Disclaimer: Twilight belongs to SMeyer.
A/N: Many thanks to Team Elemental: keepingupwiththekids, ScarlettLetters, and Katarinasmama! I thank you for the voodoo that you do so well.
A special thanks to a few ladies: kikikinz, Sandyk199, and feathers...mmmm, who have all taken the time to support this story. Thank you!
For ciaobella27, jajo, and vanessarae.
To the readers, I thank you for taking the time to come on this journey with me. Thank you for the reviews, the tweets, the theories in the Twilighted thread and your support. I am touched by your warmth.
-O-O-O-
BPOV
I was cocooned by a warmth that felt like it wanted to protect and cherish me. I kept my eyes closed, not ready to let the feeling go, and tried to snuggle closer to the place from where it emanated. In response, the warmth gave out a low, sleepy moan and tightened its hold around my stomach before it settled again.
I slowly opened my eyes, to see the muted daylight coming from the bay window covered by the white sheer drapes. It was a beautiful day.
Then everything registered at once and I woke up completely. I stiffened and looked down at the arm encircling my body, with the sheet caught underneath me, coming just above my waist. My back was pressed against the warmth of Edward's body.
Carefully sliding out of bed, and his embrace, I looked back to see that Edward had rolled onto his stomach in the place that I had previously been sleeping. He moved his arm across the area, restlessly searching; his face scrunched up in displeasure.
Hoping to keep him from waking up, I crept back towards the bed and leaned over so that my mouth was near his ear. "It's alright, Edward. Go back to sleep." I whispered.
His face relaxed and he looked at peace, a look I had never seen. He sighed and then fell back to sleep.
I looked around the room, searching for my clothes, since I was naked. I found them on a chair, neatly folded. Next to the chair was a familiar duffel bag. I walked over and opened it to find clean clothing and a few of my toiletries. I grabbed the bag and hurried into the adjoining bathroom, locking the door behind me.
Turning on the light, I was expecting to find a mess and paused to take in my appearance. My hair was wild and I felt like I was coated in dry sweat. I could also see a smear of dry blood on my thighs. Under all of that, I noticed there was a strange radiance to my skin. Pushing my hair out of my face, I could see the glow lying just below the surface. Was this something left over from the ritual?
After that surge of energy that went through me last night, I slept soundly. No bad dreams or pain. The pain had disappeared the moment I felt the first spark of the power course through me. There was something incredibly loving about that power. It made me feel that everything would be okay.
Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I took a hot shower, and got cleaned up from last night.
I hurriedly dressed afterwards, worried that I might have woken Edward. I wasn't ready to face him yet. As quietly as possible, I opened the bathroom door and peeked into the room, to find him still sleeping, facing down on the mattress.
Placing the bag back on the floor next to the chair, I walked over to the bedroom door to go to the kitchen and find something to eat. My stomach was growling from hunger. I stopped as I placed my hand on the doorknob and looked back at Edward. I couldn't help but watch him for a moment as he slept. His face looked boyish and at peace in his slumber. He was absolutely beautiful. Then again, that was a fact that I could never refute. It's when he opened his mouth that things went bad between us.
My stomach rumbled, reminding me to eat. I turned away and left the room.
Walking into the living room from the hallway, I found Esme sitting in one of the big chairs in front of the empty fireplace, reading a book.
She looked up at me and smiled. "Bella, you must be hungry."
I simply nodded my head and walked into the kitchen, feeling embarrassed about last night.
I found bread sitting on the counter and proceeded to make myself toast, keeping my back to the room. The sound of footsteps coming from behind let me know that Esme had followed me into the kitchen.
"There is some fruit in the fridge," she offered.
"Any jam or butter?" I asked, not turning around. Trying to will my pink cheeks to subside.
I heard the refrigerator door open and close, and then saw that a jar of apricot preserves and a small plate of butter placed beside me on the counter. Esme did not move away afterward.
"Bella?" She asked, sounding unsure of how to proceed. "I would like to talk to you while you eat. I'm not sure when I will have the opportunity to speak with you in private in again."
I nodded my head and moved over to the breakfast nook with my toast.
Esme sat down next to me, rather than across the table. It was a little surprising, but she usually has good reason for what she does, so I didn't question her. How could I after she helped me last night? She deserved anything she asked of me.
She waited until I had finished eating one of the pieces of toast before she said anything.
"Carlisle will be back in less than an hour." She mentioned fidgeting with her coffee mug.
