AUTHOR'S NOTE: Here is chapter 9! I hope you are all enjoying my story so far and how it is progressing. There is more Bella & Edward, discoveries, and peace offerings. Please don't forget to let me know how you're liking the progress and your suggestions.

As always, a special thanks to these lovely people for taking the time to review since the last time: cbmorefie, sujari6, IGOTEAMEDWARD, and csp4. You guys really keep me going.

Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all Twilight characters.


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I wake up to the blaring sound of my alarm clock. I hit the snooze button hard before rubbing my eyes tiredly. It feels like I barely slept a wink. I had the dream about my aunt again and I still don't have an explanation as to why this has been happening to me. I am startled from my thoughts by the sound of the alarm again. I groan tiredly before sliding out of bed. I head straight for the bathroom and hop in the shower. I scrub myself clean but remain under the warm shower for five more minutes. I wrap myself in a fluffy towel and head into the closet to pick out my outfit. I settle for comfy skinny jeans, leather boots, vest top, and leather jacket. I run a comb through my hair and apply some product. I lightly dust myself with make up and some lip gloss before grabbing my backpack and walking down stairs. My phone buzzes in my pocket and I jump slightly.

Alice- Hey Bella, Edward and I can't come get you this morning but I'm sending Emmett. See you at school!

Bella- Thanks for letting me know

'I really should get myself some form of transportation.' I glance at the time and shake my head. I won't have time to grab something to eat today, getting ready took way longer than usual. As soon as I walk out the door I see Emmett pulling up on the driveway.

"Yo Bella!"

"Hey Emmett thanks for the ride," I grin at him but then I notice the blonde-headed girl sitting in the passenger seat looking at me expectantly. I say nothing else and get into the back seat of the Jeep.

"So I was thinking that it would be a great idea to try the ritual sometime soon," he grins at the through the rear-view mirror. I hesitate answering him and take a peek at Rosalie who seems to be glaring at Emmett.

"I don't think so Emmett."

"Don't worry, I'm working on convincing Rosalie, I think it's working." He talks about her like she isn't even in the car glaring daggers at him.

"No Emmett I don't want you to convince her, and to be perfectly honest I am not sure if I am comfortable sharing that part of myself with her either," I say with conviction.

"Now that we know that the Volturi are planning a trip here or maybe are already on their way, it is of utmost importance for us to bond together Bella," he says in a serious tone. "I may joke a lot, but even I understand that their threat is real." An uneasy feeling settles deep in my stomach. 'I wish Edward was here with me.'

"To be perfectly honest, it really is her fault that we are in this situation. She is the one disrupting our lives."

Before Emmett can get a word out I lash out at her, "Oh I'm sorry that no one ever told me about my family history and the possibility of me having some kind of freaky superpower. I'm sorry as well that I came to stay with my father. Am I not allowed to see my father?" She says nothing for a long time.

"It's hard for me to trust people who hide themselves." Emmett opens his mouth to speak again.

"We have been over this already for god's sake Rosalie, I do not know how to control it. Everyone tells me how great of a power it is but all you do is complain about it. I know you rely on your abilities entirely too much, but for once use your sense of logic and instinct."

"You are being unfair Rosalie and everyone else is really starting to get upset by it."

"Don't you mean just Edward and Alice?"

"No. Your brother is too because he hates seeing Alice upset, and myself because I have to hear you complain about it all the time." She lets out a huff and turns her body towards the window. I reach out and squeeze Emmett's shoulders and he squeezes my hand back in thanks. When we make it to the school I hop out of the car and give a little wave to Emmett before making my way to my locker.

A single red rose is stuck to the door of the locker and it immediately brightens up my mood. I reach out to carefully pluck it from my locker and I give it a little sniff. I close my eyes and smile to myself happily. I suddenly feel a pair of strong arms circle around my waist from behind. I remember the feel of his arms yesterday too vividly not to recognize the fact that it is Edward. I turn towards him slightly and he takes advantage of it by kissing me. Right there in the middle of the school hallway. I find myself not caring in the least and let myself sink into the kiss and the tingles that are spreading throughout my body.

"Aw you guys are so cute." The sound of Alice's voice disrupts the invisible little bubble Edward and I created around ourselves and we break apart. "No you can keep going don't mind me." Edward shoves her away playfully.

