**This is an edited chapter. Mucho thanks to my super awesome beta Jess (jkane180) for all her valuable skills and input! Mwah!

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving all! You are getting SPOILED this week with an extra update! I was on a writing binge and it's a very long chapter. There are a lot of POVs flying back and forth. You will actually get Edward twice this time, what a treat.

I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Be sure to find lots of things to be thankful for.

Thanks to all my lovely readers, YOU are what make this worthwhile. Your words make ME want to write words. :-)

Chapter 11

~Changing Currents~

~*Alice's POV*~

When Jasper and I arrived in Bella's room, she looked stressed. Edward might be over one hundred years old, but he was such a novice about feelings. The urge to kick him hard wouldn't leave me. I decided to attempt a cheerful approach with Bella even though I was well aware of what was happening.

"Hey, Bella!" Pulling up a chair, I sat next to the bed, and Jasper lounged against the wall on the other side.

"Alice, please don't sound so...chipper. Ugh," Bella grumbled.

"Sorry. I keep forgetting you aren't like most humans."

"What does that mean?" Bella shot me a look.

"It's a compliment; believe me. So, let's talk about my brother."

"Let's not. I'm done with that—done with him."

"Oh, no! Please don't say that, Bella. Give it a chance. When you decided not to talk to Edward again his whole future tipped in the wrong direction."

"I'm really sorry to hear that, Alice, but Edward is not my responsibility. His choices are what led him to where we are—not mine." Her mouth was set.

This was not good. All hopes and dreams of Edward finding his happiness were slipping right through our fingers, and the future was looking bleaker by the minute. If I could cry, this would be the time the tears would start flowing.

"May I?" Jasper asked, wanting to replace me in the chair beside Bella's bed. I got up gladly, hoping my love would have something compelling to add.

"Jasper, I adore you, but don't even think about trying to influence my feelings," Bella warned.

Jasper held up his hands. "No, I don't play that way, Bella. I just want a chance to explain some things to you from the unique perspective that I can offer."

"Okay, sure," she agreed.

"Being an empath, I can sense the feelings of others, as well as influence them. I can feel what Edward is putting out. He has no clue what he's really feeling, and he must be given a chance to realize his feelings on his own. All of us need processing time. I can tell him what he feels, but that isn't the same thing as Edward understanding and accepting those feelings for himself. Are you with me so far?"

Bella nodded, her brow creasing slightly. At least she was listening.

"Okay, Edward experienced what he described as a 'tugging' feeling when he heard your name and spoke to you. He doesn't have a name to put to that feeling because he's never felt this way before. He's clearly intrigued by you."

"Tugging? So what is this tugging? I already know he's intrigued – interested in making me his next meal!" Bella pouted. Jasper took Bella's hand, and to her credit, she didn't even flinch from its cold, smooth feeling.

"Bella, he has feelings for you; he just doesn't know what that means yet. It's there under the surface, waiting for him to unwrap like the best present he's ever received. Give him some time, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

Bella stilled, her eyes searching Jasper's for a moment. "You expect me to believe that Edward doesn't know what feelings are at his...advanced age?"

"Um, Bella, Edward has never been in a relationship before. He's quite...socially awkward."

"What?" Bella was clearly stunned.

"He'll come around; trust me on this. There's also the issue of his blood-lust. He won't be able to be around you on his own for quite a while, Bella; I'm not going to sugar coat this for you. He has to be with me or Emmett." Jasper grew serious.

"Okay. I'm not promising I'll see him, but I'll consider all you've said. If I do see him, I won't do it alone. Thanks, Jasper. You too, Alice. I just met you both, but I feel like I've known you forever." Bella's eyes shined with tears of gratitude.

I smiled wide at that reaching over to hug Bella. "We're sisters where it counts. Who says you have to know someone a long time to feel close to them?"

Bella hugged me back, and the future started to right itself again.

