Thank you to our amazing team. Fran is our darling beta. She makes our words sparkle. Judyblue, Gabby, and 2browneyes read this before you do. Lissa and Cece read the original.

EPOV

The feel of her warm, soft skin against mine as we traverse the hallways leading back to her quarters is foreign yet pleasant. I find myself wondering at the contentment it brings but also perplexed at the brewing sense of rightness.

Isabella Swan is someone who I have known of my whole life, yet she is completely unknown. A creature who has proven to be not only intelligent but equally as fierce about the future of our race as I am. She has risked her freedom in an attempt to right a wrong that not only profoundly affects me personally, but also affects every other being on Tesla.

As I quietly contemplate our current circumstances, she strides beside me, ever so graceful and lost in her own silent musings. The bond building between us is strong and undeniable as we face an uncertain future.

Arriving at her door, I am hesitant to break the connection flowing between us, but the anger that consumes me drives me to leave her and seek out the one who can answer my unanswered questions.

A brief few minutes after, I am already back in the Commanding Pod. Headstrong and with unwelcome emotions, I go straight for my parents' quarters. The time of night has no bearing on the questions I must pose. I crave answers, the leader in me ready to command them.

Standing in the hallway, waiting for LEAH to announce me, I take deep, calming breaths in hopes of allowing a clearer head to prevail. I cannot allow my emotions rule this conversation even though the anger inside me burns.

When the doors slide open, I am caught off guard by my mother's confused expression. "Edward?" she questions. "It is late, son. I did not expect you."

I lean forward and place a kiss on her cheek. "Hello, Mother." I lean back and clear my throat before saying, "I am sorry for such a late visit, but I am seeking Captain." I hold myself stiff and formal so as to convey that I am here for non-personal matters.

Her brows rise high upon her head as she studies me; from the tense set of my jaw to the square set of my shoulders. Her posture reacts in turn, her chin lifting. "As you well know, Edward, unless there is an emergency, Captain has retired for the night. If it is urgent, you may see Co-Captain Denali as he is on duty."

Her words do nothing but make my ire rise incrementally, but I already know this is a lost cause. I cannot expect any special treatment and angering my father before we have even begun to speak will not earn me any favors.

I clench my jaw tighter and nod. "Very well, Mother. I do feel the matter is urgent, but I also feel it is business that only the Captain and future Captain of this ship should discuss. Would you inform him of my wishes to speak with him first thing in the morning?"

"I will," she replies with a nod. But as I go to turn away, her hand lands on my forearm. "Son, is everything all right?" Concern lines her features, and even though I am angry, I cannot allow it to affect my relationship with my mother.

I turn to her and sigh. "I hope it will be. Goodnight." I leave her with another kiss to her cheek.

Alone in my room, I pace. Nervous, angry energy flows through me, making it impossible to settle my mind. The errors Isa—Bella and I discovered haunt me in ways I never thought possible.

How could my father so carelessly brush aside her concerns?

Simply because Peter says so?

There must be more.

Is he afraid of a mistake coming to light?

Does he want a Cullen/Denali pairing so much it would not matter?

I cannot begin to fathom a world where his reasoning is sound. A mistake on his part for sure, but is it more? Intentional? Accidental? Carelessness?

I huff out a gust of air. Carlisle does not do carelessness. His actions are esteemed and well thought out, he is an acclaimed leader who has done a most masterful job at his post. I have trained with him for years to follow in succession and have only hoped to be as successful.

Now I intend to rival him. No mistake such as this will pass my rule; be shoved under the rug, brushed aside. I will listen to my people so as to learn instead of assuming I am superior in every way.

With my thoughts clearer, I move to the bathroom to tend to my nightly needs before retiring to bed. Naked, I allow the billowing steam to encompass me in hopes of clearing my mind further, but it does not happen.

The hazy atmosphere only brings forth a jumble of images. Images I would never admit to seeing behind my closed lids but cannot make disappear. Even the reopening of my eyes does nothing to erase the sights floating to the forefront of my mind.

I shake my head in an attempt to clear it, but it is useless. Leaning back into the wall, I close my eyes again and savor instead. Abstract and sensual, the images float through my mind, awakening parts of me I have been taught to keep well contained.

In the privacy of my own quarters, I explore a newly awakened side of me.

