A/N:I've been cleaning up these author's notes as I go to cut down on all of the "blah blah blah" you read before you get to the actual chapter. This chapter features a helicopter named Echo Charlie and a character names Joe. Back when I first posted this story, there was a fic called Master of the Universe by Snowqueens Icedragon. Unless you've been under a rock you'll know that the story has since been converted to a book and retitled 50 Shades of Grey by EL James. Since Icy/EL James allowed me to use both Echo Charlie and Joe in the first post (and because I'm lazy), I'm not changing the names.

Bite to Break Skin

Chapter Seven

Bella

"Happy Birthday!"

I'm startled awake by a chorus of melodic voices singing the birthday song. Of course I knew this would happen. It's my birthday, they always do this on my birthday. I smile and toss my comforter aside, greeting my family. I look to my left and Esme swoops down to catch me in a big hug, followed by Carlisle and Jasper. I stand up on the mattress because Emmett's next and I can't reach him from where I am.

"Happy birthday, B!"

I cringe because Emmett is loud as hell. He leans forward and scoops me up in his arms and cradles me like I'm a small child, and really, in comparison—I am a small child. I wrap my arms around his neck and cuddle into his chest. For being the largest of us, he is also the best hugger, and by far the most gentle. I feel completely safe in his arms.

"How's it feel being a year older, huh?"

"I dunno. How's it feel never aging?"

I hear Rosalie clear her throat and I look over at her to find that she's actually smiling. This is my first birthday as a Cullen that Rosalie has shown up with a smile on her face. I smile back at her as Emmett stands me on the floor. Rosalie shocks me by leaning in and giving me a dainty hug. I don't know where the change of heart came in, but damn it, I like this new and improved Rosalie. She shoots a dirty look over my shoulder and I come to my senses realizing that this year there aren't six vampires in the room… there's seven.

Crap!

I quickly assess my current state of undress and I'm mortified. I'm wearing one of Emmett's t-shirts that I stole from him. I don't know why I like to take his t-shirts, but once he's worn them in, they're the most comfortable things on the planet—and he's so tall that they work well as night shirts on me. Normally this would be fine, but the house was really hot last night and I skipped the pajamas pants, so I'm standing here in a big t-shirt and socks, right in front of Edward.

Rose releases me but I'm hesitant to turn around and face Edward. Before I can think too long on this, I feel Alice's tiny arms wrap around my waist and squeeze. Thankfully she's gentle, well, gentle for Alice. She spins me around and I'm greeted with the most delicious male specimen ever created.

God, he's beautiful.

Edward gives me a shy smile and nod.

"Happy birthday, Isabella."

Oh! We're back to that now.

"Thank you."

I nod in appreciation and I figure we're done here. Everybody is silent as Edward smiles at me shyly and I stare at him awkwardly. I'm not entirely sure why he's looking so bashful, I'm the one who's half naked.

Oh! Maybe he's never seen a woman naked before.

I blush at the thought.

"Hey, if I can hug the freak of nature, so can you, Ed."

Rosalie's voice is full of amusement. I feel two hands on my back as they shove my forward. I stumble and Edward is left with no choice but to catch me. He holds me gently to his chest, one arm on my lower back and the other steadying me with my elbow. I don't quite know what I'm doing, but his touch is so soft and welcoming, I tuck my head into chest and inhale. I feel his sharp intake of breath. Right now I wish he were human so I could feel his beating heart. The hand on my lower back begins to gently caress me as his grip on me tightens and I feel whole. I'm complete. I don't know why he has this effect on me, but he does.

"Happy seventeenth birthday, Bella."

I smile because we're back to Bella now. I decide that I really need to figure out what causes him to call me Isabella, and whatever it is, I need to avoid doing it. Snuggling into Edward and letting out a sigh; I see six shadows silently excuse themselves from the room. I push back the rampant questions that are running through my head and try to just enjoy the moment.

"What would you like for breakfast?"

Oh, Chefward!

"Why don't you surprise me?"

"But it's your birthday breakfast, shouldn't it be your choice?"

I scoff and apparently that was the stupidest thing I could have done because he pulls back and holds me at arms length. I don't like this.

Cuddle me, damn it!

"Edward, if I asked you for chocolate chip pancakes, what would you say?"

"I would explain to you that they are lacking in a solid nutritional base, are ridden with simple sugars and will not provide you with enough energy to keep you in top shape until lunch."

"And if I ask for McNuggets for lunch?"

He laughs at my request like it's the most ridiculous thing he's ever heard.

"Why don't I just buy you a rubber dog bone and dip it in chicken broth? That has a greater chance of providing you with any real nourishment than that chewy concoction they call chicken."

"And if I wanted fried chicken for dinner?"

"That would be impossible. Alice has already scheduled catering for your special dinner."

"Ugh. She's seriously getting catering just for me, or is there going to be a live bear and some deer there as well?"

Edward raises his eyebrows and lets out a slight chuckle. I'm stunned at how familiar this feels. I'll have to check my freaky facts journal, but I swear I've had a dream about this, well, at least part of this.

"Silly girl. We don't eat indoors. It is far too messy."

I laugh a little—he's putting me at ease; which isn't easy. I've always feared Alice's elaborate birthday celebrations.

"What does Alice have planned for this evening?"

He shakes his head, refusing to answer me and I pout because they've kept this under wraps for months.

"Do not sulk, Bella."

Still reeling from the déjà vu a few moments ago, I find myself floored. I'm absolutely sure we've been here before having a conversation similar to this. I think back to my dreams and try to piece the words together.

Yes, I remember this.

I was small, about six or so. Edward was… Edward. Perfectly beautiful and as always, seventeen. Remembering the dream as clearly as if it were happening right now. I recite my lines word for word, slightly dazed by the overwhelming sense of déjà vu.

"But I'm no little girl, I'm a vampire."

Edward looks like he's been impaled and he freezes in place momentarily before he composes himself and nervously laughs me off. His reaction is worrisome, but I continue on because I can't seem to stop myself.

