This was not meant to happen this way Chapter 1, a twilight fanfic

This work is fiction and references to any locality, town or country are not to be construed as reality. All fictional characters have no connection to any person, living or deceased.

This book in its form on the internet as Twilight Fan Faction cannot be sold by any person and remains the property of the Author. The Author acknowledges the names of the characters from the Twilight saga by Stephanie Meyer. This work cannot be reproduced in part or full without the Author's permission.

This fiction is part of my novel called 'Wulfgar' which I am publishing myself and I have changed the names of my hero and heroine to suit Twilight fan fiction. I can be reached at if anyone is interested in purchasing the complete novel or any publishing house is interested.

This was not meant to happen this way

Signs, moans...the sounds of lovemaking travelled to her disbelieving ears. Before her eyes the reality destroyed her, murdering her swiftly with the knife of betrayal, taking her life...killing all the love in her young, naïve heart.

His bronze hair was ruffled, falling over his shoulders as the fluttering candlelight highlighted the muscles of his arms and torso. She stared at his masculine beauty as her breath caught in her throat and agony struck her heart. She heard his moans of pleasure as he gathered the woman into his arms and Bella struggled to accept the harsh reality before her as the woman stared at the window laughing, knowing who would be watching. Heartbroken, Bella stared at the ring he had given her. She pulled it from her finger, throwing it into the darkness of the night.

Leaving the only evidence of her presence...the small shoe prints and the droplets of moisture on the window, she fled as panic seized her, fear making her incapable of confronting the lovers. Shock numbed her body and reality eluded her as she mounted her horse, riding down an unfamiliar road. The dam of tears burst, flooding her face in rivers of hate. Anger seized her...she could not accept that it had all been a lie. She rode on and on into the night as a storm

gathered. The wind gusted around her. The thunder roared and the lightning struck but she rode on regardless, not knowing or caring where she was going.

Prologue:

It was a brilliant summer day in Denali and there were many ships in the Port. The sun was hot but a cool breeze was blowing off the water, making the afternoon heat bearable. The seagulls were screeching, diving on the scraps of food thrown by the children.

The boy was nine and the girl seven. He had been named Edward for his grandfather and he was tall and strong for a boy his age. His hair was an unusual brown colour with highlights of red so that it appeared to be a glorious burnished bronze, especially in the sun. He loved to work with leather and iron as he helped his father make saddles and horseshoes. But most of all, he loved horses. Although he was young, he was told that he had a special gift to calm even the wildest horse. He spent many hours rubbing down the coats of the horses in the Livery and it seemed that he almost had a magical touch as each horse became endeared to him and he regarded each animal as his friend. He always felt sad when the owners collected their horses at the end of the week and he had begged his father for his own horse. His father had always told him that they were poor and only just made a living but he had persisted, working hard, saving any money that came his way. He knew that one day he would have a horse of his very own.

She was dark haired and brown skinned. Her parents had named her for her grandmother, Isabella Swan but her family and friends called her Bella. Her father's family came from Germany and her mother's from Ireland. The family trade which had been passed down for centuries had become a profitable business as Bella's father was the best baker in Denali. His bakery was always busy. Charlie felt proud of

his business accomplishments and was happy he could buy the little special things his daughter loved. He also felt that

she deserved to be spoilt as he knew that she worked hard for a little girl, helping him with kneading the bread and making the pies. She also swept up at the end of the day but today he had told her she could have a holiday. The boy's father, Carlisle, had asked the Swans if their daughter could come down to the docks with him and his son for the day while Carlisle delivered some metalwork to a ship in Port, just arrived from Northern Europe. Bella was so excited she had her mother pack a picnic.

Edward giggled as he took more bread from the bag held by Bella who laughed also, wriggling up her nose and squinting her brown eyes as she looked into the sun to see the birds dive and fight over the crumbs she threw into the ocean. Edward stared at her and thought that she was beautiful. He threw another handful of crumbs into the sea and smiled at Bella as she leant over the side of the ship, watching the foaming water of the incoming tide.

He took her hand. 'Come with me,' he asked. Like conspirators they ran along, dodging the ropes and goods loaded on the deck of the merchant ship. The sailors smiled at them as they ran past until they reached the bow of the ship and gazed out to the headland of the harbor to the open sea.

Bella looked into his face, which seemed suddenly serious and years of maturity covered his features as he took her into his arms and pointed out to the horizon.

'One day I will take you there. We shall travel the world and you shall be my wife. I love you Bella.'

His words were spoken in the innocence of youth and then they both giggled and ran off to play.

Part One

Lies

Oh, what a tangled web we weave,

When we practice to

Deceive

William Blake

One

America, early 1800s

Steam rose from the basin, multiplying the beads of perspiration on her forehead as she imagined a life of luxury. The Tavern was popular, leaving Bella tired…tired of waiting on other people. Her feet ached and she longed to languish in a hot bath, finally able to forget her duties…for a while a least! She mentally recounted all the chores she had done that day…milk the cows, weed the garden, do the washing, cook breakfast and then she had started to work in the Tavern, setting the tables, serving customers and baking. She was so tired and the day was not finished yet. Sighing listlessly, she suddenly wished for her life to be different.

She remembered the past year…the saddest one she had ever known. She had lost her father that winter to a fever sweeping the east coast and she sorely missed his happy smile and loving eyes. All the family had come down with the fever except for Bella. She remembered that week as the hardest of her life as she had been bone tired, dragging herself from one sick bed to the other, washing, cleaning, cooking…trying to keep the hands of death from her loved ones but she had not been successful. Her father had died and she sometimes blamed herself. Perhaps there was more she could have done?

Her mother had comforted her, telling her that there was nothing she could have done to stop her father dying but the wound still existed in Bella's heart. He had weak lungs and

the doctor had said that the fever had been too severe for his body to fight. But she still continued to blame herself. She she had cried for days. She had shared her grief with Edward who also lost his father to the disease in the cold month of November. Like her, Edward had not become ill and he had helped her as much as he could while he tried to keep the Bakery and the Livery Stable still working to bring money into both households. Their grieving for their fathers brought Bella and Edward closer than they had been before and their young love blossomed.

Bella's mother had recovered first and then the children but she suffered with the burden left to her of raising her four children alone and she constantly eworried how she was going to care for her family. She managed to start a business to give the family of five a livelihood as she could not work the Bakery on her own. In the first early days after she had laid her husband in his grave, she had tried to run the Bakery with Bella's help but the work was exhausting. She could not possibly stay awake all night baking and then fulfill her motherly duties to her children and keep house. Bella had done all that she could do but the Bakery was losing business.

With the help of Edward Cullen the downstairs living area of the family home had been refurbished into an eating house and then several months later the Tavern had opened for business. Gradually the business started to show a profit and the burden of being the provider for the family seemed to ease. Eventually Renee started to believe that she could keep her family together. She had rebelled when the Preacher had told her that she may have to consider putting her children in the care of other families who needed children to work and keep house. She had rudely refused the

suggestion although she felt ashamed at her response but she would not lose her children. She had lost her husband. Was that not hard enough to bear? But now life seemed to be almost normal.

For Bella the burden of hard work and responsibility weighed heavily on her young shoulders, making her feel envious of other girls her age whose lives seemed to be so carefree. She watched them from the kitchen window, wandering around the town, shopping, meeting with their friends and with each giggle that Bella heard, her angst seemed to grow and her resentment festered.

She yawned sleepily, rubbing her eyes, willing her lassitude to pass. A sweet song taught by her father came to mind and, as she sang, she remembered his music as well as the love he had given her. He had played the piano in their dining room and she loved to sit at his side and listen to his beautiful voice singing the ballads of his homeland. He had started to teach her to play and she had already mastered a few tunes but now the piano was gone, sold to pay bills and Bella missed the sound of his merry laughter and the music he had created. Tears fell from her eyes as she thought of him, missing him so much, cursing the fever which had taken his life. She remembered a favourite song he used to sing to her and slowly her voice lifted in memory of her father and peace settled on her heart. Her spirit lifted while she sang and the chore of wiping the dishes seemed less burdensome.

It was finally the end of the day and almost closing time. It had been the busiest day Bella had known in a long time. Several ships had arrived in the port of Denali that day…tall sailing ships and also cargo vessels filling the town with seamen and passengers.

As Bella placed the dishes on the dresser, she sighed wistfully, her mind far away imagining the ships being unloaded. Her wish…to sit on the dock and watch the sunset

and sea birds flock to the shore. She loved the many species…the seagulls and the pelicans. She loved to watch the birds but she also loved to observe the people. They sometimes seemed so colorful and interesting. Many people came from distant lands and she was always fascinated by their clothes, their language and the mystery of their homelands. She wondered if she would ever see the world and then she remembered Edward's promise to take her across the seas and she sighed then not knowing how that could happen…between them, their finances were meager. She had wanted to forget about the hard things of life and just sit on the dock and idle away the day but sadly she knew her wish had not come true, not today anyway. Not as often as she wished she managed to escape her daily duties, sitting with Edward on the dock, watching the tide come in and feeding the seagulls as they had done when they were children.

Now her feet ached, her head started to throb as a longing to escape competed with her sense of loyalty. She knew that her mother needed her. Was she not the eldest? The responsibility had to fall on her shoulders for there was no-one else. Alice was almost useless. She avoided work as much as she could and this infuriated Bella. She had tried to reason with her but Alice had a selfish streak and always seemed to disappear when there was work to be done. Bella sighed knowing she should not think badly of her sister. She did love her. Alice just did not seem to worry about anything. She thought that all the problems would work out but Bella was the opposite. She was always anxious and worried about the bills being paid. She giggled as she

remembered that she had worried that morning that the chickens were not laying as many eggs.

