I don't own the characters or places and the idea might have been born of too many hours logged in front of the tv watching Indiana Jones but for the most part the plot is mine...well, that and some awesome chocolate w/ ancho pepper in it...yummmmmmmy!

Thank you to my awesom beta duo L and 2littleladies! *bows low* Seriously ladies, I'd look like a fool w/out you. You are the best people, friends, and helpers in the world. You make me all fuzzy and warm inside;)

Don't forget to check out the a/n at the bottom for some awesome rec's and if you're in the mood for a new book to read (GASP) then might I suggest the Black Dagger Brotherhood. These dudes are huge (ahem, yes in more than one area), fierce, and loyal. Vampires that walk the line of the traditional idea but w/ a twist that I really flippin like!

Now, sorry for the delay in this chapter...RL is being a bit of a bitch to me and LaracFF though I must commend 2littleladies on her VERY fast turn around time...I love you Kel and L, don't worry bout it, ok?

So, here's what happens next...

Chapter 6

The Cullen's a.k.a. Vampire Super Models

The human occupants of the Jeep climbed warily from its seats. Bella, having already surmised that vampires were by nature beautiful creatures, wondered exactly what lay in wait behind the big blue door of the big white house looming in front of her.

If Edward and Emmett were any indication, then she assumed they would be attractive as well, and hopefully as kind.

Lifting her pack on to her shoulder, she followed behind the two men and Angela, trying to control her breathing so she didn't appear as nervous as she felt. Oddly enough, the quiet fall of the rain around her helped to soothe her frazzled nerves, making it easier to relax even if just a little.

Watching Edward open the door with narrowed eyes, Bella prepared herself for…well, for whatever was going to happen. It seemed unlikely that the inhabitants would be so different from the men in front of her that they would fly out with fangs bared and attack, but after the last several days she wouldn't discount anything. EVER.

Peering around Angela, Bella's eyes immediately landed on the five most stunning people, aside from the two men already with her, that she had ever laid eyes on. There was a tall blond woman with gentle eyes on the left, looking for all the world like she just stepped off of a movie screen from the 40's. Next to her was a tall blond man with the face of an angel. His arms were wrapped around a petite woman with caramel colored hair and an equally angelic and kind face. Beside her was a short black haired woman oozing energy being restrained by yet another handsome blond man. That must be Alice and Jasper. Bella remembered Edward talking about their gifts & Alice's energy. The man she assumed was Jasper was tall with curly hair and a slightly pained look on his face.

She stared, mouth open and unable to speak as Alice walked up to her and wrapped her arms around her tightly. A little too tightly. She couldn't breath.

"Alice, I think you're either scaring her or cutting off her air supply, my love," Jasper cooed, effectively getting Alice to release her over enthusiastic arms from Bella's body.

With a large intake of air, Bella laughed.

Had she really thought they would be ready to consume her the moment she walked in?

"Hello there, Ms. Swan. I'm Jasper, Alice's husband. It's a real pleasure to meet you," Jasper said stiffly.

"Don't mind him. He's the newest convert to our vegetarian lifestyle and it's still a little tough being around delightful smelling humans, such as yourself. You really are intoxicating." Alice sniffed.

Bella's level of apprehension grew with those few short sentences, making her rethink the whole "ready to consume her" thing.

"Mother of fuck, Alice! Do you mind? I think Bella is a little uncomfortable meeting a shit ton of strangers and then you have to go remind her that we're vampires and she smells like a heavenly elixir sent by the gods? Yeah, that'll be calming and make her wanna trust us," Edward muttered, placing a protective arm around Bella's waist and pulling her into his side.

She chanced a peek up into his face to see he was looking down at her with questioning eyes. Her small smile and relaxed body seemed to give him all the reassurance he needed as they both turned back toward the people anxiously awaiting their chance at an introduction.

Emmett, taking advantage of the lull, sidled up to the stunning blond woman and gently pushed her forward with a hand at her back.

"Belly, this is my lovely wife Rosalie. Rosie, this is the amazingly outspoken Ms. Bella Swan. Belly for short! And this is Ms. Angela Weber. She's a little shy, " Emmett stage whispered, which caused Angela and Bella both to laugh.

Rosalie offered her hand in introduction and smiled kindly.

"Bella, Angela, it's wonderful to meet you. I hope you know we will do everything we can to keep both you and your families safe. Emmett and I will be taking you to our friends up north, Angela. I wish you had more time to relax but we really need to keep moving." Rose offered a soft, cool hand to Angela's shoulder, squeezing gently. "We'll take your bag and get it settled in my car while you finish your introductions and say your goodbyes."

