A/N: Hey guys. Another chapter.

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Chapter 4

The interior of the house was as magnificent as the outside; very modern considering. Edward started to help me out of my jacket but stopped when he noticed the blue lace of my bra. I bet if he could, he'd blush. I giggled to myself before zipping my jacket back up.

"I'll get you something to put on." Please be one of your shirts. He disappeared in a blur before returning seconds later holding up a large white t-shirt. Definitely one of his. He turned his back while I change. I smiled to myself; a vampire who's a gentlemen, what are the odds.

"You have a nice home." I stated as I walked passed him to get a better look. Hmm…there are a lot of ornaments. When I reached the stairs I was shocked to notice a cross.

"A cross?" Going on buffy here, but aren't they supposed to repel vampires? Edward chuckled. Apparently not.

"No, that's a myth. Carlisle's father was actually an Anglican Pastor." I nod at him as if I know what an Anglican Pastor is. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." Oh god. I can't go up there, not into a den of vampires while I'm bleeding. Is Edward crazy? He can hardly control himself.

"Edward, what about the rest of your family?"

"Alice sent them out to hunt. It's just Esme, Carlisle and us." I gulped. It's too early to meet the parents. I began to feel butterflies bubble in my stomach. What if they don't like me? Calm down before you hyperventilate.

"O…Okay." I stuttered as I followed Edward up the staircase towards an open door. From the door frame I could see an overflowing bookcase. A study? As Edward ushered me in, I noticed Doctor Cullen sitting at his desk which was cluttered with medical equipment. Obviously waiting for me. Beside him stood a beautiful woman with dark auburn hair and a kind face. She approached me cautiously before placing a gentle hand on me.

"Bella, it's so nice to finally meet you. Alice and Edward have told me lots about you." Esme, Carlisle's wife. She seems to kind to be a vampire.

"It's nice to meet you too. Are you okay with this?" I said gesturing to my bloody knee.

"Oh, Honey, you are safe in this house." I nodded, giving her a grateful smile. I took this pause to turn to Doctor Cullen.

"Bella, we have to stop meeting like this. I'll start to wonder if you're injuring yourself on purpose." Doctor Cullen joked, flashing me a smile that I returned.

"We'll you've caught me. I knew I should never have paid those thugs to chase me. I have learnt my lesson." I replied causing him to chuckle. I glanced at Edward to find a frown on his face. He did realise that I was joking?

"Let's take a look at that leg." Doctor Cullen said as he patted the chair beside him. Slowly, I made my way towards him. Gently, Doctor Cullen removed my t-shirt/bandage; I turned away, taking in deep breaths as I fixed my eyes on Edward. God I hate blood. I noticed Edward stiffen, his eyes darkening as his nose flared.

"Edward, maybe you should step outside." He shook his head at me. Stubborn vampire. I turned my attention to Doctor Cullen who was dabbing some antiseptic onto some cotton wool. Oh no what do I do? As Doctor Cullen made a move to clean my wound, I sprung from my chair, away from him.

"Bella?" he asked concerned as I continued to step away. "Are you okay?" I shook my head.

"I'm sorry, it's just…."Think…"I'm allergic." Doctor Cullen raised his eyebrows at me, obviously not sure whether to believe me or not.

"Water then." GAH!

"NO!" I startled Esme but I couldn't expose myself.

"Bella I need to clean the wound." An exasperated Doctor Cullen said.

"I'll do it. Where's the bathroom?" Doctor Cullen pointed to a door to the corner of his office. I hurried as fast as I could hop, towards the bathroom. God I must have looked like an idiot. They must think I'm a freak. I sighed as I pushed my ear against the door.

"Edward I think you should hunt. You are the most effected than any of us by her blood." Esme.

"No. I'm fine. I would never hurt her, I can't."

"Edward, what do you know about this girl?" Doctor Cullen.

"I know she has a secret but I can't figure her out. I know that those dumb wolves told her about us. I know that I have feelings for her but I've only known her for a short time. I also know that in all my one hundred and eleven years I have never felt this way about anyone, human or otherwise." Wow, I didn't know he felt that way.

"Edward, you know that it is too dangerous for her. If you lose control…" Doctor C.

"And what's the alternative Carlisle? Live alone for another hundred odd years. I've tried to stay away, I tried to hate her. But I can't. I can't stay away. I can't read her mind. Do you know what that is like? When I'm with her, my mind is silent." Oh Edward. I thought I had it bad as a mermaid.

"Edward, what about the Voltori?" Esme.

"I don't care. I live in a house of mates, I want happiness, companionship as much as you lot do. I want what I see in your minds. Why can't I have that with her?" I felt my heart break. Here I was, wondering if I should leave him because of my problems and here he is, fighting to be with me. I think I just fell even more in love with this man.

I couldn't listen to anymore. I turned to fill the sink and grabbed a flannel from the rail. I gently dabbed it across the blooded area while holding my breath. God this is disgusting.

4, 3, 2, 1.

I tumbled to the floor landing flat on my front. Ow! I glanced down at my tail, noticing the still bloody area where my knee would have been. Grabbing the flannel, I continued to dab the area. Thankfully the blood had stopped thanks to my t-shirt bandage.

