Disclaimer - All recognisable characters belong to their original owners. I do not make a profit from writing this; I simply do it for my own amusement. No copyright infringement intended.
Chapter Four
Bella
The drive home was quiet. Rosalie was contemplating her encounter with Emmett and wondering why she was so affected by the giant man. Me… I was trying to work out why Edward hadn't told me about Emmett. Did he not want me to be part of his world? I know we hadn't known each other that long, but I thought he wanted to trust me, and I thought I could trust him.
We pulled up outside our house and we all got out, Edward speeding round to open my door as Rosalie got out in a daze and began to walk towards the house. Edward and I stood awkwardly next to each other, neither of us sure what to say, before Rose stopped at the top step and turned to face us. "I'll tell Grandpa, Edward took you for a walk."
Edward and I both nodded, grateful that she was allowing us some privacy. I'm sure Rose had heard the questions bouncing around in my mind and understood that I wanted to resolve them.
We waited until she had the shut door. Edward turned to look at me, regret in his eyes as we began to walk into the forest that surrounded the house. The air was thick and heavy as I waited for him to say something, anything that would justify his lie to me.
We continued to walk in silence until we reached a group of boulders, at which point Edward gestured for me to sit. I did as he then sat next to me, studying the floor. I looked around me, listening to the rustling of the leaves, the quietness of the night and the beating of my heart. I looked at the beautiful man next to me and my heart beat faster.
Edward turned his head to look at me. "I apologise for lying," were the first words out of his mouth as I continued to look at him, checking to see if he was sincere or not. I couldn't see anything but remorse in his eyes. "Emmett and I haven't always seen eye to eye when it comes to our lifestyle and I was hoping to protect you from that."
I waited for him to finish and then let the silence draw out. "What do you mean you haven't always seen 'eye to eye'?" I questioned. How many different opinions could you have on the vampire lifestyle?
"Emmett saw being changed as a blessing, it just meant he could spend forever doing what he loved – womanising and gambling. I saw it as a curse – forever destined to walk this planet alone. Only ever able to see the moon and the stars, never see a sunrise again. For me, this is my version of hell." He paused as his beautiful green eyes fixed on me and he gently took my hand in his. "That was until I found you." I felt my cheeks heat up as I looked down, but Edward's hands on my face caused me to look back into his eyes. "Meeting you made me realise that maybe I don't have to be alone. My life was meaningless before I met you, and now I look forward to every sunset because it means I get to spend time with you." I blushed harder.
"You still shouldn't have lied to me," I whispered, trying to stay mad at him, but finding it almost impossible… almost.
"I know, and I'm sorry. That's why I have to tell you something else." I nodded, my brain not really registering his words as my eyes zeroed in on his lips.
"I have another brother," my eyes snapped up to his at the revelation and I pulled my face from his hands.
"What?" I questioned. "You told me Carlisle hadn't made anybody else, but he made two other vampires!" Edward looked guilty at me as he nodded and I got off the boulder and began to pace.
"If you lied to me about something trivial, what else are you lying about to me?" I asked and he shot up off the rock and came to grab my hands, stilling my movements.
"Nothing, Emmett, and Jasper are my only two brothers, and I didn't tell you about them because of the way that Emmett sees the world and because Jasper and I are very different when it comes to feeding." I just stared at him, waiting for his explanation. "Jasper feeds off humans without a care and without an ounce of compassion. He feeds off them for pleasure, whilst I feed off them out of necessity – but since I've met you, I've only been feeding off Tru Blood."
I looked at him at this revelation. "It would feel like I was cheating on you."
"Do you promise me that there's nothing else I need to know?" I asked him, wanting so desperately to kiss him.
"There's nothing else you need to know. If there is, I'll tell you." I nodded and pulled his face towards mine. I was tired of being mad at him and wanted his lips again.
His lips met mine and I melted. It's cliché, but very true. I'd been kissed a few times, but none of them made me weak at the knees. None of them made me want to drag them to the floor. Edward made me want to do things I'd never considered doing.
"Does it not bother you how dangerous I am?" Edward asked as he pulled his lips away from mine and stared into my eyes.
"I don't think you're dangerous," I told him honestly. I really didn't see anything different between this man and the next one. Except for the obvious – the man in front of me was a God to be worshipped; he had everything a woman could want in a man; he was handsome, respectful, gorgeous, friendly and polite. The men around here could be far from that, and some of them deserved a good smack to the face.
"You keep amazing me," he told me huskily, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me close, his eyes boring into mine.
"I'm just being myself," I told him honestly – I didn't know how to be anyone else.
"That's why you're amazing," he whispered, before bringing his lips down onto mine with such a slow speed I thought I would burst from impatience.
His lips touched mine and breathed in a sign. Having his lips on mine felt so right and so natural. It was a wonder people didn't go around like this all the time! His lips were soft and supple and they commanded my full attention.
Edward groaned as I arched my body further into his, not wanting an inch of space between us. His arms wrapped tighter around me and tightened my grip around his neck, my arms draping across his shoulders, loving the way the muscles moved and rippled beneath my grip. Being with Edward was unlike anything I'd experienced before – it seemed like something out of a romance novel. He swept me off my feet and made me forget how to breathe. He made me wanton and lustful. He made me want the fairy lifestyle – with the handsome husband and the two point five kids, the big wedding and the dog in the yard. Everything I'd told myself I never wanted suddenly came rushing to the forefront of my mind when I was Edward.
"We need to slow down," Edward whispered his lips rough against mine as he nipped at my bottom one and began to move lower towards my neck.
"What if I don't want to?" I whispered teasingly, feeling strong and confident in his arms, my fingers scratching his scalp as he licked and sucked at my neck. A hiss escaped from his mouth as my nails dug into his scalp and his fangs grazed my neck, causing me to gasp.
As if coming to from a trance, Edward leapt back from me, slamming himself into the tree and looking horrified at what had just happened between us.