"You said so yourself, Edward…"

He steps away from me, a look of horror on his face and abruptly cuts me off.

"Happy birthday, Isabella. You ought to call your grandmother Marie. It is already noon in Chicago and I am sure she is awaiting your call."

Damn it.

Edward speeds out of my room and I can hear him shouting for Carlisle.

Melodramatic vampire.

I don't quite know what to make of what just happened but I resolve to record it in my Freaky Facts journal post-haste. I roll my eyes at the antiquated term that I have clearly picked up from Carlisle.

Once I've recorded this morning's déjà vu in my journal, I realize that I'm pretty stinky and desperately in need of a shower. I decide to ask Esme about the thermostat. It seems to be broken and the house is still burning up. I need to change my sheets because I must have sweat through the night with how damn hot it is in here. In the shower, I keep the water luke warm and I instantly feel better the second the body wash touches my skin. I can't believe I tried to cuddle Edward smelling like a filthy pig.

I finish my shower, grab a towel and wrap it around me as I step out of the shower. The towel barely fits around me and I wonder where the larger towels are. The house is still boiling and I can feel my skin drying rapidly so I don't care too much about the towel. I grab my blow dryer and dry my hair just enough so that it doesn't drip. When I'm done, I look in the mirror and I swear my skin looks paler than normal.

You're nuts, Bella.

My inner self is being a little snarky and I want to shut her up, but she's on a roll and I seem to have no control over her so I can't.

"Bella!"

Alice is somewhere in my room, calling my name. I smile and bound out of the bathroom to find her tiny frame perched on the corner of my bed. She brilliant white smile glistens and her honey eyes are twinkling. She looks radiant and refreshed which means she just had a little snack.

"When did you have time to eat, Alice?"

She jokingly waves me away with her right hand and a smirk plays on her lips.

"Please, Bella, I had it delivered."

I chuckle at the thought of Jasper dealing with a wiggling forest creature to deliver to his wife. I cross my room and round the bed, heading for my dresser in search of something to wear. I pull out a pair of pair of cotton shorts and a bra tank and the first pair of underwear I find and then drop my towel.

"Bella!" Alice screams at full volume causing me to hurriedly pick my towel up and cover myself with it.

"What?!" I shout back nervously as I cling to the towel for dear life. There's a loud noise and the rustling of trees from just outside my glass wall. My eyes focus on the forest outside and Alice is huffing. I tear my eyes from the mysterious ruckus outside and look at Alice who's attention is fixed on the forest.

"Do you always just walk around your room naked like that?"

"Um…"

"Jesus, Bella. Are you trying to flash Ed-everybody in sight?"

I swear it sounded like Alice stumbled on her words but I choose to move on.

"Who in the hell is everybody? We live in the woods! Are you worried that the squirrels are going to get a peep show?"

"Not the squirrels, no."

I pick up my clothes and hurry to the bathroom where I change quickly behind the closed door. When I return to my room I find Alice standing at my glass wall and shaking her head with her hands on her hips.

"Scolding the squirrels for looking?"

When she turns around I see that she's not amused and I don't really understand why. It's my birthday and I'm really not in the mood to play twenty questions with her. She just shakes her head and she's smiling again.

"I came up here to tell you that Edward is making you chocolate chip pancakes… although, it might be a few more minutes before they're done."

Her smile fades momentarily as she glares out the window and then smiles back at me. She's acting really weird. I mean, damn, what is it with her and those trees?

"I was going to ask what you'd like to do today, and you've decided you want the entire family to play video games, so Emmett is setting everything up as we speak. You decided on Mario Party so we can all play, and you want to play men against women. Now if you sit down, I'll tell you how to win against Edward and Emmett. They're pretty good."

I sit down and let Alice ramble on about the things I'm supposed to say and when. Really, without her help I wouldn't have a chance of staying in the game. It's always me and Carlisle on the losing end. For having a couple of centuries on the rest of us, he's pretty bad. When Alice is done with her incessant babbling I let her know I'll be down after I call Grandma Marie. The conversation is brief as she's off to a lady's bridge meeting. She lets me know that she misses me and hopes to visit soon. She also gives me a message for Carlisle before hanging up and I cringe, not wanting to deliver that particular message.

A few minutes later, downstairs, I find a plate full of chocolate chip pancakes waiting for me on the breakfast bar. Edward is drying his hands on a dish towel as he watches me with a grimace on his face.

Oh, calm down, Edward.

"I am calm."

I jump and stare at him incredulously. I'm a little weirded out because I think he just read my mind. But I guess what goes around comes around. I mean, if I can read his, I suppose there's no reason he shouldn't be able to read mind.

"Did I say that out loud?"

The cocky bastard smirks and wrinkles his nose as he crosses the kitchen and stands right over me. He leans in just inches from my ear and I can feel his cool breath on my neck and it takes my breath away.

"Nope."

I want to hit him, even if it will only hurt me; but I can't bring myself to move anyway. I'm frozen in place, trying in vain to not let the feeling of his breath on my neck fade from memory. When my skin finally stops tingling, I grab a stool, sit down and immediately dig into my pancakes. I'm shoveling an obscene amount of food into my mouth with each bite, barely chewing.

Thanks, Eddie.

"It's Edward."

Okay, Eddie.

I hear no response and turn around to find him leaving the room huffing and puffing. I shrug it off and figure that's probably just Edward in all his moody glory. When I'm done with my food and I can't possibly fit another chocolate chip in my mouth, I bounce off the stool to join my waiting family in the great room. The furniture has been re-arranged to better accommodate us. I look for Esme and find her curled up next to Carlisle on the love seat.

"Hey, mom, it's super hot in here. I keep adjusting the thermostat, but it's still so hot no matter what I do."

Esme and Carlisle both immediately turn their attention across the room. As I turn to look at what they're focusing on, I see that everybody is looking across the room at Edward who is sitting by himself on the chaise lounge. His shoulders are slumped and he seems uncomfortable with all of the attention.