KNOCK KNOCK

"Bella? Are you okay?" Oh No, Edward. I can't tell him.

"I'm nearly finished. Be right out." I mumbled as I thrust my hand out, clenching it into a fist. Steam filled the room as the water evaporated, slowly revealing my legs.

Now blood free, I hop out into the office, nearly stumbling into Edward. He caught me before lifting me into his strong arms. This time, his lack of heartbeat didn't affect me. Mine however began to soar. I noticed Esme's lips pull into a smile as she flashed me a wink.

Edward placed me gently into the chair I had previously vacated. Doctor Cullen gently examined my knee before pulling out the needle and thread from the dish on his desk. I made sure to keep my eyes on Edward and not on the needle that I could feel tugging at my skin.

Within seconds the tugging stopped. Sneaking a look, I noticed Doctor Cullen had finished. Wow he's the quickest doctor I know. Of course he has that vampire speed going for him. I chuckled at that thought as Doctor Cullen covered the wound with a plaster.

"Better?" Edward asked; I looked into his dark worried eyes and felt my heart melt. How have I lived without this man?

"I'm fine Edward really." Please let that be the end of this discussion.

"Are you hungry?" Esme asked as she moved towards the door. Thank god for Esme.

"Please don't put yourself out. I know you guys don't eat." I wonder what would happen if they did eat human food. I'd have to ask Edward.

"It's no bother dear, I actually love to cook but have no use for it." I smiled appreciatively.

"Thank you." She returned my smile before she left.

The air in the office grew tense. Doctor C was tiding his office while Edward stood and watched me as I took in the room. Wow, it's huge. The whole wall was made up of a bookcase which was full of books. I bet some of them were even centuries old. There were pictures littering the other three walls. Old painting which were dark and some quite scary. I gulped as I realised they were of vampires.

Edward took my arm as he began to lead me out of the office. I halted before popping my head around the door.

"Thanks Doctor Cullen." Doctor Cullen's voice stopped me from leaving.

"Bella, call me Carlisle." I nodded.

"Thank you, Carlisle."

Edward took a hold of my hand as he pulled me towards a set of stairs, leading up towards another floor. He stopped at a door but didn't enter. Weird. I pushed the door open to realise it was just a bedroom. What was Edward's problem? Taking a tentative step into the room, I took a good look around.

The room was at the back of the house; two of the walls were made from glass, giving a perfect view of the vast greenery of forks. From up here, it looked beautiful. The next thing I notice was the lack of bed; there was however a black leather sofa. I remember him mentioning something about never sleeping. In the corner was a small desk cluttered with books and CD's. This must be Edward's room. Before I took another step into the room, I took of my converses, grinning at the feel of the soft springy gold carpet under my feet. I moved towards the desk, scanning over his clutter.

"Debussy?" I asked, smiling at the memory of my mom as she pretended to play the small piano to Clare de Lune. I don't think she realised I saw the CD player by her feet.

"Yes. You like?" I nodded as I walked towards a large pile of books scattered beside the desk. Each leather bound was dated with a year, written in gold script. Diaries?

"You write a diary?" I asked, shocked. Not many men write in journals. Edward shrugged, his gaze on his feet.

"I've lived a long time; writing in a journal is the only way I can get my feelings out." I reached out to grab one of the journals, only to have it whipped out of my hand as soon as my fingers grazed it. Edward placed it back on the pile before taking my hand in his. "You don't want to read them, they can get quite dark." Glancing down at our hands, I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. An electric current ran through me at the touch causing the air around us to grow tense.

Esme knocked on the door startled us apart. I instantly missed the feel of Edward's cold hand in mine. My blush intensified as I turned to face a smiling Esme.

"The others have arrived and your food is ready Bella." I audibly gulped. I have yet to meet the rest of the Cullen clan and must have visibly looked worried as Edward's hand began to gently stroke my arm.

"Don't worry; I won't leave your side for a minute." I nodded dumbly as I took in a deep breath. Edward would never let anyone hurt me. I'll be fine.

Edward led me towards the kitchen where a group of people gathered around the kitchen island. The first thing I noticed was that like Edward and his 'parents', they were all gorgeous, instantly making me feel out of place.

As soon as Edward and I stepped into the kitchen, Alice flung her arms around me. I was stunned at first, gasping in surprise before I also wrapped my arms around her. Vampire or not, Alice would never hurt me. I knew that with all my heart.

"Oh, Bella, you have no idea how great it is that I don't have to hide from you anymore." She practically squeaked in my poor human ears. It took both Edward and another guy with blond hair to pull the strong pixie off of me. The blond guy instantly took a step away from me as soon as I was Alice free. His golden eyes watched me curiously from his new position against the far wall. Hmm.

"Bella, this is Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper. Of course you already know Alice." Edward introduced, gesturing to the large bear like guy who waved while flashing me a large smile. Beside him was a beautiful blond woman who turned her head away from me as she crossed her arms defiantly. What's her deal? The last person Edward introduced was the blond. Jasper? Isn't he the same one that Alice is dating? As I took in the group, I must have missed something because from behind me came a hiss. Startled I turned to notice Edwards angered expression as he glared at Rosalie. What had she said?

