ETERNAL SUNSET

The Edward and Veronica Fantasies

By Veronica Blake

Based on the character, Edward Cullen, created by Stephanie Meyers.

No copyright infringement intended.

CHAPTER ONE

Candy Canes and Sugar Kisses

Veronica shivered as she stared out the window, although she wasn't the least bit cold. The interior of the tiny log cabin was as toasty as if it was a hot summer day. But, it was December 24th and the wind was blowing the snow against the outside walls of the house with violent gusts that made the entire structure seem to shake. The sound of another log being added to the already blazing fire turned her attention away from the blinding snow storm outside. As Veronica gazed toward her husband, she asked, "How did you do it?"

Edward gave her that crooked childish grin that always made her knees feel weak and her insides quake like the snowflakes that swirled in the wind outside. He lifted one dark brow in a curious arch and straightened up to his full height.

"How did I do what, babe?" The breath caught in her throat as it often did whenever she stared at this man. Veronica looked into his twinkling gaze, which appeared a rich topaz hue in the flickering firelight. His innocent expression did not fool her…he knew exactly how he affected her. She could not even speak until she swallowed the hard lump in her throat. Her heart thudded against the inside of her chest as she attempted to remain in control for just a few moments longer.

"H-How did you get me exactly what I wanted for Christmas?" His shoulders shrugged as if he didn't know what she was talking about, but the teasing smile that curved his lips told a different story. Veronica had asked for only one thing this year – to spend time alone with her gorgeous husband without any interruptions from the outside world. This blizzard had knocked out the phone service on both the landline and the cell phones, the satellite was down and if not for the emergency generator, they would not have any power in the entire house. Veronica couldn't be happier.

With an exaggerated bow, Edward bent forward, "Your wish is always my command." He straightened up and held out his hand toward Veronica. "And, if I'm not being too presumptuous, I would like to make your second wish come true."

She drew in a deep breath as she gazed at his out-stretched hand. His fingers were so long, and slender, so perfect…just like the rest of him. She could feel the touch of those icy fingers on her skin even before she crossed the room to where he waited. His arms encircled her waist the instant she was within his reach and she snuggled against his hard chest. When Veronica was in her husband's arms, the rest of the world ceased to exist. In her wildest fantasies, she never could have imagined she would be so happy, so loved and so in love…and that she would be married to a vampire.

"Let me warm you," Edward whispered when she trembled with anticipation. He scooped her up in his arms and began to carry her into their bedroom. He always confused her shivering with being cold, and she'd given up trying to argue with him about it. She shook her head and a smile instantly touched her lips as she glanced around. The bedroom was aglow with flickering candlelight and a bottle of champagne chilled in a bucket on the nightstand. One tall champagne flute waited to be filled and a single red rose rested across her pillow.

"You're amazing," she whispered as he placed her gently in the middle of their king-size bed and lay down next to her. His smooth cold lips began to kiss gently along the curve of her neck. Veronica's breath caught in her throat. She couldn't help herself – every time his lips were against her neck, a frenzy of fear and excitement rushed through her. It would be so easy for him to lose control and in a heartbeat her life would end, and she would become like him…one of the undead. This would happen someday, they both knew it, and they both wanted it – someday.

"I love you," Edward said softly as he began to lift her blue sweater up past her bra. She raised her arms up so that he could pull the sweater over her head as she repeated her version of his sentiment,

