AN: Because of the good reactions on the previous length... I made this one even longer. I hope you will enjoy it.

AN (for fun): Shady – the real life one – is my BETAreader. He hasn't read Twilight and only read Blood and Chocolate while he was on the loo (which I mentally slapped him for). So he isn't as interested in this fanfic. Naturally, he told me he was (not to hurt me no doubt).

To check if he paid attention, I asked what happened in the previous chapter. He replied with "That creep went into her bedroom." hehe "Why don't you make me (Shady, the character) a god or something. Then I'll kill Edward and do Vivian. So far you have only given me one line that consisted of one word which was 'FRUITCAKE'!"

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He kissed my hair. I smiled and drifted to a wonderful sleep, filled with unimportant and pleasant images.

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Chapter 13 – The Life of a Rose

Hmmm, I'm comfortable. I curled and uncurled my toes. I noticed there was some gentle pressure on me. I blindly groped to see what it was; soft, stuffy. My winter blankets. Strange, wasn't it late summer?

"Good morning."

I yelped and hit whatever was behind me from the bed.

"I take it you're not a morning person?" a musical voice sounded from the floor.

Yesterday's memories boomed into awareness. I jumped, aiming to land on top of Edward. However, airborne he picked me out of the sky and threw me in bed. "Your mom's coming," he whispered and weaved under the bed.

Not a moment later, a groggy Esmé opened the door.

"Hey honey, just wanted to check if you were awa- DANG!" still drunk with sleep she meandered into my room. "What god forsaken desert is rotting in this den?" She didn't have the moon's blessing pumping through her, like I had; she still thought Edward smelled. She had optically searched my desk for the origin, and was already halfway down to check under my bed.

"No mom! I just…" help "farted."

Flabbergasted, she muttered "Shees, is that my offspring?" and with that she left the room. I was glad she didn't link the smell to Edward. My mom was well-renowned for her drama.

After blinking once, I found Edward on my desk chair. "I can't say I'm too flattered by your stroke of creativity," he whispered amused.

I laughed and went over to sit on his lap. "You're all warm!" I hushed, and placed my cheek on his. He was still a few degrees below the usual 37, nonetheless he wasn't cool like I remembered.

"I know. You can't imagine how good it feels. Last night when you started shivering, I could either move away from you, or find more blankets. The choice was simple."

"I'm glad you stayed." I wasn't referring to just the bed.

He gave me a warm, knowing smile which soon turned oddly bitter. "Vivian, I've been wrecking my head off about this all night, and…" He threw his head back, seemingly peering through the sealing. "I think you should still go meet the Quileutes. But I would sincerely appreciate it if you wouldn't give that swine private lessons." He inclined his head back at me, his gaze painfully serious.

I was perplexed. "I don't understand." Last night was quite a different story. Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy to have wolves around me, but I preferred Edward.

His expression softened, though I still detected moroseness in it. "I wouldn't want you to miss out on your life just because of me. I listened to you carefully last night, when you talked about your old pack. I can't pretend that you will be happy without other wolves around you.

"Eventually, when we will no longer be together, I want you to live a fruitful life. And in order to do that, a pack is what you need. I can't mess up your entire life for a few years of your presence." The self-loathing sorrow was no longer merely hinted at.

A lump had accumulated in my throat. I tried not to think about the fact that whatever we would start, we could never finish. He had no option of becoming mortal, and I had no option of staying seventeen forever. Our star-crossed love was doomed to end. Love, it would be a true description of the feelings that Edward stirred in me. My insides jolted at the realisation.

From this moment on, I'd make it my number one priority, to throw a lifetime worth of passion, into the meagre amount of years we could spend together.

"Let's not dwell on that." I resolved. "In the meantime, you are the best vampire boyfriend ever!" I flung myself at him.

"I'd better be, after this," he comically scoffed.

