Sorry for the delay in posting...I would bitch about RL but I am sure no one wants to hear about it.
Thank you ShamelesslyObssessed and queenxochitl...you are both my rocks and help make this story what it is.
HELLO new readers, welcome to my crazy little story. Also, HUUUUUGE thank you to those that are following, reviewing, and adding this to your alerts and fav's. You all own me...seriously ;)
Now...let us continue...
"Lie awake in bed at night
And think about your life
Do you want to be different?
Try to let go of the truth
The battles of your youth
'Cause this is just a game…
It's a beautiful lie
It's the perfect denial
Such a beautiful lie to believe in
So beautiful, beautiful it makes me
It's time to forget about the past
To wash away what happened last
Hide behind an empty face
Don't ask too much, just say
'Cause this is just a game…
Everyone's looking at me
I'm running around in circles, baby
A quiet desperation's building higher
I've got to remember this is just a game
So beautiful, beautiful
It's a beautiful lie."
A Beautiful Lie: 30 Seconds To Mars
11. Family
"Bella…why didn't you tell me Edward was a half-breed?" Tanya asked in her sing-song voice, her lean frame circling Edward's, her mouth near salivating.
"I didn't have time?" I asked sarcastically, and was met with Tanya's narrowed eyes.
"Oh, I'm sure you could have found time for that," she deadpanned, clicking her tongue before continuing.
"Azrael…," she stopped, speaking only to Edward now- face to face. "Azrael is a very dangerous vampire…an incubus…my maker…and apparently your father…"
"I think you might have me confused with someone else," Edward hissed, his jaw tightening over the bone beneath while Tanya continued her visual assault on him.
"Ohhhh, you even have the voice to match," Tanya cheered. "And just for clarification, I confuse no one…believe me, Edward."
As the words left her mouth my mind was beaten with the visual's of exactly who this Azrael was…and what I saw was absolutely terrifying. Tanya's memory; of every line that etched Azrael's face, every miniscule detail of his body, was pristine- as she recalled his muscular frame looming over her, his crimson eyes locked on her own before leaning in to take her mouth in his.
He was Edward…Edward was him….FUCK!
I gasped aloud, my hand quickly going to cover my open mouth before hastily snapping it shut. My lack of subtlety was abundantly clear as Edward swiftly turned his head to face me, his eyes glowing with ferocity.
"What did she just say to you, Bella?" he asked through clenched teeth.
"She said nothing…it's what I saw," I replied hesitantly, turning my head away, afraid his gleaming eyes would burn me like the sun if I stared too long.
"Tell me," he growled, walking to my side, his body tensing with anger. "Tell me, Bella. I will not ask again." And he wouldn't have to because I could only acquiesce.
"Whoa, this just gets better and better. You've got the same possessive attitude as well, huh," Tanya laughed, shaking her head astonished.
"Shut the fuck up, Tanya. You're not making matters any easier," I snapped, turning to look at Edward who was growing more irate by the second. "I saw him through her thoughts, Edward…"
"And…?" he asked, sarcasm and impatience thickening his tone.
"You look just like him…I mean just fucking like him, Edward," I finished, stunned.
"Bullshit," he sneered, and his fingers went to his hair to begin their assault on his scalp as he began to pace. "You don't know what you fucking saw."
Before I could retort, Carlisle's calm voice interjected. "I think we should all sit. The others are out hunting. We actually have some privacy, so let us utilize it. Edward," he said, placing his hand upon Edward's shoulder in a fatherly gesture, while resting his glare on Tanya. "I think Tanya needs to maybe enlighten us a little more regarding this obviously disturbing information before we pass judgment."
"Disturbing, Carlisle?" Tanya asked, confused.
"Yes, Tanya- disturbing. What other adjective would properly describe the information I have just overheard?" he asked rhetorically, while Tanya remained still and silent. "I was under the impression that your mother, Sasha, had been your maker, as well as your sisters. But now…now I hear differently, after all these years, a century of friendship? There appears to be many things I am unaware of and as you can understand, being close with your family- and you mine- for as long as we have, this news could only be exactly that…disturbing."
Tanya nodded her head in agreement to Carlisle's words as he led Edward into the dining room, pulling out the chair closest to the head of the table for Edward to take so he was sat beside him.
"Please, son, sit," Carlisle gestured and Edward sat, his face still a scowl, though its earlier sharpness had lightened minutely.
I sat at Edward's side, leaning in to whisper in his ear as I took his warm hand within my own. "Edward, I had no idea. I'm so sorry," I said, running circles over the white of his clenched knuckles, trying in vain to rub away the tension.
