AN: All characters belong to SM, I'm just borrowing them for some fun!

Thank You all for the amazing comments! I was so excited to find so many of them when I went to my user page today! I was grinning like an idiot during my class after seeing all the comments, I ended up getting some strange looks, but it was all worth it….lol

So there were some questions you guys had.

In present time is Peter with Char? Very good question, no he's not, it will be part of the story later, falling into explaining the time travel. I can't really go into detail otherwise it will spoil part of the plot. ;)

If anyone has any questions about the story so far or in upcoming chapter, your more than welcome asking in a comment, or sending me a pm if you prefer. I will try to answer as best as I can without spoiling the story.

Now for some smexy peter! You will get to see their first meeting from both Bella's and Peters perspective. ;)

Enjoy!


Chapter 11:

First Meeting

Bella POV

I was still standing in the middle of the river, soaking wet, staring dumbly at the vampire in front of me. Good lord, he outshone any of the any of the Cullen men. He was quite a sight to see. I had always wanted to watch Edward hunt, and getting to see this man in action was a definite turn on. He was still standing there like the conquering hero, holding the bobcat in his muscular arms.

Finally, he dropped the cat to the side while maintaining eye contact with me. His smirk grew as his eyes darkened, whether from my scent or something else I was unsure. However, I decided that if this was going to be my end I would gladly accept it at the hands of this man.

"Well now darlin', sure looks like ya got yerself in a bind." He teased as he grinned at me like a small boy who found his favorite toy. It sent shivers down my spine, the good kind that left me wanting.

"Y-yes, it certainly does appear that way," I managed to stutter out, feeling like a complete idiot in front of this god-like creature.

"Miss, I do believe ya can lower yer weapon now," he chuckled. "I took care'a the big, bad pussy fer ya." He grinned wildly at that. Obviously, this guy was a bit of a perv. Either that or I was taking it the wrong way. But from the mischievous grin on his face I was going to assume the former, and not the latter.

I blushed at the realization that I was still holding the gun up like a moron. As if it would be of any use to me anyway. Of course, if I had been a normal human I would not know what he was or that I could not hurt him with it. The question was should I be bold or play dumb. Hmmm thinking…thinking…Yes, definitely be bold.

I grinned at him and challenged, "Well, aren't you just my vampire in shining armor?" Queue sarcasm.

The fucker just grinned even wider. "Sexy an' sassy! Darlin', where've ya been all my life?" he chuckled before his face went from playful to serious. "Now darlin', fine as ya look standin' in the middle of that river with yer clothes molded ta yer body, I wouldn't want'cha catchin' cold'er nothin'. Come on out or I'm'a commin' in ta get'cha," He threatened with a sly grin on his face.

Damn, that accent was panty dropping, and reminiscent of the feeling of silk being caressed over bare skin. I shivered involuntarily. Mmm, delicious! No, stupid, can't think of the unknown vampire like that. I had to refrain from smacking my forehead with my palm. I seriously needed to get my head checked. I had never met this man – this vampire, and a human drinking vampire no less – before in my life, and here I was attracted to him. I was an idiot with complete lack of self preservation. Edward had definitely been on to something there.

I decided to put as much space between us as I could, so I slowly started backing out of the river keeping my eyes trained on him the whole time. Unfortunately, my plan was shot down due to my clumsy nature, and ended up falling back into the water with a splash. I heard the man laughing, and not just a little chuckle, a full out belly laugh.

"Well darlin', next time ya might wanna look where yer stepin'." He started forward at a human pace walking into the river extending his hand to me as he got nearer. "I'm Peter Whitlock, ma'am. And you are?" He looked down at me smirking.

"Bella Swan," I said, putting my hand into his. It was odd, his skin seemed warm to me and there was a pulse of energy that started as soon as our skin made contact. I felt almost dizzy for a moment.

