The Cullen house appeared out of no where. It stood like a shining beacon and Bella was surprised that its lights didn't peek through the thick forest. Of course, Edward drove at a neck breaking speed and Bella was terrified that he'd lose control of the car. It was too dark to see even the sharp little curves in the driveway.

She tried to glare at him, but he didn't even notice. He hadn't spoken during the drive, but frowned the entire way. His eyebrows drew together and his lips were pursed like he was thinking very hard.

Bella shifted in her seat and tried to lower her blood pressure by taking deep thoughts. The little knot of dread in her stomach was blossoming into something much bigger and she felt slightly queasy. Her first impression on Edward's family was not as impressive as she hoped. The "family meeting" didn't hold too much promise, either, especially since she wasn't even a Cullen.

Edward drove one-handed, with his left hand. His right hand rested on his knee. Bella thought about taking his hand for nearly the entire ride but hadn't been able to muster up the courage.

As they neared the looming house, which she would consider a mansion, her nerves got the best of her. She placed her hand on top of Edward's and the knot in her stomach loosened some when he looked over and gave her a weak smile.

He turned his hand palm up and stroked hers with his thumb.

"Don't be anxious," he smiled. He parked the car and looked over at her. "What they think isn't that important."

Bella rolled her eyes. Leave it to Edward to think of her feelings in a time like this. "They're your family, Edward. Of course what they think matters."

"Not as much as what you think," he shrugged. He raised her hand and pressed a kiss to it.

Bella felt her heart twist painfully. She wanted to yell at him, to grab his collar and shake him until he listened to her. She wanted to kiss him and hold him and run away with him so they could be alone. What they think matters more! They're your life, they're your forever - all you've got. I'll only be here for a lifetime…that's nothing compared to eternity. Don't do this - don't ruin it because of me!

But she didn't say any of that. She didn't yell at him or try and make him what was important. When he came around to her side of the car and opened the door for her, Bella found herself speechless.

She couldn't say those things to him. Bella knew they were all true, but what if…

What if Edward actually listened to her? She would lose him. His family would snatch him away. They would move someplace far away where Bella couldn't hurt Edward and no one could betray their secret.

And when it came down to it, Bella knew she couldn't lose Edward. His presence had changed her. She already knew that what she felt for him was incomparable; she knew it instinctively. She wouldn't survive without his love.

"Ready?" he asked, kneeling down to her eye level. Without waiting for her answer, Edward leaned in and kissed her. She felt his hand on her back, sliding up to the back of her neck.

She twisted in her seat to face him and Edward tugged her to the edge of the seat and deepened the kiss. Bella marveled over the urgency in the kiss and it sent her blood pounding through her veins. She slipped a hand into his hair.

A moment later he pulled away just enough to look at her. He was so beautiful it hurt her to breathe. He looked even paler in the moonlight but his lips were dark.

"They know we're here," he said quietly. He leaned forward for one more kiss and then stood up, holding out a hand. "It's time."

Bella swallowed hard and took his hand. Edward kept her close to his side, apparently sensing that she wouldn't navigate the uneven ground easily. She stumbled twice but he was right there, his strong arms catching her before she fell.

The front door opened just as Edward and Bella reached it. Carlisle stood to the side to let them in and he greeted Bella quietly. She tripped on the welcome mat but both Carlisle and Edward grabbed her.

"Sorry," she muttered, blushing profusely.

"No worries," Carlisle said warmly. "Come inside. Are you cold? I can turn the heat up, if you'd like."

"No, no," Bella replied. "I'm fine. It's fine in here."

"Hello, Bella," Esme beamed. She had been standing off to the side, but rushed forward as Bella entered the house. She gave Bella a tight hug and the excitement coming off of her was almost visible.

"Hi, Mrs. Cullen," Bella said shyly, smiling in spite of herself.

"Oh, no," Esme said quickly. "Call me Esme, Bella."

"Esme," Bella nodded. She looked around the foyer and was struck by its warm décor. She hadn't been able to take in much of the house on her first visit.

"Well, let's have a seat, shall we?" Carlisle offered. Bella followed Esme into the dining room. Edward stayed close to her side and pulled a chair out for her when they reached the long oak table.

"Where is everyone?" he asked wearily.

"Alice and Jasper went out," Carlisle said, glancing quickly at Bella. "For a bite to eat. They should be here any second. Emmett and Rosalie had other plans."

"They had other plans," Edward said flatly. "What came up so suddenly that prevents them from being at our family meeting?"

