Disclaimer: I don't own anything. SM owns chars.

A/N: So after a long, long time out of the fanfic, game my dissatisfaction with Twilight has inspired me to write on here again lol. Thank you to Bragi151, frosty1974, Pavarti, Chele and nikkiwh2010 for helping me through this. I hope you enjoy. Reviews and criticism welcome. =]

Chapter 1: Letting Loose

It was a hot summer day. The sun gleamed off the glossy sheen of the playground tower. Kids ran around, oblivious to the volley of sand trailing in their wake. Parents milled about, talking to one another while keeping a third eye on their child.

Then a sound sure to make any child run to their parents and start begging for money echoed around the playground. The ice cream truck had come!

Amid the yelling children and coerced parents, two women fell into line, one dragging the other.

"Alice, really now. Aren't we a bit too old for this?" said the one being dragged.

"Old? Who's old? I will be forever young. All cause I enjoy the simple pleasures in life." Alice blew a raspberry at her friend. "Unlike you, Bella, I think being too reserved can be bad for you. Come on. Live a little. What's one popsicle gonna hurt?"

"Fine. Fine. You win." Shaking her head, Bella chuckled softly and linked arms with Alice. They approached the truck, falling into step with one another.

"Two popsicles please!" They said simultaneously. They looked at each other and laughed before exchanging money with the ice cream man for their popsicles. Walking towards the benches beneath the trees, they unwrapped their popsicles, Alice throwing the wrapper away while Bella bunched it up at the base of the treat.

"Mmm…I love popsicles!" said Alice as she curled her tongue around the base and licked her way to the tip where she sucked on it lightly, giving herself fully into the sensation.

"I bet you do," said Bella sarcastically. She lightly lapped at her treat all the while scrutinizing Alice. "How can you do that?"

"Do what?" Alice replied, still completely engrossed in her task of savoring every bit of her popsicle as she could.

"THAT! With no kind of wrapper or protection on it!"

Alice rolled her eyes and continues to walk along. "Easily."

"But…But it's unsanitary! Doesn't it bother you at all?"

"Nope. I'm used to it."

"That's the scary part about it."

"Why?"

"Look! It's dripping all over you! God only knows if those stains will affect you later on. Mine on the other hand is nice and tidy." Bella indicated hers as if putting it on display.

"Gosh, what's a little mess here and there. It's not as if you haven't gotten messy before. It makes things all the more interesting." Alice licked the juices running down her hand. "Tada! All clean. At least I enjoy mine."

"Hey! I enjoy mine!" Bella deliberately sucked on hers.

"Really? Really now? When was the last time you tasted its full length? Felt the satisfaction of knowing there was absolutely nothing between you and it? Opened yourself completely to the experience? When?" She stared pointedly at Bella.

"Um… I don't know. Not that long ago I'm sure. It can't have been that long ago... But that's beside the point!"

"Is it really?" Alice said indifferently before nodding towards the collection of fluids condensed in Bella's wrapper. "Such a waste."

"Not even! Better to be protected from all that gunk then to have it all over you."

"Whatever you say, hun," Alice sat on the bench and placed her elbows on the table behind her, continuing to languidly lick at her treat. No excess fluids dribbled down. No unwanted stickiness got on her clothes. The wind softly blew the silky tresses of her hair away from her face, letting the sun kiss her pale porcelain skin.

Bella stood there watching her as the wind blew her hair into her face, the sticky liquid staining her lips making strands stick to it. The sun could not reach her beneath the shadows cast by Alice and the trees.

Alice finished her popsicle and began to walk away.

"You're dripping," Alice pointed out.

Bella looked down at her hand. The fluids had escaped from the barrier formed by the wrapper, spilling onto the pale fingers clutching at the wilting remains of what used to be a tantalizing treat. Bella removed the wrapper, licking at the spilt juices, and ran after Alice.

Upon reaching her, Bella fell into step with Alice. They walked around the perimeter of the park in silence, unwilling to discuss what had really brought them here. Nearing the second lap, it just couldn't wait any longer.

"I'm really worried about you, Bella."

"I've really messed up, haven't I?"

"No, of course not, Sweety." Alice turned to wrap Bella into her embrace. "You just… You need to get away. Being locked up in your house all the time isn't a way to live. Heck trying to be so clean and pristine all the time is ridiculous. There's more to life than that. You miss out on so much in trying to be perfect, and for what? You already were perfect! You don't need to -"

"But it's just that-"

"No. No buts. Bella, you've changed. What happened to the Bella I knew? The one that actually took the time to be a friend? The one that checked up on me randomly just to see how I was doing? The one that would find some silly event that we would randomly go to just for the hell of it? Where is that Bella? Where are you?"

"I haven't changed. I'm still-"

"Bella, you aren't the same and you know it." Alice released Bella.

"I'm sorry. It's just the stress of trying to be this- this THING is killing me. But it's worth it, you know? It really is…It has to be…Isn't it?" Bella brought her hands to her face, trying to wipe away the uncertainty. "Maybe I do need a little break."

