Chapter 6: Bella's POV

It had been a week since I met Edward and his family. It had been a week since I drank human blood. In that one week, I found a place I felt like I could finally call home: a home I never wanted to leave.

Bree fought with me half-heartedly about leaving for Volterra. I wanted to stay and never leave, but Bree wanted to get back to Aro.

"Remember your duty," she hissed at me with venom in her voice while all the Cullens were out. Apparently the younger ones still went to high school. "We're here to see what their powers are and report back to Aro."

"And to tell him if they are dangerous," I added.

She raised an eyebrow at me. "You can't honestly think that."

"No, but Aro said we could take all the time we wanted," I argued.

"And staying longer will just make it harder to leave. Besides, he said we could take as long as we wanted to do a thorough job!" she yelled at me. "We have all the information we need. Let's just go home."

"Do you really want to leave?" I asked, knowing I was about to strike a low blow. "Do you really want to leave here and never come back? To leave Riley? Leave me?" He mouth dropped. "That's right," I said strongly. "I'm not leaving here, not yet. This is the first time I felt truly happy, truly loved for me and not my power."

She glared at me. "Fine, but we are leaving in no more than two weeks." She stomped away when I didn't respond.

I sighed and walked up to Edward's room. I knew he wouldn't be upset with me in here. We had a rocky start, but we were closer than anyone else. His room was the only place I could relax and be myself.

I was lounging on his couch reading a random book when I felt someone put their arm around my shoulder. I looked up startled into the face of the person I missed most.

"Hi, Edward," I mumbled with a small smile as I went back to reading. "How was school?" I asked absently as I scooted over to make room for him.

He plopped down next to me. "The same as usual. I would rather be here."

"Why's that?" I asked with my smile growing bigger on my face.

"Hmm… I don't know; it may have to do with the fact that I've been through high school about fifteen times." My smile quickly turned into a frown. "But it mainly is because the most beautiful girl in the world is here," he said with a small smile on his lips, but worry filled his eyes, concern that he said too much.

I decided to toy with him a little. "Really?" I asked in a serious voice. "I guess I should go get Bree so you can tell her."

He rolled his eyes while I cracked up laughing. I always felt so carefree with him. I was happiest with him.

"You don't see yourself clearly," he murmured as he got closer.

"Tell me then," I whispered. He was still moving his face closer to mine slowly, giving me the chance to pull back if I wanted to. Of course I didn't.

"You're smart, brave, beautiful, but most of all, good." His lips finally touched mine.

It felt like sparks were flying from us. Electricity was flowing from me to him and back again. I felt like my silent heart may come alive again. It was probably the best kiss in history.

I put my arms on his shoulders as I knelt in front of him, my hands grabbing his hair. Our lips were moving frantically with each other as we felt our love and passion grow for each other as our fates became intertwined. I never wanted to stop, but fate apparently had other ideas.

"What the hell!" I heard someone screech.

Edward and I broke apart and looked toward his doorway. Bree was standing there glaring between the two of us. She looked so furious that she was stunned into silence. I had no clue why the fact that I was kissing Edward upset her. What was it to her?

"What do you think you're doing?" She demanded, barely able to keep herself from yelling again.

"Why does it matter to you?"

"I'm your sister; I have every right to be angry about you kissing a stranger, especially this jerk."

"He's not a jerk!" I exclaimed. "Why don't you just leave?"

"I'm not leaving this room without you! I don't want you to be with him."

"You can't tell me what to do, Bree. I'm older than you, I have my own responsibilities-" Bree interrupted me.

"You're eyes!" she cried out. "They're orange. What have you been doing?" She stared at me in horror.

"That's none of your business," I snapped. I was suddenly aware of Edward sitting there looking shocked. I got up from the couch quickly. "Get out now. I think it's best for us to take some time to cool down before we discuss this in a more appropriate manner. There's no point in fighting about nothing."

"Fine," she growled at me before grabbing the door and slamming it so hard cracks creeped up the door.

I rubbed my temples like I had a headache as I walked back to Edward who was still sitting there looking quick scared. I guess he didn't know what to make of it either. Maybe I should stop blocking Bree's thoughts.

"I'm sorry about that," I said, grimacing as I sat by him.

"You have nothing to apologize for. She's probably still upset about the time I accidently make you cry."

"I don't blame you, so she shouldn't," I argued.

"You're more forgiving than her," he said with a smile. "For that I am extremely grateful, because I wouldn't have you here by me if you weren't."

"True, but how could I ever stay angry with you?" I asked rhetorically as I cuddled into his side. It would be a few hours before it would be safe to approach Bree. I might as well spend them in Edward's arms.

I closed my eyes and put my head on his shoulder. "I love you," I whispered.

I felt his arms wrap around me. "You're my life now," he replied just as quietly as I did.

I smiled. I would pretend for the next few hours that nothing but Edward existed. I would forget about Bree. I would surely forget about Aro and the rest of the Volturi waiting for our return. Nothing mattered at that moment except for my mate who was holding me like I was the most precious thing in the world. I sighed. I was home.