~*Edward's POV*~

After Alice and Jasper left to see Bella, I took off into the woods. I needed some time to be alone with my thoughts without the interference of others. Listening to Rose preen over herself was sickening, and Emmett's constant mind chatter as he played Xbox was driving me crazy. Esme called, worried about me, and I was worried about the conversation that would take place once Carlisle returned.

The cool air ruffled my hair, and I ran as fast as I could for several miles, not thinking, just being. I finally slowed and sat down on a boulder to do some thinking.

Alice and Jasper were so sure I had feelings for Bella. I trusted my siblings implicitly, so I had to give careful consideration to their advice and opinions. Jasper was not prone to flights of fancy and romance like Alice, so if he said he felt feelings coming from me, I was more apt to think there was something to it. There was no denying the tugging sensation I felt, and since I'd never had any kind of romantic connection before, it stood to reason that I might not recognize one immediately. Still...how could I have feelings for someone I had the instinct to consume? If it was true, fate had a really bizarre sense of humor.

Thinking back over the conversation I'd had with Bella...she had quite the sense of humor, and I had to admit finding her fascinating in a way that had nothing to do with her blood. She was open, honest, funny, and she seemed to understand me—so far anyway. Our talk was cut short by her vision and my stupidity. Hopefully, Jasper and Alice were having some luck getting her to speak to me again. I did have the urge to delve more into the mystery that was Bella—that much I couldn't deny.

Returning home, I found Carlisle in his study waiting for me.

Edward, can we talk?

With some trepidation, I went into his office and sat down on the couch. I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose, and sighed.

"I know this has been difficult for you, Edward, but we are all behind you," Carlisle began.

"Thank you, Carlisle. This is so difficult for me because I know you would never show disappointment in me—I know you always encourage me—but I am so very disappointed in myself. I feel like such a failure…like I let all of you down—but most of all myself."

Carlisle nodded, placing his chin in his hands. I thought it might be something like that. Whatever you need, son.

"I'm working it out. Alice and Jasper have been wonderful. The thing is, Alice thinks that Bella is my...mate. I'm not sure how that could possibly work considering..."

That you want to eat her?

"Yeah!" I laughed out loud. "That does pose a problem doesn't it?"

Carlisle grinned. "Edward, I have the utmost confidence in you. You have unparalleled control when it comes to resisting human blood. Now, I know Bella is your singer, but you can overcome that. It won't be easy, but I think I might be able to help with some ideas."

For the first time since this nightmare began, I felt a small flicker of hope.

"What can I do?"

"You need to desensitize yourself to her scent. The urges you feel should begin to lessen the more often you smell it. I'm going to call Alice and see if she can help - "

The phone on Carlisle's desk rang at that moment. I'd bet money it was the little pixie herself.

"Hello?"

"GREAT idea, Carlisle! I'm on it!" I could hear Alice squeal through the phone, and she disconnected just as quickly.

"What was that all about?"

"Alice is going to bring you something with Bella's scent on it." Carlisle smiled.

"That is a good idea. But—don't you mind that she's human?"

"No, not especially. It isn't the ideal situation, but if Alice and Jasper both think it's meant to be..."

"We aren't supposed to let humans know what we are."

"She already knew, did she not? Edward, we'll deal with this as it comes. None of us know where this is leading yet, but Alice has seen certain disaster when Bella is out of your life. I just want you to know we will support you."

"Thank you, Carlisle. You have no idea what this means to me," I said hoarsely.

"Don't thank me quite yet, son. This isn't going to be easy, and there's nothing magical I can do to make it so. You do understand that right?" Carlisle leaned forward over his desk to meet my eyes earnestly.

"Yes, I understand. I'll do whatever you feel is necessary. I don't want to put the family, or Bella, at risk."

~*Bella's POV*~

"Ms. Swan, it's time for your physical therapy session." I looked up to see an orderly standing in the doorway. Every day they came to get me for physical therapy—had to keep the body moving and the muscles strong. I found the physical activity gave my mind time to wander and do some necessary processing.

When I got to the PT room, Mike was there as well. "Hey Mike!"

"Bella. How are you feeling today?" he asked flatly.

