A/N: WARNING: there is a lemon in the middle of this chapter...a small one...but nonetheless it is there...
My truck jerked as I placed it into gear and headed towards the harbour. I figured that getting there early would maybe give me time to look over some maps of the area and strategize a plan and considering that I could never sleep well when Edward wasn't home there was nothing better for me to do with my time.
I walked towards the empty space on the right side of the dock and smirked. Tossing a small pebble I heard the clank of metal and knew I was in the right spot.
"This is URZU6, confirmation number 1B756."
Suddenly a small door opened and I found myself inside one of the largest and most powerful war submarines of all time. The Drumman was worth enough to fund a small country and was a secret to everyone including the United States and even some KRATOS members. It had earned the name 'Ghost Ship' because it had the ability to disappear. A rare camouflage technique involving reflective mirrors that when engaged made it almost impossible to see.
"Ah, Lieutenant Commander. Your mission doesn't begin for a few more hours, you're quite early."
"Admiral Aro! Captain Marcus! Yes I am early Sirs! I just wanted to see if I could come up with a battle plan around the terrain of the area. The mission is so vague in details; I thought it would be best if we were as prepared as possible. We can't take any chances with this enemy."
"Always thinking ahead Swan, that's why I like you." Aro exclaimed letting out a light chuckle.
Aro was definitely not my favourite person in the world, but he knew what he was talking about when it came to strategizing and knowing the enemy. He had single handily taken down a guerrilla faction working for some drug traffickers on his own. He was a founder of KRATOS and the brother of Marcus and he was one of the big three.
"Thank you Sir."
"Isabella make sure if there are any hostages, that you get them somewhere safe, before the final end of the plan takes place."
"Of course, but Captain Marcus, why would there be hostages? None of the other satellite photos showed any sign of life other than the Half-Life members."
He motioned for me to follow him, dismissing Aro back to the bridge. Marcus passed me the photo and my eyes grew wide.
"This doesn't change anything. It just means that there will be less of you working to take down the site. Also the rescue planes will land and be off with the hostages within five minutes. I know that doesn't seem like a long time but-"
"It's an eternity to be guarding something that big."
He nodded leaving the picture with me as I headed towards the nearest computer. I needed some maps and I sure as hell wasn't going to get any in the coffee room. Just my luck that the room happened to be filled with the one person I hated most on this ship.
"Why if it isn't Lieutenant Commander Swan."
It didn't surprise me that she sounded like she had a bad case of allergies when she acknowledged me. I rolled my eyes logging into the computer and finding the maps I was looking for and as many close shots of the area around the objective as I could.
"I'm surprised they still let you on the Drumman after what happened with your last team," She snickered and I raised an eyebrow. "I mean you are the reason they were killed."
You know those people you just want to knock the smirk off of because they're bitchy, mean and downright evil? Jane Volturi was one of those people. She and her twin brother Alec were stuck being the so-called secretaries of KRATOS simply because they had no talent doing anything else, and the fact that the big three happened to be their great Uncles.
"Listen Jane, if you've got nothing better to do than start rumours, than obviously you're not doing your job properly. I am pretty sure the report I put on your desk three weeks ago still hasn't been filed properly. I am surprised you're even a secretary, because it doesn't seem like you even have the talent for that."
Okay, so I was acting like a complete cow, but I was not in a good mood and this nitwit wasn't making it any better. However it seemed my tactic worked, because soon I was alone and working in the sound of silence, my ideal work environment.
-V-
"Where am I?" looking around, I found myself tied down to what looked like a medical bed, but I didn't have the strength to break the bindings. The room was white and smelt of alcohol, but it didn't look like a regular modern day hospital, something about the room made it look vintage and eerie. I turned my head sharp to the side and was met with a large man, older, heavy set with an evil glint in his hazel eyes.
"Who are you?" My voice sounded different, almost juvenile.
"My name is no concern," his accent was strong, something European for sure, possibly Dutch or German?
