BPOW

I heard Edward scream at the top of his lungs "No,no,no,NO! You may not taker her there?"

Who? Where?

Then in a flash I heard a stampede and a voice yell "What in the name of GOATS is going on?!"

Goats?

I raced down the stairs to Edward's side on the couch by the fireplace, our favorite spot. "What?"

Edward gave me a quick kiss and continued to glare at Carlisle. Finally Rose piped up: "Would someone care to explain what the hell is going on!?"

"Alright, for Bella's birthday…" I groaned loudly, but he ignored me and continued the conversation "… Esme and I have decided since she is turning 21, she deserves a trip to Vegas!" He finished enthusiastically.

Everyone else's faces lit up with excitement and anticipation when Edward had a fierce glare still radiating on his features. Carlisle looked apologetic towards him and he was probably speaking to Edward in his mind.

I nodded to Carlisle; I grabbed the sleeve of Edward's shirt and motioned for him to follow me. We ran out the back door, down the steps, and into the forest surrounding the house. I was hoping some air might help him. I slowed to a human pace and sat down on a fallen tree. "Edward, what's wrong with Las Vegas?" My tone was curious but calm and quiet.

"Love the last time we went to Vegas, 9 years ago, let's just say it was a…disaster." He was thoughtful for a moment. "Bella, do you know the saying that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?"

"Yes."

"Well, not always. Emmett got put in jail for 72 hours and then Rose had to bust him out, which was not pretty. Then Jasper got banned from Caesar's Palace, you know the resort? He is forbidden because he knocked on every door of the hotel and used his power and just lusted the place up. Do you want to know what happened?"

"I think I have a fairly clear idea."

"Oh, and on top of it all Alice was the only one who ever won anything because she wouldn't tell us anything! So, long story short, we CANNOT go to Vegas."



The idea of going to Las Vegas was just a tad appealing to me. It sounded pretty fun. I pu ton my best pout face and looked up at my god, Edward. "Please, Edward?"

"Bella…"

"Please?" I whispered.

"Alright, love but you must stay with me at all times."

"Fine Edward." Just as I started to get up he picked me up and cradled me in his strong arms.

"I don't want you not to have a fun time, but please be careful Bella." He kissed me with urgency and passionately embraced me. "I love you Isabella Marie Swan Cullen. Way, WAY too much."

"I love you more, Edward Anthony Masen Cullen. Way, Way, WAY too much." We both laughed and we ran hand in hand farther into the forest.

A male and a female deer were running right next to each other. Though it is a little early mating season, I couldn't help but think of Edward and I running side by side at that exact moment. I looked to Edward, smiled, broke hands, and took the left where the female deer was running. I preferred other animals but it was the only thing around. I loved to run with the deer. They were always so graceful and elegant. Even now as a vampire, I was never like that. A girl can only dream.

I took the doe down with ease and pressed my teeth into the main artery on her neck. I finished my meal and looked around for Edward. He had already lifted a tree for me, such a gentleman. He took the buck. We disposed of the deer and ran towards the house. Alice was waiting on the steps and grabbed into a hug. She whispered into my ear "Thank You!"

The family waited with bated breath as we walked in the door. I nodded my head towards Carlisle. The whole room erupted into cheers that were as loud as a football stadium. Carlisle held up his hand. Edward spoke clearly "I do still have reservations about this trip. I think we should much more careful than the last trip. Alright?" Everyone nodded their heads with vigor.

I ran up the stairs and grabbed my luggage out of our closet. I had just started to pull out my first drawer when ran into the room and grabbed me by the arm into a kiss. It hinged on anger but barely, it was more forgiveness.

"Now shall we pack?"

Later that night…

I had packed much more orderly than Edward did. I decided to fix his suitcase, but I didn't tell him. He would thank me later I was sure. I even consulted Alice as to what to pack. She knew of course, but she gave options still. That's Alice for you.



Edward and I were relaxing on his couch. He was a statue while I traced every muscle, down to the bluish veins on his forearms and every ab. He smiled that crooked smile I loved every time I looked up but it didn't reach his eyes. I knew something was up.

"Edward, what's bothering you?"

"Nothing, love, I'm just a tad worried. Nothing major, don't worry about me, I'm fine."

I decided to worry against his judgment. "Why?"

"Just about this trip."

I shook it off. He said not to worry and I thought he was stupid to worry. I laid my head onto his bare chest and closed my eyes. He stroked my hair and started to hum my lullaby. My mind started to wander…