a/n: Oh my goodness! A new chapter! Gah, and as I'm completely jet lagged no less. Apparently, visiting my dad in California meant he was going to pack every single day chock full of stuff and I would have no time to actually write like I'd planned. FML. Anyway, I finally got this all up. It helped that I finally found my story notes. Yay! Alright. So I'm in the homestretch. Only about 9 more school days left for me, and then I'm done with high school. Holy crap. That's a little scary! Let me know how you like this. I'm finally going to start revealing things, slowly but surely. Some of you have asked me a few questions in reviews that I haven't really answered, but if you read closely enough, I left a clue or two to give you all those answers. Plus, there's a few clues as to some other things that I'm not sure you all have picked up on. Anywho! Enjoy.

El Ángel De Las Tinieblas
Chapter 12: Esposas

Bella's POV

I didn't really know what to do anymore, I could admit. Everything around me was changing so suddenly that I could hardly keep up. All I could feel, though, was this overwhelming love and acceptance from Edward's mother. It reminded me of my own. Of what I lost. Of what I missed so much and needed most.

It was my angel's stomach that broke through the cloud of emotion and drawing a giggle out of me. The deep rumble startled me, and reminded me that the very strong man who held me was exactly that – a man. It made him more human to me.

His fingers tickling my sides was a welcome form of contact. I remembered when I was younger, and adults would do exactly that. I would laugh hysterically and somehow beg for them to stop. It was so innocent, so sweet. I soaked up the wonderful feeling. It was almost cleansing as it lightened my mood.

"Food now?" I finally asked as I calmed. "I'm a little hungry too."

He smiled gently, and that scar-free side of his mouth tipped just slightly higher than the marred corner. "Claro."

I frowned when he shifted me out of his lap so he could stand. He moved a few things around so that we could eat the food Esme had brought out with ease. However, when he began to go to another seat, I made a split second decision to sit him back in my chair. And then I dropped down into my lap.

Electricity surged through me, but instead of being frightening, I was soothed. It was a feeling I was already beginning to associate with my angel's presence, and knowing he was near me, touching me, was like a balm.

I eyed the platter hungrily. My stomach released its own little growl, which inspired a chuckle from my living chair. I couldn't hold back my smile at the sound. It was rich and velvety, just like his voice.

My hand sought out the plate of crackers with cheese and what I assumed was ham or salami. I wasn't quite sure before tasting it, as the darkness made it difficult, but the flavor that burst on my tongue was fantastic and I was happy to grab another pre-made cracker.

Edward grabbed a taquito, or at least I was pretty sure that's what they were. They looked good, so I picked one up next. Spicy chicken filled it, I realized.

We ate quietly, enjoying the atmosphere and the food. I had my fill without too much food, but that wasn't unusual. I had never been allowed to eat much more, and now my body was just unprepared to consume any extra crumbs.

While my angel finished up whatever was the left on the platter, I nibbled on a slice of apple dipped in caramel. It was sweet and I just wanted the sugar, to be honest. My body was craving it. In between those small bites, I sipped on one of the water bottles Edward's mom had provided, and watched the crackling fire before me.

The evening breeze flushed through the flames and carried the warmth up through my skin. I reveled in it, until it was gone and then I shivered as the cold invaded my form. Unthinkingly, Edward wrapped himself around me, sharing his own heat.

I smiled.

His nose brushed my ear as he leaned down to speak to me. His voice rumbled in his chest against my body. "We still have things to discuss, no?" In response, I simply nodded. "I'd like to explain another thing or two, as I am aware you are confused. I was not very clear, but I have to admit I was out of sorts. I think I have organized my thoughts much better now."

"Ok."

He cleared his throat. "I want you to marry me, the day you turn eighteen," he stated, "As I am under the impression that you have not yet come of that age?"

I nodded, and was about to tell him it wouldn't be a very long wait, but he cut in, continuing.

"It will be a small wedding. Just the family and la familia, and if you want something more, then we can have it again at a later date."

"I—"

He hushed me. "Save your protests, cariña, because I want to say everything while it is still on my mind, and I am sure you will have more."

I wanted to turn and glare at him, to look in his eyes and give him hell for denying me my voice, but I wanted to hear whatever else he had to say. I supposed I was too curious at that moment for my own good.

"If you should wish, you may sleep in your own room until the wedding, however afterward there will be no option. I promise, however, that I will never, ever touch you against your will. Mi amor, I give you my word that you are safe. Estás segura conmigo, siempre. Esto es mi promesa. Please, never feel you should fear me. Seré tu prisionero, mi esposa. Creo que no es por coincidencia…" He trailed off and paused, then spoke again, this time in English. "Did you know that esposa means wife, but esposas means handcuffs? I always found that funny."

I grinned. It was a bit of a funny statement yes. His words reassured me.

"I know I have not answered all of the questions that I know you have, but many of them must wait until you have answered my question. I would get down on one knee before you, if you would like, but I do enjoy how we are sitting, cariña. So will you please answer my question? Will you marry me?"

Those words, born of his lips and tongue, were musical as they brushed my auricle. For just one moment, I could have pretended that my life had been different.

I pretended that my mother was still around, that my father was a good man and alive. I pretended that money had never been an issue and that the police weren't searching for me. I pretended that I was allowed to go to church every Sunday and that Edward and I had met conventionally. I pretended that I didn't have to find a way to hide the bruises under my school uniform and that I didn't have to sleep in the pantry, chained to the wall like a no-good dog. I pretended I had a dog, which loved me unconditionally. I pretended that Edward loved me too, and was asking me to marry him on bended knee after having dated for so long. I pretended that I would plan to give him my virginity on our wedding night on a bed covered in rose petals surrounded by candles. I pretended I knew what I should do. I pretended.

And then I came back to reality.

When I spoke, my voice cracked like that of a pubescent boy. My hands shook as I gave my consent by asking a question of my own. "Can we plan a wedding in five days?"

a/n2: So, what did you think? Lemme know in a review! I wanna hear your thoughts. Especially in case I'm forgetting some things. I'm waiting! :)

Spanish in this chapter: (Another free lesson? Gosh, I think I may need to start teaching for real or something...)

Claro. ~ Of course.

la familia ~ the family

cariña ~ sweetheart

Mi amor ~ My love

Estás segura conmigo, siempre. Esto es mi promesa. ~ You are safe with me, always. This is my promise.

Seré tu prisionero, mi esposa. Creo que no es por coincidencia… ~ I will be your prisoner, my wife. I don't believe that it is by coincidence...

Esposa ~ Wife

Esposas ~ Handcuffs (or) Wives