We messed around very quietly for a few minutes; cuddling, kissing, and nipping each others' earlobes until we were rudely interrupted by a ferocious growl that originated from my stomach. I was hungry.

"Let's go get you some breakfast before your stomach scares me into offering you my arm," he smirked. "Your mother left a minute ago."

I bit my lip, thinking. "Is there anything I can offer you?" Was the handing his arm over a hint? Before you know it we would be eating each other, I shrugged the thought off, disgusted. "We could go hunting quickly before school. I usually keep the hunting for later meals but for you, my friend," I poked him, "I'll make an exception."

"I don't need to eat as often as you do; once every few days is enough not to be uncomfortable, more is always possible. Let's just feed you something human for now. We'll make the hunting a date. It's something I'd want to fully explore."

It would definitely be different from the hunting I've been used to so far. I'm glad I'm able to offer him something that he hasn't experienced alr– Wow. My train of thoughts was insolently disrupted by Edward scooping me up. We were heading towards the kitchen.

He deposited me right-side-up on a kitchen chair. "How sweet of you to want to make me breakfast," I said, masking my mischief.

"I, eh…" Edward, usually strong and sure, was now at a loss. I saw him exchange nervous glances between me, the kitchen cabinets, and refrigerator. "Right." Determined, he opened the fridge and grabbed some eggs and bacon. I saw him hesitantly study at the gas cooker. Barely audible he murmured "Any housewife can do this, how hard can it be?"

After a small moment of fumbling, he got it to work. He turned to give me a look full of manly pride. When he saw my face, he said "Give me some credit. The last cooker I handled was heated with coals."

I screened the smile of my face and nodded seriously. "You're right." Only to make up for it when he turned his attention back to the stove.

Lucky for me, eggs and bacon don't leave a lot of room to mess up. When Edward served me his concoction, he held the pan in a way that would normally cause a third degree burn. He didn't seem to notice. And the food, truthfully, it didn't taste all that bad. I praised him and lavished him with kisses.

Before we headed to school, I left a note for mom, suggesting we go meet the Quileutes tomorrow. I was sure she would agree. Edward pretended to be ok with it. He drove us to school at a finally decent speed, much better than my Spider could attain. He promised me to let me drive some time. An evil grin framed my face, I'll show him just how a wolf-girl can drive.

The morning passed by smoothly. I had the best time in history, mentally prying the answers of a Second World War test out of Edward. Who had in fact, lived through it. He was not as excited about the situation. He said this would be a one-time-only thing; he wanted me to get a vamp-free education. Still, it was nice to have Edward as a back-up. And men can be so easily persuaded.

"You know, I was thinking-"

"Really?! I'm so proud of you Edward!" I interjected. He raised an eyebrow.

It was lunch now. We were sitting alone at our table, south of the cafeteria. We were still subjected to frequent stares, though the number was diminishing. Occasionally I saw Bridget out of the corner of my eye, being extra goofy, trying to take my attention of Edward. It made me laugh, but she had to do better than that in order to manage.

Edward's family, the Cullens, were quite a different story. The 'superior' blond Rosalie occasionally gave me a dirty look; like I still smelled in her opinion (even though I knew my smell changed when my hair changed). The two males didn't pay much attention. I was glad to receive a smile from Alice once we entered, though it was fleeting. Afterwards I wondered if I had imagined it.

"You're happy today," he said.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath to savour the feeling. "Yes, I am." What was there not to be happy about? I had a man, whom I… loved. He was everything I desired, and he appeared to be into me too. I had potential pack waiting for me tomorrow. The only thing that did mildly worry me, was the looks my mom had given me, and the fact that whatever worried her, was important enough for Aunt Persia to cross the continent.

"So, I was thinking," he gave me a glare that dared me to interrupt. I smiled sweetly. "We could spend the day at my place. And we'll hunt our dinner."