And when I surrender to sleep, I dream of chocolate browns and skin-tight crèmes. .

.

.

So deep asleep am I that it takes LEAH's appearance in my quarters to rouse me the next morning. "Edward," LEAH says. "Captain is demanding your presence in his office."

I jump up, fully aware that I have overslept. Upset and embarrassed, I rush LEAH away. "Inform him I am on the way. Now."

Donning a freshly pressed, fitted, silver space suit, I hurry from my quarters and toward Captain's office. Upon arrival, I slow my pace so as not to seem overly rushed, taking a moment to order my thoughts.

Squaring my shoulders, I enter the double doors, an air of authority to my movements. Captain is my commander and I respect that, but as future commander, I too hold a certain level of power and respect, and I will not back down on my convictions.

Captain is sitting behind his desk, his shrewd eyes upon me as I cross the expansive room. I remain unflinching under his stare, returning one of my own. "Captain," I say with a slight nod as I stop before his desk.

He stands and holds out his hand as if this was any other meeting concerning our people, but it is not, and I believe he is already aware. "Edward, good to see you this morning," he greets before motioning his hand at the empty chair behind me. "Have a seat, please."

I take the proffered chair and clasp my fingers, propping my hands in my lap. This meeting is important to me and I intend to remain levelheaded and strong throughout in order to get my point across.

Sensing my displeasure, Captain asks, "I assume there is a reason you requested we meet?" His brows are high, inquisitive, but knowing at the same time.

I take a deep breath, ordering my thoughts, and clear my throat. "Yes, Captain." His eyes narrow imperceptibly at my use of his proper title, but I continue before he can protest. "This meeting is a crucial one. It has come to my attention that you have chosen to ignore Isabella Swan's concerns regarding our bloodline corruption."

Captain's eyes narrow even further and his jaw tightens. "I see. And exactly how would something like this come to your attention?"

The way in which he asks the question does nothing but make my ire rise. I hold back the snide remark on the tip of my tongue and try to be reasonable. "We have discussed this matter before if you remember?" I pause and wait for him to nod his agreement. "And at the conclusion of that meeting, I was assured that you would allow her to show you the proof." My voice rises with the thoughts of how Bella was treated when she faced him with the evidence. I clamp my jaw shut so as to not lose control.

Captain rocks back in his chair, an almost smug look on his face. It is an unpleasant look on someone who I turn to for guidance, both in my political and personal life. "Are you questioning my judgment, son?" He chuckles under his breath.

"Do not call me son!" I jump from my seat and begin to pace. "I am not here as your son, Captain, I am here as the future leader of our race. Let us get that clear right this second." I snap my eyes to him so that he may see the seriousness of my declaration. "It is my duty to look after my people, and unfortunately, I am tasked with doing just that before my actual time has arrived."

Captain stands, an imposing figure in the stark white space. His hand smacks down on his desk, the sound echoing off the walls. "Enough! Sit!" He points to the chair I vacated earlier. I puff up my chest on the brink of refusing when his tone softens. "Please, Edward, sit."

I begrudgingly follow his order, attempting to gain control of my anger. Taking deep, even breaths, I calm myself and prepare to approach this as the leader I am destined to be. "Captain, I apologize for my anger."

"Apology accepted." He tilts his head and takes his own deep breath. "I cannot say that I understand your frustrations, Edward, but I am willing to accept them." He leans forward, propping his clasped hands on his desk. "I am not sure what it is you are asking of me. The situation has been reviewed and a conclusion has been reached. I am sorry that is unsatisfactory to you."

"Unsatisfactory?" I repeat cynically. "Captain, does reviewing not include actually looking into the evidence?"

His clear green eyes survey me. "What difference would that make? The proposed evidence could very easily be tainted, bringing us no closer to the truth than we are now. I have ordered Peter to double check his records."

"Peter," I snarl. "Did you ever consider that Peter is the problem?"

"No, Edward, I have not. Why would I, as a matter of fact?" With a wave of his hand, he leans back in his seat. "Why would I trust Isabella Swan's word over that of your current Co-Captain?"

"Maybe because what she is saying is true," I grit. "You would not know as you dismissed her without even listening to what she had to say." I stand again to pace, this time already preparing myself for failure. It is clear he has his mind set on the facts as he sees them as opposed to how they are.

