good husband who purposely got me worked up so I could be miserable all night. “It's called stroganoff and I'd love to make it for him, but I think since you invited him you should cook.” I picked up my stack of boxes and took off at a run for the house, leaving Edward standing there. He's going to learn one way or the other that teasing your wife does not make for a good night. I was mumbling under my breath the whole way to the garage. When I entered the door Carlisle stood there with his boxes and promptly doubled over laughing at me.
“What did the prodigal son do to incur the wrath of Bella tonight? I overheard 'frustrating', 'thinks he can dazzle me,' and something along the lines of 'stupid sparkling vampire.' Did you find the order confirmation from Tiffany's or did my son find another way to exasperate you this beautiful evening?” His eyes were sparkling as he tried to hold in his laughter.
“Edward Anthony Masen Cullen!” Carlisle's face fell and he stood looking as if ready to bolt for the house and Esme's protection when Edward came around the corner. Edward looked rather sheepish and slightly afraid of what he was walking into.
“Maybe I'll just leave these boxes right here and head home now. No, it is alright Carlisle. She was not aware of the gift yet. I think I may need to get a different gift now though or she may behead me before I can get Renesmee tucked into bed for the night. Could you go retrieve Renesmee from her computer for me?” I stood there seething while he looked calmly at the door although I knew he was watching me from the corner of his eye, looking to see if I was going to pounce. Then he looked at me, eyes wide with a smile on his face. “I love you, Bella.”
He was trying to dazzle me. “You will not dazzle your way out of this, Edward. First you and your brothers dunk me in the river, then your lack of follow through in the woods, and now I find out that you bought me something from Tiffany's! The cheapest item there is more than Charlie made in two weeks!”
Edward came up to me, palms out, making sure I wasn't going to attack him. I backed up until I felt the jeep pressed against my back. His eyes were still wide open, his smile bright.
“I'm sorry, my love. I know you are not fond of me spending money on you but I thought the necklace would look so nice hanging from your beautiful neck.” His fingers came up to mark out exactly where the chain would rest. The sparks I feel at his touch were not helping me to stay angry with my infuriating husband. Then he knelt down and looked up at me, his bronze locks falling down in his eyes. “Please forgive me, Bella.” The sound of a throat clearing broke our staring contest.
“You're forgiven Edward. She's no longer angry, there is still a good deal of frustration but I get the feeling that it isn't from your gift.” Jasper was leaning against Carlisle's Mercedes, his thumbs tucked into his jean pockets, a faded black t-shirt left untucked, bunched up against his hands. He was watching Edward and me until Edward let out a slight growl. Jasper laughed, shaking his head and Edward relaxed.
“Not tonight, Edward. Reading is all that I planned.”
I looked down at my husband's upturned face and saw his jaw tightening in response to something Jasper was thinking. Oh. Realization finally hit me, they were jealous of each other and Jasper was messing with Edward. Not that he didn't deserve it for earlier but I could see the effort he was making at keeping his temper in check. I put my hands on his shoulders and dropped to my knees, resting my head against his neck. I can come home with you, love. Books will wait. I love you. Don't let your brother get to you. I'm yours, Edward, even if you completely disregard my wishes on presents. I pressed my lips against his neck and stood up.
Carlisle and Renesmee had arrived while I calmed Edward down, most likely the only reason I was able to make him relax beneath my touch so easily. Edward reached for my hand and squeezed it, smiling at me. “Well, I was hoping to take our little girl out for supper before bed so I should get going. What do you say to a hunt with your father, Nessie?”
She bounded away from “Papa Carlisle” as soon as Edward mentioned supper and was in her father's arms before he had finished asking. By the smile on his face I knew her thoughts were excited at some alone time with him. Renesmee and I had had so much time together on our trip and plane but she'd been immediately pushed back into her lessons by Carlisle and Esme that it was nice for her to have some time with Edward. Tomorrow I'll keep her home for a family day in the cottage, just the three of us. Who am I kidding? Jake's been gone today, he'll be here shortly after dawn to be back with her. No doubt he's called several times to the house to make sure she's okay. I wrapped my arms around the two loves of my existence and kissed Renesmee's forehead and brushed my lips across Edward's lips, tightening my arm around his waist before letting go of both of them. I love you, Edward. Always and forever.
“I know. I love you too.” He kissed the tip of my nose before turning to kiss Renesmee's cheek.
“Be good, princes; Mommy loves you. Have fun hunting with your Dad. Make sure to eat some people food before bed too, there should be sandwich makings in the fridge unless Jake is there.” She smiled brightly at the thought of Jake being at home when she and Edward finished hunting.