"I know, Bella," he replied tersely, his words cold, as he avoided eye contact with me. I observed his body language as his frustration escalated- his head slightly bowed, brow scrunched, and his eyes fixated on the mahogany grain of the table before him, as he listened to the conversation take place before him.
"So, let me get this straight…this Azrael that you spoke of…he is your maker?" Carlisle asked Tanya, still befuddled. I could only imagine what he had heard as Edward and I had entered the house- welcomed with a twisted fucking reunion of sorts.
"Mine, as well as my mothers, and my sisters: Irina and Kate," Tanya answered, looking almost ashamed. I watched as Carlisle sat back in his chair, stunned- his fingers immediately reaching for his chin, rubbing its length in consternation as he always did when deep in thought.
…All this time…all these years…lies…he thought in dismay, as anger and sadness both conflicted the serene features of his face at the same time.
"Carlisle, I know that's not the story that my family and I had given you long ago. And, I apologize for the truth coming out now…but believe me…it was for my own safety as well as my sisters that we not divulge who Azrael was. Especially after the death of our mother," Tanya stated sadly, her obvious resentment for her and her family's behavior palpable.
Leaning in closer to Tanya, Carlisle whispered- though useless. "Are you trying to tell me that this…this Azrael was involved with the immortal children?" he asked, incredulous, and Tanya nodded silently in affirmation.
I sunk in my chair, recalling the horrible tale that Carlisle had once told us long ago in regards to how Tanya's mother had been tried, and executed by the Volturi for the infraction of creating Vasili, her son- an immortal child. Tanya and her sisters were spared due to their innocent ignorance; though now it appeared they knew all along of their mothers doing. What no one knew, obviously along with the Volturi -which was quite a surprise given Aro's gift- was that Sasha, Tanya's mother, had a cohort and apparently had not worked alone.
Edward looked perplexed, his eyes darting between Tanya and Carlisle, trying to ascertain the complexity of what was being discussed.
"The immortal children were toddlers…some even infants. They were transformed into our kind, leaving them frozen in time, to remain as children for all eternity," I answered his unasked question.
"They were beautiful, and loved, and it only took one look at them and you were under their control," Tanya added dreamily, her mind lost in the memory of her little brother.
"Yes, that may be so," said Carlisle in a clipped tone, "but they were dangerous, unable to control their thirst, and if they could not get their way a tantrum would ensue, leading to the destruction of whole villages, Tanya."
…So much blood was spilled… he finished in thought, the memory staggering.
Suddenly, a rogue thought entered my mind, someone who wasn't even present in the room. Immediately, I tensed, rising from my seat in search of the bitch the vile thoughts spewed from.
…Edward…immortal child…Esme thought, her words scattered, indicating she was most likely on the third floor or outside- but nevertheless eavesdropping.
I knew exactly what her assumptions were and I hissed with vehemence at the empty air, my teeth bared. "Bella, what's wrong?" Edward asked, his hand gripped firmly on my arm. I could feel the glare of Carlisle and Tanya on my face, and I turned towards Carlisle whose features showed no sign of interpretation.
"Your wife seems to be under the assumption that Edward is an immortal child," I spat at Carlisle who winced at my tone.
"Bella, that's absurd, you must be mistaken. Esme knows what an immortal child is and I am sure she would never-"
"Carlisle," my voice inflected with clarity. "Don't ever tell me what the fuck Esme would never do, because that is just bullshit and you know it. You need to tell your wife to back the fuck off. Do you hear me, Esme?" I yelled, knowing she could. "You don't know shit about Edward…and you never will."
"Bella, sit down," Edward sighed, rolling his eyes impatiently. He forced me back down into my seat, though a snarl still passed my lips. "What do you know about me, what does he know?" Edward then asked Tanya, directly, as he brought his attention to her and only her. Her eyebrows rose in surprise at his cool tone, but instead of a snide come back she cowered under his glare.
"I…um…I know that Azrael has had many human mates, as is his nature."
"Am I the only one?" He asked shortly, his body rigid beside me.
"I didn't even know you existed till now, Edward. I couldn't even tell you if Azrael knows about you or not either, it's been nearly seventy years since I have seen or spoken to him. I'm sorry, I wish I could be of more help but…I really don't know. I…can only pray that you are the only one," she replied with sadness.
…For all our sakes I pray you are the only one…Tanya thought silently.
Edward took his face within his palms, his hands gripping the hair at his temples. "What. Do. You. Mean…pray, I am the only one?" his words came out muffled, yet brusque.