"Please forgive me," he asked, panting as he looked at the ground. "I let things get too far and should have controlled myself."
I looked at him and a smile found its way on my face. He had no idea I enjoyed him letting go, that I enjoyed seeing him lose control and that I wanted him to feel like he could be himself with me.
I slowly sauntered towards him, swaying my hips as I did so, feeling sexier than I had in a long time. Knowing I made him lose control, made me confident, made me assertive, made me insistent.
I stopped when I came in front of him. I gently placed a finger under his chin and forced him to look at me.
"Do it," I whispered, knowing he wanted nothing more than to drink from me. Edward looked at me for a moment, seeming to have frozen, the way his eyes creased up; telling me he didn't think it was a good idea.
"You need to feed," I told him, whispering my words against his cheek as I brushed my lips up and down his jaw.
Edward's eyes closed as he took in a steadying breath. When his eyes opened again, they were hungry and full of need.
"Are you sure?" He questioned. I could see in his eyes he was desperate for me to say yes, but that he was also willing to stop if I said no.
"Positive," I whispered, excited to feel him drinking from me again.
Without any hesitation, Edward had me in his arms, tilting me back as he gently kissed my neck, making me shiver. He wasn't meant to feel warm, but he always felt that way to me, and he always managed to heat my body up beyond belief.
I closed my eyes as he began to suck on my neck, his fangs occasionally grazing the vein that lay beneath my skin. It was erotic.
Suddenly his teeth sunk into my neck, and I felt the sting as they pierced my flesh. His lips began to suck as my blood flowed from the wound, leaking down my neck and onto my work shirt, staining it red.
Edward let out a moan as his arms tightened around me and leant me further back, my body shivering at his close proximity. His thigh worked his way in between my leg and began thrusting rhythmically against my centre, causing me to moan at the feel of his thigh through my thin shorts.
I dug my nails into his shoulders, relying on Edward for support completely now as my arousal took over my body. I felt the tell-tale feel of my orgasm starting as it hit in my lower belly first, starting out as a small fire and gradually building up to an inferno.
I began to moan loudly as my orgasm approached faster than expected, Edward's lips never ceasing their ministrations on my neck.
"Oh God," I whispered breathlessly, feeling the burn intensify and waiting for the sparks to explode. One thrust of his leg up to my centre and I was done for, I came panting my release, realizing in the back of my mind that my panties would be ruined.
I stilled in Edward's arms, loving the fact that they kept me upright, whilst my legs turned to jelly. I felt him stop sucking as he began to lap at the wound, causing the blood flow to stop. Moments later he helped me stand back on my feet correctly and looked into my eyes, the green orbs shining with nothing but what looked like love.
"Thank you," he whispered, his hands coming up and cradling my face. "Not only did you let me take your blood, but you also allowed me to see reach your climax," I blushed when he mentioned it. "Both beautiful gifts." I blushed even harder as he gently kissed me, his lips soft against mine as I yielded and allowed him to lead my lips in a sensual dance.
We pulled away from each other at the same time, resting our foreheads together as we both relished in the company of one another.
"I should get you home," Edward said, pulling away from my forehead and staring deeply into my eyes, a smile curling at the corners of his lips. I nodded. I didn't want to leave him but knew I had to get some sleep as I was working in the morning.
The walk back to the house was quiet, Edward's long fingers were entwined with mine and I felt calm, at peace. He walked me up the steps to the house and stopped at the front door. He gently grabbed my other hand and looked into my eyes once more.
"Despite everything that's happened tonight, I still enjoyed it in the end." I smiled and nodded. It had been nice to spend time with him, regardless of what had happened earlier. "May we go on another date soon?" He asked almost timidly and I wanted to smile at the uncertainty in his voice – he had no idea how much I felt for him and wanted to be around him.
"I'd like that," I told Edward as he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips.
"I've got go," he began, "but I'd love to see you again tomorrow evening." I giggled and nodded as he gave me another kiss before going into the night.
A smile came to my lips, and I stayed looking into the darkness, the cold air settling around me, making me shiver. I let out a little squeal – I was so happy just to have spent time with him, he made my heart flutter and my palms sweat. Plus he made me smile – a good sign in itself.
I walked into the house and up the stairs to my bedroom. My thoughts consumed with Edward, so much so that I just fell onto my bed, not even bothering to get undressed as I let my normally dreamless sleep become replaced with dreams of a copper-haired man, with eyes as green as the leaves on the trees.
The next day at work, Rosalie seemed normal – she was laughing with the customers, and flirting with the older gentlemen, threatening to steal them away from their wives. Even her thoughts seemed normal – but I knew better, her encounter with Emmett had affected her more than she'd ever admit; she flirted with guys, but they never consumed her thoughts like the beast of Fangtasia did.
Jake had questioned us the second we'd come into the bar this morning; he'd wanted to make sure we were both okay and to see if we'd found anything out. We told him everything that had happened – I, of course, omitted the details about Edward drinking from me, as well as the lying part. I didn't think Jake needed more reason to dislike Edward.
I'm pretty sure he knew about the blood drinking though because despite me covering up the holes in my neck as best I could with makeup, Jake's eyes would still drift to my neck and stare at it, almost as if he was willing the holes to become bigger.
"Stop running your thoughts," Rosalie said to Jake as she came behind the bar and began filling drink orders. "It's not going to change anything."
Jake just glared at Rose as he dried some of the glasses up that had come out of the dishwasher.
"What's he thinking about?" I asked, resting my elbows on the bar and cupping my face in my hands. I woke up in an amazing mood – more than likely due to Edward – and didn't want anything to ruin it.
"You and your neck," She told me, a smirk in her voice as Jake looked like he wanted to slap her.
"Get out of my head!" He told her, avoiding my gaze and staring straight at Rose.
"You know I can't always help it, especially when some people are thinking incredibly loud!"
"Why are you bothered about what I do in my spare time?" I asked Jake. It had nothing to do with him!
