A/N: Thanks once again for all the wonderful reviews. Sorry this took a little longer than usual. Hopefully this chapter will clarify and answer some questions you may have...

Chapter 10

Peruvian Jungle

EPOV

I was elated that Bella let me hold her hand as we walked through the thick underbrush. I held back branches and tried to make sure she didn't lose her footing, which was a more difficult task than one would think. She was focused on not tripping over anything so I didn't get more than a fleeting glance of her deep brown eyes.

I honestly could watch Bella all day long and not ever get bored. I was brought out of my thoughts by her question, "So what exactly does it say on the parchment that I have?" She looked up with curiosity all over her face. She had absolutely no idea of the gravity of the situation we were in.

I blew out a long breath, "Well, I guess I should begin by explaining who the Volturi are."

She nodded and waited for me to continue. "Aro, Marcus, and Caius, are the oldest living vampires and are considered royalty. They have an elite guard made up of a dozen or more very talented vampires who serve to protect the three brothers as well as carry out discipline to covens and individuals who break vampire law."

"Vampires have laws?" She asked with a smirk.

"Well we really only have one law, which I have broken with you." I put a finger under her chin and brought her gaze to mine. Her eyes grew wide and concerned, "I promise I won't say a thing to anyone. I swear my lips are..." I cut her off with a quick but sound kiss, "sealed, yes I know they are." The blush immediately crept over her cheeks, delightful.

"So if any vampire makes trouble somewhere or if their hunting practices become careless, the Volturi step in and eliminate the threat of exposure." I reached out and helped her climb over a mossy log resting across our path. She clambered over the tree and stumbled on the other side. I relished her warmth as I wrapped my arms around her middle to keep her from falling over.

We stopped for a moment so Bella could eat a bit of what she'd saved from breakfast. "So what does all that have to do with the crystal?" I guess I had gone off on a tangent.

"Well, the three brothers gained their immortality in a sort of deal with the devil. According to the legend, they sought for power and the devil was willing to grant it to them, in exchange for their blood. When the crystal was made, a drop of blood from each of them was infused into the crystal. They were warned that with their immortality came a curse. They would have to subsist on blood, and would have to continue normal vampiric activity. If they chose to be sedentary and remain ensconced in a place of protection, their lives would be completely tied to the proximity of the crystal. If the blood crystal was to ever leave their possession, they would begin to lose their ability to move about and basically become like statues."

Bella seemed to be mulling things over in her mind and I could tell she was formulating a question. "So why would someone want to steal the crystal? Do it's powers extend to anyone else?"

"It's power to sustain a sedentary life, like the Volturi chose, is only applicable to those whose blood lies within the crystal. However, if Aro, Marcus, and Caius are removed from power, whether by death or inability to lead, the whole of our government falls into chaos. This would allow opportunistic covens to take over. There are some who would have us take over the world and treat humans as nothing more than cattle. That's the only reason I could see someone stealing the crystal."

"So do you want a future like that?" Bella looked up anxiously at me, still munching on some bread.

"Good heavens NO! That's the last thing I want. My family has deliberately chosen to live off of animals because we want to maintain as much humanity as we can. We don't want to be monsters. It's why we work so hard to interact with humans."

"So why then are you after the crystal, and please don't tell me it's just to help my friend. I've gathered that that is not your main intent." She now had her arms crossed over her chest looking a bit defiantly at me.

"I want to find the crystal because I could hear snippets in the mind of that red headed vampire woman, and she and her partner want to do just what I want to avoid. The crystal must be returned to the Volturi, even if they can be ruthless and their style of governing is imperfect, it has allowed us to live in peace for a very long time."

She looked at me for a while, trying to figure something out. "So what will we do for Angela and Ben? I can't just let them die, even if it is for the greater good of the whole vampire world."

"I know you can't Bella," how could I help her understand that my family would help her friends? "We'll find a way to help them, don't worry."

She stood up and brushed the crumbs from her pants and took a deep breath. "So how much further to the town?"

I smiled my signature smile and pulled her onto my back, "just a few minutes if you close your eyes." I could hear her groan as she locked her legs around my waist and buried her face into my shoulder.