"I'm okay, I guess. How are you feeling? Are you in a lot of pain?"

"Yeah, it really hurts a lot. The therapy kills me, but they tell me I have to get things moving or I'll get 'frozen shoulder,' and then I'd need more surgery." Mike's eyes looked glassy and held no luster—he seemed to be a shell of what he was before the accident. I knew it was only a few days, but I was concerned about him and sensed a darkness around him that didn't feel good.

"Want to come in my room later, and we can play cards or something?"

"Nah. I only have one good hand."

"TV?"

"Maybe," he answered with disinterest. "Well, my guy is here for me. See you later, Bella."

An orderly wheeled Mike out of the PT room. I was really concerned, but I wasn't sure who to speak to about it. Maybe Mike's parents. I would mention something to Charlie later on and see what he thought.

As I got into my routine, I thought about Alice's strange request before she left tonight...

"Oh! Carlisle just had a brilliant idea!" Alice exclaimed, clapping her hands together.

"What was it?"

"Well, he thinks it would help Edward if he could get used to your...scent. So, it would help a great deal if I could have some things of yours to give to Edward—so he can smell you."

My eyes widened. "Smell me? Like...clothing?"

"Yes, exactly! Can I stop by your place and grab a few things? I'll even clean for you!"

"Uh, sure. I'll tell you where some shirts are that I like to paint in; my scent would be all over those." A little strange, but if it helped, right?

"Would you mind if I brought Edward with me to your place some time? It might help to be in a place that's permeated by your scent. But if that makes you uncomfortable, I won't."

"No, no. That's fine with me. Whatever helps him not want to... you know."

I worked hard in therapy until I was drenched in sweat. You would think I was trying to forget something...trying to run away from something. Hmph.

~*Jacob's POV*~

Angela was being moved to Forks today! Finally I would be able to go home, see my boys, my dad, Bella, and find out about the leech issue. I sat beside Angela, holding her dainty little hand in between my two large, hot ones.

"Angela, my love, we're going home today to Forks. They still haven't heard from your dad, but a letter has been sent out to the mission. I hope there isn't a problem when he comes home and finds that I refuse to leave your side, my darling. Nothing short of death can take me away from you; I want you to know that. I am here—I'll be here—for as long as it takes. I'll grow old and gray next to this bed, holding your hand, if that's what's needed. Bella can't wait to see you, baby! I know you feel the same way.

"Your Aunt Miranda left for France this morning. She's an odd one, not a bad egg, but a little bit self-absorbed. Thank God I'm here with you. I couldn't bear the thought of you being alone here. Not to worry though; you'll always have me.

"There's so much I need to tell you. I can't wait until you open those beautiful, brown eyes, and they can look into mine and see just how much I adore you." The tears streamed down my face as I talked to my angel. Whenever I could, I tried to talk to her like this. If there was any chance she could hear me, I wanted her to know there was someone pulling for her to wake up. She just had to wake up! I had asked Sam what would happen to me if she died, but he didn't know. Nobody knew.

There was a soft knock at the door, and I wiped my eyes before looking up.

"Hey, man, I remember you." Standing in the doorway to Angela's room was the same paramedic that gave me the heads up about the medivac to Seattle.

"Hey! Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction and getting my girl here so fast. She's going home to Forks today. I guess that's what you're here for?"

"Yep. Need a ride? You're welcome to come with me on this one. I'm Joe, by the way."

"Jake. That would be great! Thanks." We shook hands.

On the ride to Forks, I was lost in thought. I knew that Bella and I would have to have THAT conversation when I returned. Each time we spoke over the past few days, it was just about Angela or how Bella was, but you could feel the other issues looming in the background. I guess she felt the same way I did—she didn't want to get into it over the phone.

About halfway back, Joe started talking sports with me—a nice neutral topic that kept my mind occupied until we got back to Forks. It was nice to forget for a little while.