"Fine if you won't give me your name, then what is it that you're doing?" I growled struggling against the bindings.
"Merely finding out about the idea of lost technology."
"You mean something like ancient Egypt?" I asked just noticing the computers and scanners filled to the brim with information in the background that seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"No Miss, we are after something far more valuable. You know you're such a special girl with such special gifts."
I had been called many things in my lifetime, but special was never one of them. I mean, sure I had some skills that made me different from other soldiers but I didn't want to be special.
Here I was tied down like someone's pork dinner, and all the guy in white was saying was that he had never seen anybody with my skills. I slowly reached for the knife that still remained in my left boot. If I could reach it then the person with the upper hand in this situation would shift dramatically.
I was confused as hell; I mean what kind of nightmare was this that I had to fight to escape. In fact was I even the one fighting?
"Who am I?"
The man just laughed, and it irritated me that I could not seem to focus on his face.
"Begaafd."
I woke with a start and couldn't help but notice the sweat running down my face. I guess when I was tired my mind really liked to bring out the dark and grim.
"Belly Button, my wonderful ray of sunshine and happiness what brings you here this early on a rainy Seattle morn?"
Great, Emmett was already singing and it wasn't even time for the mission yet.
"What do you want Teddy Bear?" My voice was a little snappier then I meant it to be, but I honestly needed about six more hours of sleep.
"Since we all know that the coffee pot hates me. Will you please make a pot of Joe before we go meet Rosie for our new toys."
I nodded stifling a yawn as Emmett practically skipped down the halls. I don't know if it really does it justice, but try to picture a gorilla getting five feet of air every time he jumped while swinging his hands wildly, and that was Emmett McCarty.
"Sorry, I know you were sleeping, but he wouldn't listen to me," Jazz apologized with a soft smile.
"No issues," I replied looking down at the papers in my hands.
"Are those maps of the area?"
"Yeah this is-"
I stopped speaking noticing all the lines and a pretty well drawn out plan of attack. I was completely baffled; I had no memory of even getting the chance to really write down any notes, let alone a whole plan of attack.
"Whoa Bells did you do all of this last night?"
"I-I don't remember."
"Well whatever the case, this is a damn good plan. I guess we should make Emmett his coffee before we head out huh?"
I nodded, but there was still one thought that was bugging me in every way possible.
"Hey Jazz, you're pretty well acquainted with all sorts of military personnel and information right."
"Probably not as much as you, but what did you want to know?"
"Any ideas who might be funding these guys?"
He seemed to ponder the question for a moment.
"Not really I mean the oil industry is enough to make any one a little greedy especially in the Middle East. My guess is some CEO of an oil company is looking to cash in by taking out the competition and so he's feeding the money through Half-Life to get the job done."
I nodded and turned my head seeing Emmett holding the coffee pot with the biggest pout he could muster.
"Can someone please make some damn coffee; I am starting to have withdrawal syndromes."
"Emmet, I think you mean symptoms," Jasper replied with a sigh.
Oh how I loved my job.
-V-
Bang.
We all turned to find the culprit, none other than Emmett, grinning sheepishly as he quietly set down the semi-automatic gun.
"Emmett, sweetheart, what did I say about touching anything in the room without my permission?"
Rosalie was not someone I would want on my bad side. She was a mechanic and one of the best I had ever seen. If we gave her a time limit to fix anything she would always surprise us by beating it by half. She knew what she was doing, and I know it irritated her, when she was interrupted or someone touched something they weren't supposed to. What made her even angrier was when people would underestimate her simply because of her looks. Good thing for Emmett that she was the brains and he was the brawn otherwise I don't know if they would work as a couple. Yet it was like they were the perfect pair and he absolutely adored her.
Rosalie Hale looked nothing short of a supermodel, and if I didn't know she worked here, that's what I would guess her profession would be. That was her back-story anyways, and even Edward thought she simply belonged in magazines and Em's arms. She was 26 a tall five foot nine and could put anyone in their place.
