A/N: Hey guys. Thanks again for the amazing response.

Sorry for the long time, had some internet issues.

But here another chapter. See if you can spot some quotes I've used.

Chapter 9

The incessant banging on the front door woke me from my sleep. I didn't move straight away, aware of the ache in my back and head, bringing back the memory of the day before. As I rolled over to glance at my alarm clock, I sighed. 8:15. Dad had just left.

Grumbling, I slowly slipped out of bed, pulling on a long cardigan over my old tattered Pj's. I swear if it is Alice I'll murder her myself. I made sure to take the stairs slowly, one at a time; I won't be cliff jumping anytime soon, that's for sure. Once I had finally and slowly made it to the door, I was fully prepared to yell at whoever was on the other side.

There, on my porch with his fist raised, stood a tired looking Jacob, wearing no shirt and a pair of denim shorts. He flashed me a small, shy smile which I wasn't buying. After the commotion he caused yesterday, he's lucky I'll even speak to him.

"What do you want? I was sleeping." I growled, pulling my cardigan around me more. Jacob sighed before pushing past me, making his way towards the living room. "What are you doing?" I exclaim as he takes a seat in Charlie's arm chair.

"We need to talk." I sighed, not this again.

"About Edward, but your words are wasted here. I know what he is and I don't care." I flopped onto the sofa, pulling my legs to my chest.

"This isn't about your leech."How dare he? He doesn't even know Edward and he thinks he can bad mouth him. I was about to bite back when his words stop me. "It's about you, and what you did yesterday." What I did yesterday? Oh. My eyes widened. I burnt Jacob yesterday.

"I didn't do anything." I muttered, trying to sound genuine.

"Bella, you're a shit actress." I felt like sticking my tongue out at him. "What are you?"

"Because you told me you are a werewolf? Why would I tell you?" I reply, watching Jacob's eyebrows pull together in frustration.

"Does your bloodsucker know?" he practically spits.

"Like it's any of your business and his name is Edward." Jacob's face screws up as I defend Edward.

"He's a killing blood sucker and he's not even breathing, he doesn't need a name." I felt my anger boil to the surface. What gives him the right?

"I won't have you come here and insult my boyfriend because you have are weird supernatural enemies. As for what I am it's none of your business." I have stood from my seat and am practically panting as I tried to control myself.

"I care for you Bella and for Charlie and I don't want to see either of you get hurt." Jacob replies, his voice calm and caring.

"The Cullen's would never hurt Charlie and they can't hurt me; besides I'm immune to the venom, so far." I saw the colour drain from his face. Oh god what did I say?

"Have they, HE bitten you?" Jacob asked; his voice low as he stood. I could see the muscles in his neck tighten as he began to slightly shake.

"WHAT? NO. I told you they would never…"

"Then how Bella because the only way I'm aware of is their teeth and…"Jacob noticed my blushing and caught my meaning. I thought that would calm him but it only seemed to anger him more.

"Are you insane? Do you know how dangerous that is? Kissing a vampire is like kissing a poisonous snake; you could die from their venom." He took a step closer; cautiously I took one back.

"I can kiss a vampire if I want, I can do anything I want! Butt out!" I growled back, hoping he'd actually listen.

"What? You're human, you have no idea." He took another step forward.

"I said butt out Jake. This is so not your business. I shouldn't have…We shouldn't even be talking about this. It's private-." His hands clamp on my shoulders tightly. "Ow, Jake! Let go!" I shout in his face but he doesn't flinch.

"Have you lost your mind? You can't be that stupid!" I felt offended by his comment. As I tried to wriggle lose his grip tightened.

"Jake-stop!" I yelp.

"I'll kill him! I'll rip his head off for even thinking…why would he take the risk? He obviously doesn't care that much about you, stupid bloodsucking leech." That did it. No more Miss Nice Bella.

I tried to push as hard as I could but he didn't budge, damn werewolf. So I used my greatest weapon. I clenched my fist and smiled as I took notice of the angry red patch that started to appear on his forearms. He hissed and finally let me go. Breathless and buzzing with anger, I fell back onto the sofa to catch my bearings.

"First, yes, it was a stupid experiment and no it wasn't Edward, it was me who pushed his limit. So blame me. Second, if you call him a bloodsucker or a leech again I will burn your face next. Third, you are not my father so don't tell me what to do." I hissed. I couldn't help but smile at his bashful face as I said the last bit.

"Bella, I'm only looking out for you. Look, Dad saw what you did to me yesterday and told the tribe. They're worried that you may be a threat. That's why they want to know what you are. If you don't tell me they are willing to start asking questions, starting with Charlie." What! They can't do that!

