I am a terrible human being; I know! I'm sorry it took me so long. Life didn't want to let me go. I hope you enjoy this chapter. My lovely Omega edited for me. Enjoy!
Chapter 10: Family Matters
"Love, I can't put the strawberries into the salad if you keep eating them," I chided Bella, though I was amused more than anything.
But they taste so good! She continued to munch on the red berries. The crimson juice was all over her lips. It was quite an attractive picture. Bella blushed when she caught me staring at her.
You're staring at me. She looked up at me shyly beneath her long eyelashes. I stroked her rosy, warm cheek with my thumb.
"You are far too lovely, Isabella," I said with a sudden flood of emotion. I chuckled as she went from pink to crimson. She was sitting on the counter with her feet dangling, and strawberry juice coated her already red lips.
I picked up a napkin to wipe off her lips, but Bella leaned back and shook her head, a playful expression on her face. She showed me in my mind what she wanted, and I had no problem obliging. I kissed the sweet juice from her lips, and she hummed appreciatively against my own. I adored the sweet smile that graced her cherubic face as our lips reluctantly separated.
"Get a room," Emmett sneered playfully.
"Hi, Emmett," Bella greeted cheerfully as she leaped down from the counter and ran over to peck his cheek. Emmett's eyes widened in surprise at the affectionate greeting. Bella danced back over to me. I set her bowl of chopped fruit on the table and sat down. Bella plopped down on my lap before munching on her fruit.
"So what's up with you, Bella Boo? I heard you watched a scary movie," Emmett teased. Bella's smile immediately dropped, and Emmett blanched at the death glare I sent his way.
"Rose and Alice made me," Bella pouted.
"Aw, did the mean ladies scary my Bella Bunny?" Emmett scooped her up, and Bella squealed delightedly. "I shall make them pay. Off with their heads!" I watched in amazement as he ran out of the kitchen with a giggling Bella in his arms.
"Emmett, you better not break her, or it's off with your head!" I called after them. Kate entered the kitchen with a look of pure amusement etched onto her face as she tried and failed to stifle her laughter. Kate gracefully breezed by the charging Emmett as she entered the kitchen.
Unlike her sisters, Kate respected the bonds of mating; she longed for it herself. She was just as attractive as her sisters, with light, blonde hair that hung straight down her back, and a face similar to theirs: ruby lips, high cheek bones, and large eyes surrounded by thick eyelashes. If it were any other man, she would have them kissing her feet.
"Never a dull moment with you Cullens around," Kate teased as she joined me at the table, taking the seat next to mine. "So, when are you going to tell us more about your mystery girl?"
"The family meeting is tonight. I'll explain everything then," with how complex our story was, I didn't want to have to explain it multiple times.
"Okay, then next topic. I heard that you received a visit from sister dearest," Kate said playfully, chuckling all the while.
"She was as terrible as ever," I groaned.
"That's what you get for being so good looking," she got up and ruffled my hair. I smoothed it down to the best of my ability, but whenever my hair and I fought, I lost.
"You know how much of an annoyance my hair is, so why would you touch it?" I asked unhappily.
"It's fun," was her explanation. She plopped herself down onto my lap, and we listened to what was going on upstairs.
"Emmett!" I heard Bella squealing upstairs. The sound of her joy made me smile.
"Emmett McCarty Cullen, you put Isabella down this instant," Esme yelled.
"I love family reunions," Kate laughed. "Things are always more interesting with you guys around."
"Am I interrupting something?" Jasper teased as he entered the kitchen. He eyed Kate who was seated on my lap.
"Calm down, Jazzy, you know I would never cheat on you," Kate cooed at him.
"I have absolute faith in you, Darlin'," Jasper played along. "Now, do you realize that Emmett has kidnapped Bella?"
"She's safe. Esme busted him," I replied just as a pouting Emmett entered the kitchen with a flushed Bella still in his arms. He set Bella down, and she turned to come to me but stopped short when she saw my lap was occupied by another.
Edward. Her mental voice was a distressed whimper. She wasn't aware of the odd friendship Kate and I shared.
