#Bella never took Jake seriously because Edward was right there

[gotouchwheat]

been chasing the high this scene gave me my whole life

[therealvinelle]

in the “everyone is in love with Bella” scenario, what about the wolves? Wouldn’t it be really fucked up for Sam to fall in love with her? Would it make the wolves try to redefine imprinting? how would Leah react to the whole situation?

Anon is referring to this post. For the record, I didn't get into them in the post because the plot would veer so far off-course in Twilight that Edward never leaves and Victoria never becomes a threat to Bella, meaning Bella and Jake don't get close and she doesn't need their protection.

But, let's do this.

First encounter

Bella arrives in Forks, and Billy and Jacob are there to hand over the pickup.

Boom.

They fall in love.

Jacob, having never had a real crush before nevermind something so powerful as falling in love, is overwhelmed by these new feelings. He blushes and flushes and stutters, and fails to say anything reasonable or even intelligble to Bella. Too mortified to function, he decides to hide in La Push until the embarrassment fades. Which very well could be never.

Billy, meanwhile, is unable to cope. He just fell in love with Charlie's daughter. Charlie's 17-year-old daughter who used to make mud cakes with Billy's daughters.

This is bad.

This, to a good man like Billy, is unforgivably bad.

He goes from being Charlie's best friend to suddenly being very distant, not wanting to ever cross paths with Bella again.

But, you asked about the wolves, not just Jake and Billy, so let's take this scenario further.

Bella's friends, all of whom are hopelessly in love with her, drag her to La Push

Jessica, Lauren, Mike, Angela, Tyler, Eric, Ben, the whole gang, they're all going to La Push for the weekend.

And it just won't be the same without Bella. She's just so great, you know?

Everyone looks at each other and nods. Yeah, it's just not fun without Bella. Bella's great, someone should invite her.

They all invite her, one by one, all of them with wide, adoring eyes. "It would be so amazing if you came, Bella," Jessica says dreamily, twirling a lock of Bella's hair around her fingers. "Your hair is really pretty," she giggles.

Angela and Ben are each blushing too hard to really say anything to Bella, so they end up running away from her. Bella is left feeling like some kind of freak. She later receives two notes in class, one from each, begging her in cramped writing to come to La Push. Yeah, not helping her feel like less of a freak.

Mike, Eric, Tyler, and Lauren all corner her, each worse than the last.

By the end of the schoolday Bella doesn't know what's going to happen at La Push but she does know that she doesn't want to go.

She complains about this to the Cullens (remember, her and Edward became an item much earlier in this timeline), and they all fawn and coo over her and act like she just went through a warzone. If she wants to go to the beach, she could try Isle Esme Bella. Would she like that, an island vacation? Or an island?

Bella is pulled out of school for a romantic two-week totally-not-a-honeymoon.

La Push never happens.

But surely Bella and the wolves must meet at some point

Billy catches wind that Bella Swan is dating Edward Cullen. As in, the girl he has fallen so deeply in love with is now being preyed upon by a blood-sucking demon.

Billy's own sense of propriety or honor be damned, he has to save this girl's life.

He tries to speak to her, just as in canon, but just as in canon this goes poorly. Bella is a savvy 17-year-old who doesn't need no warning, and besides, the Cullens are all so sweet. They're like hobbits, really, obviously she's not in any danger. She tells Billy as much. Vampires are lovely, does he know they gave her an island?

(Billy did not know this, and yes, that's weird. Doesn't mean they're not evil, though.)

Billy gets nowhere with his would-be intervention.

Time to bring in the big guns.

Sam phases around this time, and imprints on Emily. Break-ups with Leah, maulings, and tragic lovestories all around are had.

It is around this time that Billy brings Sam up to speed on the Bella situation, although leaving out the part where he's hopelessly in love with the girl because that would not be received well. Could Sam go speak with her about this, see if maybe she will take his warning seriously? The situation is dire.

Sure, Sam can do that. No one wants a human girl to get eaten or turned, after all.

Sam goes to see Bella.

And promptly falls in love just as he did Emily.

Emily, who is currently in the hospital from Sam mauling her, which happened specifically because Sam had imprinted.

It's official, Sam thinks, he's the greatest scumbag there ever was.

The Emily and Leah situation was awful enough as it was, breaking all three of their hearts and causing irreparable damage both physically and mentally. Sam wronged them both colossaly, and he can never amend that.

But he imprinted. He wasn't just being a douchebag, actual magic made him do it.

Now, though...

Either Sam imprinted on multiple people, in which case his happy ending is now polygamy. And how would that be a happy ending for Emily and Bella?

Or, possibly even more terrifying yet, he didn't imprint on either woman.

Breaking up with Leah, mauling Emily, making Emily fall in love with him after that and ruining her relationship with her cousin, in short putting these women through hell, all of it- it was for nothing. Sam's just a horndog who sees supernatural intervention where there's really just hormones.

Why couldn't he just have imprinted on Leah?

Sam can't go on a sabbatical to figure this out, his tribe needs him. So he takes to living in the woods alone, where he is alone, to try and figure this out.

But it gets more painful yet, because he can't just disappear on Emily.

So, he tells her. He owes her that much. And it's not goodbye forever, either, just- goodbye until he can figure out how to be the man she deserves. A man anybody deserves, really, because right now Sam's not it.

Emily has no idea what to make of any of this, but she knows her heart is broken.

She has to see this woman all of this is about.

Naturally, she falls in love as well.

The plot thickens

The next time Sam drops by, Emily gives him the news. They're both in love with Bella now.

Sam no longer knows what to make of anything.

Is the universe trying to tell them to form a polycule?

Nothing like that has ever happened before, but not much is known about imprinting. There's a first time for everything..?

At this point they're both giving themselves headaches trying to figure this out. It's a mess.

More, Bella hasn't even met either of them. Sam and Emily can't just walk up to her and say "Hi, be our wife".

Or can they?

If Emily fell in love at first sight, maybe it'll work in reverse. Maybe Bella just has to look upon them, and she'll fall in love.

Sam is dubious, but at this point let's just do this. Let's just do this, see what happens.

They walk up to Charlie's to deliver some of Harry's fish fry. Bella opens the door.

"HIIIII" Emily says, trying to act normal.

Sam's not saying anything.

"Hi," Bella says back, nonplussed, and looks at the bag Emily is clutching with white-knuckled fists.

All three of them are silent.

Bella is starting to wonder if there's something with the town water supply. She is also wondering if these people are planning to say anything, or if they just really enjoy knocking on doors and saying hi to people. Is there something Bella should be doing?

Eventually she clears er throat and asks if there's anything she can do for them.

Sam and Emily glance at each other. Bella's not looking starstruck with love, but she's not acting normal either. Who stands in a doorway and stares at people for almost a minute before talking?

It's inconclusive.

Emily hands over the fish fry. "From Harry," she says, and introduces herself.

Bella nods, remembering Charlie's friend who all but ran out of the door when he saw her and hasn't been fishing with Charlie since. None of Charlie's friends have. Charlie is going nuts. Maybe she should try hooking him up with Carlisle, vampires are lovely, they'd get along so well.

Bella, noting Emily and Sam aren't saying anything else, says bye and moves to close the door.

"Wait!" Sam yells, at the same time as Emily rips a piece of paper from her pocket, and sticks it into Bella's hand.

Bella looks down on it. It's two phone numbers.

She looks back up at Sam and Emily, who by now feel quite certain that this girl hasn't fallen in love with them and that this is the most humiliating moment of both their lives.

Just in case, though...

"Call us," Emily says flirtatiously, winks, and runs away.

Sam follows.

Bella never calls them back, and they never speak of this again.

A few months later, Leah who’d been shopping in Forks happily tells Sam and Emily that she's fallen in love with a girl, she lives in Forks, she's amazing, her name is Bella Swan.

"I took one look at her, and I knew," Leah says dreamily.

[gisellelx]

for your writing ask do you want to answer 2, 13, or 15?

also very curious as to what a "pre-flight surface interval" is

From the fic ask game

Thank you for the asks! @edwardsmate4ever beat you to 13 and the surface interval ask. ❤️

2. What fanfic do you wish you got more response on?

Probably Present Perfect, my novella about Edward and Alice’s friendship. It actually has a fair number of reviews, count wise, but that’s because I broke it into 55 chapters (I consider it to be 3 chapters) so that it would be easier to follow Alice’s extremely nonlinear train of thought and so most of the reviews are from a handful of people who lovingly left a reply to every single chapter which was unexpected but appreciated! It took about 80,000 words of writing to produce the 16,000 that ended up in the fic and I’m rather proud of it. I think people avoid it because they think it’s a drabble fic and it’s not: there are three sets of 5,000 word chapters that form a pretty meticulous 3 act plot, or so I like to think!

I also wrote one Pack short that I love but most people ignore because it takes place before Bella and there is nobody but Jake and Leah in it.

But seriously, my fics get plenty of love. I’d be a self-entitled asshole if I pretended otherwise. They sent me to Comic Con, they’ve been cited in academic work about Twilight and fanfic, and a mention of my Fifty Shades parody made it into the Wall Street Journal. None of them lack for audience at all, but sometimes the ones I am especially proud of as a writer seem to be less interesting to readers for what I assume are a variety of reasons.

15. Are there words, phrases, mannerisms or scenes you tend to use a lot?

Yes! I think every writer has their tics. I’ve never met a sentence structure challenge that an em-dash couldn’t solve and I know how to insert one from the keyboard with an Alt-code. (Alt+0151). I also very often use the technique of inserting narration mid-dialogue that way. One of my friends nailed me in an anonymous contest once by pointing out that the author had written

“It’s”—she searches for the right word—“cute?”

which is a total tell that it’s my dialogue.

Also there’s a weird line between tics and headcanons? I headcanon that when Esme wants to have a meaningful discussion with someone, she asks them to come garden with her. In Da Capo and Present Perfect Esme has meaningful conversations with Edward and Alice in the garden. That’s not a tic so much as that I think that’s just what she does.

Thank you for the asks!

[volturitrash]

vampires sparkle in the sunlight

"Bella lost herself"

"It's just normal lovers quarells, didn't you act the same when we moved?"

"No, I didn't invest my whole being over a boy old enough to be dead but somehow never grew up."

- Alfie, during a phone call with Renee as she watched her sister become the one thing she was supposed to prevent

Bella, a crying heartbroken mess days after being found frostbitten in the forest: *stares into nothing*

Alfie, feels a bit guilty: Come on Bells, Jessica invited us to the movies. You know? that kid who befriended us first day of school. the human one.

Bella, constipated smile: You go. I'm not in the mood.

Alfie, frowning: We both know Charles would have my head if I left you to rot here.

Bella: Stop being dramatic. How are you okay with them just suddenly not coming to school anymore?

Alfie, frowning and a bit confused: Where they decide to go is none of my business also they've become too obvious to stay here. It makes sense, you know?

Bella: No! It doesn't make sense! How could they just leave? How could he just leave me as if I wasn't anyone important to him? Tell me my oh so all knowing sister!

Alfie, trying to hide her guilt with light hearted jokes: He's old, Bells. You really think someone of that age would take a child seriously? you're old enough to be his great grand daughter!

Bella, angry: That's not it! Stop making everything a joke! He promised to stay with me.

Alfie: But Bells, you gotta admit its a bit creepy for him to be with yo- *dodges as a random book get thrown at her* -I mean, its not as if he mean-

Bella, angry tears stream down her face: Shut up! Shut your mouth for once in you spoiled life! How would you know if he meant it or not? You didn't know him like I did.

Alfie, backs away towards the door, her frown deepens: You think I'm spoiled? Bella the only reason I'm here is to make sure you're happy. I had a whole life I left with mom and you think I'm spoiled and don't know anything about boys like him? He's the first guy you took seriously and thats only because you think a bad boy with fangs would make your kinks come tru-!

*Slap*

Bella's hand came flying to Alfie's cheek. Both girls seemed shocked at what just transpired. Never in their life has Bella been the one to hit anyone, much less her own sister

Alfie, slowly her hand came to rest on her cheek followed by a hollow laugh: Ah, I crossed the line. Hit me more, sister. Would that make you happier? Would that make you let go of you dearest Edward? Seems to me he had no trouble of letting you go as fast that slap.

Bella, guilt began to churn in her stomach: I, thats not, I didn't mean to.

Alfie: oh no, sister, don't feel guity. *a cheshire smile blooms in her face, while the hair at the back of Bella's neck stood up* I deserved that. Come hit me.

Bella, cowers back towards the window: No. I didn't mean to tha-

Alfie, now yelling with her arms open: Hit me!