"I get bothered when you let a fanger take advantage of you – he's only using you for your blood."
"No, he's not!" I shouted back at him, angry that he'd even suggest that. "We get along really well, and we connect," I said timidly. It was a silly thing to say, but it was so true. With Edward, I felt a connection to him like no other.
"You 'connect'?" Jake said incredulously. "What kind of bull crap is that? You don't even know the man! All you know about him is that he is a fanger!"
"Stop saying that!" I yelled at Jake. He was really getting on my nerves now. "What do you know about him?" He was silent. "Nothing! Because you don't give him the time of day!"
I was breathing heavily now, anger coursing through my body.
"You want to know what I know about him. I know he bit you," Jake began, angrily gesturing towards my neck. "I know that you would never have let him do that unless he had some kind of hold over you!"
"I let him do it because I wanted him to," I countered. I was vaguely aware that everyone in Black's was now staring at me, and judging me. I could feel their thoughts beginning to invade my mind – when I was stressed; I couldn't always concentrate on keeping my shield up.
"I have no idea who you are anymore!" Jake shouted at me, his body beginning to tremor.
"Okay, let's calm this down guys," Rosalie said quietly, pushing Jake out the back of the restaurant.
I ran a hand through my hair and turned around, looking at all the patrons who were now staring at me.
"What?" I yelled at them as Tyler came out the back.
"You all need to go back to whatever the hell you were doing before, or I'll spit in your food!" Tyler announced loudly, wrapping an arm around my waist and leading me outside to stand in the cool breeze.
I took in a deep breath, hoping to calm myself down before I got too worked up.
"Ignore them B, they don't know anything except what they're told. They're judgemental and small-minded." Tyler told me, leaning against the wall next to me and pulling a cigarette out. He offered me one but I shook my head – I didn't smoke and didn't want to start now.
"Why does it matter if he bit me?" I asked Tyler, trying to understand why everyone was so interested in my business.
"Because people in the small town are nosy as fuck," I laughed as he swore – it was one of Tyler's specialities.
"You're right about that," a voice said and both Tyler and I turned to see who it was; Rosalie.
"How pissed is Jake?" I asked and she shook her head at me, but inside her mind, I saw him turning into a large russet wolf and running off into the forest.
"He'll get over it." She said nonchalantly. "He's always liked you and is just struggling to deal with the fact that you like someone else."
"He doesn't have to be an ass about it," I grumbled. I thought he had feelings for me but never read his mind to find out – I liked to give him his privacy when I could.
"It's Jake. If he wasn't an ass, he wouldn't be our boss." Tyler said, laughing as he took a drag on his cigarette and then offered it to Rose. She shook her head the same as me; she didn't smoke either.
"Come on, we have tables to serve and asses to deal with," Rosalie said gently as she tugged on my hand and led me back inside.
Will Jake be mad at me forever? I asked Rose, whispering it into her mind. He may be an ass, but he was also my best friend too, and I couldn't imagine not having him in my life.
She shook her head. He'll get over it; he just needs to find himself, someone.
I nodded, he'd have to get over – I had a feeling Edward may become a constant fixture in my life.
"We weren't even that busy today!" Rosalie exclaimed as she tied another rubbish bag up. "Where'd all the rubbish come from."
I giggled as Rosalie leaned back against the pool table.
"It's probably Tyler's cooking," I shouted as Tyler stuck his head out and glared at me.
"Bitch, there's nothing wrong with my cooking. These people have no taste." Tyler's cooking really was the best in Forks, if you ever wanted something to eat that was so tasty your mouth watered just thinking about it, Black's was the place to come.
I giggled as Rosalie and Tyler continued their banter and I took the bags of rubbish outside.
The air was cold and caused goosebumps to appear on my arms and legs; I hurried to the dumpster, opening the lid and tossing the bags in.
I started to walk back towards the door but stopped when I heard a rustling behind me. I opened up my mind to see who was behind me, but I wish I hadn't.
The thoughts we dark and menacing, filled with blood and hatred and disgust. Images were flashing through their mind, so fast I couldn't keep up; images of vampires, knives, belts. And then the next images that followed were images I recognised – images of Irina flashed through the person's mind; images of her working at Black's, images of her at her home and finally images of her terrified face as she was murdered. I gasped and turned around, looking into the darkness, trying to see anyone that may be out there. When I saw nothing, I began backing up towards the bar, trying not to seem like I was afraid.
I was still inside the psycho's mind, but this time I was seeing myself, seeing me working, seeing me talking to Edward, laughing with Rose and Jake, and then finally, seeing Jake and I arguing about Edward and his drinking of my blood. The rage and disgust that filled the person's mind at this point made me gasp and I began to run towards the back entrance of the bar, forcing my legs to work faster.
Before I could get there, I felt cold hands grasp my arms and pull me back against a chest. I tried to scream, but one gloved hand moved to my mouth to silence my cries for help. I then felt a sharp sting in my back as something sliced through my skin.
Die you fucking fangbanger! I heard the stranger scream in their mind as blood began to slow from my wound, the flow increasing as they pulled the knife out. I gasped and sunk to the floor, clutching the second wound that the knife had made through my stomach. Blood came out of that too and I felt tears sting my eyes as I tried to make a sound, but nothing came out.
"Bella!" Rosalie's voice shouted as she came racing out the back door with Tyler. She paused for a moment when she saw the figure behind me, but then charged forward, fear and worry evident. I felt myself fall forward before she could get to me, and then suddenly, her hands were turning me over and cradling me in her lap. I let out a groan as the change in position hurt me and caused the wound to sting.
Rosalie began crying, begging me to stay with them as she fumbled with her phone. Tyler had passed me and was running after the person who attacked me, a baseball bat in his hand as he followed them into the forest.
I tried to keep my eyes open, but the pain was becoming unbearable, and I could feel the trickle of blood, flowing beneath me, whilst Rose tried to stop it.
