Here you go! Chapter nine. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did writing it!

Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

Chapter 9

We looked at the rest of the room, everyone seeming to be incredibly confused with our interaction.

"Bella and I are going to try and manipulate our shields, see if we feel the weird fatigue that's been causing so many issues. That way we'll know for sure if that's the reason we both pretty much fainted. We'll also be a step closer to figuring out what this 'haze' or talent or protection thing really is," Rose said, grabbing my hand and pulling me towards the front door.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, is that really the best idea? Rose, you were so out of it when that happened to you before...I don't want you to go through that again," Emmett asked as he, the rest of the Cullen's, and my family, followed us outside.

"I have to agree with Emmett, which is incredibly hard to say, but true. Bella, are you sure you want to do this?" Edward questioned, coming to stand in front of me. I smiled softly and nodded up at him, resting a hand on his arm reassuringly, a slight tingling sensation buzzing through my fingertips from where I was touching him. I was both excited and terrified with this odd connection we had.

"Yeah, wait a second. I agree with both Emmett and Edward, which is fucking saying something," Garrett added, coming to stand next to Emmett and Edward. They all gave each other scornful glances before turning back to Rose and I.

Rose huffed, linking her arm through mine and giving the men in front of us a disgruntled look.

"I mean, what else are we going to do? Sit and hypothesize? I think if both Rose and I are ready for this, understand how we may feel, embrace the side-effects, it won't be quite as uncomfortable as before," I said dismissively, turning to face Rose and taking a step back, putting about three feet of distance between her and I and getting ready to test our abilities.

"I agree, I think this will be very beneficial with finding out more about both your talents in the long run. That being said, no overdoing it. Just a small test now, then we can figure out the next steps from there," Carlisle interjected, standing next to everyone else in a small cluster by the house.

My coven was looking at me with apprehensive eyes, openly anxious about the situation. I walked over to them.

"It's okay, I'm more prepared this time. And if anything happens, you guys will be here. At least we're somewhat prepared for this now," I said, leaning my head against Tanya's shoulder, Kate coming to cuddle up next to me. I heard Tanya sigh, leaning down to rest her head atop mine.

"I suppose…" was all Tanya commented back. I grinned up at her, giving her another reassuring nod before heading back over to Rose to get started. Rose looked at me, then to my coven, her lips pressed together in a tight line. I furrowed my brows, silently asking if anything was wrong.

"You're close with them, huh?" She asked, looking down at her feet and moving some snow around with her boot.

"Yeah, they're family," I responded, tilting my head slightly, confused why she was bringing this up. She nodded, not adding anymore.

"Okay, so, Alice can't really see anything about what's going to happen, the strength of both your shields is making it difficult for anyone to really use their talents. Please, don't overdo it. Stop if you need to. Take the time to readjust," Carlisle said, stepping closer to us, watching with careful eyes.

Rose and I nodded, turning back to one another and taking deep breaths.

"Rose, you try and manipulate your shield first. Detach it completely from you, almost like you are trying to have it cover someone else." She shook her head, ready to argue with me, obviously wanting me to lift mine first rather than risk me passing out again. I put both my hands up in defense.

"I'm asking you, please. I don't have as much control over mine. I haven't been working with it as long as you have. Just, please. Don't argue with me on this," I pleaded, trying to show her I was being sincere. She huffed, rolling her eyes before looking back at me and nodding reluctantly.

I took a deep breath, shaking out my hands and bracing myself. I was mentally preparing myself for what was to come. I reached back in my memories and grasped onto how the sensation felt, embracing it rather than fighting. At first, nothing happened. I thought maybe Rose hadn't shifted her shield, unable to. When I looked back at her, she was concentrating hard, her eyes scrunched closed.

Then, a slight tingle touched my toes, the heat rising until it became uncomfortable. I braced myself again, telling myself it was okay. That this was what was supposed to happen. It continued to rise, draining all my energy in a matter of seconds. It still hit me pretty hard, even though I was prepared for it. The overwhelming fatigue sensation almost knocking me over. I stumbled back, knocking into something, or someone, I wasn't sure. My eyes screwed closed, gritting my teeth, and bracing myself against whatever was supporting me.

