HellCat: Guardian Of The Gate
by wizardtho
Chapter 6:
I took a long hot shower before I crawled between the sheets without even dressing. I was just too tired to bother, barely able to keep my eyes open. Surprisingly, it was easy for me to fall asleep; I slept peacefully for the first time since the Cullens left Forks.
When I was woken by a soft knock on my bedroom door, I didn't even think before I called out, "Come in."
I hadn't even opened my eyes when I heard a gasp, then a slightly shaky voice say, "Umm... I, uh, brought ya some coffee. I'll just... yeah, I'll leave it on the bar for ya."
I furrowed my eyebrows as I said, "Peter? What's wrong?" only then realizing that I had forgotten to put anything on after my shower last night. My eyes went wide as I sat bolt upright, then I muttered a 'shit' as I hurriedly held the covers to my chest. I blushed, ducking my head into my knees, then mumbled, "Sorry, Peter. I'll... be out... in a few minutes."
He had his back turned to me with his head down, but I knew he had gotten at least a partial view. He nodded as he said, "I'll be in the kitchen. There's no hurry, so whenever you're ready."
The way he said it sounded like he meant more than he was saying, but I agreed and took my time getting dressed. Once I had on my white bra/thong set, a Remetee 'Locket' tee, a pair of sky blue three-button destroyed skinny jeans, a pair of crimson socks, and my black calf-high rugged buckle-detail boots, I made my way to the bathroom. I took care of my morning ritual, grabbed a ponytail holder, then made my way out toward the kitchen as I plopped my waist-length hair up in a messy bun.
I immediately caught sight of Peter, who was pulling my coffee out of the built-in microwave, then said, "I'm really sorry about earlier, Peter. I'm usually dressed in something decent to be seen in when I sleep, but I was so wiped after yesterday, that I..."
He smiled, shaking his head as he cut me off from rambling, "It's alright, really. I just wasn’t expectin' to walk in on ya like that, and I realised immediately that ya didn't register your state of dress. Next time I'll know to make sure you're decent before I walk in."
I chuckled, "Modesty is not plentiful when you run around with vampires and shape-shifting wolves, Peter. Between Ali and the pack, I've been caught in my underwear more times than I can count. At least you know how to knock. I just didn't want to give you the wrong impression, or leave thinking I'm throwing myself at you or something."
He took a few steps closer to me and ducked down to catch my gaze, all without touching me, then whispered, "I definitely liked the sight I walked in on, more than ya know, but I would never assume. Now no more fuss about it, alright?" I nodded, so he asked, "Would ya like somethin' to eat while I give ya a rundown of my night?"
I shook my head as I pointed to my coffee, "Need an IV of this... it's perfect, by the way. Your know-shit meter?"
He chuckled, "I like that one, and yeah. I got the list made for the work barn, stables, and the cabin first. Then I did a perimeter check, where I found a few weak spots on the outside portion of the wall. The inside is fine, but the outside could use some repointin'. There's 4 inch thick steel reinforcement runnin' through the whole wall, in between the two layers of stone. I found it when I was checkin' one of the top cap stones. That's good, in case we need to go on lockdown."
I nodded as I said, "The security system runs through the whole property, too. Paul and I tested it with him on the outside. He couldn't get within a hundred feet of the wall without the alarm sounding on the most sensitive setting. I'll have you check to make sure the cameras and sensors are positioned properly soon, so we don't have any holes." He hummed an agreement as I took a sip of my coffee.
After a second, I said, "Wait, you said stables, as in plural. I only saw the 12 stall stable with the big tack room."
He grinned, "Not far from there, there's a breedin' stable. There are four double sized stalls, meant for puttin' a stud and mare together in, or a mama and newborn. If ya don't intend to breed, we can either knock down the separators to add a bit to it for a winter workin' zone, or we can tear it down."
I shook my head, "Let's just wait on that one until we find horses. I don't know whether I'll want to get into breeding or not, because I'm not familiar with that area. We'll have to go over the basics before I decide. Now what else?"