Bella mused how very easily it would be to get lost in the topaz eyes and gentle voices of these beautiful people, as Rosalie told her friend of their plans. In that moment she realized how very glad she was to have met Edward, knowing she would be safer here than anywhere else and realizing that in the short time she had known him she had formed a deeper attachment than in any of her previous relationships. This quiet introspection quickly took a turn on the naughty train as she began thinking of the beautiful bronze haired man to her right…naked.

Aaaand cue the blush!

"Bella, Angela, it's a pleasure to meet you, as well. My name is Carlisle and this is my wife Esme. I do wish the circumstances were different but we are happy to help get Angela to safety with her family and excited to host you, Bella, in our home. Once everyone is on their way or settled we will go over the security we have set up and what we expect to happen. I believe Alice has some new information for us as well." Carlisle offered his cool hand to the girls as well, which was followed by a quick hello and hug from Esme.

After letting Esme go reluctantly, Angela straightened up and lunged to give Edward a hug of epic proportions. If he hadn't been a supernaturally strong person she would have knocked him on his ass, but his steady form simply absorbed her friendly gesture and returned it with equal enthusiasm, minding the very breakable human in his grasp.

"Mr. Beautiful, you rock. You and your family have done so much for me. I know I'll never be able to repay you because I don't have much to offer but if you're ever in a bind please know you can count me as a friend. I won't say goodbye because I WILL see you again. I will say thank you and take care of my girl there. She may have a smart mouth but she's as squishy inside as the next girl. Don't let her bully you around." Angela grabbed Edward's slack jawed face and planted a nice wet kiss on his cheek. If vampires could blush she's pretty sure he would have been the color of a strawberry.

Turning to face Bella, she sucked in a large breath and let it out slowly. She was scared for her friend as it was her the crazies were looking for. She could tell by the look in Bella's eyes that she was doing her best to simply get through this goodbye with a brave façade.

"Bells, don't give Hottie McArchaeologist a hard time, okay? I mean, you can give him a HARD time but not a hard time…if you know what I mean." Angela wiggled her eyebrows suggestively before continuing, completely aware that Edward was once again sporting the invisible blush look again. "I will only be a phone call away and I know I'll be safe. I trust the Cullens to know how to keep you alive and well and maybe you'll get lucky and have some fun. I love you Bells. You're like a sister to me and I know everything will be okay." Angela grabbed Bella, bringing her in close for a hug only sisters can share and understand, related or not.

They both sobbed quietly into the others shoulder until Angela felt the familiar rumbling of Bella's laughter.

"What?" Angela asked.

"You said HARD!" Bella replied and they both dissolved into a fit of laughter.

Slowly shifting herself away from Bella and wiping her face, she turned to the mountain of a man waiting patiently with his arms wrapped around Rosalie.

"Alright EmmieEm, lets you, me, and this gorgeous wife of yours get going. You know Rose, if I batted for the other team I would totally be into you!" She giggled as Emmett's eyebrows arched and a goofy smile spread across his face.

"You know, we could arrange for a little trial period, my little art historian," Emmett replied.

Before he could move out of the way, Rose smacked him upside the head and wrapped her arms around Angela's waist as she laughed.

"I'll take that as a high compliment, my dear. You and I are going to have a blast on this little road trip…"

-BS-

With that, their talking continued but they were too far out of earshot for Bella to hear anymore. Sighing deeply she looked at Edward and motioned to the house where the remainder of the family had already returned.

"Do I get the grand tour now or later?" she asked.

"Well, I think it would be wise for me to feed you, my captive little human and then I can give you the tour. Carlisle has a lot to go over with us but when he is done you will have plenty of time to rest if you'd like."

"Food sounds wonderful but since you don't eat people food, why don't I do my own cooking?"

"Oh, well, actually I think Esme has already made something for you. Don't give me that look! We may not eat but we have endless hours at our disposal and Esme likes to cook, and bake, and garden," Edward mused. "It really would be ridiculous but she takes everything to a shelter in Port Angeles so nothing goes to waste. I happen to know for a fact that she is nearly jumping out of her fucking skin to have first hand knowledge of how well she's mastered her abilities. Please be gentle," he begged.

"I'm a shit liar so I really hope I don't hurt her feelings." Bella shrugged.

-BS-

Edward left Bella humming quietly in appreciation for Esme's cooking as Esme smiled widely.