Esme's eyes dropped and Carlisle cleared his throat. Bella bit her lip and looked away. Obviously they didn't want her here. They were right, too. Her earlier thoughts resurfaced and she felt horribly guilty. She was coming between Edward and his family.

"Ah, here's Alice," Carlisle said in obvious relief.

Bella looked up and sure enough, the front door opened and then Alice danced into the room. She smiled hugely at Bella and dashed over to give her a hug. Jasper shut the door and appeared behind her. He smiled politely at Bella.

"Hi Bella," Alice grinned. "It's nice to see you again."

"Hi Alice," Bella smiled. At least Alice liked her. Alice sat down at her right and Jasper sat across from Alice. She looked at Edward, suddenly anxious now that the small talk was over. He didn't look at her but took her hand under the table and gave it a squeeze.

"So," Carlisle said heavily. "What have we found out?"

Bella looked at Edward in wonder. It hadn't even been a full twenty four hours. What could they have found out?

"I can't see anything about the werewolves," Alice complained. "They kind of just… disappear? It's hard for me to explain. I just can't see them. At all."

"So you can't help us," Edward sighed. He ran a hand through his hair and this time Bella squeezed his hand.

"Oh, thanks," Alice said sarcastically. Her amber eyes flashed. "Visions are all I'm good for?"

"Oh, Alice, you know he didn't mean that," Esme said soothingly, reaching over to rub Alice's hand.

Alice gave Esme a grateful smile, then turned to scowl at Edward. "As a matter of fact, I can help you. Surprisingly, even without the help of my visions, little old worthless me - "

"Alice," Carlisle said in a pleading tone.

Alice sighed. "Jasper and I talked to some people in town. One of the ladies in town was in a very friendly mood. Her name is Gertie and she lives with Tom, who is one of Charlie's deputies." Alice smiled at Bella at that point. "Gertie said Charlie is a wonderful sheriff and - "

"Alice!" Edward roared. "Come on!"

"Jeez!" Alice yelped. "Fine, fine! Gertie is best friends with Marta, who is half Quileute and lives on the Reservation. Marta told Gertie that Jim is Billy Black's brother. He's almost ten years older than Billy and left town when Billy was just a kid. I guess Billy's parents died when he was young, poor thing. I mean, can you imagine growing up without parents and then all of a sudden turning into a were - "

"Alice," Esme interrupted gently. "Perhaps it's best if we speed this along a bit. Edward is a little anxious, you know."

"Oh," Alice shrugged. "Sure."

Bella thought she heard Edward growl and had to hide her smile.

"Long story short," Alice continued. "Jim was never right in the head. He hasn't been in town for almost twenty years and apparently, all of the Elders are upset with him. They've been having a lot of meetings. But Marta doesn't know why."

Carlisle leaned back in his seat. "Hmm. Maybe the Elders know something is wrong."

"Wouldn't they have come to us, rather than risk a territory war?" Jasper argued. He leaned forward in his seat. "We don't know anything about him, Carlisle. We don't know what he has told the Elders. For all we know, he told them that we already killed Bella and they're planning an attack."

Bella felt the hair prick on the back of her neck. For all we know, he told them that we already killed Bella.

"I don't think we should jump to conclusions," Carlisle disagreed. "I still think we should meet with the Elders."

"If you walk onto Quileute land, they will kill you and ask questions later," Esme warned him.

"I suppose we could call them and arrange a visit," Carlisle mused. "Isn't it amazing how the world has advanced? The last time we had such in-depth dealing with the Quileutes there wasn't even electricity in Forks and - "

"Can we focus, please?" Edward snapped. "That psychopath wants to rape Bella and maybe kill her and we're sitting here having a history lesson!"

There was a shocked silence and Edward shifted in his seat. He rubbed his face and looked at Esme.

"I'm sorry, Esme," Edward said quietly. "Carlisle. I'm just…"

"It's fine, Son," Carlisle replied just as quietly. "I understand how hard this is for you. And you, Bella. We won't let anyone hurt you."

"I appreciate that," Bella said slowly. She avoided looking at Edward, who was burning a hole in the side of her head with his glare. "But I don't want to cause any trouble. I don't want to cause your family any trouble."

"Rosalie and Emmett are home. I can feel Rosalie," Jasper muttered.

A ripple of unease went through the table. Bella felt Edward stiffen next to her and his grip on her hand tightened. She sat up a bit straighter.