Charlie, downstairs with Harry Clearwater: *a headache forming* They're at it again...

Harry, clearly amused: You'd think by now we'd be used to her dramatics?

Charlie, seriously questioning if it was worth wanting both his daughters with him:...I should go and make sure they don't kill each other.

Alfie: Come now, sister, take out your anger at dearest Eddy at me.

Bella, deflates: I said sorry.

Alfie, now eerily calm: You do not start a fight with me and not finish it, you coward.

Bella: At least fight back!

Alfie, frowning: You are a defenseless human. Doc will have my head if I laid a hand on yo-

Charlie, appears from the doorway: You two alright? No missing limbs or anything.

Bella, startled: Ah, no everythings fine, Charlie.

Alfie, mumbling to herself: Americans and their lack of respect to authority, honestly.

*phone buzzing*

Alfie: and to the left, we have another coward, ain't that great?

Bella: It's...Jake. He's asking if I want to hang out

Charlie, hands on Alfie's shoulder in case she goes off again: Right. Go out Bells. It'd be good for you to see your other friends

Bella: I don't really think I'm in a good headspa-

Alfie: Today

Bella, spluttering: You-can't just make decisions for m-

Alfie: I can and I just did. Go be a teenager for once.At least we know where the pup lives so

Charlie: And Alfie will go with you!

Alfie: I refuse to be another glorified babysitter!

Bella, a smile on her face and teasing: 𝑔𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑎 𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑒, Alfie

Alfie, indignant: I've had enough time to be a teenager, thank you.

Bella: You're 15!

Alfie, snickering: Is that what Mum told you? Higher, darling.

Bella, brows furrowing, again: But-!

Charlie, done: There's the headache, yep!

Alfie, with a smug smirk: Have fun on the date. I have errands to run

Bella: It's not a date

Alfie: That pup's been head over heels, bordering on obssession, over you since you were children. So yeah, 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞

Bella, done with life: come with then. Just for this one then I'll go to the movies with you?

Alfie, already starting to disappear: N o p e! I've got errands to run. Have fun on your not date, date

[since0202]

Chapter 43: Patience

Jacob was finishing his rounds when Embry crashed into his consciousness. 

She recast! I think she went to the Cullen’s place. 

Jacob’s heart dropped and he snapped to attention. 

Did you tail her to Ti’Hal’s?!

Yes! And she definitely went there, but when she saw me she freaked! And then she was leaving and I tried to tell her to stop, but she just disappeared. 

Jacob let out a snapping noise and turned his body to hurdle towards the Cullen’s place. He was right to have Embry tail her after all. But he didn’t want to be right. Grace was the most infuriating woman he’d ever met. Every time he tried to pull her in a direction, she’d push in the opposite. She’d tell them to go and then they’d stop. He literally had to order her to stay put just to keep her away from her sister now turned potentially bloodthirsty newborn. She careened toward danger like it was an amusement park. And when he’d catch her around the waist as she tried to jump off a cliff into the arms of yet another conflict, she’d kick and scream as he pulled her back from the edge. 

Do you want me to check and see if she’s there Jake? I’m close! Seth offered after listening to Jacob’s raging thoughts about Grace. 

No, stay put, I don’t want you near the Cullen’s place right now in case Bella’s awake. 

Edward had only somewhat been keeping Jacob in the loop as it seemed like things were touch and go for Bella. She was definitely transitioning into a vampire but it was taking longer than they had anticipated. Carlisle thought it might be the fact that they pulled her back from the brink of death at the last minute. But still, there were no definitive answers. He knew Grace had been having nightmares about it and he knew half the time she wasn’t sleeping anyway. He’d find her awake sometimes, downstairs, on the couch, arms threaded through her legs as she stared out the door over the moonlit cove. 

It broke him to see her so torn up but he kept the words Ti’Hal had told him at the forefront of his mind: 

“She is the protector. And as her alpha, let her lead with her heart. She will know how to guide you….but as her imprint you must keep her safe. She is the Spirit Bird, strong-willed and connected to the sky and sea. But she is also just Grace Alo, a woman finding her way into love and life with you. You must find the balance.” 

Balance wasn’t easy. Ti’Hal had a knack for providing answers but never actually giving you the clear way forward. As Jacob crashed through the clearing of the Cullen’s property, he scanned his eyes quickly over the quiet facade of the home. No movement. He sniffed the air tentatively. No trace of her. That was odd. He knew her scent anywhere, but it was nowhere to be found here. Could Embry have been mistaken? 

Grace? He called out to her. No response. Weird. 

Did you find her? Leah broke through. 

No, not yet. Embry, you’re sure she came here? 

I don’t know man. One minute she was going to the truck and the next she’s walking past me toward the woods. Where else would she go? 

Is the truck still at Ti’Hal’s? 

Yeah, she left the keys in the driver seat. 

Jake backed into the trees, but not before he saw Rosalie step out onto the front porch with the swaddled Renesmee in her arms. Jake tensed. This was the reason Bella was gone from them forever, never to be her true human self again. He had mixed feelings to say the least, but mostly, he just wanted to get the hell away from here. It frustrated him that Grace was so adamant about wanting to be here. They were supposed to be totally in sync as imprints, right? 

So then why did he feel like they were on opposite sides of the field? 

Jake turned and bolted back through the trees toward the house. 

Maybe she went to Charlie’s. Seth go swing by and see if you can pick up a scent. I’m going back to the house real quick. 

You think she went home? Embry said skeptically. 

Maybe… Jacob wasn’t too sure, but it didn’t hurt to check. 

As he came to the treeline just outside of the cove, he quickly phased and pulled on his shorts jogging up to the front door. He heard the sound of movement in the house, a clattering of dishes as if someone was pulling out pots and pans. He strode through the front door. 

“Grace?” he called out. A head peeked up from behind the kitchen island. Jake let out a sigh of relief. “Jesus, I’ve been looking for you.” 

“Hey.” Grace said nonchalantly. 

“Embry said you recast outside of Ti’Hal’s and left the truck there. I thought you….went to see Bella,” he said. 

Grace paused, setting a pan on the stovetop and deciding her next words carefully. 

“Yeah, I was going to. But then...I thought about what you said,” she paused, looking at him, “And I realized that what you were asking for was as much for me as it was for you. And…” Grace looked down at her hands, “And I’m sorry. I can be patient.” 

Jake’s face had broken into a smile, “You? Be patient?” he joked. Grace laughed as she rolled her eyes. 

“Yeah, well, only for you, I guess,” she replied, still wary that he might be upset with her.

“Come here,” he said confidently from his place across the living room. Grace walked out from behind the counter and then sprinted toward him, crashing her body into his. He caught her easily and planted a kiss on her. “Thank you.” 

“That’s how this works, right? Compromise? Listening...Trust.” Grace offered in between his peppered kisses across her lips, down her cheek and neck. Jacob made a soft noise of agreement as he continued to press his lips to her. “I need to apologize to Embry, I was kind of a jerk.” she murmured. 

She hadn’t even realized Jacob was steering her toward the couch until the back of her knees collided with the arm of the sofa. She sat down on the arm as Jacob brought his hands to either side of her face to kiss her softly. Grace placed her hands on either side of his scorching torso and tried to keep her head clear. This was the danger with Jake—it was always easy to slip into this euphoria with him, one where if she just let herself go, she could get lost. And she so desperately wanted to get lost with him. 

She brought her hands up to circle his wrists and gently tugged at his hands so she could pull her face away from his. 

“Are you hungry?” Grace asked in a quiet voice her eyes were heavy with desire and he looked across her face. 

“Starving,” he breathed. Her breath hitched in her throat and Jacob took it upon himself to lean his head down again to hers pressing harder against her. Grace’s body responded of its own accord this time as she arched her back into him and pressed her hips to meet his. Jake’s arm instinctively wrapped down around her back pulling her closer as their mouths became more frenzied moving over one another. Everything in Grace pulled her toward Jacob and inside she was rejoicing. But, annoyingly for Grace, something made her stop. 

“Wait,” she said, as his hands pushed up under her shirt spreading wide across her bare back. 

“You okay?” He said, perturbed. Jake couldn’t put his finger on why she always made him stop. It couldn’t be that she wanted to move slow, that had backfired per their last go at a relationship. And they lived together, they were in a clearly defined relationship. He was ready to take the next step but she always stopped him. 

“Yes, I—” Grace hesitated, a blush clearly forming on her cheeks. He placed a hand under her chin and pulled her face up to look at him.  

“What’s wrong?” He said, concern clear in his eyes. Grace shook her head. 

“Nothing it’s...it’s me. I just...Oh god this is kind of embarrassing,” Grace said closing her eyes tightly. The right side of Jake’s mouth pulled up in a lopsided grin that made Grace weak. 

“Tell me,” he said easily. Grace let out an exasperated huff and a laugh. 

“It’s dumb, it’s so dumb, you’re gonna laugh.” 

“Good thing I like it when you make me laugh,” he said, bringing the hand that was cupping her chin to her jaw and stroking his thumb across her cheek. Grace’s blush deepened. “I like that too,” he said softly as he let his thumb glide across her reddened cheek. 

“How do you do that?” 

“Don’t change the subject now,” he laughed. “Tell me what’s wrong. Why do you always stop me?” 

“I just—” Grace shook with frustration, “I just want it to be perfect!” she blurted out. She turned her head into his wide hand and cringed. 

“What?” Jacob said not connecting yet. 

“With you, I mean. I want it to be perfect. Everything.” She looked up at him, standing up and placing her hands on his chest. “I want it to be...special,” she cringed again, “God it sounds so lame but I do. I messed everything up so bad the first time and I don’t want us to be bogged down with all this….stuff.” She locked eyes with his and she saw the laughter twinkling in his eyes as he tried to take her seriously. 

“You don’t want to have sex yet because you want it to be perfect when our lives aren’t a tangled mess fit with other people’s problems?” Jake said to sum it up. Grace looked at him, mouth agape. 

“Uhh, yeah.” She said feeling stupid. “When you put it like that though,” Grace shifted uncomfortably and he placed both of his hands on either of her arms holding her in place. 

“I get it. We don’t have to take it to the next level right now. But Grace, I gotta be honest with you,” he paused running a hand through his shaggy hair. Grace couldn’t help but adore it. She missed his long hair and hoped he never cut it again. Still, she braced for the worst of what he was about to say next and bit her lower lip in anticipation, “I don’t know if there will ever be a time where we’re not ‘bogged down’ by all this ‘stuff’,” he used air quotes around her words and Grace looked at the ground dejectedly. 

“I know it’s stupid, but...I just want our first time to not be on the couch, or in the back of the Rabbit, or in our bed after you’ve had an exhausting night of running rounds, while I’m worried that my sister is lost forever, and yo’re worrying about everyone else. I want it to be...World Series Level stuff,” she concluded as she looked back up at him. He had an eyebrow raised and sarcastically said:

“Have you and Embry been binging 90’s movies again?” 

“Jake, come on,” she groaned, but she couldn’t help a smile playing on her face, “Just a couple..” He laughed and took her hands in his. 

“Okay. We’ll shoot for perfect,” he pushed a piece of hair behind her ear, “But I’m telling you right now, it’s not going to be easy.” 

“Why? Cos you wanna jump my bones so bad?” she joked. He shrugged. 

“Basically, yeah. Even if it’s not just the imprint, everything in me wants you all of the time.” He said a little lick of desire hung on the edge of his words. Grace watched him carefully, as her heart fluttered uncontrollably. Everything in her wanted him all the time too. 

“So...no more seeing me naked for awhile then?” 

“Probably for the best, just for now until we find our moment.” He brought his hand up and rubbed his thumb across her lower lip. 

“We won’t have to wait long...promise,” Grace said as she turned her head and bit at his thumb playfully. Jake laughed at that. 

“Deal. Thank you for not going rogue today. Now if you’ll excuse me, I still have rounds to do,” he leaned down and kissed the top of her forehead. “I love you.” 

“And I love you,” she nodded. She turned toward the kitchen and Jake took the opportunity to swat at her butt with the back of his hand before jogging out the front door before he could be volleyed with too many protests.

Later that night, Grace was startled awake by the same nightmare—the hand that reached for her was just skin and bones now, and Bella didn’t even look like Bella anymore, she was just skeletal remains and decayed dripping skin. Jake had become used to the nightmares at this point and squeezed her gently into his body before falling back asleep. Grace laid there for a second, getting her bearings as she bit the tip of her thumb. When Grace heard her phone buzz on the nightstand, she carefully pulled out of Jacob’s arms and rolled to her side of the bed, that she rarely slept on when Jake was home, and flipped it open. 

