Hi and welcome to the last chapter for my re-telling of Eclipse. I enjoyed writing this one a lot! (I think because of the, er, activities going on at the meadow, Edward is sexy) I was thinking of actually doing one part from Jacob's POV. I'd post it as an 'extra' to this story.

Thanks to everyone who's reviewed! Especially those of you who faithfully reviewed each chapter, you rock!

I'm following pages 615 - 620. Forgive my punctuation errors, as I've kept this story beta-less.

I don't own Twilight or Eclipse, I just like to get into Edward's head.


Possession – Part 9

I was concentrating on Bella's face, wondering why she had just corralled Alice into coordinating an event she'd previously found to be such a burden. Why the sudden change of heart? She only looked back at me with her usual expression of love and, I still found this amazing, trust.

My frustration at being blocked from her thoughts reached new heights. I needed to know what she was thinking. I needed to tell her that what she wanted was paramount. My needs were secondary, as they always should have been.

"Let's get out of here," I said abruptly. "Let's go to our meadow." I was fairly certain it was a suggestion Bella wouldn't turn down. She seemed surprised at the idea.

"I guess I don't have to hide out anymore, do I?"

"No. The danger is behind us." Reassured, Bella nodded and I bent down so she could climb onto my back.

We didn't speak much as I ran swiftly through the forest. It was cloudy, but temperate. A usual day for Forks.

Once at the meadow, Bella hopped down, smiling as she took in the familiar surroundings. She lay down on the damp grass, content to relax among the flowers. I lay down next to her, taking her hand as I did so.

"August thirteenth?" I asked, after a few minutes.

"That gives me a month till my birthday. I didn't want to cut it too close," she explained. I had thought it'd be for some such reason. She was still determined to be changed, only now I was no longer trying to dissuade her. I'd made an agreement and I intended to see it through.

If she loved me enough to give up her human life and join me, then the least I could do was acquiesce to her wishes. I still had a hard time admitting that, deep down, it was my wish too. Though the idea of leaving her souless still didn't sit well with me.

"Esme is three years older than Carlisle – technically. Did you know that?" I looked at her. Bella shook her head. "It hasn't made any difference to them." I wanted to let her know that she could take her time, or stay human if she chose. It wouldn't make my love for her any less.

"My age is not really that important. Edward, I'm ready. I've chosen my life - now I want to start living it." She was very calm. I could tell she was serious, and meant exactly what she said.

"The guest list veto?" I asked, stroking her dark hair.

"I don't care really, but I...I'm not sure if Alice would feel the need to invite...a few werewolves. I don't know if...Jake would feel like...like he should come. Like that's the right thing to do, or that I'd get my feelings hurt if he didn't. He shouldn't have to go through that." A look of guilt passed over her face.

I hated that she felt guilty, when the guilt was all mine. I hated that she still suffered because of me. I didn't mind the idea of having Jacob at the wedding. I would've wanted the same courtesy extended to me.

I stared at her face, trying to discover the real reason Bella had agreed to have an actual wedding. Was it solely to please me? It would be so like her, ignoring her own wants to gratify mine.

She only smiled lovingly at me, which didn't provide the answer I needed. Impulsively, I grabbed her around the waist, pulling her so that she was lying against my chest.

"Tell me why you're doing this, Bella. Why did you decide, now, to give Alice free reign?"

"It wouldn't be fair to keep Charlie out of this. And that means Renee and Phil. I might as well let Alice have her fun too. Maybe it will make the whole thing easier for Charlie if he gets his proper goodbye," she paused, "At least my mom and dad and my friends will know the best part of my choice, the most I'm allowed to tell them. They'll know I chose you, and they'll know we're together. They'll know I'm happy, wherever I am. I think that's the best I can do for them."

I cupped her face with one hand, searching deep into her eyes. Yes, I concluded, she's still living her life according to what others would want, not what she would want. That wasn't right or acceptable. It had to stop now.

