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Chapter 9
Bella's POV
I wish I could sleep. I wasn't tired but I wanted to dream. I wanted to think tired thoughts and dream of fantastical things. It was strange never feeling tired, sleepy, worn out. I was always ready for anything, slightly on edge. Right now I was slightly on edge staring out of Edwards's bedroom window and thinking a million thoughts all at once. I was reliving the past few days. The clearing, being changed, the talk with Jacob, the tree...
In between thoughts of Alice and the Volturi my mind went back to the walk with Jacob, the way it had been awkward at first, then how we had challenged each other, we raced each other, we laughed, we played, and we joked. It had almost been normal...except for the fact that when we played he turned into a giant wolf and I could uproot ancient trees.
Unlike my human memories, which were faded and dream-like, the memory of my time with Jacob earlier today was pristine! I could remember every breath he took, every thing we saw and every word that was said. I was so angry at him when he told me what he had done! My stony body shook with rage and I imagined myself ripping him apart limb from limb. I almost hated him! How could he do that?! What the hell was he thinking?! Exposing himself to Charlie like that! Changing into a wolf right in front of him! What if he'd lost control and Charlie had gotten hurt?! I never would have forgiven Jacob for that. I grinned as I remembered yelling at Jacob, the names I had called him, the threats I had used...he actually looked scared at one point! Although I was so angry at him, I realised that what he had done was actually...brilliant! My father didn't know the specifics. He didn't know about vampires, he just knew about werewolves and that there was something different about me. Charlie wouldn't ask questions, he'd either accept it or he wouldn't. If he accepted it then I knew he would help make things a lot easier for me. I was so grateful to Jacob. He had put himself in so much danger; if the pack had found out what he had done I had no idea what they would do to him...or Charlie! I would protect them; I'd protect both of them. Now I just had to wait for Charlie to call me tomorrow. Just a few more hours. I hadn't seen him in so long, it felt like years but I knew it was only four days. It must have been killing him not being able to see me.
My thoughts on Jacob were exhausted. I let my mind wander now to Alice. I was grateful that Edward couldn't read my thoughts, and that I could no longer blush. Hearing him on the piano downstairs warmed my heart, so how come I didn't feel guilty about what had happened with Alice? I closed my eyes, remembering every touch, every kiss, the way our bodies moved together, the way we breathed heavily even though there was no need for it. It was exquisite. Nothing like the tenderness of Edward, but something else, something just as meaningful, I couldn't put my finger on it. Giving up trying to find the answer I headed downstairs just as I heard the phone ring, before the end of the first ring it had been answered and I could hear Carlisle's voice wafting up stairs.
Clearing the distance from the top step to the ground floor in less than a second I walked through the house until I found Edward. He was sat at the piano, his fingers flying swiftly across the keys. The music was sublime! Elegant and delicate, confident and melodic, he was a musical genius. His music was flowing through me, calming my mind and trying to warm my cold heart. With my new, impeccable sight I was almost surprised I couldn't see the notes floating through the air. I positioned myself behind him, sliding my pale, slender arms around his neck and down his chest. His solid chest twitched as his arms moved and his fingers glided from one side of the piano to the other. I was almost hypnotised as I watched every movement his hands were making. I could see every bend, every lift, every drop; my eyes were calculating the amount of pressure being exerted by his fingers while my mind was busy being soothed by the sounds his fingers were making. It was utterly and completely hypnotic.
"Bella? Bella?" I hadn't realised my name was being called, I hadn't even realised his fingers were no longer moving and were instead tangled within my own.
"Hmm? Sorry, what?" I looked into his eyes, they were deeper than I remembered them being, they almost glowed.
"Just making sure you're OK love." He smiled up at me, craning his neck as I lowered my face to his. Our lips brushed and electricity passed between us. The kiss was cut short by Carlisle entering the room, a grim look souring his usually optimistic face.
"Bella, Edward, I need to speak with you a moment." He left the room as silently as he had entered. Edward and I exchanged worried glances but followed Carlisle without hesitation. We found him in his office, staring at the photographs on his wall.
"I just had a phone call," he breathed the words heavily, his shoulders heaving, "the Volturi will be here in two days, they want to see Bella." We both stood there, slightly in shock. I expected this, we knew they would come, but to hear it confirmed kind of hammered it home to us.
