A/N- Hello everyone! So, a few things. First, I'm on spring break so another update should be coming out pretty soon. I have to divide my time between all 3 of my stories right now. Second, I'm sitting here in Jury Duty and updating. You want to know what would make my day? Ya, you guessed it, reviews. Please, you guys! I got one review for the last chapter… 1! I got 3 for KD and 25 for LFL… I would love to have this story to have about the same number of reviews as KD… so please review! Third, part of this chapter was taken from the movie and then spun to fit into my story. Just a heads up, that's all… Finally, enjoy!

Black wolf-dog- You guessed correctly! Enjoy their reactions!


We had been sitting in the room for a few hours now. I could tell Dara was getting bored since this was pretty much just as bad as sitting in bed. At least she got to have better scenery. I kept my silent vigil watching for any signs of Edward and his family. I couldn't believe they were still out in this rain. Dara got sick after only being in the rain for a few minutes yet Edward and his family have been out there for hours! Dear lord, they're going to be cold and wet by the time they get home. Maybe I should have Marcel fire some hot tea and have the maids warm some towels for when they finally come home.

"Do you want to do some research soon?" Dara asked.

"I thought we were going to start tomorrow." I said. I knew Dara was just bored, but I really didn't want to leave my post.

"I'm bored." Dara whined.

"Surprise, surprise." I sighed.

We fell silent once more, watching the rain trickle down the window. There had been some thunder for quite some time, but never any lightening, which put my nerves somewhat at ease. But lately the thunder has quieted and the loudest noise was the rain pattering on the glass windows and roof. Finally I saw a group of shadows coming closer. They were finally coming home! I watched for a few more minutes as they came closer. Everyone looked to be in good moods even though they were all soaked. I could practically see Edward's pale arms through his drenched sleeves. Too bad he had on that vest… The boys continued to laugh and joke with each other while the girls merely watched and laughed off to the side. For the first time since I got here, I really couldn't wait to be a part of them. I held my breath and was sitting at the edge of my seat and the Cullens made it to their driveway.

"Why don't you go greet them?" Dara suggested suddenly.

"What?" Bella asked.

"I said, why don't you go greet them?" Dara repeated.

"Are you sure?" I asked. "I can wait here for you."

"Yes I'm sure. Go Bella… maybe take them some towels… they look wet." Dara said.

I nodded and rushed out to find a maid. Luckily there was already one heading towards the door with an armful of towels. A few towels had been placed on the floor before the door to catch the water dripping of the Cullens as they arrived. I was waiting nervously in the hall as the door opened and the family stepped in. They continued to laugh and barely noticed me as they grabbed their towels and started to dry off. Eventually Rosalie noticed me. Her smile faded and her eyes tightened into a glare. She nodded her head in my direction and I shifted down looking at my feet.

"I hope you haven't been waiting her long." Edward said as he stepped next to me. My head shot up and my eyes instantly met mine.

"No… no I was with Dara in one of the side rooms when we saw you walking back up." I replied. "I decided it might be nice if I got you some towels, but the maids had already thought of that."

"They're used to us going out and playing the rain." Edward shrugged. "I'm sorry that took most of the day though. I didn't get much time to spend with you."

"No, it's fine. I don't want to monopolize all of your time. Your family deserves your attention as well."

"Don't worry Bella, Edward's all yours. He's no fun when you're not there cause all he does is pine over you." Emmett laughed before wrapping his arms around Rosalie and walking back to their room. Edward was glaring at his brother as he left the room before looking at Alice who was now smiling at us.

"I'm sorry you couldn't play with us Bella, I'm sure you would have liked it." Alice beamed.

"Um ya… maybe another time?" I asked.

"You know it." Alice smiled. She grabbed onto Jasper's hand and they were soon off to their room.

"It's like we never get time to ourselves." Edward groaned.

"You get more time alone than any other courting couple." Esme smiled.

I instantly blushed knowing that Esme was right and we were breaking a lot of social rules. I resisted the urge to grip Edward's shirt and bury my face into his chest. Esme just continued to smile and I could tell that Carlisle was trying hard not to laugh.

"Bella, where was Dara last? I heard you saying you were watching us come back up here." Carlisle said.

"She's in that indoor porch off to the side. I think she was about to fall asleep again." I explained.

