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 intend

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Chapter 10 - Dedere

Edward tracked Hunter far enough to be certain the brute was still headed into town, then returned to his post at the edge of the forest and paced. It was impossible to remain still — his body hummed with energy, the instinct to protect his mate all-consuming.

His mate.

Today had erased all doubt. His reaction to seeing Bella threatened had been overwhelming, like nothing he had experienced in all his centuries of existence. It had taken every ounce of will to keep from ripping Hunter limb from limb.

Bella had retired to her room, bringing Jack with her, and Edward heard her sigh peacefully. Shortly thereafter, her breathing and heartbeat told him she had fallen into an exhausted sleep, and Edward felt his own body relax. He leapt into the branches of an oak and climbed until he could see all approaches to the boarding house, then settled in to wait; one of his family would appear shortly.

Before long, Edward recognized his mother's step, and in a moment she was beside him on the branch, her skirts tucked into her waistband. Esme demurely rearranged her dress, and Edward grinned at her display of decorum, sixty feet up a tree.

"Good afternoon, Esme," Edward said fondly. "This is a pleasant surprise."

She looked very pleased with herself as she replied, "I traded with Carlisle. I never get to have any fun, and Emmett said things were getting interesting." She waggled her eyebrows at him in a fair impersonation of his annoying brother.

Edward chuckled at her antics, but at length, grew serious again. "Emmett was right. This afternoon, one of the boarders assaulted Isabella."

Esme gasped, "Oh, Edward, no!"

"She wasn't harmed," he replied, "I was close by and intervened. But if I had not been there…"

All at once, he was flooded with images of Bella's terrified face as Hunter restrained her arms, towering over her. Edward's breathing grew ragged. "Esme…he would have raped her! Jesus!" He pulled at his hair, trying to banish the horrific images from his mind.

Esme took his hand in hers and held on tightly. "But he didn't. Isabella is safe in her room. Edward…listen." He finally did as she asked, closing his eyes as he focused on the sound of Isabella's heart, steady in sleep.

After a time, the tension left his body, and Esme asked, "Where is the man who attacked her now?"

Edward grimaced in disgust. "As of twenty minutes ago, he was on the road, limping toward town."

"And you want him far away, as soon as possible, yes?"

Her son smiled grimly. "Do you think you could manage Mexico?"

With a smirk, Esme hopped off the branch to land gracefully on the ground far below. "How about California?" she teased.

Edward smirked. "I suppose two hundred miles in any direction will do." He described Hunter to his mother, adding, "He was renting the room opposite Isabella's on the third floor. It probably reeks of him."

Esme made a face and started circling around the edge of the woods toward the house, muttering under her breath about the sacrifices she made for her children.

"Thank you, Esme," Edward whispered, and saw her answering back-handed wave.

~oOo~

An hour later, Emmett joined Edward in the tree.

"Sacramento!" Emmett announced with a flourish. "My wife and Esme are taking Hunter…to Sacramento!"

Edward stared, dumbfounded, until realization dawned. "And will they be bringing along an empty trunk?"

"They'll be buying one trunk each to fill with their purchases, once they get there. Rosalie was practically dancing for joy. She and Esme are making their shopping lists as we speak. Hunter's tied up in the cellar." Emmett swung off the branch and hung by his knees, arms dangling below. "Something is off about that man. Glad they're taking him far away."

"What did he say?" Edward asked warily.

"That he's very much looking forward to having his revenge for the beating you gave him, dear brother. And he's angry about missing his chance at Isabella. We gagged him."

"I should have killed him," Edward replied grimly, and Emmett didn't disagree.

"Hard to justify, now that the danger is past, though," his brother said sympathetically, "and you couldn't have killed him right in front of her." He gave an upside-down shrug.

Edward waited a few beats, then said, "I agreed to have tea with Isabella tonight."

Emmett swung back up onto the branch and looked at his brother in astonishment. "You're serious."

Edward nodded.

Emmett clapped him on the back. "Edward, that's…" He stopped when he took in his brother's expression.

"I should have refused."

Emmett's shoulders slumped. "I thought you had finally come around."

"Nothing has changed," Edward replied bitterly. "If the Volturi were to discover us…"

"We are thousands of miles from Volterra," Emmett interrupted.

"It's still a risk! Aro knows where we are," Edward retorted. "But even if we do escape the notice of the Volturi…who will protect Isabella from me?"

"I know you're afraid," Emmett said quietly. "But, Edward…Isabella is your mate. She's worth fighting for." Edward was silent, and Emmett left him to his thoughts.

At last Edward said lowly, "If I ever needed confirmation that I'm a monster, at last I have it. For I'm terrified that I'm going to kill the one woman who has ever taken my heart…and yet, I'm going to risk her very life, to satisfy my own selfish desires."