He needed to catch up with Carlisle and Alice before they laid it all out on the table for Bella. He also needed Carlisle's help in locating any and all books that might be of benefit in deciphering the etchings on Bella's tablet.

As he walked into the study, he noticed Jasper in the far corner pouring over books and maps, which peaked his curiosity.

"What are you doing there, brother?" he asked.

"Strategizing. I'm committing some of the Volturi's patented attack formations to memory in case we need them. I've been able to come up with several counter attacks but there are a few that I will only be able to break once Maria arrives," Jasper commented off-handedly.

The thought of Maria and her band of newborns entering their tiny hamlet immediately put Edward on guard.

"Do you really think it's necessary for her to come, Jazz? I mean, newborns are so unpredictable and we have to protect Forks and the innocents around us."

"We've already worked out a plan of action with the pack. Maria's army will be housed 100 miles from here and surrounded around the clock by the wolves and the older keepers that Maria has trained. Carlisle has acquired enough blood to sate them for a month or more, though Alice says this will all go down within the next two weeks. It seems the Volturi's biggest weakness is their pride in the power they hold. They think it makes them invincible."

Edward scrubbed his hands through his hair, pulling lightly before wiping his face.

"Shit, we only have, at best, two weeks to prepare and decipher that damn tablet? Fuck, Bella's going to have a coronary. Let Carlisle handle telling her this when she comes in. I have a feeling she'll be able to take it better coming from him."

"Will do. Lord knows I don't want to be at the receiving end of a woman's rant." Jasper winked.

Edward spent the remainder of his time waiting talking to Carlisle and Alice. They were all trying to find the best way to fill Bella in without overwhelming her with the scary facts. He would do anything to keep his crazy, beautiful Bella from feeling the full weight of the situation but he knew she was far too smart to be pacified with a mere glossing over.

What the fuck Cullen…My Bella?

-BS-

After eating her fill of the most delicious eggplant parmesan she had ever tasted and drinking what felt like her weight in homemade lemonade, Bella sat back and closed her eyes. She couldn't believe her luck. Not only did she have immortally gorgeous creatures protecting her but they could fucking cook too.

"Thank you so much, Esme. I can't say I have ever had a better meal. I just wish you weren't grossed out by the thought of trying it yourself." Bella opened one eye to peer at the mother hen currently fawning all over her and giggled.

"It was my pleasure, dear. I must say, you ate like you hadn't touched food for years. Didn't my son take care of you on the way here?"

"Well, honestly we didn't have much time for real food so we just made do with what we could. This is the first honest to goodness meal I've had in about three days. But it wasn't Edward's fault, so go easy on him. I'm glad he rushed us to get here. I feel safe and I know Angela is safe as well. That's what really matters," Bella replied.

"Well, just because you're vouching for him I'll let it slide…this time." Esme winked at Bella and motioned for her to follow as she walked them to Carlisle's den.

As they entered, the room hushed and all eyes focused on the only heartbeat in the house.

"WHAT!" Bella yelled.

Her loud exclamation broke the tension in the room and everyone laughed, except the human.

"Laugh it up everyone. After all, it's not like the weak little human can do anything about it. Harumph!" Bella sulked.

Edward walked over to his charge and lifted her chin.

"Bella, we aren't laughing at you, we're laughing at ourselves. We are all so scared of saying too much and overwhelming you that we've not been able to agree on just what to tell you and how." He smoothed her hair away from her face in a manner that seemed to purposefully show intimacy.

"Here's the deal, I've already hit my quota of freak outs for the year so everything else is just gravy. Besides, I'm a big girl. I know we're all in an insane amount of danger and I want to know what we can do about it. I'd also like to get started on the translation as soon as possible so we know exactly what secret these Volturi people are after. Maybe we can use it against them." She shrugged and straightened herself up to her full 5'4" height, realizing a bit late that she looked anything but intimidating.

"Well then, let's fill her in and get started on that tablet. I must say that I'm terribly excited translating such an old text," Carlisle mused. The glint of excitement in his eye was unmistakable as he set about explaining to Bella the perils they were facing and the plans of action they had set into motion.

-BS-

After an exhausting discussion about who the Volturi were, what they could do, Jasper's plans for defense, and the best way to keep Bella safe they all agreed that it was time for her to rest.

Bella, while thoroughly spent, was hell bent on beginning the work on the tablet before she would consider sleeping. She hunkered down with both Edward and Carlisle in the study ready to crack the mystery before them.