Carlisle. 

Grace sucked in a sharp breath and answered. 

“Hello?” she said quietly. Jake was awake again, now rubbing his hand sleepily across his face. 

“Grace. I’m sorry for calling so late, did I wake you?” Carlisle’s smooth tone was comforting but that didn’t stop Grace from searching for any kind of worry there. 

“No, no. How’s Bella? Is she—” Grace didn’t know how to continue. Jake had pulled himself up at the mention of Bella’s name and rolled over to be behind Grace, putting a hand on her lower back. 

“That’s why I was calling,” Carlisle continued. “I thought you’d want to know as soon as possible, since we knew how worried you’ve been. The transformation was successful. She woke up a few days ago and is still getting the lay of the land, but…” Carlisle stopped. 

“But?” Three days ago!? They couldn’t call and tell her that Bella had made it three days ago? 

“She’s asking for you, and she seems to have some cadence of control. If you feel comfortable, you should come by tomorrow.” Carlisle said, “When you’re ready, of course.” he tacked on quickly at the end. 

“Yes! Thank you!” the excitement filled Grace to the brim, “I’ll be there in the morning.” Grace glanced at the clock: 4 a.m. She could make it to 7. Vampires don’t really keep time anyway, this was just a formality. 

“See you then,” Carlisle said confidently before hanging up. Grace clutched the phone to her chest. 

“Grace,” Jacob said slowly, the concern clear in his voice. 

“He said she was okay. She’s okay. Oh god,” the flood of emotions was coming now. She had missed her so much, and while she hadn’t realized it, Grace had started to resign herself to Bella’s death. The relief at her just being...alive was overwhelming. Jake was off the bed and kneeling in front of her, his hands on either side of her thighs as Grace let tears of joy fall from her face. “Jake,” she said through a smile, “She’s okay.” Jake watched her carefully and Grace suddenly realized that he didn’t look happy. “What?” she said, almost annoyed. Jake’s grip on her thighs tightened. 

“I’m happy she’s okay...but Grace,” he paused. 

“Jacob, no. No ‘But Grace!’ Carlisle said she was fine and that she’s been asking for me!” 

“I know, I just...need you to be careful. She’s still a newborn and I think if we just gave her some more time to ...even out,” he said softly. 

“This is bullshit,” Grace huffed, the tears of joy evaporated and now all she was was frustrated. 

“You said you were going to be patient,” Jake said. 

“Carlisle said it was okay!” Grace held the phone up as proof and then faltered. “But you don’t?” 

“I just...need you to be safe. And I don’t think this is the best idea right now. Why don’t we start with calling her tomorrow morning and then we can go from there? That way we don’t walk into the lion’s den unprepared.” 

Grace’s eyes darted around his face, he was calm, his voice filled with concern, and his eyes were pleading. She closed her eyes tightly and heard the echo of words from teacher’s long ago that she had had as a child describing her to her mother: Impulsive, bratty, hot-headed, doesn’t think things through. 

Grace let out a hard breath and narrowed her eyes while looking at Jacob. A twitch of a smile was itching at his lips as he watched her. “Okay...we’ll call her first.” She said, her hands gripping the phone tightly. 

“Thank you,” he said leaning up to plant a kiss on her nearly pouted lips. “Let’s go back to sleep.” He said, the exhaustion returning to his eyes as he moved around her and collapsed on the bed again. 

“I’m not tired.” 

“Of course not,” he yawned. 

“I’m going to take a shower, you sleep,” she said as she crawled over him, making sure to press a knee into his abdomen as she made her way over his side of the bed to the bathroom instead of getting up and walking around. He humored her and made a loud groaning noise as she did this, but she knew it didn’t actually faze him. 

Grace shook out the pain in her hands as she tried to quell her frustration. He was right, she knew he was right, but she just wanted to see Bella...and Renesmee again. She needed to know they were alright. 

She’d stay put for now, but Jacob couldn’t hold her in place too long. She felt like she might burst apart at any moment. 

[superspookywombat]

falling {j.h} chapter four

Warnings: oops i forgot there was a sexual innuendo 

Taglist: sleepy-whoregeekysimmerthingsmauvette268treestarrrrrrrrkaleigh404krazykatkay456meganlikesfandomsdarknacademiahi-my-name-is-rileyvdtwsupernaturalselmeuuhraindancer2004wondersandtempestsroyale-trash-slytherinim-hella-brightbootylimpicslivfgit-is-rebel-owl-ma-dudes

You grip the beige food tray in your hands so tight that your knuckles pale. Your eyes frantically search the large cafeteria for any sign of Bella- or Edward. The clock on the wall tells you that you arrived a few minutes early, mostly because you had nothing to put in your locker. At your old school, no one used their lockers. You just managed to fit everything in your backpack that clung tightly to your burdend shoulders. You set your tray down at an empty table, the apple loose on the plastic threatening to fall over the raised sides. Before you have the chance to catch it, it jumps over the barrier and falls over the edge of the table. A flash of white comes from behind you and you see someone catch the runaway in the corner of your eye. 

“I believe this is yours?” A harmonical, masculine voice asks. You turn your head and you’re met with Bella’s boyfriend, Edward. Behind him stands three other people, two you recognize, the blond from English, and your sister. A small, pixie-like girl stands in between them, her hair dark and her eyes large. You reach out for the apple, your gaze fixed to the ground and your mouth agape.

“I’m Alice, and this is Jasper.” The girl speaks out. You can’t find yourself thinking more about her though, because all of a sudden your senses are invaded by Jasper. Jasper. You speak the name silently, only a small noise coming from your lips as you pronounce the ‘sp’. You glance back up and see Alice holding Jasper’s hand, but his body is rigid as his eyebrows furrow and his intense caramel eyes burn holes through your warm cheeks. There’s something familiar about him. You clear your throat and smile, shaking off the thoughts that plague your mind.

“Nice to meet you, Alice. And I think you’re in my English class, Jasper.” Your throat becomes dry as you say his name aloud. 

“Yes, Ms. Garcia is a delightful teacher.” He answers in a southern drawl. You’re taken aback for a second, but then you understand his choice of shoes- or boots, actually. You smile, but don’t say anything in response. You nod to the table you’re sat at, and they take it as an invitation to sit down alongside you. Edward holds Bella close to him, almost in a protective nature. You look down at the smooth apple in your hand, and you bring it to your lips. The sharp edge of your teeth rips through the skin as if it were paper, and the juice drips down your chin. You pull the apple away from your mouth, satisfied in the chunk you took out of it, the imprints of your teeth left in the fruit like a crispy fossil. You place it back on your tray and wipe the juices from around your mouth with the back of your hand. Your eyes wander over the group that sit by you. Alice reminds you of a fairy, her hair dark, twirly, and quirky. She smiles at you, her teeth whiter than white, and her lips a blushed pink. Under the table, it seems that Alice and Jasper’s legs are touching. Are they a thing? You shake the thought from your head. They’re siblings. That’d be gross. Bella sits next to Edward, of course. He has an arm wrapped protectively around her. You turn back to Alice.

“Your dad’s a pretty cool guy. Super sweet.” You say, twirling your thumbs beneath the table. Alice glances at Edward.

“He’s a great man. We couldn’t have been luckier.” Edward cuts in. You give a small smile. Turning your attention back to the plate in front of you, you push some cold pasta around with your fork. Bleh. Alice, Edward, and Bella engage in a conversation as Edward sips slowly out of a water bottle- something about hiking- as you steal quick glances up at Jasper. Your eyes swiftly scan his pale frame, a curtain of blond locks falling over his eyes. He looks up and you briefly make eye contact. You stare at each other for a second before you look away. 

“So... Jasper,” You say, burning holes into your apple sitting on the table with your eyes. “Cowboy boots, southern accent, good posture... Did Doctor Cullen take you from the cowboy life?” 

“Something like that.” He says with a sly smile. You can’t stop the thought that pops into your mind. Save a horse, ride a cowboy. A choking noise comes from your right, and your peripheral vision catches Edward spewing out a spray of water, hitting both you and Bella. 

“Oh- Edward!” Bella whines. Frozen droplets run down your cheek, and you reach a hand up to wipe them off. This water is so cold.. The water bottles they hand out here are always grossly warm. You ignore the churning feeling in your stomach, and watch as Alice laughs at the incident. The bell rings from somewhere behind you, and everyone says their goodbyes as you part ways. 

Bella walks with you to gym class, and you try to ignore the thick, tense air between you. Entering the locker rooms, you place your backpack in front of a vacant locker and grab your gym clothes. You take off your shirt, then you peel off your pants. After slipping on some shorts, you shove your shoes back on and pick up the standard issued gym shirt. You glance around the room full of half-naked women, your sister among them. You pull the shirt over your head and exit the room, ready to start the class. 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Weeks flew by as you settled into your new routine. Soon after the first day, Edward started picking up Bella before school. You had the choice to either ride with them, or drive Bella’s truck. You chose the latter. 

The truck didn’t run too smoothly, but it worked fine as long as you stayed mostly in Forks. You pull into the school parking lot and spot Bella and Edward over by a tall figure standing by a motorcycle. You park and walk over to them.

“Is this your bike?” You ask the guy. He looks familiar, his tan skin and dark hair striking some resemblance. He finally acknowledges you, his eyes rake down your body, then back to your face. 

“Does she-” He starts to say. 

“No.” Bella cuts him off. She turns to you, “Y/n, this is Jacob, Charlie’s friend Billy’s son. Jacob.. y/n, my sister.” 

He sticks out his hand, and you take it. His hand is hot- like he has a fever. It’s also twice the size of yours. “Oh! Y/n.. you got hot.” 

“Jacob!” Bella warns, he steps back and throws his hands up in a mock surrender. You chuckle awkwardly, your ears burning from the male attention. 

“Sorry, sorry.” He responds. “But back to the more pressing matters at hand..” He stares pointedly at you.

“I was just leaving anyway. Nice to see you, Jacob.” You give him a thin smile and walk to class. 

-------------------------

Senior year goes by fast, and you are quick to make friends with Alice and Edward. Jasper doesn’t like to be around you. Well, okay. He never said that, at least verbally. But it always seemed he’d hold his breath around you, or just get a pained look on his face. Graduation was about a month away, and you’d already applied to multiple schools. The plan was University of Washington, to be close to Charlie.

You and Bella sat on your bedroom floor, talking about school. “So you’re good on UW, then?” 

“Yeah, I think that’s my number one choice. What about you? Mom’s pushing for Florida.” You answer. Things were much better between the two of you, but you still felt that she was holding back on you in some areas. 

“I don’t want to live in Florida. Too sunny.” She sighs. You look at her, raising an eyebrow. 

“Who are you and what have you done with Bella?” You ask. She loves the sun! She’s basically a meerkat. Popped out her head anytime the sun shone. 

“Change of heart, I guess.” She shrugs. “Hey.. how do you feel about marriage? Like, is it totally ruined for you because of what happened with Renee and Charlie?” 

“What happened with mom and dad happens sometimes. But if I let bad experiences ruin things for me all the time, then there’d be no point in anything anymore.” 

She bites her lip. “What about.. Marriage right out of high school..?” She looks up at you after saying it, eager to catch your expression.

“What are you implying, Bella? If this is about you and Edward, then I think you shouldn’t worry. I’ve seen the way he looks at you, like you’re his whole world. You’re lucky to have him and he’s even luckier to have you. Not to mention his body? God, Bells, you gotta lock that down.” You answer. You find it easier to give advice if you sandwich it with a teasing tone. Bella chuckles and tosses a pillow at you. You swat it back at her and you both fall over in a fit of giggles. “But seriously, if you truly love him, if you know deep down in your bones that he’s your forever, then you should do it.” 

“Yeah.. yeah.” She says. “Look, I, uh, gotta go meet Jake. I’ll see you later.” She gets up and pulls on some shoes. 

“Okay, yeah. Have fun.” You watch her walk out the door. 

[youralternantpersonality]

Everlasting Love

Part 1: Eternal Love

Part 2: Everlasting Love

Part 3: Endless Love

Part 4: Enduring Love

***

Y/n POV

It’s getting darker and darker by the second. It feels like it’s dropped 30 degrees in a matter of 20 minutes. I stopped hearing Snout’s barking but instead, I would see him. He looked like a ghost almost. Foggy but I could tell it’s my baby. We were playing until it started to get darker and colder. Now, I’m under this tree that I’ve run around countless times. Holding myself together to create warmth. Snout comes up to me and although he is a ghost-like figure, I can feel his warmth, feel his heart beating out of his chest. His face pressed up against my neck while I hold on.