"I love you so much more." He ignored her comment as he tossed the garment off the bed and his kisses began to nip gently along the rise of her breasts above the top edge of her black lacy bra. His frosty lips against her fevered skin sent bolts of ecstasy through her entire body. Reaching back, Veronica quickly unhooked her bra so that Edward could assault her throbbing breasts properly. He wasted no time in discarding the bra and allowing his mouth to clasp onto one eager nipple. She moaned softly and leaned forward to allow his lips to devour her swollen breast. His glacial touch induced an ache so sweet she felt as if her heart was exploding inside of her chest. When his mouth moved to give the other breast equal attention, Veronica reached up and immersed her fingers in his thick russet colored hair. The feel of the silken strands between her fingers was like an aphrodisiac every time her hands became lost in the tussled mass of his luxurious tresses. A familiar ache began to work its way through her loins and it was like a wildfire was raging out of control inside of her. Edward was already unsnapping her jeans and pulling the zipper down, as Veronica fumbled with the snap on his jeans. Since Edward was so much more proficient than she was at everything, he assisted her clumsy hands and before long the last of their clothes were thrown on the floor. Her flesh, scorching and full of life melded against his cold, unyielding form and she was once again filled with wonder. How was it possible that he could be void of all life when he seemed more alive than anyone she had ever known? Veronica could tell how difficult it was for him to hold back, but he was always so worried he would hurt her if he ever lost control of his own body.

His arms were as stiff as rods as he held himself up just enough so that their bodies were touching, yet he kept himself from completely laying on top of her because his stone body would crush her if he allowed his full weight to press down on her. She could feel the tip of his icy penis pressing into her lower abdomen, and as her fingers clasped around the marble shaft, she felt the sensation that Edward continuously told her was not possible. He insisted his long dead penis could not grow engorged the way a living man's could when aroused, but Veronica knew she was not imagining the way his penis pulsated and warmed with her touch, and this certainty gave her a heady sense of power that only served to increase her desire for this man. The throbbing between her legs was almost unbearable by the time his rigid penis entered her and she could not help the weak cry that accompanied his first deep plunge. She felt him ease up and she immediately clasped a hold of his buttocks and pulled him back down into her. Although she could not deny he was more man than she could sometimes handle, having him inside of her and being bonded together in this intimate ritual was worth any amount of pain she had to suffer. Veronica clamped her mouth shut to keep any more cries from escaping, because she knew in a few seconds, his rock hard penis would lull the hurt into a pleasure so deep and ravenous that she would become nearly unconscious. Already, the pain was fading, and was being replaced by shooting sensations that made her feel as if her insides were about to detonate.

Edward pulled her up to a sitting position without dislodging her body from his and with her legs wrapped tightly around his waist he pulled her to the edge of the bed where he knelt on the floor and began to delve his hips against her as he continued to move in and out of her like a perfectly oiled machine. She threw her head back, unaware of the animalistic growl that escaped from her. It felt as if he had entered her very core and the building climax was almost more than her human mind and body could endure. With a heavy shudder, she felt Edward's movements start to slow and then eventually come to a stop. But, he remained inside of her as he picked her up in his arms and lay down on the bed with her still impaled on top of him. Veronica drew in a trembling breath as her sanity began to seep back into her spinning mind. Her body still felt as if a bonfire was searing through it. Like a limp rag doll she laid face down on top of her husband. Her sweating, hot body rested against his cold and unyielding one, yet, not even the chill radiating from him could cool the inferno inside of her. This man – this vampire – was like no other lover she had ever known. His love-making went far beyond physical contact. Each time he entered her, he claimed more than her body; he possessed her very soul, and Veronica felt a connection with him that was almost unearthly. She wished they could remain together like this forever.

"We need to get a blanket for you," Edward whispered against her ear. "I don't want you catching a cold."

"Not yet," Veronica replied. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck and her lips sought his mouth as naturally as a moth is drawn to a flame. Her kiss was demanding and her intent was obvious as her tongue entered into the sweet honey-tasting interior of his mouth. His tongue instantly began a sensuous game with hers as their lips ravenously devoured one another. She felt the rise of his hips as he began to move inside of her again and she responded by moving with him in perfect harmony, but now she was on top and he was not entirely controlling the situation. Veronica plunged down hard, wanting every inch of him in her; it was a pain she relished. His hands cupped her buttocks and she could feel his fingers pressing into her flesh. A cry of rapture escaped from her as he pushed her up to a sitting position. Her palms pushed against his chest as her body arched backwards and their hips continued to grind together. His deep lunges were nearly too much for Veronica to bear, but she would never admit this to him. She gritted her teeth together and when she was certain she could not take much more of the deep penetration, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her back down as he made one final lunge upward. Veronica's breath caught in her throat and she heard him gasp loudly as they jointly reached the highest summit of this sensuous rite.