"Thank you, Bella." Carlisle smiled.

"You two be good!" Esme called before she followed Carlisle out of the hall.

"I'm sorry about them… this is still new to them." Edward said.

"It's fine Edward. Every family has the right to joke with the courting couple, don't they?" I asked.

"It would seem that way. Although Emmett usually takes it too far." Edward sighed.

"I like him, he's funny." I smiled.

"I hope you don't like him too much." Edward mumbled.

"Don't worry, there's only one Cullen I'm truly interested in." I said softly. I raised my hand to his cheek, shocked at how cold the rain made his skin. My smile quickly turned into a frown as the idea of Edward getting sick crossed my mind.

"Edward, shouldn't you go get warm? I mean, you're freezing!" I said.

"I'll be fine." Edward replied, whipping his head away from my hand. "Have you had dinner yet?"

"Um… no. I didn't even realize it was that late. I missed lunch apparently."

"Why don't you go and ask Marcel to start preparing something for you while I go get changed? Then we can eat together."

"Will you be having dinner?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

"My mother brought our dinner with us." Edward smiled.

"Well then, you go get warm and I'll go get something for me to eat." I replied. Edward nodded and shifted on his feet nervously. I remained where I was and watched Edward curiously. It was like he was having a debate with himself over his next move. Finally, one of his hands came up and cupped one cheek while he bent down and kissed the other.

"I'll see you soon then." Edward whispered before stepping back and walking up the stairs.

I was stunned for a few seconds before finally coming back to reality. I walked back to the kitchen and called out to Marcel. He quickly popped up and smiled at me. When I asked if he already had something prepared, he just pointed to a large pot and said it was "Chicken Tortilla Soup". He gave me a spoonful and waited silently as I decided if I wanted a bowl. I finally nodded and Marcel prepared me a bowl and added a handful of chips to the top. By the time he placed it in front of me, Edward was back at my side.

"Thank you, Marcel." I said as I grabbed my bowl and turned to Edward.

"Where would you like to eat?" Edward asked.

"The library? I love being surrounded by books." I said.

"You would." Edward laughed. He took my bowl of soup from me and offered me his other arm. I accepted it and Edward led us to the wing of the house that housed the large library.

As soon as we walked in, I smiled as I inhaled the smell of all of the old books. Edward led me over to a sitting area that had a small couch. I sat down and he handed me my bowl before sitting down next to me.

"So, are you going to explain baseball to me? Well, more so than you already have?" I asked.

"It's better seen…" Edward said.

"So, do I get to watch soon?" I asked.

"At some point, I promise." Edward smiled. "But I want to know more about you."

"You already know pretty much everything." I sighed. "What about you? You're still a mystery to me and I'm even staying in your home!"

"There's really not all that much to know." Edward shrugged. "I'm working under my father as I finish my studies on being a doctor… I've had to put up with Emmett for far too long. Um, Alice is my favorite sibling even though she annoys me quite often. Jasper's the most understanding and I usually end up just ignoring Rosalie."

"That's not nice."

"Trust me, it's about the only thing I can do." Edward sighed.

"What about you? What happened to your mother? I never heard anything about her back in Forks, just about your father."

"Um, after I was born, she decided she was trapped. She never liked Forks, but she still married my father in hopes that they'd eventually moved. When she found out she was pregnant with me, she realized Charlie would never leave. So, after I was born and she was sure Charlie was capable of caring for me, she left. My father was heartbroken, but eventually he got over most of it. We became each others everything. That's why I always go back to visit and even stay back at home with him every once in a while. I hope someone back home is taking care of him otherwise he's probably starving. He never could cook and the one time he tried he almost brunt down the house."

"I'm sorry about your mother." Edward whispered.

"I barely remember her so it never hurt me as much as it did Charlie." I shrugged.

We sat in silence for a few more minutes and I finished my soup. When I was done, Edward set the bowl down on the table and we just sat there. Eventually, I decided to be bold. I moved over so I was leaning against Edward. I let my head fall slightly so it was resting against Edward's chest. Edward grew stiff for a moment before his arm eventually wrapped itself around my shoulder and he pulled me closer into him. He nuzzled his nose into my hair slightly and squeezed me a bit more tightly. Quickly, Edward seemed to realize what he was doing and she sat back up, but his arm didn't leave my shoulders.

