Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

Venom

By BetterInTexas

Chapter 33:

The vampires circled the campsite slowly. Out of the original twenty gathered by Irkalla only ten remained true to each other. Waiting on her word to become the dominant species on the Earth. Half had given up hope and gone into hiding, word of the humans’ new weapons driving the cowards into hiding.

Tonight was dinner time. It had been two days. Before becoming a part of this group, Randall only fed once every three weeks. Bloodlust was apparently contagious. He had not fed this much since he was a newborn. But when in Rome…

He was in luck tonight. His ten charges would not have to travel apart to feed. A camping party had decided to stay in their little corner of Idaho. Not very bright. Apparently these young men and women did not take the news seriously. The woods were not a safe place to be. His group closed in silently. The dinner was quite large and appeared to be all Native Americans ranging from young to old. Sixteen in total. A fine meal.

The closer to the campfire the vampires silently moved the more Randall was struck by something off. A scent in the air he was not familiar with. The land reeked of it. The smell of dog. As soon as meal time was over he and the others would be tracking the scent.

Randall stepped out of the shadows along with his brothers and sisters, surrounding the 16 humans sitting around a campfire. The one who had been speaking while the others listened, looked at Randall.

“Can I help you?”

The others in the circle around the campfire slowly stood up and turned to face his vampires.

“Good evening. We were wondering if we might join you?”

He internally cringed inside as he said it. Randall never used to play with food. Garrett would be disappointed with him.

The young man next to the one who had spoken stepped forward.

“My name is Jacob Black. This is my father. Unfortunately we are having a tribal meeting of sorts and we do not allow outsiders to attend.”

Something was wrong. This man showed no surprise about ten otherworldly creatures stepping out of the night to surround him. He looked at his brothers and sisters. They felt it too. The scent of dog was strongest here.

Randall backed up. It was time to pull back. Four steps back, eyes never leaving the strange men in front of him he stopped. He was stopped would be more accurate. Turning quickly he saw nothing but air. Trying to take a step through however, he was surprised to find he couldn’t.

“Don’t be rude Jacob. There is no need to rush off sir. We were just about to take a break and wait for dinner to arrive.” Billy told the vampire, trying to figure out why he could not walk past air.

“Dinner? Where do you expect to get dinner out here?” Randall asked nervously, shuffling to the side to find an opening in a wall that didn’t and couldn’t exist.

The females in the group took off their clothes. The men dropped their shorts.

“Funny you should ask.” Jacob answered. That said the Wolves of La Push made themselves known to the ten vampires. Randall and the others screamed but could not get away. Not with a witch one hundred feet in the sky casting a dome of power over the group.

Five minutes later the witch landed and took in the body parts lying on the ground.

Jacob placed his arms around her. He wondered what she would look like nine months pregnant with armor sliding across her body. He hoped to never have to find out. They had reached a compromise. She used her considerable powers to assist but would not be within striking distance of a vampire. That was his job. At least until their child was born.

“Not bad. I could have done it quicker.” She whispered to Jacob, causing quite a few snorts in the Pack.

“It was what the President needed. I’m ready to get you home birthday girl.” Jake whispered back, nuzzling her ear, causing her to shiver.

“Daylight. Film. Then home. Let’s set up the scene. Any luck we can be out of here thirty minutes after sun up.”

“Yes ma’am.”

Jake POV

I can’t believe she is pulling this shit on Bella’s birthday. Everyone was in the other two houses, celebrating the appearance of our newest hit video on national news. President Dave wanted mass body parts, he got mass body parts. It was a success. The four new wolves did well. We returned to the ranch in the mood to party. The mood was positive for the first time since we arrived. Bella was smiling even when she thought no one was looking. Her hair was becoming browner. So were her eyes. The complete blackness that had been part of her features since the fight with Irkalla was slowly receding.

We planned to party this afternoon and then I was taking Bella on a real date tonight. I had it all worked out. Okay, Charlie worked it out for me. But it was a good plan. I even bought a suit for this.

Bella asked Renee yesterday afternoon to take her dress shopping. She had leather and she had denim but she didn’t own a dress and was a bit lost when it came to shopping for one. Renee told her no.

