Chapter 7: True Mates REBOOT

After a few minutes of puking and then dry heaving, I flushed the toilet and then fell back against the wall. I closed my eyes and tried to stop the spinning in my head. The touch of a warm cloth to my face and the smell of rain and fresh fruit made me open them. Benjamin's face was full of concern, yet his eyes were still black with anger. His voice was kind as he asked, "Are you alright angel?" I shook my head and said, "Edward was right. I was nothing more than a fucking pet to them."

A feral growl left Benjamin's throat as he lifted me up and pinned me to the wall. His voice was no longer kind as he said, "NEVER say that again! You are NOT a pet, nor a toy. You are a beautiful woman and my mate. Do not believe the words of a coward my angel." "Then why Benjamin? Why did he keep me from you?" Benjamin lowered me down and after taking me in his arms said, "I don't know Isabella, but perhaps Amun has some ideas. Shall we rejoin them angel?"

I nodded but said, "Can you bring me my bag? I need to freshen up." He nodded and handed me my bag a few minutes later. I put it on the shelf and washed my face. After that, I dug into my purse and found my travel toothbrush and toothpaste. I quickly brushed my teeth, ridding my mouth of the puke aftertaste. Finishing up, I put my things back in my bag and left the bathroom. Benjamin was waiting for me and asked, "Feeling better angel?" I nodded and said, "A little. I need to sit and relax." He nodded and we walked back into the living room.

As we entered Kebi asked, "Are you alright Bella?" I shrugged and said, "I don't know. It's not everyday you find out that the family who made you feel welcome and like one of their own was just doing it for some sick twisted game and kept me from Benjamin for some reason I almost don't want to know. I mean, why would they want to keep me from you Benjamin?"

Benjamin had placed me in his lap and I knew that if I wasn't here, he wouldn't be here either. He'd be hunting Edward Cullen and the rest of his 'family' down. His eyes were pitch black and the growl coming from deep within was continuous and menacing. Amun said, "I have no idea why Bella. To be honest, I can't see Carlisle Cullen allowing this to happen. Even when he was with the Volturi and was on their diet, he never..."

I cut him off saying, "Wait, what? Carlisle Cullen drank human blood? No way, he always said that he never tasted human blood." Amun sat down and said, "It was a hard time. He really didn't have a choice. Aro was displeased with him and didn't allow him to hunt. It was either human blood or starvation. I had hoped that he would stick with the human diet, as he was at his best on it. He was a true coven leader then. No one could challenge him."

Amun's words seemed to make sense. I went through my memories, trying to figure out what Carlisle played in all of this. He had never treated me unkindly or with disdain. Hell, he and Jasper had broken all the speed limits getting me to the hospital one day after both Edward and Alice had ignored my allergy to strawberries. So I believed that neither Carlisle or Jasper wished me harm. I wasn't so sure about the others though.

Rosalie had never been kind to me, only treating me as a 'friend' because of Emmett. Emmett had always been like a big brother to me. Along with Jasper and Carlisle, he always took care of me after Alice or Edward seemingly tried to kill me with strawberries in my food. In fact, after the first attack, he started carrying an EpiPen around just in case it happened again. After it happened every time Alice and Edward cooked, he started learning how to cook so I didn't have to worry. Sadly, Esme was no help, letting Alice and Edward cook every time I came over. So really, my only 'friends' in that family were Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett and possibly Rosalie.

I looked at Amun and asked, "Do you know the Cullens that well?" He nodded and I said, "I don't think Carlisle would. Would their diet mess with their instincts?" Amun and Benjamin looked at each other and Benjamin asked, "What do you mean Isabella?" Standing up, I began to pace. Turning to them I said, "Jasper, according to the Cullens, had the least amount of control. I remember Alice telling me to stay away from him at my party because he had 'slipped' a few days prior. I didn't believe her but stayed away because I didn't want to make him uncomfortable."