I gave a dreading peek towards the remaining Cullens. The idea of spending time near them didn't exactly provide the setting for an enjoyable afternoon. I didn't doubt that Edward would stand up for me if it came to that. And if they'd snap at me, I was sure as hell to snap back. Though, I wanted to be in their good graces as much as possible.

"They won't be there," he said, guessing my thoughts. "My family will be going on a 'hiking' trip. We'll have the house all to ourselves." My lips pulled upwards and I eyed him suspiciously. "Oh, innocent intentions only, off course." His topaz eyes sparkled dangerously.

Off course. I pretended to ponder. He raised his eyebrows sceptically. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing. Keep going." I looked at him questionably. He seemed to get agitated by the wait. "Argh, just say 'yes' already. Get this formality over with."

I was offended now. Was I the only one who thought this afternoon implied an opportunity for sex? Did he want this 'formality' over with so he could get some? The thought hurt me; I assumed he had more decency, more noble intentions than that.

He must have noticed a change in my expression, for he angled his head and frowned. I could almost hear cogs turning, him mentally backtracking what he said. His mouth now took the shape of 'o'.

"Vivian, you know I didn't mean that. Alice already saw that you were going to come over. I knew your answer before you would speak it. I was just a bit impatient at the formality of asking if you'd like to come," his voice rang with sincerity.

I squeezed my eyes to slits. "Alright then."

"And I'll be a gentleman, promise." His expression was neutral, but there was wickedness in his eyes.

I wasn't worried about him being a gentleman or not. As long as he doesn't just see me as a piece of tail, or a piece of ass in his case.

"But didn't you tell me, that when Alice sees the future it wasn't set in stone? I could have changed my mind."

"Yes, I did say that. But I figured I didn't do anything out of the ordinary that would lead to that."

"Can Alice see my future whenever she wants? I'd like to know how the meeting between the Quileutes will go."

He moved a hand through his jumbled hair. "No, when it comes to Quileutes she can't see a thing. Her sight is completely blind to them; like they don't exist at all. With you she can at least see something. She can't look into your future, it will be blank. But she could look into her own, and see me informing my family that you'll be coming over. Which, I will be doing in a moment – the others don't know yet." He smiled.

"Oh, so there is no way she can see how things would go with the Quileutes?"

"I'm afraid not." I grimaced. "Believe me, I'm not too happy about that either.

"I'll go inform my family now. Princes, I apologise in advance for their behaviour, I'm not sure how they will react. Try not to pay too much attention to what Rose says. She…" he looked uneasy. "she won't be as lenient as the others."

I nodded. With that he stood up and made his way towards his family. I positioned my head at a right angle from them, to acutely catch their words. I filtered out all the remaining voices in the cafeteria, only to focus on them.

"I'm bringing Vivian over today. Be nice," I heard Edward say in a factual dominant tone.

Emmet spoke, "Edward, are you sure that would be a good idea?"

"Yes, and-"

"Is she housetrained?" Rosalie sneered.

I sharply turned my head to glare at her. I saw Edward join me. I realised a mental conversation must be going on between them, for Edward occasionally nodded or shook his head, glaring daggers all the time. All the gold was pushed out of his irises.

"Fine," she ultimately spat. The others Cullens seemed not to want to interfere and 'casually' directed their gazes in different directions. Edward gave a stern nod and headed back in my direction. I saw his black orbs turn into solar eclipse, and then slowly back again to their golden glory.

"All taken care off," he smiled.

"Can I drive?" I asked eagerly.

"Next time ok? You don't know where to go."

I would argue that he can simply give directions, but I changed my mind, seeing as Edward was looking a bit nerved; probably because his werewolf girlfriend was about to be introduced to his vampire adoptive parents. I got into the passenger seat. Jasper, Alice, Emmet, and Rosalie had already taken off in an eye-catching red convertible that apparently belonged to Rosalie.