"I'm sorry I wasn't able to pick you up this morning, I had to errands to run before school." He squeezes my waist a little tighter.

"It's fine, I don't mind riding with Emmett." I choose not to mention my "conversation" with Rosalie this morning because it will only upset them.

"I think you and I should go on a date today," Edward states. Alice lets out a little giggle and claps her hands a little.

"You two are so cuuuuute," she says in the most babyish voice she can manage.

"You're ruining the moment Alice," I tease her. "But yes I'd love to." I stand up on my tip toes and boldly plant another kiss on his lips. He wraps his arms around my waist once more and pulls me closer.

"We can go to Port Angeles and do the cliche dinner and a movie."

"I like cliche." The bells rings and we all part ways. When I get to my class I am surprised to see Rosalie leaning against the wall next to the door. She straightens up when she sees me coming. I go up to her but we don't speak for a few moments. She clears her throat before speaking.

"Listen, I think we need to talk, just the two of us without anyone else butting in."

"Alright I think that is fair."

"Sit with me outside the cafeteria during lunch?"

"I'll see you then," I agree and move past her into the classroom without saying another word. The teacher gives me a little glare for coming in after the bell but doesn't call me out on it.

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I wait gingerly in front of the doors that lead to the outside of the cafeteria hours later. I don't see any sign of Rosalie but I know that she wants to talk this out as much as I do, for her sake at the very least. As soon as I see her I push the open the door and head outside. I see Alice throw her a questioning look, but Rosalie shakes her head at Alice before following me out.

"You want to get some lunch?"

"I don't really feel like eating right now."

"Yeah I don't feel up to it either. I suppose we should start with an apology. I know I have been hard on you and you were right about the fact that I rely on my abilities too much. I have be warned against doing so but it's all I know." Rosalie shrugs.

"I understand that part and I was kind of being mean when I said it. In a way I am the same way, whether I was aware of it or not is kind of irrelevant. I don't know how to turn it off Rosalie."

"I know and I always have, I just refused to believe it. Every so often I catch a glimpse of you which is why I was so suspicious."

"Really?"

"Yes but I can tell now that it is something that you were doing subconsciously. I used to think that maybe it was just a slip in your facade."

"I'd like to learn how to turn it off."

"Well maybe it isn't such a bad idea to leave it on, with the Volturi being so close."

"I mean I'd like to know how to control it so I can turn it off when I need to?"

"Yes we have wasted too much time. We need to perform the ritual, if you're open to it I mean. I'm not so sure anymore because of what you said this morning."

"I only said that stuff because you seemed really against the idea still and I refused to let you be forced to do something like that."

"I am fiercely protective of the people I love, but I was being immature."

"You were. I am sorry if I am harsh but I've never felt the need to beat around the bush, specially when it comes to you." Rosalie lets out a little hum of agreement.

"So you and Edward huh?"

"Are you okay with our relationship?"

"Are you asking for permission of some sort?"

"No I don't need to ask anyone about my own rightful decisions." I state and she laughs a little.

"I think I know what you mean. Whether you seek my approval or not I'm giving it to you. I've never seen Edward so taken with anyone. I think that's part of what threw me off about you. I thought maybe you were working voodoo magic on him. I have never seen Edward act so harshly towards anyone either, but I suppose he was going through something similar to me, only he snapped out of it pretty fast."

"We are going on a date this afternoon."

"The boy moves fast," she smirks. "You do understand about the importance of us bonding, but do you understand about couple bonding?"

"Yeah Alice explained most of it I think."

"Can you see yourself being with Edward possibly forever? I'm asking because to us that is something that is normal and pretty much expected but you were raised differently and in a completely separate environment."

"I can't answer that right now Rosalie, all I can tell you is that I feel for him things that I have never felt for anyone else. I'm kind of crazy about him truth be told." Rosalie nods in approval.

"Maybe after your date with Edward you two can join us in the circle."

"That soon?!" I ask with surprise. 'Just this morning she was so against that idea and now she's the one suggesting it.'

"No time to waste." She looks at her phone before standing up.

"Alright that's a good idea, I'll talk to Edward about it this afternoon." We say our goodbyes and we go our separate ways. During biology I update Edward on what happened with Rosalie and we make further plans for our date. When school lets out, we drive up to a nice steakhouse in Port Angeles.