Emmett sighed. "Edward, you're not going to hurt her. Maybe some day you'll believe that. But in the meantime…" he smiled, "I'm glad you have decided to give Isabella a chance."

Emmett dropped to the ground and strode away, calling back, "I'll see you tomorrow, Edward." When he was almost out of sight, he sang teasingly, "Enjoy your tea!"

Edward leaned back against the tree and closed his eyes, images of Isabella taunting him as he wrestled with his conscience. He would go to her in the end, he knew; he would be unable stay away.

~oOo~

The coals in the hearth let off a dim glow as Bella crept into the kitchen, closing the door silently behind her. She quickly built up the fire and put water on for tea, then sat in a rocking chair to wait. A log popped on the fire, making her jump, and she wrung her hands nervously in the fabric of her robe, willing herself to be calm.

Suddenly, Jack trotted to the window, jumping up to rest his front feet on the wall below. Unable to reach the sill, he backed up several paces and sat, trembling with eagerness, tail wagging madly. Bella rose from her chair to peer out into the darkness.

The moon illuminated Edward's tall form, just emerging from the forest. He covered the ground quickly, the sinuous grace of his stride making her think of a jungle cat stalking its prey, and Bella felt the small hairs stand up on the back of her neck. He caught sight of her watching and lowered his eyes, his bashful smile lending him an almost boyish appearance.

Heart fluttering with excitement, Bella hurried to the door, pausing just a moment to take a shaky breath before pulling it open.

Edward stood looking up at her, his hands behind his back, his attempt at looking serious hampered by the little dog wiggling at his feet.

"Mr. Cullen," Bella said somewhat breathlessly, "how good of you to come."

"Miss Swan, thank you for your kind invitation," he responded with a little bow. Bella giggled, and Edward follow her gaze downward to where Jack was now comically jumping in place, trying to reach his jacket pocket.

"You have forgotten to pay your accomplice," Bella observed, eyes twinkling.

"So I have," Edward chuckled, and he crouched down to scratch Jack behind the ears. "I'm sorry little one," he murmured, "It has been a busy day, and I have no treats for you." He rose, and Jack trotted at his heels as Edward followed Bella into the dimly lighted kitchen.

She took his jacket and turned to hang it on a peg, and Edward drew a cautious breath, closing his eyes to steel himself against the burn in his throat.

"Won't you sit down?" she asked, blushing prettily.

Edward folded his long legs under the sturdy work table, watching as Bella poured steaming water into the tea kettle and placed the lid on top to let it steep.

She joined him at the table, and he leaned toward her. "Miss Swan, I hope you have recovered from the terrible shock you suffered today."

"I have…thanks to you. You may call me Isabella. But…well, I would like it, if you called me Bella."

"Bella," he murmured with a smile, "I'm relieved that you are well. Please call me Edward."

Bella studied his face in the gentle glow of the candle, finally able to look her fill. Thick lashes fringed his honey-colored eyes, while dark brows arched above, and his sculpted cheekbones led down to sinfully curved lips and a chiseled jaw. Her gaze traveled lower still to take in the way Edward's tailored shirt emphasized his leanly muscled frame, his broad shoulders...

Suddenly Bella became aware that she was biting her lip as she rudely ogled her guest, and her eyes flew back up to his face. "I-I'm sorry!" she sputtered, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment. "I'm being so rude!" She wrung her hands in her lap and fretted, "What must you think of me…after what happened today…then inviting you in late at night and with no chaperone, and now…"

But Edward cut her off, "Bella, no! Please, there is nothing for which to apologize." She shook her head in self-reproach.

"What must I think of you?" Edward shook his head in amazement but his voice gentled as he asked,

"Bella, please…will you look at me?" Reluctantly she did as he requested.

"Bella…I think you are courageous, and strong. You have a generous nature, and a kind heart. I think…" He closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened them again, the transparent devotion she saw there nearly took her breath away. "Bella…you are the most remarkable woman I have ever known."

Bella's eyes grew wide as she stared back at him. Finally, she murmured vaguely, "I think the tea must be ready."

He gave her an affectionate smile and agreed, "I think it must."

Blinking rapidly, Bella rose and went to pour their tea. She stood with her back to him, pretending to arrange scones on a tray as she tried to make sense of her swirling emotions.

She had no illusions about her appearance, nor her station in life. She was no one special, while he…he truly was remarkable. He was the most devastatingly handsome, charming man she had ever encountered. She could feel herself already falling under his spell, and it made her feel terribly vulnerable.