"I apologize, Isabella, I thought you might be cold."

Rosalie scoffs and Emmett and Jasper break out into an uncontrolled fit of laughter.

"I'm sure, Edward… it's not because you wanted her walking around half naked… no, of course, not. It couldn't be that," smirks Jasper.

My eyes bug out and my jaw just about hits the floor. Edward isn't raising his head to look at me and that makes me think that Jasper's claim has some merit. I panic and rush up the two flights of stairs and into my room where I quickly change into a pair of sweats and a baggy t-shirt, leaving my bra tank on. The last thing I need is to be walking around with bouncy boobs. When I come back down to the great room, Edward is staring at the staircase, awaiting my return.

"Isabella, I apologize that you felt uncomfortable. That was never my intention."

I nod my head and make my way around him, trying to avoid thinking about whatever the fuck is going on around here. Edward's apology is vague and I can't quite tell exactly what he's actually apologizing for, but I don't really care because I think he really was checking out my boobs after all. I grab a seat on the chaise lounge and Edward joins me at the other end and he hands me a controller.

"Ladies first."

I take the controller from him, and Emmett laughs.

"Dude, she ain't no lady."

"Jesus Christ, do you people think we can get to playing already?"

Carlisle clears his throat and I apologize. "Sorry, Jesus."

We finally get around to playing the game, and as always, it's a mix of laughs and threats. Rosalie buddies up to me half way through the third round and I'm suspicious but I relax when she tells me that she's only being nice because it makes Edward suspicious. I figure that as long as she's enjoying bothering Edward and I'm the vehicle by which she plans to do that, then she won't kill me; so we're good. Esme is surprisingly good, but then I remember the many times that Emmett has challenged her to a match.

This is the way we should always be—a whole and complete family unit. Like this, we want for nothing. Like this, we can handle anything. Like this, I can't imagine a better birthday than to have my entire family with me.

Hours pass and we put the games to a close after Carlisle is declared the loser. Somehow I manage to beat out both Emmett and Carlisle; but I'm certain that Emmett threw the game. I'm not mad at him for cheating in my favor, it wouldn't be the first time, and really, his heart is in the right place. Once all the furniture is back in place and the gaming console and its accessories are put away, Alice announces that everybody is to ready themselves for the evening's surprise. Nobody is willing to tell me what the big secret is; Alice just drags me to my room and rushes around in a flurry of activity.

My hair is straightened and then curled… why Alice does this, I have no damn clue, but it looks great so there's no argument from me. I keep my mouth shut while she does my make-up. I really am grateful for all that Alice does and it's time I start showing it.

"Thank you, Alice. Seriously."

"Of course, Bella, now go slip into your dress and shoes while I get ready and then meet us downstairs."

I walk over to my dress hanging on a hook on the inside of my closet door and slip off my pajama pants. My legs are about as furry as a woodland creature. I can't wear a dress like this, and I scurry into the bathroom to shave my legs. I come out feeling fresh and smooth. I eye the outfit Alice has chosen for me. It's beautiful and for a dress, it's really my style. Alice has chosen a vintage style cocktail dress that hits my knees. It's a soft pink with a really unique looking bird design on the bottom and she's paired it with matching ballerina flats and a plush cardigan, both in pink. I look at myself in the mirror and I'm amazed. Alice has done wonders and I even feel pretty in this. There's a soft knock on my door and I tear myself from the mirror. I'm pretty sure I know who it is.

"Come in."

My instincts don't fail me and Carlisle walks into my room a smile playing on his face. I'm a little excited

"Bella, you look beautiful."

"Thanks, Dad. Alice works a pretty hot miracle, huh?"

"No, Bella. Your beauty is all your own. May I have a few moments with you before we go?"

I nod and sit on my bed. Carlisle comes and sits next to me, still smiling brightly. This is my favorite birthday tradition—the father-daughter talk.

"I just wanted a few moments before the others got to you. I remember the first time I saw you as an infant… you were angelic. Esme fell in love with you immediately and wanted to take you home but Marie and Charlie wouldn't hear of it. You should have seen them fighting over your tiny little body."

I feel myself getting choked up. It never fails, I always cry.

"I remember very little of my human life and I remember almost nothing of my father. But I do remember the pride in his voice when he spoke of what it was like to be a father. His greatest wish was for me to become a pastor, marry a good Anglican girl and to become a father like he did. After I was changed and had figured out what I'd become—I spent decades upon decades grieving my loss.

"I thought that because I no longer human that I would never have a family the way other men did. And then I met your mother, Esme, and she and Edward became my world. Even with the addition of Rosalie and Emmett and then Alice and Jasper, something was missing. My dearest Isabella, that something was you.

"I know we are not your conventional family and you are not a conventional child, but I happen to think we are a perfect fit, you and I, one unique creature to another. Thank you for accepting us into your life. Thank you for being my daughter and for allowing me to be your father. It is now my greatest wish that I can live up to being the kind of father to you that Charlie would approve of."

The last line about Charlie hits me in my soft spot and my tears start flowing. I throw myself at Carlisle and he engulfs me in a tight hug. I'm mindful that he's wearing a stunning Italian suit and I don't want to smear my make-up all over him. Alice would have my head—birthday or no. I compose myself quickly and dab at my eye make-up that's all runny now.

"So, how did I do?" Carlisle asks as he hands me a tissue and I try to clean myself up, but I know Alice is going to have to be the one to fix me up. If I even try to re-create it, I'll have myself looking like a hooker. I know this for a fact because last year I did try to fix my own make-up and I did wind up looking like a lady of the night.

"Best father-daughter talk ever," I hiccup.

Carlisle smiles and puts an arm around my shoulders, leading me out of the room. I remember Grandma Marie's message that I'm supposed to deliver. I just know if I don't, she'll know.

"Hey Dad, Grandma Marie wanted me to tell you that she had a dream about you the other night."

