CHAPTER TEN
His mouth crushed mine. Meant to punish, it did hurt, and I sucked in a reflexive gasp of pain. He chuffed a laugh and pressed harder, nipping with sharp teeth and stabbing his tongue deep, sweeping and claiming. Because I wanted to give in, I bit his lower lip. Hard.
He sat up with a yowl, releasing my right hand to touch the slice in his flesh. He stared down at me with an unholy light in his red eyes as he licked the wound, shivering slightly and returning my narrow-eyed glare. I wasted no time in swinging my free hand to give him an open-handed slap with every ounce of my strength, thrilling with both satisfaction and a hot rush of excitement when the unexpected blow snapped his head to the side and opened a fissure in his smooth cheek. Long fingers rose to examine the crack even as it healed under the slow strokes.
I swallowed, and the taste of him exploded in my mouth, razed my throat, rushed scorching tendrils through my belly and set up an insistent, pervasive throbbing between my legs. His venom. His blood. He had freshly fed, and the flavor awakened my hunger, turning it into a ravaging beast. I cried out and leaned up for more—more blood, more him—my legs falling open on either side of his thighs as I writhed and begged wordlessly. For blood. For him.
He laughed, rising to his feet, and rage bloomed as he denied what I sought. What I didn't want but had to have. I lunged for his throat, snapping like a wild animal, and he grabbed me close to push my face into his neck.
"Go on. Take a bite. It will only make things worse for both of us."
I stilled when he pressed hard as a branding iron against the juncture of my thighs, just as turned on, as helpless to in his reactions around me as I was to him.
Good.
I rolled my hips experimentally, and he growled, grabbing my ass and lifting to throw me on the bed again, but Alice's voice managed to break our preoccupation with each other.
"Edward!
"This is none of your business, Alice." His gaze held mine, and I wrapped my legs around his hips as he bore me backward.
"Edward." Jasper's voice was quieter but more forceful.
Edward tensed and vibrated before his shoulders sagged, and he lowered me to the ground. I breathed a protest, trying to climb back up his body, but his hands held me in place.
"Jasper?" Edward muttered, studying my face.
"I'm trying."
"Try harder."
"It's not working."
"Well, it's working on me, that's for sure." He fought my groping hands, and I didn't understand why he held them at my sides when his had just been as willing and desperate.
"She's blocking me."
"She didn't block you earlier."
"She is now."
"I told you," Alice sang.
" 'She' would like to know what you're talking about." I dug my nails into Edward's forearm when it became obvious his attention had strayed.
"When I couldn't see you—your future or anyone else's like Edward's when he was with you, I suspected you might be able to block my abilities somehow. Now that we know you can block Edward's mind reading and Jasper's influence on your emotions, I know I'm right. You're a shield."
"Jasper relaxed me earlier, didn't he?" I asked, but I had let him, in a way. I had consciously tried to calm myself, and Japer's voice and smile had lowered my guard.
Could it be that easy? If my defenses were up, if I wanted to block a vampire's ability, could I? On the other hand, if I wanted to allow an ability to work, could I do the opposite? I eyed Edward and tried to let him into my head, but I just…couldn't. My entire body tensed and fought the attempt, and I sighed in frustration. He returned my look but then shook his head.
"Come on," he bade me, and when my eyes narrowed, he echoed my sigh. He snapped his heels together and performed a perfect, courtly bow that the most blue-blooded royal couldn't have faulted. "Would you please accompany me downstairs, Isabella? The rest of my family would like to meet you."
When I didn't answer, he looked up from where he bent gallantly over my hand, eyes glinting. "We have more blood in the kitchen. And scientists. Other vampires. Lots of other vampires that won't already be bored to death of your incessant questions. Vampires that will be eager to answer. Answers, Bella. Answers."
He crooned and ran his smooth lips along the back of my hand, and I barely refrained from slapping him again. Arrogant bastard. He knew just where to hit to get the response he wanted. He always had.
Alice pushed him away with a huff and took my arm.
"Don't mind Edward." She guided me out of the bedroom and down three flights of stairs. "He's got a lot on his mind lately."