Just then Bella heard her mother speaking to the departing customers as she visualized her mother hanging the 'closed' sign on the door. However, she listened intently as she thought she heard other voices. Bella peeked through the slatted wooden door.

'No, it is not too late, please do come in!'

Suddenly the door swung open as Renee hurried into the kitchen, smiling. She smoothed her black curls from her forehead.

'Oh, good, you are nearly finished in here...only the Denali's to serve, and then we're done. What a day!'

Bella still frowned, not answering her mother. She wanted to go and soak in a hot bath. Her back was aching and she had a headache. She wanted to escape, not serve Tanya Denali, of all people!

Renee watched the expressions on her daughter's face and she sighed.

'Why are you bothered by her? She does not have a chance with Edward; you know that he loves you.'

Bella stared at her mother, knowing that she spoke the truth but there had always been something about Tanya Denali that had aggravated her. Tanya had always teased and taunted Bella who just did not want to have to face her today.

'Bella, cheer up. You are just tired, that is all. It has been an exhausting day for both of us.'

Her mother's words filled Bella with remorse as she rubbed her aching temples and straightened her back.

'I am sorry Mother. I will try harder. I will serve them!'

Bella smoothed her apron and adjusted her bonnet as she took a deep breath. She entered the room, carefully holding the tray of tea and scones, as anxiety gripped her stomach in knots. She knew she should not let Tanya worry her but Bella did not like people staring at her. Tanya had always made her feel nervous. Bella placed the tray on the table as her hands shook. Searing eyes of hate fell on her...despising...critically scrutinising. Their eyes met, their gazes locked as the tension hung in the dining room like a dense fog.

'Your tea,' Bella said as she served the women. The words were polite, the sweetness feigned as the effort to be hospitable became unbearable. Tears started to form in Bella's eyes but she stubbornly willed their non-existence.

Two

Tanya did not speak to Bella...only stare, a withering stare of contempt. She fluffed the lace around her collar and smoothed the expensive satin of her elegant dress, willing Bella to notice. Tanya was blessed with beauty, so similar in appearance to Bella, she was often thought to be her twin but their physical likeness was the only resemblance they shared. Since her birth, Tanya had been spoilt and indulged. Her father virtually owned the town as he had inherited all his real estate from his great grandfather, Charles Denali who had founded the town in the 1600s. Charles Denali had been an adventurer but he had settled beside the river which flowed into the deep, natural harbor. He had travelled to the larger commercial settlements and encouraged merchant vessels to use his port. As the years went by, commerce grew and now merchant vessels and clipper ships sought out Port Denali making the town a hive of hospitality and industry.

Due to her wealth and station, Tanya was the most popular amongst the young people of the town. She bought her friends...adding people to her collection like objects of art. The thrill of the chase entranced her as she never refused to retreat from the game of conquest. She had always been jealous of Bella Swan for the fact that most of the children in the town sought out Bella's company. Tanya could not understand it. Bella was poor...she had nothing to offer but

they always wanted to play with her. From a young age, Tanya found ways to take Bella's friends from her...luring them with expensive presents, elaborate parties and telling them lies about Bella, spinning her webs of intrigue so that Bella was shunned and disliked. At those times, Bella had

always defended herself but then withdrew, too hurt to worry about it. She could not face the ridicule or the taunting.

As she stared at her nemesis, Bella could not forget the past, feeling the hurts as if they were yesterday. She heard Tanya's voice but Bella did not acknowledge that she had heard what Tanya had said. The truth was that the words burnt into her heart, probing a vulnerable shred of her emotions and her stomach turned with nerves and annoyance. She turned her head away and did not answer the probing question Tanya had just demanded of her. What did she care if she had nothing much to wear to the ball? Trust Tanya to rub that in her face. She had been fretting about that for days. Bella cursed under her breath as she hurried from the room.

Whispering to her mother, Tanya spoke of Bella as she watched her rush from the room. She told her mother she wanted to invite Edward Cullen to their formal dinner party that night. Her mother only smiled, knowing she did not have the power to deny Tanya her desires. Tanya smiled, wishing to bring despair to Isabella Swan because she hated her for having the one thing Tanya wanted...Edward Cullen. She had been in love with him a long time but he had only always been friends with Isabella Swan and this fact was the source of Tanya's chagrin and plans of intrigue. Tanya had tried so many tricks...told so many lies and used so much bribery to take Edward's affection and he had always spurned her. She vowed to never give up...it was simple...she wanted him. She would lay awake at night, imagining his hands on her and his mouth covering hers. She would dream of him and her dreams flamed her waking passions. She felt her temperature rise as she thought of it now and pulled her

fan from her purse to cool the beads of perspiration on her forehead.

As Bella had fled from her enemy, she had heard her fiancé's name mentioned and her thoughts became irrational as jealousy tore savagely into her logical mind. She paced the kitchen, knowing that Tanya had succeeded again to upset her. Why did she let this happen? Had she not learned from all the times before?

Thoughts of Edward filled her mind and she wished she could hold him in her arms and feel his strength. She wished him to be here, right now. Frustration seethed within her as

she wished she could remove Tanya Denali from her life. She remembered all the taunts and teasing...all the lies and

cheating, despising Tanya so much she felt guilty, remembering the Pastor's words each Sunday about loving our neighbour, even our enemy. Bella despaired, wondering how she could ever love Tanya Denali.

Sweeping the floor, Bella repressed the tears brimming in her eyes as she listened to hear Tanya's departure, waiting to

hear that they had gone. Instead, she heard voices...a sickly voice of seductive sweetness.

'Edward, it is so delightful to see you.'

Bella ground her teeth in fury, staring through the curtained widow.

Edward gazed at the two women who wanted his attention but the words meant for him were ignored as he turned to walk inside the Tavern.

Confidently, oozing the power that comes with control, Tanya grabbed his arm, stalling his footsteps. Her voice was a deep sensual purr.

'Edward, do not hurry away. I wish to ask you if you would care to join us for supper. Mother has a new cook from France and we are entertaining a famous musician from Germany. He will be playing for us! Please come, Edward I want you to come!'

Her invitation was a demand. She wished to own him…have him at her command as she had done with every young man in the town. They followed her around the town; fawning all over her like a drone of insects but she wanted none of them. The one man she wanted, did not want her and she seethed with angst and frustrated plans for acquisition. She stared into his eyes, seeking his attention, wishing and needing his devotion.

He shook her arm away. 'Bella and I have our wedding plans to finalise. Good evening to you both.'

Bella turned from the window and suddenly he was in her arms. He was tall and so handsome she could not believe that he was hers and that he loved her. He smiled and set her life alight with joy. The whole day seemed brighter and her despair of before left her. Contentment dispelled the ravages of Bella's jealousy as his hands touched her face and he drew his body closer to hers. Her pulse thumped in her wrist

and she felt faint. She leant against him and his lips descended onto hers. The world ceased to exist around them as passion held their young hearts and the fire threatened to take their innocence. Slowly, he released her and a smile of triumph brought her features alive with happiness as Edward stared at her in awe. She had always been the light in his life and he adored her. He held her to him and then put her at arm's length to stare into her eyes.

'Tonight?' he asked, hurriedly kissing her again as he left her embrace. Her answer was a wistful smile as she watched

Edward leaves. He disappeared through the door and she sighed as she went about her duties.

She hurriedly swept the floor of the kitchen, suddenly feeling alive and awake even though she had been so tired before. She stirred the beef and vegetable stew on the wood stove and took the warm bread rolls from the oven. She imagined her own life in the future...she would be Edward's wife and the mother of his children. Daydreams filled her mind of a table filled with beautiful children, boys and girls with Edward's coloured hair and her brown eyes. The girls would be pretty and sweet. The boys, strong and handsome like their father. She saw Edward seated at the head of the table as he did the blessing on the food and they all held hands.

She placed napkins on the table together with bowls for her three sisters and her mother as she imagined the bowls were for her own children in the cottage beside the river.

Her youngest sisters ran into the kitchen, laughing and noisy as they pulled out their chairs and picked up their knives and forks. Bella stared at them...their young beautiful faces with smudges of dirt from their play in the yard and Bella smiled at them. The back door opened and Bella lifted her gaze to smile at her mother and Alice who also took their chairs at the table. Renee said the blessing and they all concentrated on their meal. During dinner the family chatted about the day and it was a happy time together. Alice kept Bella busy with wedding plans and Bella felt so excited knowing that the event she had longed for was almost to become reality.

Renee went to her desk after dinner to balance her budget books, instructing Alice to help Bella with the younger girls' bath but even though Alice said she would help, she

disappeared soon after dinner, leaving Bella to finish the evening tasks. Bella put the warming pan in her sister's beds, read them a story, said prayers with them and tucked them in. By then her previous energy had evaporated and she felt so tired she could crawl in beside them but she had promised Edward she would go to their cottage. There were final arrangements to make to their future home. She had to make the bed with the new sheets she had bought and she wanted everything to be just right for their wedding night. She shrugged off her tiredness as she turned down the lantern and went to the kitchen. She poured a cup of coffee for herself and her mother.

She found her mother with her head over her books and Bella believed her mother felt as tired as herself. She rubbed her mother's neck and kissed her forehead, telling her of her plans to go to the cottage with Edward. Renee smiled as Bella disappeared through the doorway. She was grateful for her mother, for the trust she knew that her mother placed in her. Most young women her age were chaperoned but Renee had never insisted on this social custom with her eldest daughter and her fiancé. Renee had known Edward for so long...he was like her son and she trusted him. She knew the values he shared with Bella and she also felt that she should

place the responsibility for their lives in their own hands. Up to now they had not disappointed her and she had no reason not to trust them. She watched her daughter as she left the room and smiled to herself.

