A/N: So it begins . . .

Military

Government

Spiritual

Scholarship

Leadership

Science

The six disciplines, they have been drilled into me since I could remember.

"People like us Edward, they aren't made we're born. Others can only wish to be us." This is something I have heard numerous times and have memorized. When I was younger it never made sense. Then when I understood the mechanics of what it took to make another human being I was confused. People were made that way. How could my father be right? It wasn't until I was eighteen that I fully understood what he meant.

Now here I was at twenty-six with a Ph.D. in business. Sitting behind my desk as the CEO of a major empire if not the biggest empire known to man.

There was an agenda. There had been one since before my father was born or his father or his father. Since the beginning of our bloodline, the agenda had been put in place and a direct result of it was my upbringing.

Always the best schools, the best tutors, the best everything, and nothing was ever lacking what most learned by the end of their college careers I knew by the time I was done with middle school. My life was run with military precision, my fitness was like military training; everything I did was planned with a military tactic. I knew the ins and outs of any world government, so much so that if I had wanted to run for president I could win and wouldn't need a whole cabinet or anyone to help me run the damn country. I knew the Bible by heart and attended church as any good Catholic does. I was always captain of any team or club I joined I showed leadership qualities from an early age.

I was the middle child and only son of Esme and Carlisle Cullen. All of us raised the same way. All of it put aside we were truly spoiled children we were nurtured like no other, affection was never missing we were an affectionate bunch. Ruthless but incredibly affectionate amongst us.

"Mr. Cullen, we have the polls results in. Do you want to look at them now?" These things determined what needed to be tweaked in the programs we had running but at the moment I had financial things to look at. The way the economy was faring it was going to make the plan roll into effect sooner rather than later. I wasn't sure everything was in place yet and ready for what was to come.

I was Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. Everything went my way, I knew what I wanted and I got it.

The world was my playground.

Summer 2010

I was aware of who she was. Every motherfucker wanted her, and she didn't give one of them the time of day. Isabella Marie Swan, or to be politically correct Her Royal Highness Princess Isabella Marie Swan was a sight to see. Her title wasn't enough to scare me off. It was her father and her older brother. They were the family that was respected, besides mine. Isabella was literally their little princess. The only female in a family predominated by men. Her skin was perfectly sun-kissed, her hair full, while her face was perfection. That was the gentlemen in me that my mother raised. The red-blooded man inside listed after her perfect long legs, perfect handful tits, completely fuckable lips.

The smile, however, was what did me in. Her smile could light up a goddamn room but only when it was genuine. I wanted to be on the receiving end of it. Yet, the only person who had successfully gotten that these past few days was Riley Ignaz Josef Swan, her ten-year-old brother. Said ten-year-old was also my godson by some odd stipulation in the Family. I hardly knew the kid and at the moment I would much rather get to know his sister. She was elusive, only ever seen at functions and Galas being escorted by her brother Michael who guarded her like an attack dog.

He was nowhere to be seen on this trip, the only people I had seen were her mother, Riley, and their guard.

There was no better time than the now to make the Princess Isabella mine.

"Master Edward, your father would like to speak with you." She stood up and grabbed her backpack, slinging it on her shoulder and ruffling Riley's hair. Her guards stayed back and she wandered off.

"Tell him I am busy, Marcus. I will speak with him before dinner tonight." I tossed my ray bans and shirt on before following in the same direction I had seen her go. I was incredibly stupid to follow her like this. Charles Swan has a reputation that could send the bravest man running for the hills in the business world. I could only imagine how he was with his daughter. By the time I caught up with her I had completed a three-mile hike.

She was sprawled out on a towel on a completely deserted beach. Was she aware how dangerous this was for her? She had no fucking guard with her, what if it wasn't me and someone else who had followed her? In the sun, she looked beautiful with her nose in the book she was currently reading, completely oblivious to her surroundings. "Princess, is it wise to go off on your own without your guard? I'm not sure your father would condone it." I could see her stiffen minutely before speaking. "I don't think he would be as worried as you appear to think. You see, I am perfectly capable of taking down multiple men on my own. Besides who said I had no men with me?" Unless they were fucking invisible she was bluffing. Her smile was teasing with her perfect eyebrow arched in defiance. She didn't back down and stared me straight in my eyes. I could drown in hers and I wouldn't fight it. In my distraction with her eyes, I failed to see the two red laser points on my body. One over my heart and the second a few inches lower than that. "I told you I wasn't alone. Isabella Swan." She stuck her hand out for me to shake. To be honest, I didn't know whether to bow or not, taking her hand I bowed my head and brought it to my lips. "Edward Cullen."