When we arrived I was told I would have to wait quite a while before I could see Angela. They needed to admit her, evaluate her, etc. I was basically told to get lost. As tempted as I was to go home and take a shower, I hadn't seen Bella since the accident, and my manners wouldn't allow it.

When I arrived in Bella's room, she was alone. The whole area stank of leech though! I could scent five of them. Two very strongly, which meant they came more often. Yuck!

I knocked on the doorjamb. "Bella?"

"Jacob! Oh my God!" Bella's eyes lit up. At least she was glad to see me.

"How are you? You look pretty good." I leaned down to give her a hug. She felt so slight and fragile in my arms.

"I'm good. How's Ang?" She bit her lip, tears standing in her eyes.

"No change. But she is going to wake up, Bella! She is," I assured her, taking her hand.

"I want to see her, Jake," Bella whispered, a tear rolling down her cheek. I wiped it away with the pad of my thumb.

"Don't cry, Bells. I won't leave her side; I'll be with her every step of the way. You won't be able to see her for a few hours though. They're admitting and evaluating—basically, they told me to take a hike." I rolled my eyes dramatically, trying to lighten up the moment.

"Jake, we need to talk." Bella sniffled and looked up earnestly into my eyes.

"I know," I sighed, pulling up a chair. I sat down, laying my head on her stomach, and she ran her hands through my hair absently.

"I know what Sam is," Bella whispered. Boy she didn't pull any punches did she? "My question is...are you a werewolf, too?"

"Yes," I sighed. "That wolf you dreamed about? That was me. How did you know, Bella?"

"Jake, sometimes I have dreams or visions that..." She faltered.

"Come true? You're psychic aren't you? I've always kind of known it, you know." I kept my head down, so she wouldn't be uncomfortable having to meet my eyes.

"You knew? How?"

"Oh, there have been times you answered me when I didn't speak, or the time you winced just before a vase broke in the next room...things like that. So...you know I'm a werewolf, huh?"

"Why didn't you tell me?" She never missed a beat, as though being a werewolf was the most normal thing in the world.

"We aren't allowed to tell outsiders what we are, Bella."

"Outsiders? I'm not an outsider!" She was offended.

"You aren't Quileute, so yes, you are considered an outsider. Since you asked, I can confirm it, but I wasn't allowed to tell you."

"And Angela? What about her?" Concern was evident in Bella's voice.

"I can tell her because I imprinted on her."

"Explain, please."

"See, when we come across our mate...we recognize them at a cellular level. We call it 'imprinting.' When I saw Angela the whole world stood still. There was no mistaking that she was the one. It's happened to a few of the guys."

"Ah, I see. So, when Angela wakes up, you can tell her what you are." I nodded. "Because it wouldn't be fair to enter into a relationship with her dishonestly, you know."

"No, of course not. Bella, I would've told you if I could have, really."

"But you started dating me, Jake! You knew there was a chance you might imprint on someone else!" Her hand stilled in my hair, and her body stiffened. Picking my head up, I met her blazing brown eyes.

"Yes, I did. I'm sorry, Bella. That was wrong of me, and I hope you can forgive me. I was in denial – Sam expressed his concerns, and I told him to mind his business. I had a hard time accepting this whole imprinting thing until it happened." I looked down, ashamed.

"I'm disappointed, Jake. I just need some time, okay?" Bella sighed deeply, shifting her body away from mine.

"Um, Bella? Since when are you friends with leeches?" I asked.

"Excuse me?" Her mouth hung open.

"Sam told me that there were leeches here visiting you, and I can...smell their scent here." I answered, wrinkling my nose.

"You will not call them that name in my presence, Jacob Black, or you can just leave my room! They're my friends. Why do you feel that I should have told you about them when I didn't even know what you were? Hello? Double standard anyone?" Bella was spitting nails. I suppose I could see her point of view, too. I wasn't happy she was friends with them though, not by a long shot.

"Sorry, Bella, I'll try to be more respectful. Vampires and werewolves are - "

"Natural enemies, yes, I know." She flipped her hand dismissively. "The Cullens don't drink human blood, and they have a treaty with the Quileutes, so get over it!" Bella's piercing gaze held mine.

