Thanks to Yoga_Gal and karentwilighted for pre-reading and beta work. They get rid of my silly mistakes.

I don't own Twilight. If I was SM, I'd swim in my money like Scrooge McDuck.


-Chapter 4: Enthalpy-

"So, can I give you a ride?" he asked with a slow smile, and it might have shorted out most of my nervous system.

Sure, you can give me a ride...

His grin turned wicked, and his rich laugh surrounded me in warmth. "I meant a ride to work."

Shit. Inner monologue is not so inner, apparently. Do I dare? I was afraid I'd let this man drive me through the Hell Mouth if he asked. Okay, so is this the part where I leave with the mysterious man, never to be seen again until they show pictures of me and interview my parents on 48 Hours Mystery?

"You have a car on the ferry?" I still didn't quite know how I was going to answer his question, so I asked my own.

"In Seattle, in a garage near the pier," he explained. "It's a short walk from the ferry dock."

Dare I go? Charlie would have a coronary.

"I―I'm fine with the bus. Really," I forced out, giving in to the daddy's girl inside me. The one that only existed to get me out of trouble or make me seem incredibly lame in front of gorgeous men.

His face went completely blank at my refusal, and he gave me a generic, flat smile in response. I got the feeling that I'd hurt him. "You're right," he said, his voice giving nothing away. "Smart girl."

"What do you mean by that?" Was he really planning on kidnapping and murdering me?

"It's probably better that we're not friends."

"Is that what we are?" I snapped, getting angry and yanking my sticky hand from his. I never had liked it when people told me what to do. "And what if I want to be friends?"

"I didn't say I don't want to be your friend, Beautiful." There was a sad cast to his features, but his eyes were closed off. "You're smart to stay away from me." I began to regret my flash of temper, missing the feeling of his hand laced with mine.

Bella, you are a moron. "Yes," I said on a huff of breath. Bye bye, caution!

His eyebrows drew together in confusion. "'Yes,' what?"

"Yes, you can give me a ride to work."

-x-

"What's this?" I demanded as he stopped in front of a terrifying-looking silver motorcycle.

"My bike," he said, as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"You said you had a car!"

"No, you assumed I had a car. I just didn't correct you."

"I don't like motorcycles. I don't want to die this morning!"

He laughed sadly at this. "Bella, I promise, you will not die this morning. I'll be extremely careful."

Distressed, I stared at my expensive-looking, motorized nemesis. "I don't know..." Suddenly, I wasn't so brave.

"Have I mentioned my cat-like reflexes?" he joked, touching my chin with a fingertip so I'd look at him.

"Have I mentioned my police chief father?" I threatened mildly, only half-joking.

His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and then he hit me with that sweet, earnest smile, and I melted all over again. "No, you haven't. But I'll be sure to take it under advisement." Straddling the bike, he patted the seat behind him.

"You know how to get to the zoo?"

"I know how to get everywhere," he said cryptically, and I was almost back to wanting to smack him. Patting the seat again, he prompted, "Hop on."

Tentatively, I threw my right leg over the back of the bike and settled in behind him, trying to ignore the mutiny below that was sparked by my crotch pressing against his very fine ass. I tried to scoot back on the seat, but it was pitched forward, and I kept sliding back down.

He handed me a helmet that was at least three sizes too big, but I wasn't about to refuse it. At least it was shiny, metallic black, and not silver like the beast we were sitting on. I don't even know why that makes me feel better...

"Help," I whined, my voice tight with nerves. He turned toward me, bringing more of that incredible, unforgettable scent with him. He laughed quietly as he helped me with the chin-strap, tightening the helmet as far as it could go. There was still quite a bit of wobble room, but it would have to do. "Do I look like an alien?"

"No, you look safe." He might have been scowling, but I couldn't actually tell. The helmet cut off my vision above a certain angle.

"What about your helmet?"

"That is my helmet. Believe me, you need it much more than I do," he said darkly, turning back to the front and starting up the beast.

Oh! Holy shit...that's um...nice down there. Maybe motorcycles aren't all bad...

"You ready?" he barked over the roar of the engine. "You'd better hang on tight!"