Had I known that kiss to the back of her hand would shift everything for me I would have taken my chances before this. "Are you a stalker Edward Anthony Cullen, son of Carlisle Samuel Cullen and Esme Katherine Cullen, brother to both Rosalie Lillian McCarty and Alice Olivia Hale?" Her stare was playful, the lasers no longer on my person. My hand now empty of hers and for some reason it now felt empty. I wanted it back. I knew better than to have those thoughts about a seventeen-year-old. I was Edward Cullen, I didn't need to be feeling that way about anyone. The idiot in me had other ideas. "It looks like you may be the one doing the stalking yourself." She laughed and plopped back on the sand with her book in hand. "You're not important enough for me to stalk." I want to be, though. Being mindful of the fact that there were two perfectly trained snipers within range, nothing but the best for Charlie's daughter I kept a respectful distance away from her and sat in the sand myself.

Chapter One: House of Memories

The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jackson."

A letter written by FDR to Colonel House, November 21st, l933

The Elite

Money doesn't sleep; it stops for no one or anything, not even church.

I didn't care that my Italian leather shoes were making noise as I made my way to where my family was sitting. The annoyed looks didn't faze me or the fact that father Banner stopped midway through a passage while his stare was fixed on me.

" 'Cle Ewie!" a small head of dark hair ran into my legs causing a few to laugh out in the silence. Picking up my niece I took my seat and motioned for Banner to begin again. "How's my favorite girl today? Look at how pretty you look in your dress."

"Come here princess, Edward why the hell are you late?" my father took Emma from me and handed her back to Jasper. "Money." I sat through the boring lecture because that was for the most part how I viewed these things. The only thing that really interested me was when they would get to Revelation I would pay rapt attention. I found it amusing how these people really believed it would go down like that. I would like to give props to whoever wrote it though they were quite creative.

In truth, it would be like a perfectly orchestrated dance of fear and panic and the hours are ticking.

When we were dismissed we made our way out the large wooden doors and allowed for people to talk to my parents and gush over Emma and Rosalie's huge stomach. My sister looked like a damn whale, I was not used to it. She was bitchy before, right now it was wise to steer clear but I still liked to poke fun at her. The moment I see Tanya Denali and her family making their way to us that is my cue to leave. "Edward? Where are you going? I thought you would join us for lunch." I turned and gave my mom a smile. "I'll be there soon I just have some work to take care of. It shouldn't take long." I made my way to where my car was parked noting that Jasper was nowhere in sight. "When I pull up you better be right there ready to get in the car. If I have to put up with Tanya it won't be pretty for you."

When I pulled up he got into the car calmly. "You're a pussy, Edward. Why did you fuck her in the first place?" If there was anything I regret in my life was exactly that. Fucking Tanya Denali. She was built like a model all legs, breasts, and ass, tiny waist included. It was fine at first but then she began with the clinginess and that's when I cut her off. I wasn't about to settle down or tie myself down to any one woman. She just doesn't seem to understand that, and besides, I was already tied down. I just didn't know to who.

I revved the engine and began weaving in and out of traffic.

When we made it to the warehouse I parked outside of the main doors and neatly laid my jacket on my seat. There was no need to get it dirty. As I strode in several men nodded in my direction but my attention was only focused on the single seat in the middle of wooden boxes stacked. Sweat already had soaked through his shirt then again he had been here for two days already. His eye was swollen shut with dry blood streaked on his face. His one eye widened when he saw me, fucker knew he was in trouble I could hear my brother's laughter behind me the scene was a little amusing but I wasn't here for amusement.

"Hello, Dennis. Do you know why I am here today?"

"N-n-n-n-oo Mr. Cullen."

"Come on Dennis, you're a smart man. You at least have an idea." I unbuttoned my shirt and handed it to Jasper who placed it on a hanger.

"I don't like that answer much not when I know you are lying to me." I took my seat directly in front of him enjoying the way he squirmed under my watch. "What was the most important condition in the contract?"

"Th-th-at this be at the top of my priorities and that it be kept in the utmost secrecy and confidentiality. That no one outside of myself and your family were to find out specifics about the project." I nodded as I looked past him.

"Now, Dennis correct me if I'm wrong. Did you or did you not allow someone from your family into the compound and told them all the specifics and the purpose of not only the project in the midwest but also about the one out west? This family member is a member of the press are they not?" he's refusing to answer me and looks away. "It's a simple yes or no answer Dennis."

