Disclaimer: I do not own anything that can be found in the Twilight Saga and no copyright infringement intended. I just like to play.

I know this chapter has taken quite a while and I am sorry. Christmas was eventful, both myself and my other half had a flu virus. The new year has kept me very busy at work and at home. There really is not enough time in the day to do all things I want to do so I have had to prioritise. Sadly writing has to take a back seat.

This chapter will be quite a long one as I don't know when I will be able to update next. Hope you enjoy and thank you for reading.

love

Aea

xxx

Chapter Eleven: Softer Than He Looks.

She arrived outside the office at five to nine, her heart lurched uncomfortably as images of the night before flashed in a sequence though her mind. She locked the car and trying to appear calm she turned towards the building.

Stepping inside the front doors a minute later she spotted two police officers speaking to Zafrina at the reception desk. Her stomach tightened as her heart thumped double time in her ears. She found herself walking towards Zafrina despite the panic that was building inside her. Breathing deeply she attempted to fixed a smile on her face.

"Zafrina... Is everything ok?" She managed to keep her voice low and steady, her eyes focusing on the receptionist.

"Oh Bella... the er cleaner found a broken lamp in James' office this morning. There was some white powder inside. Apparently she thought it was very suspicious and reported it to her supervisor who then informed the police. They have taken the lamp away for testing..." Zafrina looked to the older, taller Officer for confirmation.

"That's correct ma'am, we suspect the powder to be cocaine. It also appears that Mr Walker has gone missing, his bank account was emptied late last night. We reviewed the security footage here from last night, but it doesn't show much. He doesn't appear to carry much out of the building except a briefcase. We are of course investigating other areas of his life." The officer paused.

"Are you Miss Isabella Swan?" He asked, awkwardly, after a few seconds.

"Yes, why?" The two Officers looked a little uncomfortable and Bella felt her heart skip a beat. The tall Officer spoke again, this time his face was sad.

"I knew your father Miss Swan, we trained together many years ago. He was a good man, a good officer. I just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss and if there is anything you need just call the station." Bella's heart rate slowed slightly and she swallowed the lump that rose in her throat at the mention of her father. The loss was still painful.

She nodded quickly blinking the sudden tears away.

"Miss Swan?" The second officer tentatively addressed her. She turned to him waiting trying her best to keep her cool.

"We noticed you were the last person here with Mr Walker last night. Did he say or do anything suspicious? Did you notice anything amiss in his office?" The two men waited. She remembered Edward's instructions.

"I don't think so. I mean his behaviour was just as... rude as normal if not more so. He seemed wound up, agitated I guess. I just er assumed he wanted to get home. I was only in there a few minutes to sign a form. Perhaps his assistant Victoria could help you she might know more about his personal life at least." She was surprised at how steady her voice sounded and hoped they didn't question her further as she wasn't sure her nerves could hold up much longer.

"Thank you Miss Swan, I think that will be all for now." Bella breathed a sigh of relief as the two officers headed down the corridor away from her. Zafrina raised her eyebrow at her but was distracted by the phone ringing. Bella took the opportunity to escape to her office.

Lunch was easier than Bella expected, Zafrina made no attempts to talk about James or Bella's obvious relief when the police had finished talking to her. Victoria was no where to be seen, although there was a whisper that she was upset by James' disappearence and after the police had finished speaking to her she had gone home.

Zafrina did most of the talking while she picked at her sandwiches, telling Bella about her plans to visit her Grandmother in South Africa. Bella did her best to listen but her thoughts kept drifting back to Emmett. She was anxious to see him, to be with him while the painful transition from his mortal life to that of a vampire was completed.

Her eyes watched the clock on the wall as each movement the hand made seemed to go slower than the last.

The rest of the afternoon dragged just as slowly, despite the numerous calls and appointments she had to attend with Ben. By the time five o'clock finally came round she was holding a fierce debate in her mind as to whether she had made the right choice for Emmett, she couldn't deny that her desperation not to lose him had influenced her a little too much.

Edward was waiting by her truck as she left the building a couple of minutes after five. Her breathing acelerated as her eyes met his. He smiled crookedly at her and chuckled as her cheeks reddened .

"Hey." she smiled shyly at him, her cheeks still pink.

"How was your day Love?" his grin softened into a tender smile.

"It was ok I guess... The police were here this morning. They asked everyone a few questions. I think they believe he was involved in something dodgy. I think the false trail worked... Edward is...Please... Can I see Emmett, is he... ok?"

"You can see Emmett, I said I would take you. He is doing just as we expected though the change is progressing a little quicker than the average but Carlisle beleives this is because as a human he was incredibly strong. It will be long journey to get to , we took him back to his lodge in Canada. It's safer there for him more... remote and less chance of a human wandering by." He said the last part warily.