"Kate, could you please…" I trailed off.
"What?" She tilted her head confused before seeing Bella's expression.
Oh. Sorry, Edward, I didn't mean it in a flirtatious way or- Kate began guiltily as she hurried off my lap.
"I know, Kate. Don't worry, Bella still doesn't understand relationships," I explained to her. My relationship with Kate was purely platonic.
Bella, come here, Love. I beckoned her seeing as still remained rooted to the spot where she had first seen Kate and I. Please.
Bella hesitantly walked over to me and after a while, snuggled into my lap.
Edward, why was she on your lap? Bella asked, not looking me in the eye, but I tilted her chin to see her eyes. They were filled with tears. I kissed both of her eyelids and her forehead before explaining.
Kate is a dear friend of mine, and I love her very much, but only as a friend or a family member. It's not romantic in any way, and the feelings I have for her could never compare to my love for you, Bella. I'm yours and only yours. Bella cuddled against me, comforted by my reassurances.
I don't like seeing other girls on your lap. Bella pouted, being adorably possessive.
Don't worry, love. I know I wouldn't like it if I saw you in someone else's lap. I'm sorry I upset you. I stroked her silky curls.
But you're only friends, right? I guess that means it's okay. Bella thought reluctantly.
The only woman I want on my lap is you, angel. My fingers continued to delight in her chocolate curls until a loud throat clearing popped our little bubble.
Carlisle stood in the doorway, "Son, could I please borrow you for a moment?"
I nodded my head and eased Bella off my lap who pouted and grabbed onto my shirt.
"I'll be right back, angel. Carlisle just needs to speak to me for a moment," my hand took hers that was tightly grasping my shirt and brought to my lips. "I'll be back in just a few minutes."
My angel's pout remained, but she nodded her head in acceptance. Jasper sensing her distress came over.
"Don't worry, baby girl. You'll have much more fun with me than Edward," he gently lifted up Bella into his arms and rocked her like a baby.
"Don't break her please," I pleaded. "She's not as durable as we are."
"Don't worry, Ed. We'll take good care of her," Emmett said with a wicked glint in his eye that didn't make me feel at all better.
"Just scream if you need me, love," I kissed her sweet lips before turning to follow Carlisle.
I love you.
I love you too, my Bella.
"Bye, Edward!" I heard Bella squeal as my brothers attacked her.
"Kate, keep them in check for me, please," I spoke at a regular volume knowing she could hear me.
You got it, Boss.
We walked to the other side of the house and into the den, which Carlisle was currently using as his office. Carlisle sat behind his desk, and I took one of the chairs in front of him.
"Edward, about the meeting tonight, you are already aware that we suspect Bella isn't human?"
"Yes, I'm aware. We weren't exactly hiding it, but…it's rather complicated which is why I would prefer to wait until the meeting to announce it and get any questions out of the way," oh, the amount of questions there would be.
Edward, the rest of the Denalis have returned. We are ready whenever you are.
"Bella, I'm sure you've noticed, doesn't interact that well with others due to living in isolation for the duration of her life. She isn't accustomed to being in the presence of so many people, and she probably won't be comfortable speaking tonight," I addressed the problem that had been bothering me.
"I see," Carlisle leaned back in his chair.
I did notice when we first met her, but I just considered her being shy and frightened because she was meeting new people who were, to make it worse, vampires.
I shook my head, "She isn't afraid of us, at least not because of what we are, and her scent doesn't evoke bloodlust, so she isn't in danger of being attacked. Her mind is quite innocent and very pure. She views us, as well as humans, as people. The only differences she sees are the physical aspects. She's quite amazing actually." I smiled at the memory.
What?
Carlisle noticed my attention had deviated, evoking his curiosity.
"I had been caught in one of my moments at the old house, when Bella and I had first gotten together. I told about how I viewed vampires, especially myself, as monsters, soulless and dead, but she…"
"Go on," he prodded, leaning forward.
