Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Venom

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 09:

May I come in?”

“Since when do you ask?” My first words in a very long time to the vampire who drew me in and left me with his venom under my skin.

I wondered what I would think and feel when I saw him. Now that I could see him like I saw Jake. Without his influence under my skin. Now I knew.

I saw a fucking vampire.

My bracelet was humming. Control yourself Bella. As satisfying as it would be to cut his throat, I need these vampires.

I moved aside and motioned with my hand for him to come in.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to show up here.” I told him.

“How did you know we were back?”

“Jacob told me. You know Jacob right? My boyfriend?”

I saw him flinch at that, causing a bit of glee in my heart.

“Bella we need to talk. Do you… you need to know something about Jacob…”

“You mean that he turns into a horse sized wolf and his purpose is to wipe your kind off the face of the Earth?”

The look of shock on his face made me laugh out loud. I couldn’t help it.

“How…”

“He showed me. Tonight. It was a lot to take in but considering I accepted you so easy I figured why not? Who knows? Maybe I will meet a ghost one day.” Or four months ago.

“Bella he is dangerous. Young werewolves…”

“Aren’t vampires and don’t try to drain you of blood because of a paper cut.” I finished for him.

That apparently shut him up. We stood in awkward silence. I finally sighed and went to my backpack.

There was my little round friend. I wouldn’t do this around Jacob. He would think it was disgusting probably. I brushed my teeth every time but I didn’t want him tasting even a trace in my mouth. But since it was Edward who was here and I needed to relax what the hell.

“What are you doing? What is that?” Edward asked.

I placed a dip in my mouth. Chris dared me to do this once. He was a bit disturbed that I liked it so much and begged me not to tell my father he got me started on this crap. Probably the most unladylike thing I could possibly do. Naturally it was perfect for a conversation with Edward Cullen.

“This is Copenhagen Black. I’m sure someone as learned as you knows exactly what this is Edward.”

He looked horrified. Wait until I spit, you pussy. I grabbed a plastic cup from Charlie’s cabinet and saw Edward still standing in the living room.

“Have a seat Edward. You should explain to me why you are here after promising me that it would be as if you never existed.”

He sat down and stared at me for a moment.

“Well? Talk? I’ve had a long drive. I visited my Dad and my boyfriend who I had not seen in months and found out while I was gone that he turned into a werewolf. It has been a tiring day both emotionally and physically.”

“Bella where were you?” he asked.

“No. You first. What are you doing here Edward?”

“I had to see you. I couldn’t stay away any longer.” He said quietly.

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow feigning disbelief. “What about your distractions?”

“I lied to you Bella.”

“I know.” That caught him by surprise.

“How…”

“I didn’t at first but when you are laying in a hospital bed dying you tend to reflect. I reflected a lot. I know why you left me. You didn’t want me to turn into what you were, right? So you said those things to make me hate you. To make me move on. Am I right?”

“Yes Bella.”

“And now you are back. But I have moved on. Just like you wanted. You should be happy and leave.”

“Bella… I never stopped loving you.” He nearly whispered.

“I have a boyfriend, Edward.”

“A boyfriend you haven’t seen in months. From what he told me you haven’t even spoken to him. Bella I…”

“What Edward?”

“Tell me… look at me. Look me in the eyes. If you can say you truly love Jacob and have no feelings at all for me I will leave you alone. I can’t leave Forks. Not unti…”

“Victoria right? Jacob told me.”

“He really does keep no secrets from you.” Edward mumbled.

“Unlike another person in this room.” I winked at him.

“Bella… I’m sorry. I have changed. Being away from you… was the most difficult… Bella just tell me. Tell me you have no feelings for me and I will…”

I just spit. Yep. The look on his face was all that I hoped it would be.

“You were saying?” Oops. Have a little on my lip. I used my tongue to get it back in my mouth.

“Tell me Bella. Tell me to go away. Tell me no part of you at all cares for me. If you say it I will go.”

God how I wanted to. I wanted to form a sword in my hand and cut him into tiny pieces and light each one.

“I… Edward…”

“You can’t say it can you?” he actually smiled. God what an asshole.

“I’m with Jake.”

“As long as I know you have feelings for me I will never let you go.”