"And you know this how?" he questions.

I stop and turn to him. "Because I asked her. And I looked at the evidence from the records room."

His eyes widen and he sucks in through his nose, the anger evident. "How dare you go behind my back!" He jumps from his seat.

"No! How dare you lie to me when it comes to the future of our race. You did not listen or even make an attempt. You accused her of treason for Tesla sake." My hands have found their way to my hair, tugging to the point of pain.

He leaves his position of power and comes to stand before me. "Edward, I assure you I will look into this matter more, but until then, could you please stay away from Isabella Swan." Even with the please, I know it is a command, not a request.

I study his face and I see the promise of his words, but is that enough? He promised me before and allowed Peter to negate it. Could he just simply be attempting to placate me? Surely he must know I will not let this go that easily.

"Unlike you, Father, I will not make promises I have no intention of keeping"—he opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up my finger—"but, if you do right by our race, I will honor your wishes … for now."

His shoulders soften. "Very well."

He returns to his desk and I take my leave, feeling only minutely better than I did before I entered. All I can hope for is that I have somehow convinced him to look deeper.

.

.

My duties as future leader are never far from my mind. At this point last week that included mating with Tanya Denali. However, that is no longer an option, and yet I find myself not at all disappointed with the change in direction.

I am oddly … pleased.

Bella's face pops into my mind and I catch myself smiling involuntarily. The ability she has to stand firm on her beliefs, even to a man of power, is more than intriguing, it is almost a lure, enticing me, pulling me deeper and deeper into a web I do not even think she realizes she spins.

Feeling my face heat, I shake my head to clear the untoward thoughts from entering in the light of day. I set about my routine, hoping to be productive. To learn more, to be better, to prove I am worthy of the title bestowed upon me.

"Edward!" I hear a voice calling as I enter the common rooms of the Commanding Pod. Turning my head, I catch sight of a young man already moving in my direction.

A smile lights my face. "Jasper," I say as he catches up to step in line beside me. "How are you this morning?" Jasper is a younger, close in age to my sister, Alice. They have already been preliminarily paired for the next Mating Ceremony.

He looks around and leans his head closer to mine. "I have heard rumors," he says quietly.

I lean back to peer at him speculatively. "Rumors?"

His eyes widen at my question and he motions me to lean down so he does not have to speak very loud. "Yeah, rumors." He lifts his brows in an attempt to convey something, but I am missing the point. At my confused expression, he whispers, "About the bloodline error."

I attempt to school my features, but Jasper is as sharp as a tack. His blue eyes zero in on mine and he starts nodding. "I knew it. What is going on, Edward?"

I immediately start shaking my head. "Nothing for you to be concerned with, Jasper." Then I lean closer. "Where did you hear such rumors?"

He shrugs. "Everyone in the Education Pod knows. Why are our leaders hiding this?"

My shoulders sag, and I prepare myself to brush his concerns aside. There is a time to take a stand and it is not now, not with this young member of our race. "Nothing is being hidden, Jasper. The matter has been before the Captain and requires more study. I assure you I am being kept apprised of the situation."

His eyes cut to the floor and he speaks lowly, more subdued. "Does this mean my match with Alice will be null?"

With that question, everything becomes clear. He and Alice have known each other their whole lives and have always held great respect for each other. When he was informed of his match with Alice, he was very pleased and accepted the role with honor.

As the commanding family, the Cullens have certain expectations. Since this is the case, our matches are chosen much earlier than most others on Tesla. This gives us the opportunity to form a bond with our life mate and develop a strong relationship. Even Alice, who will never lead, is part of the commanding family and is held to a much higher standard.

I have known Tanya was to be my mate since I was eight years old; a time, when in my mind, girls served no real purpose. As I grew, I began to understand the dynamic and importance of a mated pair and easily accepted Tanya as the person to fill that role.

It is only now that I realize there is a difference between accepting something and actually wanting it. I do not want it, her. I did not want it before the tainted bloodlines came to light, but I never knew what want felt like. Now, I think that I may have an inkling

"Edward?" Jasper questions, his brows furrowed with worry from my complete failure to respond.