"Shut up Rose." Edward growled. Rosalie hissed at him before she stomped her foot.

"You don't understand. Take off your rose coloured glasses Edward and see how dangerous this is." What is she going on about? Looking up at Edward I realised that whatever she was rambling about had stuck a nerve.

"No Rosalie, you don't understand. You have Emmett. Alice has Jasper, Carlisle has Esme. Who do I have? So what if she's human. I would willingly take on the Voltori and anyone else who tries to tear us apart. Don't you understand? She's my mate!" Rosalie must have really struck a nerve. Mate? Is that a vampire term? And who's the Voltori? Whoever they are, they must be scary for Rose to bring them up. She opened her mouth to speak again.

"Rosalie enough." Esme commanded as she appeared in the kitchen. Rosalie glared at him before blurring to the back door, slamming it as hard as she could without breaking it.

"I'll talk to her dude." Emmett said as he followed after her. Edward sighed as he faced me, his eyes glowing with apology.

"Edward, who's the Voltori? And what did you mean 'mate?" he sighed but didn't say another thing until I was seated at the kitchen island, a bowl of spaghetti bolognaise before me. Wow it smells gorgeous. I dug in hungrily, trying to ignore the stares from around me.

"The Voltori are like the vampire royal family. They enforce the little laws we have. One of the major laws being exposure to humans." I interrupted him.

"But I'm not human, really. I mean I was, but now I'm kind of half. I guess." Edward looked as if he was going to ask me to elaborate but stopped himself.

"I don't know how they would react to that and I don't want to find out. If they found out, it might not go well for any of us." I nodded. "As for mate, I mean life partner." Okay, that's a lot to take in. Can vampires mate with mermaids? How can he be my life partner when I'm human and he's immortal? He'll live longer than I, he'll watch me die. Already, at just the thought of losing him, I felt a stab at my heart.

"Edward, I don't know what to say." I mumbled gobsmacked. What does one say to such an admission?

"It's alright Bella. You don't have to say anything yet. The fact that you haven't run yet is enough." As if I could leave him now I have fallen for him so deeply.

The ringing of my mobile broke the moment. Unlocking it, I noticed the time displayed on the digital screen. Damn, I forgot about Charlie. I answered my mobile cautiously, preparing myself for the yelling I knew awaited.

"Bella Swan, do you have any idea what the time is?" I gulped as I glanced around the room. Edward's eyes were fixed on me, hanging on my every reaction.

"Yes Dad. I'm so sorry. I went shopping with Alice and Edward Cullen in Port Angeles. I fell over and cut my knee open so they brought me to Dr Cullen who stitched me up. We got carried away talking after that." I heard Charlie sigh.

"Bella, do you know how worried I was? There was a murder today in Mason County, out at Grisham Mill. Security guard was attacked by some animal." I felt my mouth go dry as my eyes fix on Edward. His brow furrows as he stares off into the distance.

"An Animal?" I'm pretty sure Charlie doesn't know about vampires so an animal would be a realistic guess for bite marks and blood loss. If there's been a murder and the Cullen's drink animal blood than there's more vampires in Forks. That thought causes shivers down my spine.

"You're not in phoenix anymore Bells. Until we've hunted this animal down, I want you in by nine every night." Glancing at Edward's watch, I smiled at Charlie's not so subtle attempt at demanding I come home now.

"I'll see you soon Dad." I tell him before hanging up. Edward was already on his feet, collecting his and my things.

"Esme, Thank you for dinner, it was gorgeous." I said, giving her cold hand a squeeze.

Once again Edward helped me with my coat before pulling me towards his Volvo. Knowing we didn't have long before we arrived home, I was going to make the most of the time we have alone.

"So, if crosses have no effect on you, do stakes." Edward's laughter made my heart flutter.

"Vampires most likely created these rumours themselves for their own entertainment. We are practically indestructible, apart from other vampires and werewolves of course." Indestructible, I like the sound of that.

"So let me get this right. You don't sleep. Crosses and stakes have no effect because you're indestructible. You drink from animals. Can you eat normal food?" his lips pulled into a grimace.

"We can eat it however it is foul. We have to heave it up afterwards. It is very uncomfortable." Sounds unpleasant.

"And sunlight. You said it didn't burn you, does it affect you?"

"I'll show you some time." He said as the Volvo came to a stop.

Turning to face the house, I was reluctant to go in. I saw the curtains twitch, signally that Charlie was aware I was here. I had no choice but to go in now. I flashed Edward a smile as I rested my hand on his cold one at the steering wheel.

"Thank you for saving me tonight Edward. I am very grateful." Edward smiled in return.

Once I was safety inside the house, Charlie gave me a big speech about keeping safe; he even gave me a bottle of pepper spray. I doubted it would have any effect on a vampire. After he had finished his rant, I left him to watch his baseball catch up while I went to bed. I was beat.

About three things I was absolutely positive. First, Edward was a vampire. Second, there was a part of him – and I didn't know how potent that part might be - that thirsted for my blood. And third, I was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.