"Do you think it's too soon to ask you to be my girlfriend," Edward teases but I can tell he is serious underneath it all.

"Well it probably is, but if you asked I'd still say yes."

"In that case. Bella Swan would you do me the honor of becoming… my girl?"

"I like the preamble so it's a definite yes." I grin brightly. He gets up from his seat and pulls me out of mine to give me a big hug. A few people stare at us but I am too happy to care.

"I'm so glad I get to call you mine, I promise I will not let the Volturi get to you." His words sends a chill up my spine and I shiver a little. He notices and helps me sit back down. "I'm sorry if I ruined the moment by talking about them."

"I'm kind of terrified of them even though I've never met them. Specially after finding out about my family's history with them"

"I wish you never would, but Alice had another vision this morning."

"Is that why you two were running late?"

"Alice's vision are pretty spontaneous but there are things that can help induce them. One of those is being in the circle and concentrating on that she is trying to see. She had a bad dream about a previous visit and insisted on going to the circle this morning before school."

"She saw the vision of them coming again?"

"Worse. She saw a vision of them coming but it wasn't the same one. Which basically makes it official. She saw you as well Bella, not with them, but she saw you while envisioning them. If that isn't a sign, I don't know what is."

"They can't manipulate me or force me to do anything. I am more determined than ever to tie myself to the Clan… to you." I finish quietly.

"I'm okay with having you as my forever."

"We'll do the ritual today," I say determined. He agrees quietly and we finish our meal. He sends everyone a group text informing them of our arrival time. He parks at his house and we go to the circle through his family's land this time. By the time we arrive everyone is already there. Alice comes to me with a grin on her face and gives me a hug.

"We are officially sisters," she whispers.

"We aren't getting married Alice," I laugh but she shrugs and skips back to her place on the circle humming the wedding song in jest. It starts to rain lightly but it doesn't bother any of us in the least. We all join hands and close our eyes in concentration. It starts to rain a little harder and the loud thunder makes me lose my concentration for a moment but it just encourages me focus harder. I begin to feel the electricity running through me once more, except this time it's different. It's not just one type of energy but five. I come to realization that everyone's energies are different. I easily recognize Edward's strong energy running through me and he squeezes my hand impossibly tight. The wind picks up speed and lightning strikes right in the middle of the circle making me jump with fright.

"Don't lose focus," Edward manages say in the midst of it all. I am terrified of what's happening right now. The wind has picked up considerably and I feel like it is about to knock me over. I can feel myself losing the battle but I manage to hold on to the energy long enough to finish. As soon as we break apart the weather clears up and the rain is just a light drizzle once again.

Before I have the time to process what just happened, my knees give out from underneath me and I flop to the ground unceremoniously. I feel a tingle of pain on my thigh but I pay it no mind.

"Bella?!" I hear Edward cry out. I feel a strange need to touch the ground and I extend my hand out in front of me digging my hands into the earth. A soothing type of current passes through my fingers and I immediately feel better thinking it must be their leftover energy. In the back of my mind I find it strange that no one has come to my aid. I get up on my knees ready to try and stand back up but the look of astonishment on their faces stops me dead in my tracks.

"What?" I ask in a whispered panic.

"Look at the ground," Jasper says back softly. I instantly look down and what I see almost has me screaming in surprise. I manage to hold it in, but I can't help the choked up sound that comes out. This manages to snap everyone out of their daze and Edward lifts me up off the ground.

"I guess that solves that mystery," I laugh nervously. The grassy area I had reached out to touch in my moment of panic had turned into a shriveled up mess. I guess my aunt and I do have a lot more in common than I imagined. 'Just wait until I tell Charlie about this, he is going to flip.'

"Wow that's amazing, the possibility of you having that ability was always on our minds but actually seeing it it quite surprising nonetheless," Rosalie speaks up.

"Should I try to put it back?" I ask shyly.

"How do you feel?" Edward asks.

"I feel great, like I could do the energy circle with all of you again," I say brightly.

"Maybe you should keep it since you seem to need it more," suggests Emmett and I nod in agreement. Edward wraps his arms around me and whispers how extraordinary I am in my ear.

"We are all going to help you perfect your abilities," Alice says with determination. Everyone gives their agreement before we head our separate ways.

We arrive at my house and when I open the door I see an expectant Charlie sitting on the couch. He raises his eyebrows at our joined hands.