"I didn't know anything, Mr. Cullen." The human instinct of preservation is an interesting thing it will make you lie through your teeth. You will lie through your teeth even though you know the other person already knows the truth. All in hopes to be able to breathe another breath. "Funny, maybe I should go have a talk with Kaitlyn. Maybe she will be a little more willing to answer my questions?" I already knew he has taken her. Just like I knew that she was an intern at FOX NEWS.

"FINE! I did. I took Kaitlyn. Please just, just leave her alone do what you will to me but leave her alone."

"What did you show your daughter Dennis?" Jasper handed me my loaded gun. "Dennis?"

"I don't remember. I don't" walking around my chair I shook my head. "Wrong answer Dennis."

His cries and the echoes of the gunshot rang out giving me a sick sense of satisfaction.

"What did you show her Dennis?"

"I showed her the location and the way in," I warned him of the repercussions if he was to ever break any part of the contract and he broke the most important one. "You'll be seeing her soon Dennis. In fact, your whole family will be together soon." Just as he was about to protest a single shot rang and he slumped over. "Benjamin, get me, Kaitlyn. Call me the minute you touch down." I looked down on my shoe to see drops of blood on them. "Benjamin, also start a fire!"

When I reached my Hennessey Venom I reached into the car and took out a fresh pair of shoes identical to the ones I was about to burn. Jasper approached me shaking his head with a smirk on his face. "You still wondering why your dad won't step down and hand it over to you?" ignoring him I put on my shoes and stood straight looking into his eyes. "Jazz if he wanted someone cool and collected he should've had another son." I lived and breathed for this shit.

After stopping by my place and changing into a sweater I headed to my parent's place. My father was waiting for me outside the door not even taking me inside he walked me to his office where we took a hidden door. "Edward come with me. Don't ask questions when it comes to your area cover what you know." When we reached his underground office I hid my surprise when I saw all the heads of the families including some from Europe but most importantly Charles Swan. He was single-handedly the most important banker in the organization he was the main financial guy. In my opinion, the only man who really mattered. This was the man I looked up to aside from my father. If he was here it only meant one thing. Things were changing. Just as I took my seat he finished up his speech.

"The economy seems to not have a way to improve now. The stock market is continuously losing what it gains. Which is something we knew would come. It is something of our doing. Now if we can give our attention to Edward Force. He can give us a bit more information on what is going on. Cullen?"

"Thank you, Mr. Swan. He is correct the dollar is losing its power. What was once considered to be the most powerful currency in the world may be something that ceases to exist in the near future. Other currencies such as the yen and euro continue to gain over the dollar it's occurring slowly but increasing in speed, which is leading to things moving faster than planned. Of course all of our making through the lending and creating of debts that we know they can't possibly repay, the housing problem in the U.S. also of our making. What we didn't count on was that it would ultimately bring the downfall sooner than we expected. For now, we can stimulate the economy by creating more jobs and putting more money into circulation but that would only be a temporary fix. The fall would only be delayed." I could see the nod of understanding from the room. "It is now that the new world currency should be made a reality. Planning for it should begin promptly. It is my advice for this to be put into motion now so that when the time comes we are fully prepared." I was aware of some drafts that were available but other than that it hadn't been settled about which would be chosen. I knew what my preference was but to each their own.

When I took my pause was when the protests began.

"Yes! I know it's been done before. Your protests are justified but do we want it to happen at this accelerated rate? Are we truly ready to deal with everything? We just got polls and while yes they are an improvement there are still groups and areas that we have yet to be improved on. Our task is not an easy one if it were I'm sure our ancestors would have carried everything out already. While yes it is our goal to bring the unemployment rates higher we do not want to raise them high enough to the point where there would be civil unrest. Our military is barely getting to the point where they could handle something of the magnitude that is to be expected. That is why I propose to create a number of jobs not enough to dwindle the number of unemployed but enough to give them a sense of false reassurance. Eventually, those jobs will disappear as well and when they do we will be ready. We will be ready, and we will do what has to be done. We can roll our plans out and begin the change. All the patience will pay in a few years time."

When I was done I stood silently in a corner watching everything. Occasionally Charles would turn my way and stare at me, but I would ignore it. The meeting ended and all the men found their way out as if nothing had happened. I headed straight to the kitchen I was fucking hungry that meeting was certainly not in my plans even if I was confused as to why Charles Swan was here he never came to anything. He was elusive. If he wasn't in a way my boss I would think he was a fucking unicorn.