"If you wish Bella, we can make arrangements for Charlie to be kept safe." Carlisle was facing us now, his eyes serious, his mouth a tight line.
"Please Carlisle, if it's possible."
Edward snorted loudly. "It's possible. Emmett's been complaining that since you've been turned he doesn't have any fun anymore, he'll be more than happy to help." Carlisle and I both grinned at Edwards words, our grins were stretched further when we heard Emmett's voice shout from downstairs. "More than happy to help my little sis!" I could barely contain my laughter. However as soon as thoughts of the Volturi entered my brain again I became sombre and silent. They still scared me.
"One more thing, they're bringing Gabe with them." Edward's faced transformed into the dictionary definition of serious. I was perplexed.
"Gabe? Who's Gabriel?" My face darted between the two of them, wishing I could hear both of their thoughts.
"Not Gabriel, Gabe. It's German for gift. He's an ancient Vampire, almost as old as the Volturi themselves. They treasure him almost as much as the treasure Jane." Carlisle's voice was as serious and steady and as Edwards face. I didn't say anything, hoping that one of them would offer an explanation.
"Gabe is very mysterious," Carlisle chose his words carefully, pausing and looking at Edward, only continuing after Edward had nodded in agreement. "He's very useful to the Volturi; he can provide them with useful information about people and vampires, well vampires mostly." Edward snorted again; however this snort was different that the first, this was a snort of disgust. "Gabe is able to discover the talents of vampires, they're gifts if you will, he has a very appropriate name."
"What's wrong with that?" Nothing Carlisle had so far sounded bad, actually I was quite interested now, I had been wondering if I had any special gifts. I already knew that Edward couldn't hear my thoughts but I wanted something cooler, like astral projection or the ability to teleport! Yeah, teleportation would be cool!
"It's the way he discovers them and what happens after that's the problem."
"What do you mean?" I had a horrible sinking feeling in my stomach, I wasn't sure I wanted to know.
"Gabe has to bite a vampire to learn of their gifts. He drinks their blood. However in doing so he also acquires their gift for a short time. The Volturi have been known to use this mercilessly against their enemies."
I shuddered. It was sickening to think that this man, Gabe, was going to drink my blood! It was even worse to think that if he were to do that to any of the Cullens he could use what he gained against them. A vampire who could hear thoughts, see the future, affect emotions and was incredibly strong and fast sounded pretty much unbeatable and nightmarish to me. Edward snaked his arms around my waist, his hands spreading across my stomach, calming me.
"There's another thing. If Aro finds something he believes is intriguing or useful, then problems may arise." Carlisle's voice was steady but his eyes were worried.
"Problems, what kind of problems?" I locked hands with Edward, taking strength from the feel of his cold skin against my own.
"He may try and take you away. The Volturi are sticklers for the rules, except where their own interests are concerned." Edward grunted in response, his eyes darkening as his arms tightened around me.
"Well, I've never been exceptional so why would he ever worry himself about me?!" I tried to make light of the situation even though my stomach was churning.
With a nod of his head, Edward led me out of Carlisle's office, leaving Carlisle staring at the wall.
"Don't worry love; I won't let anything happen to you." He kissed the top of my head lightly, his lips brushing against my hair.
"Shouldn't I be taking care of you? I'm stronger than you now, remember?" He chuckled and I joined in. His perfect faced creased into a smile, allowing the dim light to shine on his perfectly gleaming teeth.
"Actually, speaking of stronger..." I stepped away from Edward, a large smile spreading across my face. "Emmett?" I called his name, barely even raising my voice and Emmett appeared in front of me less than two seconds later.
"Yes sis? How may I be of service?" His eyes were laughing and his smile was wider than my own.
"I was just wondering if you wanted an arm wrestle?" He laughed his booming laugh and Edward smiled wider, his golden eyes sparkling with excitement.
"OK, but I won't go easy on you."
"Not on my table!" Esme's voice was loud coming from the kitchen and a second later, we were surrounded by the entire Cullen family, all of them grinning.
Emmett led the way outside, pointing towards a large boulder; I walked towards it and knelt down. If I were still human the hard road beneath my knees would have been painful, as it was I barely even noticed it at all.