"Why are you scared?" I asked.

"What are you talking about?" Edward replied.

"You seem nervous and scared. One moment your not scared to get close and the next you seem to want to keep me at arms distance." I replied.

"I just don't want to mess this up. You… you mean more to me than anyone else I've ever known. I don't want to hurt you…" He replied.

"You won't, I trust you."

"You shouldn't." Edward replied.

"Why not? Are you going to start saying the same thing James tells Dara? That your dangerous?" I asked.

"I am." Edward whispered.

"You might be dangerous for some unknown reason, but I know you won't hurt me." I said.

"If you knew the full truth, you wouldn't be saying that." Edward sighed.

"Then tell me the full truth." I replied, looking him straight in the eyes. Edward didn't break our gaze off instantly, but eventually turned with a sigh.

"Not tonight. I promise soon, just not tonight. I don't want to ruin it." Edward pleaded.

"You promise soon?" I asked.

"I promise." Edward nodded.

"Alright then." I said. I curled back up into Edward and closed my eyes, relishing in the peacefulness of the library and the evenness of Edward's breathing. I don't know how long I managed to stay awake, but I remember waking up slightly when Edward picked me up, but other than that… nothing.

oOoOoOo

The next morning I got up just like every morning and called a maid to help me with my dress for today. I really did hate these dresses. They were too tight, too confining, too uncomfortable, too upper class. I wanted to go back to the regular dresses we wore when we worked. Still, I put the dress on and didn't complain as the maid helped tie it up. I heard a knock and while I hoped it was Edward and I knew it was Dara. I called out my permission for her to come in and she quickly made her way over to my bed. I was surprised to see her walking around as though she had never been sick and that she was already ready for the day. She must have been up for some time already…

"I wish we could go back to the simpler dresses we used to wear." I sighed.

"You're being courted by a lord, Bella. Those days are most likely long gone." Dara replied.

"So, what are we doing today?" I asked.

"You don't have anything planned with Edward?" Dara asked. I could hear the surprise in her voice and I thought about our conversation last night to see if we had planned anything, but nothing came up.

"No… should I?" I asked.

"No, but I'm surprised you don't. Edward just seems to capitalize on your time as much as possible." Dara said.

"If I didn't know any better… I'd say that you were jealous." I laughed.

"You wish." Dara smiled. "No, I just miss spending time with you. Anyway, I was thinking we could go down to the library so I, or well, we could figure out what James and the Cullens are."

"You're still convinced they're not human?" I sighed.

"Yes and I explained this all to you yesterday."

"I know, it's just… I don't know. It's just hard to believe I guess."

"Well, start believing it. I don't think we have a choice of not knowing anymore." Dara said.

"Alright, well, why don't we go get breakfast and then we'll start?" I said.

"Sounds good to me." Dara replied.

We both left my room and made a beeline for the kitchen. Marcel seemed to know we were coming because he had pancakes ready within minutes of us arriving. We both hummed our pleasure and talked quietly as we ate our breakfast. Marcel told us the latest gossip he had heard, but it really had nothing to do with us so we only paid half a mind to it. However, our peaceful breakfast was interrupted when Alice ran into the kitchen and grabbed Dara's hand.

"Dara! There you are!" Alice exclaimed. "You need to come with me."

"Why?" Dara asked.

"You'll see." Alice smiled. She yanked Dara off her chair and started pulling her down the hall. I had to run for a few steps in order to catch up and see what all of the emotion was.

Alice dragged Dara through a few hallways before making it to the front of the house. The clouds were covering the sky, as usual, and there was a light layer of fog on the ground. "Alice, why are we here?" Dara asked.

"You'll see in five… four… three… two… and one." Alice said.

As Alice said "one" we heard and then saw two figures on horseback come out of the fog. Dara instantly held her breath and walked to the edge of the front step. We watched as the riders came closer until we could tell that they were in fact James Rothschild and his companion Laurent. Dara breathed out James' name and was about to run out to meet him when Alice held her back. So, she waited till James dismounted and handed the horse off to the stable boy who came up to take them from him. As soon as Alice had released Dara's arm, she was off and jumping into James' arms. I smiled, happy to see Dara happy once more. I could tell Dara was in love with James, even though he was just an enigma to her… just like Edward was to me. Was I already in love with Edward? Should I be? I really don't think I have a choice in the matter for my heart has already decided I am. Yes, I am in love with Edward Cullen.