I had no idea where to put my arms. How am I going to do this? Oh, I knew how I wanted to hang on...I wanted my arms around his waist. I wanted to rest my cheek ― well, helmet ― between his broad shoulders and hang on tight. Finally, I made a compromise, putting my hands on his shoulders and resting my forearms against his back. I'd never been on a motorcycle before, and the whole idea of it was scary.

"Are you sure about that?" he asked tauntingly, barely turning his head so I could hear him ― and see that devastating smile. I gulped in indecision and nerves, fighting back the little growl of frustration that built in my throat. My fear trumped my shyness, and I clamped my arms around his waist, shutting my eyes and doing exactly what I wanted. This time, I was ready for the odd feel of his unusually hard frame, and when he laughed in response to my impersonation of a limpet, I gave in, letting myself relax. He swung the bike out of the parking space and carefully navigated the curves as we descended to street level.

This isn't so bad...it feels safe so far. And I certainly don't mind clinging to his back like a horny primate, I thought as we reached the garage's exit. I let out a relieved breath as he turned smoothly onto the fairly empty city streets.

Then he took off like a rocket, leaving my stomach in the dust. I don't think he heard my scream.

When I finally regained some semblance of rational sanity, we were parked in the visitor lot. Like it mattered. I was frozen to Edward's back like that scene in Dumb and Dumber where Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey get off the motor scooter in Aspen.

You know, minus the pee.

"You can let go now, Bella," Edward said, laughing harder every second.

"No, I really can't," I insisted, clinging to him with all my might and all four limbs. He turned off the engine, settled the bike on its kickstand, and actually stood up with me on his back, his hands cupping under my thighs to give me support.

"See? We're on solid ground." He hopped up and down, drawing a little yelp from my lungs. "No longer moving horizontally." After a few moments, I began to relax, inch by inch, until I was able to free one shaking hand from around his waist to grasp at his arm.

"We're here?" I asked dazedly, making Edward laugh even louder. Somehow, I was suddenly facing him, my legs still around his hips. One arm held us together lower, while he guided my limp arms up to grip at his shoulders with the other. When I hung on, he carefully removed the helmet. My hair crackled with static electricity, making me shiver against him. I blinked, taking in his handsome, fucking smug face. "Can we never do that again?" I demanded.

"You don't like the bike?" he asked in disappointment, pouting. He winked, earning a scowl from me.

"I don't like it when you drive the bike faster than light speed. Human bodies aren't meant to go that fast." My comment seemed to amuse him very much.

"You're right. They're not. But I kept you safe, didn't I? Doesn't that count for something?"

I shook my head. "Sheer luck," I said pointedly.

"Oh, Bella," he laughed. "You don't have any luck but bad. That was all skill."

"Oh yeah? Well, what about meeting you? That was good luck."

"That was anything but good luck," he said darkly.

I squirmed, indicating my desire to be put down. "What's up with you and your mood swings?" I asked with a frown as he set me on the ground. Immediately crossing my arms over my chest, I kept going with my...scolding? "I thought we settled this with the 'friends' talk. Make up your damn mind." The last part was low and under my breath, but I knew he somehow heard it. His lips turned up into a sly smile and he stepped closer. My arms brushed against his chest, and I had to work hard to suppress a shiver.

"What if I decide to never let you go?" he questioned softly, his eyes golden amber and intense with unspoken admissions.

"I don't know. It hasn't happened yet, and I can't predict the future. I want to know you," I said stubbornly, standing my ground. His hands cupped my upper arms now, drawing me closer, my arms the only thing keeping me from being pressed fully against his body once again.

"You think?" His head came level with mine, the cool wash of his breath making me feel loose-limbed and weak. "I don't want to be just your friend," he whispered. One hand came up to hold my cheek, his cool fingers heaven against my burning face.

"Okay," I breathed dumbly, trapped in his amber eyes surely as a mosquito stuck in sticky, prehistoric tree sap.