He pulled me up from the water making sure that I had my balance. "Well now, Miss Bella, I'm honored ta make yer acquaintance," He greeted and bowed down to my hand, kissing the back of it. "Mmm, darlin', ya smell divine. Like freesia, lavender an' fresh rain," He grinned cheekily.

He helped me out of the river, all the while keeping a hold on my hand. The longer he held my hand the stronger the feeling of rightness. I felt whole, completely forgetting about anything other than the man in front of me.

After a couple of minutes I finally found my voice. "So, are you going to drink me now?" I asked him bluntly.

He laughed out then winked at me and assured me, "As appealing as ya smell, I'd never harm ya. It'd go against everythin' that I am." He stared at me right in the eye. I noticed that his eyes were still dark and seemed to be getting darker. "Ya may not know it yet, but yer mine, my mate, an' I'd give m'life protectin' ya, darlin'."

Huh, I'm his am I? Who the hell does he think he is? "Ok buddy, I belong to no one but myself. I don't know who you think you are, but I'm through with the supernatural. I've had nothing but trouble since I fell into that world and I don't want to go back. Furthermore, I don't even know you so I find it hard to believe that I'm your so called mate," I ground out crossly. I stomped my foot for emphasis and finally got the sense to pull my hand away from him.

As soon as our contact was broken it felt like a black hole had sucked all of my happiness away. In its place was a strong pull that went directly to Peter. Oh fanfuckingtastic, this can't be good.

He nodded his head like he understood what I was feeling. "Ya feel it, don't'cha darlin'? That'd be what I was a'talkin' 'bout. Yer mine, an' that pull we feel is the proof. It'll only get stronger over time,"he said confidently with a smirk on his lips. He grabbed my hand again. As soon as the contact was made I felt the energy pulse and felt happy again.

My mind was a jumbled mess. I was trying to make sense of what he had told me but I was failing miserably. "I don't understand. And how can you just assume that I know all about your kind?"

"Ya know that certain vampires have gifts. Well mine's a gift'a knowledge. There're a few things that I know 'bout ya. First, yer already well informed'a our world," he stated with a smug ass grin lighting up his features. "Second, I know ya had a bad experience with another vampire. And third, as stubborn as ya are, this'll all sink in by the next time we meet. Trust me darlin', the pull of a mate won't go away and eventually you'll accept it." He grinned and continued, "Once ya do, you'll be ready for me as yer mate, an' darlin', I must say I'm lookin' forward to the day." He winked at me.

My brain took a few minutes to engage. It just kept running over what he told me, and damn it if he was not right, at least on the first two points. The last would remain to be seen. Fuck, if I had just give myself over to him. I had always thought Edward was my mate. All this new information threw me for a loop.

He had a cocky grin on his face as he assured me, "No, he wasn't yer mate. If he had been, he would'a had no problem turnin' ya. Matter of fact, he wouldn't'a been able ta resist."

I scowled at him and grumbled, "Would you just let me think this through on my own without butting in?" Damn vampire, I had to admit he was right and it was the same thing that I had thought the whole time I was with Edward. Hold up, did he say when we meet again? "Wait, what do you mean, 'When we meet again'?"

"I knew ya were here an' I had ta see ya, but I wasn't plannin' on showin' myself. I wasn't 'bout ta let some mangy animal harm ya either." He grinned, but then his face took on a somber look. "I have ta get back ta m'brother, a'fore tomorr'a night."

It was then I remembered his introduction, 'Peter Whitlock.' I had been right, he was Jasper's brother. Well damn! "Jasper?" I asked, trying to figured out what was going on. He looked at me surprise written all over his features. "Hmm, looks like I stumped the knowledge gifted vampire," I said with a smirk.

"Now, I didn't say that I was infallible. I don't choose what knowledge finds its way in my brain," he joked. "I would love ta know how ya know m'brother though."

I winked at him. "Now that's classified information, Peter," I said with fake seriousness.

"Now darlin', that's not playin' fair," he whined.

"Poor baby, would you like some cheese with that whine?" I teased him.