"Deal's off," I declared. Bella's face fell in horror.

"What? You're backing out? No!" She cried, clearly mistaking my meaning.

"I'm not backing out, Bella. I'll still keep my side of the bargain. But you're off the hook. Whatever you want, no strings attached."

"Why?" Bella's face showed her shock at my 180 degree turn around.

"Bella, I see what you're doing. You're trying to make everyone else happy. And I don't care about anyone else's feelings. I only need you to be happy. Don't worry about breaking the news to Alice. I'll take care of it. I promise she won't make you feel guilty." In my desire to get my meaning across, my words were coming out rather rushed.

"But I – " Bella tried to interrupt. I knew what she was going to say, that she really wanted this, that we couldn't change our minds now. I wasn't having any of it. No more martyrdom for Bella.

"No. We're doing this your way. Because my way doesn't work. I call you stubborn, but look at what I've done. I've clung with idiotic obstinacy to my idea of what's best for you, though it's only hurt you. Hurt you so deeply, time and time again. I don't trust myself anymore." It was true, all of my decisions, that had seemed necessary at the time, ended up backfiring badly. Because of me two innocent people, one being my heart and soul, were hurting. It couldn't continue.

"You can have happiness your way. My way is always wrong. So, we're doing it your way, Bella. Tonight. Today. The sooner the better. I'll speak to Carlisle. I was thinking that maybe if we gave you enough morphine, it wouldn't be so bad. It's worth a try." I grit my teeth, not wanting to think about the pain that the transformation would entail.

Carlisle and I had discussed the use of morphine during transformation. He was of the opinion that it would help. At least it couldn't hurt to try. If I could spare Bella the agony of turning then it would be worth it. I began thinking about where in our home we would do it. Jasper would have to stay away, of course. But Alice would want to be there, and probably Esme would as well.

"Edward, no-" Bella tried to say again, breaking into my planning. She was looking rather anxious after listening to my tirade. No Bella, I haven't discounted your chief demand. We're going to do this entirely your way. I couldn't deny it was something I wanted, probably even more desperately than she did.

I put a finger on her lips to silence her. "Don't worry, Bella, love. I haven't forgotten the rest of your demands."

I knew how much she wanted this. After that night we spent alone in my house, I'd found myself contemplating it numerous times. I had wanted to do it right, by my standards, and wait until we were married. But, today's world was different and it was what she wanted. Who was I to deny her?

With both apprehension and anticipation, I brought her face to mine, capturing her lips with my own. Her scent washed over me, making venom pool in my mouth. I kept my lips firmly closed, as I moved them over hers. She was so very warm in my arms; I relished the feel of her against me.

I could feel her heart rate pick up as I threaded my hands into her hair. Bella gripped my arms, pushing herself more closely to me, as she responded to my kiss with passion.

As I became accustomed to having her scent so close to me, I kissed her with growing fervour. Despite my reservations about making love to her as a human, this felt right. Our bodies melded together in a perfect fit and I loved her. Perhaps she was right, it would be physically impossible for me to hurt her because of that love.

Feeling the need rising within me, I rolled us over so that Bella's was lying with her back to the ground, making sure I wouldn't crush her under my weight. The kiss became more insistent, and I could hear Bella's heart racing in her chest. God help me, but I wanted her. I would have to be very careful to keep myself under control, and she was making that a difficult task.

Bella broke the kiss, gasping for air. I took the opportunity to move my lips down her jaw to her neck. Propped up on one hand, I brought the other up to lightly caress her from her ribcage to her hip.

"Stop, Edward. Wait." Bella was breathless, her voice faint. Stop? This was new. Usually I was the one who had to force her to stop.

"Why?" I murmured into her throat, continuing to kiss her exposed skin.

"I don't want to do this now." Her tone was stronger. Silly girl, she was probably still worried about my need. What she couldn't seem to understand was that I needed her, all of her.