As I thought about it, Edward seemed to appear from nowhere and stood next to me. His gaze was hard on James and he stood slightly in front of me, as though he was protecting me from James. Not that I could fathom a reason as to why I would have to be protected from Dara's love.

"Hello Laurent, James." Carlisle said. Now, I realized the rest of the family had joined us on the front step and most of the mirrored Edward's reaction to James' arrival.

"Carlisle." James nodded. "Thank you for nursing Dara back to health."

"She wasn't as sick as we thought originally. Although, today is her first day walking around again."

"Then I'll make sure she takes it easy." James said. He looked down on Dara fondly, a side of James I'd never actually seen before.

"Carlisle, your letter said there was something you needed to discuss. Would you like to discuss it now or privately in your study?" Laurent asked. He looked so seriously. His eyes were hard and his lips were tense

"In my study, please. Although, I do believe Edward was planning to take Bella out and Dara had plans on looking around the library today." Carlisle said. I looked up at Edward, completely surprised with the fact we do have plans today. I was sure we didn't…

"Well then, shall we?" Laurent asked.

"Actually, I'll be staying with Dara. I'd like to spend some time with her again." James said.

"Of course." Carlisle said. "Laurent can fill you in later."

Carlisle, Laurent, and the rest of the Cullens returned to the house, disappearing into the different halls quickly. I just waited for Edward to explain what we were doing today.

"I'm sorry to steal Bella away from you Dara, but I wish to discuss a few things with her… privately." Edward said.

"Of course… I was expecting you to steal her away at some point today. We'll be in the library whenever you're done talking." Dara said. She pulled James into the house, leaving just Edward and I on the porch.

"Edward, what are we doing? I thought I was going to start helping Dara with her research." I said.

"Research? Research on what?" Edward asked. I was trying to find a way to put it into words when Edward stopped me. "Wait, don't answer that. Carlisle's already told me. I actually wanted to talk to you about that, which is why we're going out."

"Out?"

"Yes. This time however, we're only taking one horse?" Edward asked.

"Only one?" I asked.

"I'm using it as an excuse to hold you closer." Edward whispered. He led me down to the stables and pulled out a horse that had already been saddled. He picked me up and set me on the horse, side saddled of course, and then jumped on behind me. He kicked the horse into a gallop and we tore out of the barn. I squeezed my eyes shut and gripped Edward's arms, which were wrapped around me. He tightened his grip on be slightly, but never slowed the horse down. After a few minutes he stopped the horse and I opened my eyes. Much to my relief, we were in a meadow, much like the one back home. Edward dismounted behind me before helping me down. He tied the horse to a tree while I looked around the meadow. Before I could really explore anything, Edward had taken my hand and was leading me to the other side of the trees.

"What did Dara tell you? Of her theories?" Edward asked.

"She just thought you, your family, James, and Laurent weren't human. She told me about… um… werewolves? She said she encountered some on her way home from Blythe and that's when James had rescued her. Then she went on to tell me how James was super fast and super strong and combine that with the cold skin, that you aren't human, but something else. Plus, James is always telling her he's dangerous and that he's not safe and blah blah blah."

"James isn't lying." Edward said.

"What?" I asked.

"He… we are dangerous. We are too dangerous for you and Dara to be around." Edward sighed.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"Remember those tracks we saw the other day?" I nodded my head, "They belonged to the werewolves. They're like our mortal enemy and that's why I rushed us back home."

"So… you're not human?" I asked.

"No… well I used to be." Edward sighed.

"I'm completely lost." I said.

Edward sighed before grabbing my arm and swinging my onto his back. I squeaked and clung to him so I wouldn't fall. "Dara told you about our speed?" He asked. I just nodded. He grinned over his shoulder at me before starting to run. Suddenly, the forest became a blur around us. The wind was whipping around my face so I buried it into Edward's shoulder. When we got to where he was going, he dropped me onto the ground, almost causing me to fall back on my butt.

"What was that?"

"That was me running at a medium speed."

"Medium speed? You're kidding."