"So are these the new arm cannons?"
You could practically hear the joy in Jasper's voice as he picked up his favourite weapon grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
"Oh trust me, they're new alright, but they also cause a little more kick than the ones you're used to."
Jasper nodded but his eyes still managed to glance at the weapon every few seconds.
"You will all be equipped with the standard materials such as grenades, knives, two extra magazines of ammo and two hand guns. Emmet will get the automatic sniper rifle, seeing as that's his specialty. Jasper you've got the arm cannon, just make sure you don't over pack so you can still carry replacement shells."
Jazz nodded and Rose turned to me.
"Bella, it's time to test A.L.E.S on the field."
"Seriously?" I asked leaving Jasper and Emmet confused as ever.
"I was told it needs to be tested on the field properly. We've done all we can for removing bugs and making it as safe as possible. So it's up to you-"
"I'll do it!"
As if Rose had any doubts. If there was anything new, I always wanted to try it and usually I got to try it first.
"Hey slow down for a second, can someone please explain why Bella is using something with the same name as my wife?"
"Not Alice you dorkstick. A-L-E-S, it stands for Advanced Life Enhancement Suit. It's something revolutionary in the world and Bella and me finally can say we've worked together on something."
"Maybe but that's only until Russia sinks their teeth into it or any other country for that matter," Emmett muttered not to my surprise.
He lost a not so favourite battle back in the day against a Russian rogue military group. Those were not some of his proudest moments and it still put the man in a terrible mood.
"We have taken that into consideration, and just like any of our KRATOS weapons, they all come with a self-destruct sequence so that it's impossible. If our enemies were able to match our weaponry, we would lose every single battle they challenged us to. They may beat us in numbers, but in the technology behind our military weapons, and the ability of our soldiers, they will never come close."
"So what is this A.L.E.S thing? What exactly does it do?"
"Like the name suggests it's a suit made out of a substance similar to Kevlar. The difference is that it can be flattened to a much smaller size and is ten times stronger. It took a little chemistry but we finally managed to get the balance right. It's almost like wearing a second much more durable piece of skin."
"So it's completely bullet proof?"
"Of course the only thing that a person might get is a small bruise," Rosalie said smirking. She was the brains behind the idea. I just helped with a few general things. "I wouldn't suggest running in front of bazooka's. You wouldn't die, but the shrapnel can lodge in the fibre and weaken the suit."
"Yes Ma'am!" I stated as Rose rolled her eyes.
"The suit locks in to the helmet and the helmet is where everything is controlled; it has a heat and motion detectors to let you know just how many bodies you are dealing with and it also mirrors our KRATOS computer system letting you pull from any of our databases during the fight."
"Jesus Rose, I think you just invented the Superman suit."
Emmet was staring at Rose like she was some sort of God.
"Wait a second; for a suit with that many things going on what's it running off of, nuclear power?"
"Unfortunately we couldn't use nuclear for the risk to the wearer. It essentially runs off a battery that simply needs to be recharged however that being said the battery life is close to 48 hours."
"Wow. I never thought the day would come, when something like that would be created. With this wouldn't we be unstoppable?"
That's something that Emmett's question made me worried about. If the suit performed like we were hoping then it would likely be the new standard for all of the KRATOS soldiers, and sometimes when people thought they were invincible the enemy ended up with the upper hand.
"That's just it. Not just any soldier can operate this, which is why Bella here, has been hand chosen by me!"
"What?" I asked pointing to myself lamely.
"I tried to make the suit match as much of your nature as I could. It should fit perfectly, and will ask you your mission name and ID number. Just to make sure. If a person gets it wrong even once, the suit will explode."
"Geez, no pressure or anything," I muttered as Jasper smirked.
"Attention all KRATOS squad members, please report to the bridge for your updated information on mission A7, repeat! All KRATOS squad members please report to the bridge."
"I guess that's our cue."