"Boy, you sure know a lot about this, don't you?" I muttered.

"Jacob, please don't make me into a piece of taffy, okay? Don't make me choose between my friends. I love you; you've been my friend forever. But I've also developed a friendship with some of the Cullens—especially Alice and Jasper. They've been really good to me." Tears stood in her eyes.

"Okay, I promise to try. Just don't start crying." I opened my arms and hugged her so tight she lost her breath.

"You sure are strong, Jake."

"Sorry. We okay?"

"For as long as you behave, yeah," she smiled.

~*Edward's POV*~

Sitting in my room, I thought over the past few days. For a vampire, days are like seconds, months like minutes and years like hours. But time had slowed for me—I couldn't deny that—and I knew it was related to Bella. It all began the moment I scented her luscious blood—the sweetest smelling substance I had come across in over one hundred years. Just the thought of it caused venom to flood my mouth and my throat to burn. I swallowed it back, mortified that I could have this reaction to the thought alone. It slammed home the reality that it wouldn't be easy to overcome my thirst around Bella—if I ever could. I closed my eyes tightly against the possibility that I would never be able to be around her without losing control. What if I had to be restrained all the time? What would that do to her? I hadn't considered her feelings much before now. It must be so awful to know that another being wanted to harm you for no good reason. The guilt I was already carrying grew heavier.

I did like Carlisle's idea of desensitizing myself to her scent. Perhaps over time it would be possible. A sliver of hope poked out of the dead weight of guilt that had taken up residence in the middle of my chest. Alice had gotten Bella's permission to pick up some of her clothing for me, and she was at her place now.

"Emmett!" I called out.

"Yeah, man?" Emmett bounded into the room.

"Feel like taking me to visit Bella?"

"You sure you're up for it?" His eyes widened. Somewhere in the house, Rosalie hissed.

"If you are. You have to be my body guard," I smiled sheepishly.

"Yeah, no problem. I'm glad you decided this on your own." Emmett nodded. Finally accepting the truth, I see.

Something glass crashed to the floor downstairs. Is he DAFT? Wanting to kill her by surprise wasn't enough; now he has to seek out the experience. Idiot!

"Rose doesn't agree with my decision," I whispered.

"And you're surprised…why?" Emmett's grin widened, and he let out a guffaw.

"Shut up, Emmett!" Rosalie yelled up the stairs, fuming.

"Love you, hun! Be back in a while," Emmett called back as we escaped out the window of my bedroom and took off.

Running together, we laughed like two escaped schoolboys. It was a lighthearted moment as we wrestled in the grass a few minutes, playing around a bit. "Edward, you should hunt first," Emmett suggested.

"Good idea. I can't be too careful right now," I agreed.

There was no time to look for my favorite, but we came across a group of bears. Emmett took the largest, and I took a midsized one. Deciding on fast food, we didn't play around but went for a quick, clean kill. In no time, we were headed to the hospital.

When we reached the floor below the one Bella was on, I scanned the area to see if she had any visitors. Her father happened to be in with her, so we sat in a waiting room where I could listen in without being assaulted by her scent.

"Bells, you should be able to see Angela in a little while. I still haven't heard from her father. I think it's great that Jacob is by her side, but I'm confused as to why—weren't YOU just out on a date with Jake?"

I could see Bella's face through Charlie Swan's eyes. Her skin was translucent, her coloring better than the last time I saw her, lips red as cherries, and her brown eyes so full of emotion. She had a heart shaped face and lovely chestnut hair that fell in waves past her shoulders. It was nice to get a look at her without the distraction of the scent of her blood.

"Dad, Jacob and I are just really good friends. We thought there might be something there...but once he and Angela saw each other...well, let's just say it was love at first sight for them both. I'm really happy for them, too."

"When I talked to you earlier, you said you were worried about something; what was it?"

"Mike Newton. He seems so depressed; I think he feels guilty that he couldn't save Lauren," Bella sobbed, tears spilling over. "But it wasn't his fault, and I'm really worried about him. When I talked to him today in physical therapy, his voice was so flat and unemotional."