"Okay," I mumbled. "Do I need to call my parents?"
She frowned slightly before she said, "If you want to, but they know you're here with us."
Finishing the last of my toast, I pushed the plate away from me, and saw Esme do the same with her mug.
"Bella, how much do you know about my relationship with Carlisle?" she asked me quietly.
"Um, you seemed to be happily married." I told her, sounding stupid to my own ears.
She smiled and nodded her head yes. "Yes, we are."
Then she grew serious again, and looked me in the eyes. "Did you know that it was your Mother that was expected to imprint with Carlisle and not me?"
I was stunned. It had never occurred to me that my parents would ever be with someone else. Not to mention that Esme and Carlisle seemed like the perfect couple, a primary example for what all couples should aspire to. I just couldn't picture my Mom with Carlisle.
"Why don't I start from the beginning?" She offered softly, laying her hand over mine.
I looked away and nodded my head, waiting for her to begin her story.
"Your mother and I are the same age. We were the best of friends growing up. If I wasn't at Renee's house, then we were at mine. Everyone knew that if you saw one of us, the other was not the far away. We were never apart if we could help it."
I was transfixed, and gave her all of my attention, wanting to know more of my mother's childhood that I knew almost nothing.
"As we grew older, it was obvious, that Renee was going to be powerful in her talents of Fire. When she would finally reach adulthood and mate, she would be very strong."
"During our sixteenth year, we were invited to attend one of the parties that was being held for only the adults in the Coven. More like Renee was invited, and were joined at the hip, I was asked to attend as well."
"Contrary to what you are seeing now, not all of us imprint the moment we turn eighteen. Some were in their twenties before it happened for them. Anyway, the Cullen family was known for being talented in Air. Mr. Cullen, Carlisle's father, was extremely gifted in this Element. As well as Carlisle and Cinthia, his twin sister."
"At the party, Cinthia had already by that time imprinted with Mallory, and had been officially married for a year. Both were twenty one, and Carlisle had yet to mate."
"I think Mr. Cullen had it in his head that Renee would be the one to imprint with Carlisle. A match of Air and Fire could bring nothing but strength to our coven."
"What about you?" I asked curiously.
"Since I was an Earth Witch, it was assumed that I would probably imprint with the Webers."
"Well, Renee took one look at Carlisle and had it in her head that she was going to imprint with him as soon as she turned eighteen. We were introduced to him, with Renee being played up as the one who he should give most of his attention. I barely got a hello and a nod from him." Esme shrugged her shoulders and smiled as if to say "What can you do?"
"For the rest of the evening they talked. I was basically the third wheel, making sure that Renee had my support. Carlisle was politely distant to me. It hurt a little, but I also thought that he was going to be mated to Renee, so why should this man give his attention to me?"
"We had also met Charlie briefly at the party. He was twenty-two and just started working on the Forks Police Force. As shy as he was at these functions, he at least said more than two words to me, and complimented my dress."
I smiled at the thought of my Dad giving a young Esme a compliment.
"So you can imagine how the next year or so went before I turned eighteen. Renee, being an outgoing person was always talking about Carlisle and made sure she was at every function that he attended. At the beginning of the friendship, I was dragged along as support, but would always separate as soon as we walked in the door."
"It was during this time, that I became friends with Charlie. Since he was a fellow Earth Witch; it was easy for us to relate. It wasn't romantic, he was more like my big brother, and I his little sister. He taught me a few tricks on how to handle certain weeds to calling worms for fishing."
I smiled at the thought. Dad liked to fish, but Phoenix was not the best place for it.
"He was a good friend to me," she said with a warm smile.
Esme had a far off look on her face and stopped her story. I wanted her to continue, but was afraid to interrupt her. She shook herself and looked back at me with a small smile by way of an apology.
"It was also your Father that recognized that I had an affinity with Water. It had been many years since a Witch in our Coven had shown a strong affinity for more than one element. I thought he was over-reacting and became afraid, but he wouldn't let me stay quiet about it. He went to Mr. Cullen and told him of my capabilities, because for lack of a better word, I was a complete chicken shit to do it myself."
We both laughed. Esme never cursed.
"So, Mr. Cullen asked my family over to dinner shortly after Charlie's talk with him. I should back track a bit and say by this time, when were in the middle of our seventeenth year, Renee and I were not as social with each other. She had been invited to spend more time with the Cullens, still thinking that an imprint with Carlisle would take place between them. It was too uncomfortable for me, and I started to refuse to go to with her to the adult functions," Esme explained.