I chuckled at his eagerness, "She was confused as to why I would view myself in such a way. In her eyes, we are similar to humans because we hunt animals for sustenance. The only difference being we drink the blood and leave the meet, while they leave the blood and eat the meat."
Carlisle gazed at me for a moment, the wheels in his mind turning.
She is quite amazing isn't she?
"If you think about it with that logic, it almost seems as if it is a waste of animal life," Carlisle ran his hand through his hair.
"Yes, now that I think about it, I believe she might have been scolding me. She is an animal lover," I smiled. "According to her, it's the circle of life. Humans are at the top of the food chain, so they eat other animals. Why would we consider ourselves monsters for doing the same?"
"It is a simple way of thinking, a very pure thought, but a logical one," Carlisle praised her. I felt a spark of pride for my mate.
"She also believes that because my love for her is so strong, there is no way that I could be without soul. Our mating requires one," I explained to him.
"How so?" Carlisle asked intrigued.
" It's difficult to explain. I'd rather wait until the meeting. Back to the topic at hand; multiple people speaking to her at once will undoubtedly frighten her," I cautioned him, my protective tendencies making themselves known.
Of course. I want Isabella to be comfortable speaking to us.
"We'll gather in the living room of the main house in ten minutes, if that is alright with the others," I suggested, a part of me dreading the family meeting. Bella would be poked and prodded with questions from people she still wasn't comfortable around yet and Tanya's certain presence wasn't going to make things easier.
Edward? My sweet girl's voice sounded in my mind. I could feel her getting closer to me. I turned to see her peeking in from behind the door.
"Please come in, Bella," Carlisle invited her warmly. She hesitated for a moment, meeting my gaze.
Come, sweetheart.
She slowly stepped into the room, walking over to where I was sitting. I opened my arms for her to sit in my lap. She happily cuddled against my chest, and my arms found their perch around her little waist.
"Hello, Carlisle," Bella said shyly giving him a sweet smile. Carlisle returned her smile.
She is such an adorable creature. He thought fondly, already quite infatuated by his new daughter.
"Hello, Bella. I am glad you decided to join us," Carlisle said just as Esme entered the room.
"Esme!" Bella cheered, immediately greeting her with a smile, Esme being the person she bonded with the fastest.
"There you are," she spotted Bella smiling affectionately. She came over and rested her hand on Bella's head. "Everyone was in quite a panic when you disappeared. I swear you didn't make a sound when you left; that is quite impressive in a house full of vampires." She said teasingly.
I laughed at the statement. Bella's sparkling eyes moved to gaze at my face, smiling at how happy I looked. I couldn't resist kissing her.
"I wanted to see Edward," Bella replied to Esme's previous statement. I buried my face into her silky curls, inhaling her delicious scent.
They are so precious. I heard Esme's mind.
"Hello, Darling," Esme greeted her mate as she made her way around his desk to kiss his cheek.
"Hello, my dear. We were just discussing tonight's meeting," Carlisle told her.
"Were you now?" She teased seating herself on his lap.
"Speaking of which, Isabella," Bella looked up towards Carlisle, slightly startled that he was speaking to her. "I know you aren't exactly at ease with everyone as of yet, but I would really appreciate it if you would just bear with us for a little while. Our lifestyle requires that we be cautious. We'd like to know as much as we can about our family members."
Bella replied hesitantly, "Edward he told me that everyone would want to know about what I am because I'm not human."
Carlisle smiled, pleased that she had responded to him, "Yes, we're very curious creatures; I apologize in advance for that."
"Well, I know about vampires because of Edward, so I think it's fair that you know about what I am, but I am not …very good at explaining it," Bella trailed off uncertainly.
"Don't worry, Bella. Just tell us what you can; that's all we ask," Carlisle reassured her. "So, shall we make our way to the living room?" The minds of all the others were all clustered in the room.
"Everyone seems to be in the living room already," I informed him.
"Then let us be on our way," Esme stood, and Carlisle followed.
"I see. You abandon us in favor of Carlisle," Jasper joked as we entered the living room. Everyone was present, both Denalis and Cullens, sitting together on the several couches with only Tanya standing in a corner, scowling.