A short blast of cool air has me opening my eyes to see my copper-haired hunk; he was looming over me with fear in his eyes.
"Bella," he said in his melodic tone and I felt a small smile come to my face. His voice was so beautiful. "You need to keep your eyes open. I'm going to give you my blood. It'll help you heal."
Rose nodded above me, but I felt my eyes slip close just as Edward elongated his fangs and bit into the skin on his wrist.
Seconds later, blood was flowing into my mouth. It was weird. It tasted like blood tasted when you bit your tongue, but it had a sweet aftertaste to it, making me crave more of it. With every drop, I felt myself getting stronger and felt the wound begin to heal. It was like I could feel the fibres of my skin knitting together and the cells becoming whole once again.
After a few mouthfuls, I pulled away, already feeling stronger, my eyes fully opening themselves to focus on my knight in shining armour.
Edward gave me one of his brilliant smiles, his hand reaching out to help me up. I got up on surprisingly steady feet. I looked down at my stomach and turned to look at my back, finding the bleeding had stopped and the wounds had now healed.
"How?" I asked Edward, shocked that his blood could do this.
"Vampire blood can do many things, one of which is healing," I nodded as Rose stood up behind me and then hugged me tightly.
"I thought you were going to die," she whispered, tears forming in her eyes.
"I would never let that happen," Edward said, smiling at the sight of us together. I turned and smiled back at him.
Silence fell over the three of us for a few moments before Jake came bursting through the trees, wearing only a pair of cut off shorts. He sniffed the air and took in the sight around us.
"What happened?" He asked as he came up to me, completely ignoring Edward's presence.
"I was stabbed-" I began before Jacob cut me off with a worried look.
"You were stabbed! By who?" He asked, coming even closer and scanning my body up and down. "How are you healed?"
"Edward gave me his blood," I told him, figuring it was best to get the worst question out the way first. Jake wouldn't like this, but there was nothing he could do, Edward either gave me his blood, or I died, simple.
Jake nodded, glancing between the two us.
"I don't know who by, I couldn't see their face and their thoughts were different – filled with anger and rage." I took a deep breath. "I do know that whoever attacked me killed Irina."
Rose gasped. "How do you know that?"
"Because I saw her being killed." Three faces looked at me with worry.
"Did you see anything?" Edward asked, turning his attention to Rose. She shook her head.
"It was dark, I don't think Tyler saw anything either and I didn't get much from his thoughts, just panic when he realised Bella had help coming."
"Where is Tyler?" I asked, suddenly looking around worried.
"He ran into the forest after the guy," Rose said, craning her neck around me to look into the darkness of the forest.
"Did you see him?" I asked Jake, noting he came out of the forest after Tyler ran in.
Jake shook his head. "No, I came running because of Edward, when I saw him blur past, I knew something was wrong."
I nodded just as Tyler came out the forest, puffing and panting.
"Well?" Rose asked as Tyler took in the scene in front of him.
"I ran after him, but he got in a car and drove off," we all sighed. "But he left this behind," Tyler continued, holding out a bumper sticker. Jacob who was closest to him took it out of his hand and then glanced up at us.
He sighed and then held the bumper sticker out for me to take. I grasped it in my hand and looked down at the writing on the piece of PVC. It was a bumper sticker for Olympic Peninsula Adventures*. I looked up at everyone.
"The person's a local?" Jake nodded. "It looks like it," he said, taking a deep breath and rubbing the back of his neck.
We were all silent.
That was until Tyler turned to Jake, "Boss, why are you half naked?"
Jake looked at Tyler and then glanced down at himself, realising he was only wearing his shorts. "I was taking a run," he said, looking confused as to why he said that, but also looking like he hopes Tyler believed him.
Thankfully he did. "Okay, cool." He was silent. "Bella, why are you healed?"
"Edward gave me some of his blood," I said and once again, Tyler just nodded.
"Cool, cool," he said. Tyler was known for being one of the most non-judgemental people in the world. He was not only gay but also a recreational drug user and didn't hide the fact. He learned early on not to judge people for what they did.
"Does the bumper sticker mean we can narrow it down?" Rosalie asked, biting her lip as she looked worryingly at me.
"To a certain extent yes," Edward said, his hand rubbing reassuring circles on my hip. "It suggests someone local as Jake says, perhaps a worker or a regular. Do you remember anyone having this bumper sticker on their car?"
We all shook our heads. "I've heard of the store but I've never been in. I don't even know who works there." Rose told him.
"We could ask the regulars if they know anything," Jake suggested and we nodded. Certain people in the town could be trusted to know everything and anything about a person; hell I'm pretty sure you could ask our neighbour Mrs Cope any question about any resident in Forks and she'd know.
My mind began to swim with the thoughts of the killer, the images flooded back into my mind and Rosalie gasped. We all turned to her but her eyes were fixed on mine. "Go back to that last one," she whispered.
The last image was Jake and I arguing in Black's.
"We're missing the biggest clue of all," Rosalie whispered. "Whoever tried to attack you was probably sat in the bar when you and Jake had your argument."
We all looked around at one another – that meant the killer had been closer than we thought; it meant that it was probably someone we trusted, someone we talked to on a daily basis, it was someone who we probably considered a friend.
After the 'ordeal' (as I shall now call it), Edward insisted on taking Rose and I home. He didn't want to leave us without his 'protection'. Jake claimed he could protect us just as well but Edward pointed out that he would need him during the day when Edward couldn't be with us.
He was worried Rose might be a target too as she associated with vampires. I didn't think Rose was worried. Pissed was a better way to describe her. She was angry that Edward claimed we needed his 'protection' – Rose said she could defend herself perfectly well. I didn't think Edward doubted that. He'd seen her in action with the baseball bat the night we rescued him. Rose could hold her own if she had to.
"You'll need to get rid of your clothes," Rose whispered as we entered the house, trying not to wake up our grandfather. "They're covered in blood."