Edward's quiet voice interrupted her thoughts. "I have said too much," he said, his voice heavy with remorse. "It was not my intention to cause you distress. Please forgive me, Bella. I'll go now."

"Please stay."

She turned and found him already standing, already poised to leave. With dismay, she realized that she had hurt him, just as she had that morning when she had returned his letter unanswered.

"You know," Bella said at last, "my mother always used to say there is no problem that can't be solved by a nice cup of tea."

Edward's mouth quirked up on one side, and he replied, "Then I am in your mother's debt. And yours."

Relieved that he had accepted her peace offering, Bella brought the laden tray to the table and served the tea, trying not to stare at the beautiful man opposite her. This became difficult, however, when Edward bit into a scone and hummed appreciatively, the low rumble fairly making her toes curl. Then he licked a crumb from his lips, and she had to look away, the urge to perform the task for him nearly overwhelming. What was wrong with her?!

"Have you been enjoying the fine weather of late?" he asked.

She giggled, and clapped a hand over her mouth, beginning to feel a bit hysterical at the surreal nature of the situation in which she found herself.

Edward tilted his head. "What is it?"

She took a breath to steady herself, and then teased, "You are asking me about the weather?"

"I want to know." He looked down, chastened. "I want to know everything about you, Bella. I am sorry if that sounds inappropriate. It is the truth."

"I enjoyed the sunshine," she said softly. "But I like all kinds of weather, really…even the cold."

"Even the cold," he repeated softly with the hint of a smile, making her wonder at its cause. Still, he did not meet her gaze.

Working up her courage, she said, "I would like to know about you as well."

His brows furrowed, and she rushed on nervously, "I know you have said you must guard your secrets, but perhaps I could ask just a few questions?…"

He looked up, for a moment appearing at a loss for words. "Bella…I want to share more of myself with you, but…"

She pleaded with her eyes, willing him to agree, and with a sigh, he relented. "Very well. I will try to answer your questions."

"Oh, thank you!" she said, beaming, "I have a list, but I didn't want to presume…"

Edward chuckled at her enthusiasm as she pulled a piece of paper from the pocket of her robe.

Bella stared at her list of questions, unable to give voice to even one. She finally looked up with a sheepish smile. "I am finding this much more difficult than I imagined, now that I have you sitting in front of me."

"May I see?" he asked, and she gratefully laid the list in front of him.

As he read it, his face fell.

"Edward…why do you look so sad?" she asked softly.

His face grew wistful. "I am sad because I don't want this to end. I wish to be honest with you, but I know that once I answer your questions…you won't see me the same way."

"You're wrong," she said, suddenly sure of herself. "You think that I don't know you, Edward…but I do."

At his doubtful expression, she went on, "I was so lost after my father died, and you helped me find my way back. When I was frightened and alone, you made me feel safe, and cherished. You were there for me today, when I needed you most. Edward…I know you."

Edward was scowling down at his hands, which he had wrapped around his mug of tea. She reached across the table and took his large hand in hers, and for some reason, he seemed almost startled by the simple gesture.

Edward swallow thickly. "This is going to be difficult to hear, and even more difficult to believe," he said, "but I swear to you, it is the truth." She smiled in encouragement.

"Bella, I am not… like you. I used to be… but I have not been for a very long time."

He watched her as he said this, seeming to gauge her reaction, then went on, "You have noticed things about me that are…unusual."

"Yes," she said, "Your eyes."

"Yes. What else?"

"Your skin is pale." She looked down at his hand in hers, "And it's very cool to touch."

Edward rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "What else?"

She took a deep breath; this was where her observations seemed to become fantastical. "You are unusually strong, and agile. You dropped a great distance from the tree with no ill effects. And you lifted Mr. Hunter off the ground and threw him with little effort."

"All that you say is true."

He watched her carefully, then continued, "There is more. Shall I go on?"

Bella held his gaze and didn't flinch. "Yes. I want to know. Please, tell me."

He nodded and spoke quietly. "When I say that I have not been like you for a very long time…I mean many, many years."

Her spine tingled at this unexpected turn. Why did it matter how long ago he had become afflicted?

"How many years?" she asked.

He watched her steadily. "One thousand, eight hundred and twenty-five."

The clock ticked, and the logs in the fireplace shifted and popped. Jack groaned and rolled to his other side.

"You're joking."

"No. I am not."

Without conscious thought, she withdrew, pulling her hands protectively into her lap. "Edward…" She looked away, unable to hold his gaze. "Either you are insane, or I am insane."

"You are not insane. Nor am I. Bella…I am sorry."

Her heart began to race, and with a cry, Bella rushed to the window, throwing it open and gulping in the cool night air. This was so far beyond anything she had imagined — surely, it was madness! What he was suggesting was impossible.