"For the Cullen's dinner, I was really nervous and asked Charlie to accompany me as well. My parents were use to my friendship with him, so it wasn't a big deal for Charlie to join us. I wasn't surprised to see Renee there, but she was certainly shocked to see Charlie walking in the door with me. Since we drifted apart she wasn't aware of my friendship with him."
"Dinner was awkward. My parents and the Cullens sat on one end of the table, while Charlie and I sat at the other with Carlisle and Renee. I remember our conversation being stiff, as we didn't know how to talk to one another anymore. It was clear that Carlisle was her world."
"After dinner Mr. Cullen had me give a display of my Water talent in the greenhouse and it was decided that Mrs. Cullen, Elizabeth, would become my teacher, as my mother was Earth. Dad was Water, but he was busy with his job. Besides, Mr. Cullen wanted to supervise me, since it was a rare occurrence to see a Witch with two Elements. Unfortunately, it drove more of a wedge between your mother's and my friendship. I don't think she liked that I was going to spend so much time with her future Mother-in-law."
I nodded my head, telling Esme that I understood and she didn't need to explain. Mom liked attention. Well, when we lived in Phoenix she did.
"Elizabeth was a big support to me in handling both my Elements. My mother and Charlie were too. I would sometimes work with all three of them during my lessons," Esme said with a smile, clearly having a good memory.
"When did you imprint?" I asked.
"I turned eighteen my senior year of high school, near the Winter Solstice. Renee was due to turn eighteen the end of March. I had small party, inviting a few people, including Charlie. Renee and her parents came too."
My face must have shown my surprise at my Mother being at Esme's party after hearing about the strain in their friendship.
Esme just nodded at me to show she knew what I was thinking. "I was surprised to see her too, but I think she came because she was curious. She wanted to see how an imprint worked. Remember at that point, Charlie was a good friend that I was spending a lot of time with, and she thought that we would mate," she explained
"But nothing happened."
"No, nothing happened." She repeated. "I think she wasn't the only one surprised. My family, her family, and Mr. Cullen were all expecting it to happen as well."
"Wait, what about Mrs. Cullen and Charlie?" I asked, noticing she left them out.
Esme smirked, pleased that I caught her omission.
"Charlie and Elizabeth knew me better than anyone. Charlie was like my brother and nothing else. Elizabeth, felt instinctively that I was meant for someone else, but I doubt it was Carlisle that she was thinking about for my mate. She, like everyone else thought that Renee would be her daughter-in-law come March."
"So, when did you imprint? Wouldn't Carlisle be at the party because of Renee and his parents?" I questioned. I knew that my birthday party wasn't the norm, when only mated couples were invited.
"As the next leader and assumed mate to Renee, he would have been there, but he had already returned to college, to finish his last semester. It wasn't until it was almost time for Renee's birthday that I saw Carlisle again. I had been helping Elizabeth in the greenhouse, growing a special rose that Renee had requested for her birthday. Carlisle was home that weekend for his spring break. He had come looking for Elizabeth and ended up imprinting with me."
"I think if Elizabeth wasn't there I would have run away myself. Even though I had years, living with the knowledge that I would one day imprint, and even having the details of the ritual, it still can be overwhelming," Esme said with a gentle smile.
"Carlisle and Elizabeth were just as stunned as I was, but she just dropped what she was doing and pulled me out of there and up to Carlisle's room."
"After the ritual was complete, I think I just slept like the dead. It wasn't until the next day that I finally woke to hear loud voices. I was still a bit shocked and I woke up feeling this body wrapped around me, which got me moving pretty quickly. I remember walking downstairs to find my parents, the Cullens, and a hysterical Renee all in the living room. I don't think anyone knew what to say. My parents were there to drop off a few things for me since I was now a Cullen, with plans to pack up the rest of my things to move in with Carlisle," she said.
"Rose told me that your parents didn't explain to you the details about an imprint. Technically, within the Coven, the moment you imprint it is a binding contract. A wedding ceremony is just more for show to the world. Outsiders would never truly understand our ways."
"So…I'm married, to…to…" I started stuttering, unable to say Edward's name aloud.
Esme reached over and sympathetically caressed a lock of my hair away from my face. "Yes, you and Edward are married in the eyes of the Coven."
She reached for my hand and squeezed it. "Your father, shortly after I imprinted with Carlisle, gave me some advice since I was having a hard time getting acclimated. He told me that even though I didn't see it at that moment, that Carlisle would eventually become my greatest support and closest friend. That we didn't always understand what our bonding was supposed to mean when it happened, but one day it would all become clear why we did."
