Chapter 1: Mates

Emmett's Point of View

The pain was bewildering, it began nearly a month ago; the moment we left Forks. Since, it has been growing, intensifying. Most days it has been nearly torture, impossible to function, but I knew that the others where beginning to notice the change in my demeanor.

A hand on my shoulder brought my attention back into focus as Rosalie stood in front of me. She wore just a lace pair of panties; her top was exposed; her breasts hung in my face; perfectly perky. The sight of them would have aroused any man; and in honesty she was gorgeous; but I couldn't summon a thought or feeling about them. I felt indifferent… detached completely.

My gaze slid from her. "Rose, not now…" Even my voice sounded foreign to me. It was so empty of emotion, I didn't recognize it. I truly didn't know what was wrong with me.

I didn't have to look at her to know she was pissed at me. Her heavy sigh brought a cool gust of air to hit my face. "What is going on Emmett, you haven't been yourself and frankly it's getting annoying."

There were no words to explain my mood, I didn't understand what was going on with me, so trying to explain this to her was pointless.

"I'm just not in the mood," I muttered, daring to meet her gaze now. The look on her face did take me by surprise. She didn't look angry, the look on her face was something I've never seen before. She looked like she was on the verge of tears; if that was possible. "It's not you," I spoke quickly; sensing her angst.

"Then what is it?" With swiftness she snatched her robe and tied it tightly around herself; covering herself completely from sight. "Do you not find me attractive anymore?"

I had been pondering this myself for weeks now, I knew that things were different… and for no reason at all. How I viewed my wife, it wasn't the same as it had been when we lived in Forks, something has changed.

"You are the most beautiful woman to grace the earth," The words slid off my lips; but I knew deep down that they didn't hold any sincerity. I was coming to terms with myself that the spark that Rose and I had… was gone. When we touched, when we kissed… there was nothing… it was like kissing a rock. I didn't get the same feelings I once had. But I wasn't ready to openly admit this. Everyone was still adjusting to the move and with everything going on I didn't want to add to the drama.

My words appeared to have calmed her suspicions. "Then kiss me… hold me… make love with me… like we used to. I want you. You have barely touched me since we left Forks."

She was right, we had barely been in the same room let alone been intimate. I never really noticed until now, this was the longest we have been alone together since the move. I was her husband, I should be treating her better than this... she deserved better than this.

Reluctantly I opened my arms, allowing her to slink into my lap. She eagerly straddled me; her lips crushed into mine with passion, her fingers ran into my hair. Her lips where smooth and familiar, but I felt completely dead inside I forced myself to kiss her back.

After only seconds she moved away from me, staring deeply into my eyes; pain reflected in her golden orbs. "I'm losing you… aren't I?"

I felt a prickle of pain as I watched her. Regardless to how I was feeling I didn't want to hurt Rose, she had been my entire world, she was the meaning of my existence for years… the love of my life… and at this moment I felt completely dead to her.

"Look, I know you're worried but please just be patient with me, I don't understand it myself… I just need a little time… and some space."

Like lightening Rose flew from my grasp, a dark glare on her face. "Fine," She snapped, before turning and disappearing out of the room; slamming the door so hard behind her the door broke right off the hinges.

I sighed deeply and let myself fall back against the bed; I watched up towards the ceiling.

Great job Emmett. Now you got her angry with you.

It was quiet in the house for the time being, though it was always quiet here in Denali. Carlisle was busy at work, Esme rarely the comfort of her books, Alice and Jasper were usually out hunting with the Denali women; Kate, Irena and Tanya. As for Edward, well it was hard to say where he was. He only called in once in a while.

For a moment I closed my eyes, finding it extremely hard to move a muscle. Pain swelled through my chest; making me feel heavy. My heart ached, but for reasons unknown to myself. I think that is what is the worst part of all of this, not knowing what is causing this… because if I knew I would do something to stop this agony.

I didn't know how long I laid there, but as the sun went down the room went completely dark. There was a light tap on the door, but I ignored it. I wasn't in the mood for company.

"Can I come in?" It was Alice. Which I hadn't been expecting, but regardless I didn't have the energy to care what she had to say. But I knew I had to at least try to be myself, I didn't want the others to notice how miserable I've become.

"Sure," I spoke barely above a whisper, I couldn't yet bring myself to open my eyes. I listened intently at the sound of the door creaking open and the sharp flick of the light.

"So, you're still lying in here moping?" She spoke, plopping down on the edge of the bed.

"I'm not moping… I'm just thinking…" I lied smoothly. It has been getting easier to lie to everyone, for the most part they didn't search any further into it.

"That isn't true… you're hurting… aren't you."

At her words I opened my eyes, "No, why would you ask?"

"I can see it…" She said with a smug look. "I know you're feeling depressed… I've seen the same look on Edward's face… when we left Forks."

Depressed, I had struggled to think of a word to sum up my feelings, but depressed sounds about perfect. Still, I wasn't ready to openly agree to that.

"I don't know what your talking about…" I muttered; adverting my gaze from her.

"You don't know why you're feeling this way, but I think it's about time that you put the pieces together." Alice said, moving now so she was in front of me. "I thought you would have come to the conclusion yourself but I can see now you need a little help."

"What are you talking about?" I sighed heavily, pushing myself upright. "If you know what's going on… tell me… I just want this… pain to go away."

