Blood of Ash

Chapter 10: Asher POV

I absolutely did not want to leave. I wanted to stay and tell her everything and make love to her as she fell asleep, but I knew she wasn't ready for that. I had to tread carefully. It was stupid of me to go upstairs and do so much with her. Her scent was all over me and I probably put her at risk. Hopefully, she stays safe as she promised.

I got home and found Alex waiting in my room. He looked at me with worry in his eyes and asked, "What took you so long?"

I shrugged and blushed. "I was with Bells."

He narrowed his eyes. "How did that go?"

"I cleared up the misunderstanding." I grinned.

"Dude, you're covered in her scent. You know that's risky."

I sighed. "I know, but she was worried about me."

"So you slept with her?"

"No! She asked me to tell her how I feel. I told her I couldn't tell her but could show her. We went upstairs and made out, but I wouldn't let us go any further. I'm not going to sleep with her until she knows the truth about what I am. It wouldn't be fair."

He was about to say something when the front door slammed shut. I looked at Alex and he nodded. Jackson was home. He was the reason Bells came so close to frenzying. He was a true blood Vampire just like her, only he didn't try to fight the frenzy. He was six feet tall with brown blond hair and chocolate brown eyes.

Alex and I tensed as he walked in the room. He grinned in a creepy way saying, "Why, Asher, what are you doing with the smell of my bride all over you?"

I growled, "Bella isn't your bride."

He laughed. "Well, not yet, but she will be. You know that."

I shook my head. "No. Bells is my mate. She can't marry you."

"Is she though," he asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Until she decides she doesn't want to be, she is."

He chuckled. "Bella, as you call her, doesn't even know what you are. How do you know she isn't at home right now thinking about me instead of you?"

I tugged on that bond and heard a sleepy Ash, I'm sleeping. I smiled and said, "Because she was just sleeping with me, not with you."

I sent feelings of peace and love to her through our bond and Alex said, "Jackson, mom said you were to behave for at least a few days while you're here."

He glared at me. "Fine, but only cause mom asked."

He left and I relaxed slightly. Alex said, "You only have a few days to figure out how to tell her. If you don't-"

I nodded. "I know. Frenzy."

We went to bed and I decided I couldn't afford to miss school the next day. I needed to know she was safe. With Jackson you never knew.

I was waiting for her at her locker and she looked very confused. She smiled and said, "Ash? What are you doing here?"

I smiled at her and shrugged. "I couldn't wait any longer."

She c****d her head and said "For what?"

I chuckled and leaned down kissing her tenderly. "For that silly."

She blushed. "Ash, we're in school."

"So? Everyone here already knows you're the only one I want. I want them all to know that I have you."

I kissed her again as she blushed. "Ash," she protested.

I chuckled, "Okay. I'm sorry. I just, I want to show off my beautiful girlfriend."

She froze and stared at me wide eyed. "Wait. What do you mean girlfriend?"

"Well, I figured it was obvious that's what I wanted. And after last night, I kind of didn't think. Was I being stupid again?"

She smiled and kissed me softly. "No. You were not being stupid. I've been waiting for this moment forever, Ash."

I grinned and hugged her tight. "So, how'd you sleep after I left?"

She blushed and I winked at her. "I actually dreamed about you. It was just a vague dream, but I remember telling you I was sleeping."

I took a deep breath to tell her it wasn't a dream when the halls went silent. I smelled him before I saw him. Blood, Earth, and smoke. Jackson was here. I grabbed Bella's hand and squeezed tight.

"Ow! Ash! That hurts."

Startled, I looked at her. "I'm sorry, Bells. I think we should head to class."

"Leaving so soon," Jackson said. "Brother?"

I groaned and reluctantly acknowledged him. "Jackson, what are you doing here?"

He shrugged. "Mom made me finish the year here." He looked at Bella, my dear sweet Bella, and purred. "Hey, Bella. Do you remember me?"

I felt her tense. She looked up at me and said, "Ash?"

I smiled at her. "Yes, Bells?"

"Can you give me a moment with your brother?"

I hesitated, but nodded. I kissed her softly and gave her the privacy she requested. Unfortunately, I didn't hear the conversation and when she looked at me, she had tears in her eyes and I knew something was wrong.

She marched over to me and slapped me before heading to class. Jackson said, "Oh! I'm sorry. I thought she knew the truth about how you felt."

I growled and took off after her. Unfortunately, this time no matter how hard I tried, she refused to listen to me.