I was a little surprised to hear that my father had actually said those words since he had been so hands-off with my own training.
"Bella, your father loves you very much. He was extremely worried when we couldn't find you. He's feeling terribly guilty about you," Esme said.
"I should call him," I told her.
"Carlisle and I had to work on our relationship since we knew almost nothing about each other except for the basics. I know you and Edward aren't exactly friendly…"
My head shot up and looked at her, searching for meaning behind her words. Was it obvious that we didn't like each other? I didn't want to disrespect Esme by being full-out rude about Edward in front of her.
She nodded her head. "Bella, I'm not blind. I know that you two never really hit it off, but please let me try to give you some insight to my son," she cajoled with her eyes.
I took a deep breath and asked her to continue.
"Thank you," she said gratefully. "Edward knew about how Carlisle and I imprinted. He knew how it was assumed that Carlisle was meant for Renee and not me. He has had a certain amount of female attention over the years, but when he understood that some day he would be mated, he took it seriously. He has never dated or has had a relationship with a girl, because he was afraid of running into the same situation."
Was Edward a virgin like me before our imprint?
"I can understand being stand-offish in that respect, but it doesn't excuse his attitude," I responded.
Esme sighed, shaking her head slightly. "I know, and it's up to you and Edward to work on your relationship. Now that you've mated, I bet he'll be more considerate with you."
Not sure how to respond, I rested my chin on my stacked fists on the table. I had a lot to think about and wasn't sure how to digest all of it. Especially, when it came to Edward and me.
"Bella, remember what Charlie had told me? All the reasons that we mate with who we do are not always clear at that moment in time?" She asked me quietly.
I nodded in affirmation.
"I think the more you and Edward work together to strengthen your bond, the clearer things will become for you. We are always mated with someone who is our equal, keep that in mind," she said.
I nodded again. This was still all too much.
"One more thing…" she started. "The first few months after an imprint, the male, well, Edward will need to have some sort of physical contact with you when possible. The male gives over a certain amount of their personal power to the female and they are naturally drawn to it; protective of it. It can be helpful in trying to build trust between mates. You need to try and let him touch you. It can be as simple as holding hands," Esme explained.
I lifted my head from my hands as I heard this, freaking out a little. Not only was I now going to be able to feel Edward's emotions, but I would have to deal with him having to touch me. A lot.
Before we either one of us said anything more, we heard the shower start from the direction of the master bedroom.
I felt my nerves take a spin in my stomach, knowing that I would have to face Edward shortly.
"Bella," Esme called to me to get my attention. "Edward, for whatever faults he may have, is a good person. Please be open and give him a chance. I'm certain he is just as nervous as you are. I will be here for you if you need me. You are part of the family now, you are a Cullen. You are my daughter."
"Thank you Esme for being honest with me and for your help," I said as I leaned forward to hug her.
"You're welcome," she responded before we broke apart. "Please give Edward a chance."
"I'll try," I promised her, even though I really didn't know if I could.
The sound of a car arriving signaled the end of our conversation. Looking out the window, we watched as a black Mercedes pulled up in front of the house, not far from the front door. Carlisle was in the driver's seat.
"Emmett drove your car back last night. It's usually customary for a newly mated couple to have time together to get use to their new circumstances, but there is a lot going on with the Coven that we can't give you a full week," She explained as we watched Carlisle turn off the car and climb out, walking to the cabin door.
"That's fine, I can go get my things and be ready to leave in a few minutes," I said, relieved to be going home, as I turned to go back into the master bedroom.
"No," she said stopping me, shaking her head a little with an apologetic smile. "We're leaving you and Edward here until Thursday morning. You need a little time to be together to get use to feeling each other's emotions," she said.
Edward and I alone in the cabin for a few days? Shit, this was not going to end well.
I heard the shower shut off behind me, as Carlisle walked in the front door with a bag of groceries and a serene smile. He walked over and gave Esme a quick kiss on her mouth before giving his attention to me.
"How are you feeling this morning, Bella?" He asked me with concern.
"I'm okay…no longer feeling any pain," I replied with a small smile, feeling awkward.
"You had us worried. Did Esme fill you in about the next few days?" He inquired as he walked into the kitchen to put away the food.
Esme and I followed him.
"Ah…yes, she did," I responded.