Edward and Alice were taking bets while Jasper was weighing up the possible outcomes. Esme and Carlisle were holding hands, both of them grinning while Rosalie was rolling her eyes and running her fingers through her perfect hair.
"Come on then sis; show me what you're made of!" I rested my arm on the boulder, griping Emmett's bear-claw of a hand. I matched the pressure he exerted and braced my arm, ready for his attack.
"Ready?" I was barely whispering but I knew he heard me; he nodded his head and smiled, confidence and arrogance all over his face.
"Let's go." He started to push against my hand, his fingers gripping in. I could see his muscles flex and his eyes closed slightly. He was surprised by the lack of movement he was causing. I wasn't even trying. I let him push and push, his arms tensing tighter and his hand gripping mine even harder. I could hear Alice's chuckles and Edwards statements of pride. Jasper was somewhat surprised and Rosalie now seemed interested. After maybe a minute I started to fight back. Emmett was grunting, his eyes focused and determined.
"Are you ready?" I couldn't keep the smile out of my voice; it was hard to stop myself from laughing.
"Ready for what?" I could hear the strain in his voice, he was trying so hard to pin my hand. I glanced at Edward; his beautiful face was smiling wide. My eyes darted to Alice; she was staring straight into my eyes. A shiver ran down my spine. Without moving my eyes from Alice's face I pushed my hand forward. Just a small push, as if I was opening a door and I heard a deafening crack. The Cullens all burst into loud cheers, even Rosalie was laughing. I looked down at my hand. Emmett's hand was beneath my own, buried in a pile of crumbled rock and rock dust. I had destroyed the boulder Wow I really was strong! I jumped up excitedly, bouncing on the spot! Emmett was grumbling, walking away with his head bowed, heading for the arms of Rosalie.
"Ha! Did you see that? She beat Emmett! Jasper did you see?!" Alice was almost as excited as I was; she was bouncing around, dancing in circles, her arms above her head. I was laughing along with Edward and Alice when a sweet scent crawled up my nose. I sniffed the air, allowing the scent to enter my bloodstream. My throat burned slightly. I swallowed and doused the flames...it was human and it was close, coming closer.
"It's Charlie." Edward was talking more to Alice than to me. Charlie, he was coming here. I was excited, nervous, scared. I could remember the rush of adrenaline that should have been flooding my system. Now, all that I could feel was a slight tickling in my stomach. God how I missed adrenaline!
"How long?" Alice looked almost as excited as I did, I guessed she missed Charlie too.
"Maybe two minutes." Two minutes?! I'd missed Charlie so much. He would be the first human I had seen after the change...unless you counted Jacob.
It felt as if I'd blinked and the two minutes had passed. I had been ushered inside, advice had been thrown at me; remember to blink, fidget, breathe, don't make eye contact for too long, play with my hair, sigh, lick my lips. I absorbed it all and before I knew it there was a knock at the front door.
"Charlie, what a pleasant surprise," Carlisle had answered the door, he was exuding his regular charm.
"Carlisle, I need to speak to Bella." I was shocked at the rudeness in Charlie's voice, even more shocked when he pushed his way past Carlisle and into the living room.
"Bella?" He was searching the beautiful faces, his eyes passed over my face, it took him a few seconds to realise that my face was the face he was searching for.
"Bella, is that you?" He looked shocked and confused. I could see his eyes, so much like my own, darting all over my features, trying to find something familiar.
"It's me Dad." I stood up and stepped closer to him. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed Jasper flinch, he was still waiting for my newborn-side to kick in. I also saw Alice shake her head at him; everything was going to be ok.
"What happened...wait I don't want to know. It's one of those things isn't it? What Jacob was on about, it'd be better if I didn't know." He was babbling to himself, scratching the back of his neck and looking around the room.
"Dad, I'm OK. Everything's OK." We talked for a few hours. Charlie didn't bring up what had happened to me and neither did I. It was the best way. We talked about the future, about how Charlie could help me, about the next time we would see each other. It was decided that Charlie would let the school know that I had gone to live with Renee. Then I could go to college and nobody would be any the wiser as to my current situation.
The goodbyes came all too soon. Before I knew what was happening Charlie was walking towards the door. His arms were around me and he shivered as he felt my cool skin. He was gone then. In his car and reversing away. Edward had his arms around me and was resting his head on my shoulder.