I leaned against the wall and continued, "I know that a vampire's eyes go black when they are thirsty. When Jasper came after me that night, after I got the paper cut, his eyes were still gold. I could see the red from the 'slip' Alice had told me about, but they never went black. Nor did Carlisle's. Everyone else's did." I looked at Amun and asked, "How is that possible?" He seemed to think about it for a few minutes before he said, " It is possible that when they smelled your blood, their instincts kicked in. Carlisle is around blood all day, which makes it impossible for his instincts to be repressed that much." "What do you mean?"

Amun rose from his chair and said, "First, let me start with Jasper. His instincts have never gone away. His life before the Cullens, coupled with his constant 'slip ups', have kept human blood in his system. The rest of the family may believe that drinking animal blood will rid the body of human blood, but it doesn't. It gets rid of the eye color that human drinkers are known by, but the human blood stays in our bodies no matter what. So when your blood spilt, Jasper and Carlisle probably smelt Benjamin and tried to keep you safe."

He sat back down and said, "As for Carlisle, his previous diet with the Volturi is the only reason that he can be a doctor. We are at our most controlled when on human blood. Animal blood makes us constantly thirsty. The fact that Carlisle is around human blood all day keeps his instincts intact. I believe, and truly hope, that Carlisle was trying to keep you safe so that Benjamin could find you. I hope the same goes for Jasper. Can you tell me what else happened that night?" "Well after the papercut, Edward threw me into a glass table, which cut my arm up pretty bad. I thought he had done it trying to protect me from Jasper, but now I don't think that. Carlisle rushed over and tried to stop the bleeding. Emmett and the others were trying to push Jasper out the door. Edward and Alice just stood there. She didn't go to Jasper and Edward stayed away until he dragged me home."

I stopped pacing and Benjamin pulled me back into his lap, his eyes still black. The way he ran his hands over my body told me that whatever instincts he had were barely being held back. Benjamin was pissed. To be honest, so was I. I was also feeling disgusted at the memories of Edward kissing me and touching me, as innocent as it was. I didn't want to flinch or tense up at Benjamin's touch, but it was getting harder and harder not to. Kebi brought me another smoothie, saying something about keeping me hydrated and something on my stomach. I sipped it slowly, my stomach still feeling odd.

Amun said, "Isabella, you mentioned something about Alice and Edward constantly feeding you strawberries despite knowing about your allergy. Why do you believe they did that?" I said, "Hell if I know. They probably got off on seeing me struggle for breath. At first, I just blew it off, thinking that they didn't take my allergy seriously and didn't think I was in danger if I ate even the slightest bit of strawberry. But after being taken to the hospital three times in one month, I feared for my life. I started eating before going over there so that I wouldn't have to eat." Amun nodded and said, "Well, I do need to contact the Volturi. They need to know. Not to mention that I need their guidance on how to proceed."

The anger was very evident in Benjamin's voice as he said, "How to proceed? Surely the next step is obvious Amun. We find the mind reader and the seer and rip them apart for what they have done to my Isabella!" I could understand where Benjamin was coming from, but I also wanted to know why. Forcing Benjamin to look at me I said, "Benjamin, we're both angry right now. Let Amun talk to the Volturi. As much as I hate them, I want to know what Alice and Edward did this and why Carlisle did nothing to stop it." Turning to Amun I said, "Tell the Volturi all that I have told you. But tell them that Benjamin and I want answers before any punishment is given. The Cullens owe us that fucking much."

Amun nodded and said, "I will call them now." He left the room, followed by Tia. Kebi also followed, saying as she left, "Benjamin, take Bella to the oasis. I think you both need some alone time." Benjamin nodded and said, "I have something to show you." He grabbed something out of a closet, picked me up bridal style and asked, "Do you trust me?" I nodded and suddenly we were travelling at vampire speed. I noticed, barely, that he was going a little slower, probably afraid that I was going to puke again. We stopped not too long after and once Benjamin set me on my feet, I turned and the sight before me made my jaw drop in awe, wonder and shock.

It was beautiful and so...GREEN. There were trees and bushes and flowers of every color. I could hear water falling and was curious as to how an oasis like this could have emerged. Benjamin wrapped his arms around my waist and said, "My gift has some beautiful results, doesn't it my mate?" I turned and asked, "Your gift?:" He smiled and said, "I can manipulate the elements Bella. My gift created this." I giggled and asked, "Can you show me?" He smirked and placed his hand on the sand. As he moved his hand around, the sand moved with it.