"Be careful," Rose said as Emmet kissed her like he was leaving for months.
"I'll be back in eleven hours, if not sooner."
Jasper and I headed towards the bridge and I couldn't help but notice that he was watching me like a hawk and it was starting to get irritating.
"What?" I snapped.
"Doesn't it bother you?"
I raised an eyebrow.
"I get to tell Alice that I'll see her soon and kiss her and tell her I love her, just in case something bad does happen. Yet you can't say that to Edward because he doesn't know about this."
"Listen Jazz, if you're going to be an asshole then-"
"I am not trying to be Bella, but don't you think Edward has a ri-"
"Whitlock! Swan! Save this petty argument for after the mission understood?"
"Yes sir!"
"Where is McCarty?"
"Right here sir."
Aro looked at the three of us and cleared his throat.
"As you all know the hostage situation is still very much real, and therefore you must make sure both those transport planes make it out of there. That's five minutes when all firepower and focus remains on the enemy and keeping those planes in the air understood?"
We nodded.
"There is also a missile launcher located to the right of the nuclear shelter. I need Bella to disarm the machine to increase our odds, and that should be completed before the enemy realizes they're under attack."
"Affirmative."
"If something happens that you must ditch your weapons or the A.L.E.S, make sure nothing is left behind. Not a single bolt, screw or thread."
"Yes Sir!"
"Good luck soldiers!"
We saluted and headed towards the hanger where all our supplies were waiting for us. I looked at the suit and couldn't help but smirk. Slipping it on did feel like a giant piece of extra skin.
"Looking good Swan."
"Can it Em."
It took a little bit of effort but I was able to get the suit on and it fit to a tee, even the helmet left no open areas when it attached into the suit
"You kind of remind me of a roll on deodorant," Jasper snickered as I punched him.
The fear in his eyes was almost laughable, the boys new exactly how much one of my punches hurt.
"I guess I deserved that," he muttered as I nodded.
"All right you three please board the aircraft."
We boarded the small plane and looked at the pilot for landing instructions.
"We will be dropping you two kilometres from the mission point, where the land is flat. We can use the C.I. to its full capacity in there, so it should be a relatively secret drop. From there you have thirty minutes to reach the site, and five minutes to secure the area, after that the transporter planes will land and I am sure you're well informed of the rest."
We sat patiently as the plane took off. However a one hour plane ride, with Emmet was anything but quiet.
"Fifty-four bottles of beer on the wall. Fifty-four bottles of-"
"Em if you don't stop, there is no way you will ever be able to have children," I stated menacingly as Emmet shut up.
"Jeez Bella, you've been touchy ever since you woke up. Did something happen between you and Edward?"
"No. Nothing happened between us."
"Then what's up? Something's eating at you and we can't help if we don't know what it is."
There goes Em, stating the obvious.
"Can it wait till after the mission? We've got something more important than my issues on our hands."
"I guess, but we 'aint forgetting about it y'understand?"
"Fine."
Suddenly we received the signal and could feel the plane descend towards the ground.
"Good luck soldiers, make KRATOS proud."
We could barely tell the plane was ascending again as we took a deep breath.
"All right URZU6, URZU5, follow the plan. URZU6 once we reach the destination please begin disarming the missile launcher."
"Roger."
"URZU5 snipe what you can before making yourself known. Save the heavy artillery for the base."
And so it begins.
"URZU6 ID number 1B756."
It was amazing to see how the suit reacted; the technology really was phenomenal.
"A.L.E.S, how much time before we reach the destination?"
It felt weird talking to a helmet.
"Twenty six minutes 19 seconds at current speed."
"Okay URZU7 and URZU5, let's go kick some ass."
I received nods from my fellow squad members as we headed towards the X on our map. The terrain was not near as rough as we had first suspected, which made travelling much easier in the long run. It didn't take long until we closed in on the target, and I had to admit the suit was amazing. I wasn't even breaking a sweat.