And yet…

…with her own eyes, she had seen him fall from a height that should have crippled or killed a man, watched as he sent Hunter flying. She had seen him outside her window, against all reason…

Bella leaned her forehead against the cool glass and closed her eyes.

Night sounds met her ears; the myriad trills of frogs and insects…an owl calling to her mate…the sweet song of a mockingbird…

There are more things in heaven and earth…

She knew that he was different — miraculously so.

… than are dreamt of in your philosophy…

She tried, for a moment, to imagine what it would be like, to live so long…and suddenly she knew.

Lonely.

"Please…" Edward's voice was barely audible.

She turned to find him standing, his head bowed. One hand gripped the table's edge as if it alone kept him from falling, and her heart constricted painfully at seeing him seem so defeated, so changed.

Carefully she prized his hand away from the table and held it in hers, looking up at him until finally, he met her eyes. "Edward," she said, "Nothing has changed. I still trust you."

He closed his eyes and gathered her hand next to his heart, cradling it there. "Bella," he whispered, "Thank you."

Her throat tight with unshed tears, Bella stepped closer and shyly rested her head against his shoulder. Edward took a shuddering breath. Then slowly, gently, he drew her into his embrace.

Heaven.

~oOo~

Edward hardly dared move, lest he break whatever spell had allowed this miracle.

I still trust you.

Her words rang in his mind, kindling unreasonable hope, causing his thoughts to fly in many directions at once, charting previously unimaginable possibilities. A part of him knew that when his head cleared, he would dismiss these possibilities as unattainable fantasies. But for now, the unthinkable had happened. Bella still trusted in him, had willingly walked into his embrace; and while he held her in his arms, he would embrace the fantasy as well.

Edward would have remained thus forever, with pleasure; but he could sense her weariness, and the hours remaining for her to sleep were dwindling.

He bent his head to whisper against her ear, "Bella."

"Mmm." Her response was muffled against his shirt.

"You need to sleep."

"Mmm."He chuckled and nestled his face in her hair, inhaling its fragrance one last time.

"It is late, Bella," he said regretfully.

She roused from her stupor and stepped back, still holding his hand in hers. Heaving a dramatic sigh she said, "I suppose you are right."

The color was high in Bella's cheeks, and Edward couldn't resist reaching out to stroke the heated skin. "I will treasure this night to the end of my days, regardless of what may come. Thank you."

She held his hand against her cheek. "It is I who should be thanking you, Edward. You saved me today." Then she turned her face, and pressed a kiss against his palm.

Edward groaned and pulled away, the touch of her mouth on his skin igniting a long-forgotten hunger. His hand clutched roughly at his hair as he grated out a curse under his breath. Edward's voice was rough as he warned, "Bella, I may be more than a man, but I am still a man. Take care."

Bella calmly sat on the bench, her back to the table. "I'm not afraid of you, Edward. I trust you."

"Don't!" He paced in agitation. "Bella, you don't understand. You must not test the limits of my self-control."

"Edward, I trust you. You won't hurt me."

Suddenly weary, he sat next to her, his head dropping into his hands. He had been deceiving them both, playing at being something he was not. But her kiss had awakened ancient demons, reminding him what he was, what he had been. "Bella…you should be running from me, either as a madman or as a monster. I shouldn't be taking advantage of your trusting nature. This is wrong."

"No!" she protested, and Bella jumped to her feet to glare down at him. "Edward Cullen, you stop this right now!

"This is not wrong! I know that you feel unworthy. But whatever it is that afflicts you, however it is that you are different…it doesn't matter to me!"

Her voice was tight with emotion as she continued more quietly, "I've been lonely, for so long. But being with you, being in your arms…feels like home. It's as if I have been waiting for you, all this time.

"Edward, I just found you…Please, don't leave me."

He rose to his feet, and his eyes were sad as he said, "I am not leaving, Bella. Though you may not see me, I'll always be here, protecting you, for as long as you wish it."

Tears shone in her eyes, and she nearly growled in her frustration, "I don't want your protection, Edward… I want you!"

Her words finally stunned him into silence. He gazed into her sweet, impassioned face, and tried to remember the reasons he should resist.

"I want you, Edward, she whispered again. Her tears spilled free, streaking her cheeks with wetness, and Edward lost the will to fight, his surrender finally complete.

"Bella…" He bent his head, and brushed the lightest of kisses against her cheek, tasting her tears. "Please," he whispered against her skin, "sweetheart, don't cry." He traced his nose along her cheek until his mouth hovered above hers, just a breath away.

"You have me, Bella… I am yours."

Dedere: to surrender

Thank you for reading!