"Princess!" I picked Emma up as soon as I got into the kitchen her laughter filling the space. "Where is Grandma hiding the damn cookies?!" Alice gave me a stern look. Apparently, I wasn't supposed to use that kind of language around her. In my opinion, she wouldn't pick anything up she didn't want to.

I hit the damn jackpot, I found my cookies.

"One for you, Princess and two for me." I sat her down on the counter and got us some milk. "You know Edward . . . if you found yourself a nice girl you could have as many of those as you want." She pointed to Emma who was currently trying to stuff her mouth with the giant cookie. I may be the biggest asshole known to man but my niece looked adorable trying to eat that cookie. Alice was like my mother they wanted to see me settled down with kids. I often wondered if I should have them institutionalized they knew better than to hope for that. "The day that happens my home will freeze over. It won't happen ever Alice I don't need that I never have and never will." She looked like she knew something and I didn't like it. "Edward, Alice! It's time to eat." As quick as she appeared my mom disappeared. "Don't count it out yet, a-s-s. Come on Emma lets go eat." With Emma on her hip, she disappeared as well.

When I walked into the dining room I saw the ever-elusive Charles. We had a fucking unicorn over for dinner. I sat through piercing stares for forty-five goddamn minutes. It was one thing during the meeting I considered it the "Say hello to your replacement, Unicorn" stare but now it was just ticking me off. Someone kicked me in the shin and I already knew it was Jasper so I kicked him back. " 'Cle Ewie!" No violence in front of the minor. "Come on up Princess." I finished feeding her my own appetite gone to hell while my father, mother, and Charles continued talking and the latter continued to stare.

My phone buzzed.

We're back.

"Emma, I'm going to leave you here with your Aunt Rosie O.K. I have to go." At such a young age she already understood, she didn't fuss she sat in my chair, kissed my cheek, and began an animated conversation with my sister. She knew that at any given point her grandfather, father or uncle would need to leave to do something. I gave Jasper a look and he knew what it meant I didn't need to explain myself. "I'm sorry Ma we have to go. Something came up. It was nice meeting, you Charles."

I ran up to change into black pants and a black sweater with some boots and headed down to my Z4.

As I strode over to the cabin Benjamin walked up to me.

"Sir. We got lucky she had visitors." When I opened the door to the cabin there were five people in chairs. This was why Benjamin was my go to. Dennis' whole family and Kaitlyn's boyfriend were there. It was fucking Christmas.

The blindfolds were all taken off and the moment they were the boyfriends head dropped and blood landed on her mother. "Kaitlyn I don't play around so it would do you well to not fucking make things harder than they have to be. He had it easy, I can drag things out." She looked at me defiantly but that all changed the moment the gun was pointed at her younger brother. "Who have you talked to and where have you saved what you know Kaitlyn?" She knew she could say anything and she would still not make it out of here alive and neither would her mother or brother. You could tell she had made that discovery in the way she eyed me. "I know who and just what you are Edward Cullen. We're better off meeting our end here than waiting to see exactly how you and your kind work out your plans." She grinned. I could feel my temper coming to the surface. My back was to her and I could still hear a form of triumph in her voice.

Jasper shook his head amused. "It doesn't end with me. Those files are in the hands of a group of people that you can't touch." That was it. I shot both mother and brother at short range

I had a stress reliever waiting for me, one that I could kick out in the morning when I was done. She knew to not expect anything from me. Ever.

"Edward, I need to see you in the Office" today was proving to be a long damn day and it was getting on my nerves. Having to deal with that moron and his family today was the last fucking drop to my already overflowing cup. I made my way back to my parent's house blowing past stop lights and signs. I had plans and this was seriously cutting into them.

Carlisle has his 'Don't fuck with me face' on and even though I'm 29 and Edward fucking Cullen, he still fucking scares me. Tonight he means business. "You know who we are. You know what we do. Right now it will do you well to remember that this was started long before any of us were a thought in our mother's mind, above all family comes first, and we will see it through. Most importantly you will see this through." His next words were like a bucket of ice cold water being poured over me. He didn't beat around the bush, he didn't rip the band-aid off slowly. "It's time." He raised his voice sensing my rebuttal coming. "IF you do not get married YOU FORFEIT everything you have worked for your whole life."