Carlisle took a few moments to put the rest of the food away, before turning back to us.
"Is Edward awake?" He asked.
"Yes, I am," said a familiar masculine voice.
I felt the hairs on my arms rise, as I slowly turned to find Edward with wet hair, slicked back, standing in the doorway. He was looking at me with a closed expression.
Esme's smile grew wider, as she walked over to give her son a hug. Edward smiled at his mother, and wrapped his arms around her in return. I heard the sound of their whispered greetings and assurances, but not the words.
I felt a spark of happiness, and then a warm glow coming from within and from Edward's direction. Was this the emotional connection that I was supposed to feel? It was as if I was feeling his sentiments as my own. It was a little disconcerting and felt my nerves make their way to my stomach.
Edward raised his eyes to me and gave small frown.
Crap, I would have to remember that the emotional link was a two-way street.
Esme had a smile on her face as she walked into the kitchen and added two pieces of bread to the toaster. Carlisle was leaning back against the counter next to her, talking softly as he looked at Edward.
Edward slowly walked over to me, as if giving me time to accept his approach. My nerves jumped, but was trying to calm myself by thinking that I needed to be open to him, as Esme requested. In return I could feel his uncertainty, even though his face was a stone mask.
He stopped a few inches away, leaning over me. I could feel his body heat and smell his clean scent. His uncertainty was still present, but his nearness gave me a reverse emotional effect; my nerves started to settle.
Interesting.
His fingers brushed gently across the top of my hand, closest to him. I felt an electric shock and gave soft gasp. Edward's eyes flew to mine, searching both my expression and feelings from his touch. Whatever he found, it made his touch grow bolder as he encased my hand within his. I felt him calm instantly at our connection.
"Edward, can I speak to you for a moment?" Carlisle asked.
I looked over at Carlisle, who had a small smile on his face, but there was also concern. I glanced at Esme to see her with the same expression.
Edward just nodded and walked over to his father, as Esme walked towards me.
"Bella, let's go out onto the porch," Esme suggested softly, as she guided me outside into the sunshine.
We sat in the large porch chairs, talking quietly. Esme explained that we were excused from school for the week and not to worry about homework.
We were quiet for another moment before she spoke again. "Thank you," she said simply.
I was confused. Thank me for what? I looked at her and asked her.
"For trying," she said.
I just nodded at her.
"When you get back we'll have the guesthouse ready for you and Edward to move into on Thursday."
Oh…shit.
I forgot about the living arrangements. Where is my brain?
"Bella, one step at a time."
I released the breath that I was holding and took another deep one, inhaling a lung full of air. I had an attack of my nerves again, letting all the thoughts that I was keeping at bay flood into my conscious.
The door opened to the left of me, to see Carlisle stepping out onto the porch. He gave me another smile before announcing that he was ready to leave to Esme. She walked inside as Carlisle came over to me, shoving one of his hands into the pocket of his pants. I stood up from my seat, still feeling awkward around him. Especially after last night. I had run away from my imprint and made his son suffer. What does he think of me?
He placed a hand on my arm looked down at me with his clear blue eyes, studying me. He looked so much like Edward at that moment that I actually shivered.
He gave a small grimace, noticing my apprehension, before saying, "Bella, I know you weren't aware of how imprints worked until a few days ago. It was dangerous trying to avoid it, but since it is no longer an issue, we won't talk about again. On Thursday we'll address what you may need more training in with your gifts."
His stern expression soften and his eyes glimmered with fondness. "I'm pleased to have you as part of my family. I think you will be good for Edward."
I thanked him, not knowing what else to say.
We turned to the sound of door opened again, revealing Esme in front, with her purse and jacket, as Edward stepped out behind her. She looked up at us and smiled, letting Carlisle know that she was ready to go.
Carlisle turned back to me and kissed me on my forehead before he moved over to Edward and gave him a hug goodbye.
"We'll see you Thursday morning at about eleven. We have a Coven meeting at seven that evening that you two will need to attend," he told us, then stepped off the porch to get in the car.
Esme gave me one more hug. "Call us if you need anything, but we told everyone to leave you two alone for the next few days," she said before she left us as well.
I sat back down in the porch chair, watching them drive away, feeling nervous that I was now alone with Edward. I clutched the arms of the chair, staring out past the green grass of the lawn to the narrow creek about fifty feet away, running through the property.
I wasn't ready to do this with him yet. I needed time to think. To figure out how to live with this imprint as well as living my own life. We didn't have to be joined at the hip, did we? I could still go to college next fall, couldn't I?