We passed over the bridge at the Calawah River, the road winding northward, the houses flashing past us growing farther apart. And then we were past the houses altogether, driving through misty forest. He abruptly turned onto an unpaved road. It was unmarked, barely visible among the ferns. The forest encroached on both sides, leaving the road ahead only discernible for a few meters as it twisted, serpent like, around the ancient trees.

After a few miles, there was some thinning of the woods, and we were suddenly in a small meadow, or lawn. The trees held their protecting shadow right up to the walls of the house that rose among them, making obsolete the deep porch that wrapped the first of three stories. The house was timeless white, graceful, and probably a hundred years old. In other words, I loved it.

The awe at the house and its location was soon forgotten, and replaced with a nervous alertness. I too clearly remembered the initial hostility Edward subjected me to when we first met. The term 'mortal enemy' echoed in my head. I, unbidden tail and all, would be walking into a layer of vampires. At school his siblings acted reasonably normal, but would it still be the same in a private secluded area, without the pretences for other humans? Surely Edward wouldn't bring me here if it weren't safe right? We headed to the mahogany front door, meanwhile I scrutinised his expression. Right?

His thumb was rubbing soothing circles into the back of my hand. "I'm here. It will be alright," he said in warm tones.

As he reached for the door, it flung open. A streak of black hair and white skin was launched at me. Before I knew it, I was being kissed on the cheek by Alice. "Hi Vivian!" Alice called enthusiastically. Edward cleared his throat.

She rolled her eyes. "And Edward. But I've seen enough of you." She gave him an amicable shove and snatched my arm instead, dragging me inside. In the meantime my heart restarted.

"Uh, hi Alice."

The interior of the house was beautiful; bright, open, and very large. There was a wide living-room area. The back, south-facing wall had been entirely replaced with glass, and beyond the shade of the cedars, the lawn stretched bare to the wide river. A massive curving staircase dominated the west side of the room. And just like the outside, the inside was hued in various shades of white.

Waiting to greet us, standing just to the left of the door, on a raised portion of the floor by a spectacular grand piano, were Edward's parents. Both had the same smooth marble skin, the same pale, enchanting features as the rest of them. Something about Esme's heart-shaped face, her billows of soft, caramel-colored hair, reminded me of the ingénues of the silent-movie era. They were young – probably mid twenties. Dr. Carlisle Cullen's face and body held an outrageous perfection, his hair was a golden blond that complimented his eyes. To my utmost relief, they were smiling in welcome.

Edward, once reunited at my side, broke the short silence, "this is Vivian." I tentatively walked towards them to greet them. They're hands were the cold, stone grasp I expected them to, though their smile was hospitable.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Vivian," Carlisle said.

"Welcome," Esme said sincerely.

At that moment Jasper came down the stairs, tall and leonine. I felt relieved and let out some of the breath I'd been holding. I saw Jasper wink at Edward, and I remembered what his gift was; empathy.

"Hi Vivian," Jasper grinned.

"Hi. Thank you all for your hospitality. I must say it's a relief."

"Oh Edward, you haven't been giving her the wrong idea have you?" Esme gave him a reprimanding look.

At that moment Emmet and Rosalie descended the vast staircase. "Can we go already?" Rosalie jabbed.

Carlisle's smile left some of its vigour, "That would be best."

"I hope we'll be seeing more of you Vivian." Esme said and gave me a small hug before leaving through the front door with her husband.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Alice pleaded adorably.

"Please decline," Edward's thought told me.

"Maybe another time, but thanks." She eyed Edward suspiciously, while gracefully gliding out of the front door with Jasper.

The big burly Emmet sauntered uncomfortably in my direction with a scratchy smile on his face. He patted my shoulder awkwardly with his large hand before leaving.

Rosalie paraded to stand in front of me. She scrutinised my appearance, disdain written all over her. I fought back a growl. Her eyes were slits when they met mine. "Woof," she said.

"That's enough!" Edward hissed.

My upper lip curled upwards without me being aware of it. How I'd love to claw a few tears in that pretty face. Without another word, she nonchalantly strode out of the door, her blond hair trailing behind her.