I spit again. I can’t believe he still wants me after seeing this. I was having a hard time holding in my laughter. Only the urgency in my body to kill him kept me from laughing in his pretty face.

“So you won’t go away? You know if I am around you, even if we were just friends it would drive my boyfriend crazy? He hates you. He blames your family for moving here and causing his friends and him to turn into what they are.”

“I don’t really give a damn Bella. How long have you been gone? Are you married to him? You have been back for one day! How can you say you love him?”

Maybe a small knife? I can do that. A small dagger, big enough to cut out his heart. His tongue. His balls. No. I promised Jake I wouldn’t touch him. A long sword it would have to be.

“I don’t know Edward. I do know that there is no future for us. You don’t want me to be like you. You really think I want to be in my thirties, forties, fifties being with an eternal 17 year old?”

That shut him up for a second.

“I will turn you. If you truly want it… I understand that is the only way to be together. I will do it. I will never try to make a decision for you again. I will do whatever you want.”

Wow. He did have it bad.

“I don’t know Edward.” I sighed. Make it good Bella.

“Would you consider giving me another chance? I know I don’t deserve it. But I am begging you. I love you Bella. You are the only woman in my existence that I have loved. I am sorry I left you. I messed up. I was arrogant and thought I knew what was best for you. I won’t make that mistake again.”

I tried my best to look conflicted. That was a nice sweater he had on. I wonder how it would look cut to shreds with the pieces of his body underneath it.

Quite frankly I was a bit shocked at my animosity towards him. Then again he was my enemy. I knew it when I saw him. I saw him for what he was. A predator. A monster behind an angel’s façade.

“Jake was there for me. In the worst time of my life. I thought I was going to die. I nearly did. He loves me. Where were you?”

He looked ashamed. He should be.

“I was trying to find Victoria.” He said looking at the ground.

“Nice job.” I muttered.

“Bella do you want me to leave?”

Yes.

“No. Alright Edward. I have some feelings for you. But I love Jake.”

“Give me a chance. Let me show you I have changed. Please Bella.”

I took a deep breath. I could have killed him sixteen different ways by now. All that training. All so I could kill vampires. I finally have one in front of me and I have to sweet talk him. I could do it though. He would get me in the same room as Irkalla. Within striking distance of that bitch. I knew it. I didn’t know how I knew it but I did.

“We can be friends Edward. Friends. We can try. See where it goes I suppose.”

“Thank you.” He whispered as if saying a silent prayer.

“So… how have you been?” I asked. May as well make friends.

“Bella what happened to your hair and eyes? How did it get so dark? And straight?”

I shrugged my shoulders.

“Fuck if I know.” I spit in my cup. He looked like I slapped him when I spit. Who knew Copenhagen could piss a vampire off this much?

“You were… where were you?”

‘Hospital in Wyoming. Then a recovery center that was kind of a ranch.”

“Could you tell me the names of these facilities? I would very much like to give a donation…”

“What the hell for? Because they saved me when you abandoned me? No, they were getting along before and they don’t need your money now.”

Edward seemed to take this in stride.

“How are you feeling now?” he asked.

“How do I look?”

“You look wonderful. Why did you come back here? Why not Florida?”

“I like it here. Jake is here. Charlie is here. He wasn’t using this house. I needed a house. It worked out. Plus I love the weather.”

“You do? You used to hate it.”

“People change Edward. The rain suits me.”

“I see. I am glad you returned…” his eye caught my bracelet. He could only see the tip peeking out beneath my leather sleeve. But he saw it. This should be interesting. I wonder what his reaction would be.

“What is that?”

“What is what?” I countered.

“That. On your arm. What is it?”

I slipped my jacket off. Apparently the fact that I wasn’t wearing a bra pulled his gaze momentarily from the ancient weapon wrapped around my wrist.

“It’s a bracelet a nurse gave me when I was sick. I was near death. He gave me this. He said it would give me strength. He was right.”

“Can I see it more closely?”

I lifted my hand.

He moved to touch it. I jerked my hand back. If he touched me it was over. I would kill him and I would have to hunt down Irkalla. That’s a lot of traveling.

“I’m sorry.” He said quietly, still staring at it.