"Ergh, stop" was all I could muster out. The sensation disappeared immediately, which I'm assuming was when Rose's shield snapped back into place. The throbbing and tiredness were still very apparent for me, though.

"Bells, Bella? Can you hear me?" I heard Rose call quietly. Or maybe it was loud but I couldn't hear her very well, I wasn't sure.

"Isa? I knew this was a stupid idea," I heard Garrett snap out. I felt him pacing right next to me, his movements fanning over me.

"Bella?" A quiet voice whispered from above me, from the person holding me up. His arms were wrapped securely around me, holding up most of my weight by my waist. I cracked one of my eyes open, looking at the incredibly handsome face peering down at me. His expression one of worry and urgency. I blinked rapidly, trying to erase the haziness that was clinging to me.

I couldn't muster up enough energy to speak yet, just letting Edward hold me up and reveling in the calmness it was bringing me. I reached up, rubbing my face roughly and digging the palms of my hands into my temples, liking the pressure.

"Ugh, that sucked," I finally said, looking at Edward, then everyone else. They all looked a little shaken, but not like before. They'd been somewhat prepared, like me, so this didn't come with too much of a surprise. It was still a little rattling though.

I huffed, standing completely now, Edward's arms slipping to his side reluctantly, or what I hope was reluctance. I turned to face Rose, determination setting into my bones.

"Next time, I think I should sit when you do it. I didn't collapse this time, well not fully, so maybe the more we do it, the less we'll feel the effects," I said, chewing on my lip as I contemplated. Rose saddled up next to me, pursing her lips, thinking as well.

"That could be. I'm wondering if you hunt right before, too? Maybe having more energy will be beneficial," Carlisle said, coming to stand next to where Rose and I sat. We both nodded in agreement.

"Also, if both of you can get better control of you individual shields, it may help diffuse the effects some. The more control, the easier it is to manipulate back into, and out of, place, right?" Eleazar added as well, pacing next to me. I could tell he was excited, as much as I was, to have some answers finally.

Mine and Rose's talents were connected, that's for sure. To what extent, we still have no clue, but at least we're a step closer than we were before.

"Wait, you want to do this...again?" Edward called out, looking down at me with an odd expression on his face. He moved closer to where I was standing next to Rose, the energy practically crackling between us.

"Well...yeah? We have to figure this thing out! At least we know it's got something to do with the connection between Rose and I. I wonder if we release our shield's at the same time, what wou-"

"No way! You just practically collapsed for a second time, Isabella. There's no way you can do that again! We have no idea the side-effects, what will happen if you continue to do this, the long-term issues?" Edward ranted, pacing next to me, talking to himself more than me.

I glared up at him, irritation prickling at me. I can't do it again?

"Says who?" I snap back, slowly turning to fully face him. I swayed a little, still woozy from the whole experience. Garrett, Kate, and Tanya came over to help me, staying close to give me support if I needed it.

Edward turned to me, stopping his manic pacing. His mouth was slightly ajar, eyes squinted in irritation. He may piss me off right now but damn does he look amazing when he's mad.

"Uh, all of us. There's no way any of us could support either of you going through that again! We can find another, less harmful, way of figuring this out."

"I agree with Ed," Emmett said, going to stand next to him, as if they could intimidate us out of our decision by towering over us.

"Well, thanks for your concern, honey, but Bella and I are going to do what we like, when we like," Rose said, coming to stand with me and my coven. She turned to me, quietly asking if I was alright. I nodded, smiling to show I was.

"No. No way," Edward shook his head, emphasizing his last statement. His mouth was drawn into a tightlipped line, eyes sparking with finality.

"Uh, hey, Edward man, I wouldn-," Garrett started to say, but I pushed past him, walking over to Edward, my eyes burning with irritation. Edward stood up a little straighter, taking a miniscule step back, not expecting my heated advance.

"Who the hell do you think you are? I met you, what? A few days ago? What gives you the idea that you have any say, whatsoever, in what I can and cannot do?" I seethed, crossing my arms in front of me, head tilting sideways, my glare hot with anger. I licked my lips, finding them dry.

"I, uh, I guess I didn't...I didn't really mean to-,"

"To what? To come off as such an arrogant asshole?" I cut him off by saying. His mouth bobbed a bit before he clenched his jaw, nostril's flaring.