For a few moments longer, she rested in the protective cradle of Edward's embrace. No words were necessary. Their enraptured actions had just spoken every emotion they were capable of feeling. Physically spent, Veronica let her husband roll her off of his body and onto the mattress. Someday, when she was a vampire, too, she would have unending stamina like his and they could make passionate love like this forever. That was definitely something to look forward to in the future. A contented sigh escaped her lips as he moved the long-stemmed rose from her pillow and placed it on the night stand so that she could lay her head on the pillow. He gently pulled the warm flannel sheets and down comforter up over her nude body. He would lie on top of the covers, of course, because he never felt the cold. Veronica reached up and placed one hand on the side of his face. Beneath her sweating palm his skin felt as smooth and cool as porcelain. His golden half-closed gaze stared down at her and a soft smile touched his lips. In the flickering candle light, he appeared almost God-like. Veronica was overcome with emotion as she gazed at him and marveled once again at how much she loved him. "Merry Christmas, Veronica," Edward said softly in his lyrical voice. He leaned forward and kissed her lips tenderly. Was it possible for someone to be so gloriously happy? Veronica wondered once again. The sudden sound of the screeching wind blasting against the exterior walls intruded into this magical moment and bolted her back to reality.

"You sleep now, darlin'. I will make sure we have plenty of wood for the night and check the gas in the generator. I need to keep you warm." His ironic words barely reached Veronica's ears before her exhaustion coaxed her into a deep, contented slumber. Christmas Eve had been all that she had dreamed of and more.

A hazy gray light filtered through the curtains on the window, but Veronica could tell it was early morning. Still groggy, she instinctively reached over to snuggle up to her man. A disappointed sigh emitted from her as she realized he was not in bed. But, she could smell the enticing aroma of coffee and knew he was probably busy preparing her breakfast. Although, he didn't eat or drink, he had learned to cook like a gourmet chef just so he could make sure she ate properly. Veronica smiled to herself and pulled the covers up under her chin. Merry Christmas to me, she thought as her body tingled from the memory of last night. Although it would so easy to just lay here all day—in bed—making love to her sexy husband, Veronica knew that her weary human body could not handle it. Her smile faded. Maybe they should just get it over with. Edward was so ready. He desperately wanted her to join him for all eternity and he worried constantly that something would happen to her when they were apart, preventing them from fulfilling their ultimate goal. But, once, before they were married and had first began their love affair, and when she had learned his deep dark secret, he had told her it was extremely rare, and nearly impossible, for a human woman to become impregnated by a vampire. But, it had happened several times throughout history. It was this desperate hope that kept Veronica from joining her soul mate in his vampire world. To have Edward's child, to know that their love had created a living, breathing extension of them both, was far, far too important for her to give up on just yet.

She was 28 years old and Edward was pretending to be 23, so they could both pretend for a little longer that they were a normal couple. If she wasn't pregnant soon, she told herself, she would forget this desperate quest, but for just a little longer, she would continue to hope….. Veronica dragged herself out of the bed and grabbed her fuzzy pink robe from the end of the bed where Edward had left it for her. Her body felt like it had been beat with a bat and her insides felt like they had been rubbed raw. But, it was so worth the suffering. She slipped her feet into her matching slippers, limped through the bedroom door and drew in a heavy breath as she straightened herself up and acted as if nothing was hurting.