“Love you, Mom.” She set her hand upon my cheek. Dad and I should go now. Have fun reading with Uncle Jasper. Cheer him up, he seemed down earlier. Gotta go now. Hunt and then Jake! Her images shifted from a rather down looking Jasper, watching Edward hunt a mountain lion, to Jake phasing and running with her on his back while she clung to his neck. While I'm still getting used to the idea of him imprinting on my daughter, I do know I could not ask for a better protector outside of her own father and family. I smiled and kissed her cheek.
“Go on. Sweet dreams, Renesmee. Call me if you need anything, Edward.” Or even if you just want me back at home. I'll be there as fast as I can. You come first, always.
He smiled and shifted Renesmee up to his shoulders and she buried her hands in his hair, her curls hanging down and matching her father's hair perfectly. He took off at a jog before speeding up until I could no longer see them moving through the trees. I could hear her laughter cut through the evening air and birds taking flight from the intrusion into their woods. The three of us, Carlisle, Jasper, and myself were standing there smiling out into the night sky, listening to the most beautiful sound in the world, Renesmee's joy and Edward's answering laugh. When they had moved beyond hearing range, we started loading the Jeep and Mercedes, too many boxes for the Jeep alone. It was an elaborate game of Tetris, fitting garment boxes in amongst the regular packing boxes but after a while we had them all in. Carlisle's hair was quite disheveled by the time we finished and had he been human I think he'd be sitting with a glass of lemonade at this point, exhausted by the effort. Jasper was quite annoyed, enough that small bursts were getting through with each shove of the last few boxes, a huge wave of it when Emmett finally came out and offered a hand just as Carlisle slammed the door shut and we sat down to admire our work. The boys verbally sparred over his showing up when the work was finished and Emmett being Emmett decided it was time to embarrass Bella.
“What can I say, Bella tired me out this morning. I needed some beauty sleep.”
Carlisle got in between the boys knowing that Jasper was going to knock Emmett into one of the cars, most likely the Vanquish causing a huge ordeal, if he didn't intervene. I reached for Jasper, tugging him back into me, and hooked my fingers into his belt loops.
“Come on, Jazz. I've been hearing that you have some new books to show me.”
He allowed me to pull him against me and all the tension drained from him as he pressed against my side. His hand reached for my wrist and pulled me after him into the house. Esme was standing in the kitchen, the smells of food preparation for Renesmee's lunch tomorrow filling the room. She stopped to smile at us and he dragged me up the stairs. Jasper let go at the top of the stairs so I went for the study door. I took a step inside, noticing it was dark before finding that he wasn't behind me.
“Jasper? Where did you go?” I flipped the light switch on to see if he'd slipped into the study before me without my notice but he wasn't there. I felt confusion slip over me, more strongly than I had been feeling. “Jasper! That's not fair. Where are you?”
I turned the light out and walked down the hall to his bedroom, a room I hadn't been in since before Alice's death. We'd always spent time in his study. The door stood open, a soft light reflecting against the wood work. “I'm right here. I was getting out the books. Come here, Bella.” He stepped out into the hallway and held out a hand to me. He tugged me into his room. It was not the same room of my memories. The smell of paint still lingered, the walls now a deep a terracotta edged in turquoise, a new four poster bed with white canopy and drapery surrounding it, pieces of artwork he'd collected- mostly war era, and one wall with a photo of him and Alice, her letters matted and framed beneath it. “She'll always be a part of me, but she's not all that I am.” I looked around, the chaise lounge was replaced with two leather recliners and waist high bookcases surrounded the room, only parting where the bed touched the wall and at the doors to the closet and private bathroom. On every surface Jasper had placed lit candles, the glow enough to read by but not as intrusive as the overhead. The effect made the entire room fill with a warm glow.
He turned to a stack of books in between the chairs. “These are the new ones.” He handed me one off the top to look at. I reached for it with my left hand, grabbing his arm in the other, pulling him closer, sliding my hand up his arm to his face, holding his cheek. He smiled warmly before picking me up and settling me onto his lap in the chair closest to him and he showed me several books on the stack, taking turns reading passages to one another. It was nearly two in the morning when we had looked at each of his acquisitions, me setting several to be read in depth later. I wasn't ready to leave yet so I twisted in his arms so that I was sitting facing him. Jasper set the book aside and lazily looped his arms around my waist.
“Did you want something?” A hint of amusement showed on his face as I closed the distance between us.