"It seems as though I'm being the only rational person here, actually. Did you not just see what the hell happened? You would have collapsed again if I hadn't been there to support you! Why are you not taking that more seriously?" I blinked up at him, taken aback by his clipped tone.

"I'm taking this very seriously. You want me to just sit here, hoping the answers will fall into my lap? No. I want to figure this thing out, no more waiting or hoping things will get easier. Sorry, but that's not who I am, nor who I think Rose is," I shook my head in exasperation, turning on my heels and heading back towards Rose.

"I'm okay with working on this thing, if you are. I want to know what we can do with our talents, why they're connected, how to control them… I'm willing to try and figure things out, but only if you want to."

"I'm so in," was her response. I grinned, telling her I needed a little time before I could practice with her, to which she nodded in understanding, and turned, grabbing Emmett by the hand before running off to who knows where.

Carlisle and Eleazar were deep in conversation, having been intrigued by what had just transpired between Rose and I, and were now heading to Carlisle's office to discuss everything in more depth.

Kate, Carmen, and Garrett needed to hunt, asking if I wanted to join. I declined, having gone just before we'd left. I think Carmen wanted to go just to get away for a little while. Tanya stayed back with me.

"Oh! Bella! Tanya! Want to come see my room? And my closet!" Alice squealed, causing me to laugh and nod, Tanya doing the same. She squealed again, grabbing both our hands and pulling us inside.

"Jas, baby, go talk some sense into our idiot brother, would you?" She yelled out behind her, continuing to yank Tanya and I forward in the process.

"Sure thang, honey" he drawled out in his southern tone. I swear, I saw Alice swoon.

Mates. I thought, internally rolling my eyes.

I glanced behind me quickly, catching Edward's eye. He was exactly where he'd been standing before, his hand now clasped in his thick hair. He was watching me be pulled away by his sister, jaw clenched, an unreadable look on his face.

I bit my lip, turning away before I thought too much about what had just happened.

Damn me and my anger issues.

"Okay, wow I'm in love," I said, glancing around at the huge room that apparently Rose and Alice kept their clothes stored. It was literally a giant open space, the walls lined with racks and small cubies to put shoes and bags. In the center of the room was a huge, ivory, plush bench, where Alice was currently sitting, leaning back on her elbows, and admiring her favorite space in the house.

"I know, isn't it amazing," she sighed out, lying all the way back and staring dreamily around. It was like she'd never seen the place before, even though it was literally her own closet.

I roamed around, looking at everything from designed jeans, delicate tops, thick, beautiful sweaters, and more. My jaw was on the floor. I loved to shop, it was fun being able to afford nicer items and feel good about how I looked, but this was crazy. I mean, I had died and gone to shopaholic heaven.

"It's a good thing you and Rose are the exact same measurements, besides Rose being a little taller. We'll just have to go and get you a few things, but you can take whatever you want from here." I nodded, looking around at some things I already knew I'd love. The deep navy, chunky, large knit sweater in the corner was for sure going to be worn by me sometime soon.

My family and I had decided to stay for a while, wanting to figure everything out with mine and Rose's talent's. Although I was grateful for my family being so willing and supportive of staying with the Cullen's for an extended period of time, I also didn't really know where this left everything. I felt like I couldn't just leave Rose behind, and I'd come to really like the Cullen's. I didn't want to just leave them once it was time to head back to our home in Alaska.

I couldn't fathom not going home with my coven either. They were my family now, too. We'd originally only planned on staying here a couple of weeks, tops. Now, Esme was making up the extra guest rooms, our stay looking more long term. What happened after things calmed down, we got a better hold on our talents?

I bit my lip, suddenly incredibly nervous about the future.

"What's up, Isa," Tanya walked over to me, looking at the Prada clutch I was admiring. She raised an eyebrow, grabbing it and looking at it with longing eyes. Yup, she was a goner too.

I didn't want to share my concerns yet, thinking they were a little premature. I mean, Rose and I had just reunited a couple days ago. Now wasn't the time to bring up something that could cause more unneeded tension.

"I feel sort of bad about the way I spoke to Edward back there," I said, not exactly telling a lie, because I did feel really bad, just not telling her what I had just been concerned over.

