Bella's dream is from her point of view. It's in italics. I will try my best to get this story finished. Thank you all for being so supportive.
Chapter 14: Hands Off
Easy, Brother.
I felt Jasper send a wave of calm my way. Bella soothingly rubbed my back and kissed my neck. I tried to gather myself. It would do no good to kill the brother of my cousin's mate before I had even introduced myself, but if he did not take his lust-filled black eyes off of my mate within the next five seconds, I was going to gauge them out.
Edward! Don't you dare.
Alice chastened me, seeing the path my future had taken. Neil was fuzzy, but I most definitely had a round, white, head-like object dangling from my fist.
"Neil, she's taken, buddy. Knock it off." Garrett wacked the back of his brother's head. "Sorry about that. He's terrible when it comes to socializing," he apologized to me. It did not go unnoticed that Neil's eyes, though no longer black, still remained fastened on Bella.
"It's dangerous to mess with a newly mated couple, Neil. Please apologize before Edward decapitates you," Kate entreated.
"Yeah, well, our Edward has buckets of self-control. It's all water under the bridge. Isn't that right Ed?" Emmett patted my shoulder, and laughed at the death glare I sent him. My hands remained locked on Bella's hips as she continued to nuzzle against me.
It's alright. I'm all yours, remember? I took my focus off of Neil and turned my face towards hers.
I know, but I'm possessive fool, apparently. It's your fault. I playfully nipped at her lip, and she smiled, thrilled that I was no longer stiff and angry.
"Well then, Garrett, Neil, we're all very pleased to have you here," Esme greeted them as she entered the living room.
"Kate's been bouncing off the walls for the past few days," Irina remarked.
"Unfortunately, Eleazar and Carmen are out at the moment, but they'll be back shortly. Until then, why don't we show you around the grounds?" Carlisle offered, ever the perfect host. I could tell this was also a method to separate Neil from Bella and me.
"Oh, I'll give you a tour," Kate chimed. I had no idea Kate could chime.
"I'll come too," Alice said, popping up from her seat. The rest of us watched as the brothers were led from the room, and silence ensued.
"That was almost a disaster," Rosalie stated, breaking the ice.
"Is he out of his mind? He can't just look at someone's mate like that. Newly mated or not, any vampire would have wanted to rip his head off," Emmett agreed.
"I agree. It seems that we're going to be dealing with some conflict until we move. He didn't seem the least bit contrite," Carlisle remarked.
"If he ever pulls a stunt like that again, I'll make him sorry," I growled.
"Edward, I know it's irritating, but please just put up with it until we leave. We'll only be here a few more weeks. After New Year's, we're moving, so just try to stay clear of him until then. We don't want to cause the Denalis any trouble when they've been so kind as to let us stay here on such short notice," Esme pleaded with me, placing a hand on my shoulder, already knowing that I could never say no to her.
"Esme is a dangerous woman," I heard Emmett mutter to Carlisle who chuckled and nodded his head.
"Fine. I'll behave, but if he crosses the line; if he touches her even once, he's firewood," I warned.
"He's not going to try to touch me, is he?" Bella asked, alarmed, her eyes wide and worried at the possibility. "It was uncomfortable enough just to see how he looked at me."
"If he does anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, Bells, we'll tear him apart." Emmett flexed his arms.
"I don't think he'll do anything. He must know how much trouble he'll be in. At most, he'll probably just continue to leer at her, and I'll be there to slap him when he does," Rose stated smugly before sauntering over to us and extending a hand out to Bella.
"Come on Bells, it's time for your hair-cut," Rosalie announced.
"What? Why are you cutting her hair?" I protectively wrapped my arms around my mate. I adored Bella's hair.
"Calm down, Edward. We're just trimming it to about her waistline. It's difficult to manage hair when it practically reaches your knees, and Bella's hair also has a curl to it. That makes it even harder to deal with." Rose rolled her eyes as if I should already know this.
"Her hair looks perfect all the time," I rebutted.
"And now it will look even better. Besides, Bella agreed to it." Rose nodded with her hands indignantly on her hips.