TTTB Chapter 9: Afternoon Wood in the Woods

BPOV
I saw Emmett's eyes go to my lips and I knew this was the moment of truth. This was my chance to accept him as a lover or put the halt on this plan. My mind was screaming 'no,' but my body said 'yes.' My chin lifted that extra quarter inch, letting him know I wasn't going to fight. Every tenth of a second dragged on, my mind in a panic. What was Edward doing? Was he watching? Of course my husband, my love, was watching- both with his eyes and through Emmett, and probably through Jasper.
Jasper! He had to see it, and feel us and whatever Edward was feeling at the moment. Does he care? Do I want him to be jealous? A part of me cried “yes” as my body, heart, soul, and mind reconciled with one another and made room for two more relationships. Then Emmett's lips touched to mine, softly, a gentle first kiss, his eyes open on me, waiting for my response. I closed my eyes and kissed Emmett. The back of my mind registered his arm sliding beneath me, crushing me to his chest as his hips pushed harder against me. Our once simple wrestling match was at a draw. I'd shown him that in pure strength I was still stronger but I could not hold up to his experience or my body's response to him when combined with the efforts of his brothers. They were determined to see me lose control of my actions.
Then, my lips parted for his tongue and I knew that I was lost. This was not the gentle kiss of my husband; I was being claimed, the choice no longer mine to make. His tongue pushed between my lips into my mouth, tangled with my tongue, lightly tracing my teeth before plundering my mouth as far as his tongue could reach. His arm beneath me lowered me slightly, his other hand rose and rested on my ribcage beneath my breast and he stopped moving for a moment, our lips touching but no longer stroking against one another. He was waiting for something. I opened my eyes to see him watching me. I timidly slid my tongue along his lip and then I heard the back door open. Our lips separated as we realized what had happened and looked to the house. Jasper was already inside but Edward was at the door, one hand on the door jam. He looked tense but a smile was gracing his perfect lips. He mouthed, “Go on. I love you. Have fun,” before entering after Jasper, closing the door behind him. That was all that Emmett needed before he jumped to his feet.
“Come with me, please?”
His eyes were wide, his breath still coming in gasps, much like mine. This was going to be more than a walk in the woods. This would change everything.
I nodded and offered my hand. Emmett pulled me to my feet and I promptly fell against him, my knees buckling beneath me, still jello-legged from his kisses. He chuckled and tossed me over his shoulder, his left arm holding my legs, his right hand came up and slapped my behind once. I squeaked , causing more laughter to rumble in his chest. From my position I could see his back, how the muscles moved against each other when he walked, his round ass beneath the jersey shorts, his legs pumping as he quickened his pace into a run. Beneath my leg, I could feel a rather large sign of his intentions for me.
Choosing to let him win this part of the game and carry me to wherever he was taking us, I slid my leg the side, trailing over his cock. He whimpered and slid me down into his arms and then to the ground. I held to Emmett's shoulders and ground against him on the way to the earth, still aroused from his earlier kisses.
His eyes were on my face, not exactly knowing what to do now. I think Emmett expected Edward to pop out from behind a tree and rip his arms off for touching me. This time at least, I would have to start things. I lowered my hands down his arms to his hands and pulled them around me. I lifted my chin, standing on tiptoe, and said, “kiss me.” A spark went through him, causing him to jerk against me. Emmett's hands went to my upper thighs, lifting me by the generous curve I inherited from Renee, until my legs were at his waist and my lips even with his.
“Bella,” he let out on a strained breath, his hands pulling my legs tight against him, feeling him pressing against my core once again. He groaned against my lips before resuming his attack of my mouth. His impatience showed in each movement; Emmett's hands were all over my back and legs pinching, pulling, sliding, groping and then I heard the crack before feeling it. Emmett had shoved us against a tree so that he could move his hands without dropping me. “Do you like this shirt?”
“Not particularly.”
He grunted in response, ripping my shirt off my shoulders, leaving it pressed between the tree trunk and my back. Emmett's hands covered my breasts and I hissed against his lips, his hands huge compared to Edward's- his fingers alternated memorizing the full swell of breast and then pinching my nipples, pulling them outward, stretching towards him. I pulled him closer with my legs, rubbing against his groin. His growl tightened the spring coiling between my legs. I needed relief and at the moment he was my only outlet. My fingers inched down his chest, to the hem of his shirt and I pulled it up to his arms.
I whispered “up” against his mouth and he complied, and I tossed it to the side promptly forgetting it had ever been on. I scratched my nails across his back and was rewarded by his engorged member swelling even more against my stomach. His tongue conquered my mouth yet again and he began to thrust his hips into me, the tree creaking behind me. I released his lips to nip at his ear and neck, letting my fingers trace the gorgeous six pack he kept hidden beneath clothing. It felt different than Edward. I was used to his sleek muscular build not the ripped frame of Atlas. Emmett's torso heaved with his rampant breaths, had his heart still beat I would have felt it against my chest. I felt ravaged and he hadn't removed our pants yet.
His curls tickled my cheek as he lowered his mouth to my breast, his suckling much stronger than Edward's. He left no doubt that while he would pleasure me entirely, this was for him. He was using me to forget for a while, but that was fine. There would be other times to get to know one another and do this slowly. This was pure fucking for the sake of it.
Maybe for my first, it was better this way.
I arched into him, his constant purr and low growl brought my nipples to peaks harder than the water and air had made earlier. Emmett reached between our bodies, cupping my breasts and lifting them for his lips. His mouth alternated between my breasts, lapping around the pink peaks , blowing his cold breath over them, laving with his tongue, sucking, lightly biting at them while I buried my fingers in his hair and pressed kisses against the top of his head. I reached over him and dug my nails in rather hard when he bit down on one breast and in response he threw his weight into me. Our support could not hold us and with crash echoing through the woods, we fell to the ground on top of the now splintered tree. I laughed against his hair and he looked up at me, a sheepish grin on his face.
“I've never knocked down a tree for foreplay before.” He nipped at my lips.
I cupped his cheeks in my hands and kissed him without holding back. It was time to forge into new territory. I pushed against his chest while my tongue was battling in his mouth, wrapping one leg over his hip as we fell onto our sides. I snaked one hand between us and stroked him through his pants. Emmett moaned into my mouth and I took that as a sign of his approval. I pressed my palm against the bulge, my hand not quite covering him. His hips thrust against my hand and my need to have him inside of me grew. I pulled the drawstring until it broke- not waiting to untie the knot, and I quickly undid the buttons holding the fabric closed over them. As the fabric parted, his boxer-clad penis jumped forward towards me through the opening I'd made and he let out a sigh. My fingers wrapped around his hard length not able to circle it completely and stroked once, the silk fabric between us so fragile yet the barrier was firm, separating us still. I looked down at my hand and saw a wet spot growing near the tip of his penis. My thumb itched to trace the sign of his desire so I let my fingernails scratch up the muscle to the head where I let my thumb slide in the leaking venom. He hissed and jumped away, pulling me to my feet.