"Okay split up and do your drops, we don't have a lot of time. URZU6 we will wait for your signal so we know that the missiles are disarmed."
"Got it," I replied moving towards one of the largest automatic missile launchers I had ever seen.
This is the part I hated. I mean why did people have to make sure the operation panel had to have a password lock on it? It just made them feel smart and me feel smarter. It didn't take long to figure out the seven digit passcode and I think I had actually beat my own personal record.
"Password unlocked. Access accepted."
Score one for team awesome!
I began assessing the machine, and disconnected the main wires when suddenly a large screeching sound was exhibited from all over the base.
Shit.
"URZU6 what the fuck was that?" Emmet asked, and I could hear the gun fire in the background.
"Seems they were a little smarter than we had at first assumed. They had an alarm system, that I didn't even notice, it must've been set to trigger when someone tries to disarm the weapon."
"Enough of the explanation. Get your ass over here and give us a hand. We got one hell of a five minute block to be guarding these civilians."
"URZU6, on my way."
Emmett and Jazz were right; it was nothing short of hell. Their numbers were not high, but their soldiers were quite skilful. If they weren't such one sided thinkers, they may have been a good asset to KRATOS. Nonetheless we managed to secure the area, and allow the two transport planes to land and take off successfully. It was by far one of our most successful missions yet.
"Okay, our carrier should be here within two minutes."
I nodded towards Jazz who was grinning like a kid in a candy store. It always felt so much better when we came out with a victory.
"I'll go activate the bombs, so we can get rid of this horrible place," I said as the two nodded. Our plan included blowing the base into the sky to limit their weapons arsenal for the time being. We knew that it wouldn't take long for them to find new suppliers, but at least it gave the civilians a sense of peace, if only for a while.
I made my way towards one of the stations before gun shots rang out.
Did we miss one?
"You bastards think you've won?
I dodged the shots and hid behind a large crate of what was most likely stolen drugs.
"We didn't start this! It's you who caused this and brought this fate upon yourself!" I stated watching as he paced on my helmet.
"Ha!" He laughed and I rolled my eyes. These people were all the same. "It's people like you who never stop to look at the future. The world is always going to be filled with war. Humans are pathetically greedy, and because of that, peace will never be an option."
I growled finally finding him, as I pushed my knife against his neck.
"You're good."
"Damn straight, you pathetic excuse for a human," I was about to get rid of the fuckhead by pulling the knife across his throat when he interrupted me.
"If you're going to kill me, can I at least get a name?"
I laughed deeply and gave him a toothy smile- one that he couldn't see due to my helmet.
"Isabella Swan."
I brushed my hands off, after setting the alarms and headed towards the helicopter that was patiently waiting.
"You okay URZU6?"
"Just taking care of a missed target," I replied.
The two laughed as we ascended into the air, a large explosion hitting our ears.
"That's one safer day here," Emmett stated putting his weapons on the floor.
"That was a good day. Rose was right though, those new weapons do pack a punch. I have this feeling my arms are likely going to hold bruises by the time I get home."
"Better hide them from Alice, Jazz."
Jasper just glared at me, and I stuck my tongue out at him childishly.
"So are you excited for your vacation time Bells?"
The entire squad had two weeks' vacation starting tomorrow, which was why they wanted Half-Life taken care of today. It would be nice to have a break, where I didn't need to constantly worry but there was nothing I hated more than being bored so I hoped that I would at least be busy on my days off.
"Edward managed to get the time off too, so it'll be nice to take a break from this, even if it won't be quite as exciting."
"I know I can't wait to spend all day alone in bed with Rose as she-"
"That's enough Em," Jasper stated as we both tried to etch-a-sketch the vulgar image of our two friends having sex from our mind.
"Well, here's to a great holiday!"
"Agreed!"
We handed in our reports to Aro, and I couldn't help but the notice the fact that Jane was glaring at me the entire time. I gave Emmett a bear hug, and told him and Rose to give Edward and I a call. Jasper practically jumped me in the parking lot and told me to expect a visit from he and Alice.