"This means war, old man," Emmett growled.
"Now, boys, I can't help it if Bella likes me more than the both of you," Carlisle teased, going along with their antics.
"Them's fightin' words, Pops," Emmett held up his fists. Bella eyes flitted to Carlisle, Emmett, Jasper, and then back again to Carlisle, slightly panicked by their actions. They were smiling, but their words sounded aggressive.
"Don't worry, Sweetheart. They're only playing around," I reassured her, wrapping my arm around her waist. She sighed in relief and tucked herself underneath my arm.
"They are a silly bunch, dear. Don't pay them any mind," Esme kissed Bella's pink cheek.
"Bella loves me the most, right Bellarina?" Emmett caught her attention.
My angel shook her head and responded bluntly, "I love Edward the most." Emmett's jaw dropped. Jasper went into hysterics, and pretty soon the whole room but Tanya was chuckling, even Esme was giggling next to us.
Damn, no mercy!
Poor Emmett.
Bella blinked innocently and gazed up at me.
Did I say something weird? I kissed her forehead, flattered by her response.
No, my love. You're perfect. She flushed at my praise and buried her face in my side.
"Now, shall we call this meeting to order?" chuckled Eleazar trying to control himself. Everyone settled down. I led Bella over to the couch and sat down. She settled into her spot on my lap.
"This meeting is centered around our new addition to the family, Bella, Edward's mate. I'm sure you've all noticed that Bella isn't human. She doesn't have blood, a pulse, or a heartbeat; however, she does eat food and sleeps," Carlisle listed off the facts. Bella flushed and hid her face against my chest; she hated that everyone was so focused on her. Every pair of golden eyes seemed fixed on her. I could feel her begin to tremble in my arms.
Edward, they're all staring.
I tightened my arms around her and began to purr, hoping to soothe her. My fingers stroked her long curls, and I could feel some of the tension ease off her body.
I know it's uncomfortable, sweet girl. We'll try to make this as short as possible.
My gaze met with Carlisle's. He had noticed Bella's distress, and Jasper was sending her waves of serenity, which I was grateful for.
"Bella isn't used to being around people, and we are a rather large group. I know you're all very curious, but please don't scrutinize her too much," Carlisle pleaded with the family.
Carmen spoke up, "I'm sure everyone will be understanding of Bella's feelings." She could be just as maternal as Esme when she felt like it. Tanya rolled her eyes before starting to observe her nails as if they held the truth about aliens; trying to act like she didn't care about the conversation going on.
Just get it over with. What's so special about the brat?
I growled, clenching my teeth. Bella, sensing my anger, turned in my lap to see my face.
What's wrong? Her soft fingers trailed down my cheek, and her eyes searched mine. I caught her hand and kissed each slender finger.
It's not important, love. Don't mind me. Concern still marred her sweet face. I kissed her cheek before turning my attention to my family.
"Bella isn't human of course, nor is she a vampire. She is a dryad," I ignored the collective gasps and mass of confused thoughts.
"A dryad?" Carlisle asked calmly. "As in one who can manipulate plants?"
"She can control plants, but more than anything, they respond to her and how she is feeling," I clarified, not at all ashamed by the pride showing in my voice.
"Could you expand on that, please?" Eleazar requested, his mind just as intrigued as Carlisle's
"Bella?" I looked to her. She could explain it better than I could. She looked at the others and then me.
It's alright, angel.
She took a deep breath and began, "I can control them and make them do what I want, but most of the time, they are just happy to see me."
"Happy to see you? They have emotions?" Kate asked shocked.
"Well…um, dryads are born from trees. It usually takes years and years of life before a tree can feel. Then the feelings form into a soul. The soul then exits the tree and turns into a spirit. That's what dryads are, tree spirits," Bella tried to explain. "So, when trees can sense a dryad's presence it…it makes them feel. They want to be with the dryad because of that. It's really hard to explain. I don't even think I'm saying it right," she struggled for the words.