He chuckled, then said, "Alright, but I'm warnin' ya that there's a lot to be done. The main stable needs updated badly, since there's no way to heat it in the winter, plus a lot of the boards have rotted or been damaged by the horses kickin'. They didn't use thick enough boards when they built it. The work barn needs a new roof, a few new trusses, and a severe clean out. With its proximity to the horse stable, I think it would be a good idea to put a hay loft addition into it. I'll need to check the tractors and other equipment for issues. It wouldn't hurt for ya to invest in a few four-wheelers for ya to get around on the property a bit easier. As for the cabin, it's definitely not livable. Honestly, I need to take ya out there to show ya what I found, ‘cuz it's a miracle ya didn't fall through the floor."
My eyes widened, so he nodded, "Yeah. It was that bad. It would be safer and cost a lot less just to demo it, level that area out, then have a new kit cabin built in its place."
I shook my head, then said, "M'kay. So you'll take me to see what you mean, right? I want to be fully in the loop on everything, so I know why I'm putting X amount of dollars into this or that."
He grinned, "Exactly. That's why I said ya needed to see for yourself. I don't want ya thinkin' you're bein' taken advantage of, Sugar."
I let out an incredulous laugh, then said, "Peter, you could probably buy me under the table three times over, and still have enough money to keep a small country afloat for several decades. I've never known a vampire that didn't have more money than Bill Gates and Hugh Hefner combined."
He laughed outright at that, then agreed, "Yeah... but even then, I still don't see how Ali doesn't run Major in the ground with her shoppin' addiction."
I frowned at that, missing my best friend, which prompted Peter to look at me with concern. I shook my head as I whispered, "I just... I miss her. She was my best friend, but she didn't say goodbye or call me once after they left. I miss her energy and his indulgent smiles. You know when we were in that hotel in Phoenix? I was worried about one of them getting hurt because of me, but Jazz cupped my cheek while saying that I was worth it... that I was worth more than anything, so he and Ali would keep me safe."
Peter sat down next to me, then said, "I haven't called his safe line yet. I didn't know if ya'd want me to."
I shook my head, "No... not yet. I mean, wouldn't she have seen the decisions I've made? She'd know I needed my best friend, especially with Renee and Phil... yet still no contact. I never changed my number, so it's not like she couldn't reach me if she really wanted to. Maybe after a while, when it doesn't hurt so much, but not now."
He nodded, then said, "Let's get your mind goin' on the rest of my findins, Sweets. 'Kay? I cleared a few of the more direct paths, but I didn't know how ya wanted some of the others done. I drew up a map of the property, so we could go over how ya wanted the paths to connect. I hope ya don't mind, but I used one of the sheets in your sketch pad. Ya have an extreme amount of talent, Isabella. The drawin's I saw... were ya thinkin' of makin' one of them happen?"
I grinned and nodded, "Yeah, I just haven't decided which one I want to go with, though. I like the one with the mini waterfalls that has the multiple levels, but it's probably the hardest one to accomplish, right?"
He shook his head no as he beamed at me, "Not at all. It's no harder than the others. We can use the existing lay of the land to our advantage, since there are natural spots in those areas that step up, leadin' toward the trees at the back of the clearin'. We can get ideas of what ya wanna use for materials while we're out, if ya want."
We continued to talk about my pool and spa vision as I drank another cup of coffee, then I figured we should get moving. I had started really taking Peter in for the first time, and that wasn't a good idea. He was too damn sexy for my own good; I was heading into dangerous territory with my thoughts, if I didn't focus on something else soon.
Whereas Edward had a lean and sleek musculature, Peter was all man, with a definite fighter's build. He was wearing a black tee that contrasted his coffee-colored short hair and pale skin, an ass-hugging pair of distressed jeans, and a pair of black worn harness boots. I couldn't help but watch as he shifted, because his chest and ab muscles were clearly defined through his shirt when he did. Plus his voice... Christ almighty, his smooth southern voice made me think of very naughty things I'd like to hear him growl in a sexy tone, or moan even.