Three

In the kitchen Bella downed the last of her coffee and was glad to be free of her family commitments to be able to keep her rendezvous. It was not really that late...only seven in the evening and the sun was just setting. The sun stayed later in the sky in summer and Bella was grateful for the extra hours to finish the tasks she needed to get done. Her mother told her she worked too hard but she had known no other way. She was the eldest. She had also worked before school and after school. She knew she must help her family. They were her loved ones and she enjoyed taking care of them.

Bella smiled as she took her new bed linen from her trousseau box and placed it in a satchel over her shoulder. She had been so proud of the sheets she had made with her own hands from fine linen she had saved up to buy from the store. They had stocked linen imported from England with

fine embroidery but they were so expensive; Bella had made her own, painstakingly embroidering bluebirds of happiness on her sheets and pillows where she would lay with Edward as his wife. She smiled as she hurried to the stable. The sun set with a flame of red brilliance and the moon rose in the sky. Bella listened to the hoot of an owl as she gazed at the first star to emerge in the night sky.

The man cursed as he watched Edward Cullen arrive swiftly at Bella's gate to meet her. He kept himself hidden in the shadows as he avidly stared at her. She sat astride her horse and he could see her long legs in leather boots with her long skirt tucked into her saddle. In the moonlight, he could still see the shape of her legs and the curve of her backside and he considered how to take her for his own. At a distance, he

followed them to their destination as a dense engulfing mist hovered over the land, chilling the night air. He was glad of the fog that kept him hidden as he was a coward, terrified of facing Edward's wrath but compulsion urged him on. He felt that he needed to see her. He could not keep away. He had dreamt of her the last few nights and in his dreams she was his...she had loved him and became his wife. These thoughts thrilled him as he quietly pulled his horse to a stop a distance from the cottage that glowed with a warm light. He snuck up to the window, stealth and silence as his companions as he looked to see her.

She laughed and pulled something from a bag. Edward had lit the fire in the hearth as he turned to stare at her and he smiled. She walked towards the other room and the stalker cursed now that she was lost to his vision. He silently crept to the other window and smiled as the room was bathed in light as she lit a candle. He could see the bed and he smiled, imaging what he was about to see. He wanted her for his own but he would welcome the sight of her nakedness even if it was not he that she gave herself to. But his disappointment was painful as she stretched out the linen on the bed, lovingly smoothing the sheets, tucking them into the mattress, covering the pillows with the pillowcases she had made. She stretched the blanket on top of the bed and smiled her face aglow with joy. Her beauty thrilled him and he wanted her so much, it was almost painful. He saw Edward join her beside the bed as he smiled at her and took her into his arms. He watched them but became frustrated when the lovemaking ended only with a kiss.

His legs were cramping and he was getting cold. He saw Edward release Bella from his arms and walk with her into

the main room before the fire where they sat at the table and talked. He wanted to scream with annoyance but he remained silent. His legs started to cramp and then he fled, bored and cold as the wind picked up, chilling him.

The burden of the hardworking day weighed heavily on Bella as exhaustion claimed her, making her eyelids close many times. She tried to keep awake and she wished that they had not sat on the couch for that had been her undoing. The warmth of the fire cocooned her in comfort and Edward's arms around her, brought peace to her heart and mind. She had managed to keep awake when she had been drinking tea at the table but now the lethargy she felt overwhelmed her. Again her eyes closed and her head lolled against Edward's shoulder.

Smiling, he laid her gently on the couch, rubbing her forehead tenderly. As he stared at her beauty, he longed to hold her in his arms but he dared not as his self control was only mastered by his respect for her. His finger traced the curve of her cheek, thrilling to the softness of her skin. As he kissed her hand he noticed the blisters and evidence of her hard work. Suddenly, he wished to make her life easier but he was not wealthy. He continued to think and plan but

eventually his eyes closed heavily. He opened his eyes again, trying to keep awake but sleep claimed him.

The fire burnt radiantly in the massive fireplace as he sat beside it, gazing around the room furnished with luxury and opulence. He had never seen such wealth before and he wondered where he was. His eyes searched for her...then he saw her, through a fine mist she came...her raven hair falling around her. She smiled, the most welcoming smile,

opening her arms wide, taking his lips, his breath...holding his very life in the palm of her hands.

He held her in sacredness, the culmination of their love...through the long years of waiting. Her tears joined his, then, he knew the waiting had been a blessing as she wore his ring on her finger as surely as his heart was in her keeping. Tenderly, he kissed her, relishing in the sweetness of her lips but he heard her cry...'No, no!'

His mind catapulted from his dream to see the anguish on her face because of the despair of her nightmare. She writhed on the couch, tears falling from her eyes as the dream tormented her.

'Lies, lies...he is a liar!' a voice said, crackling...warning.

'You will not be able to trust him!' the voice said. 'He has lied to you...he does not love you!' the voice taunted as she started to scream again...'No, no!'

Her words ended in a heart rendering wail as he held her, soothing her. She still cried, whimpering while he shook her. Tears covered her face as her heart pounded and her large

brown eyes were wide with fear as she woke and held him to her. She clung to him as her lifeline and she did not want to release him. She could not imagine the pain she had felt in

her dream as being any semblance of reality. Tears still fell from her eyes and she brushed them away, not believing the taunting dream. He pulled her to face him and his look was questioning as he asked her of her dream. At first she could not speak and she took her gaze away from the magnetic power of his golden eyes but he raised her chin. His lips came close to hers and she realised how foolish she had been. It was only a dream...a stupid dream. His kiss filled her with delight and she wanted more but she knew she had

to wait. She had promised herself that she wanted to be a virgin when she became his wife so she sat back from him on the couch and told him of her dream and that she did not believe it. She was tired...that was the problem. He took her hand, vowing his love and his fidelity.

'Come, my love,' he said. 'We should have left making up our bed till tomorrow, it is Sunday and we are not working that day. We could have finalised our wedding plans then. I am sorry I did not think of it. I did not realise how hard you had worked today and there is Justin's ball tomorrow night. I will take you home.'

She smiled at him. 'I wanted to come, Edward. I was impatient to see how the sheets I made look on our bed. They are beautiful.'

He smiled at her as she managed to move, even though every muscle ached. He doused the remains of the fire which had burnt out as they had slept. He snuffed the candles and locked the door. He helped her to mount his horse and he held her before him on the saddle, his strong arm around her waist, holding her to him as he knew she was too tired to ride her horse which was pulled behind his

own. Enclosed in his arms, she felt happy as the surety of his strength comforted her.

Suddenly, the night darkened around them as the moon became hidden behind some clouds. The wind became chill and a shiver travelled down Bella's spine as she huddled into Edward's chest, seeking his warmth and his protection.

Four

Merry confusion filled the household of females as each hurried to be ready in time for the ball. Bella rushed from room to room, helping her sisters then she panicked at the lateness of the hour as she pulled on her gown and brushed her long hair. Smoothing her petticoats under her gown, she

sighed. Sadness held her as she wished for a gown of luxurious beauty instead of the gown she had made from family clothing. She thought the material was pretty but she wished that she had something new to wear. She remembered the taunting words of Tanya the other day and she felt anxious. How could Edward love her so much when she was so poor? She knew that she could never afford beautiful things and envy filled her mind as she wished for luxuries and all the beautiful things she did not own. Her stomach twisted in knots of anxiety as she felt ugly and she disbelieved all the words that Edward told her of her beauty.

Bella walked to the full length mirror in her wardrobe and stared at herself. Her mind overlooked the thickness and lustre of her raven hair. She did not see the depth and beauty of her eyes or the sweet smile and white even teeth. She thought her nose too small and her eyebrows too thin. She knew she was slender in build but should her breasts be bigger? She grimaced as she ran her hands over her dress. She wished to rip it off but she knew she had none other. The other one she had, she had worn numerous times before and she could not wear it tonight. She thought of the pretty dresses her sisters were wearing and she felt annoyed. But then she chastised herself for her thoughts of envy because it was not their fault. The dresses had in fact been hers...hand me downs she had grown out of. Beautiful dresses her father

had bought her when the Bakery was a thriving business and he had had the money to spoil his first born. Now the Swan girls never bought new dresses. They either made them when they could afford to buy material or they passed them along when they grew out of them. Alice was wearing a green satin dress Bella had loved but it was too tight around her waist now.

Alice was just two years younger but Bella had started to fill out as a woman and her curves had made the dress uncomfortable.

Bella sighed as she knew her mother could not afford to buy her a new gown for the ball. Hadn't her wedding gown taken half of Renee's savings? She did not want to be greedy but she felt ill knowing that tonight she would be poorly dressed compared to the other girls.

She stared at her wedding gown, smiling wistfully as she touched the white satin material and she thought of all the long hours sewing on beads and flowers. Her veil hung beside the dress and she could not resist putting it on her head even though she was already late. She stared at herself in the mirror, disbelieving that by next week she would be a married woman. It seemed so surreal but these thoughts brought a smile to her lips and untangled the knots of anxiety in her stomach. She realised that she did look beautiful in her wedding veil and she also realised that she had let her depression and anxiety control her as it had done so many times in the past. She lifted her wedding dress from the hanger and held it against her and she was so grateful to have the love of such a wonderful young man.

A sound on the stairs to her room startled her as Bella turned to see Alice, dressed and ready to go, standing in the doorway.

'Quick, Bella...Edward is coming. Come on, you cannot let him in here to see your dress. He said he is coming in if you are not out in a minute.'

Bella smiled, returning the veil and dress to its place and then she brushed her hair up, securing it with her combs. She took her fan and gloves as she hurried from her room. She rushed down the stairs from her room as she noticed he was waiting in the hall.