I took off running at half speed, fast enough to get us to the town, but hopefully not so fast as to make her ill. When we reached the edge of the forest, I set her down and waited while she got her land legs back. We walked hand in hand down the small dirt road to the village nestled in the valley between two very large mountains covered in lush greenery.

As we got closer it appeared there was going to be a celebration of sorts. There were streamers strung from all the rooftops and in the main plaza a stage had been set up and there were dozens of tables and chairs set up all around. Vendors had booths set up with all kinds of goods from clay pots and household items to fine clothing and shoes. There were also many booths with foods being prepared for the fiesta that was to be held.

I stopped a local and asked if there was a hotel or an inn and he pointed me towards a small building just on the other side of the plaza.

As we walked across the plaza, Bella tightened her grip on my hand. "So is there a hotel?" I decided to have a little fun with her. I walked her over to the large fountain in the middle of the square and sat down on the edge. I patted the space next to me and she sat down, again looking so hopeful.

I plastered the most apologetic look I could on my face and began slowly, "Bella, I'm so sorry, but this fountain is the closest thing you're going to get for a shower. We'll have to head back into the jungle to find some place to sleep."

Her face crumpled immediately and I could see her shoulders slump. What I didn't expect were the tears. She tried to be brave, but her lips began to tremble and she couldn't hold back the droplets streaming from her eyes. Whoa, I wasn't expecting that, okay damage control.

"Bella?" I lifted her chin up and cupped her cheek with my hand, "I was only joking, the hotel is just over there," I said pointing to the building behind me. She looked up at me and flashed frustration. I watched, a little bit scared, as she regained her composure. She threw back her hand and punched me in the arm, which was obviously a mistake for her.

"OW, ow ow ow ow ow! Edward! You big jerk. I can't believe you did that to me. Ow." She tucked her hand into her stomach and started to stand up. I reached up for her arm but she yanked it out of my grasp, I wasn't trying very hard to hold her though. I didn't want to hurt her.

She stormed off towards the inn at which point my phone rang. I answered with a dejected, "hello?" Of course it was Alice. Of course.

"Edward! You are such a moron. You don't play with a woman's hygiene like that. Go apologize and stop being such a jerk."

"Yes ma'am. Oh, did Em and Jasper make it back okay?"

"Yeah, they're fine, but the two vampires from Volterra, they were fighting with got away. We'll have lots to discuss when you and Bella get back here."

"Okay, we should have what we're looking for by tomorrow, then we'll head back to Iquitos."

"Sounds good, Oh and Edward, get her the white skirt and the pink top. Don't forget the sash."

With that last cryptic comment, the line went dead. I hurried across the plaza and caught up to Bella just in front of the inn.

"Bella, I'm sorry, I shouldn't have joked like that. Can I see your hand?" She glared at me through narrowed eyes. "Please?" I tried to give her my best dazzling puppy dog face.

She huffed and stretched her hand towards me. I noticed the small bruises forming on her knuckles and held her hand in between both of mine. She hissed a bit with the discomfort but then closed her eyes.

"The cold feels nice. I'm sorry I hit you, I was just really upset," she whispered sheepishly.

"I know, and I deserved it. Forgive me?"

"I forgive you. Now can we please check in?"

The clerk gave me the key to our room, and we headed up the stairs. I opened the door and nudged Bella inside. I took in our ghastly appearance and decided new clothes were in order.

"Enjoy your shower. I'm going to get us some new duds okay?"

"That would be great. Thank you Edward."

I headed back down to the plaza and wandered through the many booths. I found a suitable outfit for myself and began looking for what Alice had described. After searching through three different booths I finally found the outfit. A flowing white skirt with delicate beading detail and a soft pink tunic with a wide collar. I looked through the sashes and found a black one flecked with gold and pink that matched the shirt. I could already imagine how lovely she would look.

I hurried back to the hotel, the shower was still running. She must really enjoy showers. I had to work hard to banish the visions of her under the waterfall from my mind. My thoughts briefly drifted to how her beauty would be enhanced if she was a vampire. Stop It! You will never inflict this kind of life on her. She is too good to become a monster.

I left the toothbrush and a comb that I'd pick up for her on the bed next to the skirt and blouse. I left a note telling her I'd meet her in the plaza.