I looked down and sighed, another work shirt ruined. I should just stop wearing white. Before my shirts were ruined by food and spillages, now they were being ruined by blood…
"I'll take them with me when we go to work tomorrow, they can go in the skip outback." Rose nodded as she leaned against the counter, the moonlight illuminating her blonder hair and pale skin.
She turned to look at me. "I was really scared tonight B – I thought I'd lose you." I turned to her and smiled.
"I'm not going anywhere Rose," I whispered as we came together in a hug. We'd been there for each other growing up – I had no plans to leave her anytime soon.
When I came down for breakfast the next morning Grandpa was sat at the table, looking down at his notepad and crossing things off.
"Is that the list for tonight?" I asked, knowing that Edward was coming to the community hall to speak to Grandpa's civil war club. Thanks to Edward's blood I could hear the pen scratching away on the paper as if my head was right next to it and I could smell the scrambled eggs that were being kept warm in the oven.
Edward had explained to me last night on the way back that his blood would also heighten my senses – they wouldn't be as strong as a vampire's, but I would be able to smell, taste, hear and see things that I usually couldn't. He'd also explained that he'd be able to 'feel' me; he'd be able to feel my emotions as if they were his own and would be able to locate me in a second if needed.
"Yes, I'm just checking I have everything ready for tonight. I want it to go smoothly." I smiled and kissed his head as I walked passed him to the fridge. He was so excited at the prospect of Edward speaking to his friends.
"Morning!" Rose exclaimed as she walked down the stairs, a smile on her face. "Preparing for tonight Grandpa?" She asked as Grandpa grunted in response, too busy in jotting something down to respond.
Rose shook her head as she held her glass out towards me as I poured some orange juice into it.
"Looking forward to tonight?" She asked me, delicately sipping at the tangy juice.
I nodded. I was pleased Edward had agreed to help Grandpa out – not only would it make Grandpa like him better, but it would also be interesting to hear his experiences. He had so much to share and tell and I would be willing to listen to it all.
"What do you think he'll talk about?" Rose asked, leaning her hip against the counter and looking at me. I shrugged my shoulders.
"I imagine his experiences of the war," I said honestly. Whatever he said was bound to be interesting.
"Do you think I need to get some Tru Blood's in?" Grandpa suddenly asked, his face wrought with worry.
"I think he will have fed recently," Rose said, hiding a smirk behind her glass as I glared at her. I hadn't told Grandpa what had transpired between us. God knows that would only be asking for trouble. He still saw me as his innocent little granddaughter who needed protecting.
Grandpa nodded and went back to his list, muttering as he crossed more things off. Just then the phone rang and Grandpa literally jumped out of his seat.
Rose and I both stared at him – why was he so jumpy? He got up and answered the phone before going into the other room - obviously not wanting us to hear. He clearly forgot that Rose and I were nosy as hell as we both opened our minds up to his and listened in on the conversation.
How could you be so stupid Charlie?! An angry citizen shouted down the phone. Inviting a vampire to a church full of people to give a speech! What if he kills us all?
"I've met Edward and I don't believe he could do that," Grandpa tried to reason back. "If you don't want to attend, I won't hold it against you."
"Oh, I'm coming!" The angry citizen said. "But I'm warning you, I'm bringing my gun and some wooden bullets and I'll be wearing my silver ring. No vampire is going to feed from me!"
With that, the phone was put down and Grandpa let out a heavy sigh, the inside of his mind filled with worry for the evening.
Rose and I both exchanged a glance. If people didn't want to come, they didn't have to. No one had said they had to – it was their choice.
Grandpa came back into the room and Rose and I both plastered smiles onto our faces – we didn't want him to know we had been listening.
"Everything alright?" Rose asked as Grandpa nodded his head and gave us a small smile.
"Absolutely, just someone wanting to know what time to come," he told us, grabbing his notepad and leaving the room.
I bit my lip as I watched him leave. Grandpa didn't deserve to be shouted out for trying to help the group out. It just showed how small minded the people around here were.
"Stop worrying," Rose said as she walked past me, placing her glass in the sink before squeezing my shoulder.
"I can't. It's my hobby," I told her, laughing as she shook her head and walked upstairs to get ready for work.
Work had been tiring, to say the least. I had to take one meal back three times because the 'food was touching', or it was in the wrong 'order' or the vegetables were not 'raw enough'. I was all too ready to shout at someone. It was only Rose giving me a small smile that calmed me down – she was having a rough day too. Rose had spent most of her work shift questioning people about the PVC car plaque we found. None of them knew anyone who worked there; it was a dead end. Jake had spent the day trying to track the scent; that was a dead end too. The whole pack was on high alert.
I knew for a fact that there were three wolves currently patrolling the premises and another two a little further out. I also knew that Sam had been sat at the bar all day and was ready to phase at the drop of a hat should he need too.
"You seem tired," a melodious voice called out to me and I turned around to see Edward stood in the doorway of the dimly lit kitchen. We were both currently in the back of the church, waiting for people to finish coming in.
"It's been a long day," I told him as he walked towards me and wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me into his strong and protective embrace.
"Maybe I can make it better," he whispered as he removed one hand from my waist and placed it under my chin, giving him better access to my lips.
I let my eyes flutter closed as his lips gently touched mine. The first brush of his lips was soft, the second was teasing and the third was stimulating. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and pulled him closer so our bodies were pressed together. I stood on my tiptoes to give me better access to his mouth.
It was soft, sensuous and warm – it was everything I needed. Right now I could forget that someone was trying to kill me. I could forget that most of the people sat the other side of the wall didn't care about Edward and I could forget, or at least pretend that I was falling in love with a vampire.
"You made it much better," I whispered as his lips pulled away from mine and he stared into my eyes, his green ones sparkling and a smile forming on his lips.
"Glad I could be of service," he joked, holding me close to him as he gently stroked my back with his hands.