"I'm afraid not." Edward sighed. "You ready?"

"For what?"

"To see what I really look like." Edward whispered in my ear before throwing me over his back once more and continuing to run through the forest. Once more I closed my eyes as he ran, not wanting to see the world move past me at such a speed. Once more, he dropped me so quickly I was about to fall had I not caught myself.

"What's going on Edward?" I asked.

"You need to see what I really am, what I truly look like." He said as he continued to walk ahead. He came to a patch of sunlight and stopped. I watched him reach up and unbutton his shirt before stepping into the light patch. He then turned around and I gasped. His skin was glittering like… like…

"It's like a million little diamonds." I whispered. "It… you are beautiful."

"Beautiful? It's a curse… it's the skin of a killer, Bella." Edward said as he turned around. He looked like he was in so much pain, but still… this was just so… amazing. "I'm a killer…"

"I don't believe that." I said as I followed him through the trees and rocks. "You would have killed me by now if you were some sort of soulless killer."

"I don't have to be soulless to be a killer, but I'm still one." Edward replied.

"No you're not." I continued to deny.

"It's because you believe the lie, the camouflage. I'm the world's most dangerous predator. Everything about me invites you in. My face, my voice, even my smell, not that I would need any of that…" Edward said. Before I knew it he had taken off through the trees, far too fast for me to see. "As if you can outrun me!" He yelled from the top of an outcropping of rocks. "As if you could fight me off…" Edward said as he pulled a tree out of the ground and threw it at another, smashing both. "I am designed to kill."

"I… I don't care." I said, as strongly as I could muster.

"I've killed people before." Edward said darkly.

"I don't care… I trust you." I repeated.

"I wanted to kill you. I've never wanted to kill a human so badly in my life." Edward said as he continued to step forward.

"Blood?" I whispered.

"It's what I live on." Edward explained. "Have you figured out what I am yet? What my family is?"

"I… I don't know." I replied quietly…

"Vampire… I'm a vampire, a blood sucker, a demon."

"You're not a demon." I argued.

"You have no idea." Edward sneered.

"I wouldn't trust a demon. You can't be a demon. I trust you Edward." I said.

"Don't." Was his simple reply.

"I'm still here, aren't I? I trust you." I tried to get closer to him to prove it, but he ran away, using his full speed this time.

"My family, we're different from others of our own kind, including James and Laurent. We don't drink from humans, but instead animals. But you… your blood sings to me. I've never wanted someone as much as I've wanted you." Edward said.

"I trust you." I repeated for the millionth time. This time I was able to get closer to Edward, close enough that our noses touched.

"I can read minds… all around me I hear people's thoughts. It's how I've been talking to Alice and the rest of my family while you and Dara have been with us. But you… you I can't read. You're a blank wall… nothingness. For the first time, all of the voices are gone."

"Is something wrong with me?" I asked. Finally, Edward laughed.

"I tell you I can read minds and you think something is wrong with you? No, you're perfect… it's me who doesn't deserve you." Edward sighed before turning serious once more. "But now… now I need to know what you're thinking." I approached me like a lion stalking a lamb, until I was pressed against a boulder. He caged me in, but I wasn't worried.

"I'm scared…" I whispered. Edward instantly backed off and sadness was immediately covering his features.

"Good…"

"I'm not afraid of you. I'm scared you're going to leave me. I'm scared I'll be back in Forks before I know and I'll never see you again. I don't want to have to see the day when you're not there. That's what I'm scared of. I could never be afraid of you. You make me feel protected and safe. You're my comfort, my safe haven and I never want to leave that."

"You don't know how long I've waited for you." He wrapped me in his arms and I buried my face into his chest, inhaling his musky aroma. "And so the lion fell in love with the lamb." He whispered into my hair.

"What a stupid lamb."

"What a sick masochistic lion." Edward replied.

For the rest of the day, Edward and I sat together back in the middle where we had originally arrived at. This time, Edward was so free and uninhibited since he didn't have to hide what he was. For a while, we simply just stared at each other, nothing caring about what was going on in the world around us. When the fog rolled in and I shivered, Edward gave me his jacket since apparently, it was of no use to him. For a few short hours, I didn't think about the rest of the world or the difference between Edward and I. For a few sort hours, it was just me and the man that I loved.