…The Volturi…Tanya thought silently, unable to say the word aloud.
"Edward," Carlisle spoke, and Edward slowly removed a hand from his face, tilting his head towards Carlisle's voice. "Does the Volturi know of your existence?" he asked, as if he had read Tanya's thoughts.
"Who?" Edward asked perplexed, and his lack of knowledge caused my stomach to drop to the floor.
"Well, if he doesn't know about them, then they must not know about him, right?" Tanya interceded, looking at Carlisle and I nervously.
"He is sitting right here, and he has a name," Edward sneered.
"Edward, the Volturi are the largest and most powerful vampire coven in the world," I explained. "They've been around for at least three-thousand years if not more."
"And that should matter to me because?"
"It should matter to you because they enforce the laws of the vampire world," I said cuttingly.
"Since when do vampires have laws?" he scoffed, and I bit my lip in agitation as Edward glared at me.
"You can't be fucking serious," I muttered in aggravation.
"Well there really is only one," Carlisle intervened. "Humans are not to know of our existence, and if by chance they do become aware of what we are, then they are to become vampires themselves …," Carlisle swallowed before continuing, "or be killed."
"Ah," Edward answered, "and I am partially human, so, I can see where there could be a problem…I could become the meal," he snickered, "eat or be eaten, right?"
"No one is going to lay a fucking finger on you," I hissed, my protective side immediately showing its face.
"Edward," Carlisle said, his palm outstretched in a calming gesture towards me, ocher eyes full of concern. "I don't think your partial mortality would be the problem. I think your uniqueness would gain unwanted attention from Aro, the main leader of the Volturi. He has been known to covet vampires with gifts," he looked towards me as he spoke before returning his softened gaze back to Edward, "as well as turn any human that he feels may possess some prospective talent…and this is done for his benefit, and his alone."
"So what does that have to do with me?"
"You're an enigma, Edward," I said sweetly, trying to cover my impatience. " I can't read you like I can read others. You have this uncanny fucking ability to block your thoughts from me, and Jasper is unable to manipulate your emotions." I noticed Tanya squirm out of the corner of my eye at my words. "There may be more to your gift then you know, and if Aro finds out about you, it's almost guaranteed he will want you as part of his guard."
I stared at Tanya, trying to understand her reaction to my words, but was met with rambling thoughts. "Or worse," she said, adding to the conversation. "He may want to make more of you."
I shuddered at the idea- Edward being mated with human women to breed half-blood children.
"Tanya, please enlighten me, if you would" Carlisle said calmly, his fingers back at his jaw. "How was it that you and your sisters were able to thwart Aro's talent? I am well aware of the fact that you were not persecuted due to your innocence. But, how was that even possible, when Aro can see everything with just one touch?"
"I let him see what I wanted him to see," she mumbled, looking away, and my jaw dropped.
"Excuse me?" I asked. "What the fuck does that mean?"
"Yes, would you care to elaborate a little? Perhaps you can humor me?" Edward asked, suddenly interested.
Tanya eyes saddened, as she played with her hands. "Me and my sisters, we have slight shielding capabilities. We can sometimes block out certain things, let you see what we want you to see. It requires way too much work though, and our shields slip easily with distraction, so we don't use them and haven't used them since that day with Aro. My mother…unfortunately didn't even try."
I was shocked, as was Carlisle, our faces showing it. All the pieces were coming together. Azrael's obvious seductive prowess, and shielding capabilities had been passed somehow down to Tanya– or anyone he turned it appeared –which only meant that because Edward was literally biologically his, he too would possess the same intense powers, if not more.
That's explains so much…
"Edward, you're a shield," I said, amazed, like all the questions of the world had just been answered.
"Tell me something I don't already know, okay? I've already had this conversation with Jasper."
"Wait, you did? When, where the hell was I?" I asked, extremely confused, my vision clouding red. His curt replies and obnoxious behavior were beginning to take its toll; requiring me to literally bite my tongue with every word he vomited.
"My first day of school, when I first met your brothers. Jasper knew the moment he met me what I was."
"He WHAT?" I yelled, slamming my fists into the table below, cracking the thick wood with ease. "Why wasn't I fucking told?" he shrugged. "So, they knew about you…and what you were this whole fucking time?" I asked, incredulous.
"Enough, Bella," Carlisle warned. "Save this discussion for another time. Right now there are other matters that need to be dealt with."