She heard the front door open. Esme sighed. Carlisle's lips flattened into a line. Bella looked at Alice. Bubbly Alice, who was always smiling, now wore a slight frown.

Bella felt her heart jump into her throat. The distinct clicks of stilettos echoed down the hallway. Bella's pulse increased with each resounding click.

Rosalie's golden mane was tousled and fell down her back. Her lips were a vivid shade of red, obviously lipstick, and her clothes were disheveled. She wasn't as put together as she usually was.

Emmett was right behind Rosalie and Bella was once again surprised at how big he was. And so quiet, too. She hadn't heard him in the hallway at all. Emmett looked tired but he still smiled at her.

"Hey Bella, good to see you again," he greeted her. He shrugged out of his jacket and sat down. "Rosie changed her mind and decided she wanted to be here, after all."

Rosalie sank down into the chair next to him and snickered. "If by "deciding to be here" you mean I was beaten and then dragged here, then yes, Emmett, that's exactly what I did."

Emmett rolled his eyes and made a noise of disgust. "Yeah, like I could beat you even if I tried."

Bella felt a jolt of shock. Did Emmett actually try to hurt Rosalie? Sure, she wasn't the nicest person ever but she didn't deserve to be beaten.

"He was joking, Bella," Jasper said kindly. "Emmett would never hurt Rosalie."

Emmett laughed and winked at Bella. "Not like I haven't tried, or anything."

Bella relaxed and laughed a bit. Emmett reached into his jacket and pulled out a brown paper bag and tossed it to Bella. She flinched and Edward caught it and placed it in front of her.

"What's this?" she asked.

Emmett shrugged. "I thought you might be hungry. It's almost breakfast time, right?"

"He's right," Edward said, looking at Bella. "It's almost five. You should eat."

"It's a breakfast burrito," Emmett smiled. "I didn't know what you like, but I figured that if I ate food I'd like one of those."

"Thanks Emmett," Bella smiled. She cringed inwardly as another one of those god-awful blushes spread across her face.

"What a touching moment," Rosalie said dryly. She rolled her eyes and looked at Carlisle. "Can we get this over with, please?"

"Eat," Edward murmured. Bella nodded at him and obediently unwrapped her food.

The breakfast burrito received little attention, though. Bella was too focused on the different strategies Jasper laid out for Carlisle and Edward and Emmett to consider.

Esme and Alice gave their input often but both agreed that it would be best to approach the Quileutes in a non-threatening manner and talk with them.

"I could talk to Jacob," Bella offered. She fought the urge to shrink into her chair when all of the Cullens looked at her. It was intimidating, to say the least.

"Who's Jacob?" Emmett asked blankly.

"Oh… I used to know him, kind of. My Dad and Billy Black are old friends and I used to see Jacob a lot. Jim is his uncle," Bella explained.

"Maybe Bella could set up this meeting through Jacob," Carlisle said, thinking aloud. "That seems friendly enough."

"Absolutely not," Edward replied flatly. "Bella is already in enough danger. I will not purposely place her in harm's way."

"Of course not," Rosalie sneered. "You'd rather put your family in harm's way. Sacrifice your mother or father before your little girlfriend. What's a brother compared to teenage lust, right?"

"Rosalie," Emmett said tightly. "Stop."

"No, Emmett," Rosalie snapped. "I refuse to put our family in danger just because Edward has a crush on a human, for God's sake."

"It's not like that," Edward hissed. "You don't understand so don't talk about it."

"Then why don't you explain it to me?" Rosalie asked. She sat back in her chair and spread her hands out, gesturing to the rest of the family. "Tell us, Edward. What about her is so special that we should risk everything we have built? She's nothing to us."

"Rosalie." Esme's voice was quiet but as strong as steel.

"I love her," Edward said fiercely. His eyes burned into Rosalie. "I love her. I will protect her. I will kill every single werewolf in Forks if I have to."

"You'll die for her?" Rosalie purred.

Bella tensed. Edward could feel her body tighten up. They still held hands and her palm was cold and clammy. He forced himself to calm down, if only for Bella's sake.

"Will you?" Rosalie demanded.

"Yes," he replied. "I will die protecting her, if need be. I haven't asked for your help, Rosalie. Nor do I want it. In fact, I don't need - "

"Stop right there, young man," Esme interjected. Edward sighed and relaxed into his seat. He knew that look.

"First of all, I am astonished by your lack of concern, Rosalie," Esme scolded. "Edward obviously cares very much about Bella. That means she is just as important to us. Edward was nothing but supportive when you and Emmett came together."