"You have no right! Charlie is nothing to do with this; you will be involving an innocent where he does not belong. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? You stupid dogs." Edward's voice growled from behind me. When did he get here? I really need to get him a bell. Oh god, did he hear our conversation before? I felt blood rush to my cheeks.

"Dangerous? You're dangerous and so can she be if she used this-" he pointed to his less red arm "-on a human." What! How could they even think?

"I would never and have never!" Oh wait, I have. Once on those scumbags but I wasn't going to admit that now. Plus that was different, they deserved it.

"You know Bella isn't capable of doing anything like that. You can't pressure her into telling you something like this just because a bunch of dogs are curious." Edward argued back.

"This isn't anything to do with you leech!" Jacob hissed at Edward, who took a step forward.

"You call yourself a friend." Edward chuckled and shook his head. "You should be on her side, protecting her." Edward flinched; must have seen something in Jacob's head.

"That's right, you're the mind reader, is that how you found out?" Jacob asked; his eyebrows rose in curiosity.

"No, I can't read her mind." Edward muttered, still sounding annoyed at the fact. I don't know why, my mind isn't that interesting.

"Look, I am not telling you what I am because I don't know. All I know is what I can do which is manipulate water. So please can we leave it at that and get back to being friends." I ask Jacob, stepping towards him. I couldn't tell him what I am, I couldn't tell anyone. The fact that he, who didn't tell me he is a werewolf, wants me to out myself is hurtful.

"Bella, I'm sorry but you don't understand…" What!

"You're right I don't understand! There's one of me. I may be the only one in the whole world for all I know and you think I'm a threat. I don't even know what I can do half the time but I'm positive that controlling water isn't as dangerous as bursting into a dog." I shouted, my chest heaving as I tried to get my breath back.

Edward stepped up behind me and gently rubbed my arms, which was indeed soothing. I could see by the look on his face that Jacob didn't approve but I didn't care. I watched as Jacob finally broke his eyes away from Edward and focused on my obviously upset face, he sighed.

"Bella, I'm sorry. It's just, more wolves are turning due to the amount of vampires in the area and they're turning at a younger age. If there are threats then they need to be located and taken care of. I don't believe you will harm someone intentionally but you are an unknown to us." His voice was much calmer now.

"And me." Edward muttered to himself. Jacob heard and raised his eyebrow, obviously asking questions I can't hear.

"I've researched all night and I can't find a single thing that isn't folk lore or fairytales." Edward said more to me than Jacob.

"Well, what you find out, I'd like to know." Oh for the love of jellyfish, is he still on this. I hope he realises that I won't tell him anything anyway.

"Whatever." I mutter before retaking my seat on the sofa. Jacob made his way towards the door but stopped.

"I almost forgot, the pack is having this beach-barbeque party tonight and I wondered if you wanted to go." As soon as he said beach I knew I wouldn't go.

"I can't, I promised Alice I'd be her prom Barbie, maybe another time." Jacob nodded, his face pulled into a frown.

"Okay, I'll hold ya to that. See ya." How can he do that? Act as if nothing happened. I let out a slow and much needed breath once he had closed the door. He couldn't have made that more awkward. Of course I wasn't going to go to a party full of werewolves' intent on interrogating me.

"I had an idea but I didn't want to say anything in front of the dog." Edward said, placing his hands on my shoulder.

"What?" I asked eagerly.

"I was thinking, if it's okay with you, to invite a friend from Alaska who can sense vampire's powers and some humans too. It may be worth a try."Could I risk myself like that? "He's practically family and can be completely trusted. I would never put you in danger." Edward added, observably reading my expressions.

"Erm…Are you sure? He won't say anything would he?" Can I trust a vampire out of the Cullen family?

"He's a very close friend of Carlisle's. He would rather die than betray him. I have complete faith in him." I knew it would be near impossible for anyone, apart from me, to hide anything from Edward so I had to believe his judgement.

"Okay. As long as you're sure." I mumble before I step into his arms, enjoying the calm feeling that overcome me at his embrace. "Thank you for earlier." Edward pulled back to place a soft kiss on my lips.

"When Alice said that your future disappeared I began to panic. I rushed over here to hear you and wolf-boy arguing so I let myself in. I love you Bella and I will never let anything happen to you, don't listen to anything that smelly mutt tells you."

I felt giggly as Edward told me he loved me again. I will never get used to that or the reaction those four words made me feel. The butterflies in my tummy, the tingling in my bones, the smile that automatically pulled at my lips. God I sounded like a thirteen year old girl but I didn't care.