Carlisle raises an eyebrow and I wrinkle my nose and shake my head to show my disgust. His eyes grow wide. He's caught on. It was an x-rated dream. Grandma Marie can kind of be a pervert when she wants to be.

Once we're downstairs I realize that the house is eerily silent. Carlisle lets out a heavy sigh.

"In the great room."

In the great room we find six very silent vampires, each propped up on a piece of furniture with their personal laptop in front of them. I look at Carlisle questioningly and he shakes his head.

"Twitter."

I nod clear my throat. Only Alice tears herself away from her computer long enough to look up and her eyes quirk into an odd shape. She looks pained.

"Carlisle, why on earth do you always insist on giving her the father-daughter talk after I put her make-up on?"

Alice drops her computer on the sofa and strides over to me, yanking me into the kitchen where she has an 'emergency' make-up kit all ready. Carlisle is laughing and I think he waits until my make-up is done every year on purpose. Alice hurries to fix me up and she shows me what she's done. Carlisle is hard at work prying everyone away from their computers.

"Thanks, Ali."

"Edward—turn it off."

Everyone has turned their computers off except for Edward who is replying to accusatory tweets. When Carlisle unplugs the wireless router and Edward loses his connection, he gives in and puts the computer aside and I notice what he's wearing. As Edward stands I see he's in a gray suit with white dress shirt and a pink tie that mysteriously matches my dress and shoes and sweater.

I blush realizing that Alice has coupled us up. I feel like a moron because with the exception of Edward and I, everyone else is coupled up; and I only now get it. Alice wants Edward and I coupled up permanently. I am both excited and saddened by this realization. Vampires don't have a choice in their mates, and they certainly don't get crushes. If Edward had a mate, she would be here and matching with him and I would still be alone.

"Isabella… you are exquisite." Edward's velvet voice sends shivers straight to the pit of my belly. Even just looking at him takes my breath away and my instincts tell me to ravage him. I catch his eyes traveling up my body and back down again. My face heats and I have to divert my eyes for a moment or I'm going to pass out. The silence is uncomfortable, and the way Edward is looking at me is leaving me breathless. We just need to go already or I won't even be able to walk.

"Are we all ready to go?" I ask, trying in vain to stop the butterflies in my stomach. I pick my head up and everybody is grabbing their purses and straightening their ties. Alice, Rose and Esme look beautiful in their dresses with their high heels that I would just die in. Emmett and Jasper are in black suits with ties that match their mates. I look around at everybody, once again stunned by how beautiful they all are. Rose in her gold, Alice in her lacy black and Esme in her slinky off-white with black sash.

"Hey, you clean up pretty good, hybrid."

Oh, a compliment from Rose!

"Thanks, Rose. You look beautiful as always."

She smirks at me and nods her head. That's as close as I'll be getting to a sign of appreciation, and I'll take what I can get. Honestly, a compliment from Rose must means I look damn good, so I almost feel like I fit in for once. Carlisle clears his throat and directs us out to the cars.

"Emmett and Rose will take the BMW, and Esme, Alice, Jasper and I will take the Mercedes. For the birthday girl and her date for the evening—the limo."

We're outside and there's a black stretched limo. Edward places his hand on my lower back and gently directs me to the limo where a gentleman in a suit opens the back door and we climb in.

"Why didn't we ride with Rose and Em?"

"We ride in the BMW every day, today is your birthday."

"So then, why didn't every one ride with us?"

"Are you objecting to being alone with me, Isabella?"

"No!"

My eyes are wide and Edward chuckles at me. Even if Alice is trying to push us together, Edward doesn't seem to be objecting, so I decide to stop asking questions and just enjoy whatever time I have with him before he mates and I'm stuck by myself, without an Edward to call my own. I decide that I must ask Carlisle if hybrids mate or if I'm just screwed in life.

I'm not quite sure where we are—somewhere outside of Forks, surely, as we've been driving for quite some time. The sun is setting behind the ever present clouds so Edward isn't worried about sparkling. I sigh at his beauty. In a gray suit with that pink tie, he is exquisite. The limo stops and the driver opens the door for us. Edward climbs out first and lends me his hand to help me out.

The noise outside of the limo is deafening and it's awfully windy. I'm a little taken aback until Edward turns me around and I see what all the commotion is about. A large white helicopter is sitting there in the middle of a field. I look around and the field is surrounded by trees with no sign of life in sight. We must be a good bit outside of town… further than I thought. Edward places his hand on my lower back once again and directs me toward the noisy beast.

I stare at the white helicopter with its whirling blades, a little stunned that we're actually going for a ride in this thing. There's blue writing on the side, but I can't really tell what it says from this angle. I'm really curious about who Carlisle would have borrowed a helicopter from. The noise is deafening and the blades are creating a forceful wind worrying me that my dress is going to fly up and Edward will see the silk panties Alice demanded I wear. Wait. That might not be so bad.

"Are you serious?" I ask Edward.

Edward cocks an eyebrow at me.

"Of course not, Isabella. I just thought I would prop a helicopter in the middle of a field for fun."

I roll my eyes at him and I might even giggle a little. A tall man in a black suit and tie climbs out of the helicopter and strides towards us. He smiles brightly and sticks his hand out in greeting. I return the favor and smile politely.

"You must be Isabella, hello, my name is Joe."

"Hello Joe."

Joe nods and signals for us to follow him. The closer I get to the helicopter, the more intimidating it is. I pause momentarily and Edward chuckles.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of Echo Charlie."

I stare at him curiously. It's like he's speaking a language I'm not familiar with.

"Who?"

He laughs and directs me to climb into the open door of the helicopter. I climb in, seeing there is seating enough for at least eight. I wonder why the rest of the family drove if there's enough room for us all, but really, I don't care because I'm with Edward. I shuffle over to the window seat, directly behind the pilot and I plop down.

"The helicopter is named Echo Charlie."

I nod.

Who names their helicopter Echo Charlie, anyway? He looks like a 'Fred' to me.

"Who does it… um… Echo Charlie belong to?"