"Wait a minute!" Rosalie shrieked. She stood up so fast that her chair knocked over. "You're changing her?"

Bella had jumped at Rosalie's superhuman speed. Within seconds, all of the Cullens were on their feet and Rosalie was talking so fast that Bella couldn't understand her anymore. Edward had moved protectively in front of her.

"Everyone sit down!" Carlisle bellowed. "Sit. Down. No talking."

Bella breathed a sigh of relief when everyone took their seats again.

Rosalie smoothed her hair back and glared at Bella from across the table.

"I expect you to control yourself, Rosalie," Carlisle ordered.

"Sorry," she said sulkily. "I just wasn't aware that Edward was changing Bella. A newborn vampire is a lot to deal with."

Edward snarled. Rosalie was doing this on purpose. She was purposely trying to upset him. He hadn't brought that up with Bella and wasn't going to. He had known from the beginning that eternity with Bella was not an option. Rosalie had no right to discuss it in front of Bella.

He hadn't meant to let what was between them grow even into a friendship but he failed miserably. He had fallen hopelessly in love with her. Edward had already reconciled himself to the idea that he would be in Bella's life and love her until the day she tired of him. No longer.

He could feel Bella's eyes on him but he couldn't bare to look at her. Bella would look at him, so innocent and pure, and tell him that she loved him and wanted to be with him forever. She would try and give him the wedding he always wanted. That was just the way Bella was.

Edward ached to hear her say those words. Imagining a future with Bella was the most exquisite pain he had ever inflicted upon himself. To dream of such wonderful things when there was no hope that they would ever come to pass…

"I'm not changing her," Edward said finally. His throat tightened at the range of emotions visible on the faces of his loved ones. Carlisle and Esme exchanged sad, defeated looks. Alice looked crushed. He felt a boiling surge of hatred at the smirk playing on Rosalie's lips.

"Okay, okay," Jasper said hastily, obviously tasting the tension between Edward and Rosalie. "Alice and I will talk to Jacob tomorrow. For tonight though, maybe Bella should stay here?"

"The night is almost over," Esme pointed out. "Bella, dear, did you get any sleep?"

Bella's mind rolled back to her bedroom. She couldn't help but remember the way Edward touched her and how he made her feel. She didn't need to look at him to know he was looking at her and she felt her cheeks burning.

Emmett snickered and Bella bit her lip, torn.

"Oh. Oh!," Esme smiled, her eyes brightening as she glanced quickly at Carlisle. Edward groaned and covered his eyes with a hand. Esme clucked and stood up. "Well, now, Bella needs some rest, so Edward, why don't you get her home?"

"I'll stay outside and watch the perimeter," Emmett volunteered.

"I'll take over at dusk," Jasper offered. "Alice and I will find Jacob today."

"It's okay. I'm not tired," Bella said, finally finding her voice.

"You will be soon," Edward replied. "You only got a few hours of sleep."

Emmett laughed loudly and Bella smacked Edward.

"Stop! He thinks….well, you know what he thinks!" she exclaimed.

Edward wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. He kissed the side of her head and whispered, "I like what he's thinking."

Sure enough, the excitement of recent events hit Bella hard and she fell asleep soon after they got home. Edward was laying on her bed with Bella crushed against his side. She made him swear that he wouldn't leave while she was still asleep.

Charlie had been up for roughly an hour. His coffee was almost ready and Edward knew from experience that he would soon fill up his travel mug and go off to save Forks, one crime at a time. He peeked in on Bella when he first woke up and Edward had to slip out from underneath Bella without waking her, so he could hide in her closet.

He listened to Bella breathe. She drew deep, even breaths. Charlie finished tinkering around in the kitchen and went out the front door. He checked to make sure it was locked. Twice. The police cruiser engine turned over and it drove away. He returned his attention to Bella.

For the millionth time, Edward replayed her words.

"Forever. I want to give you a wedding and an amazing wedding night and— "

"I love you," she had whispered into his ear. "Edward, I love you. I love you. I love you."

He wanted it. He wanted it so badly. He wanted Bella; he wanted her glowing in a white dress, he wanted his ring on her finger, he wanted to tell the world that she was his and his alone. He needed the assurance that no matter what happened in the world, Bella was his and she was safe. Immortal and untouchable, like him. She was so fragile.

She joked and thought he couldn't be with her every moment. What she didn't realize was that every moment he wasn't at her side was a moment in which she could be snatched from him. It was easier to protect her from a rogue werewolf than a slip in the bathroom or a car accident.

