Sorry for the wait. I'm not going to make up some fantastical excuse about not writing because there isn't one. I just had mad writer's block, it wasn't even funny. Rosalie and Edward were staring me down for almost two months; and that wasn't helping anybody. But I'm back with a new chapter and a new Penname: Miss Elaine Cullen. So if you have me on author alert, just remember Mystery is now Elaine and we'll be cool. Love you guys for loving this story, I really do. Hopefully Edward and Rosalie will decide to do something naughty so I'll have a chapter fast.

XOXO


Chapter Eight: Cinders and Smoke

-"Grey Stables" by Iron & Wine

Rosalie woke up with a blinding headache. She sat up slowly on her elbows and looked around. She was tucked safely in Edward's bed with the curtains drawn. There was a steaming mug of something on the nightstand beside her and upon further inspection Rosalie discovered it was blood. She shrank away from the cup with a disgusted expression. But she was curious. Looking around once again Rosalie picked up the mug and took a sip. She gagged. It was thick and viscous with a metallic taste that reminded her of pennies.

"How can they drink this?" she said to no one in particular.

Rosalie folded the covers back and turned to her side. At least Edward had her dressed comfortably, even if it was black lace underwear.

The door opened slightly and Edward entered quietly. Rosalie sat on the sofa to wait for him to speak to her. He padded over to the nightstand to get his mug and sat beside her with an exasperated sigh. He sat back against the sofa and tipped the mug against his pale lips. Rosalie watched Edward drink with wide-eyed fear.

"You drank this, correct?" he said, setting the mug down. Rosalie could see a red tinge on his lips from the blood.

"Yes. I did."

Edward licked his lips and took another gulp from the cup. Rosalie had to suppress a gag.

"Kiss me."

"Pardon?"

Edward cocked his head down so Rosalie could stare into his eyes, "Kiss me pet. It's been a stressful day."

Rosalie made a face pressed her lips against Edward's chilly ones in a poor attempt for a kiss. She was surprised when she felt blood seep into her mouth along with a bittersweet fluid she couldn't place. Edward pulled away and licked his lips.

"You just drank your own blood."

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Edward watched Rosalie sleep. It had become a habit for him now. Rosalie would eat as they watched television or sometimes he'd play the piano. He sighed, stroking her hair lightly. Could he make Rosalie a vampire? It wouldn't be hard; her family had probably given up searching for her so they wouldn't be in any danger of being discovered. No, this wasn't what kept Edward from turning her. Could he truly live with himself if he turned Rosalie into a monster?

He didn't have the choice himself. Carlisle had turned him to save his life; he'd been dying from Spanish Influenza at the time. If he hadn't been turned… Edward shuddered at the thought of death. Carlisle and Esme had been so giving to him, so kind. They were everything he could wish for in parents. But he still longed… longed for someone. Edward sighed, letting his head fall back against the sofa.

"What are you getting yourself into?" he mused.

"EDWARD!"

"Fuck…" Edward hissed, knowing the angry voice instantly.

Rosalie stirred by his side, her arms curling around his torso tightly. She mumbled something incoherent as she snuggled closer to him. Edward slipped from her embrace, wrapped her in one of the mink blankets on the sofa, and glided gracefully out the door to the foyer.

"EDWARD!"

"Calm down Emmett." Edward said smoothly, "Do you have any idea what time it is?"

Emmett, possibly this biggest vampire Edward had ever seen, was also his best friend. He was Bella's older brother and the one who turned her in the first place. Emmett was 6'3 and all muscle, his hair was dark brown and had child-like dimples when he smiled. Usually, he was extremely jovial and Edward wondered what had gotten his friend so worked up. It didn't take long for him to figure it out; Emmett's thoughts were practically screaming at him.

Emmett snorted, "Does it matter what time it is?"

"It does," Edward said, "I had a hard day and was hoping for a little quiet."

"Tough noogies, so did I." Emmett said sharply, "Did you know about Bella and…that…thing?"

Edward swallowed with discomfort, "She did mention it to me."

Emmett started to pace, "She and that dog are running away together to get married or some shit! I mean, I can't believe she's doing this to me!"

