Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. Stephenie Meyer created it all.

To my peeps, Suzie55, LemonMartinis, and TwiloverSue. You guys have been my total inspiration to continue doing this thing. I must acknowledge someone who has immensely helped me keep it real regarding Bella's disability – Sherriola. You my dear are a gift!

The Canon Tour is still happening over on FF. Would love for you to go over and read the stories and vote for your favorites. There are some wonderful stories over that that really deserve your vote.

http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/3041014/thecanontour


Okay, let me answer a few concerns and questions here:

I need you to know that I have the outline for this story written out. I know where it is going, and some of you may hate me in the end, but I am clear on how this story will be completed.

We will begin to see more and more of the Cullens and their side of the story, in addition to Bella's – don't worry! Some of you hate hearing that – some of you love it.

This is NOT a Bella hears "sorry" and it is all over story. Not gonna happen.

Yes, Carlie is a little mature for her age.

Thanks to all of you who have supported me during the last weeks, including in particular this week when some negative comments were made. People have the right to hate any story they read, and unfortunately, some will leave a flaming remark. Honestly, I don't get the need in this fandom to tear people down. If you don't like a story…move along. Isn't this supposed to be for fun?

Lastly, NO, I'm not 12 years old. Don't I wish… Well maybe not. I would like to be 21 again, have the body I did then, my mind now, and a ticket to wherever Rob is staying… HA!

Yes, both sides are gonna hate this chapter – and I am posting before I get all the review replies done because this is Halloween weekend. I have to go Trick or Treating with my kids (twice). Then I have the all important job of taste testing the stash…somebody has to do it. So, I'm still sending Carlie's POV – if you haven't gotten it – it is coming! I promise by end of the weekend!


Bella POV

The door was stuck, and honestly, I wanted to kick it in frustration, but I knew that wouldn't go over well for me. Seriously, I was going to have to get Jake to fix the damn thing. Finally, I jiggled the lock enough that it popped open. The cool air of the house hit me, and I sighed out in pleasure. The weekend on the Sound had been uncharacteristically hot, and I was happy to be home. Reaching down, I felt for the handle on my bag and pulling it over my shoulder stepped into my sanctuary.

Hearing a noise at the back of the house, I called out, "Carlie!"

The noise from her room stopped, and I grinned when I heard her bedroom door open, knowing she would come running for me. Setting the keys down on the side table, I lowered my bag to the floor and smiled when I heard the footstep in front of me.

I was so excited to be home with her that I started babbling. "I am so glad to be home, I can't tell you how much. Did you have fun? God, I missed you, give me a hug." It all came out in a garbled mess.

I heard a gasp and then…

"Bella," the velvet voice answered me, and I froze.

NO! I'd intentionally arrived much later than she said they'd be returning to the house. It hit me then, the essence of the boy I'd loved, washing over me, making me dizzy. I took a few steps back. From the heat radiating around me, I could tell he followed me.

"What are you doing?" I hissed out.

"Making sure you don't get away from me this time. Bella, I don't want to force myself on you, but I've done everything reasonable to speak with you. Carlie went to get a hammer from Jacob's garage. She wanted me to put up a shelf in her room for some things she brought from my house. Please, just a few minutes of your time, I desperately need to speak with you."

I reached behind me to feel for the doorknob, and the next thing I knew, I heard the sound of his hands slapping against the wood beside me. He'd captured me in between his arms. "Bella, don't." The sound was just short of a growl, but somehow it came off in a pleading manner as well.

My heart pounded as I realized he was leaning over me…too close…too close. The hair on my arms stood up as the adrenalin raced through me. Squaring off my shoulders, I raised my face toward the sound of his voice.

"We have nothing to talk about…" the squeak rushed out of me and was silenced when his lips captured mine.

Everything stood still as emotions, desires, and needs that had been banked for fifteen years rushed through me. His lips were soft, yet demanding, just as I remembered. He leaned in even further to brush his tongue against me, seeking permission to enter. NO! I shouted, but my traitorous body didn't listen. I heard his moan as I opened to him, and we tasted each other for the first time in what seemed forever. Heat…passion…lust…it all combined into the feel of the man tasting me, the man making love to my mouth. Pleasure burst through me as he pulled me to him and our bodies touched. He was as aroused as me. I could feel the rigid length of his erection against my stomach…and again my body betrayed my mind and feelings. When he felt me shiver in delight against him, he laced his hands under my arms and lifted me so that I straddled the leg he insinuated between mine. He then pinned me against the wood, his leg supporting the weight of my body, his hands around my waist. Pulling me forward, he dragged my aching center across him and captured the cry of my pleasure in his mouth.