"I'm sorry for her behaviour," Edward apologised.

"It's Ok. I'm glad the rest of your family doesn't seem to mind." His expression was pleased. No doubt it had been on his mind. "This is one killer house by the way, and that black piano… beautiful." His eyes danced at the mention. "Do you play?"

He jubilantly shrugged, "A little." The eagerness was clearly there. We walked over to the piano. He gestured me to sit down next to him. He gave me a long, exasperated look before turning to the keys.

And then his fingers flowed swiftly across the ivory, and the room was filled with a composition so complex, so luxuriant. I'd never heard piano playing done by someone non-human, even now I had to concentrate to see all hand movements. I recognised the song, though naturally I'd never heard this version before.

"Claire de Lune?"

He gave me a curious smile. "You know it?"

I gave him a look that said Of course. He laughed freely. We must have sat there for about four minutes. Edward kept playing, allowing me to drift along with the melody, and the changes in rhythm. It was a peculiar thing, how music can work on the mind.

The musical piece was about to end. But the final chord I was expecting never came. Instead it transformed into a ballad… similar to Claire de Lune; same changes in rhythm, though the melody differed, and the tone was more passionate.

Edward enjoyed the awe that must have been written all over me. "You inspired this one," he said.

"I rock," was all I could say, but there simply were no words to describe.

The last note hovered brilliantly in the silence. "You were right," I said.

"I usually am, but what specifically this time?"

This guy is so full of himself, I thought fondly. "You do play a little."

An hour had passed. We were now still innocent, waywardly sprawled, on the black sofa – for lack of a bed – in Edward's room. His room faced south, with a wall-sized window. I figured the whole back side of the house must be made of glass. He had a view of the winding Sold Duc River, across the untouched forest to the Olympic Mountain range. The western wall was completely covered with stocked CD racks. The remaining wall space was lined with heavy fabric in a slightly darker shade than the golden carpet that covered the floor. In the corner stood a humongous sound-system, it must be amazing to play a gnawing rock CD on that baby.

I was lying with my back on the sofa. Edward was hovering above me in push up position. I gave him a keen look, while letting my hands entwine with his hair, to pull him closer for a kiss. He lowered himself, but instead took my hands and placed them above my head, holding them there. His free hand travelled over my forehead and eyebrows. His expression was mystified, yet affectionate. His index finger lightly caressed my lips, causing my skin to tingle.

He leaned down, his body framing my own. I wanted that kiss, but he still held my hands. His lips languorously trailed my neck, up to my cheek. He was so close, his heady scent and movements forced my hormones on a rollercoaster ride. Then he finally did kiss me. It was a sweet light caress, a perfect balance between lips and tongue. A few moments passed before it became more demanding, vigorous. Edward reluctantly broke away, to consider my expression. He didn't want to force me. I answered his unspoken question by heaving him closer.

Passion surged between us, my breathing accelerated. Edward's smooth hand pulled the strand of my top down past my shoulder. And then…

The phone rang.

"Seriously?" he rasped to no one in particular. He hesitated an instant, then at the top speed, went to answer the phone in his room.

"Edward," Rosalie's voice reverberated though the speaker. Of f---ing course, who else?

"What is it?" Edward said in a tone that reflected my frustration.

"I don't have much time to talk. We have trouble," she sounded anxious. "We're at the same place we went last week. We need you. HURRY." And the line was cut.

The frustration turned to worry.

"I'll come with you." I stood up and headed for the door.

"No, you have to stay here." He was resolute.

"But I can fight with you!"

"It could be vampires. Perhaps they merely need me to read their intentions. If I bring a werewolf along it would sure as hell end in a fight."

"What if it's the Quileutes?"

"We have a treaty with them. It should be fine."

Yeah right. It didn't seem fine to me last time he had an encounter with them. I thought about Jasper last Monday in lunch, how he had to restrain himself at the smell of cold animal blood. What if there had been a wounded hiker in the woods?