I ignored the ridiculous words, as if any excuse could explain his nature, and took in as much of the house as I could as we passed through. Comfort and elegance showed in the layout and décor, and the source of inspiration became evident when I spotted the vampire couple standing with their arms around each other near a large, sturdy dining table on the main floor. Tall and blond, the male exuded confidence and comfort, while the beautiful woman at his side smiled with all the warmth a motherless child could long for. I responded without question to the welcome they emanated.
"Dr. Isabella Swan, this is Carlisle and Esme. The foundation of our family."
"It's good to meet you," I said politely, unsure and confused and…shy. "Please call me Bella. And thank you so much for…taking me in."
"Esme's fair dying to hug you," Jasper murmured.
"Oh. She is?" I eyed the lovely woman. "That would be nice. I'd like that."
With a soft exhalation, she stepped out of her mate's arms, moving slowly and carefully as she embraced me, her hold tightening when I returned the hug wholeheartedly.
"We're so glad you're here. You have no idea. Thank you, Bella."
I wasn't sure what she thanked me for but nodded as Carlisle appeared next to her and took my hand in both of his.
"Welcome, Bella. This is home for as long as you'd like."
My eyes prickled with emotion, and I blinked rapidly, although my new body produced no tears to fill them.
"Thank you," I whispered.
I sensed two more vampires before I saw them appear on the other side of the great room. A tall, blonde female and an even taller, wider, darker male—very wide. Huge muscles bulged from under his shirtsleeves, and his shoulders spanned the entire width of the hallway he'd just exited. He stood behind the female, his enormous hands on her shoulders, and the cold expression on her face matched the menace of his size, even if his smile was open and friendly.
I shrank back into the solid, protective curve of Edward's body. He'd appeared behind me at almost the same instant the sheer bulk of the vampire across the room registered.
"It's okay," he murmured, hands on my shoulders mirroring the pose the other male vampire had taken with his female. "It's just Emmett and Rosalie."
"How many more are there?" I asked, and his amusement was a breath in my ear.
"That's it. Seven of us."
"Eight now," Alice piped in, and a slow, delighted smile spread across my face despite the uncertain atmosphere.
Eight now.
"Does she… Does she always look like that?" My predator's brain analyzed the situation and focused on the greater threat, which was not the hulking male, but the regal, disdainful blonde whose shoulders he stroked in a soothing manner.
"Rosalie disapproves of you," Edward told me cheerfully, and I stiffened.
"What? Why?"
"You weren't supposed to happen. And you tried to have my brother killed." She lifted her lovely chin and glowered.
I straightened my shoulders and lifted my chin. No one judged me. I wouldn't allow anyone to question my actions when it came to the vampire standing at my back.
"He tried to kill me first."
"He's a vampire. It's his nature. The proper order of things."
"I'm a scientist. It's my nature, and no one orders me."
"She's got you there." Emmett grinned, raising his hands when she spun on him with a narrow-eyed glare. "Only Edward."
"Only Edward what?" Edward asked.
"Only you would find a three-fer—your singer, your mate, your newborn—and even with all those absolutely impossible things going for you, all in one person, only you still wouldn't be able to get laid."
Edward snorted and clapped a hand over my mouth when I would have retorted. "Don't argue with him. It's pointless and maddening."
Oh, he did not just try to stop me from speaking. I bit down on the webbing between his thumb and forefinger, breaking skin, but he only grunted.
"You really shouldn't have done that."
At least he dropped that damn hand, and I spun to face him.
"I shouldn't have? You shouldn't have. You don't get to cover my mouth and decide when I get to talk. I'm an adult and made decisions for myself well enough before you came along. Who the hell do you think you are? We better get some things straight right now, jackass, because—Oh. Oh, God."
I froze, and he smirked. His venom from the bite I'd administered slipped down my throat and burst hot in my belly, flaring to unholy sexual life in every part of my being.
"We're mated, whether we like it or not. Our venom is an aphrodisiac to each other. Among other things."
"Oh, no."
"Oh, yes." Entirely too happy, he rocked back on his heels and grinned. "So, you were saying?"
The burning seared just as badly as his venom had when it changed me. Maybe worse, and for an entirely different purpose. The need to rip my clothes off was almost unbearable. The material chafed my skin, covered me, got in the way of what I needed more than blood.
Him. Damn it. Him.
