I wake up the next morning from Bella's voice in my ear. She's mumbling – laughing, I think – and I smile. I had imagined this moment a thousand times…waking up with Bella lying on me, her hair tickling my chin and her breath soft on my skin. It's a million times better than I imagined.

I try to disentangle myself without waking her up, and it's only after I manage to stretch my arms that I feel soreness all over my body from the strange sleeping arrangement. Sometimes I forget that I'm too big to sleep comfortably on the Swan's couch anymore. That's the thing about being a Quileute shape-shifter – it's kind of like puberty on speed.

I look out the window and it's raining. I feel like I've been gone forever, and once again my stomach warms at the sight of the familiar climate. It's funny the things you miss, you know? I spent my entire childhood complaining about the rain, but the truth is I can't really imagine living too long without it.

I hear Bella's breathing pattern change from behind me – it's no longer the slow, even count of deep sleep. She yawns and I turn around, watching her arms lift above her head and her eyes half-close with leftover slumber.

"Morning, honey," I say, grinning.

"Morning." She shoots me a lazy smile in response, then blushes and immediately begins to smooth her hair.

"Don't," I tell her. "You're beautiful like this."

"What?" she scoffs. "With hair like Amy Winehouse?"

I laugh, but pull her hands away, kissing her palm. "No. Like you."

She rolls her eyes. "I sincerely hope you do not imagine me this way."

"I imagine you a lot of ways…" I reply under my breath.

Bella hears me and smacks my shoulder lightly, but she's smiling now and just lets me hold her.

We stay there for a while – just touching; thinking. Bella breaks the silence with a quiet sigh.

"I have to see them today, don't I?" she asks. She doesn't have to explain herself – we both know who 'them' is.

"Only if you want to," I answer. "We can always –"

She shakes her head. "No, I need to do it before I chicken out." I nod. "I need closure."

--

The drive to the Cullens is both excruciatingly long and entirely too short. Even though this is technically Bella's battle, I'm almost shaking with nerves. Will they hate me? Will they hate her? Will Edward want to fight?

The hating part I wouldn't mind so much, except that I know it'll hurt Bella. Whether I like it or not, I'm willing to admit that Edward isn't the only vampire with a significant role in Bella's life. Before we became friends, Bella's only real companion was Alice, the little bloodsucker with the short hair. And I know she both respects and admires Carlisle and Esme, and even – in her own way – loves the rest of them, too. Except perhaps for the blond one. But, I mean, that's a given.

And Edward…

A few weeks ago I would be more than happy to rip him to shreds. But – and maybe it's because I have Bella now, really have her, for good – that's changed, now. Bella doesn't want Edward dead – possibly she doesn't even want him completely out of her life. We both know that it's unhealthy, their relationship, and the only real way we're – as in, me and her – are going to work is if it's cut off, at least for a while. But as much as a life without Edward is appealing, I can't do that to Bella.

When we arrive, I lean over to kiss Bella and notice that she's even paler than usual.

"Relax," I say, squeezing her hand. She gives me a tentative smile and squeezes back.

We walk to the door and I imagine that this is what walking the plank must feel like. I want to tell Bella this – make her laugh – but the door opens before my mouth can.

"Bella!" Alice squeals, jumping up to hug her. I'm not the only one surprised by her enthusiasm – Bella meets my eyes with alarm.

"Careful," I warn. "You're going to suffocate her."

Alice backs up but her smile is still bright. "Sorry," she shrugs. "I forgot."

"Aren't you…mad?" Bella asks incredulously.

"I'm just glad you're back," Alice says, beaming. "Esme was just sick worrying about you. We all were." She turns to me, looking more stern now.

"You should really work on that whole staying-by-her-side thing," she tells me, pointing her finger. "You have no idea how inconvenient it is not being able to see anything."

"Sure, sure," I reply. "I'll work on that."

"Good." Alice flashes Bella another smile. "Well, don't just stand there. Come inside!"

I hold my breath, preparing for the scent of vampire to grow inconceivably stronger. We walk into the Cullen's house and I have to cover my mouth with my hand to keep from coughing. Bella smirks, noticing my expression.

Doctor Vamp, his wife, the muscle-y one and the one with scars are arranged around the living room. The doctor is smiling, perfectly still, and his wife is just radiating Stepford. I want to laugh but decide that's probably not such a good idea.

"Welcome back, Bella," Carlisle says, still smiling.

Bella takes my hand and nods. "Thanks." She smiles tightly at him, and I can hear her heart beating faster than usual.

The big one grins, and I always forget that he has dimples and curly hair because of how strong he looks – but now, looking at Bella, he actually seems pretty harmless. "How's it going, human?" he says, winking.

Bella's grin is wider this time – I can tell she finds it hard not to be amused. "Alright," she answers.

Scar waves at her, and I can feel her heartbeat slow, as well as my own. Ah – stupid bloodsucker and his abilities.

We stand there for a few minutes, and if our emotions weren't being twisted I know we'd all be feeling seriously awkward.

"So…" I begin, holding Bella's hand a little tighter, "where's Edward?"

I see a flash of white and then I can hear him. "Right here," he says.

Bella looks at me. Here we go.

A/N: Yes, I know that wasn't fair. But I promise the next chapter will be full of surprises.