---

Em POV
I had to have her. When her thumb smeared my cum across the head of my cock, I lost the slim thread of control I'd maintained. Any chance of taking this slow was gone. I leapt to my feet and pulled her with me, my hands sliding to her waistband and forcing them down, the fabric shredding in my fingers. Bella wriggled her hips against me and stood in front me wearing nothing but a pair of white cotton panties, still wet from her impromptu swim, the shadow between her legs slightly visible but still too hidden for what I wanted. I looked into her eyes, giving her one last chance to back away. Then she did something Rose never did, she took my hand and pressed it against her. I could feel the subtle heat our kind has, no where near that she must have had as a human but warm to me nonetheless.
I gave her no warning and snapped her underwear away, the seams separating at my strength. My fingers were inside her the moment she was free and she screamed against my chest as her legs lost strength and I had to catch her to keep her from falling. Bella felt so different to me, yet the parts were generally the same. Clit, vagina, and there was that little spongy spot that Rose showed me. I twisted my fingers on it, as she gripped me, I could hear her calling my name in between pants and groans. This was where I excelled, I had spent a year learning all the ways to stimulate the fabled G-spot and I used them all. Based on her reaction, Edward had not done this before. Bella was grabbing at my arm, not knowing if she wanted me to continue or stop, the pleasure almost too much to bear. I slid a fourth finger into her and then she convulsed against me and I'm fairly certain everyone at the main house heard my name as she came.
I carefully withdrew and pulled my boxers down my legs while she recovered, her body still lightly spasming as she lay there catching her breath. She looked beautiful laying there on the grass and ferns of the forest bed, the chill of the night's frost still lingering in the darker hollows. Bella's hair was fanned out around her and she looked like a forest goddess, all earth tones and red lips swollen from my kisses. When she had recovered enough to look up at me, I saw the hunger behind her eyes. She wanted me as much as I did her. Bella rolled to her feet and sprung up into my arms, nuzzling my shoulder.
“Wrap your legs around me again, babe.” She complied and then her lips formed a beautiful “Oh” as she felt me brush against her. I walked with her wrapped around me and crashed my lips to hers once again as I let us lean back against another tree, a larger and hopefully more resistant one. My tongue passed her lips at the same moment I lowered her onto me.
“Damn, Bella... tight... so wet;” my words were punctuated with small thrusts as I buried myself down to the base. I held still as long as I could, letting her adjust before she began to pull on my shoulders, raising and lowering herself against me. I pushed her into the tree, bark splintering against her shoulder as I pulled out so that only the tip of my cock was still wedged inside her. I let her lips rest for a moment as I took in the beauty I held before me. She looked so frail in my arms but the strength of her passion was evident in every whimper she sounded or the arching of her back making our bodies seal together. Her eyes were nearly black from lust and I could feel her focusing on my eyes. She kissed the tip of my nose and then left a trail of kisses to my ear.
“Fuck me, Grizz.”
“Hells yeah.” She wants me to be a bear, I can be a bear. That was all the encouragement my body needed to let go and take her as I wanted. My cock surged, the head swelling even more, and I thrust back into her as I watched her eyes roll back into her head. I repeated the slow movement and her head fell forward onto my shoulder. I tucked my chin over her head and sped up, knowing that this release would shatter me. Her hips met my own thrust for thrust and I could feel my balls slapping against her, getting coated in her leaking juices. I didn't know how much longer I could hold out after weeks without this sensation of being enveloped. I reached between our bodies and circled her clit with my thumb and two fingers, stroking around the swollen bundle of nerves until she started bucking hard against me. I felt her fingers grab the back of my neck, twining in the curls there.
“Emm. Please. Harder. Fill me.” Bella's body began to shake against the tree, her legs tightened around me, so I teased her faster until her cries once again her sweet cries filled my head, but this time it was the most sensitive part of me inside her as she came. Her juices bathed my cock as I buried deep within her, shooting into her and growling out into the trees.