"See you Jazz."
"By Bells!"
The drive home was relatively good, but I couldn't help but notice that my engine wasn't sounding the best. I felt a pang in my heart, my truck almost needed to be replaced, and I wasn't about to let that happen just yet.
The house was quiet, but it was close to five, so I decided to make dinner for Edward. He would no doubt be exhausted from his double shift, and it would be a nice surprise to come home to a home cooked meal.
Two weeks of vacation seemed like a dream considering I don't think I had ever taken that many days off in a row before. I was planning to make every moment count between Edward and I. I guess my ovaries had a few ideas.
I began making a simple tortellini meal, deciding to go with Italian tonight. I switched out of my sweatpants and put on a simple pair of jeans and a white V-neck sweater. Just low enough, that I knew it would drive Edward nuts.
I lit a couple of candles on the table and heard the front door open.
Right on time.
"Bella?"
I walked to the door and wrapped my arms around him, looking into his eyes.
"Well whatever you made smells delicious, but I thought you weren't supposed to be back till later? I was almost worried a complete stranger was in the house making me dinner."
I rolled my eyes and smacked his chest playfully.
"I was sent home early. I guess there were just too many hands for the job."
"I know exactly what job I wish your hands were doing," He whispered into my ear, as I felt the heat rise to my cheeks.
"Okay lover boy, I may take you up on that offer, but I just spent the last three hours slaving over the stove to make us a home cooked Italian meal."
"Well my perfect girlfriend surprises me yet again," He stated, my favourite crooked smile gracing his features.
"I think it's you Dr. Cullen who is perfect," I stated sitting next to him at the large table. "So did anything interesting happen?"
He moaned eating the first piece of pasta before swallowing.
"This is delicious Bella, but as for work, it was the same as always. Another day in the OR, another day I saw Nurse Stanley walking out of the room with a new intern looking quite dishevelled.
Jessica Stanley was not the brightest crayon in the box and it surprised me that she even made it through nursing school. I visited Edward on break one time when we first began dating, and couldn't help but notice how she was hanging off him like a chimpanzee. I quickly made it obvious that Edward was mine by kissing him more passionately than ever had at this point in our relationship. I also learned that Edward liked my possessive side.
"I see," I muttered my voice betraying my opinion of Jessica more than I wanted too.
"You know I only have eyes for you right?"
There was just no way I couldn't trust Edward.
"Of course I know that, but she's the one I worry about. Who knows just what she's contracted over the years."
I rolled my eyes and Edward chuckled and gathered our plates.
"That was delicious love," He stated against my forehead before giving me a peck on the cheek.
"You're very welcome," I said smirking as I followed him into the kitchen.
"So Mom and Dad were thinking of coming down this weekend," Edward stated as I began my assault on the dishes left in the sink, which, thankfully, there weren't a lot of.
"That would be nice. We haven't seen Esme or Carlisle in a long time, and I was hoping to have a gathering with everyone."
If I ever had any doubts about believing in true love, I would simply look at Edward's parents. They were so much in love, it reminded me of two naive teenagers. However, they had been married for over twenty years, so I guess that was simply many years to let their love grow for each other.
"That would be very nice indeed," he stated like he was hiding something, and I didn't like that.
Jesus I am a hypocrite.
"So darling, why exactly did you and the little pixie leave Jasper and I alone in the living room last night?" I gave him my best pouty-lip and batted my eyelashes, knowing that this always weakened his stance.
"Oh no reason," He stated staring me in the eyes and I noticed my plan backfire before my eyes.
Soon I crushed my lips against his, and mumbled out the only coherent word I could think of.
"Bedroom."
Being a wonderful man, but a man nonetheless, Edward picked me up bridal style and made a dash for the bedroom. Having being stopped in the middle of any sort of sex-time lately, we decided to take what we could get.