"Are you nervous?" I asked. I would be, but then again, I didn't like any attention on me.
"I've faced worse things," he said; something clouding in his eyes as I tried to determine what it was.
"Like what?" I questioned. I knew he had been involved in wars, but I would be pretty scared if I had to speak in front of a church full of people and nearly all of them wanted to hurt me.
"It's not the time to tell you now, but in the future, I promise," he sealed this with a kiss that put a smile on my face.
Edward turned his head slightly towards the door and then with a sad smile stepped back from me. I opened my mouth to protest but then stopped when my Grandpa stuck his head through the door.
"Are you ready?" He asked, his eyes shining with joy.
"Absolutely," Edward said as my Grandpa smiled and motioned with his hand for us to follow him. Edward gave me knowing smile as he held out his hand for me to go first and I blushed. His smile was so sexy.
We walked into the main part of the church where everyone was talking. Rose and Jake were sat at the front with a few others, Sue Clearwater, and her two children; Sam was there too with a few guys who I guessed were probably from the pack. Even Mrs Cope was sat at the front, craning her neck around the room, trying to see Edward no doubt. Rose smiled when she saw us and made space for Grandpa and me to sit down. I smiled as Edward gave my hand a gentle squeeze before I moved from his side and went to sit next to my blonde bombshell of a cousin.
"Everyone… everyone, could I have your attention please?" Grandpa asked as he gently tapped on the mic that was mounted on the podium at the front of the church. Most people stopped talking – they were all waiting to see the vampire.
"I would like to introduce you to First Lieutenant Edward Masen." Grandpa began applauding as a sparse applause followed throughout the church. Grandpa took his seat next to me as Edward went up to the podium.
"I must say, it is an honour that you wanted me to speak to your group." He began. "I've enjoyed the thought of sharing my experiences with you. Many people get a second-hand account of the war, and it can be incorrect. But I promise you that everything I say is completely true."
For the next few hours, Edward spoke about his experiences, about being drafted when he was just a boy – he knew he was young but wanted to fight for his country, for his mother and father. He wanted to prove that he was worth something.
I spent the whole time listening with rapture, hearing him talk about his human days – how the training was gruelling and the food was revolting. How the men often shared their space with rats and disease. How young boys were lost to the cruelty of war and tainted men grew in their place.
Tears welled up in my eyes more than once as he recounted how he lost his best friend, how he had to watch infection take him day by day. Each time the sun came up, he lost a little more of his friend and I could see the pain in his eyes that he wasn't able to do anything.
"War is a fascinating subject, but also a very dangerous one. We need to learn from our mistakes to make sure that we don't repeat them." Edward was silent for a few moments as he let his words sink in before giving a final nod. "Thank-you".
There was a moment of silence before the majority of the church began to clap. His tales had truly been fascinating and it also gave the town an insight into the type of man he was. A few people were still sat silently, not clapping and looking rather irritated. I ignored them.
"Well, thank-you Edward for those fascinating stories. We can now add them into our accounts and make them more accurate. You've provided us with some information that we weren't able to get anywhere else." Edward smiled and shook my Grandfather's hand.
After that, everyone began to file out of the church, Rose and I stayed with Grandpa as Jake also hovered nearby, many of the local girls who had come trying to grab his attention to no avail.
A few people came up to Grandpa and said what a wonderful idea it was to have someone who experienced the war come in and speak about it. Rose and I rolled our eyes at this statement – most people hadn't wanted him to come in the first place.
"That was wonderful," Rosalie told Grandpa as she helped him pick some of the objects up he brought with him – memoirs that people had written, objects that had been found, newspaper clippings and pictures.
"I know, I think nearly everyone who came liked it," Grandpa said beaming. "I really can't thank you enough," he told Edward again and Edward just smiled.
"I enjoy helping in any way I can," he told my Grandpa as Jacob rolled his eyes. I scowled at him and Rose smacked him in the stomach – he didn't even flinch.
Grandpa stood up and rolled his sleeve up, looking at his watch. "I'm going to get going home, Sue's offered me a ride back," he said, referring to one of the younger women in the town. Sue was one of the genuinely nice people in the town, she'd been a constant presence in my life growing up – always bringing over treats for Rose, Jake, and I. Her two children, Seth and Leah were as different as night and day though. Seth was very much like his mother, sweet-natured and friendly, but Leah was the complete opposite; she was cold and hard – her eyes always screamed disapproval. Rose had told me it was because she was a shapeshifter, and the only female one; she was bitter and resentful to the world, phasing had meant her menstrual cycle had stopped meaning she couldn't have children. It was sad, but that didn't mean she always had to look so disapprovingly towards me – even before I met Edward.
"I don't mind driving you home," Rose said but Grandpa shook off her offer with a wave of his hand.
"Don't be silly," he began. "You're young – go and have fun. Don't let an old man like me slow you down."
"You're not an old man," Rose said as she hugged him goodbye and whispered that she loved him. I did the same and watched as he left, Sue hooking her arm through his as they began to chat and walked through the door.
"God, it's been a long day," Rosalie said as she fell into a seat letting out a seat and pushing the hair back from her face.
"I don't think long's the right word," I told her. "Stressful, trying or taxing may be better." She laughed as I cuddled into Edward's side and he smiled down at me, putting an arm around my waist.
Jake eyed us before turning his head away. Rose rolled her eyes. I felt Edward tighten his hold on me.
There was a moment of silence before Rose spoke up. "Shall I ask the big question then?" We all looked at her. "What are we going to do about the crazy ass murderer who tried to kill Bella?"
Jake opened his mouth to speak, but Edward interrupted him.
"Not here," he hissed, his eyes looking past Jake and at the cleaner who was sweeping the floor.
With that, we all left the church and walked into the car park. There was a small bench off of a path and we sat down.
"We need to be careful – it could be anybody," Edward explained as Jake rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, because the cleaner is obviously the murderer!" Jake said angrily.