"I'll let it go fer now, 'cause I know you'll tell me one day, an' I can wait. I'd wait fer ya forever," he stated seriously, looking me in the eye. He had me beyond dazzled and I had never felt it this strong with Edward. It was new and frightening, but at the same time exciting and everything just seemed right with Peter. I did not know how to even feel about it. I just met him. I was not ready for anything, though, at this point. Besides, he was leaving. I started getting depressed at this thought and it felt like my heart was ready to disappear.

I was still deep in thought when suddenly his lips were pressed against mine. I could not seem to pull myself away from him. Even though my mind was screaming to me to push away from him, my body had its own agenda and was not listening; it was running on instinct alone. He pulled me closer to his body as he ran his tongue along the bottom of my lip seeking entrance. I opened my mouth allowing his intrusion and he readily deepened our kiss as I wrapped my arms around his neck, one hand pulling his hair. His hands roamed down my sides, finally coming down to cup my butt. As he lifted me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist, our tongues continued to fight for dominance. I could feel his harness as he ground his hips into my center. At that moment I wanted nothing more than for him to continue his ministrations on my body. He finally pulled away though, letting me catch my breath as he started kissing up and down my neck eliciting a moan of pleasure from me.

He groaned and pulled himself away from my neck. "Darlin', as much as I wanna claim ya an' take ya with me, now's not the time," he stated, trying to convince himself of that as much as he was trying to convince me. "Yer not ready yet, either. I know yer body may be, but yer mind needs ta catch up," he grinned.

I finally got a hold of myself as he gently set me back down on the ground. My knees were wobbly and I still had not fully regained my breath, so I just nodded to him in agreement.

"I need ta get'cha ta the road. Its startin' ta get dark an' now that yer horse went back home without'cha, they'll start a'searchin'."

He grabbed me up under the knee, pulling me up to run with me bridal style. It was different. Edward always ran with me on his back. I felt amazingly content in this stranger's arms as I snuggled further into his muscular chest letting his scent calm me further.

I had a lot to think about, but one thing was certain, even if my mind did not belong to him yet, my body certainly did. It was a fact that I could not deny. I could not fight something that was so essential to me. He was a vital part of me, even if we had just met. Funny how I use to think Edward was my soul mate. How wrong I had been. The problem was even though I knew this deep down, my mind was not ready to accept it. Peter had been absolutely right, I needed time to come to grasp with what was happening between us.

We were at the edge of the forest when Peter stopped and set me back on the ground. "They'll be here in just a few minutes," he said with a sad smile. I could feel traitorous tears starting to well up in my eyes. "Now, none'a that. It won't be long a'fore we're together, an' then you'll be ready fer me, fer us," he grinned and gave me one last kiss before disappearing into the forest. I could still feel him watching me though, making sure that they found me without any further incidents. I walked out into the road and started walking back to the ranch. It was only a few minutes before some riders came over the hill, with Miro being ponied behind.

Joe was the first to get to me he had a relieved expression on his face. "Bella, I'm glad to see your safe. When Miro came running in without you, we saddled right up and came to find you."

I nodded and explained what happened with the bobcat. "We were at the river where Char took Luke and me yesterday when a bobcat came running out of the forest chasing behind a deer. Miro spooked and I lost my balance. I shot a few rounds at the cat and it ran off," I explained.

Joe did not look surprised but seemed relieved that I was alright. "As long as you're not injured, that's all that matters. Are you well enough to ride back to the ranch?" He asked me while looking me over for any noticeable injuries.

"I'm fine, though I'm sure to be sore tomorrow," I grinned at him.

He smiled back at me. "Well, we best get back. Becky, Luke and Char are worried sick about you and are probably pacing a hole in the floor waiting," he grinned.

Once we made it back to the ranch Joe had one of the hands take Miro for me. I gave him a pat and went into the house ahead of Joe. When I entered the foyer Luke came running over to me, nearly knocking me on my ass.