---

JPOV
I couldn't take it anymore. Watching Bella and Emmett rut against each other on the ground, pretending that this was a wrestling match and not a type of foreplay; lust billowed off of them. I felt betrayed. She had wanted me, wouldn't she come to me first if she was going to go through with this? Her emotions towards me went deeper than they did for him.
None of it made sense, but my darling wife's premonitions rarely did until they had come to pass. The emotions coming off of Edward were hard enough to tolerate, the jealousy, frustration, lust, love, guilt, and despair. When he rose to his feet, he closed his eyes, swallowing it all away except for the love and jealousy. Those I could do nothing about for I felt them too. I had no right to feel them. She is not my wife so there should be no jealousy and the growing love I could not stop no matter how I tried. Every hug she gave in greeting or kiss on the cheek in a daily farewell had made my heart grow fonder. Six days with her left her as the caretaker of my heart. Bella had patched over the pain allowing me to breathe again. She was not my Alice, but I think in time she could be close. Would he allow it?
“Yes. If she falls in love with you, it would hurt, but I would share her heart. She would not love me less for loving you. I'd rather it you than any other.”
He had closed the door behind us with one last look at them. Us and them. I know she'll come back to him. But will she come back to me as well?
“You will have your time with her. I think she thought our brother an easier, target, for lack of a better word. She did not fear his rejection as she does yours.”
Rejection? Why would I ever reject her?
“She only wants to be loved, even now she thinks herself unworthy of our family, more so after we lost Alice and Rosalie. Can't he run faster? Distract me please. Until he's out of range this is killing me.”
Distraction... ahh. Nessie.
“Why don't we go spring Renesmee from school and you take her to Charlie's for a while? I'm pretty sure he'd love to see her; invite him back for dinner. I'll call you when they start heading back- maybe you could run there so that you get back faster. If Emmett and Bella return to the house before you do, I'll let her know you took Nessie to see Charlie and will be home soon. If she heads to the cottage I'll go there and see how she's doing.”
Relief washed over Edward's face as we climbed the stairs and he put on a smile for his daughter. “Esme, I think school is done for today. Ness and I are off to Charlie's for an hour or two so she can tell him about her trip. I think there might even be a souvenir or two for him, right little one?”
Renesmee's happiness flooded the room and she took off down the hall, leaving her books for Esme to put away. Even though she's mentally so much more than the five years she looks, kids are still kids.
I stayed with Esme and helped pick up the paperwork she'd spread through the library for their makeshift school. As we put the work away, she kept looking up as if she wanted to say something, a small wrinkle forming and smoothing between her eyebrows, and her emotions cycled through confusion, concern, and love.
“I'm guessing you want to know where Bella is and if that's why Edward took off so quickly?”
“Are you sure that you aren't the mind reader? Yes, I'm worried about him, all of you. You're my children, I don't like seeing any of you hurt.” She put her hands in her pockets, toying with something.
“She's with Emm out in the woods. Edward told me that you know, to a degree, what is happening so please do not make me spell it out any further. It is hard enough on me to feel what the currently very happy couple was feeling as they headed to the woods, keeping Edward from storming off after them, and trying to figure out exactly what I'm feeling. I cannot recall the last time I was unsure of my own emotions. When I met Alice, she knew I was the one. I didn't question her, and on our journey to find you and Carlisle, we fell in love. Ali and I completed one another even though we rarely saw eye to eye. We complemented one another well. I calmed her down, toning down her hyperactivity and she brought me out of my shell. Without her, I had started to withdraw into who I had been when I was with Peter and Charlotte.”
“And Bella brought you back to us?”
“Yes.” I could feel a smile growing when I thought of the nights she had spent in my study reading with me, or arguing over a random topic, ending with us agreeing to disagree and going on to the next book. There was a level of mental stimulation that Alice had never wanted to share.
“Bella has become my best friend and after our trip to Rio, the lines are blurred. I never considered acting on my feelings; I don't want to hurt either of them or this family. I feel like I'm betrayin' Alice, especially since it's only been a month and a half since she died. She had started to pull away from me before we left that night. I think she had a vision of her death right after Renesmee was born, that it was part of the original vision but she chose not to tell us. I feel hollow without her, but when Bella is near, it's like she shields me from the pain. She always knows what to say or when to not say anythin' and just hold me. She got through to me that day when no one could. I sat there in my chair holdin' Alice's letter of goodbye and I was thinking of settin' a fire and jumpin' into it or askin', one of the wolves to do the honors. But I looked up and she was there, and just wrapped me in her arms.”
Esme had a sad smile on her face. She didn't like to remember that day, but I had to. It was part of what brought me to today's realization.
“We had all those days together after we got back, when Edward had her stay with me to cheer me up while he went huntin' with Emmett and you and wolfie took turns watchin' Nessie sleep. When Carlisle asked Edward to remain here in Forks and let us escort Bella to find them... I did some things I'm not proud of on the plane and then I tried to kiss her the night I scattered Alice's ashes. I am fallin' in love with her and it is eatin' me alive that I'm not the one with her right now. Edward will always be first in her heart but I know that when she looks at me I feel love from her and for her. Alice set up all these different situations after seeing them- a regular self-fulfillin' prophetess. But I can't fight them. I am in love with Bella. I want her. I'm willin' to share her in any way Edward will let me have her and follow any rules he wants. I just can't stop the guilt.”
Esme's eyes shimmered with tears that would never fall and she pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket. “This is for you. It was in one of Renesmee's text books.”
In Alice's spiky script I read,
Give to my Jazzy-boy when he finally bares his soul to you. Thank you, he needed it. I love you, Mom.
I opened the note, leaning back against the desk Carlisle had moved in here for Nessie to work at.
Jasper,
I want you to love her. You'll always love me and I'll always love you, no matter where I am at. Do I have to keep telling you that? I'm ready to kick your ass right now while you are showering after getting the latest vision. We're at Peter's house right now; he and Charlotte left this morning and we're taking off in a few hours for the next leg of our trip. Please don't feel guilty about loving her. It will all work out in the end and you, Edward, and Bella will all be the better for it, in time. There will be several years of adjustment but you will have a happily ever after. Emmett will always be Emmett, although his eyes will never have that same sparkle they did before... well you know. This would have happened in the future, regardless of me interfering or not. I just sped up the time line so that you would smile again. I do not like seeing you so sad even in my visions. I hate leaving you but I know she'll comfort you in my absence.
Good idea sending Emo-boy to town with Nessie, you made the outcome of the day change for the better. You should go to the cottage. She's going to need you to hold her together afterward. Once you feel her emotions, you'll understand. I can't see exactly what you do but I know right now isn't the right time. Hold out for romance, not reaction. Love her, Jazzy. I'll smile every time you let yourself love. If you can't let me go for yourself, do it for me. Quit beating yourself up or I'm going to kick your ass before we get back to Forks and lie about the reason why. You know I will too.
I love you, Jasper Whitlock-
Alice
My thumb traced over a lipstick print where she had kissed the paper. I brought it to my lips as one last kiss. I could still smell her on the paper and my heart broke a little more. Then I recalled her feisty little body standing in front me, hands on hips, glaring at me. She'd stood there standing in the bathroom in Peter's home, or rather the one he and Charlotte “inherited” from a meal, staring me down as I dried off.
“What did I do this time, Alice?”
“You didn't listen to me. I want you to be happy. Dammit, Jasper just listen to me already. If I write it down and make you a list, can you follow it? No. You doubt me every chance you can. I'm offended. Don't you trust me?” Then she pouted, her lower lip quivering, her eyes wide.
Esme seemed unsettled by my sudden laughter so I told her of the memory Alice's letter had triggered. “I'm off to Eddie and Bella's place. Thanks, Mom.” It still didn't come easily to my lips to call her mom but after moments like this it was the least I could do for her acting so motherly to me. I tucked the letter into a folder I kept in my room for Alice's letters, ran my fingers through my hair, grabbed some items I had purchased over the past few weeks, steeled myself for whatever was to come, and let my feet guide the way to my future.