His nostrils flared as he shot forward, bending to scoop me over his shoulder and dart from the house. He didn't slow until we were quite some distance away, and even then he continued on to a shaded meadow somewhere in the depths of the densest biomass in the country—the Hoh rainforest. He dropped me at the edge of the grassy circle and moved away to stand in the shadows, his red eyes throwing fire. I stood still, refusing to give him the satisfaction of showing fear or reluctance. Uncertainty wasn't to be found anywhere in my being.
"Don't move," he murmured, circling me but keeping his distance.
Because he commanded, I disobeyed out of spite. I pivoted to face him as he stalked me.
"No. Hold still. Close your eyes."
"Not a chance."
"I won't come any closer if you close your eyes. I won't touch you—until you ask me to."
"I won't," I said tersely. "I won't ask for that."
No, I'd probably beg. And that intolerable thought steadied my resolve. Somewhat.
"Hm. We'll see, won't we? Close your eyes, Bella."
"Why?"
"I know what you're feeling, what's consuming you. The drive, the need. I can help. I'm the only one who can."
"Unfortunately."
He tipped his head with a small smile. "It seems neither of us have a choice. Close your eyes, Bella. That will make it easier."
"Why do you want to make it easier?" I asked suspiciously.
"Because I don't want this any more than you do, but I can't help it, either. It won't matter soon, anyway. Your human memories are fading, your vampire nature taking over. My venom will speed that along. The more you consume, the more you take in and absorb, the faster the transformation occurs. And I'm going to cover you in it."
"C-Cover me in it?"
He nodded solemnly, eyes intent, and I shivered at the sensual, depraved threat. "Immerse you. Everywhere. All over. Inside and out. But until then, close your eyes."
With a huff and an audible swallow, I did. My other senses sharpened being denied sight, replacing the visual with different but no less effective images in my mind. The sun wafted gently against my skin, sifted through my hair, gently massaged my scalp in buttery yellow waves. The sharp green scent of the pine trees scratched at my nose, mingled with the gentle brown of the earth and hard grey of rock and stone. Soft hazel moss, and in the distance, tinkling blue water shot with silver and white, rushing over my ears, chilling me with song. A rustling movement crinkled the calm of nature, and his scent pervaded, honey soft flow, gentle lavender stirring, hot, rosy enticement. Milk-white undulations, lapping at my ease, urging me toward the orange heat, intensifying into red. Red like a heart, like blood, running, flowing, bursting bright and wet. Life, need, urgent desire. Edward.
Edward.
"May I come closer, Bella?" His rich wine velvet wrapped around me, buffeting my body, will, and desire.
I nodded, but simple acquiescence wasn't enough. His presence throbbed and tugged, and I whimpered. "Yes."
He'd ceased to be a separate entity but instead a part of the whole—the whole world that surrounded me, supported me, gave me life and drive, need and purpose. He became my truth. Our truth. The two of us, together. He was a part of me. I'd taken his essence, but he'd taken mine, as well. The ebb and flow was exactly that—me to him, him to me. Not one-sided, something he'd taken, that I'd given up, but something we'd exchanged. Lifeblood exchanged between partners, for better or worse in the most basic sense.
He'd created me. I'd sustained him. We would be nothing if not for the other. Give and take, back and forth, each needing the other to survive and flourish. I loved him, I hated him. I needed him, I couldn't stand the thought of him.
Balance. Basic science.
His force thrust against me, pushing, seeking, always searching for something more, something I desperately wanted to give but was scared to ask for. He stood yards away, but the caress of his presence impressed my skin, my soul. His scent intensified, thralling me as much as it had when I'd been human and locked in a battle of wills in the cell. At his mercy. Willing and his.
I might have been unable to fight the need for him, but I was far from powerless. He had to be just as affected. I opened my eyes.
"You did this," I accused. "You led me down this path. Just because things didn't go according to your evil little plan and you got more than you bargained for doesn't mean you can ignore me or make this go away. I won't. This won't. This…need. Oh, God."
Giving it name intensified the strength. I couldn't see straight for wanting him.
"You wanted it, too." He circled, circled. "You can cry all you want about how horrible I was to you, how I tricked you, but you tricked me, too. You tricked me into changing you, when that was something I swore I would never do to anyone. You wanted to become a vampire. Just because it's more than you bargained for doesn't mean I owe you anything."