Putting a pair of gloves Edward laid out she reverently pulled the tablet from her worn backpack and placed it carefully in the center of the coffee table on a soft cloth. To the trained eye it was an amazing piece of history but to a lay-person it would simply look like a piece of stone with scribbles on it. It was roughly the size of a piece of paper and quite thin, perhaps something akin to a children's book. Too thin to actually take a hammer and chisel to it without grinding it to dust and the stone was much too hard to simply scrape these forms into.

"Here it is. Mr. Cullen, I truly hope you have something that can help us with this."

"Please Bella, it's Carlisle, and we shall see. This really is a remarkable find, my dear. Remarkable." Carlisle gently picked up the tablet, turning it from side to side, running his fingers over the markings as though he too were trying to figure out how it was all possible.

"Well, there's no time like the present to get started," Carlisle said.

A short time later her soft snores could be heard from the couch she had perched on. Edward knew if she were left to rest there she wouldn't sleep as long as she should so he gently lifted her and carried her up the stairs to the spare room. Laying her out on the bed, with her silken hair splayed across the pillows, he marveled at her beauty. She looked like a painting even in her rumpled travel clothes and weary worn face.

Divesting her of her shoes, he covered her with a throw and crept from the room, turning at the last moment in the hopes of memorizing the way she looked in that moment and that is when he heard it.

"Edward," she moaned.

His mind was ablaze with the possibilities of what that one short utterance meant. He decided to try waking her to make sure she was fine before leaving again, and walked to the edge of the bed, sitting softly. The rise and fall of her chest drew his eyes to her breasts, her nipples straining through her top and taunting him with their rigidity. Before he could stop himself he reached out and gently stroked the hardened mound with his cool fingertip, cursing himself when both he and Bella moaned.

Collecting himself as much as he could, he reached for her shoulder and shook her gingerly.

"Bella? Bella?" he repeated her name several times before she began to wake.

"Edward? Where am I?" She blinked her eyes rapidly and stretched he arms above her head, allowing her shirt to ride up and expose the flesh of her stomach.

"Uh…well, you see…FUCK! What did you ask?" Edward stammered, pulling his eyes from her waist to her face.

"Where am I? I thought we were working on the tablet downstairs." She smiled.

"We are but you fell asleep and I thought you would get more rest in your room than on the couch so I brought you up here. I was just getting ready to leave when you said my name and you kinda sounded worried so I wanted to wake you and make sure nothing was wrong. And then you go and stretch like a fucking cat looking all glorious and shit…I'm rambling. I was just worried about you."

"I look like a cat when I stretch?" she responded, and her smile grew wider.

"Yes, and if you are going to give me shit for finding you difficult to ignore then I suppose I should mention that I've heard you don't think I'm exactly ugly. That information is compliments of Angela, actually. I recall something about Mr. Beautiful and a rather erotic dream…"

"FINE! You win, I think you're hot and also find it difficult to ignore you. Happy now?" she pouted.

"Extremely, thank you," Edward responded. "Would you let me try something Bella?"

"Well, that would depend on what it was Mr. Used-to-be-Beautiful-but-is-now-a-pain-in-my-ass. Ask first and we'll go from there."

"I'd like to kiss you, though I'm not actually sure I can. Your blood smells especially appealing to me but I must admit that the allure of your mind and body seems much stronger," he confessed, looking sheepish.

"I suppose that would be okay but you have to promise not to attack me 'cause that would piss me off more than you could know. Oh, and by attack I mean bite me or whatever." She squared her shoulders and fixed him with a stare that said she meant business. It was intimidating and alluring all at once.

"I'll go slowly and if you are uncomfortable just tell me, okay?"

"Okay. Now, stop stalling and lay one on me because honestly I have been dying to find out how soft your lips are since I met you in the office." Bella leaned in closer and reached forward with her hands, laying them on his thigh and massaging the muscle there.

Edward met her halfway and groaned at the feel of her hands on his leg as their lips met and formed to the other. It was bliss for both and the mixture of cool hardness and warm pliability was intoxicating. Careful to keep his teeth away from her lips, they continued to deepen their kiss and before long let their hands roam.

Bella reveled in the softness of Edward's hair as she clung to it and pushed into him. Dislodging her leg from the throw wrapped around her legs, she scooted around until she was sitting squarely in his lap, the feel of his raging erection between her legs. With minimal effort she began grinding her aching center against his fabric covered cock and they both uttered curses about too many clothes.

"Bella, this is far easier than I ever imagined it being but are you sure this is what you want?" Edward asked.