I was broken from my little fantasy when I heard his inhale, causing me to immediately walk toward the kitchen door that led to the balcony, trying to shake my thoughts from my head. "You ready? We should get going, since we're wasting precious store hours."
His response came out slightly husky as he gently grabbed my hand, "Mmm, yeah... but I think ya might want a jacket if I'm carryin' ya to the cabin. It's still slightly chilly, Sugar."
My eyes connected with his, since a pleasant tingle worked its way through my entire body at his touch. I got lost in the swirling pools of rich red. I didn't understand what was happening, but I also didn't give a shit, because I was willing to stay lost in those rich pools for as long as he'd let me. I wanted him, wanted all of him, and couldn't help but wish he would never stop touching me.
When he gave me a soft smile as he brushed my cheek with his free hand, causing my eyes to flutter closed, I whispered unknowingly, "What was that?"
His whisper sounded next to my ear, his breath making me shiver in anticipation as arousal flooded my core, "That, Isabella, was somethin' that we'll have to talk about later. Just know that the tingle will happen everytime we touch, and there's nothin' to be afraid of."
He brushed his lips against the soft spot behind my ear, making my breath hitch, then whispered, "Now go get your jacket, please. I don't wantcha gettin' cold on the run."
He slowly backed away from me, first releasing my hand, then my cheek. I frowned as the feeling went away, then let out a heavy breath before opening my eyes. "Jacket... yes, jacket. I'll be right back. You will explain that at some point, though, right?" He agreed with a smirk, then I was off to find the jacket that matched my boots.
When I met him 5 minutes later, down where the pool would end up at some point, he asked with a grin, "Back or front?"
I raised an eyebrow in question, so he clarified, "Would ya rather be carried on my back or in front? I don't know what's more comfortable for ya."
I smiled, then said, "Front, please. I always got queasy when I rode on Edward's back."
Peter smirked and slid up flush against me as he said in a pure sex-filled voice, "Ya asked for it, Isabella. I'll never wanna carry ya another way after this."
He lifted me by the backs of my thighs, making my breath hitch again. I automatically wound my arms and legs around him. I bit my lip as I looked into his eyes, then he said seriously, "Just duck your head into my neck and breathe in my scent if you start feelin' queasy, Sugar. I'll have us there in a jiffy."
I buried my face in his neck before he even took off. At his scent surrounding me, I had to bite back a moan, along with the urge to lick him. I don't think I succeeded, though, because Peter did moan slightly as he said, "I know, Kitten... I know. I feel the same way. Come on, we better get goin'."
We made it to the cabin site in no time. After Peter showed me the weak floor, almost non-existent sub-floor, and the huge ass sinkhole under the cabin, I said while still in his arms, "Demo it. I can't believe Paul and I didn't catch that. We didn't look under the cabin, though. That was a good catch, Peter. I'd hate to have let my dad stay in it, then something happen."
He kissed my forehead, saying softly, "That's what I'm here for, Isabella. I won't let anythin' bad happen to ya, or your loved ones while they're near ya. My truck's parked out by the western garage entrance, because I didn't know where ya'd want me to put it. Let's go load up, so we can get the supplies we need. We can look for a cabin kit online whenever you're ready."
He carried me back to the house to grab my purse and keys, continued to hold me as he watched me set the alarm, then carried me to his truck. He held me just a little bit tighter while inhaling my scent, then set me gently in the passenger seat. Once he was in and we were on the road, I noticed out of my peripheral vision that he placed his hand on the seat closer to me than himself. I smiled slightly, then took a chance to slide my hand, palm up, under his. I laced my fingers with his, causing us both to sigh at the contact.
He pulled my hand onto his right leg, so I scooted cautiously over next to him. He hummed, then unlaced our hands to wrap his arm around me. As I snuggled my head onto his chest, I just barely heard his whispered, "Mmm, that's much better. I've waited so long for ya, Isabella. I swear I'll never give ya a reason to mistrust me."
Peter and I had a really good day together gathering the tools he needed to make a working shop, with me deciding to have all the lumber and other materials delivered. Once I gave them the directions and told them to make sure they buzz the gate, they told us that everything would be delivered sometime between 8-10 am the day after next.