"Little survivor guilt there. Bells, do you have a...'feeling' about Mike?" Charlie asked carefully. So, he must know about her gift.

"Yes," she whispered, closing her eyes and shivering. "Nothing specific yet, but I sense a yawning darkness inside him."

"Okay, I'll see what I can do." Charlie sighed deeply. "You know it's hard to bring up without something concrete."

"I know; that's why I came to you." She smiled tenderly, reaching for her father's hand.

Something inside me at that moment wished that smile—that touch—was meant for me.

"I gotta get back to the station. Let me know if anything else comes up, okay? Love you."

They hugged and then Charlie left the room, and I lost sight of Bella. Emmett and I waited until Charlie was in his cruiser heading away from the hospital before we attempted to move up to the floor Bella was on. We used the stairs, and as we reached the door to her floor, the first trace amounts of her scent hit me. It swirled vaguely around me, and I could feel the tension building up in my body in preparation.

"You okay, bro?" Emmett asked.

"Yeah, just anticipating. I have to try to control myself so nobody sees me acting like a rabid animal. That just wouldn't do." I smiled weakly.

"The good news is, her room is the last one in this hall, and it's a private room. Carlisle made sure of that, knowing you might be coming here." Emmett reassured me.

Easing the door open, I allowed her scent to come over me more fully. My body went rigid, and Emmett grabbed my arms in anticipation. The venom let down, and my throat was on fire. Closing my eyes as tight as I could, I stilled myself. The feelings still washed over me, her blood still assaulted me, but I was able to remain unmoving—to fight the urge to act. Of course, I was still many yards away from her.

"I'm okay, Emmett. But don't let go."

We stayed there until I felt as in control as I was going to, and then we moved fully into the hallway several yards from her door. Bella's scent hit me again, and I went through the process all over again. It was excruciating, but I was determined that I would beat this—I would gain control over my body and my desires.

After what seemed to take forever, we were halfway to her door. Anyone who passed would just see two men standing in the hall talking, but in the time we were here only once had a nurse gone into Bella's room. I could hear the nurse ask if Bella needed pain medicine, and she refused. The sound of her readjusting herself could be heard.

"Edward, I know you're out there," Bella's voice came softly, stunning me. Emmett and I looked at each other, eyes wide. How could she know? We hadn't made a sound. "It must be so hard for you. I wish I could make it easier. I hope it doesn't hurt too much."

I drank in her words hungrily—like a man in a desert slaking his thirst with precious drops of water. Her words had such a profound effect on me—that tugging feeling was back—and had grown stronger.

"Why don't you call me? I have the phone Alice gave me." There was a smile in her voice.

Smiling myself, I reached for my cell and dialed the number. I could hear it ringing in her room.

"Hello," she said softly.

"Hi." I gulped back more venom, but I was doing fairly well. Emmett still held my arm and made sure to keep himself between me and Bella's door.

"Where are you?"

"Several yards away. I've been working my way up the stairs and into the hall. It's been kind of a...slow process."

"Why are you doing it?"

"What?"

"Torturing yourself? If you wanted to talk to me, you could have done that over the phone."

"Bella, I don't like being out of control. I hate the fact that I almost...I have to desensitize myself so you'll be out of danger from me."

"Oh," she sounded disappointed.

"What's wrong?" I whispered. Suddenly I didn't like it when she sounded unhappy.

"I thought...maybe...a part of you might have wanted to see me." She sounded forlorn, and the tugging turned into a yanking in my long-dead heart.

"I would like to, Bella. I really enjoyed our conversation the other day, until I started acting like an ass, that is. It's just that...there are certain issues that have to be addressed before anything else can be...considered. You need to keep in mind what I am, what I can do."

"Yes, I know," she sighed. "I'm sorry, Edward. It's just this stupid ability I have kind of puts carts before horses sometimes." From the sound of her voice, it sounded like there were tears in her eyes, and it made me want to comfort her. The burning in my throat forgotten for the moment, I found myself edging closer to the doorway as Emmett shuffled alongside me silently.