For some reason, I feel strange referring to the helicopter as an 'it' since Edward used its name.

"A friend of Carlisle's."

I wiggle and accidentally kick the seat in front of me.

"Please be careful, Isabella. The owner will expect Echo Charlie returned in the same condition as it was lent—Carlisle says he's a bit of a control freak. And don't touch anything, I would hate for us to crash."

Joe laughs from up ahead and I think I hear him mutter something along the lines of 'ain't that the truth.'

Edward hands me a headset meant to drown out the noise which he calls 'cans.' I put them on my ears and after he buckles me into the four-point harness, I resolve to keep my hands and feet firmly in place and to not touch anything for the remainder of my time in Echo Charlie.

Joe secures the doors and climbs into his seat in front of me. We're silent as Echo Charlie takes flight, and suddenly I'm afraid of heights. Edward notices this immediately and takes both of my hands in his, gently rubbing them together. The friction he's causing is sending sparks up my arms and to every point in my body and I blush. I'm so wrapped up in Edward I don't even notice that Joe is trying to strike up a conversation with me.

"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you."

"I said, Mr. C told me to tell you that you're a very lucky girl, and happy birthday."

"Mr. C?"

I look at Edward curiously.

"He owns Echo Charlie."

I nod and turn straight ahead to address the back of Joe's head.

"Please tell Mr. C I say thank you for the birthday wishes and for letting Echo Charlie out on loaner."

Joe laughs and we engage in some meaningless chitchat for the next half an hour. When it's silent for a few minutes, Edward speaks up and begins to tell me about where we are and what we're looking at below. We pass over a thick forest, which Edward points out to be a national forest.

"Where are we going?"

"Seattle."

I smile at the thought. I'm not sure what seven vampires and one hybrid plan to do to celebrate a birthday in Seattle, but whatever it is, I'm sure it will be fun. We're almost alone and I want to ask Edward about his time researching my 'condition', but I don't dare as Joe can hear and Edward can't be truthful in his presence; so we sit in companionable silence for the rest of the flight.

The city of Seattle slowly comes into view and it's breathtaking. The sun is nearly set and the twinkling lights of the city below cast a brilliant light on the sound. I gasp when I catch sight of the marina. Off to the west of the city itself, the marina sits looking almost desolate. Most of the watercraft that are docked appear to be empty for the evening as their lights are out.

A lone yacht sits in the water a couple hundred yards off from the marina, all lit up with colorful lights and a group of people congregating on a lower deck. I look around and notice that we seem to be heading right for the yacht in question. I continue to survey our potential destination and notice that there is, in fact, a landing pad for a helicopter on one end of the yacht.

I look at Edward curiously and he smirks.

"You only turn seventeen once, Bella."

I pick my jaw off the floor and look back at the yacht that we're really quite close to now. It's enormous and the people below, whom I now make out to be our family, all seem to have their eyes on Echo Charlie as we make our descent.

"That is one big boat. Was this really necessary?"

He laughs at me and pats my hands that he is still holding.

"Bella, you can't call a two hundred foot yacht a big boat. It's just wrong."

"Two hundred feet?! What, did Alice buy the biggest one she could find?!"

Now even Joe is laughing at me and I'm not quite sure I like it. Maybe this Mr. C who owns Echo Charlie is as aloof with spending as Alice is.

"Don't be silly, Bella. Alice rented the biggest one she could find. I mean, really, we did not buy a yacht just for your birthday."

I notice the dance in Edward's voice and I elbow him, and as expected, it winds up only hurting me. Ever the gentleman, he gently rubs my elbow. I love when Edward touches me, but I'm careful to avoid making any sort of embarrassing moaning sound, though it's quite difficult not to.

Joe lowers Echo Charlie onto the landing pad and once we're safely parked on the yacht, Edward unfastens my harness and we climb out. I pause when I see Joe make no attempt to move from his seat.

"Aren't you staying, Joe?"

"I'm afraid I cannot Isabella. Mr. C lives in town and he expects his toy back promptly or he'll fear Echo Charlie has gone missing."

I pout realizing that I won't be taking another ride in Echo Charlie.

"Well then, thank you, Joe."

I reach my hand out and caress one of Echo Charlie's seats, sorry to see him go.

"Goodbye, Echo Charlie."

Joe and Edward laugh at me and my sudden attachment to the helicopter and Edward shuts the door much to my dismay. As we're walking away I hear Joe on the radio, and Echo Charlie lifts off into the night.

"Echo Charlie – Charlie, Hotel Echo," Joe's voice trails off as he and Echo Charlie begin their journey home.

"I want my own Echo Charlie"

Edward stares at me like I've spouted a second head.

"Absolutely not."

"And why not?"

"You're not vampire enough to withstand a crash in one of those."

"What are you insinuating?"

He points at me and tries to hold back a laugh.

"Danger magnet."

"I'm getting an Echo Charlie."

"You most certainly are not."

"Watch me."

Normally I would cringe at the idea of buying a helicopter. It's just too much, but I have to admit… the idea of my very own Echo Charlie is beyond thrilling. I make a mental note to find out how much a helicopter and flying lessons will cost me. All I really need to do to get the money is look under a few couch cushions to be honest. I'm fairly sure if I tapped into Carlisle's investment accounts, the Cullens could single-handedly solve the national debt without feeling a thing.

"Bella!"

Alice screeches at full volume and rushes towards us.

"How was the flight?"

I grin like a fool and wrap my arms around her.

"Thank you so much! I can't wait to get my very own Echo Charlie!"

Alice pauses and then starts squealing. I'm so excited; this must mean I do get my own Echo Charlie.

"Absolutely not, Alice."

Edward is pinching the bridge of his nose, but I couldn't care less.

I'm getting my very own Echo Charlie!

Alice drags me away from the helipad and down a flight of stairs onto a large deck, all decorated with colorful lanyards and white, twinkling lights. I look up and see Echo Charlie disappearing in the distance. Alice gives a gentle tug on my arm and leads me indoors into a spacious great room. In the far corner is a large flat screen television set mounted on the wall, underneath a high-tech sound system is playing Michael Buble's "Home." I love this song.