He turned with a smile covering his face and she stared. Adoration shone from her face as she gazed at him, resplendently handsome in his best breeches, shirt and cravat. His jacket was elegant but old although he did not seem to care. He had secured his shoulder length hair at the nape of his neck as was the current fashion for young gentlemen. His stance was confident and the gentle nobility he displayed overshadowed his obvious lack of wealth. He was not afraid to admit he was saving his hard earned money for his wedding clothes, besides all the savings he anticipated he would need to set up house with Bella, to make her comfortable in their new life.

He took her hand and raised it to his lips, and then his cheeky smile showed his dimples as he pulled her into his arms. The nearness of her lips, the dancing lights in her eyes and the gentle perfume of lavender drifted to his senses. She stared up at him and at that moment the love in her eyes thrilled him. His lips took hers.

Alice watched them and giggled. Edward turned his head to stare at Bella's sister and he smiled. He reluctantly released Bella from his arms and escorted her and Alice out the door, eager to enjoy the evening.

The coolness of night was pleasant after a hot day and the stars had just started to shine as Bella was helped into the

borrowed sulky. Edward then helped Alice. He turned and stared at Renee and her other daughters. They all smiled at him and he was grateful for the beautiful family of females he had always thought of as his own. He had not known a family of brothers and sisters and in his heart he had adopted the Swan girls. He loved them dearly. They had been his extended family as he had become Bella's friend when he had been only five and he had rejoiced when each baby girl had been born. But the past year his role had changed from brother to father, even though he was only eighteen. Responsibility had suddenly been thrust upon his shoulders when both their fathers had died. The shared grief brought Edward and this family closer together than they had ever been and now six months after the fever had swept through Denali and the other towns along the coast, Edward felt that life was showing promise and signs of peace and prosperity.

He had talked to the Harbour Master only just yesterday and six merchant vessels were due into port in the next month, meaning enterprise for the Livery and the Tavern as there were always stomachs to be filled and horses to be shod and swords to be made. These thoughts made Edward happy and he smiled, telling a joke. They all laughed with him as they neared the illuminated Dupreau home which was magnificently decorated.

Lights shone around the fountains, sending cascading sparkles into the air, to then disappear into the dark water. Statues of swans and cupids amazed the little girls while Bella stared at the garden as the sulky pulled into the reception area. Even though she had been here numerous times, the opulent wealth startled her and suddenly she felt envious of this magnificent house, comparing her humble home. She stared at her plain gown as shame flushed her

cheeks. She imagined all the beautifully dressed women inside, especially Tanya, and her heart fell as a tear formed

in her eye suddenly escaping but noticed by Edward who stared at her as he helped her to alight from the sulky. She knew she should not dwell on these thoughts as she knew she should not feel sorry for herself but her feelings were hard to shake off. Edward stared at her and his look held a question but his smile was tender and understanding.

'You are the queen here tonight even though you are not wearing a gown worth a fortune or expensive jewellery. You need none of those trappings, Bella.' He could tell that she did not believe him and he leant forward and kissed her lips.

She stared into his eyes and she could see the confidence that was the very essence of Edward Cullen. He always seemed so sure of himself and even though she wanted to believe him, she still wanted beautiful clothes to wear. She told herself to cease the self-pity and she smiled, wanting to have a good time. The evidence of his love and his smile warmed her heart and gave her self-assurance. His words brought peace to her troubled thoughts and the anxious knot in her stomach disappeared as she held his arm proudly.

He smiled secretively as he leant into the sulky and pulled out a parcel.

'This is for you.'

Bella stared at him, not knowing what it could be. She untied the paper and a silken wrap fell into her hands and she sighed. The cloth was so beautiful and tears formed in her eyes as he laid the wrap across her shoulders. He had known she would not have an elaborate dress to wear and he had bartered with Mrs Jones to have her horses shod for the price of one of the beautiful wraps that she made. He felt so happy to see the joy in Bella's face as she hugged the wrap

around her and it draped over her dress, making it look just as fancy as the ones her sisters were wearing.

She smiled at her sisters and mother as they entered the hall to be greeted by the Dupree family. She gazed to her friend

Justin Dupree, as he stood beside his mother and she smiled at him as he kissed her cheek and shook Edward's hand in friendship. He had always been her special friend. His father had been a baker too and started out in business with Charlie Swan but then Anton Dupree had received a windfall...an inheritance from France. Apparently an old uncle, a Marquis

had escaped the French Revolution and brought all his fortunes to America and sought refuge with the Dupree family. Overnight, they had become the wealthiest people in Denali, besides Tanya's family, of course. Anton had given

half share of the business to Charlie. Anton wanted to retire. With his sudden wealth he had bought a magnificent home on the hill overlooking the sea and from that time forward the Dupree's lived the wealthy life.

Five

Justin had never forgotten his friends, Edward and Bella and how it felt to be poor. He wanted to give Bella and Edward money to help them in their life, but he knew that Edward was determined to prove that he could look after Bella, so he had not felt comfortable in his offer. He planned secretly to give them an anonymous purse at their wedding. He smiled at them when he thought of his plan as he greeted them.

'I am so glad you both could come with your lovely family, Bella. Welcome Aunt Renee', Justin said, addressing her informally as he had almost grown up in the bakery and thought of her as his Aunt. He kissed her cheek. Renee smiled sweetly and the girls giggled as Justin paid attention to them.

'I hope your evening is enjoyable,' Justin said, addressing them all.

They moved along as other guests were waiting to be greeted by the hosts and they walked down the hall into the main ballroom, which was a hive of activity, light and colour.

An orchestra played enthusiastically as Bella wanted to dance. She loved to waltz although she did not think that she was a good dancer. Her mother and father had shown her how to dance and she smiled as she remembered all the hours in the dining room with her father who had insisted that all young ladies should know how to dance. She felt that she was uncoordinated with two left feet but when she was in Edward's arms she felt comfortable. She smiled adoringly at him as he twirled her across the floor. His love warmed her and she felt at home in his arms. They were watched by many especially one woman whose jealousy tormented her.

The expensive blue French lace gown clung to her perspiring body as she fanned herself, hoping to bring down her temperature. Her smouldering eyes devoured Edward as she became oblivious to all the other people around her. Suddenly, she turned, colliding with Mike Newton.

'Oh, good evening, beautiful one,' he said, helping her to regain her balance. 'So, it is you, Tanya. Sometimes, I am sure you are Bella. It is strange...you two could be twins...are you sure you are not related?'

'We share the same birthday, and the same time of birth but we are not related,' she replied scornfully. 'No, certainly, I am not related to her!' Tanya added bitterly but then her attention wandered to Edward.

Mike stared from Tanya to where Edward danced with Bella.

'Are you still breaking your heart over him, Tanya? Surely, you would have accepted defeat by now. How long have you been playing your games, ten years, is it?'

'I never accept defeat!'

'I know Edward has the looks to attract females but there is something else. Your quest has been too long and love is not your sole motive, is it?'

Her smile was slyly triumphant as she began to share her secret.

'His family were heirs to incomprehensible wealth. His father was King! Do you remember Carlisle Cullen who died last year? Him! They abandoned all the power, all the glory...what fools!'

'You believe you can force Edward to seek a Kingship for you. You are crazy!'

'Of course!' she replied with arrogant confidence. 'Yes, I will see him be King. I will be his Queen!'

Mike barely controlled his mirth as he asked, 'You believe this...you will be a Queen and he is a King?'

'Oh, yes. I want him, his title. You will see Mike, I will be his wife, spoilt, pampered. My wish will be a command!' Tanya replied smugly, clasping her hands together in joy.

At these words Mike laughed loudly as he could not imagine Tanya anymore spoilt than she already had been during her indulged life.

Happiness filled Bella's heart as she danced in Edward's arms. He smiled at her and she felt at peace and so in love. As the danced ended their host approached them and requested the next dance from Bella. Edward smiled and released Bella to his friend. He walked into the night air and enjoyed the rush of the wind on his face, the fragrance of jasmine in the garden and the salty tang on the sea brought on the wind. He heard the boom and crash of the waves above the music of the string quartet and he smiled.

From the balcony he gazed at the stars and imagined the land of his birth. What was it like? Carlisle had said it was an island. What was the sea like? Was the harbour deep? Was the shoreline beautiful? Were there mountains? Edward tried to imagine his homeland but no images formed in his mind. It was a void. It all seemed so strange. Did he still have family? Carlisle had told him he had a grandmother and a brother. Were they alive? They did not seem real to him and he could not imagine that across the other side of the world, they existed and he was their kin.

The arrogance of Tanya bored Mike and he wandered away from her, watching Bella intently. His lust for her grew like a restless monster in the pit of his stomach, as he imagined the softness of her skin, the sweetness of her lips and he vowed to make her his. Avidly, he stared at her as she

danced with the host, Justin Dupree. Then, at that instant, Mike seized his opportunity, bolding walking onto the dance floor. Risking the wrath of Edward, Mike cut in on Justin, possessively holding Bella in his arms, twirling her around the dance floor.

Her stomach twisted in knots of nervousness as she wished she had refused the ridiculous custom allowed at these functions. She did not want to dance with Mike. Panic sent shudders of fear through her being as he danced her out onto the balcony. Her eyes filled with tears as she realised she was on her own with him and she stared into the ballroom desperately seeking Edward.

He still stared into the night sky, enjoying the breeze. Suddenly, female arms circled his waist. He turned and smiled, expecting to see Bella. As he stepped back to avoid Tanya, his words held a tone of annoyance and contempt.

'Leave me alone, Tanya.' He turned his back to her and he ignored her, starting to walk away but her words stalled his steps.

