herumtreiber

Title: Chapter three
Author:

herumtreiber
Rating: PG -13
Characters: Edward/Jacob
Word count: 3,860
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, Stephenie Meyer does. Nor do I make any money from this writing.
Notes: This occurs just after Eclipse. Edward mulls over his upcoming marriage.

Table of contents

Chapter two

The Mercedes jerked. Bella lifted her left hand from the leather wheel and brushed her hair, exasperated.

"Bella, you have to handle the car differently." I sighed, looking at the small copse of trees on the other side of Bogachiel Way. Fortunately there was as usual little traffic.

"I know, Edward. It's just that it is so… bulky!" Bella reluctantly caressed the wheel, leaning forwards to touch the dashboard.

"Edward, you shouldn't have bought me that lifetime subscription to that online music service." She touched the CD player button and the first notes of the second movement of Beethoven's Ninth blared over the Boise loudspeakers.

"But since you did it, over my objections I might add, I downloaded some classical music for you and burned a CD." She smiled winsomely at me, brushing aside a curl of her lustrous black hair.

I sighed a bit dejectedly. I recognized Karajan's energetic directing of the Vienna Philharmonic. Actually my preferred version of that piece was the 1951 Furtwängler lyrical, concise recording in Bayreuth. I recalled buying the LP at a music store in Anchorage around 1957, together with the first Elvis Presley single I bought, "Hound Dog." I still had the two records in a box somewhere in Alaska. I wondered which one would be more valuable now.

After the black car lurched when we reached the corner of the appropriately named Lupine Ave, I reached down and turned off the CD player. Bella glared at me but continued her determined if choppy driving.

I ruffled my hair, wondering why I'd allowed Bella to drive. There was an itch in us that craved speed. My immaculate reflexes gave me a thrill, the assurance that I could drive the car with precision. Besides I could read the minds of the other drivers. It was one of the few things I could enjoy and appreciate from the relentless predator in me, this joy that handling a car with utmost care gave me. And Bella's driving was like her walking, a bit unstable.

"Don't worry, Bella, you're doing wonderful!" Alice's chirpy voice reminded me she was the reason I'd allowed Bella to drive.

I looked at her in the rear-view mirror. Alice's pixie hair was as artfully arranged as always. She was wearing a red blouse - probably from the latest collection in either Milan or Paris - and her amber eyes winked at me.

I envied my sister her forgetfulness, her blessed innocence from what her life had been before she was turned. Alice didn't remember what it used to be human, to feel the warmth of the sun walking down Main Street, window shopping. To see one's reflection in the glass, limned in the bright sunshine.

I loved Alice fiercely, her cheerfulness and buoyant energy that always tried to make us feel good. But lately I'd begun to resent her friendship with Bella. It seemed she always took Bella's side over mine.

And I wondered if my relationship with Bella had been influenced by Alice. Long before I met Bella, before I was seduced by her innocence and awkwardness - her endearing vulnerability - I'd caught glimpses of a mysterious girl in Alice's visions. They were as evasive as a mirage in the highway, but I was definitely intrigued by this slim brunette girl that featured so prominently in my sister's mind. But nothing prepared me for the scent of Bella's blood - it truly sang to me and still did.

I turned to Bella, fidgeting with the safety belt. "Bella, I think our wedding should be-"

"Catered by a different service." Alice interrupted me rudely without missing a beat.

"Whatever you guys want, just as long as there are plenty of flowers." Bella leaned forward, driving as if she was still on her Chevy truck.

I glared at Alice's reflection on the rear-view mirror, but my sister lifted her small nose and turned sideways, seemingly more interested on the passing cars than me.

Frankly, Alice's meddling pissed me off. I wanted to break off our engagement, or tell Bella that I wanted to postpone the wedding, but Alice didn't leave us alone. She insisted on coming along, as if she had foreseen my breaking up with Bella and wanted to prevent it at all costs. I couldn't find a moment alone to tell Bella about my growing doubts and my feelings for that sexy mutt.

I found Alice's behavior so annoying, I wanted to grab a pair of scissors and cut all her precious dresses to shreds, like I'd threatened to do from time to time when we fought. As always though, Alice foresaw this and put her wardrobe in Rosalie's room. I didn't dare disturb my other sister, knowing her strong character.

"Don't you dare break-up with her, Edward!" Alice's mental voice sounded as harried as she looked on the rearview mirror.

I formed a thought, "Why do you think so, Alice?" My sister had the uncanny ability to foresee my responses once I'd formulated them in my head, much like she foresaw an opponent's move during battle. It gave us the chance to talk in the privacy of our minds without Bella being aware of it. She was frowning at the dashboard, appearing to consult the GPS map.