"Dear God…it is just as I remembered," he muttered against the side of my mouth frantically, and then captured my lips again before I could speak.

Stophimnow,Bellabeforeitistoolate. Youdon'twantthis! My sanity whispered. Shutup! The rest of me shouted. Wanthimmy body cried and then clenched in reaction to the thought of feeling him buried within me, moving gently and then harshly as the momentum between us built.

Damn man…he knew what I was thinking and pressed his leg up against me at that precise moment. I couldn't help it; I ground against him seeking relief as he moved his hands from my waist to cup the heavy weight of my breasts. One flick of his thumb against my nipples, and I growled into his mouth, finally falling prey to my desires and moving my hands up his shoulders to spread my fingers through the hair I wanted to pull in passion.

He grunted at the tug of my fingers. "Love, let go. Cum for me…I'll be here to catch you," he said gently as his fingers pinched the rock hard nipples he'd been palming. Rocking his leg against me, he captured my mouth as I screamed. Waves of intense pleasure shot out from in between my legs, rendering me senseless as they overtook me wringing out further pleas and whimpers. Just as I thought I could focus, he moved softly again, coaching another softer round of pleasure from me.

"Bella, I love you, I always have…" his hoarse voice called out, pulling me back from the orgasm induced stupor.

"NO!" I screamed at him, realizing just what had happened. "NO!" My arms lashed out attempting to knock him away from me, only to meet empty air. I tore up from the covers panting in exertion.

A dream…only a dream. Nightmare really.

As my body throbbed from the final waves of my orgasm, I cringed, hoping that the privacy my suite in Aro and Cia's house gave me would keep my screams from having alerted anyone. I put my hands to my eyes to rub away the images I'd envisioned and then swore out in frustration as my arm brushed across my nipples as I did it. They were sensitive, and the feel of my arm had been too much like the feel of his hands in my fantasy.

Damn him…and everything about him. I couldn't find refuge. Great waves of pain took over, and I fell back into the pillows, putting one over my mouth so that I could scream in rage. Allowing myself to give into the emotions, I spent a few minutes curled up in my bed imagining retribution. What was to have been a restful nap instead turned into a painful replay of my past. The anxiety I felt about possibly running into him as he returned Carlie made me realize I wasn't as immune as I'd thought.

A soft knock brought my head up. "Come in." Of course Cia had heard me.

"I brought you a washcloth and cool compress." The bed moved as she sat down, and then she pressed the cloth into my hand. She followed it with a cool eye pack.

"Lay back down, and put that over your eyes for a few minutes. Our dinner guests will be arriving soon, and I expect you to look beautiful as always." She sounded so sweet, her English enhanced with only the slightest trace of an Italian accent.

Following her orders, I waited knowing she wouldn't be able to refrain from speaking her mind. I took the pack and placed it over my throbbing, sightless eyes.

"I guess I know now why you have avoided all my wonderful nephews." And there it was…

I chuckled even though it sounded mirthless. "Cia, there isn't anything left between Carlie's father and me. But you are right, he is the reason I can't trust myself with anyone else. I was left broken and damaged afterward. If I hadn't of had Carlie, I have no doubt that I wouldn't have survived."

She gasped at my words.

"You can't mean…"

"I do."

She stopped speaking, but I felt her grab my hand and clutch it to her chest.

"Those were dark days for me, Cia. I'd just lost everything. The only thing I had to hold onto was that bump that grew daily." I stopped and took a deep breath. "I was already a mess in regards to relationships, and I certainly wasn't going to trust any man other than Jacob to be around her. He is her father in all the ways that count, and I didn't want to even risk introducing any other man into her life. No one will ever love her the way I do, or the way Jacob does. I couldn't handle a man who attempted to be nice, but couldn't give her his whole affections."

"Isabella, you do not know that. Any man would count himself lucky to have you and that precious child," she argued.

"I was a blind, unwed, teenage mother who'd dropped out of school. Until Charlie's money came in, I was broke and living off Medicaid and food stamps. I am quite aware I wasn't a catch. When that lawyer contacted me about Charlie's insurance policy, it was literally a lifeline to a sinking ship." I argued pointing out the obvious reality.