I want to let go. I’m tired, lost, and don’t know what is going on. I kept running around this forest, but it never ends. I’m alone… if this is my death, then all I ask is for one thing.

Let my family and friends know I love them.

Paul POV

The ride home is silent. Sam says nothing and I won't attempt to start anything. I replay the conversation that we just had in Y/n room. She can change, but can’t be on La Push grounds, even if she’s resistant towards humans. Normally, I’d say “fuck this” to anything that has to do with immortality. But because my one reason for being happy at this point is on the verge of leaving, I’m willing to throw in the towel just to have her in my arms again.

We pull up to my house. Dad’s not home (shocking) so it won’t be hard to grab some stuff and leave without playing a million questions.

“I’ll be back in an hour. Or if you’re hungry, just stop by our place and we can leave from there.” I nod my head and head inside. As soon as I close the front door, I lean back on it and breathe. I let go of everything right there and attempt to hold myself together. It took me a minute, but I eventually made it to my room and started packing my stuff. As I was doing so, I was brought back to what happened earlier that day.

Before everything went downhill.

Morning of the Accident: August 24th, 2020

Dad came home late last night, again, and we started to argue that morning about the mess HE made that I was supposed to know about THE NEXT MORNING. So, like I normally do, I (unwillingly) clean up the shit he did and headed over to Y/n place in Forks. We were supposed to meet up later, but after the shitty morning my dad decided to put me through, I didn’t care too much about it.

As I pull up, Mrs. Vargas—her neighbor— and Y/n group home “mom”, Chrysanthemum (Chrys), was walking out of the house laughing to something I didn’t care to pay attention to. I step out of my truck and it grabs their attention. I can hear Chrys’s heartbeat twice as fast. Yeah…. I have that effect on people.

“Good morning ladies. Is Y/n awake? Or is the still snoring like a lion?” I smile and they chuckle a little bit.

“No, she’s awake, just being lazy,” Chrys says pointing toward the house. “Go on in, maybe then she’d get up.” She smiles.

“One can only hope. I will see you guys later.” I gave a polite smile and headed upstairs. I go through the garage entrance and wave to Kyle (group home dad) and a few of the boys nearby. I exchange a few words with them and went inside. Before I could reach the stairs, I can hear her coming down.

“PAUL!!!” She runs down, damn nearly tripping, falling into my arms. “Hi.” Is all she says, looking up at me with her cute smile that shows her small dimple on her left cheek. I can’t help but smile down at her and kiss her nose.

“Hi, troublemaker. Want to do something today until later or be lazy?”

“Can we be lazy. I love the pack, but I need to mentally prepare for what’s going to happen.” I laugh with her going up the stairs.

“What? It’s just painting.”

“Yes, but it’s you guys. Babe, I love each of you guys and hope you never change, but dear Lord…Emily, Kim, Clair, and I have to clean up after you guys like five-year-olds.” She says looking at me lazily. I smile,

“But, I’m your five-year-old.” I smile at her. She rolls her eyes and points to the bed, where we continue to have a lazy afternoon.

Current Day: August 30th, 2020

I was interrupted by my thought by knocking at my bedroom door. I turn to see my dad, surprisingly, looking at me with bloodshot eyes. I turned away, not in the mood to deal with everything. But what shocks the hell out of me is when he catches me off guard by grabbing my arm and pulling me into a hug. I stand there frozen for a few seconds before I hear him say,

“You’re not alone son. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you since your mother died. And I’m sorry for what happened to Y/n. You’re going to be okay in the end.” I didn’t realize until he finished talking that I was holding onto him too and crying with tears that I thought that had run out. You never realize what you need until it hits you full force.

After mom died, dad turned to drinking and drugs. I grew up with this hell since I was eight. And all it took was to see my pain, the same pain he experiences, to get the love from a man I used to look up to. The thoughts scared me. If I lost Y/n, would I be him? I stepped away from those thoughts as we heard the doorbell ring. Dad went to go open the door and I grabbed the last bit of my things and headed to the front of the house.

“You’re ready?” Sam asked. I just nodded my head and headed towards the truck.

“Paul!” I turn to see dad walking up to me, “Here. Take this.” He hands me a ring. “It was your mothers. She’d want you to have it.” he places it in my hand. I look up at him and he smiles at me. “Go get her…son.” Tears form in my eyes as I give one last hug to my dad and head off to the Cullen’s house to test faith with the future.

As we pull up to the Cullen’s oversized mansion—seriously? Who needs a place this big? —Sam and I sit in the car. After what just happened, after everything that just happened, I look over to Sam and ask,

“Take care of him. Make sure he gets help…and to know that I love him. Always have, always will.” Sam nodded at me and promised he would as I headed out of the truck. Before I could take a step, the little pixie leech was in front of me.

“Everything will be okay. Your father will be fine, and so will you.” She says smiling.

“How is she.” I blurt out. Not specifically at her, but at anyone who knew. The Good Doctor Cullen replied,

“She’s stable. She’s recovering perfectly after the procedure. How are you though Paul?” I shrug my shoulders. I look at all of them and I bite my tongue. I hate how I had to turn to them, but I hate that I had no other choice. Either we both stay on this earth, or we both go. Not one or the other.

“Let’s go. The faster we get there, the faster we can start the transformation. Our plane leaves in an hour.” Edward said. He hugged Bella and their kid before getting in the car. I followed and before I knew it, I was back to my memories of before I even met Y/n. Before hell broke loose. Before my mom died.

12 years ago

Mom and Mrs. Black went to the store for the BBQ we were having later tonight on the beach. I was with Jacob and Embry wrestling outside after our mom’s told us to not get our clothes dirty. It wasn’t even 20 minutes later after they left, did Mr. Nhavio, our next-door neighbor ran up to Billy and my dad yelling something about my mom and Mrs. Black. Without a glance at us, they took off. We all looked at them and ran after them. Embry was a little slow, and Jacob wasn’t any faster. But I was able to keep up with them.

I wish I hadn’t.

There I saw, Mrs. Black’s car, tangled with a tree and another car that was rammed into the guardrail. I looked up and saw dad and Billy run to Mrs. Black’s car but was stopped by the police. Something told me something was wrong. It wasn’t until I got a better look that I saw red spots, dripping, out of the broken window. Blood. I saw the blood. And before I knew it, I was running up to the car and screamed for my mom. I dodged everyone and made it to her. She looked up at me with a smile before her eyes closed forever. I didn’t know who grabbed me, but I fought them. I fought until I was out of their arms, but I didn’t make it that far. Eventually, I was in my father’s arms.

Later that night, everything was silent. Dad and Billy went to the hospital and Jake and I stayed with Mrs. Call. I never told Jake what I saw, no matter how much he begged, no matter how much he pleaded, I wouldn’t budge. What I saw was horrifying. Something that haunted me for years. The nightmare that consumed me. Eventually, Jake did see what I saw. He understood why I didn’t say anything. There was a silent understanding afterward. I didn’t mean to show him, I was just lost in my thoughts. Luckily, the nightmares ended, and I saw and remembered mom differently. But that only happened because of her. My Y/n cleared all the darkness and pain away weeks after getting to know her. And I couldn’t be any more grateful.

Current Day: August 30th, 2020—At the Airport; Cullen’s private jet.

At least I can say I rode a jet, a private one at that. It was weird, again, just plain weird to be anywhere around the lee-Cullens longer than 5 minutes. I figure the least I could do is call them by their name and not call them out their name. They don’t have to do this. So, the least I could do is be grateful.

“Do not fret about its Paul. We are happy to help in any way we can.” Edward said. I forgot; they have the mind reader.

“Can I get some privacy?” I tell him, attempting to control my anger. He nods his head and turns to Carlisle to discuss whatever they need to talk about. After a while the soothing motion of the plane lulls me to sleep, and it may not have been a restful one, it was at least one that I needed.

My Love (for the series)

Masterlist

[popcrone818]

The Other Swan Part 6

“Hey mom, I'm loving it here.” I answered my phone when my mom rang me. Bella had been back in Forks for two days but was staying with the Cullen’s. “Never thought I would hear you say that one. I thought Forks would be the last place you would love.” She laughed into the phone. I shook my head as I walked around my room. I thought about Seth and about the BBQ that caused me and him to feel much better. I have accepted the bond and him and now all that’s left is to get to know Seth more. I'm not ready for another relationship. “Yeah well I met someone,” I bit my lip, even though I'm not ready for another relationship doesn’t mean that he is isn’t attractive, and knowing about imprinting has just put life into perspective for me. Mom giggled from the other end. “Well then I will have to come up there and meet him.” She and I laughed before we hung up. Seth had made me promise that I wouldn’t leave the house today. He said something about newborns and even he wasn’t going to be part of the action. So, for the weekend while the Cullen’s and the pack fought an army of newborn vampires. I sat nervously in my room watching the window for any trace that the boys had finished up and had come to get me. Sam wasn’t letting Seth do anything, he wouldn’t even let hm go on patrol with other boys, said he needs to focus on schoolwork and be at least 16 before he can go out patrolling for intruders. My phone ringing the next day caused me to jump before racing to pick it up. It was Leah. “Is he alright?” I asked her frantically. She laughed at me. “You know for someone who claims that they don’t like him you sure care a lot.” I rolled my eyes even though I knew she couldn’t see me, “Yes, he’s fine, Jake has been hurt. The whole right side of his body has been shattered by a newborn; Carlisle is with him now just thought I should let you know. Seth is on his way to come and get you.” I nodded and thanked her before hung up and pulled on my boost and an extra winter jacket. I didn’t have to wait long before Seth came bounding up to the tree line. He laid down allowing me to climb not his back before I pressed myself closer to Seth as he took off. When we got to billy’s Seth let me off and I ran as fast as I could to the house. The pack were all standing around outside when Seth followed me. I could hear Jake screaming from outside and I felt Seth wrap his arms around my waist pulling me close to him as I sobbed into his chest. “Doc's rebreaking his bones.” I lifted my head up as Embry spoke. I noticed Bella here now too. She looks horrified at the news. “Why'd he have to butt in? I could've taken that tick...” Leah was pacing, she looked angry at the world but what’s new. I spun in Seth’s arms to look around at everyone. Emily stood behind Billy with her hand on his shoulder, everyone else was either sitting or standing around the porch to the Black house. “Oh, give it a rest, Leah.” Paul interrupted Leah’s rambling before Carlisle and Sam walk out of the door causing everyone to look up and take notice of them. “The worst is over. He'll be alright.” Carlisle told billy as he started for his car. “I gave him some morphine, but his body temperature will burn it off soon. I'll come back to set up a drip.” “Thank you.” Billy said close to tears, even though he knows that his son would be fine. “He's asking for you.” Carlisle tells Bella as he jumps into his car and speeds off. Bella walks inside and I look from wolf to wolf and imprintee, everyone has the same look on their faces. She better not hurt him again. She’s my sister and even I am hoping she won’t hurt him again. “Did you want to head off?” Seth whispered in my ear. I shook my head knowing the whole pack needed everyone there while Jake healed. I stayed in Seth’s arms though, I knew the pack could hear what was being said but I just didn’t care, what they were talking about was their own problem. Bella remerged shortly after shaking her head and getting in her truck. She spoke to no one as she sped off. I shook my head at my sister as Emily walked over to Seth and I. “Did you want a lift home Skye?” she asked me, I turned my head to Seth slightly before his arms tightened around me. “I was going to ask mom if she could stay on the rez tonight, I'm sure she doesn’t want to be alone.” Seth said and Emily nodded. Seth, Leah and I started to walk back to their place, Seth held my hand tightly as we walked. Sue was surprised to see me there when we got back though. “Oh god, thank god my babies are alright.” She pulled Seth and Leah into a bone crushing hug. Leah pushed her off and walked away upstairs. Seth hugged his mother back though when they both turned to me. “Can Skye stay the night mom?” Seth looked at Sue as I stood there awkwardly looking at the floor. “Of course she can, I’ll get you a tooth brush and a spare towel, I'm sure you’ll want to relax after today.” I nodded my thanks to her as she took off upstairs in search of a spare toothbrush and towel for me. “You can take the bed and ill sleep down here.” He told me, I shook my head and took his hand. “I thought we could try sleeping in the same bed, together.” He blushed and started to stutter. It was seriously cute though. In the next couple of days Charlie and I received the invitation to Edward and Bella’s wedding. I was squealing with delight and immediately called Seth. “Please tell me you got one too and I don’t need to bring you as a plus one because I know wolves and vampires don’t get along.” I took a large breath after I spoke, and I could hear Seth laughing in the phone. “Yes, I've been invited, we will all be there. Oh, hang on a second Emily wants to talk to you.” I heard rustling on the other side. “You, me, Leah, we are going to Port Angeles tomorrow to find dresses.” Emily said to me. “I'm not wearing a dress and you can’t make me.” I heard Leah yell from somewhere in the Uley house. She and Emily still weren’t on great terms, but Leah was starting to come around, Emily was her favourite cousin after all. “Doesn’t matter just come with us.” “Yes I will be ready. Although you’ll have to pick me up from Seth’s I think I see him in the forest.” “Anyone know where Seth has gone?” I heard Emily ask the pack. “Skye’s.” I think it was Embry I heard. “Yeah he’ll be there, I’ll see you soon.” Emily hung up Seth’s phone before I quickly packed my bag and took off outside. “Bye Dad ill be back later tomorrow or the next day, ill let you know!” and I raced out the door before he could give me a response. Once Seth and I got to Sam and Emily’s place he went behind a tree and transformed before joining me on the walk to the front door. Emily flung the front door open before she walked out and pulled me in for a hug. “I miss when you’re not here, all the testosterone it kills me.” She told me dramatically before she pulled me inside leaving Seth outside on the porch. I laughed at her and followed her into the kitchen, I knew she meant she likes when I'm there to help her cook because I'm seriously going to consider putting these boys on a diet if they keep eating the way they do. I noticed Jake was sat at the counter and I waked up and gave him a gentle hug. “You look like your feeling better.” I observed as I threw my bag down on the floor by the door and pulled on an apron ready to help Emily with whatever she needed. “Yeah still a bit stiff and still off patrol for a while, but Seth is picking up my slack. But I can’t go to your sister’s wedding I'm sorry.” He looked sad and for a second I couldn’t tell if it was because Bella chose Edward or if he thought he was letting me down by not going. I pulled him not my side again. “It’s okay Jake, I understand, she chose Edward, I would have loved to have you as a brother in law, but you know I really cant say anything, she’s older anyway.” He nodded and Emily started handing me ingredients for choc chip muffins. “you’ll still be my sister in law when you marry Seth, so that’s okay. Even if Seth and I aren’t really blood related, he’s still my brother.” I blushed at his comment of me marrying Seth and he chuckled at me before going and joining the other boys. “You know you don’t have to have romantic feelings for Seth, right? He’s a big boy and can handle himself if you just want to be friends.” I nodded my head as we made the muffins. “I know, but I'm starting to have those feelings and its scaring me. I just don’t know how to act on it.” I blushed when I told her I might be starting to like Seth as more than just a friend. But then I was reminded of Zach, I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. I was stuck with it for the rest of my life.