She fucking told her no. Even with the existence of vampires made public, the public did not appear to be panicking. Phil explained to Renee that they could not live their lives in fear. He also did not believe what she said about Bella having a safe place they could stay. So instead of taking her daughter shopping for a dress, she began packing her bags.

Sue, Emily, Leah and Rachel, took Bella shopping. They were gone most of the afternoon. Rachel told me Bella seemed okay. She was convinced she could talk Renee out of leaving. When they returned last night, Renee said she had a headache and went to her room. Now Bella was trying to talk to her. It wasn’t going well.

“Mom you know how dangerous it is out there.”

“Vampires are afraid to come out now. Especially after your little excursion in Idaho. It will be fine. Phil is right. We can’t live in fear Bella.”

“I don’t know what they will do. There is something coming. I don’t know what but…”

“You don’t know anything, do you Bella? You really don’t. You hang out with that spooky old man meditating all the time while he gets high. You talk to dead people and travel with your billions of fucking dollars to places like Idaho to risk your life but you don’t have a clue. You think the government is ever going to leave you alone? How long until they have you going after terrorists in the Middle East? Nuclear bombs in North Korea? You are nothing but a weapon to them. I’m here. I have been asking you for over a month to go and speak to Phil. What do you do? Nothing. Not a damn thing. I wonder how long it is going to be before the feds come for me. You ever think about this? Do you think about a damn thing besides yourself?”

I couldn’t take it anymore. I rushed the door, prepared to break through it. I couldn’t. It held fast. Bella had locked me out.

“Let me in Bella.”

“No. Go to the others Jake.”

“What? Is your giant boyfriend going to beat me up for speaking the truth, Bella?”

“No Mom.”

Her voice sounded broken.

“Bella, let me in.” I said one more time.

“I’ll be out soon Jacob. Go to the others.”

I backed up but did not leave.

“Bella I am going to live my life. I would suggest baby that you do the same. Disappear. Use your money you have fallen into and hide. I love Phil. He loves me. You don’t need me. You are going to be a mom now. Probably a single mom soon enough. You have all these people who I’m sure only have your best interests at heart. I’m sure if you couldn’t do all the things you could do, they would still want you.”

“They would.”

“You had to decide to take that damn thing on your wrist or die! What kind of choice was that? You never had a choice! They are using you.”

“You’re right.” Bella said.

That caught my attention.

“I’m glad you see it my…”

“No, I mean you are right. I don’t need you. I never have. You just called me selfish? You? That’s great Renee.”

“Be…”

“Shut up. Shut the fuck up. I have had it with you. I brought you here to keep you safe. But you are right. I don’t need you. I have family. They use me? They do? You fucking bitch, I wouldn’t have been in Forks to begin with if it wasn’t for you and your need to be a damn baseball whore!”

Shit. The lights just flickered.

“You are an idiot! A fucking idiot! I took care of you. I paid your damn bills and cooked your fucking dinner while you stared at crystals and fucked every guy that showed the slightest interest. You are a damn waste of life. You can leave. No, you will leave. I never want to speak to you again. I never want to see you again. You are fucking dead to me!”

The light bulbs in the house just shattered.

“Bella you can’t talk… Oh Jesus your eyes!”

Damn. I really needed to get in there.

“Let me in Bella. Please?” I begged.

She didn’t answer.

“I will talk to you any damn way I want. The only reason you aren’t in a damn camp waiting to be a vampire snack is because of me and my family.”

The walls were shaking. I wondered if I broke through a wall if I could get in.

“You bitch. Do you know how many times you left me alone over night when I was a kid? Fucking some guy who could have been my older brother? Do you? Do you know what it feels like to be eight years old and wake up at 4 AM to a strange noise only to go to your mom’s room and find she isn’t home? The fear? To never have friends over because you can’t remember if you paid the light bill between homework and grocery shopping and don’t want the lights to go out while they are over? Do you? You worthless piece of shit!”

Bella was screaming. Renee just screamed in fear. I had…

My problem was solved when the wall blew into the hallway. I broke through the boards and drywall to see Bella hovering in the air a foot off the ground. Her metallic wings were spread. The outside wall had blown up as well. Wind was funneling into the room. Renee sat on her ass looking up at Bella in fear. She was completely wrapped in black, very black armor.