Alice lifted her hands in the air. "You've gone in and out of my visions, Edward. It started a few days ago. You're suddenly hidden from me… like you were shielded by one of the stupid dogs!"

I rubbed my hand on my forehead. If this was Alice's reactions - she who was always so supportive of me - I couldn't begin to guess how the other members of my family would react, or Jacob's pack for that matter. But then, maybe it was only Alice. She had always been insistent on my hooking up with Bella, as if she was a matchmaker.

"What I do with Bella is only my concern, Alice. You're not the one who's getting married… or not."

Alice shifted restlessly on her seat; I could hear the sound of the leather against her slacks. "But you're so happy with her! Aro said she was your Singer. Surely that counts for something!"

"Maybe she is my Singer, but have you stopped to consider I might want something more? It's my fucking life, Alice! Not yours!"

"Grow up, Edward! Stop being so selfish! What if Bella goes into a funk after you break up with her like last time! She almost died, if it hadn't been for that fucking dog… the one that smells the worst!"

I chanced a look at the mirror and I saw Alice glaring at me. She was on the edge of the seat, as if ready to jump on me and keep me from breaking up with her precious Bella.

"Alice, millions of guys break up with their girlfriends all over the world - and they get over it! Maybe you could turn Bella yourself and live happily ever after with her, you two are so cozy!" I smirked at my sister on the rear-view mirror and she gave me a middle finger salute.

"You two are very silent. I can't help but think you are talking about me," said Bella as she fiddled with the air-conditioner button.

"It's just a family discussion, Bella." Alice replied in her usual lilting voice, belying the furious expression in her eyes.

Alice glared at me, pouting. "That was mean, Edward. You're changing so much these past few days. Please listen to me! You've been so happy with Bella ever since you two got together, the perfect couple."

"And the Volterra incident? I wasn't so happy then. I tried to kill myself if you'll recall."

Bella started to swing the wheel to take Merchants Road.

"But that was because you thought Bella died!" Alice's mental voice sounded particularly whiny.

I scoffed mentally, crossing my arms and breathing heavily - an unconscious gesture - a reminder of the way I was when I was alive. "You and I know that there are deeper reasons I felt so despondent. Stop trying to saddle me with Bella! For once, don't meddle!"

"Bella, don't take that turn!" Alice's shout startled both Bella and me, but it was too late. The heavy car finished the turn. When I heard a claxon and read the warm thoughts I knew so well, I realized why Alice didn't want us to take this turn. Sure enough, Jacob's Rabbit was just to the left of us.

Jacob looked at us, but his gaze shifted rapidly forward. At first I thought he felt ashamed of our kissing and groping in the borders between our lands, but his thoughts made me realize he was measuring the Mercedes. In his mind he was comparing it to the reviews he'd read about in the magazines. Jacob was picturing the motor, gauging how to ask Bella to open the hub so he could study it.

I rolled my eyes and grimaced. The wolf's indifference towards us was very off-putting. If the mechanically-minded mutt didn't care about me, he should at least have glanced at his precious Bella.

"Edward, don't pout! I'm glad I made you go after Jacob so he can remain in our lives." Bella shifted gears and the motor of the car groaned.

I felt like groaning in sympathy when I heard Alice's thoughts. "Those dirty dogs! I'll have to dry clean my clothes, and I just bought them!"

Seth Clearwater smiled and waved to us as Bella parked the Mercedes by the road. Jacob stopped just behind us and got out of his car. My wolf wore cutoff jeans and a black t-shirt. I heard a man singing 'soulmates never die,' and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Placebo's 'Sleeping with ghosts' could be heard coming out of the Rabbit's loudspeakers as Jacob opened the door and got out.

Jacob sauntered towards us and leaned forward, greeting us with a cheerful grin. "Hi, Bells." He nodded to me, evading my gaze. But in his thoughts, he was undressing me and wondering if I went commando. Jake licked his lips, saying, "Leech."

Smirking, I nodded back at him. I could hear Alice's thoughts as if in the distance. "Fucking mutt should use more deodorant, but then nothing can dispel that doghouse smell!"

Alice snorted angrily when Jacob smirked at her. "And the chic leech."

Jake didn't pay her any mind and continued, "What brings you here, Bells? Nice car by the way, d'you mind if-"

"We are in a hurry, dog! Can't you infect someone else with fleas today?" My sister pouted, crossing her arms.

"Alice! I thought we were all friends! Please don't talk to Jacob like that," replied Bella indignantly.

I smirked in triumph, but then a Budweiser truck approached us. The trucker slowed down to ogle the black Mercedes, but especially Jake's behind. I glared at the passing truck, wanting to go and wreak some mischief on the leering man safely ensconced in the white cab.