"You are one spoiled brat, Lit Bit."

I turn around to see Emmett strolling in from the deck, a sad smile playing on his face. I tilt my head and smile at him. It dawns on me that he would want to ride in the helicopter. I slip into a deep concentration, trying to figure out why Alice couldn't just let Emmett come with us—it would have meant to much to him.

"Don't worry Emmy. Alice says we're getting our very own Echo Charlie."

Emmett's face turns up into a wide, unapologetic smile as he looks from me to Alice and back again. The loud stomping of feet making their way down the stairs causes Emmett to smirk. I giggle as Edward approaches, deep in conversation with Jasper. I think he might be making a case for Alice to take a long trip. No doubt the revelation of our future aviation purchases has Edward planning a long vacation for our little psychic. I look around and notice that Carlisle, Esme, and Rose are nowhere to be seen.

Alice spends the next fifteen minutes or so showing me around the yacht and boy, is it huge! First we walk through the great room and into a game room, complete with a pool table, a full wet bar, and an air hockey table. Alice sees my eyeing the air hockey table and assures me that she already has plans to order one tomorrow morning—Emmett is also quite fond of it.

We continue through a dining area, a spacious kitchen, and down a long hall; which leads us out onto another deck where we find Rose. She's on the back deck by herself, holding a champagne flute, filled with a bubbly drink that I assume is sparkling cider. She extends the flute to me and Alice raises a finger to her lips to signal me to be silent. I bring the flute to my nose and I can tell it's champagne—not sparkling cider.

With how much Edward objects to chocolate chip pancakes, I'm pretty sure he wouldn't approve of underage drinking. I take a tentative sip, and it's simply divine. I'm pretty parched so I swig the rest of the glass, causing both Rose and Alice to give me warning looks; but Rose refills the glass for me anyhow. They continue on in their silence and I suspect Alice is reciting the history of Italian fashion in her head and Rose is walking herself through the rebuild of a V8 engine. I remain quiet and do what I can to keep my mental guard up. I really don't want to get my bartenders in trouble.

Esme finds us on the deck and gives me a knowing glance, cutting her eyes down to the now half empty flute and back up. I blush under her loving stare and I hope she's doing something to block Edward from her thoughts. I really fancy this champagne and I'd like another glass before calling it quits for the evening. Esme and I engage in small talk over the possibility of installing a helipad onto the roof of the garage. Unfortunately, due to the surrounding trees, there's no room above the garage; but Rose is confident we can work around the trees and somehow manage to have an Echo Charlie on the property. She and Esme work through several scenarios with the help of Alice's visions until Carlisle appears off to the side.

"Don't you ladies think our own helicopter will make it more difficult to fit into the surrounding community?"

I smile at Carlisle, wrinkle my nose and shake my head.

"I don't much care—frankly this is the only expensive thing I have ever asked for, and I'm a little put out that considering all of the toys all of you people have, that you would deny me this one thing."

Carlisle shakes his head, smiling. "I didn't say we couldn't get a helicopter, I merely said it would make fitting in more difficult. I thought you wanted to fit in, Bella."

"Yes, well, that was before I discovered Echo Charlie."

Carlisle, Esme, Alice, and Rose burst into laughter—obviously amused by my infatuation with Echo Charlie. Esme composes herself and strides towards me, linking our arms and furnishing me with a fresh glass of champagne. I'm pretty damn lucky all in all. I take the glass from her and we stride down a narrow outdoor walkway and back to the great room where Alice and I left Emmett.

"You need something to eat and then it's time for presents."

I groan and practically stomp my feet as we forge ahead.

"Really, Mom, because the yacht, and Echo Charlie isn't enough?"

Esme laughs and we join Edward, Jasper, and Emmett back on the large deck. Edward moves so that he's standing next to me. I smile at him and absentmindedly take a sip of my champagne.

"What in the hell!"

Before I can object, Edward rips the flute from my hand and glares at me before fixing his eyes on Esme.

"Mother—this is highly inappropriate."

I don't like the tone he's taking with her and I stand protectively in front of her.

"Are you my father?"

My question catches Edward off guard and he shakes his head, seemingly confused, and a bit disgusted. He appears to be offended.

"What? No!"

I narrow my eyes and take a step forward and quickly snatch the flute back from him before chugging the remaining champagne. Everyone is silent and I see that Carlisle, Alice, and Rose have joined us now. I'm as shocked as everyone else that I managed to wrangle the champagne away from Edward, but I don't dare gloat for fear of angering him further.

"Well then, quit acting like it."

"It is in your best interest, Isabella, that you avoid alcoholic beverages; but above that—it is imperative that you know your place. Do not challenge me again."

I blink, intimidated and confused. Why is he so mad? It's just a little champagne for Pete's sake!

Good Lord, Edward!

Nobody has spoken a word since my bad ass show of speed, but now the silence just feels uncomfortable. I'm a little scared of Edward, but I feel safe enough with my family surrounding me. I know that Edward would never hurt me. I can't explain it—I just know. I jut my chin out and even though I'm a little shaky, I refuse to back down.

"I don't know who you think you are, Edward, but you can't just drop into my life after seventeen years and act like you're my parent. I have a mother, and I've had two fathers. I don't need a third."

Unable to face him further, I spin around and head for the interior of the yacht, ready to hide out until we can go home. I don't even make it one step forward before Edward has spun me back around and is hugging me tightly.

"I apologize for my behavior, Bella. I feel this all-consuming need to protect and care for you, and I'm not very sure how to manage these feelings. Please understand."

I want to push him away, but there's nowhere else I would rather be. In a moment of anger, I'm Isabella; but in a moment of regret, I'm Bella. I think I can work with this. Underneath all of his idiosyncrasies, Edward is a terribly predictable being.