Dusk was settling over the little village and the whole place was coming alive. People were streaming into the square where a band had begun to play. The signs indicated it was a festival honoring the founder of the village.

I began pacing impatiently in front of the fountain. How long could it take for one woman to get ready? I should know the answer to that already having lived with Rosalie for the last fifty some odd years.

I was about to go back up to the room when Venus herself strode through the doorway. She was radiant. Her creamy white skin was glowing and her hair cascaded down over her shoulders in soft waves. The skirt fit her perfectly and the shirt complimented her shape. The wide neck hung loosely barely off of her left shoulder and the sash accentuated her small waist. She was a vision.

Like a moth to a flame I was drawn to her. She turned and I caught her gaze and smiled. She ducked her head and I could see a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. I moved to her side and pick up her uninjured hand.

"You look absolutely breathtaking."

"You're not so bad yourself," she giggled. Did she really just giggle?

"How about we get you some dinner, there looks to be quite the selection." I motioned towards the food booths and encouraged her to choose whatever she wanted. Once her plate was full we found a more secluded table and sat down. She dug in and a thought crossed my mind. I still don't really know anything about this woman.

"Bella, tell me about your family?"

"There's not much to tell. My parents divorced when I was a baby, my dad is the police chief in the tiny town I was born in and my mother lives in Florida with her new husband." She shrugged and popped another bite of tamale into her mouth.

"Where were you born?"

"I was born in Forks, Washington." How could this be just a coincidence?

"So Charlie Swan is your father?"

She looked shocked, "How did you know that? I thought..."

"My family and I just came down here from Forks. We've been living there for about 3 years."

"Oh." I looked down at her nearly finished plate and reached for her hand. The band had begun playing a lively tune and my feet were just itching to dance.

"Come on, let's dance." I felt the resistance from her hand and looked over at her. She was chewing on her bottom lip and had a worried wrinkle on her brow. "What's wrong? Don't you want to dance with me?"

"Edward," she said softly, "it's not that I don't want to, I just don't. I can't dance. Really, I trip over air, dancing would probably land me in the hospital."

"Bella, I won't let you fall, I haven't yet." I winked and pulled her up out of her seat. She reluctantly followed me onto the dance floor where I held her gently in my arms. I spun us around and felt her small arms run up the outside of my gauzy shirt. The electric tingles shot through me and I was transported to another place.

I took her right hand in my left and snaked my other hand around her waist holding her close. With gentle pressure I helped her sway her hips in time to the music and we danced like partners who'd been together for years.

As I got lost in her eyes, the music seemed to disappear, everything around us seemed to disappear. There was only Bella spinning around in circles with me. She lifted her face and leaned in. The beast within me roared at her closeness. Her scent was all the more pure, undiluted with mud and grime. But the man within me pushed all that aside. I needed to feel her lips, I needed her more than any other substance, I needed her to be mine.

I pulled her closer and leaned my head down ghosting my lips over hers. "Bella," I whispered, "you are my life now." I stroked her cheek and she crushed her lips to mine. I savored the warmth and softness, minding the force that I used.

The sweetness of her skin was overwhelming. It felt like fireworks going off. When she broke away from me, I looked around us and noticed there were in fact fireworks for the celebration. I chuckled to myself at my absurd imaginations. I noticed Bella trying to stifle a yawn and led her off the dance floor.

"Tired love?" She smiled that beautiful uninhibited smile and nodded. We walked slowly back to the hotel and up to our room.

Bella crawled up onto the bed and laid down on the pillow. With her hair fanned around her head, she looked like an angel. Through sleepy eyes, she looked up at me and patted the bed next to her.

Cautiously I laid down beside her and held my arms open. She scooted closer to me and I wrapped my arms around her. Humming softly, I listened as her breathing evened out and her heartbeat slowed to an even thump.

After some time she started mumbling again. I smiled at the incoherent thoughts coming out of her mouth. Her lips curled into a smile and she sighed, "I love you Edward." I felt the breath whoosh out of me. Never had a more pure sentiment been directed toward me.

"I love you Bella, more than my entire existence," I whispered and closed my eyes trying to pretend like I could still sleep.

A/N: So let me know....what did you like? what did you hate?