"I almost fucking killed you…no, let me rephrase that. I was going to kill you- you along with the rest of those god forsaken children in that classroom. So much could have been avoided…"
"Bella, please, sit down," Carlisle plead. Edward only stared at me- his thick mask in place.
I bit my lip, sitting back down beside Edward, my leg bouncing excitedly from my frustration, my fists clenching and unclenching with the need to hit something- someone- Edward as my punching bag was looking mighty enticing at the moment.
I tried to recall my siblings being secretive, any time in the past few months where they may have blocked me from their thoughts…but came up with nothing.
Am I losing my gift? I thought, almost happy with the prospect.
…We must protect him. He's family now…Carlisle's errant thoughts helped remind me that I could only be so lucky.
"We need to make sure the Volturi never learn of you, Edward, or what you are. Especially your ability to shield," Carlisle said, addressing Edward directly, though I knew his words were meant for Tanya and me as well, and would be repeated later for the rest of our family. "I also think you should discuss this with Chief Masen–inform him of this new information, I am sure he will want to be aware…just in case."
"I'll let my uncle know, I always do," Edward replied curtly.
"Your uncle?" my mouth was permanently agape from all the shit I had just heard. "Why the fuck is it, that I am the last one to know anything?"
Who are these fucking people?
"Bella, please. You don't need to get all melodramatic. I was going to tell you, but we've been a little busy," Edward snapped, rising from his seat.
"Where are you going, now?" I asked, my arm reaching for his as he began to walk away.
"I'm hungry, I haven't had a decent meal in weeks, I'm sure you out of all people can empathize," he retorted.
What an asshole!
"Edward," Carlisle called, reaching in his pocket to pull out his phone. "Wait, let me call Rosalie, I am sure she wouldn't mind cooking you a nice warm meal," he offered.
"Thank you…but no. I need a real meal."
"A real meal, as in blood?" I questioned, unsure as to what exactly would constitute as a real meal to Edward considering I only ever seen him drink a soda, and from me.
"Yes, Bella," he chided. "Now may I go?" he gestured towards the door, rolling his eyes.
"Are you intentionally trying to get a rise out of me, Edward? Do you want us to fight, because I really don't think that that is what you want, or maybe I'm wrong? Maybe I don't know what you want." I was bewildered, the expression on his face one I had yet to see. He looked as though he could care less. Care less about me, the Volturi, everything and anything we had just discussed. "What's the fuck is wrong with you?" I whispered, grabbing his arm again, pulling his face down to mine.
"This," he whispered. "It's too much shit all at once, and I…I just can't deal with it right now. I need to feed before I make a rash decision, Bella. Please. Just let me go."
I knew what he meant by rash. He would take off. Run. Just like he had that day he had approached me in the parking lot at school, the same day he couldn't take his own life. I knew that I needed to give him the space he asked for because if I didn't, there would be more space between us then I would be capable of tolerating, and most certainly it would be permanent
"Fine," I whispered, releasing the grip I held on his forearm, slowly letting my fingertips trail over his warm skin as I pulled them away. I looked away, already feeling the distance, the knot in my stomach tightening with unease.
Before Edward could exit the room Carlisle was at his side. "Hey, Edward," Carlisle stepped in, always the peacekeeper. "I could use a good hunt too," he rubbed his stomach. "How about we all go? Emmett told me the other day that he had spotted some mountain lion not too far north of here-"
"Carlisle, I don't think little Eddie here is talking about animal blood," Tanya joked.
"Do not call me Eddie," Edward spat, and then turned to Carlisle, his demeanor calm once more. "Tanya is right, though. I'm sorry…I've never- but," he groaned in defeat, looking at me with his somber green eyes, before taking a heavy breath and releasing it before speaking again, "I'll try."
I stayed behind with Tanya, allowing Carlisle and Edward to walk ahead of us- Carlisle leading the way- as always, the patriarch.
…It hurt's…Tanya thought sadly, grabbing my arm, forcing me to slow my pace.
"What does?" I asked, as Carlisle and Edward made their way towards the edge of the forest before disappearing behind its thick shrubbery.
"Seeing him, your Edward," she nodded towards the tall lean man that was delving deeper into the woods beside Carlisle. My mouth pooled with venom as each step Edward took caused the wind to pick up his scent, bringing it to me and dangling it beneath my nose tauntingly. I swallowed hard, my eyes getting lost on the movement of his flimsy cotton shirt as it clung to the contours of his back muscles. I would have continued to stare if not for Tanya's presence, and words, dragging me from my musings."Bella, he reminds me so much of Azrael. His demeanor, his voice, even his scent is similar-"
"Edward is not Azrael," I glaringly assured her. "You'll be wise to remember that." I knew Tanya would never mistake the two, but my possessive side refused to believe that- certain that one momentary lapse of judgment, or neglect, would be all it took for Tanya to dive right in, staking her claim on what was rightfully mine.