"Isabella," she said then stopped. I could tell she was measuring her words, attempting to say it "right." "It is a testament to your character that you did not fall underneath the pressure. Even then, I am certain that who you were was obvious to everyone. However, I will concede the point that perhaps early on a relationship was not wise. That excuse stopped way before Aro and I met you. You'd turned everything around," she accused.

I laughed out at the affronted tone of her voice. She was determined to see me happy, and happy to Sulpicia equated to married with children. "I know. But by then, I was more interested in my career than finding someone. Carlie was busy with music, and I wanted to be there for her because I was guilty when I began to travel promoting the books. My life became a venture in becoming the person I'd always wanted to be, not finding someone. Contrary to what you all think, I am whole without a man. Yes, it has been nice to date, go out, enjoy male company, but honestly, very few of them have intrigued me. I am picky, I know that, but I have some standards that are non-negotiable."

"You do not have the excuse of no time now, she is almost a woman grown." I noticed she didn't question my standards.

"Not quite, and I want to enjoy the time I have left with her. She and Seth will get married and go away to college. Jake thinks he will be able to get them to wait, but I know my daughter's heart. She is barely able to wait for high school to finish before she marries Seth…and honestly, I am pleased with that. I know Seth's heart as well as I know her own."

"You intend to wait four more years before you give yourself the possibility to love?" Her voice had begun to rise in her frustration.

"I didn't say that…"

She latched onto the hesitancy in my voice and interrupted me. "Good. Felix will be here, but I am afraid that you already know that he isn't the one for you…so I am going to put my hope in Demetri. I want you in my family, Isabella. Marcus' son is a fine man and handsome as well. He is as slippery as you are about settling down and starting a family. You are of the same age and intelligence. He loves books almost as much as you."

"Cia!" I shouted to get her attention. "Stop! Please," I chuckled. "No matchmaking, I beg of you."

She huffed out a breath of air. "Fine," she spat out inelegantly. "I won't do anything to push you on someone, but I won't give up on enhancing your beauty and letting nature follow its course. It's time to get dressed. I'll lay out your gown and shoes, and I'll be back in a little while to help you with your hair and makeup." I heard her move across the room and the unmistakable sound of the closet doors opening.

"I think the emerald green one will do well tonight," she murmured, and I heard the sound of silk being smoothed. "I'll be back in a few minutes."

I was betting she already had her hair elegantly coiffed and her makeup done. She was probably only going to change into her formal attire. The Velathri's believed in pomp and circumstance and insisted that we dress for their dinners. At first it drove me crazy, but now I actually enjoyed the ambiance. Realizing I'd wasted time reminiscing, I jumped up and maneuvered my way into the bathroom to quickly shower. I ran my hand along the tiles in tactile appreciation before scrubbing quickly. Within minutes, I was toweled dry and putting on a matched set of underwear. Carlie had gone all out packing matching silk sets. I knew she wanted Felix and me to "hook up," so it didn't surprise me. Reaching to the closet door, I felt the silk, but when I examined the dress with my hands I wanted to strangle Cia. The neckline was probably cut to my bellybutton.

Whatthehell! I rationalized and reached around to unbuckle the bra. Leah would say I was utilizing my "assets." No time like the present to let loose a little.

Slipping on the dress, I arranged the material as best as I could and sat on the bed to pull on my shoes. Again Cia had decided to torture me…heels. I'd no more than had them buckled before the slight knock came again. This time she didn't wait, barging right in.

"Beautiful," she murmured. "If I had your natural beauty, I would leave Aro for a younger man."

I laughed knowing that was one of the biggest lies I'd ever heard. They were like soul mates or something. It wouldn't be surprising to find out that they were old souls that just continued to get reincarnated into young bodies together. I'd never seen another more perfect relationship…well other than…I stopped not wanting to think about it, but then I forced myself to say it, unable to continue ignoring them completely…Carlisle and Esme.

"I doubt that. You love that man too much to ever deny him anything."

"That is the sad truth, unfortunately." She laughed at my observation. "I think you just need to pull your hair back simply, and just a little makeup to highlight everything." She patted my hand as I sat at the dressing table she always forced me down before.

Twenty minutes later, after twisting my hair away from my face and applying some light foundation, eye shadow, blush, and mascara, she declared me done. "Lipstick," she said handing me the tube.

I applied it by feel as she "tutted" around me. When the next knock came at the door, she answered for me. "Come in…" which she followed by "…well, hello handsome."

"Dear, there is no need to compliment me. You already totally own me. Flattery will garner you nothing further," Aro responded to her.