Glancing around, Veronica realized she was alone. Edward had probably gone hunting. The interior of the little cabin basked in a soft multi-colored glow from the twinkling lights on the evergreen Christmas tree in the corner of the living room. The small round table in the kitchen area was formally set with one plate, eating utensils and a Santa Claus mug. A red and white striped candy cane was lying diagonally across the plate, and beside the mug was a tiny package wrapped in silver foil paper with a white bow. Veronica clapped her hands together like an excited child. Whatever was in that little box was something she knew she would cherish. Since Edward was not here to see her, she scuffled slowly over to the table and picked up the tiny present. The sound of the front door swinging open made her gasp and she almost threw the package in the air.

"Mornin', darlin'," Edward said in a suggestive drawl. His pale fingertips touched the brim of the black Stetson cowboy hat he wore on top of his wavy hair. "And, Merry Christmas again," he added as he tipped his hat slightly.

A guilty giggle escaped from Veronica as she quickly replaced the package on the table and grabbed the candy cane instead. She turned to bask in the sight of her dangerously handsome husband. Ever since moving to this remote part of the forest in Northwestern Colorado, he had fully embraced the cowboy lifestyle. His lanky, six foot two inch frame was adorned in a long black canvas duster that ended almost at his ankles. Rubber ranch boots protected the cowboy boots he wore on his feet and the incredibly sexy black cowboy hat topped the ensemble. His exquisite appearance seemed to be accented by the contrast of dark clothing against the alabaster smoothness of his indescribably beautiful face. Veronica unconsciously sucked loudly on the curved end of the cane as she drank in every inch of her gorgeous man. Her knees felt shaky and weak and her loins throbbed unmercifully. If he crossed the room right now, threw her across the table and made love to her among the broken dishes, her every Christmas wish would come true. "You look hungry," Edward said with a laugh. One dark auburn colored brow rose up in a teasing arch as one side of his mouth curved up in a taunting smirk. As his smothering golden gaze locked with Veronica's gaze, he anxiously kicked off his rubber boots. Underneath, he wore sharp toed black and grey Tony Lama cowboy boots. He did not remove his long duster or hat as he began to move towards her with a swaggering gait that was so elegant it almost appeared as if he was floating. Veronica's hand still held the candy cane to her mouth, but she no longer sucked on it. The peppermint treat now rested awkwardly against her gaping bottom lip.

She couldn't move as she watched him drawing nearer, nor could she look away from the intense expression of passion on his face. He stopped when he was just inches from her. Parts of their bodies were barely touching as he reached out and pulled the candy cane from her trembling mouth. Leaning down, his lips began to suck on the sweet stickiness covering her mouth. Veronica's arms automatically rose up and encircled his neck as she exhaled the breath she had been holding and opened her mouth wider to receive his darting tongue. She was only vaguely aware of the collapse of her quaking legs when Edward crushed her against his hard body with one swift move. He completely supported her weight as his kisses demanded her complete surrender. Just as quickly as he had grabbed her and lavished kisses on her waiting lips, Edward released his mouth from hers and pulled back slightly. He looked down at her with narrowed eyes. His long thick lashes almost rested on the top of his satin cheekbones. Veronica was grateful that he was still supporting her with his strong embrace or she was certain she would have collapsed at his feet. Just the sight of him turned her limbs to Jell-O.

"You need to eat breakfast," he whispered.

"I had a candy cane," she whispered back. Food was the farthest thing from her mind right now. Edward's head shook from side to side beneath the wide brim of the hat.

"A hearty meal," he retorted. "Then treats, and, presents," he added with a wink and a quick glance at the shiny package on the table.

A disappointed sigh came from Veronica's swollen mouth. He was such a stickler when it came to making her to eat properly. At least, that was one more thing they would not have to waste time with once they were both immortal. "Okay," she mumbled as she felt his tight hold around her waist begin to loosen. Her legs felt barely strong enough to keep her upright. She drew in a deep breath and exhaled heavily. She was reminded that she had crawled directly out of bed this morning and not bothered to brush her hair or teeth, and unlike Edward, whose breath always smelled like honey and never a hair out of place, she still had to take the time to make herself presentable.

