Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight, the wonderful Stephenie Meyer owns it all (good for her)
Authors Note: A Huge big thanks for the all the really great reviews and for putting me on your favorites and alerts lists. you all rock ;) The more the merrier.;)
Chapter 11
There was a weird scraping noise coming from outside the door. Startled, Bella jumped out her hammock, alarmed at the sudden sound, ready to investigate. Jasper was already opening the door slowly, he cautiously peered out, relief washing over him and he smiled deliberately, his teeth shining brightly in the moonlight.
Bella was confused. "What was happening? Why had he opened the door?" When Edward walked quickly into the cabin relief and joy washed over her. She ran over and threw herself into his arms; her arms wrapped around his neck. His arms wrapped gently around her waist and she was kissing him longingly on his very surprised, and very broadly smiling soft lips. He looked sheepishly at Jasper who just nodded and smiled. He kissed her back without hesitation; her lips were so soft against his. He had missed her, her gracious smile, her floral scent, everything; but now he knew that she tasted so good.
He stopped suddenly, unwrapping her arms from his neck, putting her down gently. "Ok," he said nervously "What's going on?"
Jasper filled him in on the day's events, how Bella had changed, how her speed and power had increased exponentially. How Bella could sense the men's heart beats and their auras. Jasper explained how Bella now knew all of their secrets and which power each of the motley crew had. Edward kept staring over at her intently, surprise shining in his golden eyes.
"Well, that is a surprise...I was only gone a short time and all this happens."
"What about the men outside?" She asked quietly.
"They've been disposed of." he responded intensely.
"They had specific orders regarding you, Bella, What they were ordered to do to you when they captured you..." he trailed off "I couldn't let that happen "he said softly.
"The rest of the landing party will be sent to find you, most likely tomorrow. It was in their thoughts that I read ...It was a mistake you were sent to this planet." he said slowly, pain showing in his eyes
"It was?".
"They don't know any more than that you were sent here by mistake. A huge error by someone called Marcus…they've been searching for you for weeks and it's now a matter of extreme urgency that you are rescued." His usual smooth velvet voice was sounding hoarse and strained.
"We'll be ready for them Bella," said Jasper "I spoke to Jacob and he's communicating the information Edward received to Angela and Emmett. You know Emmett's really keen for a fight; you'll be safe with us. I know you want to return home, but we can find a better way than that ….We will protect you, you're one of us now, one of our family." Jasper started to rise. "Well that means I can go home now"
"You can stay…" Edward said keenly.
"No, I don't think so... sleep well Bella... goodnight Edward." he walked slowly out of the door.
"Well ... long day for everyone, you must be tired." he mused quietly getting into his hammock.
She remained silent.
"Are you ok, Bella?" he asked quietly
"Yes ... I missed you..." she sighed
"I missed you too..."
"Where have you been?
"I've been searching for the people that landed over in the other ridge; they must have spilt up into at least a few search parties. I followed the main group about 60 miles from here, and they had some kind of scanning equipment. I didn't get close enough to find out what they were scanning for, but I now know it was you…. They must have kept in contact using the communicators in the helmets of their black and gold survival suits. They started making their way back here about an hour ago, obviously when the other group reported back after they spotted you and Jasper in the woods."
"What did you do to the men... you don't have to tell me. If you don't want to." she whispered.
"I couldn't let them harm or take you; I don't want to lose you..." his velvet voice trailed off.
"I killed them." he looked down ashamed. "I took their bodies to the landing site. When their bodies are discovered it will look like a pack of wild animals attacked them." he reflected." I know you must think I'm a monster, a murderer... I despise myself for being so weak. That's why I've been trying to push you away, I'm not a man anymore." he said desperately.
"I don't think you're a monster..., you've saved me from those evil men. I'm just so glad you came back when you did, I've missed you so much. I really have" she said sincerely.
"Did you know it was Rosalie that attacked me, the day I nearly drowned?"
"Yes, I found out after you'd fallen asleep; I'm so sorry. She's caused me nothing but trouble, but to think she actually tried to hurt you; it's unforgivable. She's always been a selfish woman but I can't forgive her for this. Especially now I realise how much you really mean to me."
"I'm disappointed in you Edward Cullen; you should have told me before ... your irrational selfish behaviour put me in grave danger. If I had known about Rosalie I could have planned for an attack in the lake, the secrets and lies aren't a good way to start a friendship….. I've always been honest with you from day one, now I don't know who to trust and if I should even call you a friend….. I think I might need to move out… I'll speak to Jasper and Jacob tomorrow." she stared intently at him feeling very frustrated.
"I can't take this anymore" he said rising from his hammock, he knelt down by her hammock, clasping both her hands in his "I don't want you to leave. Please don't leave me….. I've made some terrible mistakes and I should have told you from the start about the spores and the changes they cause, but I didn't want you to see me as a monster. I've wanted you to get to know the real me. I was scared that you wouldn't want me….. or my friendship and I need to ask your forgiveness. … please Bella, I know we've only known each other a short time but I really do love you so much. I haven't been able to think straight since you've arrived, you completely mesmerise me" He was leaning down over her. She looked up into his smouldering golden eyes, hypnotised.
"Breathe" she thought.
"OK Edward, I can forgive you, but don't ever treat me like I'm insignificant again, I matter and if you want me, then we need to be a team. Don't get all Neanderthal on me." She smirked.
He took her in his arms; she felt the gentle caress of his hands on her back. His smooth full lips gently brushed against hers and she kissed him back long and full.
"I'm sorry; I'll try to remember that you can look after yourself. But you're so young, and this isn't fair, I can't stop the way I feel about you. I'll understand if you feel differently but I have to let you know. I do love you….. Just you, I need to be honest"
Her heart sped faster; she looked back into his golden shimmering eyes." About time you were honest, I think I might love you too." she whispered.
"When you're gone," she whispered softly " I can't stop thinking about you, I miss you so much it hurts; it's like a piece of my soul has left me. I miss you presence, your touch, your scent - everything. It's like you've cast a spell over me and I'm bewitched. I've never had a relationship before; I've never had the time for anyone. I've been out before with male friends for meals and the like, Martial Arts competitions or even to the opening of Art exhibitions, but they were all just friends. I was always too busy. You're the first man that I've kissed and I've never..." she said shaking her head shyly.
"Oh. Well if you're not too busy now for a relationship..." he trailed off.
"I do think we should take this slow, I think we should get to know one another better, I don't want to rush things, we do have plenty of time." He said smiling sincerely.
"Ok" she sighed sheepishly.
That night they lay in each other's arms with the gentle comforting sound of their own breaths, his hand stroked her hair and he cupped her oval face in his strong sensual hand. "It had been a long day" she thought. She sighed with a small smile on her soft lips as she fell fast asleep.