I understand what Edward is trying to tell me on a fundamental level, but I'm having trouble applying it to our relationship. I just can't fathom he could feel the same for me that I feel for him. From the moment I felt him cradling me in his arms after the crash, I knew there was nowhere else I would ever want to be. When he wraps his arms around me, he is both gentle and strong, and I feel this calming aura surrounding me.

"Have you forgiven my brutish behavior?"

"No, I haven't. I don't grant forgiveness, I get even."

I pull back and smile at him. His own smile is half of enjoyment and half of fear. Alice snickers and pulls me indoors from the deck and through the great room into the dining room. The long table is now covered with catering trays full of food. Some of it smells divine, and some of it I can't recognize. Alice tells me to be silent and dips her petite hand into the corner of a tray that holds steamed vegetables. I lean over to see her carefully lifting the metal bottom to reveal a hidden level of food underneath the vegetables. It looks like hot dogs. I reach in and grab one, complete with its own bun, dressed just as I like it—with mustard and onions.

We walk around the table and Alice shows me what is beneath which trays. Underneath the spinach is an assortment of French fries, onion rings, and cheese sticks. Underneath the baked chicken are hamburgers, and below the salad is a stash of nachos with individual cheese containers. I grin at Alice and load up a plate with the goodies. Alice loads up a plate of her own and I think she's crazy… I mean, unless she pulls out a deer or something, I don't think she'll be eating this evening. She fills the plate with steamed vegetables, baked chicken, an oyster dressing, and some salad. She comes around to me just as I'm shoving the last of my hamburger in my mouth. So far I have consumed a hot dog, a hamburger, three cheese sticks, two onion rings and a handful of French fries.

"Hurry up. He's coming."

She's whispering in my ear and it tickles, but I avoid giggling because I hear footsteps coming towards us. Before I know it, Alice has replaced my plate of goodies with her plate of 'Edward approved' food; and I haven't a clue where the last of my 'Bella approved' food has gone. I'm pretty full anyway, I'll just have to come back and graze some more later. When Edward walks through the doorway, he smiles brightly at my plate.

"Do you like it, Bella?"

I'm really full, but I force myself to eat a few bites anyway. I nod, doing my best to keep the peace. I really want to eat an onion ring in front of him and watch his beautiful butterscotch eyes bug out of his perfect head, but that wouldn't be fair to Alice. I eat about half of my plate and set it down.

"That was good. Thanks."

"But you've hardly eaten a thing. Please eat some more."

My inner self hides in the corner shaking her head. She can't eat another bite. But Alice is giving me this look like I'm going to pay dearly if I don't oblige him. So I pick my plate back up and nervously chew through a piece of chicken, half my salad, all of the oyster dressing, and most of the steamed vegetables. Every time I go to set my fork down, Edward raises an eyebrow at me expectantly.

"I'm really full now. Thanks, again."

Edward nods and gestures for me to come to him. I don't want to walk. My stomach is dangerously close to expelling the ungodly amount of food it has consumed this evening; but he's Edward and I can't help myself.

I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine. I'm fine.

I chant to myself, willing my stomach to comply as I approach Edward. No sooner than I am standing before him, he grabs me, tucking me tightly into his side and we're zooming out of the dining room and back on the large deck where everyone is casually mingling. The speed and wind put my stomach in a precarious position. Maybe I shouldn't have eaten the hamburger after I ate the hot dog.

We stop in front of Carlisle and Esme, both of them staring down at me with concern on their faces. Edward releases me and I wobble on my feet. I really don't feel so well. Edward zooms away and returns with a chair, which I gladly sit in. He leaves forward and brushes a few strands of hair out of my face and I smile. He's inches away from me.

"Are you feeling alright?"

I let out a breathy 'yes', and he smiles crookedly.

"Is your stomach giving you trouble?"

I stumble over my words nervously. Somehow, he knows.

"I suspect you're not feeling very well right now. A girl your size consuming all that fried food and then eating the meal I planned for you. I am surprised you have yet to puke."

I glare at him. The bastard knew what he was doing when he plied me with all that food. The smile that graces his lips is simply heavenly. God couldn't have created a more perfect creature, I have no doubt. I lose myself in his playful gaze and instinctively, I lean forward a fraction of an inch. Edward leans in as well and my stomach lurches.

Kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me!

My moment of near bliss is interrupted by Emmett clearing his throat. Edward and I glare at him. Well, I glare at him, and I'm pretending that Edward is as well. Rose has her arms crossed and is giving Emmett the dirtiest look I've ever seen her give anyone, and that's saying something. I hear her mutter "so close" and "asshole" under her breath as she turns her body away from him in an effort to ignore his presence. The look Emmett is giving Edward is curious. I'm not quite sure what it means, but he seems displeased with Edward for some reason that is beyond my comprehension. Edward turns his attention back to me and smiles.

"It's present time."

Alice walks up, a small, rectangular box in her hand. I smile, just a little nervous because it looks like a jewelry box. She extends the box towards me and everyone gathers round. I stand up because I feel a little silly being crowded around by all of them while I'm sitting down. The box is so beautifully wrapped with a silver bow on top that I almost don't want to open it. I carefully undo the bow and slide it off the box before removing the lid. Inside I find that my present from Alice is my very own American Express 'black card.' I'm not quite sure why I need one of these suckers… I mean, I never really go shopping anyway—and then it dawns on me. With my own 'black card', I can buy an Echo Charlie without the hassle of searching under mattresses for cash.

"Thank you, Alice! This is great!"

Edward is giving Alice a look, but he remains silent. Next is Jasper, who gives me a card and inside I find that he has decked out the home gym with a bunch of new equipment and a trampoline—which he thinks I'll enjoy testing my abilities with. I beam at him because I can't imagine a better teacher than Jasper. Next is Rose who tosses me a set of keys with an envelope attached to them. I barely catch the keys and the envelope almost detaches and flies into the sound. The keys are very nondescript and I eye them curiously.

"Open the envelope."

