A/N: Hello, awesome readers! I'm going to apologize right off for not sending out a special teaser to those of you who reviewed the last chapter. I'm so busy, and I thought you'd rather have the whole enchilada rather than wait an extra day or two. I promise to do better next time.

Huge thanks to my awesome prereaders, Keye and Sandy, who support me, keep me in stitches, keep me semi-sane, and also help me find music. Sandy... this one's all you. Sandy found most of the songs for this chapter.

I can't thank what has now become a beta 'team' enough. The totally awesome jkane180, wmr1601, and Katmom who catch all my snafus and fix up my shit. Mwah! This time, it was Jess that caught a biggie. Thanks, Jess!

Chapter 14

~Bound to You~

Songlist:

Xanax ~ Maria Taylor

Save Me ~ The Pierces

A Beautiful Distraction ~ JoJo

Possession ~ Evans Blue

Never Gonna Leave This Bed ~ Maroon 5

~O~

Into this night I wander
It's morning that I dread
Another day of knowing of
The path I fear to tread
Oh, into the sea of waking dreams
I follow without pride
Nothing stands between us here
And I won't be denied

~Excerpt from Possession

~Previously~

~*Edward*~

Rolling her under me, I nudged her legs apart. Our lips met in a searing kiss, and I slipped my fingers into her hair, tugging gently. "You wanna go again, Izzy? I'm always up for it, but tonight you've got me particularly hungry for you."

Expecting one of her usual comments—such as 'Fuck, yeah!'—I was surprised when she looked up into my eyes, her fingers caressing my face, and said softly, "Yes. I want you again, Edward."

Gone was the snarky, bitchy, in-control sex kitten, and in her place was a more vulnerable Izzy that wasn't seen very often.

"Are you all right, baby?" I asked, kissing her lips gently.

"Yeah. Please... just make love to me, Edward. Nice and slow this time, so I can see your eyes."

"Oh, God, Izzy... I thought you liked what we did—what I did. Did I hurt you?" My eyes roamed over her, looking for signs of distress.

Her hand came up to cover my lips. "Shh... everything was fine, Edward. I told you I love that side of you... it's just that I find I also love the soft and gentle side of you. You make me feel in ways that nobody else ever has. That scared me at first, but now I crave it—crave you—on a different level that goes beyond physical."

Her admission filled me with heat and desire. Finally, she was coming around and admitting her true feelings and desires. "Oh, how I love you..."

Pressing forward, I entered her slowly, and we took our time.

Her head thrown back.

My hips rolling against her over and over as hers rose to meet each thrust.

Her hands gripping my hair as she let out little cries of pleasure.

My arms caging her in as I moved over her, inside her.

This time we came at exactly the same moment, cresting the wave of ecstasy together, and for just a moment, I could hear her mind: IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou

~*IWIPB*~

~*Izzy*~

As the wave of orgasm washed over me, I watched Edward above me, his face transforming as his release took over, and I felt a gentle ~flex~ in my mind.

IloveyouIloveyouIloveyou, played over and over like a mantra.

Edward made me feel special—like I really mattered. To him, I did matter. I was the center of his world, and I'd come to realize that he was the center of mine.

The sensations were still flooding through me when I noticed Edward's eyes widen.

"I hear you," he whispered, a crooked smile spreading across his face.

"You what?"

"I hear you, Izzy. I love you, too." Little kisses were peppered over my face, sending additional shivers of pleasure through me.

Edward could hear me? There was no distress or anger, and I wasn't trying to speak through my mind—but I did feel the tell-tale flexing as it happened. There was no taste of blood in the back of my throat, and I felt fine, which I hoped was a good sign.

"I don't smell any blood, either," Edward answered my thoughts.

Holy shit! The vampire can hear us? Can you hear me, too, sexy? My inner banshee chose that moment to speak up.

"Shut up, bitch!" I shot at her.

Edward laughed. "I can, um... hear you both."

"Oh, great..." Just what I needed: Edward getting a taste of how nuts I really was.

Oh, my God! You can really hear me? I voted to keep you.

"Liar! You're the one that always encouraged me to hurt him, you lousy bitch. Don't think you're going to cash in now that you found out I was right."

Edward's eyes widened as I bantered back and forth with my inner banshee. Mostly, he looked amused. Personally, I was horrified that somehow he'd connected with my mind and could hear my thoughts.

"This is bullshit, Edward. Get out of my fucking head!" I sputtered. The flexing feeling dwindled until it was gone. Apparently I had some control over it.

"Damn. I can't hear you anymore."

"Oh, my God! You were totally enjoying yourself, weren't you?" I accused.

"Guilty. I've always wanted to be in your head. I'm also happy that I heard you saying you love me over and over again." That smile was worth any embarrassment caused by him seeing into my mind.

"I do love you, Edward. You know I do," I said reproachfully.

"I know, but the thoughts in someone's head hold more veracity than the spoken word. To hear it in your mind... that was really special."

"Well... you're done. No more listening to my thoughts, okay?"