“I fucking hate you! I hate you so much. You are dead to me! Go. Run you bitch! Run now!”

Renee scrambled to her feet and grabbed her bag. She ran. She tripped over a board in the hallway and landed face first. I smelt blood. She stumbled up and continued to run. I didn’t go after her. She didn’t matter now.

Bella hovered in the air, her clothes gone, covered only in armor. She looked at the spot Renee had just been. She glanced my direction and I couldn’t see her eyes. Only pools of darkness where her irises should have been. Her wings folded back but she almost floated out of the hole in the outside wall. I followed her to the edge of the room. She was watching Renee run to her car and drive away. I noticed clouds had formed over the house. Thunder was rolling. Lighting could be seen in the distance. Everyone was outside now, looking up at Bella.

Please don’t leave Bella.

“Bella! Come down here!” Old Quil shouted from the ground. Soon all the Pack and families were shouting her name. Bella wouldn’t listen to them. I don’t know if she could even hear them. She was staring in the direction of Renee’s car blazing down the dirt road to the front of the ranch.

“Please baby. Don’t let her do this to you.” I yelled.

Bella would not move. She just hovered there.

Until we heard crying.

I saw Bella gaze at the ground. Claire had apparently been left behind and ran to catch up with everyone. In her haste she tripped and skinned her knee. Quil and Emily were by her side. But Claire’s eyes were focused on the sky through her tears.

Bella began to descend. I jumped to the ground and ran to the others.

She landed next to Claire. Her armor was silver.

“Don’t cry Claire.” Bella whispered. I ran up to her and was relieved to see her eyes were back. Close to brown. I could literally see her hair lightening.

“Where did you go Bella?” Claire sniffed.

A tear fell from Bella’s eye.

“I’m sorry Claire.” She whispered.

“Don’t do that!” Claire whimpered and wrapped Bella in one her hugs.

Bella wrapped her arms around Claire and kissed her cheek.

“I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Sue walked up behind Bella and wrapped her arms around her. Soon she was surrounded by everyone. Rachel and Leah were touching her hair. Emily rubbed her back.

Bella cried while we stood around her.

“I got a hat for you inside. A birthday cap. And one of those things you blow in and it shoots out. Aunt Emmy made you a cake. She wouldn’t even let Quil eat it.” Claire told her, finally pulling back from where her face had been buried in Bella’s hair.

“Then I guess we better go inside and eat it before the big puppies get to it huh?” Bella stood up and I had her in my arms. She leaned back into me. I could hear her heartbeat. It was slow. She had calmed down.

“Sorry everybody.” Bella whispered. Sam touched her cheek and looked into her eyes.

“Don’t sweat it Bells. We were all getting a bit bored around the ranch. Now I can get my construction crew back together.” He winked, causing her to laugh.

“Let’s go have a party guys.” Charlie clapped me on the back and walked back towards the adjoining houses. A picnic area had been set up between the two adjoining houses.

“Bella?”

“Yes Claire?”

“Why are you wearing a bathing suit?”

Oh yeah.

“Uh…”

“Your boobies look like they are about to….”

“I’m going to change clothes!” Bella said quickly and practically ran to the house.

The party was fun. Everyone went out of their way to make Bella laugh. No one mentioned Renee. I think we had all seen that coming. Her leaving anyway. None of us saw the outpouring of emotion from Bella. She had been holding in a lot and unfortunately for Renee she happened to be the trigger that set off the bomb. The longer the party, the better mood Bella was in. She even had a gift for Quil.

She made her glove form three razor sharp claws. Just like Wolverine. Embry and Quil wouldn’t stop staring.

At 6 PM I had her to myself. I had recently finished the repairs to Chris… I mean my car. Still needed new paint and I would have to get the engine chromed. I normally wouldn’t care but Chris wanted it. I also planned to give Bella her birthday gift from me. The one I bought with the money Chris paid me to fix this car. The ring that I knew was hers the moment I saw it. I had this planned. Charlie had this planned. I just had to execute.

No problem.

She walked down the stairs and my heart nearly stopped. She had on a white dress. It fit her like a glove going to mid-thigh. It hung from one shoulder, the other bare showing her tribal tattoo. I felt I had pretty good control of the wolf side of my nature. But looking at my mark and my tattoo on my woman made me want to take her on the ground right now. This was probably heightened by the fact that she was carrying my child.