"Do you want to cut your hair, love?" I asked her. She chewed her lip hesitantly for a moment.
"It doesn't really bother me, but people do stare at it when we go out, so I don't really mind if they make it a little shorter," she finally responded.
"See?" Rose huffed.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll look after her. You'll love it and so will she." Esme came over and took Bella's hand. I knew I could never win against Esme, so after a fleeting kiss, I reluctantly let my mate go.
"Alice isn't going to be happy that you left her out." Jasper smirked.
"Oh please, Alice gets clothes and shoes; I get hair and make-up. She'll have to deal with it," Rose responded before going upstairs with Bella and Esme.
As I watched my mate dance up the stairs, I saw red, remembering the look of lust in Neil's eyes. I sighed, releasing some of my tension before deciding to go for a run. Without Bella in my arms to calm me, my rage was making me feel aggressive. Jasper's knowing glance was enough to know I was being watched even without my power.
I nodded to him before taking off. The voices of my family faded away to the sounds of what little wildlife wasn't in hibernation and what little water wasn't frozen. The world was green, brown, and white. Wind combed through my hair as I pushed myself harder and faster, my feet barely touching the ground with each step. The freedom was exhilarating. I felt a dull ache in my chest when I ran too far from Bella, but it was substantially weaker than the first time. I hated knowing I was causing her pain, but couldn't go to her now. I pressed forward even more, leaping over a large gorge. I shut down my thoughts, cleared my mind, and flew.
E&B
Much to my surprise, it was dark when I returned. I had been so focused on clearing my mind that I had lost track of all time. Somehow, I had ended up somewhere in the Canadian wilderness before finally turning back.
When I entered the main house, Alice was cuddled up on the couch with Jasper. I blinked in surprise at the glare she shot me.
"Bella has been waiting for you in your cabin. Apparently, you had plans together," she reminded me coldly.
"I was only gone a few hours, Alice. We were going to head back to the cabin later for a quiet night," I informed her, still shocked by her attitude.
"Later. Brother, it's eleven. How much later are you planning this thing?" Jasper asked me, raising an eyebrow.
My eyes shot to the wall clock that confirmed his statement before I bolted out of the house. Eleven at night: I had been gone for over six hours! I was inside the cabin in less than a minute to find my Bella, indeed waiting for me, curled up of the sofa in front of the fire.
She was dressed in leggings and one of my T-shirts. Her hair had been cut to just at her waist and still fell in a beautiful, chocolate waterfall down her curved back. It had been styled and trimmed to frame her face and small locks curled along her neck. She gazed at me with wary eyes that fisted my heart when I took a step toward her. That look froze me where I stood, and we gazed at each other for a moment, not moving and barely breathing.
"Did you forget?" She asked softly.
"No, I didn't forget," I responded. She nodded in understanding.
Are you upset with me? Her voice rang in my mind.
"No! Bella, of course not. I just-"
"Was it because of Neil? Or because I cut my hair?" She continued, hurt in her eyes, hurt that I couldn't bear to see any longer, and the distance between us was driving me insane. I strode over to her, wanting punch myself as she leaned back farther into the sofa.
"Isabella, I am not angry with you, and I did not forget our plans. The incident with Neil left me feeling feral, and I needed to let off some steam before I did something I would regret later on, so I went for a run. I lost track of time, and that's all. It was my mistake, and I'm so very sorry," I apologized sincerely.
"I love you with all my being, and I would never try to hurt or punish you even if I was upset with you, which I doubt could ever happen because you have me so wrapped around your little fingers." I knelt down before her, took her hand, and brought it gently to my lips.
"Can you forgive me for being so callous?" I asked her entreatingly.
Her eyes shone with unshed tears as she exhaled a relieved sigh and nodded. She reached her arms out for me, and I swept her up, grateful to have her so close.
I thought you were still upset about Neil, so you didn't want to see me. When I felt the pain, I knew you were going far away. I thought you were trying to run from me.
"Oh, my love, no. I didn't have you in my arms to calm me, so running was my only option. If I had been with you, I wouldn't have felt any affliction at all. Being with you washes all the bad away," I assured her, pressing a loving kiss to her hair.