"Yes, you do. You owe me. And maybe I do owe you, but it goes beyond that. If this…need is so bad for me, it's got to be worse for you. Your heightened senses. The way you feel things more intensely. Having to hold everything in, all the time. Aren't you tired of it, Edward? I'm here. I don't like it, but I'm here. I need you. We need each other. Just do it. Make it go away, even if for just a little while. God, please."
His eyes blazed red, his luscious body still and tense as he fought the internal battle. He was good at controlling his nature, what he saw as his base instincts, but I wasn't that strong.
"Do it," I hissed, ripping at my shirt to bare my breasts. "Do it. Do me. It's got to be you. I can't stand the thought of anyone else touching me, but I'm at the point where my body is overruling my mind. If I go back to the house, to the other males, I don't know what I'll do."
He broke.
"The hell you will."
He was on me in an instant, slamming me back and pinning my arms as he tore what was left of my shirt away and shredded the rest of our clothes. I fought with sensual, primal instinct, my desire not to get away but to drive him to further heights of madness, make him rougher, more determined, until he was as helpless to mate as I was. He growled and hissed, holding me underneath his body, wrenching my legs apart and settling his naked hips between them. I bucked, and he bore down until I felt the steel of his erection pressing and insisting, sliding blindly, searching for entrance, dominance, home. I flung my body from side to side, not to escape, but to free my arms so I could clutch him to me, but he was beyond reason, past consideration and rational thought. He bit, holding me still with the deadly threat, sinking his teeth deep into my neck as he rammed easily into my body, slick and welcoming his every brutal thrust, urging him for more, harder, deeper.
Full. So full, finally. Full of him. No room for anyone, anything else. Just him. My home.
I came.
Growling, he didn't ease his hold on my throat or the thrust of his hips. Seconds later, his body hardened, his tempo increased, and he fell apart in a flurry of shudders, slurping venom against my neck—his, mine, ours. He stilled but didn't disengage our bodies, didn't soften, but I felt the conciliatory lick of his tongue against the vicious wound at my throat.
"I won't apologize," he rasped.
"Don't," I told him. "Just do it again."
He thrust forward helplessly at my words, moaning, and I sighed at the resultant pleasure. He pulled out, but my growl of protest ended in a gasp as he flipped me easily over onto my stomach.
"Edward, what—"
"Oh, for the love of—please. Shut up. No more questions."
He settled in behind to mount me, body curled, hips rolling and jerking forward, and for once, I didn't argue. I didn't shut up, but my questions didn't start again for quite some time.
"Is vampire sex always like that?"
His groan of frustration rumbled long and low.
"Is it?"
"I don't know. I've never had sex before, vampire or otherwise."
I shot straight up, whirling to stare at him. "What?"
He eyed my bare breasts appreciatively, but I was too flabbergasted to care.
"I've never done that before." His gaze flickered to mine but fell back to my breasts when they lifted and swayed as I ran a hand through my tangled hair.
"You're kidding me, right? I mean, I can't believe you've never…and then you did…that. All that. What the hell was that?"
"Mating," he said with lazy satisfaction. His eyes lifted to mine, one brow raised along with the corner of his mouth. "I figured it was much like hunting. Feeding. I just let instinct take over and hoped for the best. And then I couldn't think at all. Only listen to what your body sang to me."
"Well, I've had sex before, but nothing like that. Ever." Images of him stalking, seducing, and then jumping me, handling my body with such ease and instinctiveness flashed through my mind, and I wanted him again. Still. Always.
I scrambled away as he slowly sat up, deadly intent apparent in his flaring crimson eyes. "You've had sex before?"
His lips barely moved, and neither did his eyes or his body, but I flinched as if struck with the words. He meant them as a blow.
"Yes. Of course. You do know how old I am, right?"
"Immaterial." He eased into a crouch and then to all fours as he stalked me. Like an animal. Like a vampire. Like a really pissed-off male vampire. "Who? Who touched you? Who did you touch? Tell me, Bella."
I fell back and scrabbled like a crab. The contrast of our positions didn't escape me—both of us on all fours, him crawling forward, me escaping backward.
"Immaterial." I repeated his words and flinched again as he emitted a really ugly growl.
"You're mine. Mine. No one touches you. No one. Do you understand?"