“I don’t like people to touch it.” I told him. Vampires especially could not touch it. Not unless it was slicing through their marble bodies.

“It doesn’t appear to have a locking mechanism. How do you put it on and take it off?”

“It doesn’t come off. Ever.” I told him honestly.

“I see. Well it is very beautiful. The stone in it… I don’t recognize it. Did your nurse tell you what it was?”

“It’s a blue sapphire.” That sounded good.

“Bella, if it is then it must be priceless. It can’t be safe to wear in public. Shouldn’t you take it off and place it in a safe?”

“I told you. It doesn’t come off. Ever. I thought you said you had changed Edward? Now you are going to tell me what I should wear and what I should put in a safe?”

“I’m sorry Bella. It is just so strange. I see it covers up…”

“The ugly bite mark I used to have to see every day? Yes it does.”

Shit. The bracelet was humming again. And I needed to spit.

“How do you take it off to bathe?”

“Are you ignorant? It doesn’t come off.” Oops. May have lost my temper there a bit.

“I’m sorry Bella. It is a lovely piece. I see you ride motorcycles now. That was quite the surprise.”

“Jake taught me. While you were gone, before I got sick.”

“Oh…”

“Yeah. You expect to have a chance with me there are rules Edward.”

“I told you I will do anything.”

“Good. First rule. Never come into my house unless I call you and tell you that you can come over. Do not stay outside my house. No stalking me. This is my place and I like my privacy.”

“Of course.”

“Second rule. Do not touch me. I love Jake. He is my boyfriend. Touch me and he will know it. That will put me in an awkward position and enrage him. You will not try to touch me so you can take some shot at him.”

“I… I can’t even hug you?”

“Nope. You want to be my friend you, will not cause trouble in my life. Should Jake and I break up then we can renegotiate that rule. For now no touching. This goes for your family as well.”

“That will be difficult. Esme and Alice…”

“You can leave now.” I told him firmly.

“No! I will make sure they will abide by your rules. I promise.”

“Good. If you can prove yourself a friend then perhaps we can talk about things going further.”

“And Jacob?” he asked.

“We will see. Jacob and I have our issues too. A lot of time passed. I don’t know where we are now to be honest.”

Yeah that was a lie. Tomorrow morning I was going to be in La Push and I knew exactly where we would be. In his bed with me underneath him. Or perhaps him behind me. That position sounded good. Ursalla told me about the reverse position. Chris’s wife told me it was called reverse cowgirl. It sounded fun. All I knew for sure was my wolf was going to be making love to me all day. Of course Eddie didn’t need to know that.

“I would be lying if I said that didn’t give me hope Bella.”

“Whatever Edward. I’m tired. It’s time for you to go.”

“Of course Bella. Thank you for talking to me tonight.”

I walked him to the door. He took one more look at my breasts and then my bracelet. It definitely set him on edge. One of them. Probably the bracelet knowing him.

“Good night Bella.”

“Good night Edward. Remember what I said. No stalking.”

“Of course.”

Edward disappeared. I shut the door and closed my eyes. He left. I figured he may stay outside. If he plays by my rules this would be doable.

My phone buzzed. Quil. His timing was freaky.

“What?” I was a little irritated that Edward Cullen still walked the Earth. Sue me.

“Love you too bitch. How has your day been?”

“It was wonderful until thirty minutes ago.” I told him honestly.

“He came?”

“Not the way he wanted to judging by how he was looking at my breasts but yeah. He came. Just like we figured.”

“Let me put you on speakerphone. Chris and I are driving to La Push. He will want to hear your sweet innocent voice too.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help it. That old fucker could always make me laugh.

“Bella you didn’t dip in front of your Daddy, did you?”

“No Chris.” I rolled my eye. Cowboy shaman and he is afraid of Charlie finding out he got me hooked on nicotine.

“Did you see Jacob?” Quil asked.

“Yes.”

“Do I have an Alpha for my wolf pack still or did you wreck him?” Quil asked. I blushed. Damn it.

“A lady never tells Quil.”

“Good for you Bella.” Chris added in.

“As if you have to tell. My room was across from yours. You aren’t as quiet as you think you are.” He laughed.

“Damn it Quil! Chris hit him or something!”