---

BPOV
It had never been like this with Edward. He was always so careful with me. Emmett was nothing like Edward but it didn't make it better, just different. We had toppled a second tree falling to the ground, his weight pleasant on me, the fall pushing him even deeper inside me as we jarred against the forest floor. It seemed his passions were re-awoken from the movement as I felt him hardening again. This man before me truly had a bear's endurance. He needed no recovery time, allowing me none either. My body still throbbed from my orgasm and I felt our combined fluids sticky across my inner thighs. But when he moved against me, pushing me into the ground, it felt primal. I growled and tore at his back, thrusting against him, my newborn strength the only reason I could lift my hips against his weight.
He had already mastered how to make my body respond and every stroke of his arousal inside of me was setting me aflame. I began to clutch at his shoulders, mewling into his mouth as he kissed me, his fingers tangled in my hair, pulling my head back to expose my neck. When Emmett's tongue stroked the small scar at the base of my neck as he slammed my body against the ground, I felt my toes curl and my world exploded into stars around me. I slumped to the ground, my body sated, and I watched his face. Emmett started to grunt and his thrusts were nearing inhuman speed. His eyes were closed, lips parted, and then he dropped his weight fully onto me again, his arms giving out to hold me, and his body jerked, filling me for a second time.
Emmett quickly rolled off of me and pulled me into his chest. “Oh God, Bella. Thank you.” He started kissing my cheeks, forehead, and then a soft kiss on my lips. I smiled at him.
“You don't need to thank me, Emm.” I brushed my lips across his and then rested my head on his chest. His hand went up stroke my hair out of his face. Laughter made his body tremble. “What's so funny Emmie-bear?”
He lost it and started rocking back and forth laughing. “Emmie bear? Please don't ever call me that in front of my brothers. I'll never live it down. I was laughing about your hair. We kinda made a mess of it. I'm sorry.” He ran his fingers through my hair and showed me several twigs, leaves, and pieces of bark.
“Don't worry, I can wash it later. A little dirt is worth what we did.” I looked up at him and ran my fingertip over his lips. He smiled but it didn't reach his eyes.
“She never let me do that. I mean, we were always amazing together; but she was always so worried about messing up her hair and makeup. I never could just let go like we did.” He sat up and looked around at the devastation we'd made of the woods. The two trees we'd knocked down had each taken out one on their way down, we'd made several ruts in the ground, including the most recent which was a perfect Bella shaped hollow. I giggled and crawled to sit between his legs and lean back into him. His arms came up and locked around my waist. I felt his lips press against my hair. I sighed, content.
We sat there, slightly rocking, watching squirrels gather food for the approaching snowy days, and at times he'd talk about Rosalie and I just listened, pressing kisses against his cheek or shoulder when he'd pause.
“Come on, Bellaboo, we should get you back and face the music. I guess that means clothes, although I'm not opposed to this manner of undress on you.”
I buried my face in my hands, thankful I could no longer blush. He laughed and went to retrieve his shorts, the closest items to our present position. I watched him dress, really taking in his entire body. He exuded strength. Emmett was built like a bear and had thoroughly ravaged me like one. I looked for my own clothes and saw nothing but tatters.
“Hey, Emmett. I think I'm going to need your shirt if it's in any better condition.” I held up fabric scraps. He looked proud of himself so I threw them at him and jerked his shirt from his hands. I pulled it over my head, the sleeves went way beyond my hands and the hem down to my knees as if I was wearing a dress. Emmett reached for my hand and we swung hands like little kids and we skipped through the woods, darting around trees, playing tag, sharing small kisses.
We were too soon back at the clearing to my and Edward's cottage and the spell was broken. Emmett let out a sigh, and pulled back into the shell he'd kept up for the past month. I stood on tiptoe and pulled his face to mine. I kissed him gently and stroked his face. “It'll be okay. This isn't the only time if you don't want it to be.” He brightened up and kissed me.
“I think I created a monster. Can't get enough of the Grizzly Man.”
I laughed and rolled my eyes. “Sure thing, Emmie bear.” I squeezed his shoulder and walked into the house, Jasper's scent strong in the room. I could hear water running in the bathroom so I followed the sound.
“Jasper, what are you doing here? Is there something wrong with your bath in the main house?”
He looked surprised to see me as if it was natural for him to be here. Then, I saw the room. It was filled with candles and roses.
“Oh, Jas, you didn't need to do this.”
Then I broke down crying. The guilt had been building every step back towards the house; I was worried about Edward, and then him not being here, but Jasper was and it just hit me. Things were never going to be the same again. I'd slept with another man, my brother-in-law. How could I have done that to Edward even though he'd told me it was okay, that I should? I didn't bother to wipe away the tears burning my cheeks, I deserved the pain, knowing that it was most likely just a fraction of the heartache I'd caused my husband. I slid down the wall to the floor and sat there, crying until I felt his arms go around. I tried to push him away but he just held on harder, one hand going up to my head to press me against his chest.
“Shhh. Are you hurt?” I shook my head against him. “Okay then. Just relax, Bella. Let the guilt go. Edward agreed to this and we're all consentin' adults. Well, he's stuck at seventeen, so maybe he doesn't count.”
A giggle escaped between my sobs.
“I received another letter from Alice today. She wants us all to be happy Bella. Yes, the limbo land we're currently in is difficult but I think in time we'll figure everythin' out. Alice says we'll all be happy, that she wants me to stop feelin' guilty for wantin' you, for lovin' you.”
His voice was barely audible, like he was speaking only to himself. I wiped my tears away and looked into his beautiful face.
“I am fallin' in love with you, Bella. Edward knows and while I cannot say he doesn't mind, he isn't hurt by it. He doesn't want Emmett and I to think about what has occurred when we're within his range and he'd rather not see anythin' for a while until he's had time to get used to it but he's going to be ok. He loves you and you love him, I can't change that- I don't want to change that. You are his wife just like Alice will always be my wife. But maybe there's another way for us. If you could accept my love I'd be eternally grateful.”
Jasper climbed back to his feet and picked me up, setting me on the counter. Next to me was a velvet pouch. He pulled out two necklaces from the bag. Each held a slim platinum ring with “Mary Alice Brandon-Cullen-Whitlock” etched into the side and holding a tiny yellow diamond.
“I saved some of her ashes and had them made into diamonds so a part of her would physically be with us always. One for you and one for me. Let her hold us together in friendship and in love.” He looked in my eyes and I nodded my acquiescence. Jasper rested his forehead on my own as he clasped it around my neck. I helped him with his, my fingers fumbling on the catch.
“Jasper. This is, well I don't know exactly what to say. You obviously know what I'm feeling better than I do. I think I love you too.”
As soon as the words were hanging in the air between us, his lips were on me. This wasn't like Emmett's rough kisses that left me feeling slightly bruised nor was it like Edward's careful control. Jasper's kiss was sweet, loving, and tender yet I could feel his passion behind it. His gift was wrapping around us and I could feel what he was feeling and could feel my own emotions coming back at me. I slid my hand up to cup the back of his neck and he pulled away.
“Not here, Bella. Not with you fresh from the woods with Emmett. I want to do this right. I don't want to just have you be an outlet or have what is between us be just sex. I want to make love to you all night long and kiss every inch of your body. I want to make it perfect for you, for us. Why don't you take off his shirt, climb into the bath and relax. I'm going to go call Edward and let him know you're home. He took Ness to see your dad. I put your favorite cd on the stereo, towels are on the bar, and I'll turn off the lights, leavin' you to the candles. Stay in until Edward comes home. I'll keep Nessie up at the main house with me until you come for her. You will probably need to talk with him.” He kissed my forehead and wrapped me in his arms. “I had a new shipment of books come in while we were gone. Come take a peek later if you want.” I brushed my lips against his, causing him to step back. “Not now. If I keep tellin' myself that, it will be easier. Enjoy the bath, Bella.”
He let out a breath and stepped away, closing the bathroom door behind him.