'So King Wulfgar Von Hapsbrugen is too proud for me! Marry me, Edward...I will make a better Queen than she ever can...she is a peasant...she has no breeding. It is pitiful

how poor she is. Look at the shameful dress she is wearing tonight. Why did you not buy her something decent to wear? How could you want her for your Queen? Edward, please consider what I am saying. I beg you. Marry me, I love you. I will be the Queen you need when you take your kingdom!'

His mirth was loud, fuelling her annoyance.

'What kingdom? I have no kingdom!' But the words of Carlisle rushed to the surface of his mind as he remembered the Legacy. Suddenly, he dismissed the memory, telling himself Carlisle had fabricated the tale of Edward's real

parents, the King and Queen of Hapsbrugen and the Sword of Wulfgar. He frowned and turned his back to her, his mind in the past as he remembered Franz and the story he had been told. His method of ignoring her brought a cursing to her lips and then he laughed as he walked away from her to seek Bella.

Tanya's chagrin was noticeable as she stormed to the table where Mike sat despondently nursing his bruised cheek. He told Tanya of his unrequited love, his breaking heart. Even though she seemed sympathetic, she only thought of her own desires. Mike started to become nervous, expecting to be confronted by Edward so he hurried from the ball, afraid of having to deal with the situation he had created

Many men asked her to dance and she obliged them, enjoying their flattery but her eyes seldom left Edward Cullen. Several men proposed marriage but she laughed in their faces and then tried to make a joke of it, stringing them along. She did still need her entertainment and attention. She did go out to the balcony with the handsome musician who was always paying so much attention to her. He had been fawning over her since he had been employed to play at her parent's parties. She enjoyed the attention but she had no feelings for him. She led him on, allowing him to kiss her. Once he had been so bold to touch her breast but she had tapped his hand sharply as her deep brown eyes turned black with annoyance. This night he sat on the balcony with her and tried to kiss her again. As his lips took hers, she imagined they were Edward's lips and she enjoyed the kiss, responding with passion. She was about to be bolder when she heard a woman's cough and a muffled whisper.

'Is that you out there, Tanya? Your father is looking for you'.

Tanya did not answer as she allowed the musician to take his liberties. She enjoyed the adulation but she would not let him touch her in the darkened corner of the patio. She wanted to keep her virginity for another.

'Tanya', the whispered voice said again but again Tanya did not respond. She smiled smugly to herself when she heard her mother sigh and walk away.

Six

The thunder clapped, the lightning roared as the night drew on and the family hurried to the sulky to return to the safety of their home. Alone on the porch, Bella sat beside Edward on the swing. Staring into the dark night, Edward thought of the words Tanya had spoken to him. He wondered how she knew of his homeland and the story that Carlisle had told him. He could not shift the depressing thoughts that filled his mind. He thought of his lack of wealth and the heritage he had been told about. He looked at Bella's dress and felt sorry for her, knowing she deserved more than she had. He knew she was poor. He had not much more than her but his business was thriving and he was confident he could make a secure living to support her when they married.

She gazed into his sad face as he watched the storm clouds gather while the lightning set the town of Denali alive with brilliance. Holding his hand, she pondered his melancholy. The question in her eyes brought a smile of reassurance to his lips and words of comfort.

'Next week you will be my wife. I have wanted this for so long. I am sorry to appear sad. Something else is bothering me. Tonight I was confronted by Tanya. Somehow she knows the story of my parents and believes it...remember the story Carlisle told me when I was ten?'

'Oh, yes, I remember…the sword…you showed it to me, it was strange but beautiful. Actually, I have been thinking of it lately…wondering if it is real or it was Carlisle's imagination. Your father told wonderful stories. Was it one of his stories? Are you a King, Edward? Was not Carlisle your father? Was your father really a King? It seems so surreal!'

Bella's words echoed Edward's thoughts as he stared at her.

'I held the sword in my hand and it was the most beautiful and strange sword that I have ever seen. But now I find the story hard to understand. He said he was my servant...not my father. Is that not ridiculous? I always thought him to be so logical and sane. Why would he make up such a story? And then if it is true I am this King, as Carlisle told me, then I would obviously be wealthy and you would be poor no longer. I know how hard life is for you and I love you so much Bella. It is my wish to do what I can for you. It is not only my wish, it is my responsibility. Perhaps, I should seek this Kingdom to find out once and for all!'

Bella stared at him as jealousy turned her brown eyes to jet. Of all the words that Edward had just spoken, she had only really focused on the fact that Tanya had confronted him and been alone with him. Annoyance filled her mind and knots of anxiety twisted in her stomach. She started to chew her bottom lip as was her usual nervous behaviour when she was chagrined and Edward knew it as he gazed at her face.

'What did she say?' Bella queried as she tried to suppress the whine in her voice.

Edward took her hand and raised it to his lips and then encompassed it in the warmth of his own. Her small hand felt cold as it lay in his and he despaired that she was hurt by Tanya yet again. Edward shrugged as he answered her.

'Just her usual demands which are of no importance to me but she mentioned your lack of suitable clothing. She is right…you are so beautiful, Bella. You deserve to be dressed in the finest clothes, the softest silks and satins.'

The warmth of his words and the love contained therein thrilled her and she dispelled her angst of before, feeling like

the luckiest woman alive to have the love of this wonderful young man. Even though he was only eighteen years of age

and regarded still as a boy by some, Bella knew the maturity and commonsense that filled Edward's mind and the gentleness and love in his soul. She felt she knew him like none other as he had been her best friend for such a long time…as long as she could remember. Many memories flushed to her mind of her standing before him, a small child holding his hand and gazing up into his face with its dimpled smile, missing teeth and ruffled bronze hair. She felt so safe with him and suddenly confident that her heart was secure in his keeping. She stared at him as he gazed at the thunderheads and she could sense the worry in his mind. Lovingly, she turned his face to gaze at her and she kissed his lips. Then she moulded her body against his as she felt his warmth and the strength of his arms around her. She thought about what he had just said and after a while she broke her silence.

'If you wish to be a King, Edward I will be your Queen and I will follow you anywhere but if you seek this destiny for me, I do not wish to be a Queen…I find that hard to imagine…to be a sovereign...how ridiculous? I do not know if I could do that. I wish to be the wife of Edward Cullen, the blacksmith…that is my desire and perhaps a new dress occasionally.'

Her words brought a smile to his face but then the smile on her face disappeared as she started to speak.

'I also have something to tell you. Mike Newton worries me. He is bothering me and he cut in on Justin's dance with me. He danced me onto the veranda and before I could pull away from him, he kissed me. I slapped him and pushed him away. I looked for you and could not find you and…'

Her words ended in a sudden rush of tears and he held her. He was annoyed that he had not been there to protect her from Mike. For quite a while he had suspected that Mike had feelings for Bella. Edward had watched Mike for many

years as he noticed that the friendship which they had all had in childhood had taken another path. Edward decided he would be more diligent in his observations and protection of his woman from now on. His jaw was firm and his eyes burned with jealousy as he realized that Mike had been propositioning Bella while Tanya had been doing the same thing to him.

He disentangled Bella's arm from his and rose to his feet to seek Mike out to get the matter straight but Bella stilled his rage with the kiss of her lips and the warmth of her arms around him as the thunderheads broke and the torrential rain started to fall.

Later that evening Edward had fare welled the family and held Bella to him with an assurance that he would not seek out Mike. But suddenly Edward was not so sure that he had told Bella the truth. Thoughts of vengeance burnt into Edward's soul as he wished to speak his mind to the man who had dared to kiss his fiancée. Edward tried to dispel his feelings but he was not succeeding. Passionate emotions had raged in Edward's soul lately as he longed for the moment he would become Bella's husband. His feelings for her had tormented him a long time and he had been able to control himself but it was becoming harder. He did not know how he could wait to the time he would take her to his cottage. Once the vows were spoken he wanted to take her straight to his bed but he knew he could not as there was the formality that Bella's mother had insisted on. The family custom was a huge wedding feast with many guests invited…a meal, cake, wine and dancing. Edward knew he must concede to

Renee's request but it was hard. Now Edward felt that all his suppressed desires were directed into anger as he wanted to hurt the man who had dared to touch the sweet lips that only Edward had kissed and intended to be the only one to ever kiss.

As Edward's chagrin increased so did his pace as he walked the cobblestone main street of Denali. The clouds had now cleared…the rain had become a drizzle and he looked up into the sky, feeling the raindrops on his face and seeing the emerging stars in the sky. It was late and the town was quiet. Edward did not feel tired. In fact he felt wide awake. He had intended to go home to bed but he wondered how he could sleep with the seething emotions raging through his mind at that moment. He decided that he needed to ride. He entered his stable and walked to his black stallion that he had recently broken in. The animal had been a wild mustang and he was a beauty. He was strong and proud and Edward had not wanted to break his spirit. He had seen how other men had broken in horses but Edward had devised his own methods. He remembered how when he had been a boy he had desperately wanted his own horse and now he had him. A gold prospector had come to Denali, cruelly pulling behind him a shackled and tethered animal. He had wanted his other horse shod and bargained to give Edward the shackled animal in payment as he said the horse was useless to him. He had tried to break it but he could not. The animal remained stubbornly resistant to all attempts to be broken.

Edward had approached the animal that had shied away from him. Edward could see the fear in the animal's eyes as well as the defiance. The horse flattened his ears and snorted. Edward's eyes travelled over the stallion's strong body and noticed the evidence of abuse by the whip marks

and also burn marks. This incensed Edward who hated

cruelty to animals and he gladly accepted the man's offer.