"Oh, don't worry about it Bella, Edward needs a little of that in his life. He's always been so arrogant sometimes. It's nice to see him knocked off his high horse for once," Alice said, coming over and holding up a tight, forest green turtleneck top to me and nodding, before going and digging in the pants section.

"Not necessarily arrogant, but kind of...I don't know, bossy?" I said, going to sit on the plush bench Alice had vacated a minute before. Tanya was wandering around still, a dazed look on her face. I snorted softly, catching her attention. She just rolled her eyes at me and smirked, not even the least bit embarrassed by her ogling.

"Oh yeah, you can definitely say Edward's bossy. He was the first one Carlisle changed, back in 1901. I think he lets his elder status get to his head." Alice was now holding out an oversized creamy cashmere sweater, tilting her head and squinting at me. She pursed her lips, nodding again.

"Why was he changed? If you don't mind telling me," I asked. Alice waved her hand dismissively, clearly loving the gossip.

"He was sick. His mother had died from the Spanish Influenza, he was just about to. Carlisle was a doctor, still is, and promised his mother he would save her. This was Carlisle's way of doing so." She grabbed a pair of tight fitting high-rise, dark wash denim, throwing it in the pile she had made of the other two articles of clothing. She turned to me, telling me to strip down.

I didn't even question her, already knowing Alice got what she wanted in regards to clothes. She threw the items she'd pulled at me, telling me to get dressed.

"Huh, interesting. So, after Carlisle changed Edward, and later on, Rose, when did you and Jasper come along?" I asked, slipping on the jeans first.

"Well, I was changed by another man. I know almost nothing about my past life, unfortunately, something Carlisle thinks is a way of my brain protecting me from some trauma or something. Jasper's story is a bit more complicated, something you should ask him about later on. I used my gift to find Jasper, then Carlisle's coven. At the time, I hadn't thought much about why my visions were so sketchy, thinking it was just how things were. It wasn't until later, when I met Rose and we found out her gift, that I realized why I couldn't see very clearly. Still so frustrating," she said, watching as I slipped on the tight turtleneck and then the cream sweater.

It was a really cute outfit. The navy turtleneck peeked out of the cream sweater, the jeans were tight, hugging all my curves. Alice threw me a pair of brown heeled winter boots, sighing with content and falling to sit on the sofa when I did a little spin for her.

"So perfect. Edward's already having a hard time keeping his eyes off of you. Those jeans are going to drive him insane."

I glared at her, earning a sweet, not so innocent smile in return. Tanya laughed quietly from where she was roaming.

"He does seem to have a little soft spot for you, hon," Tanya said. I stared at her incredulously. She was supposed to be on my side! This was the man that had turned her down, for God's sake. She just shrugged, coming to sit next to Alice on the sofa.

"I don't know, you think?" I finally said, my lips pursed, squinting at them with questioning eyes. Tanya rolled her own eyes, turning to Alice.

"She always does this. Everywhere we went men would be falling all over her and she'd take no notice at all. She's completely oblivious," Tanya shook her head in annoyance.

"How frustrating...Bella, you don't have someone, do you? I kind of just assumed you weren't seeing anyone."

"Oh! Let us in! We wanna join the gossip," Rose said, throwing the door open and hustling inside. Kate, Esme, and Carmen all following her. I shook my head, laughing when they all rushed over to where Alice and Tanya were sitting, lying on the floor or curling up on the leftover space on the couch.

Rose turned to me, an eyebrow raised.

"Also, just letting you know, all the boys, including Edward, are downstairs trying to eavesdrop. I don't think they heard anything other than what you guys were just talking about. Whether Bella's seeing anyone or not," she said the last sentence a little too loudly, wiggling her eyebrows in the process.

"Shhh!" I said, coming to sit on the floor by them so we could talk without being heard. They were all giggling. We honestly sounded like high schoolers.

"So?" Rose urged, looking at me with an impatient expression.

I huffed, throwing back my head in mock annoyance. "No, no one. I've never really been all that interested in anyone before I guess," I whispered, making sure no one but the ladies heard me.

"Well, that's completely one sided. You should hear some of the stories we have! Like the guy in Spain, who literally followed you around with roses the entire day," Kate muttered, giggling in the process.