The Sacred Hunt

I highly recommend listening to Heather Alexander's Something Dark while reading.

Part 1: A Nature Spirit's Memories

I watched him for years. His mother birthed him beneath my branches, a small pink wrinkled thing covered in white and red. He took his first breath within the cradle of my roots and the soft grass covering them. His first scream startled the animals living within me. When his life cord stopped pulsing, the mother bit threw it and buried the heavy red sack at my base. Their mingled blood called me from my half-slumber and into full consciousness.
I watched.
As a boy, he climbed my branches, settling into them to watch the clouds or hide from the others who didn't understand his dreams. He wanted to be more than his father wished. He was not a shaman like his father and grandfather before him. His body demanded he lose himself in the woods.
Still, I watched.
When he was a teen and ready to become a man, I was the one he came to. With gentle yet strong and sure hands, he took my offered limb and broke it from me quickly, shaping it into a hefty spear. I watched with a weeping heart as he took a sharpened stone and dragged it across his forearm, and blood soaked into my roots. His blood soon ran through my heart.
I left my spirit's rest and wandered the woods that night. I watched his sacred rite; I saw his first kill and the bear that fell by his spear. After I'd returned to my tree, he followed my path and set the bear before me. Their mingling blood ran down his chest as he used sacred herbs of healing to poultice the claw-made wounds and then set himself to task.
I watched with un-closing eyes.
When he found a maiden who pleased his heart, it was to me he led her and made a lovers' knot of my branches. It was beneath my branches that he gave her everything, and his seed ran from her body onto my roots. His two life-giving fluids now nourished the heart-wood of my tree and thus me.
With an aching soul, I watched.
Warriors came from another clan and all the men were called to war. It was with his piece of me, the sharpened spear, that he left. His life-mate came to me daily and prayed, each day she asked for him to return. I was but a nature spirit, I had no power over the affairs of men; I could not end their war.
I watched the woods with a torn heart; I could not let him be alone. I would shelter him if I could. I felt his strength still strumming through me; I knew he yet lived. I captured that string of light and followed it to its maker. I flitted from tree to tree until I had to dance in the moonlight across a river wider than my boy's village. I sought to find him, but it was he who found me. He spotted my shimmer in the full moon's glow and knocked an arrow, not knowing what he saw.
His aim was true and I felt the onyx tipped wood pierce my chest. His blood, his seed, his life, began to run out of me. I made it to the bank where he stood before I fell.
His arms went around me and he wept with understanding, his lips offering up his own life in exchange for mine. I would not lose this boy. I would return in another life. He would find me.
With blood coated hands, I stroked his forehead and cheeks, the rounded bones pleasing my touch. I had longed to feel his skin with my own hands, not the caress of my leaves and bark. It was worth losing my magic.
Setting my hand over his heart, I summoned the last of my magic and imbued it into him.
“Find me, Hunter. Hunt and you shall find me.”