I helped her, "It's like a new born baby. They don't have thoughts, but they can feel joy or sadness or fear. When the trees sense Bella's presence, it's like a new born seeing its mother. It evokes something in the trees. They gravitate to her, care about her, respond to her thoughts and feelings. If she's happy, they'll sway and dance, but if she's sad or afraid, they'll try to comfort her. They move of their own accord."
"The trees move? Like in that Pocahontas movie?" Emmett interjected.
"Emmett, what are you talking about?" Alice asked.
"In the movie, Pocahontas has this tree that she calls grandma, and it's really creepy and old and can move and do all sorts of weird shi-"
"Emmett!" Esme and I scolded.
"Weird things," he amended. Kate and Jasper chuckled, and Rosalie rolled her eyes fondly at her mate's foolishness.
"So, besides the whole tree bonding thing, what else can dryads do?" Rosalie asked.
"Well, our powers are only limited to plants; it's not only trees that respond to me, but flowers too, and others," Bella seemed to be relaxing a little bit more. "I'm also not very strong. I'm faster than a human but not a vampire. I'm very flexible, and my body is a lot lighter than a human's."
"What about characteristics? Mating for example; do dryads have mates like vampires do?" Eleazar asked eager for more information.
"We do have mates. A dryad's only reason to live is so we can be with our mate," Bella responded cuddling against me.
"Bella was actually the one to find me. The reason that I didn't want to follow all of you to Alaska was because I knew she was coming, though I didn't know she was my mate at the time," I explained to them.
"What do you mean?" Carlisle inquired.
"I heard Bella's voice in my mind. She was speaking to me mentally, telling me not to leave, that she would be with me soon. She…" I trailed off remembering the first time I had seen Bella. She had been frightened and freezing, but beautiful as always.
"What else, dear?" Esme prompted. She was eager to know about how I had met my mate after all those years of me being alone. I couldn't help but to smile at her motherly thoughts.
"She was freezing," I began tightening my arms around her as she rested safe and happy in lap. Bella tangled her fingers with mine, comforting me. "She was in a tattered dress, and her lips were blue. She'd never spoken to another person before and was scared about talking to me. She had apparently been searching for me in that state for weeks."
Oh! The poor darling! Esme gasped, her hand flying to her chest.
"Wait! Little Bella, over there in your lap, searched the Pacific Northwest to find you, in the dead of winter, dressed in a rag?" Emmett asked aghast. Bella blushed at his words and hid her face in my neck.
I kissed her curls before responding, "Yes. It was terrifying. Once I had understood who she was, I didn't know whether to be happy that she had gone through all that for me or scold her for the same reason." I turned my gaze to Bella who was still in hiding. An innocent smile fought its way onto her sweet face. I ran thumb against her rosy cheek.
"Well, she doesn't have much common sense. Who waits until its freezing cold to travel to Washington?" Tanya said in snarky tone. A series of growls emitted from my family members and she flinched back a little, her preservative instincts kicking in.
"Tanya!" I hissed admonishing her. I was fed up with petty behavior. Bella brought my hand, still entwined with hers, to her soft cheek, soothing me once again.
"Dryads don't have blood, do they. We don't feel bloodlust around you," Jasper spoke up, still slightly miffed by Tanya's attitude but trying to lessen the room's tension.
"Nope. No blood. The only thing my body needs is food," Bella responded.
"I've only seen you eat fruit," Jasper continued.
"Bella doesn't eat things with animal products, or more distinctly saturated fats. She'll eat fruits and vegetables, but she prefers fruits because they're sweeter," I explained.
Esme joined in, "Well I'm sure there are plenty of delicious foods I can make with fruits. A culinary challenge." Carlisle chuckled fondly at his mate's excitement.
"Now, about that mind sharing thing that you two do. How does that work?" Emmett asked remembering earlier.
"What mind sharing thing?" asked Carmen.
"The mating bond for dryads is different for vampires. Our minds are linked, so we can hear each other's thoughts. Also, something we've noticed is that if I am listening to someone else's mind, Bella can hear them," I explained.