His fingertips traced slow lines over my lower lip, his head dipping lower, lower... And then his lips were on mine, in the sweetest, softest kiss I'd ever felt, even better than those dream kisses I'd shared with him. I couldn't do much but gasp at the sensations he made me feel. My arms slowly loosened, my hands drifting down between us to rest at his sides. This was nothing like our first kiss on the ferry, either. There was no darkness, no persuasion. I stood rooted to my spot, kissing him back with increasing eagerness (after getting over my initial hesitation), when he pulled away with a regretful smile.

But I was just getting started! I pouted internally, wanting to grab him by the collar and pull his mouth back to mine. I wanted to drag him back to one of the supply sheds and have my wicked way with him.

"Don't you have to go in? To work?" He still wasn't very far from me, and I could feel the currents his breath stirred as he spoke.

"Yes," I sighed. But it won't be nearly as fun as this was," I admitted. "I think I like being more than your friend, Edward Cullen."

His eyes darkened. "I really wish you hadn't said that."

"Why? Why shouldn't we be...um...whatever we are?"

He was silent, studying me with those magnetic eyes. "There isn't enough time to get into this right now. Let me take you out tonight. We can talk without restriction then, and I'll make sure you get a good meal. You look too thin." Well. I didn't think that was ever possible.

"Are you asking me on a date?"

He grinned, showing his teeth. "I suppose so, yes."

"You took the words right out of my mouth."

"So that's a yes?" he questioned, arching a brow.

"Yes. But I want answers, Edward," I said firmly, hoping he wouldn't call my bluff.

He sighed, a resigned cast to his features. "You'll get your answers. You may regret it, but you'll get them."

Well, what the fuck is that supposed to mean?

"I'll pick you up at seven."

It wasn't until after the deep rumble of the motorcycle engine faded that I realized he hadn't asked for my address. I knew I'd see him tonight, however. It wasn't anything explainable or logical, but I knew...and it didn't change my plans one bit.

-x-

Not even the bitchy demeanor of the cats could knock me out of my good mood today. They were standoffish and mouthy as I went through the morning cleaning routine, rumbling their disapproval in coarse growls and grunts as I passed by. The American cougars actually acted afraid of me when I got to their enclosure. They hissed and shied away, sticking to one corner of their area while I was there. This wasn't abnormal by any means, since all of these animals were being rehabilitated for return to the wild and were naturally distrustful of humans, but I'd never seen them this keyed up. Angela, my supervisor, eyed me shrewdly as I exited the exhibit, and I could tell she wanted a word with me.

"Bella!" she called, waving me over.

As I crossed the corridor, I pulled my shirt away from my back, trying to generate some kind of breeze. It was humid enough to make anyone short-tempered ― no wonder the cats were in such a terrible mood.

"Hey." She looked concerned, which made me paranoid. "What's going on?" I asked.

"Are you doing okay? The cats are a little...agitated around you. I was wondering if you were projecting any kind of bad energy. I know the thing with Tyler had you on edge, so..." she trailed off.

Okay, so Angela was a little out there, but she was one of the best animal handlers on the West Coast, so when she gave advice, everyone listened. It didn't just take training and skill when you worked with animals, though those were a necessity. It was about projecting confidence and calm assertiveness, and most of all, paying attention to your instincts.

"I'm fine, really. Feeling better all the time," I said with a smile, not really knowing if I was speaking to Friend Angela or Boss Angela. "I don't know what's wrong with the cats. I thought they were getting over their skittishness." There was no way I was telling her about Tyler taking Jake back. She'd sideline me for weeks.

"Be extra aware, Bella. And if this continues, we might have to ensure you only deal with the smaller cats for a while. We'll work on it," she said, patting me on the back as she started for the kitchen. It was almost chow time. "In the meantime, come and help with the food."

I didn't want to be restricted to the smaller animals. Logically, I understood her reasoning, but that part of me, the one that always had a way with animals, had a huge ego. And she was very pissed that the cats weren't treating me ― us? ― like one of their own. I knew there was nothing I could do about it, but it still stung.