Carlisle had told him he had a way with horses and Edward knew it to be true. He walked beside Aries as he had named him after the god of war, whispering his endearing words and rubbing the stallion's ears. As proud as this animal was, he always responded to Edward's touch and the sound of his voice. Edward spoke more soothing words that seemed to calm the animal as he pulled on the bridle then rubbed the stallion all over with the brush. At first Edward could feel the animal shiver but then the stallion started to relax to Edward's touch. This was the usual ritual Edward had established to place the saddle on. After tender care for two months, Edward was able to mount the animal and ride him around the yard. Even though Edward had ridden Aries many times, he still continued this ritual. Aries snorted and rubbed his nose against Edward's arm and he gave him a carrot soaked in molasses that was the stallion's special treat. Edward smiled as he mounted his animal and rode out into the night.

Mike had been drinking for most of the night. He was annoyed with himself for rushing from the ball and he was annoyed that he had not been able to dance with Bella for longer. Why did he have to kiss her? Had he not known what her reaction would be? He knew all the answers to these and other questions but it still did not solve his problem. He could see no relief from his pain of unrequited love. What could he do so that she loved him and not Edward Cullen? All their childhood, Mike had been Bella's friend and he begrudged the times she preferred to go and play with Edward instead of him. When she had become Edward's friend, Mike knew that he had lost her and he had never gotten over it. Perhaps he had always loved her? He

was four years older than her and at twenty-one was a strong young man with a stocky build and a full head of tan hair. He was said to be handsome but he did not think so. He remembered the day he first saw her. His family lived next to the Swans and he had been helping his father who was working for Charlie Swan by building him a new oven and chimney for the bake house. Urig Newton was a first rate stonemason and was teaching his trade to his son. Even though Mike was only four, he still helped his father, carrying his tools and mixing his cement.

The memories were strong and vivid as Mike pictured the Swan's kitchen. Charlie's wife, Renee had walked into the kitchen carrying a baby bundled in a rug. She had held the baby up for Mike to see and he was certain that at that moment he fell in love with Bella. Then she was only one week old but the beauty of her face captivated him and he had always wanted to be around her. He carried her books to school and became her special friend until Edward and Carlisle Cullen had come to town. Then Bella had been five years old and was already a beauty. Mike was nine and thought of himself as her boyfriend even though she had laughed and pushed him away when he said that he wanted to marry her.

As Mike walked out the saloon door he realized he was a fool to think these thoughts and remember the past and dwell on what he could not have. Mike knew Bella loved Edward Cullen and there was nothing that he could do about it. He stumbled down the street to his house. He turned the corner and fell beneath the hooves of a huge black horse that reared above him and he thought he was going to die.

Seven

Edward had always been a solitary child, having no brothers and sisters. He had spent as much time as he could at the Swans and with other friends and their families but his home

with his father was a lonely existence. There was no sound of children playing or fighting and no mother to give him the warmth of her arm and the love of her heart. But because of this the father and son drew close to each other and loved each other. He had always thought that he was an only child until the age of ten when Carlisle had confessed that he was not Edward's father and in fact, his servant. Edward had struggled to believe the words he had been told and even now, he hardly believed that he was a prince and the more unbelievable reality was that he had been told that he was not an only child…that he had an older brother.

The moon shone brightly on Edward as he rode Aries along the beach. Anger filled his heart and jealousy coursed through his mind as he imagined Mike's rough lips touching the sweet lips of Bella. He heard the screech of the night birds and the boom of the waves. The salty air filled his nostrils and his hair whipped into his eyes. His mind flew to the past as he remembered that Mike had always dogged Bella's steps, following her around…always lurking in the background. He was as much of a pest as was Tanya and Edward cursed them both. He wished to take Bella away somewhere…away from both Tanya and Mike but at this thought he realized he was being ridiculous. Bella was a stunning young woman and there would always be someone who wanted her. Had he not always noticed the sailors in the Port ogling her each time she walked along the docks on his arm? He always possessively held her but he knew he could not be with her every moment. Was not tonight at the ball a

prime example? He had been in the same building but still Mike had taken advantage of her, kissing her. Edward cursed again and pushed Aries harder as the black stallion flew along the hard packed sand until Edward pulled Aries into a wide circle to avoid the rocks at the end of the beach. The stallion's hooves flew into the surf, splashing the cold water all over himself and his master. Edward tasted the salt in his mouth and felt the cold water splash on his face and clothes. The coldness brought Edward from the angry tirade in his mind and he leant over Aries' neck and patted his animal.

At a slower pace, Edward trotted Aries back down the beach and then onto the road back to the main street of town. He realized he was a fool. Did not Bella love him? Hadn't she proved her love for him and her devotion? What did he have to worry about?

A smile covered his lips instead of the scowl the past hour. He pulled his horse to a walk as he turned the corner into Smugglers Lane. He noticed a dark figure on the road as his horse snorted and rose into the air, startled by the figure before him. Edward saw the figure fall to the ground under his horse's hooves. Terrified that he had hurt someone, Edward jumped to his feet and pulled the person from the thrashing of the hooves. Turning the body over, Edward noticed the face of Mike Newton. He was unconscious with a gash to his head and Edward lifted him onto Aries' back.

Edward walked his horse to the Newton's home, noticing as he passed Bella's house that her light was off and he hoped she slept peacefully.

Mike regained consciousness under the care of his mother. Edward stood in the doorway, concerned that his horse had injured this man who had once been his friend. Mrs. Newton

had spoken kindly to him and she was annoyed to see that her son was drunk. She did not blame Edward and had told Mike that he 'was a stupid boy'. He woke to hear her tirade and see Edward standing in the doorway. He shrieked and pulled the blanket over himself as Edward turned to leave the house. He knew that Mike was guilty but suddenly Edward was too tired to confront him. His glance in Mike' direction had obviously been enough to scare him.

The flower sellers had been up since dawn. They had travelled out to the farms beyond the town limits where the fragrant blooms of spring filled the nostrils. Roses, carnations, lilies and so many blooms were picked and placed into carts. Outside the little store down by the quay, the blooms filled the tubs and were admired by the passersby and the shoppers. The young shopkeeper just placed a large bunch of red roses amongst the carnations and she turned to gaze into the face of a young man who admired the roses. She smiled at him. He was so good looking she sighed. She knew who he was and she knew who he was buying the roses for. He held up a bunch of roses and shook the water from their stems. She watched him take the money from his pocket, place it in her hands and she watched him walk away. She had not said a word. Her tongue had felt tied. She could only gaze at him and wish that she was Bella Swan.

He arrived at her door and Renee told him where her daughter was. She was washing out in the back room of the house where the washing tub had always been. Edward walked to the door and he had been so silent, she had not heard him. He stood and leant against the door jam and watched her. Her sleeves were rolled up her arms, covered

in bubbles as she vigorously rubbed the clothing up and down the washboard. He saw the determination on her face as she scrubbed at a stubborn stain. Her hair had come loose from its bounds, falling across her forehead and shoulders. She was so breathtakingly beautiful. Edward sighed and startled Bella who jumped with fright. She raised the wet cloth. It flew through the air and Edward dodged it, trying to miss the flying water and soap suds. She gazed at the startled look on his face and the bubbles covering his cheeks and she started to chastise him until he pulled the huge bouquet of roses from behind his back. His smile was broad and his dimples endearing as she walked to him and brushed the suds from his cheeks and dabbed the water from his shirt. She took the flowers into her arms as she placed her lips on his. She read the message he had written on the card.

'For my bride…' the words began and this gesture warmed her heart as she realized how much he really did love her and she hardly believed that she would be his wife.

As she labored in the kitchen, she remembered that morning and she gazed to the roses in the vase on the kitchen table. Sweat poured down her brow and she felt her energy had been sapped as the day had been scorching with no relief from the searing heat. She had prepared all the extra cakes for the wedding party as well as the Tavern for the brief time she would be absent from her duties. But she was not the only one who had been working hard…even Alice had been busy, making the table decorations for the wedding feast, ironing the girls' dresses, setting out the preserves and the homemade ginger beer and lemonade. The little girls had been picking flowers, tidying up the house and tried their best to be helpful and quiet. The whole family had been waiting for this day. They looked forward to celebrating the

wedding of Edward and Bella with their friends and loved ones. Bella thought of all that they had done and she sighed.

She stared through the window, noticing the setting of the sun, suddenly feeling the welcome stirring of a breeze. Her nimble fingers created a delicate pastry leaf to compliment a pastry rose on the apple pie. She smiled to herself, remembering the craftsmanship of her father and the wonderful legacy he had passed on to her. She had so many happy memories of cooking with him and in fact, her earliest memory was sitting at the large table with a bowl of pastry as he told her how to knead the dough and make some sweetbreads. She had loved him so much and she missed him. She wished that he was here to give her to Edward tomorrow. She wished to walk down the aisle of the church on her father's arm but he lay in the cemetery, cold in his grave. She tried to believe what the preacher had told her about the resurrection of the dead but she was always a skeptical person, rather believing in what she could see.

These thoughts suddenly made her sad but she suddenly refused to dwell on the negative impressions of her mind. She tried to be happy, imagining being in Edward's arms as his wife and this thought brought a flush to her cheeks.

As she carried the pie to the oven, she gazed out of the window, noticing a frilly pink parasol. She paused as she watched Tanya heading for Edward's place of business.

'Why does she do this? Whenever I am feeling happy she does something to destroy it? What is she doing? She is going to see him…I know she is.' Bella spoke to herself in a fit of fury and her temper could not be controlled. Clenching her hands together, chagrin churned Bella's stomach into

knots as she opened the oven door, her mind far from her task. The heat rushed forward to flush her face but she only thought of Tanya and her conniving ways. Bella leant down to place the pie on the oven rack and she brushed her arm against the oven wall, crying aloud as tears sprang into her eyes. She jerked her arm away as she cried, tears falling down her cheek. She knew she was being a baby but she was already upset by seeing Tanya and this was the last straw. She was so tired…she just wanted to go to bed and forget it all. She wanted to wake up tomorrow and be Edward's wife and forget Tanya forever. She wanted to have his children…to make him hers.