"I know. Aaaannnddd I know just the trick to bring you back!"

Bella turned to catch a sadistic gleam in Alice's eyes. That evil look could only result in one thing, one that promised hours and hours of torture: Girls Night Out.

"No! Alice please, anything but that!" Bella whined.

"Shut up! Come on girl. We haven't spent time together at all. Not to mention you need to take a break. Let loose for once. Maybe you'll finally find some true happiness."

"But I am ha-"

Alice glared at Bella.

"Fine, fine I'll go." Bella grumbled.

Alice smirked. "I'll take care of everything."

~8~8~8~8~

Bella POV

I hate clubs. I don't even know why the heck I'm here. I spot Alice over at the bar flirting with some beefy hunk. I knew this was a bad idea. Sigh.

The incessant thumping of the music was giving me a headache. The air conditioning did nothing to alleviate the stuffy, musky air. And I swear if there is one spot on this floor that wasn't sticky with some kind of spilt fluid, I hadn't yet been able to find it.

Resigning myself to sit at some obscure corner until the night was over, I pick my way through the crowed in impossibly high heels that was forcibly placed on me. Four inch heels are NOT my friends. At least the corner that I claimed has a high stool that, although wasn't comfortable, gave me a great view of the room.

Taking a glance back at Alice, it seems like she's got her guy for the night, hook, line and sinker. The beefy dolt is practically salivating.

If only I had that kind of beauty. Now there is a girl who knew she had looks and could use them to her advantage. She is in control. Heck any woman who could party as hard as her and still be a successful business woman is a woman to be reckoned with.

Looking back down at my appearance, I feel like a little girl trying to dress in mommy's clothes. The halter top that she had loaned me flows down my chest trying to cling to what few curves I had. The short shorts are not flattering at all, exposing skinny, pale legs with knobby knees. And these heels just make me feel like a hooker.

Attempting to shove my self-consciousness back into something manageable, I let my eyes flitter about the room, taking notice of the ridiculous things that go on in clubs.

Men surround the dance floor, waiting for their opportunity to swoop in on one of the writhing girls and possibly wheedle themselves into the girls' beds. Clubs are just a feeding ground for hookups.

Disgusted with the display, I turn my head towards the one seemingly safe area of the club to watch, the small sitting area, which this early in the night ought to be empty.

Instead there was one man there. He sat at the far corner of the dimly lit room. To his back, the wall. To his right, a small worn table.

It is a place of power…that spot. I think the entire venue is visible from there, and no one can come up from behind you and surprise you. I can see his eyes following everything in the room, all who come, all who go, though his eyes do seem to me to be lingering on figures of the opposite sex.

Sprawled across the old wooden chair, his large physique dwarfs the furniture around him. His broad shoulders are encased in a tight black shirt. The sleeves barely encompass his well defined arms. The shirt loosens towards his tapered waist. Dark blue jeans, fit snuggly on firm, well-muscled legs. The worn, but loved boots enclose large solid feet.

He's just delicious. With his legs spread and his shoulders are slightly slouched, his hands loosely grip the beer on the table beside him.

They are large calloused hands. Hands that have known work. Hands that have the touch. Hands that have experience. They are hands that knew what they were doing. The way he caressed his bottle, slowly, lingering at every crevice and curve, hypnotize me.

Hungry eyes followed every movement, unable to break free from the spell he's cast with his dark chocolate bedroom eyes, and strong magical fingers. They weave a dark enchantment, beckoning any who had dared overcome the aura of dangerous excitement clinging to him.

One night with him could be addictive.

Lethal.

His long elegant fingers cradle the bottle to his palm, bringing it slowly up to his full lips. His lips then move to slowly encompass the parted lips of his bottle, allowing the seductive, intoxicating taste to fill his senses. A single drop escapes, trailing past juicy lips and along the strong jaw, caressing and leaving its essence on the slightly scruffy terrain.

Finished with the now empty bottle, he sets it aside. He scans the room again. His eyes, once soft and inviting, sharpen, homing in on his target. He stalks his prey.

Stealthily making his way around the jungle of swaying bodies, and tangle of limbs, he prowls the dance floor. His powerful arms make a seemingly loose cage around her. He slowly crouches down, his chiseled chin brushing her bare shoulder for an instant, catching her attention. She tenses. His eyes gleam, white teeth flash against the dark, sun-kissed skin; He went in for the kill. She had no chance.

"Hi," he whispers.

"Wow." I murmur under my breath, fanning myself with my hand. The room must have gotten several degrees hotter. My once flowing halter top now clung to my sweat damped chest. "That was just scorching"

"What are you talking to yourself about?" purrs a slightly tipsy Alice as she sways to the music. Following the direction of my stare, she found the object of my fascination. "Mmm… Jacob Black. He sure is some other kind of fine."

"Oh yes…" I can't seem to take my eyes off of him. "Ehem, I mean, who are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb with me. The guy you're obviously eye fucking," she says as she nods towards Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome.