"I don't intend too. I know you love me as much as I love you. I'm not going anywhere. Now, about this research." I said as I clasped his hand and tried to pull him towards the sofa. When he didn't budge, I turned to him with an eyebrow raised.

"We have somewhere to go first." Edward pulled back on my hand so I fell into his chest.

"Yeah?"

"Carlisle needs to check you over." Blah! I just wanted a lazy day.

"But I feel fine!" Edward chuckled and shook his head.

"Yeah and so do the elderly. Now come on my fragile mermaid, let get that bump checked out." I couldn't help but giggle at him. Edward could really be goofy sometimes.

"Fine Mr bossy 'Vampire' pants." I replied as I made my way towards the stairs to get changed.

As always, Esme greeted me with a huge smile and a motherly hug as we entered the kitchen. With my mom being in phoenix I was nice to have Esme, she would have been the world's best mother if she'd had the chance. I expected to see all the Cullen's, sans Rosalie, waiting for me like usual however I was slightly disappointed when it was just Esme.

"Ah Bella, I hope you're alright. Edward said you had an accident." I looked at Edward with a raised eyebrow. What had he told them?

"Yeah, it's just like me to slip of the edge of a cliff. Lucky for me I have a vampire in shining armour." I winked at Edward before placing a gentle kiss on his cheek. Esme's face began to glow as she watched our display.

"Yes very lucky. However I don't recommend you do it often." I nodded. That's what I loved about Esme, she didn't tell you off or criticise you. She gave you subtle motherly suggestions that had hidden meanings. My mom would be upfront and make me feel awful.

Emmett came bounding in from the garage, covered in dirt with jasper not far behind him in much the same state. Knowing them they'd either been hunting or wrestling in the woods.

Emmett appeared at my side within a blink, wrapping me up in his huge arms and squeezing me tight. If it wasn't for Edward's warnings, I'm sure Emmett might have accidently broken a bone.

"Bella! Been chased by any vampire's lately?" Trust Emmett.

"Yeah, I'm a magnet for danger." I told him honestly as he gently lowered me to the floor. He chuckled.

"That you are. Maybe that's your secret." I shook my head at him.

"If only it was that simple." He raised an eyebrow at me, obviously thinking. Jasper took this opportunity to say a brief hello before heading off to get changed; Esme would kill him for tracking dirt on her cream carpet. Emmett followed seconds after but not until he messed up my hair. Demon!

"Come on, Carlisle's waiting." Edward muttered, linking his arm with mine as he led me up the stairs towards Carlisle's office. As he opened the door it was exactly how I remembered; the memory of last time flashed before my eyes. That had been a close call.

Carlisle checked me over and was happy I had survived with just a mild concussion. Edward was relieved, even though I had told him I was fine and he'd checked me over twice the night before.

We left Carlisle to read his ancient dusty books to head to Edwards hidey hole, the music room. I had yet to hear him play and was determined to get a private concert. Of course all my nagging finally paid off as Edward plonked himself on the bench. I was fascinated by his hands, hands I've seen crush a rock to dust, play something so sweet as his fingers gently glide over the keys.

I continued to watch him, or more accurately oogle him, taking advantage of his concentration to gaze at my handsome vampire. At that moment I knew. It struck me like a bolt of lightning. I knew that I loved Edward Cullen with my whole heart and that no matter what, we will make this work. The mermaid and the vampire against the world. I just knew it, in my heart, we would be okay. We were soul mates.

Reaching for my bag, I pulled out my gift to Edward. At first I was unsure if he'd like it but something told me I should give it to him. Maybe it was a mermaid commitment thing. But I wanted him to have it, a little piece of me. When I turned back to him, Edward had finished playing and was now watching me curiously.

"I...l wanted to give you something. I'd understand if you don't like it." I told him as I handed over the jar covered in brown paper. He looked at it apprehensively before ripping off the paper. His face broke out in a huge smile as he pulled the jar closer to his face, why I don't know because his eyes sight was beyond perfect.

"I can have this?" he asked, glee shining in his eyes.

"Sure. A little bit of me, literally." I chuckled as I looked at the golden scales that flew around the water in the jar. I had found them in the bottom of the bath and had quickly put them in a bubble so they couldn't dry out. After finding the jar, I had filled it with water and put in the scales. At first I just stared in awe as I shook the jar with a snow globe. Then I thought of Edward the other day when I was in the bath; the way he stared in amazement at my tail. I just knew he'd love em.

"This is without a doubt the best present I have ever been given. I love you Bella." He said as he leant forward, pressing his lips to mine.

"I love you too."