"But... It'll take day's to get there! " She exclaimed, she wondered if she could ask for a few day's off work. But then the change would be complete by then, he might not be her Emmett by then.

"He will be changed by then, he'll be a..." She felt the tears welling in her eyes. Would he be angry with her, would he remember her and even if he did, would he want to kill her.

"Bella get in the truck and we'll carry this conversation on where there is less chance of being overheard." Edward's voice broke into her thoughts. He held the door open expectantly. She climbed in and buckled up while he walked to the driver's side at human speed.

"In the morning you will need to phone in work, tell them that your friend Emmett has gone missing and your heading to Canada to help search. Alice said your boss will be ok with it." He spoke quickly as he started the engine.

"Esme and Carlisle are waiting for us at home, Alice said your other friend Angela is due home in two days, we will have to think up a way to explain Emmetts disappearance..."He carried on over the roar of the trucks engine.

"Oh! I forgot about Angela, I don't know what to tell her, she always knows when I'm lying. I have never been able to keep secrets from her. She loves Emmett too, she has a right to know the truth. I wonder if she will agree with the choice I made for him." Bella threw her head into her hands groaning in despair.

Edward frowned but stayed silent. It was dangerous to know about them, it was bad enough that Bella knew and what if this girl could not keep their secret. He would have to speak with his family, it was not a decision he could make alone.

They pulled up to the house, Edward swiftly manouvered the truck onto the drive then whipped around to open the door for Bella who was still undoing her seat belt.

They headed inside to find Carlisle poking the fire in her reading room while Esme moved around in the kitchen. The delicious smell of Italien Pasta assaulted Bella's nose and had her heading without a second thought to the kitchen.

"Bella, I made you some dinner. I quite enjoy cooking so many different ways you can eat! I made some bread too but it is still in the oven." Esme beemed and handed her a plate loaded with pasta.

"Thank you Esme, it smell's devine." As if on que Bella's stomach growled. Edward chuckled behind her.

She sat down at the table in the dinning room to eat, Edward, Carlisle and Esme joined her. They all seemed fascinated by her eating and she felt a little self concious about her audience.

"Bella I can get you to Canada in five hours, it won't be a comfortable ride though and we had best leave soon. Carlisle will come with us, Esme will stay here to watch the house. If necessary she will meet Angela at the airport for you, we can think of something to tell her while we travel as I don't think the truth would be best just yet. Do you still want to go?" His gaze was intense, he hoped she had changed her mind. Despite Alice's assurances he did not want Bella anywhere near a newborn especially one that would just be waking up. He saw the determind look on her face and knew his hope was in vain.

"I still want to go, of course I do... er but how are you going to get us there so impossibly quickly?"

"You'll see, it's a vampire thing." He said a sudden, wicked, grin appearing on his face.

"But Edward..." Bella started.

"You'll see soon enough. Just go and put some extra warm clothes on. I'll find you some blankets. I'll wait here for you." His grin disappeared as thought how cold and uncomfortable she would be for the next few hours.

She left the table and headed up the stairs after Esme insisted on clearing her plate and washing it up. She didn't know that Esme had cleared up and even cleaned the cooker before she even got to the bedroom door.

Bella undressed quickly and not bothering to shower yanked open her closet. She pulled on a pair of tights then a pair of leggings before pulling her jeans on over the top. She then pulled on a couple of t-shirts and a jumper. Grabbing her old walking boots she struggled to get them on over her three pairs of socks. After putting on her coat, scarf and gloves, she ran lightly down the stairs until Edward appeared in front of her half way down. Shaking his head at her, he carried her to the bottom.

"Really Bella, you should know better now than to try running down stairs!" Edward frowned at her as he lightly let her down.

"Edward I have been running up and down stairs all my life, without any major injuries." She huffed indignantly, a slight pout playing on her lips.

"And that itself is a miracle I am truly thankful for." He teased.

"Are we going now?" She asked abruptly changing the subject. He chuckled silently.

"Yes. We will drive out of town for about forty minutes or so then we go on foot the rest of the way." He couldn't help but laugh at the expression on her face.

"On foot!" she squeaked.

"Yes, well Carlisle and I will be on foot... you, I will be carrying."

"But... But you can't carry me all that way... it's well... it's..." She gave up. She knew he was strong but how was he going to carry her thousands of miles. On foot. In five hours.

"I told you it's a vampire thing." He grinned.

"Edward son, do not tease the girl so." Esme scolded Edward as she appeared silently behind Bella with Carlisle at her side.

"My apologies Mom." Edward smiled though he couldn't hide his chuckle. Carlisle stepped to her side and she turned to face him.