By then my stomach was snarling loudly, so Peter chuckled, "We'd better feed that hungry tummy, Sugar, or it may decide to jump out and bite me."
I chuckled, then spotted a deli across the street. I hummed, then pointed as I said in a caveman fashion, "Food. Feed me."
With a laugh from both of us, we headed to the truck, but he stopped me and pressed me lightly against the door as we reached it. My right hand had somehow found its way over his unbeating heart, my left clutched his shirt on his side, then I bit my lip nervously as I looked up at him from under my lashes.
With a hand by my head and one stroking my cheek, Peter leaned in to whisper against my ear, "There won't ever be a reason for ya to feel nervous or embarrassed with me, Isabella. I'm not him; I won't take your choices from ya... ever. I can't lie and say that I don't want ya, though. I need ya to know that my whole bein' is screamin' for me to strip ya down and lay ya out for me. I want your perfect rosy nipples in my mouth, your intoxicatin' arousal on my tongue, plus I wanna be buried so deep inside ya that neither of us know there's an outside world. I wanna kiss ya so damn bad right now, that I can practically taste your soft lips. You're the leader here, Isabella. I’m takin’ my cues from ya. If ya decide ya want me too, then ya gotta let me know. I won't make a move unless ya tell me."
I wanted to lace my fingers into his silky-looking hair as I begged him to kiss me. I wanted to throw caution to the wind, to tell him to take me home, so we could fulfill every one of my naughty thoughts. I wanted to undress him and explore him like he was my personal playground. I wanted to make him mine in every possible way. I didn't do any of the above, though, because the only thing that came out as a response was, "I... thought it was too dangerous... that humans and... that we couldn't."
He shook his head, then bent enough to run his lips up my neck as his breath fanned across my skin, "We most certainly can, Sugar. Granted, precautions should be taken... but I would willin'ly spend eternity worshipin' your delectable little body. I'd spend day and night to make sure every one of your needs and desires were sated... if ya'd only ask me."
I was breathless with longing for him before he finished speaking. I faintly heard myself whimper as his hand left my cheek to trace my collarbones, his lips leaving barely there kisses up the length of my neck. Then he slowly backed away enough to lift my chin, whispering just shy of my lips, "All ya need to do is ask, Isabella, and I'd give ya anythin' ya needed or wanted."
He slowly released me, my body wanting to scream in protest, but I managed to keep it down to a small whimper of displeasure. I took a few calming breaths, then got into the truck in silence when he backed up.
I ordered my food distractedly, getting it to go, then blindly picked at it on the way home as I tried to sort out my thoughts. I didn't know what to do. My body and instincts were telling me emphatically to just let go... tell him I wanted everything he spoke of. My head was clouded, telling me it was way too soon to be doing anything with him, let alone reopening the 'dating a vampire' can of worms. Then again, I wasn't the same person as I was before, and this definitely wasn't the same vampire. I was still so highly aroused by just his ghosting lips, his barely-there touches. There was no way of stifling it, and definitely no way to make heads or tails of my thoughts.
When we reached the house, Peter parked in the same spot as before, sat next to me quietly for a few minutes, then whispered, "I never meant to push myself on ya, Isabella. I just... needed ya to know that I could be more than just your handyman. I wanna be more... but I'll take whatever you're willin' to give. Please... whatever ya decide, whenever ya decide... just please don't send me away."
He got out of the truck without another word, slowly making his way around back to start unloading our purchases. As I got out, I headed toward the house and whispered, knowing he would hear me, "I'm just going to take a shower... hopefully sort through some things. Knock on the door if you need anything."
My shower was anything but head clearing, especially when I could still feel his breath and fingers against my skin. Images swam through my mind of him touching me, kissing me, making sweet love to me, and of us having the most passionate sex known to mankind. My little images turned into fantasies, which ended with me having the two most explosive orgasms of my life, without barely even touching myself. The last one left me sprawled out on the shower bench for a good 5 minutes before I was stable enough to try to stand, then finish rinsing off.
I didn't know how this was going to work, but I was certain things could never go back to being innocent and platonic between us.