"Or the one at Yale! Aw, he was so darling. Taking the same classes as you even though he was going into journalism," Carmen turned to the rest of the group before saying, "and she was a medical student!" The room erupted into laughter, all of them rolling around, me sitting there slightly embarrassed by this whole discussion.

"Oh, Bella, dear...don't be embarrassed! You're stunning! Of course the male population is going to notice." Esme reached over, pinching my cheek in a motherly way.

There was a loud sound from downstairs, like something being knocked over, and then someone saying, "shhh, Emmett! Shut up!" We all looked towards the door, then back at one another, erupting into more laughter.

There were quiet footsteps heading towards the door, ones that sounded like Carlisle's. A moment later, a soft knock rang throughout the room. Esme stood, speeding over to the door before opening it so we could all see him.

I couldn't deny that Carlisle was a DILF. He was tall with soft white blond hair, his golden eyes crinkling at the edges in a manner that gave off a weathered vibe. Under his usually dressy/casual style you could just make out how fucking toned he was. He was the dad that every teenage girl dreaded having as a father but loved having as a friends dad.

His polite smile grew into one of obvious love when he saw his mate open the door. We all cooed and awed from behind her. She turned slightly, giving a mock disapproving look, before turning back to Carlisle.

"Hello, honey. What can I do for you?" She asked sweetly, reaching up and grabbing his hand lightly. He brought it up to his lips, giving her a sweet kiss. Cue swoon.

"Well, the boys are getting...a little restless down there. They keep hearing laughter and are feeling a bit left out. They all voted that I head up here and see what's going on."

Esme made a tsking sound, removing her hand from Carlisle's grip and putting both of hers on her hips.

"Well, it's about time we got some girl time, especially now that we have more women here. I think you boys can do for a little without us, hmm? You and the boys can entertain yourselves for a while. I find it pretty ridiculous that the five of you feel the need to eavesdrop on our conversation rather than distract yourselves in some way."

Carlisle looked surprised, his mouth bobbing up and down, at a loss for words, obviously not used to this side of Esme.

"Good, now, give us a little time. I think Alice had mentioned wanting to have a shopping trip today. Just us girls."

Alice squealed, jumping up from her spot next to me and bouncing excitedly. I'm pretty sure she was vibrating, her form slightly blurred from her quick movements.

"Yes! We can get you guys some more clothes for your stay! And shoes! Oh, this is perfect. It's eight in the morning now. If we leave in an hour or so we can get to the Port Angeles mall at opening! That should give us just enough time to shop around before they close…"

Tanya, Kate, Carmen, and I looked at Alice in disbelief. A whole day of shopping? Judging by the unsurprised looks coming from Rose and Esme, it seemed she wasn't kidding.

"Yes, of course, dear. I totally understand. I'm sure the boys have heard this conversation already, but I'll go and let them know anyways. Ladies," Carlisle said with a nod towards us. He leaned down and gave Esme a passionate kiss, which she melted into. The rest of us turned away, feeling like we were interrupting a moment.

"Okay, ladies. Get dressed, let's get us all looking fab for the mall. Bella, let me do your hair and makeup quick. The rest of you, choose some clothes from in here, anything. We'll be buying a lot today anyways so don't hold back!" Alice grabbed me by the hand, pulling me towards the attached bathroom, while the others all jumped up, talking excitedly about the day to come and looking for outfits.

This was going to be a long day.

An hour later, we were all set to head to Port Angeles. Emmett had already tried barging in once, complaining about how boring it's going to be with all of us leaving. Rose chewed him out and sent him pouting downstairs, tail tucked between his legs.

Even Edward had snuck his way up, asking if we needed anything or wanted rides at all. I had slinked away into the bathroom with Alice, able to avoid him just a bit longer. I felt bad about the way that I had spoken to him earlier, wishing I would have refrained from name calling and just told him he was overstepping in a more mature way.

Alice noticed my odd behavior right away, of course. "You don't need to avoid him, you know that right? He feels really bad about how he reacted back there and you had every right to put him in his place. You shouldn't be too hard on yourself."

I sighed, sitting back in the chair Alice had pushed me into, letting her mess with my hair. She was doing natural waves with a half-up half-down look. I just let her do her thing. I had a feeling she knew what she was doing.