"Bella, allow me to explain. We are, as I'm sure you have become aware, rather strong. We are also very fast. It is possible for us to run for many hours at high speed without tiring. Edward is particulary fast even for a vampire." Carlisle informed her, he looked to Edward as he spoke his last words, his expression proud.

"We should get going." Was all Edward said before quickly hugging Esme.

"Bye Esme." Bella was surprised when Esme pulled her in for a hug and murmured a gentle goodbye.

They headed out, Edward directed her towards Carlisle's black mercedes. She climbed in the back seat with Edward joining her. He pulled her close to him softly telling her to get some sleep. Carlisle got in the driver seat and started the engine as Bella's eyes closed.

Edward held Bella in his arms for the short car journey. Before long the reached a secluded spot where they could leave the car. Gently Edward lifted the sleeping Bella from the car, adjusting her so that her head lay against his chest. He smiled down at her.

Carlisle pulled a rucksack from the boot before they silently began running, side by side.

She felt the stinging cold air whipping round her face and she shivered. She tried to open her eyes but the air made them water instantly. Keeping her eyes closed she concentrated on what she could feel. She was wrapped up tightly and all but her exposed face was warm. She knew Edward held her and she knew they were moving. Fast.

"It's ok, we've been running for a couple of hours but theres still a few to go yet. Are you warm enough? I can wrap another blanket round you?" Edwards voice was steady, he was not at all out of breath.

"I'm ok thanks, just my face is a little cold." She whispered knowing he would hear her.

He held her a little closer to him trying to shield her face from the cold night air. She snuggled closer to him, closing her eyes and alllowing herself to drift back to sleep.

It felt as though she had only just closed her eyes when they fluttered open again. She looked around, seeing that she was in a log cabin and she was still in wrapped up in Edwards arms he sat them next to a blazing fire.

She saw Alice and Jasper leaning against the far wall next to them Rosalie stood looking down on Emmett. He was shaking and sweating, his whimpers of pain cut through Bella like a knife. She slowly pushed herself away from Edward and made her way towards Emmett. Rosalie gave a low growl which was swiftly answered by one from Edward. She ignored them both as she reached out a shaking hand to touch Emmett's forearm.

She could see the marks the bear had left on him, though they appeared as though they were weeks old. His skin was cold and clamy, his face screwed up in agony. She moved to his head and she felt the tension in the room increase. She ignored it, instead bending down towards his face and whispering.

"I'm sorry Emmett, I am truly sorry... but... I could not let you die. I hope... I hope you forgive me." Tears fell down her cheeks and she placed a tender kiss on his brow. Once again Rosalie let out a low growl. This time Bella choose not to ignore her.

"What is it Rosalie? Why are you growling at me?" She demanded quietly. Alice giggled.

"She doesn't mean to be rude, she is just protective over Emmett. She has gotten quite attached to him." Jasper surprised her by speaking but his words had a calming effect on her.

Rosalie glared at Jasper before turning to Bella resentment darkening her features.

"I like him. I feel protective of him... You were close to him? It... makes me feel... jealous." She turned her head back to Emmett's shaking form, her hand brushed against his cheek and Bella understood. Rosalie had a bond with him, he would be her mate when he woke up. She hoped this would make it easier for him to adjust. She hoped he would be content in this life she had chosen for him.

The room had gone quiet all of a sudden, she glanced at Emmett. He wasn't moving or shaking with pain. He was perfectly still, like a statue. Before she even blinked Edward had her pinned against the wall, his body shielding hers, Alice and Rosalie stood either side of him. Carlisle and Jasper stood next to the bed where Emmett lay. She took an unsteady breath, the atmosphere was charged and tense. Then all hell broke loose.

Her human eyes could not keep up with the flashes of movement, but suddenly Jasper and Carlisle were thrown through the cabin door. Edward seemed to move forward then the next second he too was flying through the air landing with an almighty crash as he hit Carlisle and Jasper.

She heard Rosalie plead with Emmett to calm down before she to was thrown aside. Alice was not far behind. Growling erupted all around her as blurred shapes rushed towards her, then the stopped. She was now face to face with the vampire Emmett, his vivid red eyes burning with emotion into hers. She glanced towards the five other vampires takening in the fear on their faces. Edward looked distraught as the others held him back.

She shifted her gaze back to emmett and gasped as Emmett pulled her into his arms and held her tightly. Edward growled menacingly, Emmett growled back.

"Bella. Damn you smell good. Why are you here? Did they hurt you?" His voice was gravelly as though he had a sore throat, his eyes fixed on the others.