He once again captured my lips laying me down on the bed and pulling my shirt over my head. He was practically on top of me and I could feel his hardness pressing into my stomach through his jeans. Once he had successfully removed my shirt, his mouth attacked my nipple, while his left hand continued to attempt to undo my jeans.
"Edward," I moaned seeing him smirk before swirling his tongue around my extremely hard nipple.
"That's right Bella, moan my name," He stated as I felt his velvet fingers pull my thong down, so I was lying completely naked in front of him. "I have wanted this since last night, I've been hard all day. Do you feel how hard you make me?"
He asked me these questions while removing his clothes, and I had to try and concentrate on what he was saying while feeling myself grow damp at the sight of him. It never ceased to amaze me.
"Well than Dr. Cullen, Why don't I take care of that little problem for you?"
I pushed him down and looked at my mission objective. The first time we had sex, Edward and I weren't sure how the other felt about oral sex, but I learned very quickly that Edward Cullen was like jelly in my hands when my lips were wrapped around his cock.
I swirled my tongue around the head, feeling his hips buck towards my mouth.
"Now be good Edward," I said teasingly as I slowly took his length into my mouth.
"Yes Ma'am. God Bella, your mouth feels so good."
I continued working my magic, and made sure to massage his balls in my left hand while devouring him till I felt him reach his climax. I swallowed everything and smirked at him licking my lips.
"Well Miss. Swan, I believe it's my turn to return the favour."
Now, Edward was the first boyfriend I ever had to go down on me, but let me say, even though I had nothing to compare it too, his mouth could work wonders.
"Oh god Edward. Yes! I am so close."
I was almost at my climax, when suddenly he stopped, and before I had time to get angry about it, his thick length was filling me completely.
"Cum with me Bella."
I moaned deeply as we came at the same time.
He collapsed with his head resting on my shoulder.
"That was amazing. I love you," he said rolling onto his back.
"I love you too."
I could feel my eyelids working against me, and eventually I gave up the fight and succumbed to my tiredness.
I awoke to the feeling of lips pressing down on my collarbone.
"What a wake-up call," I muttered, still not completely awake.
"Only the best for my Bella."
"Your Bella?" I stated raising my eyebrow a little, "So possessive Edward."
He simply chuckled at me and kissed my forehead.
"I've never been happier to have vacation time in my entire life."
I couldn't of agreed more. In fact the next four days Edward and I did little other than make love, eat and sleep. It was one of the best times of my life, but alas, it had to end on Saturday.
"Edward, can you do me a favour and grab the apple pie from the fridge as well as the fruit tray?"
He didn't reply but I heard the fridge door open and knew he was once again being way to perfect for me. The whole gang plus Carlisle and Esme would be here any minute and I wanted everything to be ready for our barbeque, which Emmet had already offered to cook the meat for.
What was it about a grill that made men feel manlier?
I pecked Edwards's lips as he passed me the pie.
"The fun has arr- Hey! Get a room you two!"
"As if Em."
He merely let out his deep laugh, which always seemed to remind me of a regular Santa Claus character.
"Wow Bella, you honestly made enough for an army," Rosalie stated giving me a quick hug both of us inwardly laughing at her joke.
"Well we do have to feed Emmett remember?"
"Hey!"
Rose and I giggled as Jasper, Alice and Mr. And Mrs. Cullen walked through the door.
"I brought the drinks!"
Alice made Jasper carry bags of what looked like every alcoholic beverage ever made. I didn't even need to ask Edward before he began giving Jasper a hand.
"Good afternoon Esme," I stated as she wrapped her arms around me.
"It's been way to long since we've last seen each other hasn't it?" She asked as I nodded.
She was definitely the perfect mother figure.
"Well Isabella, any more injuries we need to know about?"
I laughed at my father figure. Carlisle was always worried that one of these days, an injury would end up doing me in. And in my career choice, it was usually very common, not that he knew about that.
"Nope so far it's a clean slate for the month of June," I replied.
"Hey Dad, hello Mom."