"Yes." My body thrilled to his possessiveness. My mind craved it. Him. Us. "No one else. Just you. It was a long time ago, Edward. Before. When I was human. Before I met you."
I stopped retreating at the warning in his eyes and lowered my ass and shoulders to the ground. He continued advancing until he hovered over me, not touching, but I could feel him in every perfect pore.
"I don't share, Bella. Not ever."
"Not ever." I leaned up and kissed the blade of his jaw, plane of cheek, jut of chin. The perfection of his lips, and then—oh, yes—he kissed me back. Open mouths, sucking, swirling. Hot. Burning tender insides with venom and lust. Possession.
"Yours," I goaded, clutching his shoulders, sliding my hands down to his ass as he lowered his hips and forced his way into my slick body with one fierce thrust.
He growled again, snapping and snarling before his teeth found my neck and he bit, held, punished and worshipped. I twitched and trembled under his dominant grip, held steady for his claiming, his rutting, his joy in his mate. His body's smooth, powerful coil and release stuttered, jerking, becoming ragged and disjointed as he relaxed his jaw, withdrew his teeth, flung his head back, and roared.
"I just can't believe you've never done that before," I panted as he dropped to the ground and curled around me, hand on my breast and clasping me loosely to his chest. "How old were you when you changed?"
"Seventeen," he mumbled into my hair. "Seventeen in 1918. No girlfriend. No sex."
I closed my eyes, imagining a young, human Edward, slender, on the cusp of manhood, pink-cheeked and clear-eyed.
"And you've been a vampire for more than one hundred years. In all that time, how could you not have had sex? Been tempted?"
"I didn't say I wasn't tempted. I was sick when Carlisle found me—on my deathbed. Spanish influenza, an epidemic that swept the city. Chicago," he added before I could ask. "I don't know what made him take me out of all the hundreds of people he treated who were dying, but he did. Took me and changed me, and when I woke…"
His body was hard and still against my back, and I turned in his arms to press a gentle kiss to his full, wide mouth.
"When I woke, things were…bad. I didn't come out of it like you did, like a lot of vampires, with my brain changed enough to be able to process what had happened instantly, catalog and understand. I was overwhelmed by the noise, the voices. Carlisle had taken me to a remote property he owned, but he had no idea what had happened, either. He'd never come across a vampire that could read minds without touching someone or some object to read from. He didn't know why I curled up sobbing and screaming in the corner, my throat echoing the fire my body had just gone through, and the awful, shocking noise on my head. It wouldn't stop."
A slow shudder worked its way from his feet to his hands, and I held him. "A long time passed before I was able to rationalize anything, to do anything other than react, feed, try to protect myself. Carlisle was patient, helped as best he could, especially after we figured out what was going on, but those first years—"
"Years?"
He shrugged. "The first years were a challenge—for me and Carlisle. I was out of control, beyond reason, not capable of understanding what had happened or what I was. Even when I managed some control and my rational mind returned, neither of us realized exactly what I was capable of, or would be capable of, not until we visited the Volturi."
I shivered, the response based in both my rapidly fading human memories and vampire instinct. "You've actually seen the Volturi? Met them?"
"Yes." His lips brushed the crown of my head at my reaction. "Carlisle spent many years with them long before the Uprising. He brought me there when I gained enough control of myself, hoping Aro could help. And he did, in a way, but that visit set me on the course that puts me—us—where we are now. I wasn't quite able to handle my ability, my mind reading, like I can now, but after I sorted through what I'd seen in his head—the horror he would inflict on both humans and vampires—and discussed it with Carlisle, we knew what would have to happen. What I'd have to do. We've been trying to come up with a plan ever since, but it wasn't until Alice found us that everything fell into place. And then we had to wait for you. She saw our only chance of success—my only chance of success—would be if I drank your blood."
I remained still and silent, sifting through waning memories of what he'd done—what I'd done—the months he'd been at the Institute. A nagging annoyance hinted I should be mad at him for something, but I couldn't quite put my finger on exactly what. Playing with humans seemed normal. Amusing. What I could recall of my actions and behavior then seemed petty and inconsequential compared to the possibilities and opportunities that stretched before me now. Opportunities Edward had given me.
But he could be pretty irritating. Had been. I think.