I was not going to give everything up so that the fucking dog took over what was mine. The Russians would not touch what was mine without getting their hands cut clean off. I wasn't told who she was until I turned 25, I instantly regretted everything I had done since that cold night in January.

"When?"

"She is here actually. You two will be joining our houses in the next few weeks"

I was about to come back with a smart comment when my mother's voice came through the double doors to the study, effectively shutting me up. It didn't matter how old I was my mother was scary when tested.

"Edward Anthony Cullen, shut your mouth right this instant." My mom burst open the doors and had three people following her. I could feel my cock begin to stir and my pants getting tighter when I saw her. She was the furthest thing from what I imagined. I willed my erection to go down because I had already tried to get into those pants and failed.

Isabella Swan.

Every son of a bitch wanted her and none had the fucking privilege to have her. Not even me.

Everything that happened must have triggered some sort of memory because she is fuming and fucking hell if she isn't beautiful with her hair down, tight painted on jeans, shirt, and blazer. Upon seeing the fury behind those brown orbs, I could sense my bravado coming down.

The look she gave me let me know she was not impressed, I was more than certain she had hoped for anyone other than me. Yet despite the anger behind her eyes I couldn't help but be grateful. She would be mine after all. After giving me one last appraisal full of disgust she turned pleasantly towards my parents "Well, I have something to attend to. It was nice seeing you Carlisle and Esme, thank you for having us over." She sneered at me as she turned around and stormed out her heels clicking on the marble floor.

I had fucked up. Unknowingly in my stupid youth, I had majorly fucked up the best thing that could have ever happened to me and I would now have to live with it, literally.

BELLA

January 2011

Leaving my brownstone on Newbury St. I hoped into my BMW ready to make my way to meet Edward at Ostra for dinner. To say I was excited would be an understatement it had been three weeks since I had last seen him. In a way, the excitement was somewhat founded in the fact that for once in my life I may have been doing something my father would not approve of. Edward was older and I knew he was my father's intern, two strikes against whatever this was. I could see Cameron and Alec in the SUV behind mine, the security detail I always had on me, yet I trusted Cameron and Alec enough to know they wouldn't go running to my father to spill my secret. It was nearing twenty degrees in Boston this evening, only to be a bit chillier in the Back Bay. Making my way through the winding roads of Boston I could already feel a sense of relief at knowing that I would be able to hold him and feel his lips on mine.

I had never dated anyone, this was the first time for me and while many would argue that it makes me naïve in this thing with Edward. It's the furthest thing from the truth. I was born more mature than many people double my age. Something told me that he was mine, not just in this life but in any and all previous ones. For this reason, while I knew of the arrangement, I wanted this to work so that I would be able to say that it was not because of it that we ended up together. There was more there than that.

Pulling up to Ostra I hoped out as Alec handed me my coat. As I was straightening it out it was as if a cold bucket of water had been poured over my head. It had nothing to do with the cold weather currently assaulting Boston this January evening. The lips I had been daydreaming about were currently otherwise occupied, with Caroline Fitzhenry, as were the hands that I had been imagining being all over me.

"Alec, make sure the jet is ready to depart from Boston Logan in the next twenty minutes. Please get rid of this as well. I will set another up when I get Anderson." He looked confused until I could see his eyes travel to where mine had been as I handed him my phone. "Yes, Miss." Edward was now looking straight at me as I got back into my car and slammed the door. I could see him fighting his way through the crowd to get to where I was, the sound of the iPhone I had just given Alec going off as I could see him hold it up to his ear. I got home, got my things and headed to the tarmac.

Settling into the luxurious leather seat of the jet, Anderson set his head on my lap as I allowed some tears to fall.

This was the first and last time I would place myself in such a situation.

The first and last time I would allow a man to be the reason for my tears. Much less him regardless of the situation we would inevitably find ourselves in a few years down the line.

Son of a Bitch! I hadn't had that dream in years. I had avoided him at all costs at all functions we had attended. I made sure I always had a man beside me, now that my brother couldn't. They were always more than willing always thinking they would be able to do what no other had. To tie me down, and kiss my father's ass. They could all very much go to hell. I knew that this day would come. I knew the day would come when I would be tied to Edward. I had known since I was twelve. It didn't mean that I had to love him, I wouldn't make that mistake again. I wouldn't deny the asshole was attractive but all I had to do was remember that evening and any and all feelings of fondness would be squashed. Alec hated me by the time we got back to my place after our run. I, myself felt as though my legs may give out from under me. I hadn't felt this anger in a long time and anger is always the best fuel when you want to get anything done.