I took a long hot shower before I crawled between the sheets without even dressing. I was just too tired to bother, barely able to keep my eyes open. Surprisingly, it was easy for me to fall asleep; I slept peacefully for the first time since the Cullens left Forks.
When I was woken by a soft knock on my bedroom door, I didn't even think before I called out, "Come in."
I hadn't even opened my eyes when I heard a gasp, then a slightly shaky voice say, "Umm... I, uh, brought ya some coffee. I'll just... yeah, I'll leave it on the bar for ya."
I furrowed my eyebrows as I said, "Peter? What's wrong?" only then realizing that I had forgotten to put anything on after my shower last night. My eyes went wide as I sat bolt upright, then I muttered a 'shit' as I hurriedly held the covers to my chest. I blushed, ducking my head into my knees, then mumbled, "Sorry, Peter. I'll... be out... in a few minutes."
He had his back turned to me with his head down, but I knew he had gotten at least a partial view. He nodded as he said, "I'll be in the kitchen. There's no hurry, so whenever you're ready."
The way he said it sounded like he meant more than he was saying, but I agreed and took my time getting dressed. Once I had on my white bra/thong set, a Remetee 'Locket' tee, a pair of sky blue three-button destroyed skinny jeans, a pair of crimson socks, and my black calf-high rugged buckle-detail boots, I made my way to the bathroom. I took care of my morning ritual, grabbed a ponytail holder, then made my way out toward the kitchen as I plopped my waist-length hair up in a messy bun.
I immediately caught sight of Peter, who was pulling my coffee out of the built-in microwave, then said, "I'm really sorry about earlier, Peter. I'm usually dressed in something decent to be seen in when I sleep, but I was so wiped after yesterday, that I..."
He smiled, shaking his head as he cut me off from rambling, "It's alright, really. I just wasn’t expectin' to walk in on ya like that, and I realised immediately that ya didn't register your state of dress. Next time I'll know to make sure you're decent before I walk in."
I chuckled, "Modesty is not plentiful when you run around with vampires and shape-shifting wolves, Peter. Between Ali and the pack, I've been caught in my underwear more times than I can count. At least you know how to knock. I just didn't want to give you the wrong impression, or leave thinking I'm throwing myself at you or something."
He took a few steps closer to me and ducked down to catch my gaze, all without touching me, then whispered, "I definitely liked the sight I walked in on, more than ya know, but I would never assume. Now no more fuss about it, alright?" I nodded, so he asked, "Would ya like somethin' to eat while I give ya a rundown of my night?"
I shook my head as I pointed to my coffee, "Need an IV of this... it's perfect, by the way. Your know-shit meter?"
He chuckled, "I like that one, and yeah. I got the list made for the work barn, stables, and the cabin first. Then I did a perimeter check, where I found a few weak spots on the outside portion of the wall. The inside is fine, but the outside could use some repointin'. There's 4 inch thick steel reinforcement runnin' through the whole wall, in between the two layers of stone. I found it when I was checkin' one of the top cap stones. That's good, in case we need to go on lockdown."
I nodded as I said, "The security system runs through the whole property, too. Paul and I tested it with him on the outside. He couldn't get within a hundred feet of the wall without the alarm sounding on the most sensitive setting. I'll have you check to make sure the cameras and sensors are positioned properly soon, so we don't have any holes." He hummed an agreement as I took a sip of my coffee.
After a second, I said, "Wait, you said stables, as in plural. I only saw the 12 stall stable with the big tack room."
He grinned, "Not far from there, there's a breedin' stable. There are four double sized stalls, meant for puttin' a stud and mare together in, or a mama and newborn. If ya don't intend to breed, we can either knock down the separators to add a bit to it for a winter workin' zone, or we can tear it down."
I shook my head, "Let's just wait on that one until we find horses. I don't know whether I'll want to get into breeding or not, because I'm not familiar with that area. We'll have to go over the basics before I decide. Now what else?"