"Well if you and your pack of mutts could actually track someone worth a damn we'd know who it was!" Edward countered as both he and Jake stood up at the same time, a growl escaping Jake's mouth as his body began to shake. I grabbed onto Edward's arm, afraid of what he would do.
Rose grabbed Jake's hand and yanked him down onto the bench. "Pack it in the both of you!"
Edward slowly sat back down as Jake took a few calming breaths.
"If we're going to catch this guy we need to work together before he kills anyone else. You two need to sort out your differences," Edward looked down at the table and I gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
"I apologise," he said and Jake just nodded and mumbled a 'sorry' too.
"How are we going to keep Bella safe?" Rosalie asked, looking between the two men, worry in her eyes.
"I don't need protection." I protested as they all looked at me in disbelief.
"You were stabbed the other night!" Jake said, looking at me as if I'd grown another head. "You do need protection!"
"I'm not weak!" I protested again and Edward brought my hand up to his lips, placing a tender kiss to my knuckles.
"Nobody's saying you're weak, but we are saying you need to someone to look out for you until the killer is caught. I can't be there for you during the day."
"You're not weak Bella," Rose began, grabbing my other hand from across the table. "You're one of the strongest people I know." She paused. "I know you don't like the idea of being 'guarded' but if you're not going to do it for yourself, then please do it for me. I'll be able to go about my day without worrying what's happening to you." I looked at her and saw nothing but concern for me in her eyes.
"Okay," I whispered. "But only until this is sorted." They all nodded – Rosalie smiling as she realised she had won.
Edward's head turned towards the bushes as Jake straightened up placing his hands on the table as he stood. There was a rustling and I turned to look at the bush, pleading for an animal to come out.
We waited for what were only seconds but felt like an eternity before Sam emerged, wearing only shorts and a frown on his face.
"What's wrong?" Jake immediately asked as Edward relaxed only slightly.
"There's a vampire asking for Edward. We caught her scent and she says she won't leave without talking to him." With that sentence, the tension returned to Edward's body as he swallowed.
"I didn't know you had friends," Jake said as he turned to look at Edward who was slowly rising from the table.
"I don't," Edward countered as he helped me step over the bench.
"I'm going to have to go, but I promise I'll be around tomorrow." I nodded as he gently took my hands in his and then leaned down, touching his lips gently to mine, causing my eyes to flutter shut. His lips stayed on mine for a few seconds before he pulled away.
"You'll take them home?" He asked Jake, his hands still staying connected with mine.
"Of course," Jacob scoffed as he walked towards us. "I'll make sure they stay safe."
"Thank-you," Edward said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before he let my hands go and followed Sam into the woods.
"Let's get you girls' home," Jake said, walking towards his truck as we piled in and began to drive home.
"I wonder who his friend is?" Rose wondered out loud as she looked at the dark woods out of the window.
"Probably an ex-lover," Jake said, his eyes caught mine in the mirror as my head shot up.
I didn't have a chance to say anything as Rose's hand shot out and smacked him. "Don't be such a douche bag!" She told him. "She's probably a friend or something."
I felt Rose creep into my mind. Don't worry – Edward's completely in love with you. I gave her a small smile, not even bothered by the fact that she used the 'L' word. The idea that he was falling for me made my heart speed up. I bit my lip – trying to keep the smile off my face.
The ride home passed quickly, Jake not saying anything and Rose spending the majority of the time looking out the window.
"Here we are," Jake said as Rose and I both thanked him and hopped out of the truck.
"Bells?" He called and I stopped to see him leaning over the seat. "I'm sorry – I shouldn't have said that. She probably is a friend." I gave him a small smile.
"It's alright Jake," I told him, waving as Rose and I walked up to the house. She got her keys out and pulled the screen door towards her and then unlocked the porch door.
"It was a good night tonight wasn't it?" Rose said as she pushed open the front door.
"It was," I responded, glad that she enjoyed listening to Edward talk about his experience. I began looking through my bag for my phone.
"Grandpa really enjoyed himself she said as we walked through the door to the kitchen and she flicked the light on.
My head shot up when I heard Rose's gasp and deep inhalation of breath. I gasped and felt my knees go weak. Grandpa was laid on the floor of the kitchen, his throat cut and blood everywhere. It was in a pool around him. It was smeared on the cupboards and the walls.
I felt my knees give way as I fell to the floor, blood soaking into my dress straight away and Rose came and wrapped her arms around me, neither of us able to do anything but stare. Rose's body began to shake as sobs wracked her body.
I felt a warm hand on my shoulder as it pulled both Rose and me up and I turned around seeing Jake standing there, looking shocked. I let out a sob as he pulled us both into his arms and began walking backwards, no doubt trying to get us away from the horrific scene. I then felt a pair of cold hands turn me from Jake's arms and I looked up and saw two green eyes looking at me, worry clouding them.
That's when the sobs began. They made me weak and I buried my face into Edward's chest. His hands gently rubbed my back and cradled me to him. I pulled back and looked into his eyes.
"He's gone," I whispered before burying my face in his neck letting the sobs take over my body.
This would usually be the part of a story where a person's world went black, but mine didn't. I could still feel everything. The pain, the hurt, the anger and the confusion. I couldn't escape them.
Edward
Edward hated leaving Bella with the mutt, but he had to admit it was better than nothing. He also knew Rose would look out for his brunette beauty. She was feisty – he knew why Emmett was attracted to her, but he wouldn't let Emmett interfere. Emmett would only bring trouble to their lives.
The giant black wolf stopped and gestured for his head to the middle of a clearing where the female sat. The disgusting smell of the dogs had clung to her clothes – she'd have to buy new ones now. Why did Edward have to associate with such a low class of supernatural beings?
Edward froze when he saw the woman – the same one he had ridden himself of all those years ago. There were two wolves in the clearing, their eyes shifting nervously as they watched the fanger. She'd crossed the border and wouldn't leave until she spoke to Edward. The cold bloods were proving annoying.