Gathering my things together as I got ready to head out for the day I was still incredulous about what I would be forced to do.

My parents knew something as well there was no doubt about it, particularly my father. He always seemed a little too happy with the fact that I never really did the relationship thing. Though that could come from the point of him being my father and me being 'daddy's little girl'. The moment I set foot in the facility Alec gives me an amused look mixed with something else. This guy had been assigned to me from the moment I turned 16 he was there last night, he knows what happened, and didn't stop his bitter laughing even as I got out of the car when he pulled up to my house. One look from me this morning and the amusement was gone.

Once I got into the lab normal protocol was that only researchers and people who knew what they were doing were allowed I, however, had a six foot four shadow. Currently, our problem was that people weren't being as accepting of all the mandatory vaccinations or taking certain medications. As of right now, this was one of our ways in. You're sick? Ok, here take this. It will make you feel better. It's not really a lie. Sure our pharmaceuticals will make you feel better but in the long run? Not so much. It's really to our advantage.

Right now, the autism issue and vaccines was a major pain in my ass. Little did I know that my father's secretary was about to become a bigger one.

"Ms. Swan?"

"Yes, Alec?"

"Your father's secretary seems to be adamant in speaking to you right now."

Pain in my ass. I ignored it and continued my work. Taking my samples out of the centrifuge and seeing a small speck at the bottom I knew that I had isolated exactly what I was looking for.

"Isabella, your father needs you upstairs. He needed you upstairs sixty minutes ago." Maggie sounded upset. Not my problem. I took my time putting my sample in the refrigerator and cleaning up my area properly. Her look reflected the annoyance she was feeling.

The 'research' facility was right under my father's building, right under the nose of everybody. If people knew what was really being done there would be civil unrest. Of course, there were the few civilians that thought they knew what went on and for the most part, they were right. They were right, but people thought they were crazy. That was a good thing for us. As the elevator reached the top floor where my father's office was I could feel all the suppressed anger begin to resurface. By the time the doors opened and I walked the long hallway to the double doors I was furious.

I wasn't known for being passive and accepting of things that came my way. It was well known. To my parent's dismay and everyone, in general, I never grew out of it. I'm not complaining, it gets things done when I want them done. This particular situation though I knew my temper would get me nowhere, it would happen whether I wanted it or not. This wasn't about me this was about the Family getting the upper hand. If rumors were true, this was about power.

I felt like I was five again and in trouble for dropping a brick on Michael's foot, after having socked him in the face. He deserved it. The family's PR person was sitting in the seat directly across from Charlie looking a little uncomfortable. I barely glanced over it. "Go ahead publish it." I could care less it was happening and I could do nothing about it. Didn't mean I would be all-docile, but I had to pick and choose my battles wisely, there were wars to win. Of that I was sure. As I turned to walk away my father spoke up. "You're going to be needed in California by tomorrow. The jet is on standby."

"There's no event going on in California, nor have I gotten anything about there being a problem at the facility out there."

"This has nothing to do with your research or the company. You have a photo shoot." No, I didn't. "I have nothing scheduled." If I did Embry was about to regret messing up. "It's for engagement photos."

"I have no business in California."

One look from my father and everyone left the room in a rush. Alec lingered but a nod from me was all it took for him to leave.

"You're not getting out of it. Engagement shoot." Despite the loyalty to the Family he was still my father and even though he did not know what had happened I was more than sure he knew there was something else that was bothering me. "Things are speeding up somewhat. Please, just know this is for you. It's in your best interest. In everyone's." I turned around and left his office with Alec hot on my heels. What I wanted to do was scream and beat the crap out of something but I couldn't, my samples were waiting in the lab and I needed to start the PCR process as soon as possible.

When I got home there was a ring sitting on the table in the foyer.

A/N:

Third time is the charm, I haven't abandoned this, life just got insane and is finally settling down. I have about ten chapters down. I know how it will end. This is the final version of this, I am happy with it. FINALLY! The characters may and will seem like a-holes sometimes, it's just the way it has to be. Not everyone is puppies and rainbows. With this said it is rated M for a reason, if you're not old enough, on your way you go :).

I hope you enjoy this as much as I am writing this. Let me know what you think.

I'll put the disclaimer here, it applies to the whole thing in case I forget to put it elsewhere. The storyline is mine, however the characters I am borrowing from the series we all seem to love. Thank you to the wonderful Stephanie Meyer for creating them.