"Emmett! I need to breathe!" Bella struggled futilely against him. He let go and she dropped to the floor gulping down breaths as she laughed nervously at Emmett.

"Shit, sorry Bell. I just missed ya kid." He looked apologetic then his face changed and a low menacing growl eminated from him as he turned to face the others fully. Edward was watching him his face bordering on panic at his close proximity to Bella. Jasper moved to Edwards side.

"Hey man, we aren't going to hurt Bella. She's part of the family. But we were worried you might..." Jasper started.

"I would never hurt Bella! Nor would I let anything else hurt her." His eyes settled on Edward and narrowed. Bella watched nervously as his eyes looked from one vampire to another. At last his eyes settled on Rosalie.

"Angel..." He murmured. Rosalie smiled at him ignoring Jasper and Edward as they snickered at her.

"That's Rosalie, Emmett, she found you. Do you remember anything?" Bella spoke softly. Her vampires were all still, tense and wary.

"I remember the bear. I remember the pain. The she came, like an angel, whispering soft, soothing words as she carried me, but the pain got worse. I thought I was burning." he spoke quietly his eyes still on Rosalie.

"The bear attack was too much for your body Emmett. Too much for a human to survive. I asked them to save you by making you one of them." Emmett frowned at Bella, he didn't understand.

"Emmett? Will you take a walk with me, I will tell you everything and answer any questions you have." Carlisle spoke gently. Emmett looked torn, his gaze flitting between Bella and the others.

"Go Emmett, I will be safe. They would never hurt me." She assured him.

With one last uneasy glance at her, Emmett followed Carlisle out. Jasper and Alice didn't say a word as they set about repairing the damage to the cabin, after an awkward pause Rosalie left the cabin.

Edward crossed the room quickly gathering Bella in his arms and sighing with relief. He whispered her name before running his thumb across her cheek and resting his forehead against hers.

"I'm sorry, I failed to protect you. He is much stronger than we thought he would be. Oh god he could've..." Edward's voice was distraught.

"Shush, Emmett didn't hurt me that's all that matters. He is still my Emmett and my Emmett would never hurt me." She tried to sooth him. Jasper's voice interupted.

"He has amazing control for a newborn. He didn't seem at all affected by her blood. Quite amazing really given how good she smells, I mean most newborns would have..."

"Shut up Jasper! She could've been killed." Edward moaned.

"But I wasn't Edward." She stroked his cheek lovingly.

"I can't exist without you Love, I wouldn't want to." He leaned forward and touched his lips gently against hers. Pulling her body firmly against his, he kissed her like he had never kissed her before, letting his tounge sweep out to taste her lips. He nearly lost his control when she moaned against his kiss and pressed herself closer.

Jasper gave the couple a half disgusted look and left the hut, Alice on the other hand started jumping up and down, squealing. Edward turned at her frowning, Bella stood bemused and Jasper came back in looking puzzled at Alice's display.

"Alice..." Edwards voice warned. She ignored him.

"Bella please please please please say you will let me plan it. PLEEEEAAAASSSEE!" Alice was almost at Bella's feet pleading.

"Alice... Plan what? What are you going on about?" Bella looked from her frowning vampire to Alice's puppy eyes.

"Bella, I will shed a little light on the madness of Alice but first..." Edward started but was interuppted by another squeal from Alice.

"Alice! Please! Can't you and Jasper go hunting or something?" Edward's voice was frustrated.

"Oh! er well... ok ok we will leave you two aaaloooone." Alice stood for a second before heading out of the cabin clapping her hands in delight. Jasper followed shaking his head in amusement.

Edward sighed softly.

"I love you. I don't want to be apart from you, even for a second. I know we have only known each other for a few weeks but you have become the centre of my world. Alice is excited because she had a vision..." he sighed again. Her heartbeat quickened. He smiled crookedly at her.

"She saw what I am about to do..." Edward took her hand gently in his and knelt before her. She felt her cheeks burned and her legs shake.

"Isabella, my Love. I promise to love you every second of my existance, to protect you with every ounce of strength I possess... Marry me Bella. Marry me?" Edward waited nervously afraid it was too soon to ask her so important a question.

"I... I..." Bella stuttered, her heart raced excitedley in her chest, her eyes swam with tears. Words failed her so she threw herself at him, flinging her arms around his neck and crying happily into his neck.

"Bella?" His voice soft and unsure made her pull back so she could look at him. Their eyes locked and time seemed to stand still. She knew he was all she would ever want, they had only known each other for a short time but they might have forever to get to know each other. The sudden idea of becoming like Edward took root as she became lost in his eyes. An eternity with him was all she wanted.

"Yes... Yes Edward. Yes." She whispered.

Please please review.

Thank you

Aea

xxx