I heard measured footsteps approaching me, but I kept starting straight ahead of me. I could feel the beginnings of annoyance as I heard Edward sigh. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him squat down next to my chair, placing his hand very close to mine on the armrest.
I turned my head slightly to look at him. He was looking down at my hand.
His face was a study in concentration as he reached out with a few of his fingers and started to play with my hand that was currently wrapped tightly around the armrest. He gave my hand his full attention and I could feel waves of his calm manner mixed with curiosity.
Finally, he took full possession of my hand, shooting another current of electricity through me.
"You feel that too, don't you?" He whispered.
I just nodded my head, as I found myself speechless.
He stood up, and pulled me from the chair. He guided me down the stairs of the front porch and began to walk us towards the stream. He held my hand the entire way there, but released it to sit on the bank of the creek. He proceeded to take off his shoes and roll up the legs of his dark jeans. He gestured for me to do the same.
After I took off my shoes and pulled my pants legs up, I sat down near him and put my feet in the cool water.
Edward looked over at me and frowned.
"What?" I asked quietly.
"You're too far away," he replied.
I was sitting less than a foot away from him, what did he expect me to do? Sit in his lap?
He stood up and walked behind me, where he settled himself with his legs on either side of me. I stiffened, feeling a little alarmed at his close proximity to me. The arrangement felt too intimate.
"Shhh…" he cooed to me softly. "Just relax and lean back against me," he requested. He was leaning back on his hands for support.
I did as he asked, feeling his warmth envelope me. I could feel his contentment at our contact, like a low hum that vibrated between us. It was almost surreal.
We stayed close like this for what could have been seconds or even hours. I didn't know. Time seemed to stop working. My mind was reeling at the change in Edward's manners towards me. I felt that I needed to remain cautious around him.
"What are you thinking?" He asked me quietly, feeling the rumble of his words from his chest against my back.
"A little of everything, I suppose," I responded.
He didn't reply, but took a deep breath and let it out, relaxing. I couldn't feel anything but calm, coming from him through our bond. Which in turn made me a little anxious; not knowing if I gave him the answer he had sought from me.
"You're doing it again. Relax," he whispered next to my ear, startling me. "Talk to me, Bella," he requested.
"What do you want to know?" I asked.
"Anything…everything. What is your favorite color? Favorite food? Your hobbies…"he asked, sounding sincere.
Was he serious?
"Um…green…pasta…I like to read," I responded, feeling awkward.
I felt him move his head closer and take a deep breath. Was he smelling me?
Next to my ear he whispered, "What are your favorite books?"
I shivered.
I could feel his amusement through our bond. Was he laughing at me?
For some reason it irritated me. This whole situation felt false. Did he expect me to accept this and pretend that everything that happened before our imprint didn't exist?
"Bella, none of that now," he chided, placing his hands on my arms and gently shaking me.
What was I, twelve?
I wiggled out of his arms and stood up. I was now aggravated with him, with myself, with this situation that we were in, and didn't care that he could feel it. This was uncomfortable for me. I needed to put some distance between us and give myself some time to think about this relationship that I was stuck with and the future.
I didn't bother to look at Edward, but I could feel his irritation with me. I grabbed my shoes and shook my feet of the excess water once I was standing on the grass. I started walking back to the cabin without them.
"Isabella! You're being childish!" He called behind me. The water sloshing as he got out of the creek.
I paused in my step and turned around, completely filled with anger. Edward looked at me a little worried, but could feel a mix of annoyance and amusement through the bond. He found this funny? He may have had years to prepare for a mating, but I had a month.
"Calm down," he said, with a bit of a smirk; amusement winning over in his emotions.
He was laughing at me!
All I saw was red as I charged forward and pushed him into the water, without thinking of my actions.
Edward yelled in surprise as he hit the water.
I froze, realizing exactly what I had done. Guilt washed over me. Why did I let him get to me?
Edward glared up at me from where he was sitting in the water.
Shit, he was going to kill me.
"I don't think I'm the one who needed to cool off," he said between gritted teeth; his anger coming at me in waves.
As he got up and out of the water, a small dose of fear hit me as I wondered how he was going to retaliate. He looked me straight in the eyes, still angry, about to take a step in my direction. I turned back around and ran.
"Isabella!" He shouted, pissed, before I heard running footfalls behind me.
I'm so stupid!
I kept running. Was I going to do this forever? Run from Edward?