"I'll go clean up a bit," she said in a resigned voice. Edward leaned over and kissed the top of her tousled auburn hair. The brim of his hat brushed against her head as he backed away.

"I'll have breakfast waiting." Veronica nodded her head, adding,

"And treats, don't forget the treats." His mouth broke into a wide grin.

"You will never want for treats for the rest of your existence, darlin'."

Veronica's loins felt like they had just melted into a quivering mass. Damn food, anyway! "I-I-I will b-be right b-back," she stammered as she forced herself to move away from him. The lingering pain from last night's excursion was now replaced with new longings. She hurried into the bedroom and opened the top drawer of her bedside table and pulled out a brightly wrapped package; her present for Edward. She had thought about her gift to him for months – just what does one buy a vampire, anyway? His needs were fairly basic: find a home where he could live in peace, like their little secluded mountain cabin; stay out of the sunlight, easy to do in the heavily-wooded forest they lived in – they only went to the nearest town occasionally and always on rainy or snowy days or at night; to feed off the blood of the forest animals, and there was abundance of them here, and find a mate so that he wouldn't be alone. Veronica hugged the package against her breast and smiled to herself. He had definitely found his mate and neither of them would ever be alone again. She only hoped he liked the leather chaps she had made especially for him by a local saddle maker. They were fashioned out of soft black leather with white leather diamonds down the side of each leg. In the center of each diamond was a sparkling silver concho…they would shimmer in the sunlight just like he did. She gulped when the image of him wearing the chaps – only the chaps – wafted through her wanton mind. Oh My God, she thought with a giddy chortle, this present would serve more than one purpose. Maybe she would buy him a lasso for New Years!

As she shoved the drawer shut with her knee, the rose Edward had placed there last night toppled to the floor. Veronica bent down, and without thinking, grabbed the thorny stem of the flower. She cried out and dropped the stem almost immediately when she felt the sharp prick, but it was too late. Before she had even straightened all the way up, Edward was standing beside her. Veronica's startled gaze traveled up from his feet to his head, and if the situation had not been so dire, she would have burst out laughing hysterically. He had discarded his long canvas coat and was now wearing only his cowboy boots, black hat and a pair of boxer shorts that she had given him as a gag gift last year. They were red velvet with furry white trim around the leg openings and velvet ties that had little bells hanging from the ends. In white lettering along one leg it read, "Jingle balls."

Veronica's wide-eyed gaze moved up past his flat chiseled stomach and perfect pecks, coming to rest on his ashen face. "I barely pricked my hand—" He shook his head from side to side,

"What—what do you want me to do?" The expression of terror on his face was evident and his voice was consumed with panic. "It's your call, Veronica, it always is." She stared at his face; his jaw was squared and taut and his eyes looked wild and dark. The feel of the small trickle of warm blood coming from the minor wound on her hand caught her attention and she threw the present on the bed and clasped her injured palm in her other hand. It was, she realized, a very small injury. "I need to know now!" Edward demanded. His hands were drawn into balled fists at the sides of his red velvet boxers.

Veronica's mind filled with images of how wonderful it would be to be his equal in every way…to be his vampire wife. It would be the greatest Christmas gift he could ever give her. Yes, this could be the day they had both been waiting for since the first time they had gazed at one another years ago. She ran her tongue over her parched lips and opened her mouth to tell him yes – but then she remembered last night. Maybe he had already given her the greatest gift of all; maybe he had planted a magical seed inside of her that would flourish and grow and fill her with more love than she could ever imagine. She swallowed the hard lump in her throat.

"No, Edward, not today." Her voice was hoarse and barely audible, but he heard, and he understood. He twirled around on his heels and rushed out of the room, shutting the door behind him. She knew if he remained any longer the enticing smell of her blood, even such a small amount, would be too much for him and he would lose control. Occasionally, there had been times when she had her period, and he was forced to go hunting for the entire duration because he was afraid of losing control. But, menstrual blood was easier for him to resist because it wasn't fresh blood. Veronica remained rooted to the spot for several moments, staring at the closed door. A deep sorrow filled her chest and she fought to hold back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. She wanted to be like him so badly, but yet, if there was even the most remote possibility that she could have his child, how could she not wait a little longer? A soft knock on the door interrupted her tormented thoughts.