“Quil, cut it out.”

“Cut it out? That’s the best you got Chris?”

“I’m driving. I got your horse being pulled behind my truck. You want me to jack around with Tonto or drive safe?”

Good point.

“Drive safe. My girl is probably missing me.”

“You’ll see her tomorrow Bella.”

“I’ll be waiting. First thing in the morning.”

“Did you check the stalls at my place Bella?” Quil asked.

“I didn’t have time.” I mumbled.

“You didn’t have time? You were there in La Push weren’t you? I know you went straight there. If you drove in around ten AM then you were there most of the day and probably into the night if you just saw Cullen thirty minutes ago. What were you doing that you didn’t have time?”

Goddamn it.

“I was wrecking your alpha old man.” I told him in the most sinister voice I could manage.

“Okay then…” I guess he wasn’t expecting honesty.

“So Bella what did you find out about the red head?” Chris asked.

“I think Quil is right as much as I hate to admit it. She is building an army. A small one most likely but still enough to cause a problem. Irkalla hasn’t made it West yet. The Seattle killings can’t be her. That leaves Victoria.”

“What do you want to do about it? What we talked about?” Chris asked.

“Yep. The three of us are taking a road trip. Tomorrow night is the bonfire welcoming you back Quil. I’m thinking the next night.”

“That’s Monday night.” Quil said quickly.

“You are so smart Quilly.” I responded. He deserved it.

“We always watch the Voice on Monday nights.” Yes we did. Still…

“People are dying Quil. I can go alone…”

“No! It’s just… I understand people are dying Bella but they are down to the top five.”

“Chris?”

“Oww! Don’t do that! I’m an old man. You just can’t go hitting me in the head because some witch told you to.”

“What did you call me Quil?” I asked quietly. He knew what my quiet voice meant.

“I said witch. Witch! Damn you are sensitive tonight.”

I suppose I was.

“I’m sorry. I just need sleep. I had a great day that ended with a vampire in my fucking house.”

“Bella you didn’t curse around your Daddy did you?”

“No Chris.” I sighed.

“Good. I don’t want to be blamed for that either.”

“Just be careful you two. I will see you in the morning. I’ll be waiting for you…”

“That’s sweet Bella…” Quil interrupted.

“To bring my horse.” I finished. Chris laughed.

“Trust me. Thunder has been an ornery bitch since you have been gone. See you in the morning sweet pea. Get some sleep.”

“Night Chris. Night Quil.”

“Night Bella.” Quil said and ended the call.

I went upstairs and hit the shower. Again. It wasn’t as much fun without Jake around. I would never admit it to him but I was sore. I mean I heal fast but damn. I threw on a t shirt and baggy shorts, enjoying being out of the restricting leather clothes.

I closed my eyes. I was nearly asleep when I felt him. I opened my eyes and saw him sitting in the rocking chair in the corner of my room.

Looks like I had one more conversation to have before I could drift off to sleep.

“I don’t see a striking resemblance to Jacob so I am guessing you aren’t Ephraim. Taha Aki I presume?”

“You presume correctly. I hope you aren’t too tired. I have waited a very long time to talk to you.”

I sat up in bed and scooted back to my headboard.

“I always have time for great warriors.” I told him honestly.

He smiled, and spoke.

Narrator POV

The next morning Paul was waiting. He watched from the woods. The Pack had gathered in front of Old Quil’s home. News had spread quickly that he was returning from his spirit journey. Sooner than expected. Paul found it strange that Quil had disappeared at the same time Bella Swan had disappeared. And now he was coming home a day after Bella Swan came back to Forks.

He was coming home with a cowboy friend who would be staying with him for an undetermined period. At least according to Quil’s mother.

He wouldn’t be so concerned except for the simple fact that little Bella Swan, all one hundred and ten pounds of her, knocked him out yesterday. No way that should have happened. Ever.

When he first awoke on the ground he thought Jake had struck him. But the more he thought about it the more convinced he was that Bella Swan was the one who struck him. He never saw a fist strike him. Only a flash of silver in the corner of his eye. Jake couldn’t even move that fast. Only a vampire could move that fast.

What was she?