"Bella, I was so worried! Are you alright? What happened? When Miro came back without you I thought for sure something happened to you. I was afraid I wouldn't see you again!" he said in a quick jumble. Tears were pooling up in his eyes threatening to spill out. I just hugged him. He had as many abandonment issues as I did and I could relate. He hugged me back fiercely, finally letting up when he realized I was not going anywhere. He had grown on me over the weeks. If Renee had given me a brother I would have hoped he would have been like Luke.

Becky and Char were standing in the entryway to the dining room taking in the scene before them. I smiled at both of them and Becky came over to give me a quick hug. "Thank heavens you're alright. We were beside ourselves with worry," she told me with a little huff. "How are you feeling dear?" she asked in the way only a mother can.

I smiled at her. "I'm fine. I fell in the river so I didn't get hurt at all, only my pride got a little brused," I joked.

She readily agreed with me. Finding a doctor around here would be extremely difficult as the closest one was thirty miles away in Redding. That was if he was even in the town. He made several long distance calls to patients and could not be counted on to be in town.

Char came over and hugged me as well. Of course, being twelve, she did not really understand what all the fuss was over, and brushed the whole incident off as if it never happened. I was glad one of them was. Between Luke, who was now hovering beside me, and Becky, who kept looking me over, I was glad someone was acting normal.

The rest of the evening was calm. Luke and I worked on his schooling with Char there to help. She had been taught by Becky and so was further ahead than Luke. He was a quick learner, though, and I knew before long would caught up to other children his age. I smiled thinking of the way he and Char would argue together. It seemed Becky was right, those two just seemed to fit together, I had a feeling that, given time, a relationship would develop between the two.

I excused myself from the normal nightly socializing so that I could go to bed early. I was exhausted both in mind and body from the events of the day. Luke gave me a hug before I made my way upstairs to my room. I made sure to clean up real well before getting under the covers, but once I was it did not take long before I was asleep.

That night I dreamt of Peter again. He seemed to be the star of all my dreams lately it was nice to put a name to the face. I had been thinking only of him since our impromptu meeting today.

When I finally opened my eyes and rolled over there was a letter with a rose sitting on top of the spare pillow. A jolt of excitement went through me. I immediately grabbed the letter. It was from Peter of course. The scoundrel must have snuck in my room during the night. I chuckled at the memories of when I learned of Edward's stalker tendencies. When he had done it, I had been pretty irritated, especially when he confessed that his main reason was to try and see what I was thinking, because I would sometimes talk out in my sleep.

Now though… With Peter, it sent a thrill directly to my heart. "No, no, no! I can't do this to myself again," I whispered to myself. Deep down, the realization was there that I could deny all I wanted, but it would be a pointless gesture. For now though, I would fight the pull he had on me. After Joe and the boys had found me yesterday and we started riding away from where Peter was hiding, I could feel the pull getting stronger with each step that Miro took away from him. It was a physical discomfort, but, damnit, I could not do it now. "Ok, for now I'll just ignore it. I can at least do that," I tried to convince myself, but there was a little niggling sensation at the back of my neck. It would be useless, I knew. "But what else am I suppose to do?" I asked myself. Oh great now I'm talking to myself.

Peter POV

I made it to California in record time, running north, up to Sacramento, and then towards a little town called Redding. I followed the pull. It was only a slight tugging sensation at the moment but I knew once I saw her it would become stronger. I just wanted to get a look at her. It would have to be enough until it was time for her to be turned.

I was runnin' through the forest and caught the most succulent scent. It was amazin' and smelt of freesia, lavender, and fresh rain. It should have made my throat scorch as if a fire burned down it, but it didn't illicit any reaction from the beast other than to claim whoever was on the other end.

It had to be her. My beast was growlin' in his cage, tryin' to get out so that he could claim his mate. The man in me refused to let him though. I was stronger than that and refused to let it happen yet. When the time was right he would have his chance, and what a glorious day that'd be.

I found her at the side of a river. She seemed to be enjoyin' herself in the water. God, her body was amazin' and I had to plant myself firmly in a tree to keep from runnin' down there to her.