I'd felt the same protectiveness towards Bella, yet there was a difference. With Bella I wanted to keep her safe from harm, to shield her from the dangers of the world. I felt tenderness towards the frail girl. With the wolf I wanted to make sure he belonged to no one else but me, and I chastised myself for my selfishness at the same time that I wanted to run towards the lecherous driver and knock the car door off its hinges.

"Edward, don't growl at Jacob! I've told you a million times that I want you two to be friends." Bella batted my arm and then admonished the wolf. "Jake, don't sneer at Edward, you have to do your part too!"

"Fucking dog. Why did he have to come along and ruin our perfect day, I'd planned our shopping perfectly!" Alice's thoughts were the last straw. I opened the door of the car and got out, closing it with a satisfying thud.

Jake frowned, crossing his arms. His thoughts came loud and clear. "What's got into you, leech? I only wanted Bella to show me the car you bought for her!"

I lifted my arms to the sky, cursing this awful 'gift' of reading minds. Today was a particularly trying day, but help came from an unexpected source.

"Hey, Edward, do you want to come with us to City Hall? I want to see when I can take Driver's Ed." Seth had opened the window of the Rabbit, beckoning to me.

"Sure, kid." I took the opportunity to get away from my meddling sister and Bella like a man offered a drink in the dessert.

I walked towards the driver's door of the Mercedes and leaned down. "Bella, since you insist so much on Jake and I being friends, I'll take this opportunity."

Bella pouted cutely. "But Edward, I-"

"You can go shopping with Alice." I looked towards my glaring sister and added suavely, "Just make sure you drive, Bella - since Alice insisted so much."

"Edward, don't you dare walk out on-" I throttled Alice's indignant thoughts by focusing on Jacob. The mutt was eyeing me hungrily, recalling our past encounters.

I sauntered towards Jacob's Rabbit as the Mercedes lurched forward. Meanwhile Seth got off the car and pushed the seat forward, leaning his lanky body into the car and climbing into the back seat.

"Sit in the front, Edward. I'm sure guys have a lot to talk about," said Seth, winking at me.

I frowned at the Quileute boy; sure that he knew something about our budding relationship. Once the seat was back in its place I climbed on the car, noting that the oblivious wolf was too busy thinking about the motor of the Mercedes to ponder about the implications of Seth's words.

Once Jacob put on his seat belt, he leaned forward and turned off the ignition, shooting an infectious grin at me. "Not your usual fare, man?"

"I'm sure it'll do, Jake." I smiled at Jacob as I fastened my seat belt. Actually the wolf's car looked to be in mint condition. It might not pack the punch of the Mercedes or be as safe, but I had not doubt that given Bella's probable treatment of the Benz- and Jake's meticulous care for the Volkswagen - his sturdy red Rabbit might outlive her black car.

The perfectly tuned motor purred and Jake drove in silence for a few minutes. The wolf handled his car with dexterity, knowing exactly when to push it. He took several unknown turns which left me bewildered, until we returned to Bogachiel from a side street I hadn't been aware of. I shrugged when I read his thoughts. My wolf read the subtle signs of the wind, the shadow cast by the sunlight - though it was an overcast day - to navigate his way around the land.

I fidgeted in the seat when I remembered I hadn't told Bella I wanted to break up with her. I needed to remedy this situation soon, dealing with interfering Alice in some way.

I might have moved away from Jake and given him the wrong impression, because the mutt glared at me. "What's the matter, Edward? You're getting all jumpy and virginal? It was you who gave me the handjob, remember that?"

Mindful of Seth on the back seat, I turned to the angry mutt and smiled, leaning forward as if I was studying the dashboard and rubbing his knee, moving my hand insinuatingly towards his crotch. That seemed to pacify Jacob while I refrained from rolling my eyes. This appeared to be my day to be misunderstood.

My mind drifted to Seth's thoughts, so I wasn't surprised when the Quileute boy said, "Jake, Leah just texted me that Billy needs you."

Startled, Jake swore, "Fucking hell, is my dad hurt?"

The worry in Jake's mind was sharp, and it reminded me that I needed to cultivate Billy Black's friendship, for Jacob loved and needed his father. He wasn't like Bella who was ready to ditch her parents to attain immortality.

"No, nothing like that. His wheelchair is stuck. Don't know why."

Jake turned his head around, looking for the fastest route to the Quileute lands. "I'll have to turn back, kiddo."

"Doesn't matter, Jake. Can you drop me off at the diner? I have some money from doing chores for Quil's family and I'm hungry." Seth licked his lips, imagining a juicy burger.