"Okay." And like the broody vampire he was, his mood changed from amused to serious. "Izzy, I love you so much, and I'm sorry... about what I did earlier."

I caressed his face, trying to smooth away the worry that marred his perfect features. "Don't rehash. I understand what you were going through, and I think you understand me a little better now, too."

After adjusting our clothes so we were decent again, we sat on my blanket, gazing up at the stars. The night sky had turned navy blue with vague tendrils of fog hugging the edges of the cliffs. Edward shifted behind me, so his legs surrounded my hips, his arms encircling me as I leaned back against his chest. His chin rested on top of my head, and I sighed with contentment as my mind started to wander.

My thoughts eventually turned to what had transpired earlier today. Part of me was shocked at my reaction to Edward's desire to turn me. It would be so much easier to become immortal, to take my place by Edward's side. From my understanding, I would be a good deal stronger than the average vampire during my first year—perfect for hunting down James' sorry ass and killing the fucker.

But ever since I was in the hospital and came face to face with the girl in the mirror, I'd been disturbed. She wasn't the simpering, milquetoast Bella that I used to be, but she was also unlike the hardened, defensive bitch that I've become. The girl in the mirror was someone I could live with, someone I could be proud to be. Being with Edward drew her out; he was the catalyst for the changes in me. Without his love, I would still be fucking my way through Forks High in a string of meaningless trysts. I would still be cutting myself and doing blow. Yeah, I still toked on occasion and knocked back some JD sometimes, but Rome wasn't built in a day. It sure beat the shit out of what my life was like before Edward. A shudder went through me at the thought of how alone I really was. At the time, I bought into my own bullshit, thinking I didn't give a fuck if I couldn't trust anyone, believing that my life was worth very little. Edward had waltzed into my life, making me feel wanted, beautiful... worth saving.

Stretching the neckline of my top until my bare shoulder was exposed, Edward placed soft kisses over my skin, eliciting chills. His lips continued gliding over my shoulder, up the side of my neck and back down.

Yes, then there was the sex. Edward was an incredible lover—so unselfish and caring, but he was able to tap into his animalistic urges quite easily as well. When Edward went Dom on me, or better yet, let the primal part of himself out of its cage, he was fuckhot.

"What are you thinking about?" he asked softly. "I can smell your arousal."

"Damn vampires! Can't I even get a moment of peace?"

"Sorry." Funny, Edward didn't sound sorry at all. His arms tightened around me, his lips going back to their previous activities, this time with some tongue added in for good measure.

He's not trying to turn me on or anything. Boyscout, my ass.

I leaned my head to the side, allowing him better access. Why the fuck not? If he wanted to cloud my mind and turn me on, who was I to stop him? So what if we'd just fucked twice? I could sense round three might be looming in our future. Edward's hands were getting frisky now, too. "Well, look at you, boyscout—getting in a boob grope." Jutting my chest forward, I pushed my tit further into his hand, and he pressed his forever-hard cock against my ass. "Fuck yeah..." I moaned.

Shit. Will I ever stop wanting him over and over again? Nah, probably not.

"You're insatiable, Izzy," Edward whispered against my ear, squeezing my tit again.

"Am I now? You're the Energizer Bunny of this couple, Edward," I reminded him. "You know just where to touch me, just what to do that drives me crazy. How many women have you fucked anyway? You never told me."

Edward's lips halted their ministrations on my skin, and he hesitated just a beat before answering. "Didn't anyone ever tell you that a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell?" he asked smoothly.

I snorted in a very unladylike manner, but I let it go. For now.

My eyes were growing heavy at that point, and I couldn't resist closing them for just a moment...

Softness.

Warmth.

Cool air tickling my face.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and saw blue-gray sky above me.

"What the hell?" I mumbled, my voice scratchy.

"Good morning, my love." A cool hand caressed my cheek.

My eyes looked left and right, but all I saw was fur—and Edward's hand touching my face. What the fuck?

Shifting my body, I felt the stiffness of sleeping in an odd position dissipating. It was hard to move because I was wrapped up like a burrito—in fur. Fur? My brain finally rebooted, and I was curious as hell.

"Edward? Why am I sleeping outside wrapped up like a big furry burrito? What the hell is this wrapped around me?"

"Best looking, tastiest burrito I've ever come across." Edward chuckled. "It's bearskin."

"Where the hell did you get a bearskin?"

"Alice."

"Ah, the psychic pixie strikes again."

"You fell asleep on me last night, and you were sleeping so peacefully. The night was so beautiful I didn't want to wake you. I also know you would've been pissed off if I drove Tess."

"You're so sweet, boyscout. And you're right—I would've been pissed if you drove my girl." I struggled to sit up, but the bearskin was heavy, hindering my progress. "Can you get me out of this thing?"

Edward unwrapped me, and the cool morning air raised goosebumps over my exposed skin.

"Wow, that thing sure is warm. Do you think Alice will mind if we borrow it? I'd love to sleep outside again sometime."

"Of course." Edward leaned down to kiss my neck, and I rested back against him with the bearskin covering my legs.