Eight

She leant on the basin of cold water in the sink and placed her wrist in it. The cold water seemed to sooth it and she brushed the tears from her cheeks. She tried to compose herself and tell herself that she was a fool. Did Edward not love her? Had he not proved his love and devotion? She shrugged her shoulders and laughed. She removed her arm from the water and noticed the ugly red welt on her skin. She applied some ointment and bandage to the burn and tried to take her mind from the pain. She sighed listlessly cleaning her baking mess then left the kitchen to seek the privacy of her room. Her thighs ached and her ankles throbbed as she climbed the . She realized that she had been on her feet all day and she wished for a rest. She felt confident that all was done…all the arrangements had been made and there was even no dinner to cook. Bella had placed a stew on the stove earlier in the day and she knew that the delicious meal was just simmering at the back of the stove.

She smiled as she pulled off her shoes and crawled onto her bed, staring at her wedding gown hanging on her dresser. Stretching out on her bed, she wished for peace from the torments of Tanya. She thought of rushing to see Edward, to expel Tanya from his presence but she suddenly felt too exhausted to move. Her eyelids grew heavy as she fell asleep, a dream filling her mind, taking her to a distant land.

She could see him in a golden carriage, dressed befitting his station as King of his realm. Pushing her way through the

crowd she tried to catch a glimpse of him but she was thrown to the ground, trampled underfoot as the crowd surged forward. She had been kicked in the stomach and her arm hurt but she pulled herself up, desperate to see him to ease the yearning of her young, naïve heart. Desperately, she sought a vantage point, a place to see him. Hope surged as she found it. Frantically, she climbed the stairs to the rooftop, leaning over the awning. Suddenly, she was surrounded by the crowd, pulling at her, pushing her away.

She cried...she screamed, managing to hold her ground, determined to see her sovereign... the man she loved so hopefully but hopelessly as she knew he could never love her. She was a peasant and he was nobility. How could it ever be? She heard the roar of the crowd and saw the waving of many banners and she knew that the royal entourage approached. Then, his carriage turned the corner in full view of the rooftop. The carriage was gold and was drawn by four cream coloured horses with silver manes. She had never seen horses as beautiful as the ones who pranced down the cobblestone street with their heads held high and their tails swishing in the gentle breeze. She stared with her mouth open and then her eyes sought the carriage and its occupants.

At that moment the King leant out of the window to wave to the crowd. She stared in wonder at the regal handsomeness of her King. His clothes were rich, his jewellery...priceless...then she noticed his Queen, so beautiful, so richly endowed with the finest clothes and jewellery. The woman was dark haired and the colour of her eyes, a warm brown that seemed so vibrant. Her nose was straight. Her cheekbones were high and her lips were full and small. Her neck was long and her throat was covered by amazing green jewels. Bella stared, disbelieving her vision...

as if she had looked into a mirror...the woman was her but she was on the roof, she was the impoverished peasant not the beautiful, beloved Queen. Bella had no jewels, no luxurious gowns or gold carriages or elegant horses.

Suddenly, she realised that none of those trappings mattered. She just wished for the King to love her but the reality struck her heart as she saw the King lean over to his Queen and kiss her lips passionately. The crowd roared with delight but Bella's young, breaking heart grieved for the love that could never be as the King suddenly turned to stare at her but she hurried away, ashamed of her old, torn clothing.

Blinded by tears of a desperate need she ran to her home, the ramshackle building...the only home she had ever known. The room was dark and damp. The smell of rotting hay on the floor overwhelmed her. She forgot that she had been told to change it. She had gone to see her King instead and now she was afraid to face the wrath of her owner. She gazed fearfully around the room, hoping that he had gone to the saloon but she was wrong. He was there. He yelled at her, pulling her inside as he started to beat her. She cried and pleaded but he continued to beat her. She defended herself with her feeble blows to his chest as she screamed....

A voice called her, a tiny voice; so far away...she listened for the voice as she pulled away from the man, struggling towards the voice. Her feet felt like she was paralysed as she could hardly move...one slow step at a time as the man clutched for her...

'Bella' the voice called but Bella screamed.

'Help me, please someone...help me!'

'Bella...Bella, wake up!' her small sister spoke in a rush, shaking her. 'Come on, Bella, you are frightening me. You are having a nightmare, wake up!'

Pulled from the terrible dream, Bella hugged her little sister as she cried. Tears of relief fell relentlessly but then, she smiled, happy for the reality of her life instead of the dragging despair of her dream state.

'Come on, Bella!' little Susanna said. 'Are you better now? I have something important to tell you, Edward sent a message for you. He wants to meet you at the cottage after dark. The sun is going down, come on. You better go!'

The tension from the hard work in the searing heat, coupled with her dream assailed Bella's sleepy mind with a headache and confusion. Numbing, gripping fear grew in the pit of her stomach, chilling her. She had never been to the cottage by herself. Edward had always insisted travelling with her, especially when there were ships in port. Many times he had told her she was too beautiful to be left alone with all the seamen wandering around the town and her lips trembled in uncertainty as she decided not to go, suddenly afraid.

'No, I will go to the stables to see him. The message cannot be right. Edward would not want me to go the cottage on my own. You are mistaken, Susanna.'

The little girl pouted. Her eyes were angry and her stance as defiant as her eldest sister as both sisters faced each other, one a grown woman, the other a child but both equally sure of their own thoughts and motives.

'You are wrong, Bella. There was a man with a message. He said Edward could not come to you but he needs you urgently. He said you will understand that you must come. You'd better hurry, Bella. Edward must need you. Perhaps he is injured!'

Bella's luminous eyes grew wide in fear as she stared strangely at her little sister whose words chilled her heart as she imagined Edward injured, needing help.

'Who was the man? Do you know him? Who told you?'

Bella's voice rose in pitch and she gripped her little sister's arm, hurting her and not meaning to grip her so tightly.

'You are hurting me. Let go. I told you. A man came...he told Jenny. He came to the door and told her!'

Bella could see the frustrated look on her sister's face and suddenly, she knew that Susanna spoke the truth. Fully awake, Bella hurriedly pulled on a clean dress as she brushed her hair, trying not to worry.

'Mother is preparing dinner, Bella. Are you coming back?' the little girl asked, pulling her sister's skirt.

Bella stared absently at Susanna as she secured the beautiful choker Edward had recently given her, her mind traversing paths of worry she desperately tried to suppress. Her agitation flowed as she felt annoyed.

'Stop bothering me, Susanna. Yes, I'll be coming home.'

She hurried from her room, her long skirts swishing on the time worn steps as she rushed out the back door, not bidding farewell to her mother.

The sun had already set as chillness gripped the night. She entered the barn to hear the cheerfulness of her old horse's whinny and the caress of his nose brought a smile to her lips as she saddled him. She ran her hand across his muzzle. A floorboard creaked and Bella jumped, startled. Her heart pounded in her chest. She turned around to see Alice. She had straw in her hair and Bella guessed that she had been lying in the hay.

'Where are you off to in such a hurry?' Alice wanted to know as she sat on a barrel and placed a piece of straw

between her teeth. Bella ignored her as she adjusted the stirrups.

'You are shameful, Bella...you're off to see Edward! And on your wedding eve...I thought you wanted to take your virginity to your marriage bed?' Alice teased not knowing the worry possessing her elder sister's mind.

Bella's gaze of contempt chilled Alice as she stilled the other gibes on the tip of her tongue.

'You should be working. This is my business. You do not know why I am going to see Edward. You should be helping Mother with dinner. You are so lazy!' Bella snapped as she mounted her horse, not looking back as she cantered down the path, onto the road.

Alice shrugged her shoulders, displaying her usual casualness and stared at her agitated sister as she disappeared down the lane. Alice sighed and wandered towards the house. She wondered why Bella was always so high strung and then she remembered that their grandmother had been like that. In fact, their mother said that Bella was the image of her grandmother and that was why she had been named for her. Alice often gazed at Isabella Swan's portrait that hung in the hall and she disbelieved that Bella could look so like their dead grandmother. Alice's mother had often confided that when Bella flew off the handle with her sharp temper or became so anxious she would literally shake and then run to her room crying, that she had inherited her nerves from her grandmother. Now Alice suddenly felt sorry for Bella and she told herself that she would try harder to be a better sister and family member. Alice realised that Bella had more responsibility as she was the eldest.

Nine

Bella kicked her horse hard as she rode down the street, her heart in her throat and nervous agitation in her stomach. She still felt angry from her confrontation with Alice and she tried to still her disquiet with the methods her father had taught her. He told her to take deep breaths and expel her breath slowly as she did thinking good thoughts. This was harder to do than she had ever experienced at the present time especially as she was alone and it was night. The street

was quiet that night except for some drunken sailors leaving the saloon. Her eyes scanned them and she could see them gazing in her direction. She skirted the harbour foreshore, avoiding the other saloons on the water's edge. Noises from the ships at anchor travelled to her ears and she could see the lights on the decks and the sailors sitting in the night air, smoking and drinking. She heard their voices and their laughter and suddenly she wanted Edward beside her. She was alone and afraid. She cantered her horse onto the cobblestone road and entered the path that led onto the north road that was dirt fringed by forest.