"Why?" I asked quietly, and he didn't pretend to misunderstand.
"I was bored," he replied, and I let my silence speak for itself.
"Okay, at first it was boredom. And intrigue. Why was it your blood that would have such an affect on me when I had fed from hundreds, thousands of others? I let myself be captured. I could have escaped, gone through the worthless barriers like they weren't even there. Come after you. I could have taken your blood at any time, in or out of that place. But I was curious. I took the opportunity to learn more about the Institute, exactly what they did and what they'd learned from us—procedures, resources, and knowledge. Their intent. And then, I met you. I'd scented you long before you came to my cell, and I'd grown…interested. Our conversations heightened that curiosity."
"But you tried to kill me anyway."
"What else would I do? I'm a vampire, Bella. You were human. Food. That's the nature of the game. You smelled amazing, and I was so hungry."
"Just that easy." I thought back to the same words I'd said to Alice.
"Easy? Hardly. I told you, I'm different, stronger than most vampires, both mentally and physically. Even before I drank you. No other vampire could have left you alive for more than half a second. You have no idea how difficult it was to resist the call of your human blood."
"But I'm not anymore."
He remained silent for long seconds.
"No," he finally murmured. "Not anymore."
"You never had any intention of changing me. You said before that you never would. Why?"
"You and your questions."
"Because you didn't want the responsibility?" I pressed. "Of teaching, guiding another being through this existence? The connection? Is that what bothers you?"
"Yes and no. It's not the responsibility that bothers me so much. It's not being able to guide someone through this existence, the possibility of making someone suffer what I did. What I do. I promised I would never do that—put anyone in that position." He inched closer, kissing me so I couldn't protest as he shifted my arms and legs, wriggling and sliding, until we tangled together. "But this position… Mm.
"Ooh. You feel good." I pulled him closer. "I can't believe you've been around for so long, heard what you have in your head, and never had sex. And when you finally did, you're so damn good at it."
"I am?" His face lit and a slow smile lifted the corners of his mouth. "That's very relieving to know—that I can please you."
"You did. My experience might be limited, but those moments were the most amazing of my existence, human or vampire. So far."
"Let's not talk about your experience, limited or otherwise," he growled, hips surging warningly.
"But still." My mind wouldn't leave the incredible, unbelievable thought alone. "One hundred years, looking like you do, smelling like you do—thinking like you do. No one? No interest on anyone's part? None on yours?"
"Well, there has been some. More on others' part than mine, but…yes. Just not enough to tempt me, and then all of a sudden—you."
"Who? Who interested you?" An ugly, painful rage burned my chest, throat, curled in my fingers and bared in my teeth.
"Many in theory, only a couple that mattered."
"That mattered?" I choked on my jealousy. "Who? Who, Edward?"
"Carlisle has close friends, allies, three vampires that have been around longer than he has. Kate, Irina, and Tanya. They're up in Alaska now and have been for a number of years. Eleazar and Carmen joined them about the time Alice and Jasper joined us. Our covens have always been close."
"Close? How close?"
"Close friends. That's all. Good friends, the only ones I count, other than my family."
Kate. Irina. Tanya. Which one had tempted him? Which one had wanted him? Which one had mattered?
"Which one?" I managed to grit out from between clenched teeth.
He shrugged, and my fingertips dug into his shoulders.
"Which one."
"Tanya. Tanya showed some interest, but when it wasn't returned, she accepted the fact. She didn't interest me. Not enough."
Female vampires appeared to be just as possessive as their male counterparts. Fascinating.
"Mine," I demanded, pouncing and rolling him beneath me. "No one but me. I mean it, Edward. You make all the demands you want, but know I want every one returned and then some. I'm yours, and I admit it gladly, but you're mine, too. You're only allowed to be interested in me."
He let me pin his arms on either side of his head and watched with approval as I straddled his slim, naked hips.
"I don't know," he taunted. "She is very pretty, in a remarkably intelligent, blonde bombshell sort of way. And, mm, you know. Three of them. Sisters and all."
I fucked him hard and fucked him well, leaving his smartass mouth gasping, moaning. Gritting out my name. Mine. I bit him, and his venom poured into me, mixing, heightening. Becoming. He held my mouth to his neck and urged me on, to take more, to glut on his essence and the residual blood from his recent feeding. Human cares and concerns slipped away as unbelievable energy and new purpose took their place.