"Hello Edward," Esme stated practically crying over the fact she hadn't seen her son for a couple of months. I never really felt upset about it or anything, I simply wondered what it would be like to have parents who love you as much as Edward's love him? They were an extremely close family, and always liked to keep in contact.
"Where's your grill?" Emmett asked wearing an apron that was made to fit me, but somehow still tied around his body, and a set of tongs in his left hand.
"Sweetheart, you look less than intimidating like that," Rose stated as she led Emmett to the grill while the teddy bear sulked.
"This was a brilliant idea don't you think love?" Edward asked as I joined everyone on the patio.
"It's always nice to spend time with my brother and sisters, having your parent's here is just a special bonus," I added seeing Esme smile.
I almost questioned that look since it seemed different from usual. I shook my head thinking that I was officially going crazy when Alice passed me a vodka cooler.
"Unwind Bella. This is your vacation too remember?"
I laughed and greedily took the drink from her. Usually I didn't like drinking because it lowered reaction time and my ability to concentrate, but then I remembered that this was my vacation and I could do what I wanted. Alice looked at our boys who were currently involved in a conversation about cars when she smiled.
"You know, I always worry about Jasper every time a new mission is sent out. I mean I worry about all of you, but I feel like I am connected differently to him. When he first told me about what KRATOS was, I was scared, but not about loving him. I was scared about losing him."
I took Alice's words to heart watching Edward. I would hate if he did something to himself because I had a premature death.
"My brother loves you Bella, don't ever doubt that."
"I never could even if I tried."
She nodded and suddenly began laughing.
"Since you still have a week off, I believe you Rose and I need a girl's day. We can go shopping and to the spa!"
I rolled my eyes in distaste, but knew there was no avoiding the pixie.
"Did you say shopping date Alice? Cause I am so in!"
We both laughed at Rose who was making sure Emmet didn't hurt himself. Surprisingly enough, he ended up making it to dinner without a scratch, and managed to grill the steak to perfection.
"Thanks Emmet!" Edward stated boosting his friend's already large ego.
"No problem, I am simply a master chef when it comes to grilling steak!"
"And thank you Bella and Edward for having us over on such a nice day."
Carlisle smiled at his wife, and it was that trait that was the strongest he passed on to Edward. I was certain those two men could get anything with their smiles.
"So son, do you and Bella ever plan to move out to Chicago?"
I almost spit out my drink all over the table. Move? There was no way I could do that. The most economical thing would be to stay here, since it's one of the only American operating points for KRATOS other than Alaska, and I didn't really want to jeopardize them by having them land in such a large city.
"We haven't discussed anything yet Dad. Besides, we're both quite content with living in Seattle."
Yes thank you Edward, remind me to repay you in sexual favors.
"Although we will discuss it if you like," he finished.
Damn. Today was just not my day.
"Bella?"
Damn, now they turned on me.
"Edward and I can talk about it. I have never really considered the possibility," I replied noticing how my co-workers were trying not to laugh.
"Oh dear, you have no idea how happy that makes me to hear that you are considering discussing such plans," Esme gushed.
"Ya Bells, you never really were one for change."
Fuck you Em. You are dead the next training session.
"Well, I guess I am in the mood for change," I muttered seeing Alice and Rosalie giggle. "What is with you two? You've been acting weird all day..."
In fact the entire gathering had been acting weird, like they were all in on some sort of inside joke that I was the butt end of.
"Okay you guys seriously what's going on?"
Before I even had time to grasp what was going on, Edward was down on one knee holding my hand in his right hand, and a ring box in the other. Shit.
"Isabella Marie Swan, I love you in so many ways there are no possible words to describe. Everything about you takes my breath away, and I want it to be like that forever. I want to be there to catch you when you fall, or when you're upset, please Bella...Marry me?"
In all my life, I had never found myself at a loss for words, and now here I was completely speechless, with all eyes on me.
Karma, you're a bitch.