I just sat there fantisizin' about her and all the wicked things that I would do to her later. When she left I followed at a safe distance, makin' sure not to spoke her horse. As the afternoon wore on she turned around and went back to the spot I first saw her. She walked the horse in the water and let him get a drink.

I could hear a predator in the distance stalkin' its prey. I smiled at the similarities of my current situation. I was definitely stalkin' my prey, but unlike the predator, I would allow mine to leave. It went against everythin' I was, but I could do it…at least, I kept repeating this in my head over and over, waiting for it to sink in.

Just then, the deer veered from his original path and the cat took chase. The damn deer came jumping out of the forest with the cat close behind. The horse spooked and ran. My mate lost her balance, fallin' into the water. She quickly got up, but the commotion had gotten the predators attention. Oh, no you don't kitty, she's MINE!

I didn't wait to see what would happen. There was no way in hell I was gonna let my mate get hurt when I was here and could prevent it. Consequences be damned! I snapped the cats neck before he could even take another step in her direction.

I looked at my mate so transfixed by her beauty that I completely forgot about the cat I was still holdin'. She was a goddess and she was MINE, the beast growled in satisfaction. I knew that she was familiar with my kind and had been through a bad experience with a stupid boy. I didn't know the how, when or why, but I did know the end result and what happened, so I wasn't afraid she would run from me.

As a matter of fact, she stood there as fierce as any Amazon warrior, still holdin' the pistol up while starin' at me. I started to smell faint traces of her body's reaction to me and it made me smug to know that I turned her on.

I couldn't resist teasing her a bit. "Well now darlin', sure looks like you got yourself in a bind," I observed casually.

"Y-yes, it certainly does appear that way," She answered with a slight stutter.

""Miss, I do believe ya can lower yer weapon now. I took care'a the big, bad pussy fer ya." I grinned at the double entendre and I knew she would catch my meanin'. What could I say? I was a horny fucker and I wasn't afraid to admit it. I knew it wouldn't take her long to figure that out, either.

She blushed, it was so damn sexy, I wanted to run over to her and throw her over my shoulder and steal her away. No, Peter, ya can't do it, damn it! My voice of reason yelled out.

"Well aren't you just my vampire in shining armor?" She sassed back to me. It made me grin like a fool. God, she was a perfect match for me.

I couldn't help but play around with her a little. ""Sexy an' sassy! Darlin', where've ya been all my life?" I chuckled.

Then it dawned on me, she was a fragile human who could become ill sitting in freezing ass water with the sun goin down.

" Now darlin', fine as ya look standin' in the middle of that river with yer clothes molded ta yer body, I wouldn't want'cha catchin' cold'er nothin'. Come on out or I'm'a commin' in ta get'cha." If she didn't have the sense to get out of the water I would come in and get her. My beast nodded in agreement, at least it was one thing we could agree started backing away from me, only to end up back in the water. I couldn't help but laugh.

"Well darlin', next time ya might wanna look where yer stepin'," I joked. I slowly walked towards her and introduced myself. "I'm Peter Whitlock Ma'am, and you are?"

"Bella Swan," she said as she put her little hand into my own and I lifted her outta the water. Soon as we made contact I could feel the physical bond start to form between us. It was the first sign for a vampire that they had found their mate. The bond would remain in place, just waitin' to be finalized by matin.

Once a vampire actually mated the bond would become stronger and they would be considered a mated pair for the rest of eternity. I kept a hold of her hand not wanting to let go, she was so incredibly warm and soft. The beast in me wanted to throw her on the ground, to claim her, and finish the bond and secure my mate.

"Well now, Miss Bella, I'm honored ta make yer acquaintance," I said, and bowed down, kissin' the back her hand. "Mmm, darlin', ya smell divine. Like freesia, lavender an' fresh rain," I grinned cheekily as I carefully helped her out of the water, making sure to keep hold of her hand so she didn't fall again.