"And I think your hair looks beautiful," I added, feeling delighted when her cheeks darkened.
You promised to spend the night with me, just the two of us. She rested her forehead against mine, brushing our noses against each other.
And I have every intention of doing so. You won't leave my arms tonight. I promised, pressing a kiss to her sweet lips.
"I never want to," she whispered against my lips.
Did you eat dinner? Are you hungry? I wanted to make sure she was taken care of because once I got her in bed, we weren't coming out.
Very. I purred when her mind showed me what she meant, her body pressing intimately against mine.
Let me see if I can satisfy your hunger.
I stripped off our clothes in record time, not caring when the sound of tearing met my ears. I swallowed her laugh as we flopped down on the bed; the taste of her happiness intoxicated me. Her desire even more so.
I reveled in every moan that slipped through her lips, sliding my fingers against her in ways I knew would make her cry my name. When I slid inside her, it was heaven and hell. A painful pleasure enveloped me, and I didn't know whether to be rough or gentle. The feel of my mate's teeth on my ear swiftly ended my inner debate. As her moans turned to screams, my hands and lips explored whatever they could.
Edward, please!
Harder!
Our pleasure peaked various time throughout the night. It came violently, gently, swiftly, slowly. Just as when I had been running, time lost its meaning. Nothing existed outside Bella. She was silky hair, creamy skin, and rosy cheeks. Her legs held me against her, and her hips cradled mine. She was warm, wet, and tight, and whatever composure I had evaporated at her enticing touch. This woman could send me to my knees with one look.
I love you.
Kiss me.
Yes, more!
When she tugged my hair as I tasted her, I nearly came undone. When she licked my neck as I moved within her, I did. When she trailed her fingers down my torso, I trembled. When she rolled her hips against me, I saw stars. When she cried my name as she came, I flew. When she whispered 'I love you' in my ear as I slowly worshipped her body, I knew true bliss. When the first signs of sunlight shone through our window, she finally began to succumb to sleep.
"It seems that I wore you out," I whispered against her skin, slowly pressing kisses against her cheeks and neck.
"I enjoyed it," she murmured serenely, halfway between sleep and wake.
We cuddled in the bed for a short while, kissing lazily and enjoying the feel of each other. I stroked her hair as always, and she rested her head on my chest, running her fingers up and down, tracing designs. I wrapped her up in the blankets, and she finally gave in. The soft feel of her breath on my skin and tickle of her hair on my chin were almost enough for me to wake her and ravish her once again, but the look of peace on her sweet face persuaded me against it.
It seemed that I had made her too tired for dreams seeing as I heard only silence from her, so I simply held her as she slept, feeling completely content and sated. I breathed in her scent, combed my finger through her hair, and allowed my mind to drift. The question of when and how to propose to her rested within me. Should I include the family or make it just the two of us? Should I do it here or wait until after we moved?
Thinking of the move only reminded me that Bella would be attending school with us. Hormonal high school boys would be thinking about her all day long. The thought forced me to restrain myself from growling and waking my mate. Perhaps we would go on a long honeymoon. I could take her to Europe and show her the vast cities, or we could travel to someplace warm. The farthest south she had ever gone was Washington, which wasn't really couldn't be considered south at all.
When Bella began to stir, I slid on my lounge pants and went downstairs to cut up some fruit for her. She would be hungry after last night. I returned to find her barely awake and pouting at the space I had just vacated.
"Why are you pouting, my love?" I asked as I slid back into my spot, handing her the bowl and a fork. Her face lightened at the sight of her breakfast.
"I don't like waking up without you," she explained over a bite of cantaloupe.
"My apologies," I murmured as I leaned down to kiss her. Trailing my lips down her neck, to her shoulder. When juice from her fruit trickled from her lips, I was only too happy to drink it.
As she ate, I continued my exploration, kissing and licking along the tops of her breasts. Her breathing grew noticeably heavier as I got closer to her rosy tips. A moan greeted me as I finally brought one into my mouth, moaning at the flavor of her.