He chuckled, then said, "Alright, but I'm warnin' ya that there's a lot to be done. The main stable needs updated badly, since there's no way to heat it in the winter, plus a lot of the boards have rotted or been damaged by the horses kickin'. They didn't use thick enough boards when they built it. The work barn needs a new roof, a few new trusses, and a severe clean out. With its proximity to the horse stable, I think it would be a good idea to put a hay loft addition into it. I'll need to check the tractors and other equipment for issues. It wouldn't hurt for ya to invest in a few four-wheelers for ya to get around on the property a bit easier. As for the cabin, it's definitely not livable. Honestly, I need to take ya out there to show ya what I found, ‘cuz it's a miracle ya didn't fall through the floor."
My eyes widened, so he nodded, "Yeah. It was that bad. It would be safer and cost a lot less just to demo it, level that area out, then have a new kit cabin built in its place."
I shook my head, then said, "M'kay. So you'll take me to see what you mean, right? I want to be fully in the loop on everything, so I know why I'm putting X amount of dollars into this or that."
He grinned, "Exactly. That's why I said ya needed to see for yourself. I don't want ya thinkin' you're bein' taken advantage of, Sugar."
I let out an incredulous laugh, then said, "Peter, you could probably buy me under the table three times over, and still have enough money to keep a small country afloat for several decades. I've never known a vampire that didn't have more money than Bill Gates and Hugh Hefner combined."
He laughed outright at that, then agreed, "Yeah... but even then, I still don't see how Ali doesn't run Major in the ground with her shoppin' addiction."
I frowned at that, missing my best friend, which prompted Peter to look at me with concern. I shook my head as I whispered, "I just... I miss her. She was my best friend, but she didn't say goodbye or call me once after they left. I miss her energy and his indulgent smiles. You know when we were in that hotel in Phoenix? I was worried about one of them getting hurt because of me, but Jazz cupped my cheek while saying that I was worth it... that I was worth more than anything, so he and Ali would keep me safe."
Peter sat down next to me, then said, "I haven't called his safe line yet. I didn't know if ya'd want me to."
I shook my head, "No... not yet. I mean, wouldn't she have seen the decisions I've made? She'd know I needed my best friend, especially with Renee and Phil... yet still no contact. I never changed my number, so it's not like she couldn't reach me if she really wanted to. Maybe after a while, when it doesn't hurt so much, but not now."
He nodded, then said, "Let's get your mind goin' on the rest of my findins, Sweets. 'Kay? I cleared a few of the more direct paths, but I didn't know how ya wanted some of the others done. I drew up a map of the property, so we could go over how ya wanted the paths to connect. I hope ya don't mind, but I used one of the sheets in your sketch pad. Ya have an extreme amount of talent, Isabella. The drawin's I saw... were ya thinkin' of makin' one of them happen?"
I grinned and nodded, "Yeah, I just haven't decided which one I want to go with, though. I like the one with the mini waterfalls that has the multiple levels, but it's probably the hardest one to accomplish, right?"
He shook his head no as he beamed at me, "Not at all. It's no harder than the others. We can use the existing lay of the land to our advantage, since there are natural spots in those areas that step up, leadin' toward the trees at the back of the clearin'. We can get ideas of what ya wanna use for materials while we're out, if ya want."
We continued to talk about my pool and spa vision as I drank another cup of coffee, then I figured we should get moving. I had started really taking Peter in for the first time, and that wasn't a good idea. He was too damn sexy for my own good; I was heading into dangerous territory with my thoughts, if I didn't focus on something else soon.
Whereas Edward had a lean and sleek musculature, Peter was all man, with a definite fighter's build. He was wearing a black tee that contrasted his coffee-colored short hair and pale skin, an ass-hugging pair of distressed jeans, and a pair of black worn harness boots. I couldn't help but watch as he shifted, because his chest and ab muscles were clearly defined through his shirt when he did. Plus his voice... Christ almighty, his smooth southern voice made me think of very naughty things I'd like to hear him growl in a sexy tone, or moan even.
I was broken from my little fantasy when I heard his inhale, causing me to immediately walk toward the kitchen door that led to the balcony, trying to shake my thoughts from my head. "You ready? We should get going, since we're wasting precious store hours."