But could he possibly be that selfish? If he took the one thing that he wanted the most - he would be taking everything important from her. She would lose her mother and father. Her friends would continue to grow and age and experience life. They would fall in love and get married and take part in the greatest miracle of all; they would have children.

Bella would need to check in on them. Maybe from a distance, like he knew Emmett had when he was changed. Bella would be delighted to see her friends and family. But slowly, the delight would fade. Bitterness would take its place, followed shortly by regret. And then his Bella would be gone. She would be replaced by an empty shell of the woman he loved, and that empty shell would resent him forever.

"Stop," Bella murmured.

Edward sat up to see her face. He loved that she talked in her sleep. It gave him some of the missing puzzle pieces that represented her mysterious mind. He would never have them all, he knew, but it was delicious to have just a peek inside.

"Stop what, Bella?" he asked softly. He had found that if he responded to her when she spoke in her sleep that she would sometimes reply.

Bella abruptly rolled over and sprawled herself over his chest. "Stop thinking. You're too loud."

"You're awake?" he asked in surprise.

Bella lifted her head and smiled. Edward laughed and tugged gently on her hair.

"Hey," Bella laughed.

Edward caught her lips in a kiss. "Hey yourself."

Bella planted her hands on the bed and wriggled up his body so she could more easily reach his face. She kissed him again and when his hands came to rest on her hips, the ever-present feelings of lust came forward.

"What a way to wake up," Bella whispered appreciatively.

Edward laughed against her mouth. "Don't get used to it."

Bella frowned and pulled her lips from his. "I want to get used to it."

A shadow crossed Edward's face. "Are you hungry?"

"Don't change the subject," Bella said lightly. She rolled off of him and stood up to stretch. She noticed with pleasure the way he eyes followed her body as she stretched. The pajamas she wore were thin and clingy, but they were the pair Edward had grabbed out of her dresser so she had put them on without complaint.

"We're not going to discuss it," Edward stated.

"Maybe not right now. But we didn't finish our conversation last night. And I have every intention of finishing it," Bella said, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I don't want to have it," Edward pouted.

Instead of appearing innocent, the pout made Edward outrageously sexy. Bella actually felt her heart skip a beat. His lower lip jutted forward and it was all she could do not to launch herself at him. His hair was messy; partly because he just didn't care about how it looked but more so because he spent the night in her bed. Bella felt a warm tingle in her lower stomach.

"Don't look at me like that," Edward warned.

Bella licked her lips and Edward shook his head. "Don't look at you like what?"

Faster than she could blink, Edward was standing in front of her, his hands on her ass. He had pulled Bella tight against him and she could feel his hard arousal against her stomach. She bit her lip and looked up at him. His dark eyes mirrored the lust she felt.

"Don't look at me like you want me to eat you up," he whispered. Bella tilted her head and he nipped her earlobe. "When I do, my brother isn't going to be outside listening to us. When I do, we'll be alone, and I'm going to make you feel so good that you're going to scream my name."

Bella's eyes widened and Edward stepped away from her, breathing hard.

"Go get dressed. We have a lot to do today," he said.

Bella nodded and stumbled out of the room. Her body was heavy with lust and all she could think of was how Edward felt pressed against her. The fire between them was getting hotter and hotter and she didn't know how much longer they would last until they were consumed by it.

Jasper turned away from Bella's house to greet Alice. She smiled and leapt into his arms when she got close enough.

"Hi," she said softly. She cupped his face and kissed him slowly.

"Hi back," Jasper whispered.

He deepened her kiss and Alice had to smother a laugh when his hands made their way to her ass.

"Sorry," Jasper said sheepishly, pulling away. "The two love birds have a bit of pent up lust. I guess it rubbed off."

"I don't mind," Alice giggled, leaning into him again.

"Jacob?" Jasper asked breathlessly.

"Later. Four o'clock," Alice murmured against his mouth. "Come on. In the woods."

"We can't," Jasper groaned as she rubbed provocatively against him. "Bella."

"Edward knows. He heard us. Come on, I want you," Alice pleaded. She nuzzled his throat and then licked up the smooth column. Jasper shuddered at the sensation and Alice returned to his face. She captured his bottom lip between her teeth and tugged.

"Come on," he growled. Alice squealed as he picked her up to carry her into the woods, his hand firmly on her rear. "You little seductress. I think I'll have to teach you a lesson."