Edward, I can't eat with you doing that. The scent of her arousal flooded my senses, and I was done for.
Why not? I teased her as I ventured farther down her smooth abdomen, finally meeting the source of her seductive scent.
It crossed my mind that I was being incredibly selfish by distracting her from her meal, but the thought was soon washed away as I delighted in the taste of her and the sound of her crying my name as she clenched around my tongue. Her cries grew louder as I drove her further over the edge; her fingers knotted in my hair as she arched her hips. When my fingers brushed against her bud, she came for me, practically sobbing my name, and I moaned as I was engulfed by the scent, sound, and flavor of her pleasure.
You're so mean. She was too breathless to say the words aloud, and I fought a smug grin, kissing my way back up to her flushed face.
"It seemed like you enjoyed it," I whispered in her ear before kissing it and rising from the bed.
"Where are you going?" she asked, staring at me with longing in her eyes.
"I'm trying to distance myself, so you can eat," I told her, my eyes drawn to the movement of her pink tongue sweeping across her lip.
She glared at my jokingly for a minute before picking up her bowl and finishing the last of her food. I had to get a handle on myself. If I got back in that bed, she would not be leaving it for the rest of the day. It being Alaska, the sun and risen and set long ago. My watch revealed it to be a little after six. If it was already, surely my family wouldn't mind leaving us alone for the remainder of the day.
My phone buzzed with a text. Enjoy yourselves. We are all having a lazy day. –A
Well, there went my self-control.
Bella squealed as I launched myself back at her, nipping playfully at her neck.
"What happened to you?" she giggled, squirming out of my reach and struggling not to spill her fruit on the bed.
"Apparently, I get you all to myself for the rest of the day," I revealed to her, still stalking her.
Bella had placed the bowl on the night table and wrapped herself in a blanket and was now standing on the opposite side of the bed, edging away from me with a tantalizing smile on her face. I very much wanted to remove that blanket.
"You'll have to catch me first," she crooned, eyes sparkling.
I intend to.
I played with her at first, allowing her to run and jump over the bed as I chased her. It was almost enchanting, her curls dancing around her smiling face, but when the blanket slipped, I was greeted with the full view of her full chest. Before she knew it, I had her pinned to the bed, and the blanket lay long-forgotten on the floor.
"Was last night not enough?" she moaned against my lips.
"I'll never get enough," I whispered back.
She nudged me, and I rolled us so she was on top of me, her supple legs straddling my waist. Her hair tickled my cheeks and neck. Her eyes were soft. She looked at me the way I imagined I looked at her: adoringly, filled with love and longing, and I felt a swelling in my chest. Like I always felt with Bella, it seemed as if my heart would start beating again at any moment.
Neither will I.
She pressed a kissed to my forehead, my nose, my cheeks, my lips. I held her to me, enjoying the feel of her naked skin against mine. It was her turn to trail kisses down my face, neck, chest, and so forth.
"Bella, love, you shouldn't –" my words were cut off by the soft feels of her lips on me.
Let me try this, please.
When she took me into her mouth, a growled ripped its way out of my throat. It was too good, the soft, warm, wet feel of her mouth, her tongue. My hands gripped the sheets, tearing into them, so I wouldn't grab her. I fought to not move my hips as she continued to pleasure me with delicious mouth. I nearly came undone when she moaned around me, the vibrations making me groan.
Bella, stop. You have to stop, love, I warned her, feeling my climax approaching. She gave me one last tortuous lick before pulling away. A whimper almost escaped me at the loss of her.
Did it not feel good? She asked with a disappointed look on her face.
I grabbed her, rolling her so she was beneath me, and ravished her mouth with my tongue, showing her what I wanted to do to her with my cock.
"It felt too good, my love. Where did that come from?" I asked, still slightly out of it, and my arousal still painfully hard. The feeling of her tongue had been sinful.
"I really like it when you do it to me, so I wanted to try doing it to you. Rose, Esme, and Alice gave me advice," she answered breathlessly, eyes heavy with lust.