“Damn Jake. I’ve never seen you in this many clothes. You look… gorgeous.”

She took the words right out of my mouth.

“Not compared to you.” I told her honestly. I was wearing a simple black suit with a white shirt and a black silk tie. I felt suffocated but if it made her happy it was worth it.

“So where are you taking me?”

“Believe it or not, I’m hungry.” She laughed.

“Guess I better get my wolf fed then. Have I told you lately how much I love you?”

“You don’t have to. I feel it every time you look at me.”

“Even today? Upstairs?”

“We don’t need to talk about that Bella. You came back. That’s all that matters.” I saw a tear glisten in her eye and wiped it gently before it could fall.

“None of that. Tonight is about us.”

She nodded and I took her hand to lead her to my car.

In place of my car was a limousine.

“Wow.” Bella said quietly. I looked towards the house where Billy and Charlie sat on the front porch. Charlie winked at me. Guess the old man had a few more surprises.

A driver opened the door and we got inside. Her lips were on mine the second the door closed and didn’t come off until we reached our destination. Louie’s. Charlie said this was the best restaurant in Casper. Not that there were a lot.

We walked in and the guy in front led us to a table by the window without asking for our names. He simply said welcome Mr. Black, follow me. I expected a snooty French accent. I suppose there probably aren’t any in Casper.

“Jake this place is amazing. I’ve never been in a restaurant like this. Holy shit look at the prices!”

“It’s your birthday. You are rich. Enjoy.” I suppose it was technically her money that was paying for dinner.

We talked about the baby. We talked about the ranch. We talked about the pictures we all saw today at her party, showing the rebuilding of La Push. I didn’t tell her one of the houses was ours, wanting to surprise her when we returned. It looked like another few months and we would be back home.

Dinner arrived. Bella ate chicken while I had two steaks. We ate in silence, only commenting about the food. I tried to control the nervous sweat working under this suit. I planned to ask her to marry me tonight. I knew how she felt about marriage in the past. I had no doubt she loved me and would be with me for eternity. Her feelings on the ceremony of marriage had me a bit disturbed and feeling less than confident. The key was to be smooth. Make it so romantic that she wouldn’t want to say no.

The waiter took our dishes away.

“Bella I want to ask you something.” I started.

She laughed.

“So ask already.”

I moved to pull the ring out of my inside coat pocket. On a knee? Yeah. No. It would cause others to look at us. Bella hates that. But still… why didn’t I think of this?

“Bella…”

“Oh God.” She whispered. It wasn’t joy in her voice.

I looked up and she was holding her stomach.

“What…”

“I’ll be right back.” She kicked her chair back and practically ran to the bathroom. I moved to follow. From outside the restroom I could hear her vomiting.

A few minutes later she walked out with a sheepish grin.

“You okay?”

“Yes. I think I’m getting morning sickness. Perfect timing huh?”

“You want to go home?”

“No! No I’m good now.”

We walked back to our table. Dessert was laid out.

Bella took a bite of key lime pie. It seemed to agree with her so I figured I would take a chance again.

“What were you going to ask me about Jake?”

“I wanted to know if you would…”

“Oh shit.”

Bella was gone again. This was not working out like I thought it would in my head.

I had a glass of water waiting for her when she stepped out of the bathroom.

“Sorry.”

“Bells, you are carrying our child. That’s part of it. Don’t apologize.”

“I know. I still can’t get my head around it. It seems like yesterday we were rebuilding those bikes in your garage and now we are going to have a baby. That’s crazy, right Jake?”

“Yeah… speaking of the baby, it’s kind of what I wanted to talk to you about. I mean not the baby. But…”

“Jake do you think we could leave first? Dinner was so good but the smell of all this food is getting to me.”

Probably a good idea. Time for plan B.

I was told by the waiter that the bill, tip included had been taken care of before we arrived. Once we were in the limo, Bella felt better.

“So what did you want to talk about Jake?”

I was not going to ask her to marry me in the back of the limo.

“What uh… what theme were you thinking for the nursery?” I spit out. I heard Emily ask her today at the party. It was something.