"I know...it doesn't stop me from feeling bad though. I think he was just worried is all. Doesn't mean I should have bit his head off."

"He's just worried. I think he's a little taken with you, Bella. I've never seen him act this way around anyone before. He's always been so individualistic, likes doing things on him own. He was the one to offer going after you when you ran off the other day. That's just so unlike him. And the way he looks at you...good lord." She sighed dreamily, twisting my hair with a curling iron.

"You really think so? I mean, from the small amount of time I've even been around him I can already tell things are a little different with him. I've never acted this way around anyone before...It's like, just being around him is calming. Like a breath of fresh air."

I flinched away, covering my ears slightly when Alice squealed with happiness. She threw her tiny arms around me from behind, squeezing me tightly, making sure to take the curling iron out of my hair so it didn't fry any of it off.

"The future is bright my darling! Well...I think at least. It's so difficult living with shields…" she grumbled the last part, standing up again and continuing her work on my hair.

"Edward, go AWAY!" I heard Rose yell from the other room.

"I was just coming to check if everything was okay! I heard Alice shriek, damn," his beautiful voice echoed out. I bit my lip, failing to keep my grin at bay. I looked at Alice and met her twinkling gaze.

"Everything's perfect, Edward. Don't worry!" Alice yelled out, keeping her eyes on mine. I didn't even try to stop the grin from spreading across my face further.

I let Alice swipe on an elegant cat eyeliner and some mascara, liking the depth the black brought to my golden eyes. We were all looking good, grabbing last minute accessories and purses. All of us were in some sort of pant with heeled winter boots. Tops varied from sweaters to long sleeved pieces and cute winter vests. We were like a winter Anthropologie magazine.

"Alright ladies, Rose and Bella, you're in one car. Tanya and Kate, you take another. Carmen, Esme, and I will take one too. We need all the space we can get with the load we're going to be bringing home!" She clapped her hands together, grabbing on to her Louis Vuitton bag and heading downstairs without looking back, just knowing we'd follow. We all trailed behind, chattering on about the day and what we wanted to get.

"Oh, shoot! Bella, I wanted you to take that cute Gucci bag, the cream velvet one? With the gold chain strap. Would you grab it?" Alice muttered from the front of the group.

"Yeah, I'll meet you all down there." I turned around, heading back into the giant closet room and grabbed the one I think Alice was talking about. Large G's, velvet, cream, chain strap, it's got to be it. I shrugged, throwing it over my shoulder and heading downstairs.

Everyone was mingling, Emmett and Rose were giving each other a very...intimate goodbye. The other's saying farewell to their respective partners and families. I wandered down the stairs, shoving my iPhone, the lipstick Alice had given me, and my wallet into the new handbag I was sporting. I glanced up, almost stumbling down the rest of the stairs when I made eye contact with Edward. He was staring directly at me, leaning against a wall off to the side of the room, away from everyone else. Alice seemed to be right about his individualistic tendencies.

I continued down, feeling like I was walking in slow motion for some reason. Everything was static-y and buzzing, something I'd grown used to when I was in close proximity to Edward.

Holy smokes, he'd showered. MAYDAY, the man had showered! He was now wearing dark jeans that hung just low enough to cause me to lick my lips absentmindedly. He had on a deep green sweater that made his eyes practically glow, a denim collared shirt peeking out from under it. No shoes, just thick wool socks to finish off the look.

He looked delicious.

He immediately stood up from where he had been leaning against the wall, bringing a hand to run through his slightly damp hair. I could smell his amazing scent from here. Seeing as vampires don't produce grease or sweat, there's usually no use for shampoo or conditioner. With just water, our hair tends to go back to its naturally clean and silky way. Only when something gets on us do we use soaps. I usually shower just for how amazing it feels, honestly.

So the smell I was currently inhaling was all Edward. Earthy and spicy...a hint of male musk and just Edward. Mmm...I had to keep myself from literally moaning out loud.

Get yourself together, Isabella!

I bit my lip, heading over to him. I gripped onto the end of a strand of my hair, lightly pulling and twisting it around nervously. He met me in the middle, hand still glued to his hair, pulling at it anxiously.