"So, are you going to drink me now?" she asked bluntly. I had to keep in my chuckle. She sure was a fiery little thing.

I winked at her and smiled. "As appealin' as ya smell, I'd never harm ya. It'd go against everythin' that I am." I told her honestly "Ya may not know it yet, but yer mine, my mate, an' I'd give m'life protectin' ya, darlin'."

She scowled at me and stomped her foot. "Ok buddy, I belong to no one but myself. I don't know who you think you are, but I'm through with the supernatural. I've had nothing but trouble since I fell into that world and I don't want to go back." She said firmly as she pulled her hand away from me, stepping back a few feet.

I just nodded. I knew it would take time for her to come to terms with the situation. It wouldn't matter though. Once we had made contact it had started the bonding process and there was no way that she would be able to resist me now. Rather, there was no way that her body would be able to resist me. Even as a human, the physical bond would be pulling her to me, even if her mind didn't want to accept. I'll admit I was playin' dirty and wasn't about to explain it all yet. I'd let her get comfortable with the idea first.

I did however want to make damn certain that she acknowledged the bond for what it was. "Ya feel it, don't'cha darlin'? That'd be what I was a'talkin' 'bout. Yer mine, an' that pull we feel is the proof. It'll only get stronger over time," I said as I grabbed her hand to further prove my point. It was like comin' home as soon as the contact was made and I felt more content than I'd ever been before.

She stood there thinking for a few minutes "I don't understand, and how can you just assume that I know all about your kind?" she asked.

This was really the easiest part to explain to her. "Ya know that certain vampires have gifts. Well mine's a gift'a knowledge. There're a few things that I know 'bout ya. First, yer already well informed'a our world," I said with a grin. "Second, I know ya had a bad experience with another vampire. And third, as stubborn as ya are, this'll all sink in by the next time we meet. Trust me darlin', the pull of a mate won't go away and eventually you'll accept it," I winked at her, thinkin' of just how much I was lookin' forward to bein' with her. "Once ya do, you'll be ready for me as yer mate, an' darlin', I must say I'm lookin' forward to the day," I winked at her.

At that moment I was hit with more knowledge about her past relationship with the idiot vampire who left her. She had thought he was her mate, and I had a feelin' that's what she was thinkin' about right now. "No, he wasn't yer mate. If he had been, he would'a had no problem turnin' ya. Matter of fact, he wouldn't'a been able ta resist," I assured her.

She scowled at me, it was a cute gesture. "Would you just let me think this through on my own, without butting in? Wait, what do you mean when we meet again?"

" I knew ya were here an' I had ta see ya, but I wasn't plannin' on showin' myself. I wasn't 'bout ta let some mangy animal harm ya either," I grinned, but then realized that I had precious little time left with her before I would have to leave to get back to camp 'fore Jasper had to leave. " I have ta get back ta m'brother, a'fore tomorr'a night," I explained.

She seemed to think for just a moment, the next word outta her mouth left me completely stunned. "Jasper?" she asked. She just grinned at me with a smug look when my face showed surprise. "Hmm, looks like I stumped the knowledge gifted vampire," she chuckled.

" Now, I didn't say that I was infallible. I don't choose what knowledge finds its way in my brain," I huffed out, I hated not knowing information. " I would love ta know how ya know m'brother though."

She just winked at me, obviously enjoying my confusion. "Now that's classified information Peter."

Well fine, if she wants ta play like that I'll let her have this one. I did know I would get my answer soon enough. "Now darlin', that's not playin' fair," I whined, goin' along with her game.

"Poor baby, would you like some cheese with that whine?" she teased.

No, but I would love to have you with anythin', I thought to myself. " I'll let it go fer now, 'cause I know you'll tell me one day, an' I can wait. I'd wait fer ya forever," I stated seriously, looking her in the eye. Her heart started beating wildly in her chest and her breathing sped up. I could see her pupils dilate. I was suddenly hit with the sweetest smell that I've ever come across. She was aroused and, damn, did I want her. I couldn't help myself, my beast took over.