No use worrying about it now. Go learn some shit from Angela, I told myself. I followed her to the prep area, and we both washed our hands in silence as we got ready to prepare yummy things like frozen steak pops and deer leg surprise. Yum...not. At least the cats liked it. This was my least favorite part of the job ― I hated blood, and the smell made me sick most of the time. Still, it wasn't something I could avoid, and so I dealt with it just as I'd deal with anything else unpleasant ― with a nice fake smile and a dose of hidden disgust.

The day only got worse when I spilled blood all over my shirt. The last thing I remembered was pulling a chunk of meat from the bottom of a nearly empty plastic bag, and then I was suddenly staring up at a very concerned Angela.

"It's the blood. I'm fine, I swear," I babbled, pulling at the sodden shirt. The ferrous scent of iron wafted past my nose, and I almost went out again. My fingers were slick with blood, and the smell was so cloying and salty, so strong...

"Bella!" The sharp voice pulled me out of the black hole that was trying to swallow me.

"What?" I yelled woozily, blinking up at my boss. Shaking her head in what appeared to be annoyance, she stripped off my zoo-issued camp shirt, finally getting it away from my nose. When I was left in my clean undershirt and shorts, the bloody shirt far, far away, I finally began to feel better.

"I'm sorry. I don't know what happened," I began, but Angela stopped me with a short sigh.

"Tell me, how do you manage this job when you have a reaction like that to a little blood?"

"Well, I usually don't spill it all over myself," I said quickly, wincing when I realized I sounded more than a little grouchy. Not a good idea to mouth off to the boss. "Sorry...my brain's still a little fuzzy." I hoped that was a good enough excuse.

"Maybe you should take tomorrow off," she began tentatively, eying me like I was an invalid and about to fall over at any second.

"Really, there's no need. I'll be just fine, and I have a spare, clean uniform at home for tomorrow's shift."

She pursed her lips at me, as if she was making a hard decision. "Okay," she finally said, "Here's the deal: I'm benching you for the rest of the day. You get laundry cart duty for now, and we'll see how things go tomorrow." Her tone was firm, and I knew I better grab at this chance while I could.

"Perfect. Well...not perfect, but I can live with it," I said with a forced smile. Damn it.

Angela quirked a brow in my direction. "Now, go clean up, have some lunch, and get back to work."

"Yes ma'am." I gave her a mock salute as I headed for the door.

"Oh, and Swan? If you pass out again, I'm sending you home for a week."

-x-

I missed the first ferry home that day, and all I could do was stare in shock as I stood in front of the roped-off ramp that led the way home. It was strange that I didn't feel upset; I was removed from the events of the day, like some kind of emotional insulation. I had an idea where it was coming from, and that was the only thing that managed to stir up a little worry in my mind.

Thank goodness for Edward. If it wasn't for his reappearance in my life, I might be borderline suicidal from all the potshots life had been taking at me lately. Nothing could knock me down, because I'd see him tonight. But there was still that part of me that questioned his motives ― and my own sanity. If he showed up at my place tonight with no direction from me, didn't that basically confirm him as the man Tyler had seen around my house?

I refused to let myself think on it any further. Obviously, I was having some sort of quarter-life crisis. In a desperate attempt to distract my obviously cracking mind, I pulled out my earbuds and hooked them into my phone, selecting shuffle mode. Anything would work.

When it was time to board the next ferry, I found myself walking behind a familiar female figure. Her wispy black hair stood out against the cream color of the cardigan she wore, and the fabric shifted fluidly in response to her graceful movement.

She moved like Edward. I'd only met one other person that moved like him ― Alice.

She didn't seem aware of me, as I was a good ten feet behind her...but I couldn't help but think it was an awfully huge coincidence she was there. The thought hadn't occurred to me before that the two might be connected somehow...but there was something very different about both of them.

I walked by after she took her seat, continuing until I selected an isolated seat a good distance away. Leaning back, I pretended to be absorbed in my music. I knew she would come to me.

It wasn't until I smelled her subtle, pleasant perfume that I noticed she was there...right next to me. I hadn't heard a sound ― but I could feel her. Like my body thought it should be on alert, independent of my brain. Slowly, I removed my earbuds and wound them around my hand before stuffing the phone and wires into my bag.