I ignored the fact that my mother and sister were giving my mate sex advice and focused on ravishing my Isabella. We spent the rest of the evening tangled in one another. Sometimes we simply kissed; others we made love. I learned every part of her body: the ones that made her giggle, the ones that made her whimper, and the ones that made her gasp my name.
When she fell asleep once again, she did dream. The pull was too tempting to resist, and I had no desire to. Peace washed over me as I sank into unconsciousness, and Bella's dream enveloped me.
A powerful gust of wind blew my hair all around my face. I wore a plain, white dress that billowed at my knees, and my hair was at its usual length. My feet were bare, and the dirt was cold. I was in a clearing, surrounded by tall trees. The grass was oddly short instead of wild and filled with flowers. The sky was covered with dark clouds. The air was warm and heavy as if a storm was coming
I looked towards the trees, not seeing any movement. The world was eerily quiet. I felt eyes on me, but I also felt that Edward was somewhere close by. I wrapped my arms around myself.
"Edward?" I called out, hoping he would come to me. His hearing was very good, and he was extremely fast. I was met with the same empty silence.
"Edward," I called again, my voice rising in panic. I felt scared. I knew Edward was here somewhere just as surely as I knew someone else was.
"I'm here, my love," his velvet voice flooded my ears, cool and calming as a gentle breeze.
I spun around quickly in the opposite direction to see him standing near the trees with a warm smile on his handsome face. He held out his arms for me as he always did, inviting me to come to him. As I smiled back, relieved and ready to run to him, I saw a pair of sinister red eyes looming behind him.
I broke out in a run, pushing my legs as fast as I could go, but it wasn't fast enough. My heart felt as if it were being clawed and crushed in my chest as I watched Neil grab Edward's head from behind, and twist.
"No!" Bella shrieked as she jerked out of her sleep.
"Shh, Love, shh. It's alright; I'm alright," I comforted her and wrapped my arms around her trembling frame.
"You… I saw Neil and," she was sobbing now, diamond tears streaming down her flushed cheeks. I tried not to let how beautiful she was with tears in her eyes distract me from how distressed she was. The sadness in beautiful eyes broke me.
"I know, Darling. I saw," I whispered into her hair as she buried her face in my neck.
He wanted to kill you, Edward. What if he tries to?
"There's no need to worry, Love. I'll be fine, and I'm sure Neil will calm down. He must know better than to challenge two covens. You're just too beautiful for your own good," I reassured her, wiping her tears and smoothing her hair behind her ears.
I don't want you to get hurt because of me. I already cause you enough trouble.
I froze, utterly shocked by what I had just heard.
"Firstly, you are my mate, Isabella. It my job to protect you and take care of you. If anyone were to threaten you, I would defend you. Both for your sake as well as my own because, as I'm sure you've noticed, I tend to be a bit overprotective, especially when it comes to you. If anything were to happen to you, I haven't the faintest idea what I would do," I told her, keeping my voice gentle, but firm.
"Secondly, you are never trouble to me, Bella. I enjoy every second of being with you. I enjoy taking care of you. Everything I do for you, I do willingly because I love you. I need you to know that," I stressed, taking both of her hands in mine and kissing them.
"Thirdly, do you think I'm such a poor fighter?" I asked with an offended expression on my face.
"That's not what I meant," she hurried to explain, pausing when she saw me smirk.
"You're mean," she complained, hitting my shoulder, but a smile graced her sweet face once again.
I cupped her face and kissed her lips, tasting their sweetness as well as the salt from her tears.
I love you.
"I love you, too," she whispered against my lips, running her tiny fingers through my messy hair.
I eased her back into the bed and readjusted her covers as she got comfortable. She curled up against me, throwing her arm over my chest and tangling her legs with mine.
"You didn't answer my question," I reminded her jokingly.
"I'm sure you're an excellent fighter," she giggled, nuzzling against my side.
"Thank you," I responded, kissing her forehead.
As she snuggled against my chest once again, I hummed her lullaby. Relief filled me as the worry in her eyes was replaced with contentment and the tension left her body. I soothed her until she was relaxed enough to go back to sleep, and as she slept, I kept my arms wrapped around her, as if they could somehow protect from her own mind.