Before I could stop and think things through, I pressed my lips against hers. She was amazing and it took every single bit of control not to claim her right then and there. I ran my tongue along the bottom of her lip asking permission to deepen our kiss. She opened her mouth allowing me entrance. She tasted ten times better than her smell. I could feel my cock twitch in anticipation. She wrapped her arms around my neck, one hand pulling at my hair. God, she was incredible. I was so damn hard it hurt and I didn't know if I could stop myself. I let my hands roam down her sides grabbing her amazingly tight ass, pulling her up close to me so that I could grind my hips into her core, feeling the heat and wetness that awaited me.

No, can't do this now! It was too soon, damn it. I wrenched myself away from her lips, kissing up and down the side of her neck, tryin' to get the beast back under control. I was finally managing when she let out a little moan. It was almost my undoing.

I groaned and pulled myself away from her neck. "Darlin', as much as I want to claim ya an' take ya with me, now's not the time," I stated trying to convince myself. "Yer not ready yet, either. I know yer body may be, but yer mind needs ta catch up." I grinned, trying to be ok with it, but knowing full well that it would seem like an eternity before we were together again. I finally got a hold of myself and set her down. " I need ta get'cha ta the road. Its startin' ta get dark an' now that yer horse went back home without'cha, they'll start a'searchin'," I explained.

I picked her up bridal style, just enjoyin' the close contact with my Bella while runnin' her to the road to wait for her would be rescuers. When we arrived I gently set her down and let her know they would be just a few minutes. I smiled sadly, knowin' that we would be apart again a'fore long.

"They'll be here in just a few minutes," I told her. She didn't look any happier to be leaving me than I was to see her go. Tears were starting to form in her eyes. "Hey now, none'a that," I told her as I gently wiped away the first teardrop. "It won't be long a'fore we're together, an' then you'll be ready fer me, fer us," I reassured her, even though I knew it would be tough.

I turned at vampire speed and left her there to wait, knowin' the riders were just over the hill. I climbed up one of the trees to keep an eye on her. She left with the riders, getting' back on the horse she was ridin' earlier and started back toward the ranch.

I made my way back to the cat I'd killed so's to dispose of the remains. It wouldn't be good for them to come across it, so I took the dead beast and moved him further into the woods. Other predators could make use of him. Waste not, want not, as my Mama always said.

After I finished with the cat I made my way to the ranch, keepin' to the forest out of view. I stayed there the rest of the night, watchin' for my Bella through the windows and listenin' to her throughout the evenin'. After she made her way to bed I went ta the garden and picked a rose for her, then snuck into her room. I spent the rest of my time watchin' her sleep. She looked like an angel. I wish I could'a been human just then, to be able to sleep with her and hold her through the night. It wasn't long 'fore I had to leave, so I wrote her a note, placin' it on the pillow beside her along with the rose.

I gently kissed her forehead and caressed her cheek, whisperin' in her ear, "You'll be mine Sugar, an' I'll love ya 'til the end'a time," a'fore jumpin' out the window to go back ta Jasper.

The pullin' in my chest got worse with every step I took away from my Angel. She was my heart and soul now and my body knew it, my beast was fighten' hard to go back and whisk her away with me. The whole run back was like torture. I hoped that it wouldn't be so bad for her, seein' as she's still human. The bond would affect her, but not near as much as if she'd been a vampire already.

The only way I was gonna survive bein' away from her was ta keep remindin' myself that she'd soon be mine, mind, body and soul. I could wait it out but kept hope that the future would change, and she would come to me sooner. I knew, however, that this was just wishful thinkin' on my part.

I made it back to camp, with Jasper waitin' for me at my tent. Shit, he would smell her on me. When I was close enough he raised an eyebrow at me.

"An' what've ya been up ta, Captain?" he asked with a critical look on his face.

Shit.


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AN: I'm looking for a Beta if anyone is interested, please pm me.