I shake my head to clear the hazy thoughts attempting to creep inside. "Jasper, there is no reason for you to be concerned over your pairing with Alice. Nothing at this point would indicate any issues for either of you."

He fist pumps, his youthful age shining in the beaming smile stretched across his face. "Yes!"

I chuckle at his exuberance and give his shoulder a firm squeeze. "Now that is settled. Do you not have duties to attend?" I lift an imposing brow.

"Yes, sir." He salutes me and continues on his way.

.

.

Two days later and Tanya is standing before me, a questioning look upon her face. "Edward, I have not seen you in quite some time. That is not like you."

"Can we talk?" I ask, steering her toward a more private alcove as I wave my hand in offer of a seat. "I have been meaning to seek you out but have been so busy. I am sorry."

She flicks her hair behind her shoulder and studies me. "Is there a problem? You seem stressed."

I sigh and take the seat beside her. "Tanya, actually, there is, and I hope this will not affect our friendship." I take her hands between mine and meet her concerned, blue eyes. "Our match cannot happen. There is a link between our bloodlines and I cannot jeopardize our race."

"Edward," she breaks in, halting me from saying more. "Is this about what Isabella Swan said? I have spoken with my father, and he has assured me there is no truth to her accusations."

My jaw tightens, but I resolve not to take my anger out on Tanya. "Your father is not speaking the truth, Tanya. I have seen the evidence with my own eyes."

"Oh, dear," she says. "How can you allow yourself to be drawn into her lie? She is disparaging the Denali name." Her tone is indignant now, scathing almost.

I stand abruptly and face her, my body tense. "I would not lie to you, Tanya. Bella speaks the truth and I will not allow this union." Unable to maintain my anger at the brainwashing Peter has imposed upon her, I turn and leave with those final parting words.

.

.

Another week passes and I feel as if the matter is being brushed aside. By now, I expected some form of a response from Captain, but he has not spoken of it at all. We have had plenty occasions to converse, but none of what has been said pertained to this specific subject. I am getting impatient for a resolution, and what is more, I am impatient to lay eyes on Bella once again.

That impatience is a foreign feeling to me, but I welcome it, crave it actually. She stimulates my mind with her wit, and those nightly images stimulate me in other ways I am not ready to admit or even ponder. My exile from her presence ends today.

Stiffening my spine, I enter Captain's office once more, this time, I am not in the mindset to make any promises. I intend to state my demands.

He stands, surprised by my abrupt entrance. "Edward. LEAH failed to notify me of this meeting."

"That is because we did not have a meeting prior to my entering your office," I explain, coming to a stop before his desk. "But now we do." I take a seat and lift a brow, daring him to object.

He clears his throat but says nothing in rebuttal. "Very well, Edward. The floor is yours." He waves his hands for me to speak freely.

I order my thoughts before speaking as I am not here to argue the point any further. My goal is to make my intentions clear as to how I intend to move forward since he so obviously is burying his head in the sand.

I take a deep breath then say, "Captain, as you are aware, I requested you delve further into a matter of great importance to me. More than a week has passed and I have heard of no resolution"—he opens his mouth, but a stern look and lifted finger causes his jaw to snap closed—"nor have I even been approached to discuss this matter. With that noted, I am now withdrawing my promise to stay away from Bella, and furthermore, intend to follow my own path to righting this wrong."

I sit back in my seat and cross my arms, my face unyielding, my mind made up. It is my duty as future Captain to fulfill my obligations, even when they go directly again my current Captain. Were it simply a matter of which vegetable to serve for dinner the faux pas could be allowed to pass, but this is more than that, this concerns the very future of our race and I cannot allow myself to look away.

Captain sighs. "Edward, please. If you would just give me time—"

"Time? The Mating Ceremony is looming very close in our—no my future. I do not have time," I state decisively then stand. "I will not allow our race to be tainted."

I leave my father staring at the empty space I once occupied and continue back to my duties.

By the time evening falls, instead of closing my eyes and allowing the images to come unbidden, I do something even better.

I begin my trek to the Education Pod and Bella's quarters.

That mic drop tho.

So, what do we think of Edward's POV?

Mating Deviation is up for fic dive of April over at A Different Forest! If you find yourself lurking around there like myself you'll discover some great fic recs, so stop in to vote for our fic if you do feel so inclined!

See you next week ;)

Vamp