"Tanya," Edward said curtly, giving a nod of his head. These mutts would report everything back to Jacob and he would no doubt tell Bella. Bella didn't need to know about Tanya. She was the past.
"Nice of you to keep me waiting," she hissed, standing from her position and placing both hands on her hips.
"Is there something you want?" he asked, hoping she would disappear.
"I need to talk to you," Tanya glanced around. "In private," she added as the dogs shifted on their feet.
"Of course," Edward responded turning to Sam.
"We'll be going back to my house." Sam nodded his large head. He wouldn't follow the fanger – he didn't want to spend any more time around him than he had to. He knew where to find him if he needed.
Edward and the blonde haired vampire sped off into the night. Edward leading the way as he wondered what she wanted.
They both sped into his house, stopping when they got to the living room. They were silent until Tanya spoke.
"Aren't you going to offer me something to drink?" Tanya questioned, delicately placing herself on the arm of the chair.
"I only have Tru Blood," Edward angrily said – what was she doing here? She made him dangerous.
"It's cute how you try to retain your humanity," Tanya cued, tilting her head to look at him. "I feel sorry that you still haven't embraced this lifestyle. You came so close," she whispered, knowing he could hear her perfectly well. But also knowing it would push his buttons.
"I left that behind me – I thought that was our understanding?" Edward curled his hands into fists at the side of his body. He wanted the blonde bitch out of his house and he wanted her out now.
"Our understanding was that you owed me a favour – I intend to take you up on that offer," Tanya told him, giving him a wicked smile.
"What if I refuse?" Edward questioned – he wouldn't go down without a fight.
"If you refuse, I might just have to go and talk to Heidi about you little brown haired pet," Edward stilled when he heard these words. Tanya didn't make empty threats – he'd learned that the hard way.
"She's not my pet," Edward spat at her, hating that she had called Bella that.
"I know you fed from her," Tanya said, standing from her position and slowly walking towards him. Her attempt at walking seductively might have worked on lesser men, but Edward had become accustomed to it.
"That doesn't make her my pet," Edward said as she stood in front of him, peering into those gorgeous green orbs he had. Tanya hated the fact that she hadn't been the one to change him – it would have made the sex phenomenal. But in a way she was also grateful that Carlisle had changed him. He was too attractive not to be worshipped forever.
"Don't tell me you have feelings for the girl?" Tanya asked; continue to look into his eyes and seeing the flash of emotion across them. "You do!" She shouted, trying to control her jealousy, but also pleased as she now had some leverage.
"What do want Tanya?" Edward asked, tired of her games and wanting her to leave as soon as possible.
"I just wanted to let you know that I plan on coming back – and I'll be wanting you to return the favour." With this, she turned on her heel and began to walk out the door.
"What's the favour?" Edward questioned, blurring to stand in front of her, blocking her exit.
Tanya leaned up and Edward tensed. She brushed her lips over his cheek and moved them next to his ear.
"You'll see," she whispered before blurring off into the night leaving Edward to let out a breath. Whatever was coming wasn't going to be good – not with Tanya involved. Anything she got herself involved in meant trouble was coming; and usually resulted in several deaths – human and vampire.
Edward ran a hand through his hair – a habit he'd picked up in his human years and retained into his vampire life. Things were already complicated enough as it was, the last thing he needed was Tanya distracting him.
Emmett being close by was bad enough, but something that couldn't be avoided.
It was then that Edward felt the fear and horror course through him – if he was human, he'd have lost his breath. It stunned him to the core and shook him up before he took off running. There was only one reason he was feeling this – Bella was feeling this too.
Edward ran as fast as he possibly could, smelling the metallic odour before he had even entered the house. Possibilities ran through his mind as to who was bleeding – he didn't think it was Bella, she smelt incredible. No, this blood smelt… ordinary.
When Edward entered the house he froze, he'd seen death before many times, you do when you're his age, but nothing could have prepared him for the sight in front of him. It was messy, it was bloody and the whole room screamed of rage. Edward had seen vampires feed – they could be very messy, but he'd never seen anything like this. The room was stained red.
Edward saw Jacob cradling both Rose and Bella. He exchanged a look with Jake, silently telling him he would do anything to catch the person who did this, but also understanding that Jake would do the same thing. They were finally on the same page.
After meeting Jake's eyes, Edward wasted no time in pulling Bella into the safety of his arms.
His angel was hurting and he didn't know what he needed to do to make it better.
Jacob
Jake watched as Bella and Rose walked up the stairs to the house, unlocking the door and walking into the dark. He sighed.
The fanger had already wormed his way into Bella's heart and he knew Rose would soon fall for his charms. Jake refused to though. He knew they could be appealing, but he knew the truth. They were killing machines – ruthless and uncaring, they couldn't feel.
He took a deep breath as he lifted his head, pausing when the metallic smell hit his nostrils. It was strong, potent and close.
Jake wrenched open the truck door and ran up the steps, panic rising as he thought about who was hurt; Charlie, Rose or Bella?
Rounding the corner, he was stopped in his tracks; Charlie was lying in a pool of his blood, clearly dead. There was no way he'd survive that much blood loss. It was everywhere; the walls, the floor, and it was now heavily invading his lungs.
Jake reached for both girls, turning their heads into his shoulders, trying to shield them from the image as he began to walk backwards. He wasn't sure if the person who did this was still here but he couldn't take any chances. The smell of the blood was making it hard for Jake to smell anything else.
A chill crept its way up his back and Jake watched as Edward entered the room, freezing when he saw the blood. His eyes met Jake's and they both had a mutual agreement – whoever did this would pay. It was a silent pact made between two natural enemies. They were finally united against something.
Jake had one last thought - The fucker who did this better watch out. Nobody got away with this, no one.
Thank-you for reading.
*This is an actual business in Washington.