Tanya gasped, stopping. "Bella, I would never."
"It's obvious you loved Azrael, do you still?" I asked, diverting the attention away from Edward.
"I never stopped," she shrugged, looking at her feet as we briskly walked. "He was my everything. I would have settled down for him, and he knew it," her eyes roamed back over towards where Edward and Carlisle held their own private conversation.
"Were you his-"
"Only mate?" she finished my thought. "Yes. My sisters and mother weren't the slightest bit interested in him like that. Besides, he only wanted me…or so I thought. But I wasn't enough, I could never have been enough," she sighed, her eyes following the tree line above. "Human females empowered him. They willingly handed themselves over to him, and he absorbed everything they had to offer. They were his drug, his sustenance. He needed them for his survival."
I knew the feeling, all too well…
Tanya's thoughts became riddled with the memory of her love lost, and I felt completely responsible for her current state of distress. "You know you and Edward," I said. "You're both eerily similar."
Changing the subject seemed the best way to go. "Yeah, how so?" she laughed, my plan already working.
"Well, for one, you're both stubborn as shit," she nodded in agreement. "And two, you're both amazingly talented at dazzling those of the opposite sex."
"Hmm, I wonder if it's a trait we both inherited. I will say this, though. Azrael was known for his ability to compel those around him. There were times where he would do it to me, unknowingly, like he had no control, like it just occurred naturally or some shit. That could maybe explain why you had such a hard time thinking clearly around Edward- especially in the beginning. It's obvious he was blessed with the same gift."
"It wouldn't surprise me, and it definitely makes sense." And it did. Edward was gifted, I knew that. But besides his vampiric abilities he was beautiful, and sexy, vulnerable, and controlling allat the same time…but most importantly he was mine, and wanted to be mine.
Edward may be possessive, but I wanted it that way. I needed it that way. It kept me in check, kept me level headed. I wanted nothing more than his complete, utter possession over me. I needed it, more than I needed the saccharine blood that rant rampant through his body. Without Edward…I would be empty, a hollow shell. Edward was my everything. He was my life, my mate, the air around me, the sun in the sky…my soul. I would die for him…I would kill…
The rough, vibration of my phone in my pocket pulled me from my thoughts- breaking the fog that clouded my cognizance with nothing but Edward. With a sigh I pulled it out, not surprised at all to see Alice's name flash across the miniscule screen.
Déjà-fucking-vu?
"Hey, Alice. What's up?"
"Bella, where are you?" she asked, her words forced and rushed.
"A little north of the house, why?"
"I didn't see –I couldn't tell," she whispered. I could hear the crunch of the brittle leaves beneath her feet, and the whoosh of air furiously grazing the mouth piece of her phone as she ran.
"Didn't see what, Alice? Fuck, you know I hate when you pull this vagueness bullshit," I huffed.
"He was traveling much quicker than I thought. I was wrong," she murmured. "I'm so sorry, Bella."
"Who, Alice? God damn it, Alice. Who?" I hated having these one sided conversations with my sister, but knew that eventually she would get to the important part.
"James."
And there it was.
The mere mention of his name caused the unneeded breath I held to get caught in my throat, and my feet froze mid-step immediately after. "He must have caught Edward's scent in the woods, and tracked him back to our house…he's hunting him, Bella, James is hunting Edward," she breathed, panic clear in her tone. I could envision the look upon her face: wide eyes, blank stare, as her vision assaulted her.
"Fuck, how soon?" I asked placing the call on speaker, Edward and Carlisle now beside me. I turned towards Edward, intense concentration crossed his face.
"Less than five-minutes," she paused. "Wait, no…three-minutes."
"Three minutes," Edward sneered. "Let him fucking come-"
"Bella," Alice continued, interrupting the beginning ramblings of Edward's rage. "He's not alone, he is with two others, and they're all very curious."
Carlisle scowled, his lips puckered, brow deeply etched as he contemplated Alice's words. "Thank you, Alice," he said coolly before taking the phone from my hand and ending the call, but not before she informed us of her, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie's arrival time.
"All right, then. It appears our meals will have to wait until later," Carlisle stated, trying to ease the tension that lay thick around us. "Let us start making our way back home, but not directly. I'd like us to go a little east first, and then make our way south. I think we may be able to prolong our meeting if we deviate a little from our normal paths."