---

Part two: The Hunt

I sensed his presence for my entire life. He was always in the back of my mind, seeking me. I did not know what exactly he sought, but I knew he would find it. I knew I had to run and he had to chase; it was our eternal game.
I came face to face with the hunter and knew not of his identity for many years. His spirit still slumbered. Mine had been born awake this time. In others, only he knew of the game. But this time, he would learn. I would wait. I waited, I watched, and I hoped. I wanted him to remember. He didn't seem to.
Our paths diverged as mine led me out of the woods I loved. I grew strong while my light dimmed. I gave my light to others so that theirs could flourish while mine grew too weak to glow. My branches were cut, others bound into a pleasing shape. The bindings began to chafe after far too long.
He cut one binding and then another. He sat beneath my branches and told me stories as we had in lives past. Our lights grew bright, twin shining stars with hours between them but a lifetime apart.
Then he awoke. He made the summons. The bond was made. Magic flared through me; I would accept the call. He summoned my spirit, and I would come to him. I would lay down my barriers and let him claim me at long last.
Then he revoked the call. His human side was at war with the hunter, it fought to subdue his nature. He had bonds he could not forsake despite our history. My magic still flowed; it would have to summon him back to me. The hunter would have to become the prey for a little while.
He begged me to not provoke, so I waited. I had learned to wait for him, the days did not matter. He knew me now.
I retaliated at his teasings, and sought to entice him in return. The human side continued to win. Frustration filled me until I was ready to burst and I took out my aggressions on my mate, who happily acquiesced.
We continued our game of taunts and provocation until life itself became strained. We knew the game was as dangerous as it was beautiful, and we both knew that the ending was messy. But we played into it as we must.
When the veils thinned at Samhain, I begged the gods and goddesses to let us have our sacred hunt, to bless our rite with a moment out of time when we could forget the real world and live within the mists of the sacred. I heard no answer, and assumed my prayer went unheard.
Then, the night walk came. The moon was high and sang in my blood until I needed to feel Her rays upon my face. I slipped a sheer white robe over my blue sleeping gown, donned slippers upon my feet, and bound my waves back with a pale blue ribbon. The cold breeze refreshed me while it stirred my restlessness to a peak.
The drums started the moment I took one step past the treeline. My heart echoed the pounding of hands against the taut skin and my feet stepped in time, running through the trees. It became a game of chase as I eluded the sacred drummer.
I heard his heartbeat as he came closer, could smell the sweet musk of his skin, could feel the heat radiating between us. His fingers reached out for me but only caught my ribbon. It loosened in his grasp, and my hair spilled down onto my shoulders, the silvery blue ribbon wrapping around his hand in a silken tease.
My hunter let out a growl and reached for me again, but I danced out of reach, teasing him with a smile as I rounded the giant oak. Its branches caught on my robe, so I left it behind, running only in my silken blue gown and slippers. I heard his primal yell and looked over my shoulders to see him clasping my robe to his face, inhaling my scent.
The sight caused my breath to catch and I stumbled in my lust-crazed fog, landing in the soft leaves of the forest floor. He advanced, stalking me, discarding my robe as he came closer. I scrambled backwards, losing my slippers to the mud. I finally made it onto my knees as his drum grew louder.
One warm hand grasped my ankle and tugged, turning me onto my back so that I looked up into his face. He wore smudges of mud upon his cheeks that reminded me of dried blood, the blood I had marked him with. My fingers still fit his face as before and as I stared into those blue eyes, too blue to be completely human, his lips met mine.
By that simple touch, I was claimed.
He growled against my lips, his hands grasping my wrists and holding them up over my head. He looked at me in question, silently asking for my answer.
“I yield to my hunter.”

---

Part three: Sacred Space

My lover lay, finally sated, in my arms, his head pillowed by the curve of my breast. My fingers lightly stroked back the dark curls that tickled my cheek. We had woken one another a few times through the night, coming together again and again in the sacred dance of lovers.
Each time, before and after, he always gave me the five-fold kiss. My feet, my knees, my womb, my breasts, and my lips were each blessed by a gentle kiss as his hands massaged my flesh to readiness. He worshiped me as a goddess and I accepted his tribute and named him my horned god. In the moonlight, I could see the bearskin mantle he had worn as a a tribal hunter, and my mind painted that over us as we lay in the leaves, our bodies at rest.
We had answered the summons of our bodies, and found in turn that it was our hearts that truly made the call. As the sun slowly awoke from its slumber and warmed the night sky with shades of the palest gold, I kissed my lover sweetly, teasing his lips to open for my tongue. He shifted us so that I rode him, the morning sun washing over our bare bodies, removing the night's languor.
We clung to one another as pleasure took us over, never releasing our embrace even as we stumbled through the woods to the small creek and washed our bodies. I regretted washing the signs of his marking from my thighs but knew it must be done for our return to the sunlit realm. His shoulders, neck, and back bore the signs of my passion, bruises from my teeth and lips, and lines from my fingers clawing at him to hold my hunter nearer.
“I marked you.”
He looked over his bare shoulder and smiled, splashing water up at me. “I know; I'm glad. It will serve as a reminder this happened.”
“She'll see.”
My hunter nodded, a hint of red coloring his scruff covered cheeks. “I'll deal with her. I left you marks of my own as well.”
I twisted and used the creek as a mirror. Bruises in the shape of his hand prints covered my arms and hips. They had not been made in anger, but in passion. He did not know his own strength as he pulled me to him. A red mark that was fading into a dark bruise marred my neck, just below my right ear.
He smirked and tugged me down into the cold water. “You're mine, here in these woods, you know.”
“I'm yours always, everywhere. Here is the only place we can acknowledge your claim.”
He kissed me to silence my lips, his hands clinging to me with desperation.
“I did not want it this way, Bella. I would have you forever if I could.”
I nodded and wiped my tears away, not wanting our last moments to be ones of pain. “I know, my hunter. The sacred hunt will always call to me. Play your drum, and I will come to you, Emmett.”
Our hands pressed together, palm to palm, and then he walked away. My hunter left me on the bank as he had before, but this time it was my heart that shattered instead of my body. I watched him don his clothes in silence, my heart retreating behind its mask as he covered the broad expanse of his back with the shirt his wife had most likely purchased for him.
He gathered my clothing and with shaking hands dressed me, offering my body the five-fold kiss as a farewell. I watched from the shadows as he walked down the path and out into the sun, a golden haired woman waiting for him. She clung to his arm as he emerged and they walked together, his eyes searching for me as his head turned often.
When he was out of sight, I washed my face free of my tears in the creek and finger combed my hair back into its binding ribbon. I walked through the woods in the direction of my own home, avoiding the paths I knew so well as they brought memories of the hunt I had to say good-bye to.
I stepped out into the light and was greeted by the loving face of my own husband as he smiled at me with understanding.
“Have you come back to me, my love?”
“Yes, I'm home.” I could not tell him that it was only until the next hunt when I would run again.

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