"Veronica? Are you okay?" Edward's worried voice calmed the sense of remorse and indecision that had threatened to overcome her seconds ago. She reminded herself that she had him, and that was all she would ever need. The next time something like this happened, she wouldn't hesitate to let him turn her, and there would be a next time; there always was. "Yes, I'm great," she called out.

"I'll be there in a sec. Hope breakfast is ready." She wiped away a stray tear that was rolling down her cheek and hurried into the bathroom to care for her wound. With a bandage secured snuggly over her cut, and her long auburn hair pulled into a loose ponytail at the nape of her neck, she quickly threw on an old pair of jeans and a gray thermal pullover, and then slipped her feet back into her fuzzy pink slippers. When she exited from the bedroom the delicious odor of cinnamon rolls baking in the oven greeted her nose and made her stomach growl loudly. She wrapped her arms around herself as she approached Edward. He was sitting on the rug beside the Christmas tree, still wearing the silly red boxers and nothing else. He patted the spot beside him in an invitation for her to join him. In his other hand he was holding the little silver box.

"Oh, let me get your present," Veronica announced as she reached him, but he grabbed her hand and pulled her down into his lap. He said nothing of the incident with the thorny rose. Instead, his cold lips gently brushed against the soft skin at the back of her neck. She trembled. He could do it now…just bite her neck and it would be done.

"I hope you like it," Edward said. His voice was like velvet to her ears. He placed the little box in her lap and waited for her to open it. Veronica felt like her insides were filling with molten lava. She wanted nothing more than to concentrate on his gift, but the sweet scent of his breath against the side of her face made her fill with desires that only he could satisfy. The feel of his rigid penis against her buttocks where she sat in his lap was not helping the situation. Stop it, she inwardly commanded. With one shaking hand she picked up the box and with her bandaged hand removed the bow and began to rip the paper away. A burgundy velvet box waited to be opened beneath the paper, but her quivering fingers would not work. Edward reached forward and popped the top open for her. A gasp was her only reply. The box contained the most stunning ring she had ever seen, even more beautiful than the diamond eternity wedding band she wore on her left hand. "Is this…"

"Yes," Edward cut in. "It's our family crest and since you are part of the family, it's time you wore it, too." He pulled the exquisite piece of jewelry from the box. The black onyx was oval in shape with the elegant scrolled design set in diamonds that shimmered like miniature stars; more diamonds edged the entire oval and the band was also fashioned of tiny diamonds. Veronica had never seen so many diamonds adorning one piece of jewelry.

She was speechless. His family – the Cullens – were a proud, tight-knit clan, and even though she had no doubt they loved her and were happy that she was Edward's wife, she never expected them to allow her to wear the family crest. Each of the Cullens wore this crest in one form of jewelry or another. Edward's sisters had necklaces, his mother a charm bracelet, Edward, his father and brothers all wore wide leather wristbands with the crest on them. But none of those other pieces of jewelry could even begin to compare to the magnificence of this ring.

"Oh Edward," Veronica finally managed to say in a breathless voice. "I can't even find the words to describe how beautiful it is and how much it means to me that you—and your family—would want me to wear your family crest. It's, it's…." her voice trailed off. Edward carefully slipped the ring on the third finger of her right hand, taking extra caution not to touch the bandage she wore on that palm.

"It's radiant and beautiful," he said. "Just like you." He clasped her chin with his fingertips and turned her to face him.

Just as their lips touched, a thunderous gust of wind whipped against the house again. It was still snowing and piling up fast. They could be snowbound for days…maybe weeks. But it didn't matter. All that mattered was this man, this vampire, who had claimed Veronica's body, heart and soul. Wrapped in his embrace, she would never feel the cold from the outside world.