"Ok, let's think this through, when did you begin feeling this pain?"

"The moment we left Forks."

"So, would you say that you miss living in Forks, is that what's wrong?"

"It's not like that, it's not Forks…" I inhaled deeply. "It's like… since we left, there is this… hole in my chest… it's like… something was left behind."

"It isn't something… it's someone." Alice said with a small smile.

Someone. Was she referring to Bella.

Just the thought of her name, a crippling pain shot into my chest. Not thinking, I clutched at my chest. What the hell is wrong with me?

"Your talking about Bella." I winced through the agony.

Alice nodded, watching me intently. "Yes, I am,"

"That doesn't make any sense."

Why would I be so hung up on Bella, I'd only really spoken with her a few times… I encountered many humans in my years on this planet and their impact on my life has been nonexistent, why was she an exception?

"I know you may not understand it yet… but look at how your relationship with Rose has deteriorated since we left Forks… do you even have feelings for her anymore?"

It was a painful thought to have, but I knew the answer. I was afraid to speak, I didn't want to admit anything out loud… if I was to admit that I no longer loved Rose… it would become more concrete… I would be giving us up. I didn't want to do that… but how much longer could I go with this constant pain?

I tightened my hands into fists; attempting to keep my composure. "Rose is my mate, the love of my life." When the words rolled off my lips, I didn't even believe them myself; so, I knew Alice wasn't going to believe me.

"No Emmett… she isn't… your mate is in Forks… and she is hurting right now, just as badly as you are."

It didn't make sense, Bella was Edward's mate. She wasn't mine.

"Bella is Edward's mate." I stated, watching her expression closely. "You can't deny that."

Alice shrugged her shoulders. "I've had two visions the day we all met Bella, the first was Bella and Edward being together. But the second vision was of you and Bella being together."

I snorted, folding my arms across my chest. "And you didn't share this information with all of us for what reason?"

"Well… Edward was finally going to have a mate… I wanted to see him happy… and I knew if I told you about the vision that Rose might try to kill her… or at least talk the rest of us into leaving Forks before Edward would even get the chance at being with her."

It was the right call to make, I couldn't argue with that, but this whole thing just sounded ridiculous.

"It's impossible to have more than one mate Alice… you know that… so who is her true mate?"

Alice sighed, absentminded as she ran her hand through her short spiking locks. "Well that's for you, Edward and Bella to sort out."

"Thanks for the help." I grumbled sarcastically, before letting myself flop back on the bed. "What am I suppose to do now?"

Alice laughed her tinkling laugh. "Isn't it obvious, get your ass to Forks, Jasper can't stand all your negativity and it would just be for the best if you got some space from Rose right now."

She was right, I knew I was bringing everyone down a little with my mood, I did truly try to keep my issues to myself and not let it affect anything, but I guess I was dumb to think I could keep it all a secret… especially with Jasper in the house.

"Alright, I'll head down… but just for a bit…" I muttered.

Alice smirked. "We shall see." With that she disappeared from the room.

Well… here goes nothing…

Bella's Point of View

Pain, sorrow, rejection. This was my life now and I wish that I could say that I didn't see it coming. I had known that he was too good for me, but I allowed myself to believe the impossible. I was an idiot… how could I ever think someone like him could love me?

Slowly I let my eyes close; attempting to distract myself from my pain. I couldn't sleep tonight, so I put my headphones in and listened to just random songs; but each song just reminded me more and more of… him. Just the thought of his name brought more intense waves of agony.

After a while I threw my headphones off, unable to stand it anymore. I couldn't even listen to music anymore… he had robbed me of the ability to do much of anything. Instead I stared out my window; rain was thudding hard against the glass, it was a gloomy night in Forks… like every night since the Cullen's left.

Tears slid down my cheeks as I curled myself into a ball of self-loathing. Just existing… was a struggle. They had been gone a month now, it was now getting into late October and there hasn't been even the slightest hint of their presence… just as he had told me that night… I was beginning to come to terms with the fact that I would never see them again…

But I couldn't give up the hope that they might return… it was the only thing left that kept me going. Charlie was really beginning to get worried, I knew that I had to try harder to act… like I wasn't slowly dying in the inside. That was easier said then done, especially on nights like these; when everything is reminding me that I had lost the love of my life.

I was about to turn away from the window when I caught a fast flash going past.

My heart jumped out of my chest and without a thought I went stumbling to the window. "Edward?" I gasped as I opened the window; letting the rain fly in. Almost instantly I was soaked; but I stood there, seeing someone in the tree.

There was just the slightest of a noise, but they didn't reply, they stayed completely still.

"… Please … I can't live without you…" I said feeling the tears return and feverishly fall down my cheeks.

"I'm so sorry Bella," The voice spoke and swiftly I watched as a dark figure of a man dropped from the tree and fled from sight.

I recognized the voice. It wasn't Edward. Maybe I was losing my mind… all this grief and pain… has made me delusional… that couldn't have been Emmett Cullen outside of my window. What reason could he have for showing up here…

Slowly I shut my window, my heart still racing in my chest. No, that was Emmett… it had to be. I saw someone and there was no doubt in mind that was his voice.

For a moment I inhaled and for the first time since the Cullen's left, the hole in my chest almost disappeared. The pain I had suffering from had decreased to the point of almost nonexistence. There was hope. If Emmett was back… maybe the rest of them was to…

I had to find out…

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