Disclaimer: I do not own anything. Everything Twilight, including the characters in this piece belong to Stephenie Meyer. I am simply a crazy fan who could not wait for the fourth book.
Until Breaking Dawn
Chapter 1:
"Bella?" Edward whispered gently.
As I slowly opened my eyes, I became aware of the burning sensation in the back of my throat. The tedious throb was the only pain that had not yet faded from my fingertips. I glanced around the shadowy room, noticing my surroundings for the first time. I was lying on the bed, our bed, in Edward's room, the heavy gold curtains pulled across the window, allowing only a dim light into the otherwise darkened room. I was suddenly aware of a light pressure on my left hand. Blinking, I glanced down at the glittering ring on my third finger, startled to see my hand loosely entwined with Edward's. I stared up into the familiar topaz eyes, as I grasped what had finally happened. I sat up in one fluid motion staring into the mirror hanging on the opposite wall. My bright red eyes stared fervently back at me as I observed my reflection. I looked similar to my human self, my dark hair was just as unruly, and my profile had remained unchanged. And yet I was different. My skin was the chalky pallor I had come to expect, and my eyes were the bright crimson I had known they would be, however these were not the alterations that captured my attention. I immediately noticed I was more feline, my appearance was what could only be described as lethal, nevertheless I was beautiful. My cheekbones were sharper, more defined and my face had lost all roundness. My eyes darted around curiously under my perfectly arched brows, as I fluttered my impossibly long eyelashes. I smiled satisfactorily, my gleaming white teeth glistening in the dim light. At last I was someone who could stand beside Edward and look like I belonged. Edward. I turned my head towards him and met his cautious, worried gaze. I smiled reassuringly as I climbed onto his lap.
"Hello," I said, startling myself with my voice. There was a soft musical edge to my tone, but it wasn't just my accent that surprised me, the words themselves were smoother, effortless.
"How are you feeling?" Edward asked his liquid eyes boring into mine.
"Perfect." I snuggled closer to his chest, enjoying the sound of my perfectly articulated words. The pulse in the back of my throat quickly reminded me that my statement wasn't entirely truthful. I pushed the thought and the pain from my mind, not wanting to ruin the beautiful moment of our reunion. Edward's arms tightened around me, crushing me to his chest. I noticed he wasn't being nearly as careful as he normally was. I sighed in contentment as I realized it would always be like this. No more worrying about my safety, no more concern over my protection, just sweet bliss for the rest of eternity.
"Really?" He asked, amusement colouring his tone, "There isn't any pain in your throat, even a dull one?"
"Well, maybe there is," I admitted ruefully, "Although it's not exactly a dull ache. Why is that? Do I still have some of your venom inside of me?" I ignored his flinch at my casual reference to him being the one who had changed me.
"Well yes, you will always have my venom within you, but that isn't the problem."
I looked up, hoping to understand what he meant by reading his expression. However his face betrayed nothing. He stared at something just above my head, as he kept his face guarded, controlling his emotions.
"You're thirsty," He stated simply. It took me a few minutes to comprehend what he meant.
"Oh," I managed to say. If I was still human, I would have stammered.
Edward took a deep breath, his arms tightening around me, creating a comfortable barrier. He lowered his gaze, glancing up at me from under his impossibly long eyelashes. His agonized eyes smoldered, taking my breath away. I was surprised that he still provoked such a human reaction in me. I realized however, that I should not have expected anything different. Edward, the love of my life, no my existence, was without question the most beautiful male creature to ever walk the Earth.
"Bella, I'm so sorry," he murmured into my hair, "You must hate me."
"Hate you?" I repeated uncertainly, my tone questioning his sanity. What was he saying? I became uneasy, his words frightened me. I tried to look at his face but he was once again averting his eyes. I put his words and his actions together and finally realized what he was trying to say. I reached up gingerly, holding his face in the palm of my hand, forcing him to meet my gaze.