"I'm-"

"Hey, I-"

We both started at the same time, laughing awkwardly when our words clashed together. He bowed his head slightly, telling me to continue. I cleared my throat, looking into the deep depths of his golden eyes.

"I'm sorry for yelling at you. I probably could have gone about that whole situation a little better…" I said, grimacing slightly, " I didn't need to bite your head off. I know you were just worried about…Rose…" I trailed off, not wanting to assume he had been worried about me so defaulting quickly and inserting Rose's name instead. Edward was shaking his head, taking a step closer to me and wafting his delicious scent all over me.

"No, no. I'm sorry. I overstepped. You had every right to call me out on it. It was actually pretty kickass of you." He grinned down at me, moving the hand that had been gripping his hair to the back of his neck, looking as dashing as ever.

"Well, maybe, but it was still rude. So I apologize nonetheless," I grinned back at him tucking a stray hair behind me ear.

We stared at each other for a moment, grinning like fools. Whatever this feeling between us was, I really fucking liked it.

"You look beautiful by the way. That color green makes you look...amazing," he breathed out finally, giving me a slow once-over. I felt tingles from the tips of my toes, spreading to my neck. I knew if I was still human, I'd be as red as a tomato.

"Thank you," I replied quietly, looking down at my boots and then back up at him through my lashes, his eyes much darker than before. Edward reached out slowly, tucking the stubborn piece of hair that kept falling out of place, behind me ear.

"Would you maybe want to join me for a walk later tonight? Once you're home from the mall," he asked quietly, keeping his hand by my ear, lightly running his fingers through the hair he'd just put into place.

Do not moan. Do not moan. Do not moan.

I nodded, smiling up at him and saying, "I'd love to."

He grinned back at me, both of us content with the silence as we looked at one another, taking in small details. His lips were even more attractive up close, dammit.

"Alright lover boy, let my sister go. We have some shopping to do," Rose intervened. We both jumped slightly, startled, having totally forgotten both our families were watching our interaction.

Edward's hand was back in his hair, pulling lightly in a way I know knew was a nervous tick. I bit my lip, reaching up and rubbing my eyebrow in embarrassment.

Fucking Rose.

I started walking over to the girls, grumbling about how much I hated them, only half joking, when Edward's hand reached out and caught mine, pulling me back into him roughly. I placed a hand on his chest, steadying myself, before looking up at him in surprise. He leaned down, grinning wickedly at me and placing his mouth right by my ear, whispering, "and by the way, I was worried about you, Bella."

My mouth was dangling open, eyes wide. I felt the hairs on my arms raise, tingles spreading throughout every inch of my body.

"Hey, I resent that!" I heard Rose yell, Alice grabbing onto my arm and dragging me forward to the rest of the group. My eyes remained on Edward, his crooked smirk in place and dark eyes following my form.

Alice, Esme, and Carmen hopped into Carmen's Lexus, Kate and Tanya took Tanya's BMW, and Rose and I decided to take her sporty Mercedes-Benz. I glanced back at the house, seeing all the men on the porch waving goodbye. I made eye contact with Edward, winking at him before Rose sped off quickly.

I couldn't stop grinning when I heard his hearty laugh echo behind us.

A/N

Hi guys! I hope you all like this chapter. Things are in the works! I hope it isn't moving too slowly for anyone. I have so many ideas and things I want to get to but I really want to take things slow and develop relationships first.

It took me a while to get this chapter out. I've decided that I need to write at least one chapter before I post one, that way I'll never be posting content that I've just recently written. When I first posted this fic, I had nine chapters of unedited content stored up, now I only have about three. I want to make sure I'm submitting good work, not rushed, so having chapters written and waiting to be edited helps me write a little more relaxed and at ease.

So, I'm thinking that it'll take a couple weeks to update from here on out. I just wanted to keep you all in the loop.

Please let me know how you liked this chapter! I love hearing your guys' guesses on what's going to happen next and what you liked/didn't like.

Also, I wanted to mention that If Only was recommended over at A Different Forest for the Fic Dive a little while ago! Thank you thank you thank you. This really meant a lot to me. MADE MY DAY, MONTH, YEAR, LIFE!

I'll see you all soon,

BYE