"I agree," Edward stated before Carlisle spoke again.
"I do not want to lead James and his small coven directly to our front door," Carlisle began speaking rapidly, our time running out. I checked to see that Edward had understood, his nod and tightly scowled features told me that he indeed had.
Carlisle looked around quickly, assessing our surroundings once more before taking off. As he ran, Tanya, Edward, and I, flanked him. His thoughts were erratic- uncertain of James' intentions. "Bella, Tanya?" he called, his voice coated with coolness. "You are both to guard, Edward. Do you understand?"
"Yes," we both replied, in sync. Of course I would guard my mate. That shouldn't even be a question, but automatically expected. But I knew that it was for Carlisle's reassurance. He needed to make sure that we were all on the same page if and when shit went down.
"With all due respect, Carlisle, I can guard myself," Edward stated firmly.
"Yes, I am completely aware of that, Edward. And, by no means am I trying to insinuate that your capabilities of defending yourself are lacking. I just feel that until we can gauge James' intention…it is best you remain passive, at least till the others arrive…Jasper especially," Carlisle finished, his silent thoughts still full of concern.
"Stay still and quiet, Edward, please," I pleaded, biting my lip nervously. I stopped running, the others doing the same, their eyes full of confusion. There was no reason to continue to run. James would track us regardless, of that much I was certain.
"Bella, we should go," Tanya urged, placing her hand on my lower back as I stared at Edward. She tried to usher my movement but instead I stood firm. That was till Edward closed the distance between us in one fluid motion, his hands coming up quickly, cupping my cheeks as he pressed his forehead against my own. His heavy panting washed warm breaths against my cool skin, and I inhaled rapidly- nearly hyperventilating - so that I could breathe in and absorb as much of him as possible, unsure of when I would be able to do so again.
I didn't know what was to happen, but I just knew that whatever it was wouldn't be good. I didn't feel right. A sense of dread was quickly building in my gut, rattling my nerves. Edward saw this, his eyes saw right through me. "Don't move from my side, don't move at all," I said, looking up into his eyes. They were feral, like a lion's, gleaming in the near dusk of the day. "Maybe he won't smell you," I whispered, trying to reassure myself.
Unlike me and my family, I was certain James did not hunt animals- a part of me just knew. I was also certain that Edward's scent was unlike any other humans, and if I reacted to it the way I had, I was sure other vampires who didn't share the same appetite as me and my family would act the same- easily giving into to their natural instinct and hunger.
"It won't help," Tanya said softly, "Edward's scent is too strong. I smelled him before you both had even entered the house earlier."
"Fuck, I know," I stammered.
"This is absolutely ridiculous," Edward shouted, his knuckles so pale from constriction. "You all seem to think that I am some fragile human. That I am made of glass or some shit. Don't you think that maybe I have had a few run-ins with other vampires during my screwed up existence?" he paced, "I have fought, killed-"
Edward's breathing stopped, his eyes, along with my own zeroing in on the muted sounds coming from slightly north of where we stood. Edward instinctually took a step, angling his body between me and what was heading our way, but Tanya and I repositioned our bodies so that he couldn't.
"Can you hear him, Bella, can you hear, James?" Carlisle whispered, asking aloud instead of in thought out of respect for Tanya and Edward.
I eyed Carlisle surreptitiously, before putting all my attention on the internal voice of a man, or the ghost of a man, I have diligently tried to erase from my memory for nearly six decades. It didn't take long for my mind to become bombarded with the distinct and familiar tone of James, and his two companions. James' internal voice was more dominant, as it superseded the other male, and the female he travelled with.
"Yes," I finally answered Carlisle, my expression pained.
Edward sensed my struggle, and gently placed a chaste kiss upon my cheek, before running his soft lips over my ear. "We're in this together now…remember that."
"What is he thinking?" Tanya asked, and I pulled away from Edward, my body fraught with emotion.
"He…he's thirsty," I replied, the vision of James licking his lips as Edward's scent enticed him to where we stood. The image made venom pool in my mouth, and a low snarl escaped my lips.
"Well isn't that funny," Edward laughed cynically, a devilish smirk spread across his face, eyes full of malice as he licked his lips with want. "…so am I."
So...any ideas as to whats going to happen in the forseeable future?
As always I'd love to hear from you all. My birthday is this Thursday...the BIG 3-0...how about we get this sucker up to 100 reviws in celebration...sound good?
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