As the sand rose, it formed the shape of a heart and flower. Benjamin ran his nose along my neck and asked, "Do you want to see more of the oasis sweet girl?" I nodded and followed him in, Benjamin holding my hand as he led the way. It was so beautiful and got even more so as we went deeper within. The sound of water falling got louder and louder, which made me believe that Benjamin was wanting to go their first. After a few more minutes, we finally reached what I assumed was the center of the oasis and as soon as I gazed upon it, I could see why Benjamin had brought me here.

The waterfall was absolutely gorgeous. It wa high, which is why the water sounded so loud. The rocks were so beautiful and the water was so clear and blue that I almost didn't believe it was real. I turned to ask Benjamin and found that he had spread a large blanket out near the waterfall for us to relax on. He also had two towels folded next to him and was barefoot. Slipping off my sandals, I joined him on the blanket and just relaxed as we listened to the waterfall.

After a few moments of silence, Benjamin asked, "How are you feeling angel?" Sighing I said, "I don't know. I've got so many emotions going on I'd probably give Jasper a headache." Benjamin chuckled and then asked, "You care for him?" No hint of jealousy in his question, just mere curiosity. I nodded and said, "Even though we weren't that close, I consider Jasper my brother and friend. Same for Emmett and Carlisle, though I am really pissed off at Carlisle. He's not the coven leader he should be, according to Amun. Still, he kept me alive."

Benjamin nodded and held me close. I noticed the towels again and an idea popped into my head. Leaning up I asked, "Join me for a swim?" He smirked a little, but said, "We don't have swimwear. I can go back to..." His voice stopped as I peeled off my halter top, revealing my strapless coral bra. My capris soon followed, revealing the matching boyshorts. While he was still staring, I took off my jewelry too, leaving only my tongue ring in. I looked at Benjamin and said, "I think this will work just fine." Walking away to him still staring, I slowly entered the pool, finding the water was the perfect temperature.

I dived under the water, getting my whole body and hair wet. The water felt amazing and when I came up, Benjamin was also in the water. As soon as I spotted him, my jaw dropped. Benjamin was hot in clothes, but Benjamin wearing only a pair of snug boxer briefs? No fucking comparison. He was healthy, fit and oh so fucking sexy. He was built like a runner, so he wasn't overly muscled. The muscles that he had fit his body type and he was just sexy to look at.

He caught me staring and smirked. He slowly got into the pool of water and then disappeared. I quickly turned, wondering where the hell he went when a tug on my foot dragged me briefly under the water. Breaching the surface again, I saw Benjamin all wet and laughing at me. I tried to swat at him, but he caught my hand gently and pulled me to him. The kiss he gave me made my insides melt and my toes curl. I brought my arms around his neck and his found their way to my ass and upper thighs as he wrapped my legs around his waist. He did it slowly, giving me time to stop him. I didn't, because it felt so right.

He broke the kiss a few moments later, but didn't move my legs from his waist. Looking into my eyes he said, "I love you so much Isabella. My heart it yours." I smiled and said, "I love you too Benjamin." He smiled and we started kissing again. It was so passionate that I believed that I was ready to become his in every way, apart from being turned. As we kissed, I reached behind me and tried to undo the clasp on my bra. Benjamin felt me doing so and his hand covered mine. Pulling away slightly and setting me down in the water, he said, "Bella, no."

I flinched. Rejected again. I snorted in disbelief and swam away. I reached the ground and went to the blanket. Grabbing one of the towels, I started drying off. I heard Benjamin come out of the water as well, but didn't look at him, not wanting to see the disgust in his eyes. It had to be disgust, because why else would he be pushing me away. I know that the spot wasn't ideal for giving myself to him, but really what did that matter?