I grinned when I heard him kiss her cheek just behind me. She giggled like a young girl, and I decided to do a little teasing of my own. "I may be blind, but I can still hear you."

"Bah…she is uptight, Isabella. I'd be lucky to sneak a kiss off her around you."

I heard the sound of hinges opening. "Cia, I brought your necklace, and I took the liberty of choosing one for Isabella."

Cia gasped and then I heard her words. "It is perfect."

The next thing I knew, she had my hand in hers and was placing a heavy pendant on a fine chain in it.

"It is perfect. It was Aro's mother's, and is a teardrop shaped emerald. It will go beautifully with your gown."

"Aro?" I asked holding it up and then followed his directions to pull my hair around in order that he may secure the precious jewel and chain around my neck.

"It is yours to keep, Isabella. A gift from me to you."

"No! I…"

Placing his hands on my shoulders, I knew he was looking at me in the mirror and my words halted.

"Allow me this pleasure. Cia and I have never had children, and if I desire to spoil you as my stand-in daughter, so be it."

He refused to hear any differently and reached down to acquire my hand. Cia and I walked with him toward the main part of the house. The family always utilized he and Cia's home as the main gathering place, whether that home was here on the Sound or in Seattle. As the oldest, he was unconsciously recognized as the leader. We could hear the voices raised in "discussion" long before we made it to the door. When Aro opened the doors in front of us that led out onto their patio, you could have heard the proverbial "pin drop."

"ISABELLA!" several voices shouted out, causing rounds of rapid fire Italian to begin. I'd been taking lessons, as Aro had requested, but I was nowhere near capable of keeping up with them. I caught several claims of "she is mine" though.

"As the most handsome one of the group, I claim this Belle for myself," Marcus exclaimed to my side, and I snickered when he removed Aro's arms from me and swept him into his embrace. "Didyme left me my dear, so I can now have my wicked way with you," he said seductively.

"She's gone to pick up your son, hasn't she?" I observed.

"Yes, but don't blow my cover, Bella. It sounds so much better the way I tell it, and I am attempting to earn the sympathy vote," he said softly. "They won't be back until much later, so would you do me the honor?" he begged.

"Certainly."

The dinner was as lively as any of the others I'd spent with this large family. Cia had in the past described the setting for me. A large tiled patio was circled by their collective houses, a pool off to the side of the outdoor eating area. I could smell the citronella from the candles and heard the crackling of the outdoor fireplace. The houses didn't sit far off the waterline, and I could smell the brine in the air that warmly flowed around us.

Caius twins Jane and Alec were in attendance, as well as Afton, and we learned that Alec's family was soon to grow by another. Chelsea and he were expecting their third child early spring. Caius and Dora already worshiped the ground young Michael and Laurent walked on. Alec quickly told the group he wanted a girl this time, which then brought the discussion around to Jane. Poor girl. They harassed her as much as me for being single. She'd pursued a career first, and although I knew Caius was extremely proud of her, he was determined to be a grandfather from her soon. I'd spent a lot of time with Jane, being the other single girl within the group, and I suspected that she hid a lot from the family. I would bet her job with the FBI was more than just of a typical agent. Getting her to settle down to a husband would take a very strong man to do it. Suddenly a visual of Felix rushed through my mind and the rightness of it settled within me. With the thought, the anxiety I'd felt about speaking with him disappeared, and I was suddenly grateful that nothing had ever occurred between us other than a few kisses.

"You are smiling like the Cheshire cat," Marcus noted from beside me. "Care to share?"

I leaned toward him and placing my hand on his shoulder guided myself in to whisper to him. "I was just thinking that Felix might be the perfect person to introduce to Jane. They've never met, right?"

"No," his startled voice carried back softly. "Hm…I do believe you may be right with that proposition. Isabella, you are destined to be a Velathri wife…look at you…already meddling and matchmaking."

I burst out in laughter and could feel the puffs of breath stirring his long hair. Aro attempted to ascertain what had been so funny, but Marcus managed him. "Isabella and I are flirting, mind your business old man."