"Don't you?" I asked, knowingly. Trying to show her I meant it about meeting her demands, I brought my lips back to hers, rendering her speechless. I could feel her body becoming warmer under my hands which only made the need within me greater. Similar to the time she'd nearly won over my control, sensations were overtaking me, stronger than before.

Bella's hands moved to my chest, but not for the reason I initially thought. With all her strength, she pushed at me. Knowing she didn't have the strength to really push me, I moved back, nearly growling with frustration. Her brown eyes were dilated with passion, her breathing erratic. Clearly she wanted this, so why was she insisting we stop?

"Why?" I repeated. "I love you. I want you. Right now." Instead of responding, she only stared at me, desire plainly written in her face. Taking that as a signal to continue, I resumed kissing her with more abandon as my craving for her grew.

"Wait, wait," she said, trying to talk around my lips.

"Not for me," I murmured, kissing the corner of her mouth.

"Please?" She sounded desperate. I couldn't help the groan that escaped me, as I pushed myself away from her. My body was screaming in protest as I rolled onto my back. What does she want now?

I fought to keep from grabbing her, and kissing her inhibitions away. Keeping my hands by my sides, I focused on calming myself down. It wasn't easy with her lying beside me. Not to mention I could still feel her warmth on my skin.

"Tell me why not, Bella," I demanded. "This had better not be about me." If it is, I will show you just how much I've changed my mind.

"Edward, this is very important to me. I am going to do this right."

"Who's definition of right?" I asked, suspiciously.

"Mine."

I shifted onto my side so I could look at her. I was doubtful about what she meant.

"How are you going to do this right?"

"Responsibly," she said after taking a deep breath. "Everything in the right order. I will not leave Charlie and Renee without the best resolution I can give them. I won't deny Alice her fun, if I'm having a wedding anyway. And I will tie myself to you in every human way, before I ask you to make me immortal. I'm following all the rules Edward. Your soul is far, far too important to me to take chances with. You're not going to budge me on this."

Unfortunately, her answer made sense, except for the part about my soul. I still wasn't sure if I agreed with Carlisle or Bella on that. If she wanted to do right by Charlie and Renee, I could hardly disagree. A part of me still wanted to make her mine, then and there.

"I'll bet I could," I said in a low voice, focusing all my charm onto her.

"But you wouldn't," Bella said, her voice unsteady again. "Not knowing that this is what I really need."

"You don't fight fair," I accused, wondering if it was any easier for her to shut off her body's wants.

"Never said I did," she smiled, prompting my return grin.

"If you change your mind..." I trailed off suggestively; half hoping she would decide to make love now, despite everything she'd just said.

"You'll be the first to know," she promised.

The clouds that had been hovering over us started dropping rain. Bella glared at them, and I couldn't blame her. It wasn't a welcome interruption.

"I'll get you home," I said, wiping droplets of water from Bella's face.

"Rain's not the problem," she muttered. "It just means that it's time to go do something that will be very unpleasant and possibly even highly dangerous."

Completely baffled as to what she could mean, I took it for the worst. Was there a new threat that I wasn't aware of? Wasn't it time for us to have some relief?

"It's a good thing you're bulletproof," she continued. "I'm going to need that ring. It's time to tell Charlie." She looked so put upon, I couldn't help laughing.

"Highly dangerous," I agreed, reaching into the pocket of my jeans for her engagement ring. "But at least there's no need for a side trip." I'd retrieved it when Alice was showing her the wedding gown.

I took Bella's left hand and slid the ring easily onto the third finger. It still gave me a thrill to see it there. My ring, my Bella. Looking at her I could see that, this time, my joyful expression was mirrored on her face. This time, it was what she wanted. Bella moved her hand from side to side, admiring the gleam of the jewels before meeting my gaze again.

"I love you Edward," she said, emotion making her voice thick. Bending down, I kissed her softly before murmuring into her ear,

"And I love you. For all eternity."


A/N: There you have it! Thanks for reading. Any takers for me to do Breaking Dawn? I'm just asking...