Luckily the heat of the desert quickly dried my underwear, so I started getting dressed, no longer comfortable in just my bra and boyshorts. Pulling on my capris, I was reaching for my halter top when Benjamin grabbed my arm and said, "Bella, please let me explain." I pulled away and ignored him. I didn't want to hear it. No doubt he was going to use the same bullshit excuses as Edward did. Something along the lines of 'It's too dangerous' or 'It's not safe Bella.' It didn't matter, I was tired of hearing it and if this was what was in my future as the human mate of a vampire, I wasn't going to do it anymore.

I was about to grab my shoes and bag when Benjamin spun me around and said, "Isabella, you will not give me this cold shoulder. Now if you will stay still and listen, I will explain why I said no." "Don't bother. I know why. You don't want me in that way. It's too fucking dangerous or some other kind of bullshit. Fuck you Benjamin, you lied to me. You said that you would only reject me if we weren't in the mood or if I was sick. I'm perfectly healthy and you were into it as well as me. So just stop fucking with my head and take me back to the hotel."

I looked up and he was furious. Why, I didn't know or care. I turned and started to walk away. A sudden rush later, I was pinned underneath him on the blanket. His grip on my arms was gentle, yet unbreakable. I wasn't going anywhere until he let me. His eyes were dark, unlike the bright red of earlier. I had pissed him off. Oh fucking well.

He seemed to be gathering his thoughts for a few moments before he said, "You will never speak like to me again. I know and remember what I told you and I don't need a reminder. Now, the reason I said no and pushed you away earlier is not because I don't want you." He broke off and rolled his hips into mine. He was HARD. Okay, so it wasn't out of lack of desire. I waited to hear what came out of his mouth next.

He took an unneeded deep breath and then said, "The reason I pushed you away is because I was unsure if you were wanting me because of our bond or because of what you heard today." I started to object, but fell short. I remembered my earlier disgust at the memories of Edward's lips on mine and the miniscule touches he would allow himself to give me I had wanted to erase all of that from my skin and that's when I realized that he was right. I hadn't wanted Benjamin because of our bond. I had wanted him just to erase the disgust of the past. Tears began to fall down my face as the truth hit me.

Benjamin released my wrists and gathered me in his arms as I cried. I must have apologized a thousand times in those moments. I hated that I had done it and just when our bond was probably at its most vulnerable. Benjamin just held me and let me cry. After a few moments, the tears finally stopped and I was able to lift my head to look at him. He just smiled and said, "I know that you want me Bella, but not now. We are still getting to know each other and frankly I want our first time to be special. While this oasis is amazing, it is not the place I had in mind for that moment in our lives together. Just a little longer my angel and it will happen, I promise."

I nodded and said, "Do you forgive me?" "Always Isabella. You did nothing wrong, rest assured of that." At that moment, my phone went off. It was Aleena, asking if Benjamin and I wanted to meet her at Club Phoenix. Showing the message to Benjamin I asked, "Do you want to go?" He nodded and asked, "Do you think Aleena would mind if we brought Tia along? I don't want to leave her by herself tonight." I shook my head and said, "Of course she can come. I want Aleena to meet her anyway." At his raised eyebrow I said, "You have no idea how much I wanted to tell Aleena of how serious our relationship is going to be. She knows nothing of the world I am apart of and I know that unless she is mated to another vampire, I will lose her. Not to mention that if we need to figure out what we are going to do about my change. I'm supposed to go to UCLA with Aleena this fall, but if I'm going to be changed soon, that may not happen."

Benjamin smiled at my attempts to matchmake his sister and Aleena together and said, "Well we shall see what happens between them and you are right, we do need to discuss your change. For now, let's get back to the house so I can change and then we'll head to the hotel so you can change as well." I smirked and said, "I had a feeling that we'd be going to the club, so I have clothes already. I just need to shower and change if I can at your house." He nodded and redressed. Afterwards, he picked me up and we raced back to the house.

Time to see if my hopes of keeping at least part of my family in my life would come true...

AN: Okay, so their first 'fight'...how do you think it went. Up next: Aleena and Tia meet. Will they be mates? Also, a phone call from home changes the plans of all involved and may bring a confrontation closer than originally planned out...Stay tuned