"How will you get back to the Rez?" said Jake as he accelerated the car.

"Man, you forget I'm a wolf too? I can run you know, or Edward can carry me." Seth winked at me.

Seth was busily devouring his second burger. His mind was overloaded with the sensory impressions of the crunchy lettuce, the juicy meat and the catsup sauce. Underneath it all there was a worry for Jake, whom the boy idolized. There were flashes of the wolf pack too; I recognized Quil and Embry, his sister Leah and Sam.

In his mind there was a brief image of Jake naked after a transformation, I drank the sight of his copper-colored skin in the forest, his broad shoulders and muscled arms, his pert behind, and when he turned, Jake's impressive cock. I was so busy storing the image for my future fantasies that I didn't realize Seth was speaking to me.

"… careful with where you two do that." Seth was waving his burger at me.

"Sorry, Seth. Didn't catch that."

The Quileute sighed exasperatedly. He put his burger down and wiped his lips with the napkin. The boy spoke slowly, as if he suspected I'd been daydreaming about a particular male. "You and Jake? I caught you two groping near our borders. Just be careful, man."

"You're not disgusted?" I raised my eyebrow, noting with distaste that the waitress appeared to find this gesture fascinating.

Seth shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't care, just as long as you don't hurt Jake."

After he finished his burger, Seth ordered a third one from the waitress who was snooping around us.

"Leah's gonna kill me for this. She always says I have to save money, but I was just very hungry, you know?"

I nodded, though it had been decades since I'd had the pleasure of eating food. "I take it your sister's very mean."

"Naw, she's just tough. But she loves me. She's not like Jake's sisters, Rebecca and Rachel. The two bitches just up and left, leaving Jake to take care of Billy all by himself."

I nodded slowly. I was aware of this information because it was in Jake's mind, but he'd never reflected on this. It was interesting to hear about Jacob from another source than himself or Bella.

"It's just not done in our tribe, man. We take care of our own. And Billy? He was a great father for Jake and the women." Seth took a bite from the hamburger brought by the waitress, but he didn't seem as hungry as before. Maybe thinking about Jake's sisters had lessened his appetite.

The Quileute leaned forward. "But Jake never blames them. Tells me they had to seek their own fortunes or whatever. Jacob's very noble."

The boy frowned angrily. "It pisses me off when Bella takes advantage of his nobility and just uses him, you know?"

"But you've always appeared very friendly to her." I lifted my eyebrow, essaying a smile.

"Don't wanna put more strain on Jake. Don't get me wrong, Bella's a nice girl, I like her. I just think she exploits Jake." Seth continued in a menacing voice, scowling at me. "If you do the same, I'll come after you, man. Doesn't matter if you tear me to shreds or something. I won't let you play with him like Bella does. After all, you're a man and can fight back."

I was sure Seth would do just as he said; his mind was firm on that point. I nodded.

"It's strange. Jake just lets Bella do what she wants. It's almost as if he half-imprinted on her." After giving me a measuring look, the boy continued, "And on you. You're constantly on his mind as well, even before what I saw."

I was interested in what the pack would say to a possible relationship between the mutt and me, so I asked Seth, "Will the others be as understanding as you?"

"Don't know. Edward, you have to understand that after what happened to Jake during the fight with the newborn leeches-" Seth ruffled his hair, in his mind he was looking for the words to express himself, but he appeared to have trouble finding them.

"-We suffered a lot. His pain? It went through all of us when he was a wolf. Later we thought we would lose him." Seth's voice trembled, and he stopped for a second. "Quil and Embry have always been his friends and I think they'll stand by him. Paul? I'm not sure, he gets angry easy, that wolf does." In his mind, Seth continued, "And he worries me."

"And Sam?" I was really keen to know what the Alpha's reactions would be.

"Sam will do what he thinks is best for the pack. Though he's not always right. The elders can overrule him, you know."

"Bella told me about the elders." I ventured.

"Bella doesn't know shit! She doesn't even know Jake's sohh…" Seth's words stopped suddenly and so did his train of thought. It was eerie, like he had crashed against a boundary he could not cross. His thinking just shied away from elaborating as if it was magnetically repelled. I thought his Alpha, Sam, had given him strict orders never to talk about that, and I wondered what sohhh… really meant.

The boy finished his hamburger in a rush because it was getting cold.

Seth put his hand against his mouth, burping contentedly. He reclined on the chair and crossed his arms behind his neck. "Bella doesn't understand our tribal ways. She just gets the surface. She's very shallow, like Jake's sisters."

Seth lifted his gaze toward the ceiling. "I was there when the elders spoke about our legends. I bet Bella never even wondered why the third wife was called so."

Chapter four