[do-i-dazzle-you]

Edward watches her sleep and she didn't find that weird! It appropriates the bad trope of it's not creepy or stalking (or abusive, for that matter) if you're attractive. And again, BELLA HAD NO DEPTH TO HER CHARACTER. 2/2

Woah, this is like... a real one. Whoop! Alrighty *cracks nuckles* there’s a lot of points here so I’m gonna try to break them up. (the first half of the Ask is posted on my blog if anyone needs it)

1. Bella is a poorly written character. Asdfghjk They’re all poorly written, they were created by a Mormon with a vampire kink.

2. Bella has no depth. Actually... I think Bella’s depth is the only reason there are real, analytic Twilight fans. Answering from a book perspective, Smeyer might have actually done a good thing here. In order for someone to get past the first few chapters in a book (assuming no one is reading twilight as assigned literature) they have to connect with something in it. There are a lot of young adult books that focus on teenagers without any *personality* hitting the shelves right now. I’m looking at you, Quentin from Papertowns. Smeyer’s work definitely gets pegged as that “main character isn’t a real person until they meet the love interest” trope... but, at least Bella didn’t get all her personality traits from Edward. In Twilight, Bella had her own opinions and her own interests apart from Him. She liked being out in the sun because it reminded her of Arizona. she liked to read things like Great Expectations and Wuthering Heights, she enjoyed her schoolwork, and liked to be organized when it came to compiling evidence in her Hey, I think that creepy guy from Bio is actually a vampire??? file. Bella knew how to cook and really hated Edwards shiny car. She didn’t like driving fast and she found Edward’s actions incredibly disturbing. In Eclipse, Bella was very vocal about what she wanted. ((Although some of us were shaking our heads at that point)) Bella was damn well going to see Jake if she wanted to and she was damn well going to go wherever she wanted. Edward realized pretty fast that he could not control Bella and that it would be wrong for him to even consider it. Bella always had her own interests and her own opinions. Edward gave Bella a lot of crap, that’s undeniable. But, Bella gave a lot of it right back. Is every character Meyer wrote perfect, realistic, and rational? No, of course not, she’s ridiculous. Bella made some dumbass decisions and Edward did display some very problematic controlling/violent characteristics. Smeyer probably thought that made him “cute” or something. But like rant aside, just because Bella doesn’t do exactly what you do, that doesn’t make her an unrelatable or bland character. Did Smeyer try to employ the “I’m not like the other girls” trope? Absolutely. Does that mean there aren’t girls out there who read classic books and do their homework on time and roll their eyes at the Jessicas of the world? Nah. Bella? Full relatable adrenaline junky bitch thank you and goodnight.

3. There are already enough love triangles out there. You would be correct my guy.

4. The movies further the incorrect thought that women like to be fought over. So I don’t really know how it all comes over in the movies because I read the books before I watched them. (Unpopular opinion but I don’t understand people who like twilight because of the movies alone. Like don’t get me wrong I’m super glad you found something you enjoy... it just confuses me personally) But the overarching theme of twilight is that Bella does not like being fought over. She never thought of Jacob like that and never saw it as a competition. The only reason she ever told him she’d try at all was to make him feel better about hanging out with her. Because he didn’t feel like he was getting enough from their relationship. And because smeyer wanted to create her stupid love triangle. Repeatedly, Bella chose Edward. She told Jacob that. She told Edward that. She told them to stop fighting. Edward had nothing to defend and Jacob had nothing to win off him. Bella wanted them to know she wasn’t an object or a prize to be won. She hated being fought over, especially when there was no competition in the first place. Eventually, Edward realized that. Or at least pretended to, I don’t know if that’s explicitly stated. We never really know what they’re both hiding after that Eclipse tent scene 😑. Really, Smeyer just wanted them to fight like that and even get to the point in Eclipse where they treated Bella’s love like a game in order to satisfy her own need for toxic masculinity in a relationship. Yes I know what I sound like at this point in my ranting. But yeah, in response to your point, there was fighting over Bella and smeyer did see her as a prize to be won, but Bella did not -even for one second- enjoy that.

5. Bella doesn’t find it creepy that Edward watches her sleep. Yeah I don’t even have a response to that it’s just fucked up. Even in the book, Bella literally goes yeah I suppose I should find it creepy that this guy comes into my room at night. Seriously any sane person would, but for some reason I don’t. And we were all over here like BELLA. WHat. ThE. FuCk. And even now, during the Renaissance, I’ve noticed that we’re now even over here like Edward what were you thinking!?!What did Alice say?!? How did that rationalization process go in your head?!? And I personally believe it went something like this: ‘okay so I need to see her but I need to be cool about it’ ‘Edward you’re being weird’ ‘I’m a vampire if I sneak in her window she’ll never know I can just watch her then I’ll be more prepared by school tomorrow’ ‘Edward the rules of polite society still apply to you’ ‘since when?!’

So anyway I don’t know how what fantasy thing Stephanie has about men sneaking in her window and admiring her while she sleeps but

To wrap it up, I think really the difference between loving and hating twilight is the entire concept of death of the author. Sure, some people accept twilight exactly as is and see nothing wrong with that. But I think what’s so great about the Renaissance is that it’s a bunch of people who are putting their ideas out there and viewing twilight Critically. We’re using it to learn and to teach. And to make memes because we’re all just a little bit sad. We connected with those characters on some personal level and then watched as the author failed at writing them. Watched as she wrote her own characters’ personalities wrong. And then we took them away from her. And I think that’s really cool.

You too can anonymously bully me with your Twilight opinions

[wolfpackimagines14]

Sadie Black (Chapter 9)

A/N: I am SO sorry this took too long. I hope this makes up for the long wait. Please send me some ideas on where you guys want this story to go! I’m not really sure what to do next so pls pls pls pls pls send me some messages :)

“I’m sorry,” I told Paul softly as we lay on my bed cuddled up.

“For what, babe?” he asked, confused.

I sighed, not sure how to tell him.

“I just… “

“Sadie,” he started, turning me onto my back and resting on his elbow so he could look into my eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing… it’s stupid,” I sighed, trying to turn back around.

“Babe,” he reassured me, stopping me from turning away from him. “You can tell me anything.”

“It’s just… I’m sorry that I didn’t tell Irina off. She was talking so much shit about you and the pack and I couldn’t do anything but cry. I’m so sor-”

He cut off my rambling by kissing me. He pulled away a few seconds later, brushing some hair out of my face.

“Stop that,” he told me. “I don’t care about any of the shit that came out of that leeches mouth. I only care about you. I want you to be safe.”

“But I-”

“Sadie, seriously. I love you so much and I’m just glad that I got there before she could hurt you.”

“I don’t care about her hurting me, Paul,” I insisted. “I care about you.”

“I know you do,” he reassured me.

“I love you… so much.”

“I know, baby,” he chuckled a bit. “I know you love me.”

“I want to show you that I love you,” I said softly, pushing him onto his back and swinging one leg over his torso.

“Oh really?” he questioned me, with a smirk on his face. “And how do you plan to do that?”

“I’ll give you three guesses,” I giggled, leaning down to kiss down his neck.

I sucked gently, not taking too long as his werewolf abilities made them heal before we even finished having sex. It wasn’t fair considering he left so many all over my neck and chest and they never seemed to go away.

I scooted down his body, pulling his boxers down with me. He was already hard and I had barely touched him. He stroked himself a few times before I pushed his hands away.

I took a shaky breath. I had never done this before and I didn’t want to fuck it up.

“Hey,” Paul whispered, stroking my cheek softly with his thumb. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No I do want to,” I said nervously. “I’ve just never done it before.”

“That’s okay, baby… take your time.”

I glanced back down at his dick, it was still hard. I grasped it lightly, leaning down and taking it in my mouth. I heard him groan slightly and he shifted his hips a bit. I started bobbing my head up and down slightly, my hair falling around my face. Seeing this, Paul gathered my hair and held it in a makeshift ponytail so it wouldn’t get in the way.

I stroked whatever I couldn’t get into my mouth with my hand. I relaxed my throat so that I could take him deeper without choking too much.

“Oh god, Sadie,” he grunted as his hips started thrusting slightly. “So good, baby. So good.”

I bobbed my head faster and his cock started twitching a little in my mouth.

“I’m gonna come, baby,” he informed me. “Stop if you don’t want me to-”

He grunted again before he could finish his sentence, releasing his cum in my mouth. I swallowed most of it, some of it coming out of my mouth and dribbled down my chin as it overflowed.

I pulled my mouth off his cock with a small ‘pop.’ I glanced up at him from between his knees and saw he was already looking down at me, his eyes glazed over slightly and breathing heavily through his mouth.

He reached down and wiped the cum off my chin with his thumb, but before he could pull it away I grabbed his wrist, guiding it to my mouth and sucking it clean.

“You’re so fucking sexy,” he moaned out, pulling me up to lay on his bare chest. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” I whispered back to him, laying my head down on his chest as he wrapped his warm arms around me.

The next morning I woke up cuddled into Paul’s shirtless chest. I sighed, not wanting to wake up and Paul’s fingers running through my hair didn’t help. But it was already late morning and the pack had planned to go to the beach this afternoon. Not to mention I was starving.

I rolled off Paul and glanced over at him to see that he was already awake.

“Hi,” I whispered to him and he grinned.

“Hi,” he chuckled, leaning in to kiss my nose.

We sat in a comfortable silence for a little while before I remembered what had happened last night at Bella and Edward’s wedding. I sat up, panicked.

“What’s wrong, Sadie?” Paul asked, startled.

“Is Jake still here?” I asked him. “Did he leave? I didn’t even get to see him. I-”

“Sadie, babe, calm down,” he reassured me. “He just needed to cool off. He’s still here.”

“Oh okay, good,” I sighed in relief. “What made him leave like that anyways?”

“He found out that Bella and Edward were going on their honeymoon.”

“Uhhh… he should have seen that coming,” I was confused. “They just got married.”