"I have never wanted a man more and if we really are in fear of losing our fucking lives then I say we don't waste any more fucking time talking and just fucking please each other until someone drags us from this room," she panted.

"Bella, could you please stop saying 'fucking' 'cause it's really making it difficult to go slow and savor this experience?" Edward whispered.

"Right. No more fucking. Edward, if you don't take my clothes off right now and take me I will make sure that every other word I use has some sort of sexual connotation. Like pussy or cock."

With that Edward growled and began tearing Bella's jeans and shirt off with careful precision until she lay beneath him in all her naked glory.

"Holy fuck, Ms. Swan. I thought you were perfect with your clothes on but you are maddeningly glorious with them off. I may not last long." He began kneading her breasts gently with his hands before lowering his mouth and languidly stroking her nipple with his tongue.

"Ung, Edward? Holy shit…Edward, I need to level the playing field a little here. If I'm naked then you have to be naked. Now." She requested firmly.

Just as he was beginning to undress Bella noticed his face fall.

"What's wrong, Edward?"

"Fuck me, of all the times my family pulls this shit it's when I'm about to sex up the most beautiful woman I have ever known and get laid for the first time in 50 years. Bella, stay right there! I mean it…don't fucking move an inch and don't even think of putting clothes back on! I'm being summoned to a family meeting but it won't take long, I promise, ok?" He tried to sound reassuring but thought, in his frustration, he might just be missing the mark.

"Ok, but I am going to crawl under the covers. IF I fall asleep you sure as hell better wake me up and I don't mean shaking my shoulder, buddy. There are far more pleasant ways to be awakened and I am fairly sure you will be aces at all of them." She winked as he leaned in to place one more kiss on her lips and then her breast before groaning again.

"FUCK! I'M COMING, YOU IMPATIENT BASTARD"S! Remember, no clothes…none, nada, neine!"

"Jesus Eddie, I get it. I will remain naked for your viewing pleasure. GO!" She shooed him off the bed as he made a disgruntled noise.

"What did I say about that name?"

"Oh, I know but I'm hoping you'll want to "punish" me when you get back."

"Bella, you are playing with fire and I'm in the mood to get burned. I'll be back soon…very, very soon."

With his final words he shut the door on a now very aroused and very worn out Bella Swan. The thought of sleeping was both heaven and hell until she realized that per her instructions he was to wake her up using his male ingenuity. Suddenly she couldn't drift off quick enough. She might be on the verge of a life or death battle but tonight was going to be a battle of libidos that they were both sure to win.

So, there you have it *hides under bed to avoid hurled items*. Not to worry, lots of things get *clears throat* resolved in the next chapter...I promise!

Please, please, please review. I know you're out there reading and would absolutely love to hear what you have to say...constructively, of course;)

On to this week's recs:

http:/www . fanfiction . net/s/5887064/1/ by Buzzkill34...I was turned onto this story by my dear friend and author of Bella Voce, Morgan Locklear. This fic is written by another man (who's also a sugarpie;) and is only three chapters in but sooooooooo good. The prologue gives you an idea about what type of vamps we're working with and I have to say they aren't SM's version...AT ALL! Edward is very old, very powerful, and still hot as hell. Bella is walked on at work and on her walk home one night her life changes but that is not when she meets Edward. Outside of that I don't really know much except that I am addicted to his wonderful writing and mysterious plot. I look forward to seeing the next update and I can tell you this lil story has my attention in a HUGE way. Watch out for this author because I think he's gonna knock our socks off!

http:/www . fanfiction . net/s/5885420/1/The_Mail_Order_Bride by Lady Gwynedd...This is a great period fic set in late 1800's frontier Colorado. Extremely well written and wonderful to read you will find rancher Edward to be the epitome of good and former rancher turned gambler Jacob Black to be...well, let me put it this way...Edward dons a white Stetson and Jacobs is black;) You see where I'm going w/ this? The whole cast and crew is there or alluded to and the last chapter had a bit of a surprise in it. I love the sweet but hot lemons and the imagery throughout is amazing. A must read my dears!

http:/www . fanfiction . net/s/5850826/1/ The Confidence Man by OhMyWord...Another amazing story by one of my favorite authors. This is an Edward you will hate to love but I know there is so much more to his story than we are aware of. Bella is a thinker and works hard to not be taken in by anyone but what happens when a professional gets hold of her? This story is gearing up to be a heart clencher and I can only hope there will be an HEA in the end but you just never know. Definitely a good read my dears!