His response came out slightly husky as he gently grabbed my hand, "Mmm, yeah... but I think ya might want a jacket if I'm carryin' ya to the cabin. It's still slightly chilly, Sugar."
My eyes connected with his, since a pleasant tingle worked its way through my entire body at his touch. I got lost in the swirling pools of rich red. I didn't understand what was happening, but I also didn't give a shit, because I was willing to stay lost in those rich pools for as long as he'd let me. I wanted him, wanted all of him, and couldn't help but wish he would never stop touching me.
When he gave me a soft smile as he brushed my cheek with his free hand, causing my eyes to flutter closed, I whispered unknowingly, "What was that?"
His whisper sounded next to my ear, his breath making me shiver in anticipation as arousal flooded my core, "That, Isabella, was somethin' that we'll have to talk about later. Just know that the tingle will happen everytime we touch, and there's nothin' to be afraid of."
He brushed his lips against the soft spot behind my ear, making my breath hitch, then whispered, "Now go get your jacket, please. I don't wantcha gettin' cold on the run."
He slowly backed away from me, first releasing my hand, then my cheek. I frowned as the feeling went away, then let out a heavy breath before opening my eyes. "Jacket... yes, jacket. I'll be right back. You will explain that at some point, though, right?" He agreed with a smirk, then I was off to find the jacket that matched my boots.
When I met him 5 minutes later, down where the pool would end up at some point, he asked with a grin, "Back or front?"
I raised an eyebrow in question, so he clarified, "Would ya rather be carried on my back or in front? I don't know what's more comfortable for ya."
I smiled, then said, "Front, please. I always got queasy when I rode on Edward's back."
Peter smirked and slid up flush against me as he said in a pure sex-filled voice, "Ya asked for it, Isabella. I'll never wanna carry ya another way after this."
He lifted me by the backs of my thighs, making my breath hitch again. I automatically wound my arms and legs around him. I bit my lip as I looked into his eyes, then he said seriously, "Just duck your head into my neck and breathe in my scent if you start feelin' queasy, Sugar. I'll have us there in a jiffy."
I buried my face in his neck before he even took off. At his scent surrounding me, I had to bite back a moan, along with the urge to lick him. I don't think I succeeded, though, because Peter did moan slightly as he said, "I know, Kitten... I know. I feel the same way. Come on, we better get goin'."
We made it to the cabin site in no time. After Peter showed me the weak floor, almost non-existent sub-floor, and the huge ass sinkhole under the cabin, I said while still in his arms, "Demo it. I can't believe Paul and I didn't catch that. We didn't look under the cabin, though. That was a good catch, Peter. I'd hate to have let my dad stay in it, then something happen."
He kissed my forehead, saying softly, "That's what I'm here for, Isabella. I won't let anythin' bad happen to ya, or your loved ones while they're near ya. My truck's parked out by the western garage entrance, because I didn't know where ya'd want me to put it. Let's go load up, so we can get the supplies we need. We can look for a cabin kit online whenever you're ready."
He carried me back to the house to grab my purse and keys, continued to hold me as he watched me set the alarm, then carried me to his truck. He held me just a little bit tighter while inhaling my scent, then set me gently in the passenger seat. Once he was in and we were on the road, I noticed out of my peripheral vision that he placed his hand on the seat closer to me than himself. I smiled slightly, then took a chance to slide my hand, palm up, under his. I laced my fingers with his, causing us both to sigh at the contact.
He pulled my hand onto his right leg, so I scooted cautiously over next to him. He hummed, then unlaced our hands to wrap his arm around me. As I snuggled my head onto his chest, I just barely heard his whispered, "Mmm, that's much better. I've waited so long for ya, Isabella. I swear I'll never give ya a reason to mistrust me."
Peter and I had a really good day together gathering the tools he needed to make a working shop, with me deciding to have all the lumber and other materials delivered. Once I gave them the directions and told them to make sure they buzz the gate, they told us that everything would be delivered sometime between 8-10 am the day after next.