That started a feisty debate. Aro was the oldest, with Marcus being next and Caius the baby by more than ten years. Aro and Marcus teased Caius about being the milkman's child. While Aro and Marcus both had the traditional Italian look with inky black hair and eyes, Caius had hair so blond it almost looked white. Cia had told me that it was like looking at polar opposites. In a way they were. Aro was serious and business minded. He did nothing that didn't in the end garner him something. Caius was as brilliant, but carefree. He was as likely to take the day off if he had no work, than to come into the office with nothing to do but "twiddle his thumbs." It drove Aro crazy. Marcus was a fine mix of the two, but he was so in love with his wife that he let them have their way in regards to business transactions. Caius was known to throw about that Demetri had to be someone else's and Marcus impotent. "As much time as you and Mae spent and still spend in your bedroom, you should have sired a dozen children by now."

The time they spent as a family was in direct contrast to the public image. The Velathri brothers were feared, and I suspected for good reasons. I wasn't naïve. I suspected all kinds of seedy business with this family.

"Here, Bella. Try this wine out that Aro bought and let me know what you think. We have the opportunity to buy the winery, and I want an unbiased opinion," Cauis said from behind me, placing a glass in my hand. He leaned in to speak softly to me, "Tell him it is good, because I plan to retire and manage the winery if we get it."

"Leave her alone and go back to Dora, Cauis. She's my date tonight!" Marcus hissed at him, bringing a round of chuckles from his younger sibling.

The wine was entirely too good, and because I was with friends, I imbibed a little too much. Hence, I was giggling hysterically as Aro walked me back to my suite later that evening. "I think you should buy that winery, Aro."

He chuckled. "I hope you still think that in the morning." He was uncharacteristically quiet for a moment as we walked down the hallway. Finally he drew in a breath. "Isabella, it did not escape my notice that you avoided my questions on the way here. Before the end of the weekend, I intend to know your history with the Cullens. It will help me to plan accordingly."

I growled attempting to make it sound threatening, but in reality it only came off as a ridiculous. He laughed softly in reaction.

"I must tell you, Carlisle and I have a history."

I jerked toward him at this little tidbit. It wasn't hard to do, because I was drunk. There was no reason to deny it. He caught my shoulders steadying me.

"I have always held him in the upmost respect. I fear that my perception will change after your revelation. However, I must know, and I will deal with him accordingly." His tone carried menace. "You and I still need to read the missive they submitted to me."

I had no desire to know what was contained in the letter. "Burn it for all I care," I growled and immediately proceeded to stumble only to be caught in his capable arms.

I started laughing, couldn't help it. "Ever my protector… Wanna watch me brush my teeth and wash my face so I don't fall down in the bathroom?" I teased.

"Actually, I believe I will," he growled out when I tripped again.

And so he did, until I threatened to undress in front of him, then he ran like a scalded cat. The last thing I remembered as I laid my check against the pillow was the thought that he'd never explained how he knew Carlisle.

Warmth surrounded me seeping into my bones, and I snuggled back against the muscular chest pressed against my back. A heavy arm was thrown across my waist, the hand cupping my breast gently. As my nipple pebbled under the gentle pressure, his breath moved across my neck stirring the hairs there seductively. Pleasure raced across my skin, and I squirmed against him in need. His erection pressed between the cheeks of my bottom, and I felt moisture leak from me as my body begged for him. Groaning, I wanted to turn and push myself against him, and so I did.

Wasn't that what dreams were for…

I moaned in appreciation when he turned us and pressed his body down onto mine; bringing my aching sex in direct line with his large cock. I gasped out at the contact, and he took the opportunity to connect our lips. My hands found my way to his hair, and I threaded my fingers through the short lengths.

Wait…short lengths…his lips seemed different…and the taste of his mouth too, spicier somehow.

Then it hit me. This wasn't a dream. I was in bed with someone.

WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED LAST NIGHT!

It didn't escape my notice though that this someone was a damn good kisser and that his body fit mine perfectly, just like…

Reality hit him at the same time and he tore his lips away from mine. "What…"

Of course with my luck, the door to my room opened at that precise moment, and I heard Cia's gasp. "What are you doing in here?"

His muttered "FUCK" and my "SHIT" mixed together.


So, I'm wondering what you think? Let me have it! I love the "What the heck" reviews as much as the "I love it" ones.

Reviews will get a sneak peek into the next chapter and a brief view of Marcus' thoughts.

I'm content1april on twitter. Come join me, I'm still attempting to learn what to do.

Please visit my friends at the following stories. I PROMISE you won't be disappointed.

http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/s/7352604/1/ClicheIn a place far, far away lived a beautiful…oh, forget it. Who are we really kidding here? This is Hell. This is high school. Welcome to Forks.

http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2086771/TwiLoverSue: Once Bitten and A Forbidden Love