"Amazing! So the mating bonds of dryads are even more powerful than that of vampires?" Eleazar prompted.
"It would seem so for us. Bella and I can't be far from each other without experiencing pain from the separation," I said rubbing my chest. I saw Bella doing the same.
"You experience physical pain from being apart? How far are you able to be away from each other?" Esme asked concerned.
"My chest hurts whenever I can't see him," Bella spoke up, her voice quiet and sad. She clenched my hand even tighter. I kissed her lips gently for a short moment.
"When we're not in sight of one another, the pain is there, but it's dull, and we can ignore it, but when I went to hunt in Forks, I was able to run a little over a mile away from her before it was unbearable," I explained to them, squeezing Bella to my chest. "I fell to my knees."
"Oh no," Esme exclaimed, her maternal tendencies coming out. "Bella, did you feel that same amount of pain?"
Bella nodded, "I couldn't move." Her voice was a whimper, and every cell in body screamed to fix it. The questions seemed to go on and on after that. Eleazar and Carlisle's curiosity was endless. The girls' attention deviated from the topic to discuss fashion. Bella had begun to drift asleep against my chest
Edward, why don't you take Bella to your cabin? Anything else we need to discuss can wait until tomorrow. Esme suggested. I stood with Bella in my arms.
"Bella and I are going turn in for the night," I said goodbye to everyone. Esme kissed both of our cheeks.
"Bye, Esme," Bella said sleepily, her eyes barely open. She was adorable.
Esme smiled, "Goodnight, dear. Sleep well." I left the house and was about to run to our cabin when Bella's gasp made me freeze.
"What is it, love?" I asked, worried if I was gripping her too hard.
"The stars are really pretty," Bella awed. I looked up to see the millions of twinkling stars sparkling in the dark sky. "I always liked the stars. When I was looking at the stars at my tree, I would think about you. I tried to imagine what you would look like, and how your voice would sound."
I chuckled at our similarities. I began to walk with her tucked safely in my arms, "I star gazed a lot, too. I would try to get away from my family because I felt so alone in the romantic atmosphere of all the mated couples, but instead of picturing my mate, I thought that I would never find mine. I could never have imagined that she would be such lovely creature." Bella smiled up at me sweetly, her eyes still fighting sleep.
You are amazing, Isabella; so beautiful and sweet and pure, far more than I deserve, and I will be grateful every day that you came to me. The moon reflected in her sparkling eyes that shone with so much love for me. Our cabin was only a few feet away from us now.
I love you. She was still fighting sleep. I don't know much; I've never even met anyone before you, much less loved them, but I'm really happy, Edward, and I want to stay with you. I want to make you happy too.
I couldn't resist kissing her then. She sighed happily against my lips before once again cuddling into my chest, resting her head over my unbeating heart that felt so warm at the moment.
"You've made me so happy, angel; you have no idea," I opened the door and carried her inside and up the stairs, careful not to jostle her.
"Hmm," she murmured against my chest in contentment. I undressed her, carefully removing her dress before giving her one of my shirts to slip into. I undressed myself and laid her down on the bed, wrapping her in the blankets. She snuggled against me.
I love you, Edward. Goodnight. She kissed my neck with her soft lips.
Goodnight, my love. I wrapped my arms around her blanketed form. I hummed her lullaby and felt her body relax against mine. I felt her breathing slow and her mind quiet. Her face looked so young in her sleep. Bella had a child-like face that held an innocence and purity that could melt any cold heart, especially mine.
The moon and the stars continued to glow outside. I wouldn't be alone when I watched them anymore. I didn't feel like the outcast in a family couples. Everything that I had ever thought wrong with my existence had suddenly become right because of the treasure in my arms.
"Edward," she breathed, lost in sleep. A dream was beginning to take form in her mind, and I allowed myself to be pulled into the soft world of sleep.
Thanks for reading. I hoped you liked it. Please review. Questions, comments, concerns, and constructive criticism are welcomed. See you soon, hopefully.
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