"I love you, more than anything, more than life itself. My existence means nothing without you. " I spoke slowly, emphasizing each syllable. It was crucial that he understood what I said and that I meant it.
"I appreciate what you did. I know it was against your better judgment, but there is nothing, absolutely nothing, I want more than to spend the rest of eternity with you." I looked into his topaz eyes, silently pleading with him to understand the sincerity of my words.
"I know that this is what you wanted, and I know this is exactly what I wanted…" he trailed off, a defensive edge shadowing his eyes. This was the first time I had ever seen him look so uncertain, so human.
"I just feel so selfish," he muttered.
"Why? Because you wanted us to be together?" I asked. I knew I had to make him forget his guilt before he became lost in his depression, yet only one solution came to my mind. Hesitantly, gauging his reaction, I leaned forward, placing my cool lips on his. I slid my hand from his cheek, entwining it gently in his hair. I pulled myself closer to him, easily breaking his iron grasp around my body. I could tell he was a bit surprised by my response however his lack of reaction alerted me that he was still pondering his selfishness. I felt a sudden rush of urgency and began kissing him with more enthusiasm. Unable to resist any longer he clung to my hair, as firmly as I grasped his. I could feel the passion and desire on his lips, as they moved fervently against mine. I was ecstatic at how things had turned out despite the night's uncomfortable beginning, and concentrated instead on enjoying the eagerness I felt from him, replacing his normally controlled movements. Not wanting the kiss to end I sighed as he gently pulled away, holding my face between his hands, as he rested his forehead against mine.
"Forever," he whispered, his sweet breath tickling my ear.
"What?" I gasped, my breathing uneven, as I tried to understand what he meant.
"I want us to be together forever," he whispered again. I realized he was answering my earlier question.
"Yes, forever," I agreed, staring into his liquid eyes. The silk bed sheets rustled as he gently settled me on the bed. He smiled my favourite crooked smile as he leaned over me, his perfect lips meeting mine half way.
I lay perfectly still, unwilling to disturb the soothing quiet as I stared at the gold curtains. I listened to Edward's soft, even breathing, as I continued to study the golden material. Even from across the room my perfect eye sight allowed me to notice a small flaw in the fabric. Edward rolled over, cuddling me to his bare chest. I rested my forehead against his shoulder, savoring the moment.
"What are you thinking about?" he whispered softly.
"How much I love you," I answered, smiling against his marble skin.
"Which is not even close to how much I love you," he said, ruffling my hair playfully. I felt him stiffen suddenly beside me, as he grabbed the silk comforter off the floor where it had fallen. He draped it around us, as he pulled me closer.
"What is going-" I started to ask, but there was no need to finish my question. I heard the light footsteps flying up the stairs as they quickly approached our room. Rosalie burst through the door excitedly, her beautiful eyes eager. She came to an abrupt halt in the doorway, her expression faltering when she noticed Edward and me lying on the bed. I pulled the covers more firmly around myself as I leaned in closer to Edward, using his body as a shield.
"Get out Rose!" Edward ordered firmly.
"I, uh, just came to tell you that we're going hunting." She said quickly, her voice an octave higher than usual before she turned and fled the room.
"Doesn't
anybody knock?" Edward muttered angrily. I laughed lightly, as I
kissed him gently on the cheek.
"I don't think you have to
worry about it, she'll probably pound on the door from now on."
He chuckled in agreement.
"So who is all going hunting?" I asked. As the words left me mouth I became once again aware of the burning pain lodged deep in my throat. The intense throb was slowly becoming more than just uncomfortable. Pretty soon I was sure it was going to be unbearable, and that frightened me.
"Everyone, except ourselves of course. I am taking you later tonight." He replied, a small smile toying at the edge of his perfectly sculpted mouth. I tried to hide my horror at the thought of me tearing into the hide of some unfortunate animal, using my razor-sharp teeth to tear through some beast's flesh. I shuddered away from the idea, leaning closer to Edward, as though I could hide from what I had become.
"Don't worry," he snickered, his eyes mocking me, "I'll protect you."