“Let me rephrase that,” he chuckled. “Jake found out that Bella is going on her honeymoon while she’s still human.”

I was still kind of confused. Why did that make a difference?

“Sadie, sweetheart,” he tried again. “If they have sex while she’s still human he could hurt her.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well she’s a lot more fragile than him and he’s a vampire.” “But you’re a werewolf and I’m human and you don’t hurt me when we… you know,” I blushed a bit.

“Well yes… but also vampires have a hard time controlling themselves around blood and-”

“Yeah, yeah,” I interrupted him, starting to stand up. “Whatever. Come on… I’m hungry. You can make me breakfast”

“Hey, wait a second,” he called after me, grabbing my hand and pulling me back down onto the bed with him. “You know I’d never hurt you, right?”

“Of course you wouldn’t,” I grinned at him, pecking him on the lips quickly. “Now can you please make me some waffles?”

He grinned at the pout I gave him and nodded, sliding off the bed. I pulled on one of Paul’s t-shirts that he had left here a month ago and never taken back.

As Paul was making me some waffles, Jake walked into the kitchen.

“Jacob!” I called out as I hopped off the counter and ran at him. I guess he thought I was going in for a hug because he opened his arms for me, but I was actually going in to punch him in the stomach.

“Hey!” he yelled out at me, not even fazed by my punch. “What the hell was that for!?”

“What do you mean!?” I asked in disbelief. “You’ve been gone for over a month! What the hell, Jake?”

“I’m sorry, Sadie… really I am.

“It’s fine,” I sighed, actually hugging him this time. “I just missed you.”

“I missed you too,” he replied.

“Jacob!” I heard my father call as he rolled into the kitchen.

“Hey dad,” he greeted our father.

“Smells good in here,” he muttered.

“Paul’s making waffles,” I grinned. “Do you want some?”

“Are they any good?” he asked me gruffly.

“They’re amazing.”

I walked back over to Paul and grabbed some more plates from the cabinet. I plated up some waffles and bacon for everyone and handed them out. We sat at the table in our small kitchen for a quick breakfast as we were already running a little behind schedule. We were supposed to be meeting everyone at the beach at in less than an hour.

Paul and I cleaned up the kitchen when we had finished as Jacob had some errands to run before heading to the beach. Paul had been secretly sleeping in my room basically every night this entire summer. I know my father approved of our relationship, but I don’t think he approved this much.

I changed into my blue bikini and quickly put on a light sundress to cover up a bit before Paul peaked his head into my room, already in his bathing suit.

“You ready to go, babe?” he asked me.

“Mmhmm,” I muttered, slipping my flip flops on and grabbing my beach bag that had my book and towel in it among other things.

The ride to the beach was literally two minutes long and we were soon walking down the beach hand in hand towards the rest of the pack that had already arrived.

“About time you two showed up!” Jared called out to us as we laid our towels down on the hot sand.

“Yeah, yeah,” Paul chuckled a bit, pulling me down to sit in his lap in the middle of our two towels. “Did you bring any sunscreen.”

“Yeah, but I already put some on back at the house,” I explained to him.

“Okay well the last time you said that you were burnt for days so I don’t think I believe you.”

“What are you talking about?” I tried to play it off.

“I’m talking about you lying to me about putting on sunscreen because you want a better tan,” he said sternly, but with a small smile on his face.

He reached into my bag and grabbed the sunscreen, uncapping it and rubbing some on my back. It felt nice, him massaging the sunscreen into my back.

When he finished he kissed my neck softly, tickling me slightly. I giggled, trying to pull away from him, but he grabbed onto my waist and pulled me back onto his lap, continuing to kiss my neck.

“Disgusting,” Embry said in response to our actions, only succeeding in making Paul kiss me even more.

Over the next few hours the boys played some soccer, I tanned and read my book, and Paul and I cuddled up in the sand. I rarely went in the water when we went to the beach. I had a bit of a phobia of anything in the water touching my feet. Sometimes Paul could get me to go in the water, but that was extremely rare.

“It’s so hot, babe,” Paul groaned out, laying his arm across his forehead, covering his eyes from the burning sun. It was hotter than normal and we had been here for a few hours already.

“Then go in the water and cool off,” I replied, not looking up from my book.

“But I want you to go in with me.”

“No.”

“Please?”

“No.”

Please, Sadie?” he asked again, taking my book out of my hands. He knew what he was doing to me when he looked at me with those big puppy dog eyes of his.

“Ugh,” I sighed. “You’re lucky I love you.”

“Yes!” he exclaimed. He jumped up, grabbing both my hands and yanking me from the sand. Before I could crash into him, he threw me over his shoulder, running towards the water. Despite my nervousness about being in the water, I was laughing the whole way down the beach. Something about having Paul with me always made me feel more safe.

He always made me feel safe in the water even though I was almost completely terrified. And he never complained about carrying me the entire time we were in the ocean. I had my legs wrapped tightly around his waist with my arms around his neck.

“See? Not so bad,” he told me, kissing my nose lightly. “You put up a fight every time though.”

“Shut up,” I muttered, resting my chin on his shoulder. “Do you have patrol tonight?”

“Yeah,” he sighed.

“Noooo.”

“I’m sorry baby.”

“It’s fine. Maybe I’ll go over Emily’s.”

“If you do just let me know and I’ll drop you off okay? I’m heading over there before patrol anyways,” he told me.

I nodded in agreement and kissed him on the cheek.

“I love you,” I told him.

“Love you more.”

[amusewithaview]

Amuse Reads the “Life and Death: a reimagining of the classic novel” (aka TWILIGHT GENDERSWAPPED) Chs. 3-5

Chs. 1-2

Let me just say, re-reading 1-3 again to refresh, that she sheer number of little snide digs at Renee make me so annoyed.  It’s so pervasive and toxic.  UGH.

Also, did I mention that the main character’s full name switched from Isabella to Beaufort?  Not even Beauregard, Beaufort.  WHERE DOES S. MEYER FIND THESE NAMES???

Ch. 3

So, first off, I was wrong and the excerpt only contained the prologue and (I believe) the first two chapters.  I’m not going to go back and edit the original post because it’s old enough that I just don’t care.  MOVING ON WITH THE PATERNALISM SHOW, I MEAN SHOW.

Seriously, all of the digs at Renee’s parenting are continuing and they are so much worse with Beau than I remember them being with Bella.  Honestly, what S. Meyer is describing is neglect, essentially.  I can’t tell if that’s what she was going for or not.

The Collision (yes, it deserves the capital) happens differently.  Beau actually does hit his head pretty hard (he appears to have a mild concussion he does not have a concussion but he is clearly very dazed).

Also, Beau keeps describing Edythe’s eyes as ‘long.’  I have never before heard someone’s eyes described as ‘long’ and I’m having a hard time picturing this.  Does S. Meyer mean wide?  Does she mean they’re big like anime eyes?  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I need a more detailed description of Edythe’s eyes and their proportions with respect to the rest of her face.

Is Beau’s middle name Hannibal, or something?  “...more beautiful than any movie star I’d ever seen.  Like someone sliced up Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Marilyn Monroe, took the best parts, and glued them together to form one goddess.”  Are you going to ask Dr. Cullen about her skin care regimen, Beau?  Are you going to advise her to put on lotion or else she’s gonna get the hose again?

Beau has his first she’s so pretty when she’s angry moment.  Why, S. Meyer, why.

We end the chapter with Renee again ‘hysterical’ over her child being in danger.  Like, look, if somebody called my mom and told her I’d been in a car accident and that was it, then left her to stew in fear and concern for several hours, SHE WOULD BE UPSET.  LIKE MOST MOMS.  NOTHING HYSTERICAL ABOUT IT.  I just.  The language used to describe Renee bothers me so much.

Ch. 4

Beau comes off as actually a stalker when he talks about dreaming about Edythe and watching Edythe (but only from afar)?  But he acknowledges this?  It seems comparable to Bella’s level of creepitude (and she totally creeped on Edward).

Oh my god, Beau has mentioned that his attachment to Edythe and obsession with her might be unhealthy.  I am so proud of him.

I find it interesting the way S. Meyer has changed all of the characters’ canon heights to ensure that the boys are all taller than the girls.  Granted, a certain amount of sexual dimorphism is accurate, but basic genetics would dictate that most of the kids in a family would usually be of a similar height.  She’s reaching, in my opinion, and I’m not sure why this was so important to her.

Beau is upset and also chopping onions.  Is this connected?  Is he secretly crying but also onions?  Was this deliberate on S. Meyer’s part?  Did someone hand her a pamphlet on literary techniques?  More impressive, did she read it?

Forks has been upgraded from ‘prison’ to ‘purgatory,’ dear god, I had forgotten how melodramatic this character was.

“I didn’t get my balance issues from my mom.”  I find this line puzzling because we never see commentary about Charlie stumbling or tripping or otherwise being clumsy.  Also, he’s a goddamn police officer.  A klutzy cop would literally be a walking, talking safety hazard.  I take back what I said about S. Meyer learning things about writing.  I mean, I suppose we could attribute this to the POV character being oblivious to anything not directly affecting them (and BS very much IS OBLIVIOUS), but still.

Pages 64 and 65 are kind of hard to unpack.  A lot is happening here and it’s sufficiently different from the original that I’m thrown.  In a nutshell: Beau is convinced that Edythe is mocking him with her hot and cold act and gets angry at her, her beauty, and the situation (angry at her beauty = yikes).  This leads to him standing up for himself a bit more than Bella EVER did and actually walking away from Edythe, putting her in the chasing position.  Edythe is actually chasing him, as in, she offers to drive him to Seattle for his big ‘avoid the dance’ book trip.

Basically, Beau has more self-esteem than Bella in some respects.  S. Meyer has described it as Beau being less angry than Bella, but it’s honestly the exact opposite: Beau allows himself to be angry with Edythe and her treatment of him in a way that Bella didn’t at this point in their interactions.  Also, Edythe is actually seeking Beau out openly in ways Edward didn’t.

IDK, it’s interesting.  Weird, too.

Ch. 5

Genderswapped names, human edition!

Jessica = Jeremy Mike = McKayla Lauren = Logan Angela = Allen Eric = Erica Tyler = Taylor

Seriously, S. Meyer, WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GET EDYTHE AND ROYAL?

Again, why are Edythe’s eyes described as ‘long.’  What does that even mean?  Is this longitude or latitude, how big are Edythe’s eyes?

Beau is much more open to believing that Edythe is dangerous.  I’m not sure how this fits into the overall depiction of Beau as different-from-Bella, but I think he’s more aware, in some ways.  He has a broader perspective?  Mind you, he’s still the most melodramatic teenager in existence (Zuko comes to mind as a more stable, less dramatic teen).

Edythe is unnaturally strong and it’s more obvious than Edward’s strength because S. Meyer made Edythe short instead of letting her keep Edward’s height.  Also, Beau is significantly taller than Bella was.  Beau is, in fact, almost as tall as Royal and Eleanor, for some reason.  I really wonder why S. Meyer made the choice to make Beau so tall, or give him blue eyes instead of brown.  These are the things that I look at and go, ‘This was a conscious decision, unlike some of the weird bias things that were probably just slipped in.  WHY, though?’

WHY DOES S. MEYER THINK IT’S ABNORMAL FOR PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO SMELL BLOOD?  SHE’S A WOMAN WHO HAS HAD CHILDREN, PRESUMABLY SHE HAS EXPERIENCED MENSTRUATION.  COULDN’T SHE SMELL THAT?  IF NOT, SHE SHOULD GET HER NOSE CHECKED OUT BECAUSE THE INABILITY TO PROPERLY SMELL CAN INDICATE OTHER PROBLEMS.  All caps because this point frustrates me for its sheer illogic.

Beau acknowledges that da little woman is stronger than him, but it doesn’t bother him because she’s probably stronger than everyone.  Oh, and he’s secure because he’s big and strong enough to make people leave him alone now, as opposed to when he was bullied when he was younger (and significantly shorter).

Beau just described his mother as his ‘best friend?’  And I’m.  What?  You complain about having to talk to her at all, let alone offering her comfort when you have legitimately been in danger.  If that’s how you treat your ‘best friend,’ then I wanna pull Edythe to one side NOW and tell her to fucking run.

Carlisle = Carine Esme = Earnest

Also, we’re at two more counts of backhanded ‘Renee was the adult on paper’ and Renee is ‘very young for her age’ and I am so done.  I want like 50,000 words of Renee-centric fic right now.  I just want her to be okay and away from her judgmental shitstain of a son.