For once in his life Edward didn't know what to say. Bella and Emmett were both like family. He sighed deeply, catching Rosalie's scent. Edward froze, knowing Emmett smelled it too. Emmett didn't have the self control Bella had, he was pure impulse. Many a pet had been "lost" to Emmett's appetite. Rosalie was ascending the stairs, looking every bit the Hollywood pinup in her deep purple corset, frilly black skirt, and sheer stockings. She had the mink blanket wrapped around her shoulders; Edward could see the white peaks of her cleavage under it.

"Don't move Rosalie." He said quickly.

Emmett looked at her hungrily, "You didn't tell me you were eating."

Edward rushed to Rosalie's side, draping his arm around her, "This is Rosalie. My pet, she is not for eating."

Rosalie gulped, "It's nice to meet you sir."

"Can't I just have a sip?" Emmett begged, "I promise not to take too much."

"No!" Edward about roared.

"Jesus ease up. I was just asking."

Rosalie shivered. Edward's eyes looked so wild. She had to remember he wasn't human. He was a monster. She wanted nothing to do with him. Edward stroked the side of her cheek with his cool hand,

"Go upstairs, my Rose. I'll be up in a moment."

Rosalie spared Emmett a final look, "It was nice meeting you sir." She all but dashed up the stairs and down the hall to Edward's room where she knew she was safe.

Emmett seemed in higher spirits, "What a piece off ass. I didn't know you had it in you Edward."

Edward rolled his eyes, "Why does everyone keep saying that?"

"Edward!" Esme sweet voice called.

Why did everyone need him? Edward winced, knowing exactly what was in store for him.

"Yes Esme?"

Esme came bustling into the foyer; her Christian Louboutins clacked on the polished marble floor. She commanded attention, even in a room with gigantic Emmett.

"Did you forget Tanya's birthday?" she said, her red lips pursing at the mention of horrible Tanya.

"No I didn't," Edward said, "it's tomorrow."

Esme nodded, "And that you are her escort for the evening?"

Shit I actually did forget about that, Edward thought, chuckling to himself. He was so busy solving Emmett and Bella's problem he'd forgotten about his own.

"You and Tanya? Now I've heard everything." Emmett said, "But you still haven't solved my problem yet."

"What problem?" Esme asked. Even though Emmett and Bella weren't related to them she still treated them like her children.

"Bella ran off with a werewolf." Edward elaborated, waiting for his mother's disgusted gasp.

"Goodness!" Esme said, "I thought Bella had more sense than that."

"I guess not." Emmett growled.

"I think it's a good thing."

Everyone looked up. Rosalie was sitting in the stairway, her cheek pressed against the banister. Her golden hair was falling over one shoulder and her lips looked moist like she'd just we them. Edward could hear Emmett's thoughts of killing her but he could also sense restraint.

"Why do you say that?" Edward asked.

Rosalie's cheeks darkened with a rosy blush, "Everyone deserves to be happy."

Emmett raised his eyebrows, "Have you ever been in love?" he asked rudely, "Because if you had you wouldn't be so gung-ho about it."

"Emmett!" Esme and Edward snapped in unison.

Rosalie let out a shaky sigh and thought about her pathetic life. No, she hadn't been in love. The only real love of her life had…she didn't want to think about it. She'd always kept a stiff upper lip about her first and only boyfriend. No one knew about him except Vera. No one could ever find out.

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Rosalie sat in the steaming bathtub with her back pressed against Edward's chest. She was enjoying her time with him, although she didn't want to. Every moment she thought of escape but it dissipated when Edward touched her or even spoke her name. This isn't a fairy tale Rose, she thought, pushing her hair over her shoulder, He won't change for you. You're only a plaything, when he's done with you he'll get another and you'll get to go home.

"Why do you keep insinuating that I'll grow bored with you?" Edward asked answering her thought.

Rosalie sunk deeper into the bath, "I'm sure I'm not the first 'pet' you've had."

"And what if you are?"

"Then I'm sorry." Rosalie said, "I might be a poor excuse for a pet but I will get out of this place one day and escape you."

Edward gave an amused chuckle, "I'm sure you will my Rose."


Very interesting. Next chapter (hopefully quickly this time!) Rosalie and Seth bonding, maybe a lemon, and Tanya's birthday. And you know Rosalie won't like that hussy schmoozing her man! Girl Fight! I digress, I hope you liked this chapter. Please Review.

XOXO