He heard the roar of a motorcycle. It was her. She pulled up in front of Quil’s home and stepped off. She had something on her back by a string. She pulled it up. It was a… cowboy hat?

Paul saw that she had dressed in tight denim jeans and a tight top today. She was also wearing boots. Seeing her yesterday shocked him. She no longer looked like the naïve seventeen year old girl he had seen in Jake’s head. She wasn’t the girl who looked near death when she left.

Bella ran up to Jake and jumped on him, wrapping her legs around his waist and kissing him.

The Pack was uncomfortable. All but Sam. Sam was smiling. Weird. Leah looked furious. Embry and Quil looked confused. The rest of the Pack were staring at her with suspicion. It was deserved. She had secrets.

One secret Paul was sure he was about to discover. They all would. He didn’t know why but Bella Swan had been living with Old Quil the entire time she had been gone.

A truck was rumbling in the distance. Paul looked up and saw it was a very large red truck pulling what looked like a horse trailer. Apparently Old Quil had bought a horse. At his age he was going to kill himself on it.

As focused as Paul was on the arriving truck, what happened next, never should have happened.

“Not feeling sociable today Paul?”

Paul nearly jumped in the air. It was only luck he didn’t yell out in shock. He had not been snuck up on in a very long time.

Yet there she was. Bella Swan, peering out at him from under her cowboy hat.

“How did you do that?” he whispered.

“Do what?” she asked grinning.

Paul saw the bracelet on her wrist. The silver bracelet. It was different. He swore he could almost see the blue stone in it glowing.

“Sneak up on me? What are you?”

“Just an average teenage girl.” She continued to grin. A grin that let him know she was in on a joke and he wasn’t.

“How did you do that yesterday? Knock me out?”

“I had an adrenalin rush. It’s very common. You can google it.” Bella said. Then she laughed.

“Come join us. You can see my horse.”

“Your horse?!” Paul asked in disbelief.

“Yep. Her name is Thunder. Be polite. Like me, she can be a real bitch when not treated with respect.”

“You were with Quil weren’t you?”

“Yes.” Bella nodded.

“Why?”

“Not yet Paul. Soon. Not yet.”

Bella Swan walked away. Ten feet away she stopped.

“Paul? Come on.”

Paul followed. What else was he going to do?

Jake POV

Damn she looked good. Wearing those tight jeans and that hat. The hat was hot. So were the boots. I couldn’t sleep last night. I wanted to rush to her house and sleep with her. I tossed and turned all night, thoughts of her body running through my head. Entering her slowly after we had showered. Her lips on my cock. My mark on her.

To my surprise, this morning I discovered the spot where she bit me still had her teeth marks in me. She had marked me. I didn’t know how. I didn’t know a lot. We really hadn’t talked much yesterday. It was more about her body and mine. Getting to know every inch of each other.

The large truck pulled up and a tall lanky cowboy got out of the driver’s seat. He looked around 45 or 50. This must be Chris. Quil stepped out of the passenger seat. He looked… different.

Before Quil had lived up to his nick name. Old. But I swear he looks in better shape. He moved more smoothly. His hair even seemed to have some life in it. He smiled! At Bella. I looked around and saw the Pack’s surprised expressions when Bella hugged him. It had not been really discussed with the Pack that Bella had been with Old Quil. Some had suspicions. Now it was obvious. Bella walked over to Chris and hugged him.

Then she ran to the back of the trailer. We all stood, watching her move. I noticed Paul had even walked up. Quil was pulling his own bags out of the back of Chris’s truck. Bella opened the back gate and out stepped a beautiful large white horse.

Thunder.

Bella hugged the horse’s head and the horse seemed to dip her head to accept it. No one had explained why it was important for this horse to be here.

Still I had to admit this animal was impressive. Something was different about it. I would have to ask Bella later.

A howl went up in the distance.

Brady and Seth.

I nodded to the Pack and we were all running towards the woods. Maybe it was the red head. Maybe one of her soldiers. Either way I got to kill a leech today. Nothing would stop me.

Before I phased I looked back at Bella hoping to catch her eye. Hoping to express how much I loved her in a single glance. Instead I saw that Bella had disappeared with her horse. Quil stood watching us while Chris bent down to pick up a cowboy hat off the ground.

Where the hell did she go?