That wraps up chapter 5, we get to meet lady!Jake in the next one!

[princesstreaclefanfic]

Chapter Thirty-Three

Disclaimer - All recognisable characters belong to their original owners. I do not make a profit from writing this; I simply do it for my own amusement. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Thirty-Three

Bella

As Rose and I drove towards Esme's, Christmas presents in the back of her truck, we sang along… loudly… to the radio.

"I wish it could be Christmas every day!"

We were very out of tune, both of our faces red from the cold air outside and then the warm arm from the blowers inside the truck and we both had large smiles across our faces.

"Do you remember that one Christmas when we were convinced that we saw Santa on the roof?" I asked and Rose nodded.

We'd been living with Grandpa for a few months and he was determined to make this Christmas one of the best ones we had ever had. He'd taken us to the local mall where we'd gotten presents and a picture with Santa before we stopped for a hot chocolate and a brownie. When we got back home, Rose and I were convinced that we had seen Santa on the roof. We'd rushed inside, only to realise there were no presents. Grandpa had told us we had probably interrupted Santa and we should both go to bed right away so that he could continue. He'd tucked us up and when we awoke the next morning, Christmas presents were scattered across the living room - one pile for Rose and another for me.

"Do you remember when you found out Santa wasn't real - but you refused to believe it?" Rose asked.

"He is real!" I told her. "He's the spirit of Christmas!"

I loved Christmas. It was probably my favourite holiday of all time. Our house decorations showed that. As Emmett put it, it looked like Christmas had 'thrown up' over the house. There was a large tree in the living room, stretching from floor to ceiling with large bushy branches that held an array of baubles. I didn't care for a theme so any colour bauble, any shape and any size were welcome. There was a small train track around the tree that I had loved to play with as a child and on every surface possible there was some kind of Christmas ornament. Every other room (excluding Grandpa's old bedroom) had been decorated. I had gel clings in my window and a small tree with lights on next to my bed. Rose had a small tree in her room as well as some mistletoe hanging from the door - Emmett's doing.

Even the outside of the house had been decorated. Rose and I had roped Edward and Emmett into helping. With two vampires, decorating a two-storey house suddenly became much easier. It only took them a few minutes to dangle the lights from the roof.

Emmett had rolled his eyes when he saw just how many boxes of Christmas decorations we had. I'd wondered why he had been so surprised but Rose admitted that last year she didn't really celebrate as I hadn't been there. I was determined to make this Christmas better for her.

Rose pulled the truck to a stop outside Esme's small home and we got out, each grabbing an armful of presents.

The door opened and Esme hurried us in, giving us a hand with the presents followed by a wide smile and a hug.

Everybody else had got there before we had. The vampires had all arrived in the early hours of the morning, meaning they could spend Christmas with us. Even Jasper and Jessica had come over.

Merry Christmas's were exchanged all aroundit and hugs were passed around until I found myself in Edward's arm with a glass of wine in one hand as the other wrapped around his waist.

"Merry Christmas, Bella," he whispered into my ear, pressing a kiss to my temple before I pulled him down for a 'proper' kiss. He smiled against my lips.

"Dinner will be ready in about an hour," Esme told us, wiping her hands on the apron she had around her waist before she smiled down at Ethan.

He'd gotten quite an array of presents for Christmas, but his favourite by far was the wooden train track that Santa had brought him.

Last year he had been too young to really enjoy everything and he seemed to be embracing everything this year.

Rose and I had gotten a quick wave and a 'hi' before he went back to pushing the wooden locomotive around the track, giggling at his own imagination.

"Is there anything we can do to help, Esme?" I asked.

She shook her head. "No thanks, Bella." She placed a hand on Carlisle's shoulder who was sat down in an armchair. "Carlisle prepared all of the vegetables last night." She smiled at him and he beamed right back.

"Is Maude going to be eating with us?" Edward asked, his fingers gently stroking my waist through my shirt.

"No - she's having Christmas dinner with her church group and then she'd going to come round as she'd got some present to give Ethan."

"More presents?" Ethan asked from the floor, his eyes lit up and he looked so happy.

"Yes, baby. Auntie Maude is going to come round and give you a few gifts."

"Yay!" He threw his hands up in the air and giggled, his attention focused back on his train.

Jessica sidled up to our little group, many small pink bags in her hands. "I know the adults are meant to do presents after dinner but I wanted to give mine to you know - you might not want an audience."

Edward and I shared a look. Audience?

As we got ourselves seated around the living room, Jessica handed each of us, women, a small pink bag filled with tissue paper. "I hope you like them - it's sort of a gift to you and your partners. They're all the same, just different colours."

Esme reached into her bag first, began to pull whatever it was out and then turned bright pink before shoving the item back in the bag. "Jessica!" she chastised. "Why would you buy me this?"

"Mama, you okay?" Ethan asked obviously having heard her voice go up a few octaves.

"I'm fine, sweetheart," she told him, but her face was still bright pink.

I reached into my bag, Edward peering over my shoulder and pulled out a string of fabric; it was lacy and black and my face too turned pink.

"Is that-" Edward reached for the material and I smacked his hand away.

Rose had done the same as me and she gasped, Emmett desperately trying to grab the bag from her.

"Seriously - what is your problem?" she asked Jessica. She paused. "How did you even know our sizes?"

Jessica shrugged. "It's a gift."

"What is it?" Nessie asked, pulling the material out the bag and staring at it like it was a piece of alien tech. Hers was a dark shade of purple.

"A crotchless thong," Jessica told her mater of factly.

Nessie's face flushed and she squeaked, shoving the offending material back in the bag and looking around the room.

"Why would you buy us…" Esme trailed off and her eyes went to Ethan on the floor. "Crotchless thongs…" she whispered, "as Christmas presents?"

"Why not?"

"Because it's inappropriate!" Rose told her. Next to her, Emmett had gotten ahold of her bag and was grinning at the underwear inside.

"It's not just for you," Jessica stressed. "It's also for your boyfriends." As if that made it any better.

"I don't think it will fit Emmet," Rose said to her sarcastically. The corner of Jessica's mouth turned upwards. She was amused.

"Thank you for the gift Jessica, but I don't think I'll get much use out of it." Esme's face was still a shade of pink.

"Speak for yourself," Carlisle spoke. "I've always wanted a crotchless thong," he lowered his voice. "When an emergency comes into the hospital I've always thought that having lace underwear on might help me deal with it better."

Silence enveloped the room, bar the sound of Ethan's train on its tracks before raucous laughter burst from us all.

***

After dinner, we all sat around and the adults exchanged presents. Jake had made a bracelet for Nessie. It was woven out of red thread and a wooden wolf hung from the centre of it. The tips of his ears turned pink when she kissed his cheek and demanded he put it on her. Nessie had gotten Jake a beer hamper with a variety of different drinks in it. Carlisle had gotten Esme some vouchers for a spa day. "You do so much for everyone; you deserve some time to yourself," were his words (I may have 'awed' when he said them). Esme had gotten Carlisle a beautiful brown leather briefcase with his initials inscribed onto it. She encouraged him to open it and when he did there was a sweet picture of himself and Esme and Ethan taken only a few weeks ago when they were at the bar. He'd beamed at her and placed a kiss on her cheek. Emmett had handed Rose an envelope and when she looked inside her mouth dropped and she stared at him. "You're kidding right?" He'd shaken his head and she let out a squeal before tackling him back against the sofa. Emmett had gotten her a day pass at a racecar driving experience centre. She'd always wanted to do something like that but never looked into it herself. Emmett gave me a wink over her shoulder - when he'd first had the idea, Emmett had asked me what I thought about it and I encouraged him to buy it. I knew she would love it. Emmett and I had found common ground in our love for Rose. We'd both do anything for her. And when he was her… he was different - in a good way.

Rose hadn't been sure what to get Emmett for Christmas. From my own experience of trying to figure out what to get Edward I knew it was difficult - what do you buy for a vampire that had everything? Esme, Rose and I had sat down with our lists, none of them very long as we tried to narrow down what exactly to get our boyfriends. It had taken a few hours.

In the end, Rose had decided to go with a jokey present. It was that or lingerie and Rose didn't want him opening the lingerie in front of everyone.

Emmett unwrapped the present and opened the box, letting out a loud laugh when he saw what was inside. Jasper's eyebrow quirked up and I could see that even Jessica was interested.

Emmett reached in and pulled out a large fake crown. It was gold with red fabric and lots of (fake diamonds) glittering on top of it.

"Now you really can be a King, with your throne and crown." He reached across and kissed her, still laughing.

Realising it was my turn, I nervously cleared my throat and handed Edward the small parcel I had delicately wrapped for him a few days ago.

"It's nothing big," I told him. "You're really difficult to buy for."

Edward pulled off the colourful wrapping paper and to my delight, his beautiful smile graced his face.

I'd brought him a bound leather manuscript book for him to write down all of his songs that he had composed on the piano. I'll admit that I didn't come up with this idea myself. I'd gone to Nessie and asked for inspiration. She's suggested something for his piano and the idea came from that.

"I love it," he leaned across and kissed me gently on the lips, smiling. "Now can I give you your present?"

I nodded.

From across the small room, I watched as Nessie beamed at me, sitting up straighter in her chair and a glint of something in her eye. Jake rubbed his hand over his face, trying and failing to conceal a smile and Rose grabbed onto Emmett's arm.

I turned to look back at Edward, but my heart skipped a beat when he was no longer sat next to me but rather on one knee in front of me on the floor.

"Isabella Maria Swan," he began. He pulled a small black box out of his jean pocket and opened the lid, revealing one of the most beautiful rings I had ever seen. There was a large oval, beset with diamonds in the middle of a silver band. It was stunning.

"Will you marry me?"

Well, there it is folks. The end of Out of the Coffin: The Coven. In true SM fashion, I have decided to end on a cliffhanger and you'll find out Bella's answer in the next instalment of Out of the Coffin. I'm still deciding on a name but I hope to have it published sometime in January - probably towards the end, but we'll see. Make sure you have me an author alert so you know when the next instalment will be posted. Teasers will probably be posted on my Tumblr and my website so be sure to check them out. I haven't decided if I'm going to be making the banner for the next part of this story so if you or anyone you know makes banners and would be interested, please let me know.

Thank you for all your support over this journey. I really can't thank you all enough. Not just the people who have commented but also the people who read it, liked it, recommended it or added me and this story to their favourites. I never thought when I started this journey I would have a series out of this idea. I couldn't have come this far without your support - so thank you. You're reviews and comments and messages keep me motivated.

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and you're all going to have a Happy New Year. If you don't celebrate than have a good December and I hope to see you all in January.

Thank you - truly.

[princesstreaclefanfic]

Chapter Seven

As you may have noticed, we now have a banner for this story, made by the lovely Xanath - thank-you so much for making me a banner and being patient with my demands! Check it out on my tumblr or on my blog. 

Disclaimer - All recognisable characters belong to their original owners. I do not make a profit from writing this; I simply do it for my own amusement. No copyright infringement intended.

Chapter Seven

Bella

I didn’t know how to respond to that; of course, I would always want Edward. I hadn’t stopped loving him, but admitting it aloud was another thing entirely.

So instead of acknowledging it, I made a strange noise in the back of my throat, blushed hard and then looked away from him.

We spent the next few minutes in awkward silence as I looked everywhere but Edward.

“How are Esme and Ethan?” I asked when Carlisle walked back in, blushing as I caught Edward’s eyes by accident.

“They’re fine, thank you, Bella. Esme is pleased Nessie is going to be alright.” I nodded.

Nessie couldn’t have chosen a better time to come rushing out of the office, a blush covering her cheeks as she went up to Edward.

“Can we go now?” she asked, avoiding looking at anyone.

“May I see your hand?” Edward asked and she nodded, holding it out to him as he and Carlisle both inspected it.

I had a quick look, and you wouldn’t have even known she had been attacked had it not been for the faint red line running across her palm.

Edward looked at Carlisle for his approval and when Carlisle gave a small nod of his head, Edward turned back to Nessie.

“Let’s get you home,” he gently told her, giving her a soft smile before she turned and walked out. Edward gave me a lingering smile and as he walked passed me, his hand gently brushed mine and our fingers briefly intertwined before separating as Edward left.

Jake came out of his office then, pulling a black shirt over his head.

“Did everything go alright?” Carlisle asked and Jake nodded.

But something about him was different. His eyes were busy. I could read his mind if I wanted, but I didn’t want to invade his privacy like that.

“Bella, do you need help getting home?” Carlisle inquired and I shook my head.

“Get back to Esme and Ethan,” I told him before we said our goodbyes and he left, a smile on his face.