“I guess we would have to wait for the sex of the baby Jake. I also want to know where we will be. I hope we are back in La Push by then. We need to figure out where we are going to live. Are we going to have our own place? Does it need to be built? What about Charlie? I don’t want to be far from him. Forks is too far. I know it’s close but I need him nearer. He is going to need a place in La Push. I mean all of La Push is being rebuilt. It’s not like there are houses to buy. Should we start building now? How does that even work on a reservation? I guess your Dad would know. Speaking of, how many bedrooms should we make it? How are we going to stay in La Push long term if we aren’t going to age? Plus I’m supposed to give birth on tribal land. Is the clinic being rebuilt? I didn’t see a clinic in the pictures today Jake. I’m not giving birth in a house. At least I don’t want to. I suppose if I have to, but what if something is wrong with the baby? What if something weird happens? How are we going to explain that to a hospital staff? Also we need to start thinking about how we are going to move around once we are back in Washington. Are we going to need to go overseas? Who is going to babysit? It’s hard enough to cover the States from Wyoming. Washington is as far away from the East Coast as we can get. Do you have any idea about any of these things Jacob? You know I can’t breast feed if I heal myself with armor right after birth. I mean probably. Apparently it doesn’t do a damn thing for morning sickness. What if I can’t heal? How long will I be out of action? If I do we will have to rely on formula and Sue said formula isn’t as good as breast milk.”

I was kind of speechless for a moment.

“Well?”

“I… I don’t know?”

“Exactly. Neither do I. We need to figure these things out Jake. We have so much…”

I kissed her.

If she kept talking my head would explode so I kissed her.

“Thank you. Sorry. I guess I kind of went neurotic didn’t I?”

“I’ll take care of you Bella. I swear.” I told her solemnly.

“I know. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We pulled to a stop and Bella let loose a legitimate squeal when she glanced out the window.

“A carnival?”‘

“Yep.” Plan B was to ask her to marry me on top of the Ferris wheel.

We walked hand in hand, drawing glances for our dress. Fuck them. I won her a stuffed bear at a throwing booth. We stood in line for twenty minutes before we were finally on.

We reached the top. It was dark but the stars were shining bright. Perfect.

“Jake can I ask you something?”

Okay.

“Of course.”

“Could you maybe do a little better job of not leaving your clothes on the floor of our room? I’m not mad but when the baby comes it’s going to be hard enough to keep up with the wash and feedings and killing vampires. If maybe you could do little things like tossing your clothes into the hamper it would help. I promise I’m not trying to be a bitch here but…”

“No. You’re absolutely right. I will definitely start helping you out more.”

Yep. Smooth. She kissed my cheek. We were past the top. Guess I could wait one more round.

Unfortunately when we reached bottom we stop to let a passenger off. The wind shifted and the smell of cotton candy and corn dogs hit Bella.

Another guy in line saw her vomit and vomited himself.

The operator didn’t say a word. Just opened up our carriage and let us out. I bought her a Coke and we walked back to the limo.

“I’m so sorry Jake…”

“Stop Bella. Never apologize for that.”

“You had this perfect date planned and I threw up all night.” She said sadly.

Then she vomited again. How much chicken did she eat?

We rode home while she curled up in my arms. She was nearly asleep when we reached the Ranch. I kept her in my arms and walked her to the door. I heard Charlie walk up behind me and tip the driver. Guy probably thought we had a cult going on here. I suppose it wasn’t far off.

“Jake?” Charlie asked.

I turned and shook my head slightly.

We reached the door and I laid her on the couch.

“Let me get the sheets pulled back and I will come back for you.” I whispered in her ear.

“I’m better.”

“Just relax.” I walked to the bedroom when her voice stopped me.

“Jake what did you really want to talk to me about tonight? I know it wasn’t the theme to the baby’s room.”

I walked into the living room and dropped to both knees. Pulling out the ring I popped the top and asked her what I had been wanting to ask her since the first time I laid eyes on her.

“Will you marry me?”

“Of course I will.” She answered without hesitation.

“I’m going to kiss you now. I don’t give a damn that you have been vomiting all night. Just go with it. Okay?”

She nodded and I kissed her gently. Then I slid the ring on her finger.

“How does that feel?” I asked.

Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

“It feels like home.”