The trees loomed darkly around her and fear of murderers, ready to ambush her, filled her mind with dread setting her nerves on edge again and all her efforts before to be calm, suddenly were for nought. She kicked her old horse into a gallop and he sped down the road towards Edward's cottage but the short distance of three miles seemed like one hundred as the night darkened and the moon hid its face behind some clouds. Bella leant across the horse's neck as he went faster and faster to the commands of her voice but suddenly his gait changed and he slowed to a walk as Bella clung desperately to his mane. She fell to the side and her

feet slipped in the stirrups. She cried in fear as the jolt from the suddenly halting thundered threw her body, sending a painful sensation down her back and into her thighs. She felt her old horse start to hobble and she knew that she was in trouble. She slid to the ground and tried to regain her breath. Pain caroused in her joints and she was worried at the painful sounds her horse was making. She thought he may have broken a leg but she hoped that he had only thrown a shoe. It was so dark, she could hardly see. Bella stared up at the sky where the moon remained behind the clouds. She cursed her luck and wished she had stayed at home but the worry for Edward spurned her onward as she leant down to

run her hands along her horse's legs. They seemed sound until she touched his fetlock and he whinnied in pain. Bella was worried. She knew it was not good but she was sure that Edward would know what to do. He was proficient with horse husbandry and Bella smiled knowing that her old horse would mend with Edward's care. She wanted to see him so badly; she led her old horse to a tree and tied him securely until she could come back with Edward later. Bella rubbed her horse's muzzle and told him she would be back soon. He had been her horse for so long. Her father had bought him for her when she was only nine and he had been her companion to school and back. She had shared her horse with Edward as they rode to school and Edward had loved him also.

Bella stared into the distance and she could barely make out the road before her. She knew she had no choice other than to walk. She started off down the road and she tried to hurry but she stumbled on some rocks and fell into some potholes so she knew she would have to go slowly. She had scrapped her knees and knew her dress would be soiled from the muddy holes she had fallen into. She wanted to cry but she

refused to as she pushed her fear away. She could not go back...she was closer to the cottage than she was to home.

Suddenly lights appeared into the distance and she thought it was the cottage that would soon be her home. She hoped that Edward was not ill as Susanna had suggested but Bella could still not understand why he had not come to her. Suddenly, Bella stopped walking and stared at the lights...they were coming closer to her not her coming closer to them. She heard the sound of wagon wheels on the rocky road and the shout of men's voices. She pulled to the side of the road, suddenly afraid. She wanted to ask for help but she did not know if she could trust them. She tried to hide beside some trees but she was too afraid to go into the dark wood

and she hoped that they would not see her. The wagon rushed past her but suddenly pulled to a halt and a lantern light struck Bella full in the face.

'What do we 'ave here?' a raspy voice called.

The man jumped to his feet and before Bella could move, he had strode the short distance to her and grabbed her by the

arm. She felt as if frozen until the smell of rum assailed her nostrils and churned her stomach.

'What a beauty? Out for some fun darlin'? You can come with us'.

He pulled her towards the carriage and she started to scream. They all started to laugh as five or six men jumped down and surrounded her. Her own screams filled her ears and their mouths moved but what they said did not register in her mind. She knew what they wanted and fear paralysed her and for a moment she could not move. For another few seconds, they propelled her towards the carriage as the words they said registered in her mind.

'Good girls aren't out alone at night. You're a doxy from the docks aren't you sweetie? Who do you want first, hey?'

As the full realisation of their intentions struck her, she started to fight as only Bella knew how. Her father had taught her to use her fists and she connected with two jaws which sent two men flying into the dirt. Their drunkenness was not to their advantage and then she pulled a sword from another's scabbard as she cut the arm of one and pointed the tip at the throat of another. The other two backed off as they heard the sounds of a horse's hooves and a man pulled his horse beside their carriage and surveyed the situation.

'What is going on here?'

Bella's eyes were desperate with fear and her body taut with adrenalin as she stared from her attackers to the man who jumped from his horse. She stared at him as disbelief filled her mind.

'Mike...what are you doing here?'

'I had business in Charlotte Town. Just as well I arrived now. Back off gentleman. This is a lady not a common whore to seduce. You will feel the pain of my weapons if you don't depart now'.

The men, injured and uninjured, looked to Bella with the drawn sword and Mike with his sword and revolver aimed at them and they jumped into the carriage and sped away. As they disappeared, Bella collapsed on the dirt road, falling to her knees, overcome by the ordeal.

'Why are you here, Bella?'

She stared at Mike and told him of her fear for Edward, her lame horse and her attackers. She begged him to see her safely to Edward. He helped her to her feet and then onto his horse. As his hands brushed her arms and encompassed her waist to help her into the saddle, he wanted to take her away on his horse but instead he did as she had requested. He held her before him on his horse and the nearness of her was driving him crazy. Her neck was so close to his lips and he

only had to move his hands upwards and he could caress her breasts but he controlled himself, telling himself that one day she would belong to him and he would have her in his bed. He stopped a distance from the cottage and told her he had to go and she asked him to check her horse on the way back. He smiled and disappeared into the dark.

The glow of light welcomed her as she walked up to the cottage. Edward's horse turned at the sound of her feet as they crackled the sticks on the path. He stared at her and whinnied and despite her worry and fear of the dark, Bella smiled as she had grown to love the beautiful black stallion that Edward had befriended. She walked to him, patting his muzzle and as she did she saw the other horse, standing at the side of the cottage, tied to the railing. The horse looked familiar but it was dark and Bella was puzzled as fear gripped her stomach and fed her anxiety. She turned and walked to the cottage, standing before the bedroom window. The curtains were open...the windows also as the night air gushed into the room, flaring the candle on the bedside table.

An instinct she did not recognise moved her feet until her gaze fell on the bed.

His hair was ruffled, falling over his shoulders as the fluttering candlelight highlighted the muscles of his arms and torso. She stared at his masculine beauty as her breath caught in her throat and a knife of agony struck her heart.

She heard his moans of pleasure as he gathered the woman into his arms and Bella struggled to accept this as reality. Her agonised gaze fell on the sheets that lay in disarray on the bed. The blue birds of happiness that she had painstakingly sewed on the pillow cushioned the head of the woman who had stolen everything that Bella held dear. An agony so intense filled her heart and pains twisted her stomach and bowels into knots. She moaned as she watched Tanya Denali stare at the window, laughing, knowing who would be watching. Bella shut her eyes to the sight, unable to gaze into the gloating face of her nemesis.

She stumbled away from the cottage, falling to her knees as she heaved the contents of her stomach. Her hands supported her from falling into the dirt and as she gazed on her trembling fingers, she saw the ring he had given her. A memory filled her mind of not so long ago when he had taken her to the jeweller across town to pick out a 'ring of promise' he had said. The memory was played back in her mind almost in slow motion as she saw the look in his eyes, the sweetness of his smile and the words of promise on his lips as he had placed the ring upon her finger.

She fell to the ground in the dirt, screaming in agony as she pulled the ring from her finger. She felt faint but she refused to succumb to the urge to escape this reality with unconsciousness. Her heart pounded in her chest and she could hardly breathe. She jumped to her feet. She wanted to run. She wanted to hide. She wanted to kill him. She wanted to kill her. She wanted to be gone from this place forever. She cursed as she pulled the ring from her finger, throwing it into the darkness of the night.

Leaving the only evidence of her presence...the small shoe prints in the dirt, she fled as panic seized her, fear making her incapable of confronting the lovers. Part of her admonished her and told her to kick the door open and drag Tanya from his arms but she could not. She just wanted to run. Shock numbed her body and sent waves of shaking through her limbs as reality eluded her. She managed to mount the huge animal as the scenes of her life were played cruelly for her despair. She could see Edward in every one. His kindness and his love through the many long years but it all was gone...betrayed by this act of dishonour. She held the reins in her hands and dug her heels into the animal's belly as he neighed and reared on his back legs, unused to the lightness of the rider so different from the weight of his master. He snorted and pounded the ground but Bella clung onto him. He sprang forward, riding down an unfamiliar road.

The wind rushed in Bella's face as the dam of tears burst, flooding her face in rivers of hate. Tears blinded her but she clung to the animal, not directing him or caring where she was going as long as it was away from Edward. Hurt was replaced by anger that seized her and became rage. She could not accept that it had all had been a lie. All the years of love and the words of his had been a lie. How could he hurt her so? She could make so sense of it as her confused mind fell into paths of self doubt and loathing. She was not good enough. She was poor. She was not pretty enough. She was too bossy. She blamed him but she could not shake the damning voice in her mind and that told her it was her fault.

She screamed into the wind and cried until all her tears were gone and she felt as she was numb. She was cold but she felt nothing. All her limbs strained and her muscled were pulled

to the point of tearing as she clung onto the powerful stallion but she felt nothing. Reality had ceased to exist as she rode on and on into the night as a storm gathered, the wind gusting around her. The thunder roared and the lightning struck. Trees fell around her as the lightning hit the forest beside her but she did not flinch. The horse ducked under the cover of the trees as she felt her life crumple into oblivion. Aries galloped frantically...frightened of the storm and the lack of direction from the unfamiliar rider. He had been used to the sure and confident commands of his master, not this wild creature who clung to him and gave him no guidance. Desperately, the horse dodged trees, jumping fences, eager to return home, not knowing where to go. The lightning terrified him and he wanted to throw the person from his back but she clung to him with such desperation he could not shift her. He heard the noises she made and this did not reassure him. Her tears blinded Bella as she wished to be taken from the reality of the memory filling her mind...of Tanya in his arms. The pain in her heart filled her entire being as she screamed Edward's name to the wildness of the wind. The horse rose up upon his hind legs as the lightning struck beside him and Bella tumbled off his back. She fell heavily to the earth as the heavens opened and the torrents fell.