"It's OK love. He's going to be OK." He kissed my cheek softly and I noticed Alice look away suddenly before walking out the back door.
"We'll make sure he's safe while the Volturi are here. Emmett or Jasper will never be more than 50 metres away from him at all times." He was brushing his lips along my neck down, sending electric sparks down my spine.
"That's good, that's very good." His hands were tracing their way across my stomach, tickling me softly as he gently grazed his teeth along my neck.
"What do you want to do now love?" His breath was cool against my ear and the words made my knees weak.
"I can think of a few things." I turned in his arms and pressed my lips hard against his. I wound my arms around his neck and pulled him closer to me. I pressed my body to his, moulding myself to his shape. I could feel the dead heat rising inside me. I wanted him more than ever. From the way he was kissing me, moving his hands down my body and gripping onto me I could tell that he wanted me too.
What was I doing? Just yesterday I had slept with Alice and now I was lying in bed, naked, next to Edward. We had been at it all night. We were driven by something stronger than the thirst, if that was even possible. I still didn't feel guilty, just confused. I had imagined myself with Alice last night. I scolded myself for letting my mind wander. I scolded myself again for not talking to Alice yesterday. We needed to talk about this...again...and hopefully avoid a repeat of what had happened in the tree. The talk might have to wait though. The Volturi would be here tomorrow, early tomorrow. We had to prepare, we had to organise.
Charlie was safe. Emmett was with him, hiding in the woods. IF anything had even looked down the street in the wrong way Emmett would be there. Carlisle had been preparing me for Gabe. Instructing me on how not to antagonise him, how to best please the Volturi without provoking their interests. It was a lot to take in. I had to treat them like royalty but not be too submissive. I had to be respectful and yet independent. I had to lower my guard and yet remain alert at all times. So many things to do. Edward and Jasper were accompanying Esme on her hunting trip. They'd gone far over the mountains, looking for lions, trying to loosen up before the Volturi arrived. I was at the house, listening to Carlisle intently, waiting for him to finish so I could talk to Alice again.
"Well I think that's it. You should be OK, we won't let them do anything to hurt you Bella, don't worry." Carlisle smiled his gleaming smile and I felt calm almost immediately. With a polite goodbye, Carlisle went to the hospital, some guy had almost chopped his arm off in a car crash and Carlisle was urgently needed. I paced the living room for a few moments, collecting my thoughts, organising them in my mind. I took an unnecessary breathe and started walking upstairs.
"Alice? Are you busy?" I stood outside of her door, shifting my weight nervously from one foot to the other.
"Not busy at all. What is it?" The door opened and I walked into her room. It was so dark, the curtains were drawn and the lights were out. I didn't need the light to be able to see though. Alice was sat in the middle of her bed, her legs crossed, looking at me stood by the door. I closed the door behind me, not wanting to take another step into the room, afraid of what the consequences might be if I got too close.
"Can we talk?" I gripped onto the door handle, letting go suddenly when I hear the metal crack under my fingers.
"Do you want me to let you know how this conversation is going to go?" I could see her grinning at me through the dark? I nodded my head, biting my lip to stop myself from saying anything.
"Well, you're going to try and figure out why we did what we did, I'm going to tell you I don't know, you're going to also say you don't know, I'm going to get off the bed, you're going to start walking towards me, we both lose our concentration and then..." She didn't need to continue. I just nodded my head and turned to leave the room. Alice's hand slammed against the door, keeping it shut.
"Please don't go." Her body was so close to mine, I could feel her breath on my neck. I shut my eyes, taking a deep breath before I turned around.
Alice was so close to me, I could almost feel her lips against my own. My chest was heaving as I dragged the breath into my body. I couldn't look Alice in the face; I didn't have the self-control to deal with that.
"Please don't go." Alice's voice was pleading, her body was moving closer to my own. Her hand was sliding up my arm, coming to rest on my elbow. I managed to lift my eyes away from her lips, staring into those deep pools of honey.
"Bella?" Alice's voice was becoming urgent. I knew what I should do, but that was totally different to what I wanted to do.
"I'll stay." The words flew out of mouth, my stomach did a back flip and my mind went numb. Alice's face lit up into a dazzlingly beautiful smile and I let her lead me over to the bed.