He had kept his promise. I was covered in his venom—in him—inside and out. I had started to change when he'd bitten me in the cell, but now I became. He sensed the transformation and nuzzled close, rubbing our scents all over our skin, as we lay wrapped around each other fighting stupid, silly grins.
"Mine," I breathed.
"Mine," he insisted.
"So what happens now? Later?"
"Ugh, the questions. Some things never change. You really don't believe in post-coital glow, do you?"
I snorted, and he sighed.
"I go to Volterra. Relieve Aro of his head, save the world."
"And then what?"
"Are you kidding me? Do you ever stop? I'm going to have very little peace in my future, that's what."
"Do you think humans and vampires can co-exist? Peacefully? After the Volturi are gone?"
He groaned and then batted my hands away when I tried to pinch his smooth, hard skin. "I don't know. Changes will have to be made, that's for sure. Carlisle has some ideas, but I'm not certain I agree with him."
"Such as?"
"He's made a pact with the local tribe, the Quileutes. They give us blood, and we don't kill them. We don't allow other vampires to kill them, either. If the two species can work together like that, then maybe."
The doubt in his voice rang clear.
"But you don't think so."
"No, I don't think so. A vampire can't go very long without hunting. Killing. Feeding fresh. Bagged blood doesn't satisfy the predator, the dominant drive in us. It's not in our nature to survive that way. But I was outvoted, so I'll play along. In the end, it won't matter anyway."
Killing people seemed wrong to the bits of humanity that still clung to me, but at the same time, it sounded…tasty.
"In the end? The end of what? The Volturi?"
"Mm."
"So, when you get to Volterra, you'll barrel your way into the vampire lair and lay waste to the evil empire. How long will that take?"
"A few seconds," he said dryly. "You have no idea how strong I am. Stronger than the freshest newborn. As you've seen."
"Newborns are strong?" I flexed my muscle and got distracted by the sight of my skin flashing through an errant ray of sun that found its way through the overhead canopy of forest. The resultant refractions, brilliant prisms of bright rainbows, were so pretty.
"Stronger than normal, yes. It's the residual human blood in your system. You're stronger than anyone other than me, even Emmett. You will be for a few months."
"But not stronger than you."
"No, not me. Sorry."
I sighed. "When will you be back? I mean, how long will you be gone?"
"Ah. I figured you'd be eager to get rid of me." He disentangled himself and stood, searching the grass for his clothes.
I rolled onto my stomach, missing the smooth comfort of his body. I might have been glad to see the last of him before, because… I frowned. I'd been so angry with him for acting like a vampire, which seemed silly now. We had well and truly bonded, and the additional quantities of his venom—I shivered in wanton delight at the thought—ensured I embraced being a vampire and everything the transformation entailed. I didn't like the distance of a few yards between us, let alone a continent or two.
"It's got to take a couple of days to travel to Italy, right? Will you stay? I mean, will you have to put another governing body in place? Or will you just leave and every vampire for itself?"
"You won't miss me." He said the words like a warning, not a fact. "You can carry on your studies, your life's goal—first hand experience of vampire existence. All without having to put up with my presence. A dream come true, right?"
I studied him closely. "Edward? What are you talking about? You're coming back, right?"
The thought of him staying in Italy without me… No. Just no. He was mine, damn it, my mate, my sire, and I was falling in love with his clever, pretty little ass. He pulled on the tattered remains of his jeans and shirt, giving up on his shoes after a quick search.
"We should probably get back to the house." He held out his hand, his eyes fiery red and remote.
"You are coming back. Right?"
His mouth flattened, and he clenched his fist. "Does it really matter? Would it really make any difference to you? As long as the world as we know it is saved, both races survive, what difference does one heartless, cruel, manipulative, conniving vampire make?"
"What are you—"
Horror froze me as, with perfect clarity, I recalled the things he and Alice had said. I stared as memories clicked, sifted, and fell into place.
"Wait a minute. Wait. You don't think you're coming back, do you? You think you're going to Volterra to die."
He stood straight and tall, perfectly carved, perfectly beautiful. Perfectly damned.
"I don't think I'm going to die, Bella. I know it."