Rose's tone is clipped, but that's just how she is. I shrug it off and open the envelope. There's no card—just two three by five glossy photographs. The first is of a shiny red classic pick up, and the second looks like the same pick up, but in much worse condition. I look from the keys to the photo and back again before looking at Rose. She just nods her head and I close the three feet between us and hug her tightly. Once I realize that I'm hugging Rosalie I back off and she gently shoves me away.

"It's just a truck, hybrid."

I look at the photo again and see how painstakingly the truck has been restored.

"Thank you, Rose. This must have taken hours."

She shrugs, obviously uncomfortable with the attention. From anyone else she would be glowing with praise, but I seem to be making her uncomfortable.

"Don't think this means I like you."

I nod and grin at her like a fool. This does mean she likes me, she just won't admit it. My inner self does a little fist pump because in one night I've got my own credit card without a spending limit, my own truck—which is absolutely perfect, and Rosalie's acceptance. This night could not possibly get any better, but then I realize I have more gifts to receive and my inner self does a little dance; until she looks at Edward who seems unhappy with me having my own vehicle—particularly after I wrecked his.

Maybe this means he'll have to ride with me?

Esme gives me a long gold envelope and I open it to find a short note telling me that she, Alice, Rose, Grandma Marie, and I are all scheduled for a girl's weekend in San Francisco. She knows I've always wanted to visit. I hug her, thrilled that I'll finally get to see 'the city by the bay', and that Grandma Marie will be coming with us.

Edward stretches an arm out, holding a rectangular, black velvet jewelry box, and he almost seems nervous. I'm so overwhelmed with all of the gifts—they just keep getting better and better. I can't even imagine what's inside this box now. I take the box and smile up at him reassuringly. It's from Edward. I think I'd like it even if he gave me a pile of mouse terds.

Inside the box is a beautiful silver necklace with the Cullen crest hanging front and center. I smile because this gift signals Edward's acceptance of me as a part of his family.

"Turn it over."

Edward's voice is timid and I do as he asks. On the other side is a beautiful swan with 'Swan' written just as 'Cullen' is on the other side. I can feel the tears forming in my eyes. As much as I've been welcomed as a Cullen, they've all took care to not forget my birth father—Charlie Swan. I look back up to Edward and he smiles sadly and takes a thumb to my streaming tears, wiping them away.

"Thank you."

I can't get much out because I've literally been moved to tears. Edward nods and I can tell he knows how much this means to me. I ask him to put it around my neck and he does so, 'Cullen' side up.

"My turn!"

Emmett shouts, startling me, and irritating Rose—again. He runs off and when he returns, he's holding a large box that he sits at my feet. I swear he looks like an ADHD kid, or Alice when she's shopping. I don't think he could be happier right now. I bend down and unwrap the box to find a pair of hiking boots, a camouflage-designed poncho and a catalog for R.E.I. I pick up the boots and the poncho and laugh at Emmett.

"What's all this, Emmy?"

I see Edward out of the corner of my eye and he looks livid, positively angry. Carlisle and Rose and smirking and Alice is stifling a giggle.

"I'm going to teach you how to hunt!"

I look at the hiking boots and the poncho again, a little confused.

"Hunt?"

Oh, hunt!

I can't believe he wants me to… hunt.

"The poncho will act as a bib of sorts… the first time is always messy."

I grimace at the thought and everyone but Edward breaks into a fit of laughter. I can't hunt. I'm not drinking blood. I refuse.

"Thanks for the thought, Emmett, but uh, I'm not going down that dietary path."

"Actually, you are." Emmett is speaking with such finality that my eyes bug out and I think I'm going to be sick.

"Carlisle, I think it's your turn."

Esme's voice is soft and she's clearly trying to distract me from Emmett's plans for my diet. I'm not really sure what to say. I don't drink blood. I'm not going to be drinking blood, and I'm most certainly not going hunting! The very thought is disturbing and both of my dinners are in danger of making an appearance. I sit the boots and the poncho back into the box and move it off to the side.

The casual crowd around me starts to slowly move closer to Carlisle—all except for Edward who moves to stand half in front of me in a protective stance. I don't get it at all.

"Carlisle—I beg you not to do this."

Do what?!

My inner self is running for cover. She's unsure of what's going on, but she has no plans of sticking around to find out. I peek around Edward's lanky frame to see my family standing in a row, side by side. Carlisle and Esme are in the middle flanked by Alice and Jasper on their left, and Rose and Emmett on their right. They all look so serious, so solemn, so… so much like vampires.

Vampires!

I'm not afraid of my family, but I am intimidated by them in this moment. Even Alice sounds deadly serious.

"Edward, this is happening with or without your consent. Please move aside."

I gulp and Edward moves to the side so that he's no longer in front of me, but standing protectively beside me. I don't understand, and I'm starting to worry. Everyone's face lightens a little and Carlisle smiles.

"Isabella Marie—for your birthday, I would like to offer you a gift that you are free to refuse."

I don't understand why Carlisle thinks I would refuse his gift, but the feeling on this yacht is getting pretty ominous, and my nerves are about shot.

"If you want, and only if you want… we would like to offer you the gift of immortality."

Oh!

I stay silent, absorbing what this means. Edward moves in front of me, holding me close to him and shielding my view of the others with his back to me.

"No! I will not allow it."

"This is not your decision, Edward. Stand aside and allow Bella to make her own choices."

Carlisle sounds deadly and this stand-off between he and Edward is frightening me.

"I will tear you limb from limb and burn the pieces if you insist on offering her immortality, Father."

Edward is hissing and growling between his words and even though I'm certain he won't hurt me, I can't guarantee he won't hurt any of them.

"And that goes for the rest of you as well."

I want to stop this madness and calm him down, but I don't know how to. I can't even will myself to speak or move. Edward spins around and he's tucked me into his side again and we're flying through the yacht. We're moving so fast I can't see what's happening. I close my eyes and hold on. I don't necessarily want to be leaving with him, but I have a feeling that I haven't a choice.