"You're late Bella."

"I know I'm sorry Dad, I was in Port Angeles having dinner with Edward. I forgot to inform you and for that I am sorry." I say softly.

"What happened to you? Why are you muddy?" He asks after appraising my appearance.

I turn to Edward, "Can you explain what happened please?" He nods and squeezes my hand one more time. I head up the stairs to get out of my dirty clothes and take a shower. Once I am completely clean, I throw on some shorts and a tank top. I find Edward and Charlie sitting on the couch talking about this afternoon. I go and take a seat next to Edward.

"I know you were hoping that maybe I didn't inherit aunt Livia's ability Dad, but I am going to learn how to control it I promise." He looks at me for a moment and nods.

"I don't believe it is your fault and I am accepting you for who you are Bella, please don't doubt it. I just worry."

I get up and sit next to him before giving him a side hug. He wraps his arm around me and gives me a kiss on my temple. "I know Daddy, but I am a fast learner. Plus I have the whole Clan backing me up."

"I know sweetheart, I know."

"Edward and I are together now," I say casually.

"I know, he mentioned it to me," he says nonchalantly. I pull away and look back at him skeptically.

"You seem to be taking this quite well. I thought I was going to get a lecture about how we are too young to commit to something as big as this."

"I admit that I wish you had been older before starting a serious relationship, but you forget that I grew up in this environment. I know what is expected and that Edward comes from a good family."

Satisfied with his answer, I get up from the couch and drag Edward with me upstairs. He keeps looking back at Dad worriedly but Dad is too busy pretending to ignore what is going on. I flop down on top of my bed. Edward just stands at the end of it looking awkward and shooting glances at the door.

"Edward, he knows we are up here," I laugh. He grins back at me and sits on the bed.

"I know but it's your Dad still." The grin falls from his face and turns into a frown. He comes closer to me and tentatively touches my thigh. I look down and see a huge purple bruise. "Must be from when you fell. I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough to catch you."

"We were all caught off guard. It's cool." He gives me a little rub which just makes me tingly.

"I think the reason you always get so weak during the circle has to do with your ability. Maybe you are giving too much of your own, although it didn't feel like it to me." He keeps rubbing the bruise distractedly, his eyes focused on just that. I sit up suddenly and kiss him boldly. He is caught off guard for a moment but kisses me back just as eagerly. He pushes me back on the bed and places himself on top of me. We continue to kiss passionately and his hands wander from my bruise to the rest of my leg. He breaks the kiss and starts to kiss across my jaw and neck. I suddenly feel his hands squeezing my butt and I am doing a happy dance in my head. He presses himself a little closer to me and that's when I feel the tent in his pants. I rub myself excitedly against him, forgetting the fact that Charlie could walk in at any minute. I don't even remember locking the door. He breaks away from me completely.

"Maybe we should stop," he laughs nervously before glancing at the door. 'I guess I was able to drop my shield long enough for him to read me.'

"I guess you're right," I pout. He chuckles and gives me another peck.

"I'll go home now." He gets up from the bed and heads to the door. I blow him a kiss goodbye and wait a few minutes before coming down myself. Charlie gives me a pointed look when he sees me. I just look back at him innocently and he rolls his eyes before turning back to the TV.

"I just want you to be careful Isabella," he says without taking his eyes off the TV.

"I know Dad, I promise you I will be. Plus I'm already 18," I add for good measure.

"Yes Bella. You have always been mature beyond your years but don't do anything stupid, like getting yourself knocked up." I am absolutely mortified at this conversation.

"Oh god Dad please don't."

"I know you're an adult in the eyes of the law, but you're still my daughter. I know how intense clan relationships can be."

"We've barely been going out for like five hours dad."

"Just for future reference. I respect your privacy and I accept your relationship but don't take my advice lightly. I only want what's best for you."

"I know you're just looking out for me and I appreciate it." I give him a quick kiss on his stubbly cheek before dashing upstairs and jumping on my bed. 'Life could not be any sweeter at this exact moment.'


Stay tuned for more mysteries unraveled, Volturi visits, and more ExB of course. Don't forget to review because it truly encourages me to write more and update sooner. I hope I didn't make any major grammatical mistakes but if I did you guys can let me know.

Review!

Thanks,

Kiara