"Don't be sorry, Bella. You've done nothing wrong. Please try and remember that," I implored softly.

The tears spilled over—I just knew they had. I could smell them, and I had the most insane urge to taste them—but not just to taste them—to wipe them away. She dropped the phone. Human ears couldn't have heard it, but my vampire hearing picked up the rustling of the sheet against the hard plastic case as it slid.

Before I could think about what I was doing—or Emmett could stop me—I was around the doorway and into her room.

I saw Bella propped up against the pillows with her eyes squeezed shut, tears streaming down her face, and her chestnut hair caressing the side of her cheek. She had the sheet fisted in one hand. Hearing the shuffling of our feet, her eyes flew open, and her mouth formed an O.

I made it a few feet into the room before I was hit with a wall of her scent full strength. An involuntary growl built up in my chest, and I threw myself into the furthest corner of the room—Emmett shadowing me—his hands never leaving my arms.

"Hold on to me, Emmett..." I whispered hoarsely, fighting with all I had not to lose my mind. "Oh, God."

"You can do this, bro. You're doing it already," Emmett reassured me. Don't freakin' lose it now, Edward…not in front of Bella. She's been through enough already. Hold it together; I know you can do this.

There was a moment of clarity then. There were two desires at war within me. One was the primal urge to rip, tear and destroy—my instinctual nature. The other was to conquer the urge to harm Bella and to figure her out...why she affected me...why I affected her. She was interesting, but it would be really difficult to tip the scales—instincts ran deep.

A fresh wave of her scent hit me, and I growled again, struggling slightly in Emmett's iron grip. It was agony...the fire in my throat. I had my face turned to the corner in shame, not wanting Bella to see the crazed look in my eyes.

"Edward, look at me," she whispered.

"No," I moaned.

"Yes. It'll make it easier to fight it off. Trust me?"

Slowly, I turned my head until I could see Bella. I was intrigued and curious as to why she thought it would be easier to fight the urges if I was looking at her. Her deep brown eyes met mine boldly, filled with compassion—for me—compassion for the monster that wanted to consume her!

"Why would you want to see my face?" I whispered.

"Edward, it'll be easier to fight if you see what you'd be destroying rather than just smelling it. I'm a person with feelings and thoughts. I know it makes a difference to you, even if you don't yet." Her eyes held mine captive, and I couldn't look away. It was as though there was an invisible link that I couldn't break. My chest felt tight, and for the second time today, I forgot the burning in my throat.

I reached my hand out, fingers stretched to their limits, as though I could touch her from all the way over here. Bella reached her hand back to mine, a distance of about ten feet between our fingertips. Straining toward Bella, but not in a predatory way, Emmett shuffled forward slowly with me, inch by inch. Bella's eyes never left mine, she never flinched, and I never smelled fear coming from her. She just waited patiently.

When I was three feet away, I sank to my knees, so I was at eye level with Bella. Emmett sank down with me—one hand wrapped around my left arm, the other around my torso. I smelled fresh tears as they filled Bella's eyes, but she continued to look steadily into mine. Tentatively, I leaned forward until the tips of our fingers met—her warm, little ones against my large, icy ones. The jolt of electric current that ran up my arm was shocking, and I could hear her gasp and knew she felt it as well. Our eyes both widened as, ever so slowly, our fingers entwined together, and the electricity increased.

"Oh!" Bella exclaimed softly.

For the first time in what seemed like a long while, I smiled.

A/N: Thoughts? You must have some after all that! I know you do!

Please remember to check out my interview with Sandy at Dazzy's place! Thanks to Sandy for being my partner in crime, I thoroughly enjoyed it! Thanks again to Dazzy for choosing me to be in the spotlight. *blush* I'll attempt to put the link on my profile, but I'm an html moron, so I can't promise anything! :-)

You know the deal...Review and get TEASED because I am addicted to your words.