"You know him?"

"Honey, what girl in her right mind doesn't? But then again you're obviously out of yours, which isn't surprising seeing you're always locked up and…"

I glare at her.

"Fine, fine. I'm dropping it." She puts her hands up in the air. "I'm juuuust saying. Thank god I finally got you out! But yea… Jacob. He knows how to get what he wants. Heck he can probably convince you that it's what you want too. No matter how it ends no one can seem to hate him. Too bad all he ever seems to want is a one night stand. He's a dangerous one."

"Yeah…It's too bad," I sigh.

I watch as he escorts the girl from the dance floor. Her smile is one of triumph and excitement. Jacob sports an adorably cocky grin. The bastard! But as he turns to take one last look behind him, for a second he looked… lost…tired even.

I shake my head clear. There is no way that could have been right. He is too sure of himself to ever be lost. Not to mention, Jacob seems like the kind of guy that could keep going… and going… and… UGH! I shut the thought out before it can get out of control. Losing the only thing that holds fascination for me, I decide to get up.

"Alice. I'm tired. I think I'm just going to call a cab and head back."

"Aww, come on Bells! It's still early! You need to loosen up and try to have some fun. Seriously, stop being such an old lady. I finally get you away fro-"

"Alice." I look her straight in the eyes.

"Fine, fine. But hey, I just met the cutest guy, and evidently he has a friend. Come on I'll introduce you guys." She grabs my hand and starts to head back towards the bar where beefy guy was waiting.

"I really don't think I can-"

"Bella it's only some harmless flirting."

"I really can't. Look I'm pretty beat. I'll just go home and call you tomorrow ok?"

Alice sighs. "No, no. Don't. I'll take you home. Just give me a second." She looks towards the guy at the bar and with a disappointed expression brings her hand up to wave good bye.

"No. It's ok. Have fun, he looks like a nice enough guy. I swear I'll be fine. I'll call you!" I force a smile and depart before she could protest.

Bursting through the doors, the fresh air kisses my damp flesh. The slight breeze brush stray strands away from my face, blowing a deliciously sinful scent my way.

Closing my eyes I took it in, the scent of earth, musk and MAN. Just the smell alone made my knees weak. I didn't have to look to know who it belonged to.

Jacob Black.

His name glided sinuously thought my mind. Seducing me into turning towards him. To run to him. Heck to straight up pounce him. But I shouldn't. I need to go home. I really do.

Unable to resist a little peek thought, I turn my head towards the scent, and there he was escorting the lady into a cab.

Dang it! Why did I have to look? Of course he's going home with her. What the heck was I thinking?

Jacob had just guided her into the cab gracefully and said good night, even waving her off. Once the cab had turned around the corner, his shoulder's looked like it slumped just slightly. A great sigh heaved from his chest.

WAIT! This isn't right. I completely turn towards the scene now, slowly inching my way towards them. Let loose, Bella. You can do this. Let loose, if just for one night.

"Hey," I say without thinking.

He instantly turns towards me. His cool mask of a nonchalant badass once again in place. One of his eye brows quirk up in question.

"Um…I…" I could feel a blush flush across my face.

"Are you ok?" he chuckles.

"Y-yes," I stutter. Taking in a deep breath, I threw all caution to the wind. Channeling my inner Alice I let my hand come up to trace his high cheek bones and cup his face tenderly. "Hi."

Never breaking contact with my eyes, he takes my hand in his and guides it to his mouth. Soft lips brush the sensitive skin of my wrist. Trailing kisses up my palm to my finger tip, he gives each one a slight nip; each nip causing my entire body to tremble.

Slowly intertwining out fingers, and he pulls me closer. Our chests were a mere hair's breathe apart. Each shuddering breath I took almost let me brush my sensitized body against his.

He lowers his head down towards mine. My eyes close instinctively, my body straining to get closer to him, yet not wanting to make it obvious. And just as soon as we were almost close enough to kiss, he stops.

I open my eyes to look into his smoldering eyes. I growl and yank him down by his shirt until our lips met.

First kisses with anyone are usually hesitant and unsure from what my limited experience has taught me, but not this one. Not even close. Our lips clash, both of us fighting for dominance. We devour, trying to taste and feel everything at once.

My hand lets go of his shirt only to bury it into his hair, pulling him even closer. I tilt my head, pressing my lips tightly against his and allowing my tongue to flick out of my mouth trying to gain entry into the hot cavern of his. I whimper slightly, annoyed at his unrelenting dominance. Nipping his top lip, I search for a way in. Instead he catches my bottom with his teeth, scraping just slightly. I draw in a ragged breath. He chuckles against my mouth.

He's laughing at me? Pulling back immediately, I glare into those deep chocolate eyes. But my glare softens as soon as his boyish grin smiled down on me. Damn him.

"Come with me." His lips brush against my ear, as his warm breath fans down my neck.

I nod, and follow him as he led us into the night.