By then my stomach was snarling loudly, so Peter chuckled, "We'd better feed that hungry tummy, Sugar, or it may decide to jump out and bite me."
I chuckled, then spotted a deli across the street. I hummed, then pointed as I said in a caveman fashion, "Food. Feed me."
With a laugh from both of us, we headed to the truck, but he stopped me and pressed me lightly against the door as we reached it. My right hand had somehow found its way over his unbeating heart, my left clutched his shirt on his side, then I bit my lip nervously as I looked up at him from under my lashes.
With a hand by my head and one stroking my cheek, Peter leaned in to whisper against my ear, "There won't ever be a reason for ya to feel nervous or embarrassed with me, Isabella. I'm not him; I won't take your choices from ya... ever. I can't lie and say that I don't want ya, though. I need ya to know that my whole bein' is screamin' for me to strip ya down and lay ya out for me. I want your perfect rosy nipples in my mouth, your intoxicatin' arousal on my tongue, plus I wanna be buried so deep inside ya that neither of us know there's an outside world. I wanna kiss ya so damn bad right now, that I can practically taste your soft lips. You're the leader here, Isabella. I’m takin’ my cues from ya. If ya decide ya want me too, then ya gotta let me know. I won't make a move unless ya tell me."
I wanted to lace my fingers into his silky-looking hair as I begged him to kiss me. I wanted to throw caution to the wind, to tell him to take me home, so we could fulfill every one of my naughty thoughts. I wanted to undress him and explore him like he was my personal playground. I wanted to make him mine in every possible way. I didn't do any of the above, though, because the only thing that came out as a response was, "I... thought it was too dangerous... that humans and... that we couldn't."
He shook his head, then bent enough to run his lips up my neck as his breath fanned across my skin, "We most certainly can, Sugar. Granted, precautions should be taken... but I would willin'ly spend eternity worshipin' your delectable little body. I'd spend day and night to make sure every one of your needs and desires were sated... if ya'd only ask me."
I was breathless with longing for him before he finished speaking. I faintly heard myself whimper as his hand left my cheek to trace my collarbones, his lips leaving barely there kisses up the length of my neck. Then he slowly backed away enough to lift my chin, whispering just shy of my lips, "All ya need to do is ask, Isabella, and I'd give ya anythin' ya needed or wanted."
He slowly released me, my body wanting to scream in protest, but I managed to keep it down to a small whimper of displeasure. I took a few calming breaths, then got into the truck in silence when he backed up.
I ordered my food distractedly, getting it to go, then blindly picked at it on the way home as I tried to sort out my thoughts. I didn't know what to do. My body and instincts were telling me emphatically to just let go... tell him I wanted everything he spoke of. My head was clouded, telling me it was way too soon to be doing anything with him, let alone reopening the 'dating a vampire' can of worms. Then again, I wasn't the same person as I was before, and this definitely wasn't the same vampire. I was still so highly aroused by just his ghosting lips, his barely-there touches. There was no way of stifling it, and definitely no way to make heads or tails of my thoughts.
When we reached the house, Peter parked in the same spot as before, sat next to me quietly for a few minutes, then whispered, "I never meant to push myself on ya, Isabella. I just... needed ya to know that I could be more than just your handyman. I wanna be more... but I'll take whatever you're willin' to give. Please... whatever ya decide, whenever ya decide... just please don't send me away."
He got out of the truck without another word, slowly making his way around back to start unloading our purchases. As I got out, I headed toward the house and whispered, knowing he would hear me, "I'm just going to take a shower... hopefully sort through some things. Knock on the door if you need anything."
My shower was anything but head clearing, especially when I could still feel his breath and fingers against my skin. Images swam through my mind of him touching me, kissing me, making sweet love to me, and of us having the most passionate sex known to mankind. My little images turned into fantasies, which ended with me having the two most explosive orgasms of my life, without barely even touching myself. The last one left me sprawled out on the shower bench for a good 5 minutes before I was stable enough to try to stand, then finish rinsing off.
I didn't know how this was going to work, but I was certain things could never go back to being innocent and platonic between us.