When Carlisle had left, I turned to Jake and watched as he distractedly moved some things behind the bar. “Jake, is there anything you want to talk about?”

My oldest friend opened his mouth and stood like that for a few seconds before closing it and shaking his head.

“No thanks, Bells, I’m alright.” I didn’t believe him.

“I’m going to head off - if you don’t need me?”

He shook his head once more. “No - I’m just going to lock up and go for a run.”

I went into his office, took off my apron and grabbed my bag before I walked back into the main part of the bar.

“Bye Jake,” I quietly said as I walked towards the door, but a few feet from it I stopped and turned around. “I’m always here if you want to talk,” I told him before turning back and leaving. If he wanted to tell me whatever was going on he could, I wouldn’t force him; and I wouldn’t pick it out of his head anyway.

***

The drive home was quiet and when I got there, Emmett and Rose were looked in their argument of the ‘bedroom mirror’. Rose was insisting that Emmett take it down - she didn’t need to see herself when she was sleeping. Emmett told her that it wasn’t for that; it was for her (and I’m quoting here) “to watch his ass when he was fucking her”. Rose told him that would never happen. Emmett responded that the Titanic was unsinkable.

That brings us to now.

“Take it down!” Rose shouted as she stomped through the house.

“No!” Emmett shouted back from where he was sitting in the living room.

“Why are you impossible to deal with?” Rose growled as she came out of the living room and saw me stood there with a rather amused expression on my face.

“How are things?” I asked, trying to contain my laughter. Emmett was growing on me.

“Peachy!” Rose remarked sarcastically before she walked into her bedroom and slammed the door.

I grabbed myself a drink and went into the living room and sat down.

“Why are you so fixated on Rose?” I didn’t see the point in beating around the bush.

Emmett didn’t look surprised at my question, but he did mute the TV he had been watching and sit forward.

“Because I have never met anyone like her - and I don’t just mean the fae part of her. She’s bold and brass and doesn’t care what anyone thinks about her, but she also has the vulnerable side to her that she only shows to those she cares about.” He looked me right in the eye. “Humans usually bore me, Bella, but Rose, there’s something about her; I’m drawn to her - I don’t think I could stay away if I tried.” The way he said it. The look on his face; I believed him.

“Why don’t you tell her how you feel?” If Emmett felt this strongly, surely he’d want Rose to know? To find out if she felt the same way?

Emmett gave a small smile. “She’s not ready to hear it; vampires feel emotions a lot more intensely than humans. Rose isn’t ready for my love,” that was the first time I had heard him use that word. “But she will be, soon - and when she is; I’ll scream from the rooftops how I feel.”

“Don’t break her heart,” I quietly told him.

“I won’t,” he responded.

We both sat in silence for some minutes, both of us thinking about what had just happened.

“Bella?” Emmett asked, breaking the quietness.

I turned to him.

“You should tell Edward how you feel,” he stood from the couch and walked towards the door. “Rose wasn’t the only one suffering that year you were gone.”

***

Edward

Edward heard Austin pull up to his house in his crappy little VW. He heard him greet the guards, show ID and be led up the steps. He heard him enter his house, knock on the office door and enter. Only when he had entered did Edward turn away from the window and look at him. He was angry… no… angry was a strong enough word. He was livid.

Austin saw Edward’s face and physically took a step towards the now closed door. “I swear I didn’t know. None of us did, except Maria and the three guys who did it - they only told us about it this morning.”

Edward stepped away from the window and towards Austin.

“They said she hadn’t been seriously hurt so that’s a good thing right?”

Edward didn’t respond.

“I really didn’t know they were going to do anything! If I did I would have told you.” The smell of Austin’s fear permeated through the room but it didn’t discourage Edward. His progeny had been injured; it didn’t matter how badly, she had been hurt because of some vendetta around vampires, and he was going to find out why.

“Tell me about the meeting this morning - don’t leave anything out.”

Austin swallowed hard. “Maria called a meeting, said she had something she wanted to tell us. That’s when she told us about what the three guys did to Nessie - she said she wanted to show you that no vampire was safe. The original plan was to hurt her more, but the big guy - Jake - intervened and Tyler got involved,” Austin looked sat at the mention of his boyfriend. “Most of us were horrified. We really don’t agree with what she’s doing.”

Edward considered his words, smelling the air and monitoring his pupils and heart rate for signs of deceit. He wasn’t lying - or if he was, he was very good at it.

“Is she planning on doing anything else?”

“No,” Austin shook his head. “Not that she’s told us - she wants to stop for a while and make it look like she’s not going to attack, but she’s not told us what she is going to do after that.” Once again, he was telling the truth.

“When is your next meeting?”

“Uh - tonight,” Austin started before he pulled up his sleeve and checked his watch. “About ten.”

“In the usual place?”

“Yeah,” Austin nodded and then looked worried. “Are you going to do something? Edward - I’ve told you, not all of us agree with what Maria is doing, you can’t hurt people who are innocent-”

“I don’t want to hurt people, Austin, but Maria is not leaving me with much of a choice.” Edward was losing his patience with the coven - in fact, it had all but disappeared. The attack on Nessie had been the last straw.

Edward was about to dismiss Austin but then he remembered Bella’s advice.

“Austin, why does Maria hate vampires?”

The young man shifted uncomfortably from side to side. “It’s a long story.”

“I’ve got time.”

“It’s to do with her husband. He was quite ill when vampires came out of the coffin. I don’t know exactly what was wrong with him but it was terminal. He wasn’t going to get better… then he discovered V. It didn’t cure him, but it did make him feel better, all of his symptoms disappeared.” Edward had a feeling he knew where this story was going. “You know what happens when you take V over an extended period of time, especially when you take it regularly and you don’t particularly need it. He became addicted. He needed more and more to satisfy his cravings. The police did a raid on his dealer's house and he got caught in the fire - he tried to get the last vial of V.” Austin sighed. “Ever since then Maria has blamed vampires - she’s convinced herself that if they hadn’t revealed themselves than her husband wouldn’t have found V. She blames your kind for his death.”

Edward contemplated this story. It made sense, but he would need to make sure it was the truth. He didn’t think that Austin was lying to him, but these days he could never be too careful.

“You can go now, Austin,” Edward started. “If I need to speak to you again, I’ll get in contact.” Edward turned away from him and sat at his desk, pulling his phone out from his jacket pocket and going into his contacts; he had a phone call to make.

Austin stood and watched Edward before he realised that he wasn’t going to say anything else to him and so he left the room, a sense of fear crawling up his spine. Maria had taken things too far and Austin had a feeling that Edward was going to do something in retaliation. Austin couldn’t blame him, but he felt like Edward didn’t realise just how dangerous she was.

***

Emmett

Emmett leapt up the steps to Edward’s house, nodding at the guards as he went. He didn’t bother knocking as he opened the front door and went straight into his office.

Edward was sat behind his desk, one hand rested on the top as the other was rubbing his chin. When Emmett entered he straightened himself up and gestured to the chair in front of the desk.

“I’m assuming this is about yesterday?” Emmett guessed. Bella had filled him in on what had happened at Black’s and Emmett couldn’t believe that the coven had been that bold. He sat down in the chair in front of the desk, cross his ankle over his knee and leant back waiting for his brother to let him know what was going on.

“The coven have taken things too far now. They were getting out of control, but this has just pushed things over the edge… They need to be dealt with.” Edward met Emmett’s eyes. “I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think it didn’t need to be done.”

“I get it,” Emmett told him.

“I don’t want you to kill any of them - just warn them what will happen if they continue this quarrel against vampires.”

Emmett nodded.

“They’re meeting tonight about ten - at the Holistic Spa.”

“I’ll deal with them,” Emmett rose out of his seat. “I’m assuming Nessie is alright?”

“She’s fine, thank you, Emmett.”

Emmett gave Edward a nod goodbye and then left the office. He headed out the front door and once he was outside, he shot up into the air.

It didn’t take long for him to get to the Holistic Spa. It was a small building on the outskirts of Forks that boasted ‘holistic’ health therapies, hence the name.

Emmett stood across the street from the building, concealed in the darkness as he watched people arrive. There were about eight of them in total. He could have laughed at how easy this was going to be. Once the leader had arrived (he was able to recognise her from the pictures Edward had shown him when they first began their protests), Emmett gave them ten minutes before he decided to interrupt.

Emmett walked across the street to the front door and without even checking, he lifted his foot up and kicked it in, a smirk on his face as the door gave way and splintered, the lock flying across the room.

Emmett stepped through and headed to the back room where he knew they held their little ‘meetings’.

Again, he raised his foot and kicked the door, gasps and scream emerging when he entered, fangs extended.

“This coven is to be formally disbanded by order of the King of Washington.” The entire coven was seated on the floor, a wooden pentacle in the middle of the room sat on a pile of salt with candles littered about giving the room a soft glow.

Nobody spoke as they all took him in.

“We are human, and therefore the King has no jurisdiction here,” Maria spoke up, standing to address their visitor.

“He does have jurisdiction when it involves vampires.”

“We’ve done nothing wrong,” Maria strongly said. “We are simply informing people of the dangers of vampires.”

“So killing a vampire and maiming another - neither which are a threat to anyone - is ‘informing people of the dangers’?” Emmett was beginning to lose his patience.

Maria laughed. “Can you prove that any of those things were us?”

“You left your ‘symbol’ at one, and three of your coven members were recognised at the other.”

“I don’t think that that is strong enough evidence.”

“I disagree - now disband this coven now. You will not be allowed to have any meetings and you will certainly not be allowed to engage in any anti-vampire activities.”

“And how do you plan to stop us?”

Emmett grinned, showing off his pointy fangs. “I can show you if you like.” It was an empty threat… kind of; he wouldn’t bite them now, but in the future, there was every possibility.

“Stay away spawn of Satan!” one of the people sitting down shouted, standing up and charging at Emmett with a wooden stake.

Emmett grabbed the stake from his hand and threw it across the room before wrapping his large hand around the neck of the young man. “That was a mistake.” He began to squeeze.

Emmett was so focused on slowly choking the life out of the man who had tried to stake him that he didn’t notice the circle chanting; he didn’t notice the candles flickering and he didn’t notice the strange look that Maria got in her eyes. All he knew is that one minute he was strangling someone, and the next he was flat on his back.

***

Bella

“Isn’t Ethan so cute?” I said to Rose as we drove along the road of Forks. We’d just finished working the night shift at Black’s and we were heading home. Esme had brought Ethan in to say hello to everyone and we had all been amused by his antics. Even Victoria had cracked a smile when Ethan squealed in delight at having ice cream for dessert. Carlisle had stopped by not long after and it had been clear to see how much he cared for both Esme and Ethan, and how much they cared for him too.

“Are you getting broody, Bella?” Rosalie teased, taking her eyes off the road to taunt me.

“No - I just think he’s cute!”

Rose giggled.

“Oh - I forgot to tell you. A landscaper is coming in a few weeks time to see what he can do with the garden.”

“What’s wrong with the garden?” I asked. It was just a large patch of grass really with a few flowers dotted around but I didn’t think it needed redoing.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with it, but Emmett wants to ‘update’ it - his words not mine.” she rolled her eyes. “He also wants to do something with the drive, block pave it, I think?”

“He’s not done a bad job of the house,” I admitted.

“Bella Swan - that has to be the first compliment I have ever heard you give to Emmett!” I giggled and blushed.

“It’s not a compliment - just an observation.” It felt good being able to joke like this with Rose again. I was beginning to feel normal.

“What kind of person walks along these roads this late at night?” Rose asked as we rounded the corner to see someone walking in the road.

As we got closer Rose squinted her eyes and slowed the car down.

“I recognise that leather jacket.” I realised that I did too.

Rose pulled the car over and jumped out as I followed suit.

“Emmett?” she asked quietly as he turned around and looked at her.

Something was wrong. He looked like Emmett, same blue eyes, broad shoulders and dark hair, but it wasn’t him.

“Are you alright?” she asked him, slowly walking towards him.

His fangs dropped down. “You smell amazing,” was all he said before he lunged at Rose.

“Get off!” she screamed as he pushed her up against the car.

“Hey!” I shouted, rushing around to try and prize him off her.

Strangely enough (and luckily for us), Emmett listened and stepped back. “I’m sorry - you just smell amazing, you both do.” he looked at me then, eyes taking me as they scrunched up.

“Emmett, what’s wrong?” Rose asked as she reached out a hand and placed it on his leather jacket.

He looked down at her hand, then at me and then at Rose.

“Who are you?”

Thank-you for reading.