"And what if the treaty has been broken?"

He looked concerned, catching onto my train of thought. "Vivian, we can't risk it. Stay here, please." I was now subjected to wide open eyes. "For me."

"Ok then," I scoffed. Dear moon, I'm turning soft.

He gave me one fierce, swift kiss, before disappearing outside. The last I heard was the revving of his shiny Volvo.

"So…" I sighed to myself. I looked around his room. Yes I was worried, but I couldn't just sit here and wait. Perhaps I could shove that longed rock CD into the music installation. I hope Edward will be ok. But what trouble could possibly loom in Forks? Though an hour had passed, and with their speed, they could be well outside of Forks. Hell, they could be up on the mountains.

I looked around in the vast music collection, trying to take my mind off the situation. He had everything, think of a song, or composition it was there – apart from techno, I was glad to see he had some taste. I found recent things on the far right, and songs I'd never heard of on the far left.

I sighed, it was no use. I couldn't help but to dwell on Edward. Imagining different situations each time; some were innocent, others gruesome.

Then a buzzing sound reached my ears. It was the engine of a car. I hurried downstairs and spurred through the front door. The sun was well on its way to hide behind the horizon. It was twilight. An array of colours from the sky were reflected on the red convertible that moved closer to me, Rosalie being its only occupant. Whatever, I'll take it. I was hungry for information.

"Is everything ok?" I asked her.

She turned the engine off. "It will be." Her expression was unreadable.

"What happened?"

"You, is what happened." She got out and stood a few meters away from me. "You, and your kind." Obvious resentment stained her liquid voice.

Could my old pack be here? "I don't understand."

"I don't expect you to."

She was awfully frustrating. Tell me what I need to know damn it! "Are the others ok?" I said more demanding. There was no point pretending to be kind to her.

"My family, is fine." Obvious emphasis on the word 'my'. "It will be a while before they notice I'm gone, and roughly thirty minutes before they'll make it back."

What? Did she set them up to get to me? It dawned on me just how serious she was about her hostility. I tensed up, and crouched down. If she didn't mind misleading her family, she'd swindle me in a second. She mimicked the stance only too eagerly. She treaded tender steps to her left. I kept my eyes on her, and moved one step to the right for each of hers, tracing the contours of an invisible circle.

"I knew Edward would leave you here. He'll get over you." She waved the matter away with her hand. "It's not like you're anything special."

"Your mom told you you were?" I snapped.

Apparently I'd hit some hidden bruise, for anger seemed to become her. "My mother, was murdered, along with my father, and myself. Carlisle changed me when I was already halfway gone."

What brought this sudden burst of information? "What does that have to do with me?"

"You," she sneered. Her lips curled in opposite directions, revealing a set of white venom-coated teeth. "You are the reason I live this existence. You and your filthy bestial kind. A blood driven werewolf killed me. Not one like the Quileutes, but just like you. At least Quileutes can claim they were once human. You are the only one in this picture who never was.

"You took my family from me. You took my life. I'll be damned if I let you ruin this existence I have now."

I felt sorry for her. I knew what it was like to loose family. "I'm sorry if-"

"SORRY?" she gasped. "You don't have feelings."

Alright, reasoning was obviously out of the question. This was going to be a one on one fight. I wasn't sure how to kill a vampire, though tearing limbs off should definitely get in the right direction.

I focused my eyes on hers, wanting to catch the first strike that would undoubtedly occur fast. With my other senses, I paid attention to her steps. I could only hope that if- No, when I'd come out on top… Edward would forgive me.

My claws unsheathed. I blinked and found Rosalie halfway across our illusory circle. It's on.

AN: 'Claire de Lune' translated means 'Moonlight'. In my profile is a link to listen to it. Naturally, what Edward played was more complex, but us poor humans can't seem to pull that off.

Thank you all for your comments. You all rock!