"Alice," I finally said with a smirk, "what brings you to the ferry today?"

She knew what game I was playing. "Bella," she mimicked, "I'm checking out the guys, of course. What about you?"

"You don't remember?"

"Ah, yes...you're coming home from the zoo." She sniffed, delicately wrinkling her nose.

"Yep." Silence fell heavily and I sighed, looking at the windows straight in front of me. Barely resisting the urge to fidget awkwardly, I waited her out.

"So," she began, her tone a little uncertain, as if she was trying to make me feel more at ease. "Speaking of last time...have you seen that guy you were talking about?"

Obvious much?

"Funny you'd ask," I answered, crossing my arms in front of my chest. I saw him again this morning." I couldn't keep the smile from my face when I thought of him, but I made myself concentrate on the conversation at hand. "In fact, you two always seem to show up around the same time. Strange."

"Really?" She didn't sound concerned in the least. In fact, she was the picture of relaxation, leaning back casually in her seat as she brushed at some imaginary lint on her likely designer sweater. "You saw your guy again? Wait, don't tell me! Oooh, you'll have a very...interesting time on your date tonight," she added, as if predicting things that hadn't happened yet was as common knowledge as knowing the earth was round.

"How did you know we were going out?" I asked, only half-serious. I was starting to believe I was asleep on the ferry ride home, and I was having a really strange dream.

"I didn't," she said with a smug little smile. "But you pretty much confirmed it for me."

Well, shit. She had me there.

"So," she continued, almost businesslike. "What's his name?"

"You mean you don't already know?" I asked, not bothering to hide the snark in my voice.

"I didn't say that...I just didn't want to weird you out."

"Too late." She sucked in a small breath, as if I'd hurt her feelings. I made the mistake of meeting her eyes, which was my downfall. She was giving me the legit Puss-In-Boots eyes, and damn it, I caved. I liked her, in spite of her weirdness. "I'm joking, Alice," I finally said, cracking a genuine smile.

Her face immediately morphed into a huge grin, as if she'd known all along that I'd come around.

"Do you know his name?" I asked, out of sheer curiosity.

"It's Edward." My eyebrows almost flew off my forehead and she rushed on. "Now, before you freak out, the reason I know is because he's my brother."

"Your brother."

"Yes, but he doesn't know I've met you. We haven't been speaking much lately. His choice, of course. He's been having a rough time and wanted to be left alone. Or, he was... Until he met you."

"Until he met me." Way to go, Bella. Just repeat everything she says. Show off those mad conversational skills. "Has Edward talked to you about me?"

"No, not exactly," she hedged, glancing off to the side.

"Please, enlighten me. It's not like we could make this conversation any weirder," I said in exasperation.

"It's not important how I know, just that I do." She leaned forward, placing her hand on my forearm. Her touch was cool, just like Edward's. "He's never met anyone like you, Bella. And he's been waiting for such a long time...I'm sure everything will work out the way it should," she finished, nodding and sounding more like she was trying to convince herself rather than me.

"You're incredibly strange," I said, shaking my head.

"I know, but you'll love me anyway," she replied in a light voice.

"Christ, Alice, stop it," I laughed. "You're freaking me out. Let's just sit here...and you be quiet."

We stuck to normal topics for the rest of the journey, and when I got home, I was exhausted. For all the things that had happened to me today, I felt like a week had gone by ― and the day wasn't yet over. Edward was coming to take me out tonight.

Tossing my keys on the small table in the tiny entryway, I caught a glimpse of myself in the correspondingly mini-sized mirror. Good Lord, I looked like death. My skin was pale and almost green, likely from the earlier encounter with the deer blood, and bluish smudges under my eyes made them stand out even more in contrast. My decision was made: shower first, then as long a nap as I could get away with before seven tonight. I definitely needed some beauty sleep ― it wouldn't do to scare Edward off.


Sorry about the lateness again...I'm fail. RL and all that jazz.

Up next: a date with our vampire stalker, finally!

So glad you all are enjoying the story, because I'm having fun writing. it. Thanks for reading, and as always, reviews are appreciated but not required, especially when I'm so fail at replies.