"This is the life," I sighed as his lips and tongue continued sampling my skin.

And it was. If only the ugly face of reality never had to rear its happiness-destroying head again.

"Are you hungry?" Edward asked.

"Yeah. We'll have to get something on the way home." My stomach grumbled on cue.

"Alice brought you a bagel, some fruit, and a thermos of coffee. She also left you a small pack with a mirror, brush, and your makeup bag." Edward sounded amused, but I was thrilled.

"Oh, my God! Alice is the best. You can laugh, boyscout, but a girl likes to pretty herself up after a night... like that."

The first thing I did was reach for the coffee. Bless Alice's heart, she'd put a shot of JD in it. "Best coffee ever," I moaned.

Edward leaned in toward me, his nose wrinkling up. "Is that liquor in there? What the hell was she thinking?"

I pushed him back with a snort. "Don't be such a goody two-shoes, Edward! A little shot of JD in coffee is the bomb."

"The bomb?" His brow wrinkled with confusion.

I rolled my eyes. I'd really need to teach this boy some modern lingo—well, at least from this decade. "The bomb... great, awesome, fucking terrific, you know."

"Ah. Such strange expressions." He shook his head.

I rolled my eyes again, muttering, "So last century."

"I'm modern enough to turn you on..." he whispered, licking the shell of my ear.

"I'll give you that one, Edward. You're the hottest centenarian I've ever met."

Edward snorted. "I'm the hottest anything you've ever met."

"All this... and modest, too!" I exclaimed, laughing.

While I ate, Edward stroked my hair, my arm, my back; his hands were always on me. With anyone else, I would have found that incredibly annoying, but I loved it when he touched me. His golden eyes took me in, and I wondered what was going on behind their liquid depths. I didn't ask, though. This moment with him was so perfect; I didn't want to ruin it.

Once I'd finished the little spread Alice had prepared and spent a little time freshening up with the kit she'd packed for me—bless that little pixie—my curiosity started to horn in the peacefulness. Hell, I knew this little fantasy couldn't last forever. A certain drug dealer that scuffled with Edward yesterday was at the forefront of my mind.

"Tell me about Riley."

"Ah, Riley." Edward laughed lightly. "He has a bit of a... crush on you."

"Yeah, I know that. What I'm interested in hearing about is how he knows fucking James."

Edward growled low in his throat. "They're acquaintances. Riley knew James had marked someone and was after her, but he didn't know it was you right away. You'd already met Riley at the bar, and he was quite smitten with you before he put it all together and realized you were the one that James was hunting."

"Do you believe him? Did you read him?"

"Yes. Riley's a perv, and he'd like nothing better than to get between us, but he doesn't want to see you hurt. Apparently, Riley was there the day James attacked you at the Res. He was across the water, waiting for James to snag you. He hasn't seen or heard from James since, and I suspect James knows that Riley has a soft spot for you."

"He was going to help James capture me? And you let him go?" I asked incredulously. Anger started to fill me up like a toxic poison.

"No, no. That was the day Riley realized you were the one James was after. He was planning to help you escape once he saw you on the beach. He was too far away to intervene, but he did see what went down, and he's pretty sure that James got away."

"Fuck. Does that asshole have nine lives or something?"

"An eternity of lives, Izzy." Edward's voice held amusement. "He was sopping wet, after all. Surely you didn't think a flare would kill him so easily? It was an inspired idea, though. If he'd been dry, I think he would have gone up like tinder. Very effective weapon to carry, my smart girl."

This all made me very cranky, and I sat forward, pulling away from Edward's loving embrace. I wanted that fucker to die a thousand deaths for thinking he was going to take me for his own, to separate me from the only one in my entire life that has ever loved me for me. Edward didn't want anything from me other than my love and to love me in return.

"I want him dead. I want to see him burned to ashes!" I spat.

Edward put his hands on my arms, pulling me gently back against his chest. "I know, Izzy. I want that, too; you have no idea how much." Edward growled, the rumble vibrating against my back. "If he ever took you from me, I..."

"Don't, Edward. Don't go there." My voice was more forceful than I'd meant it to be, but the thought of losing him made my insides feel as if someone shoved their hand in, grabbed a fistful of my innards, and twisted them. That feeling right there was the main reason I never let anyone get close to me. If you loved, you could lose. Someone or something could step in and destroy everything in a split second. I hated living in fear, which made me hate James all the more.

"Shh... Izzy, he's not going to get you. I won't allow it. I'll die protecting you, if necessary."

My stomach rolled, and I just had to be away from Edward's tender touch at that moment. Pulling away from him, I stood up and stalked off into the trees.

"Izzy..."

"I have to take a whiz, okay?" I shot back.

Leaning back against the trunk of a huge tree, I slid to the ground. I loved Edward so much. He helped make me a better person, but he also left me weak and vulnerable. Before I met him, there was nothing that could hurt me, but now I had a great deal to lose.

Dropping my head into my hands, I pulled my hair, reveling in the pain traveling along my scalp. So many feelings were piling up inside me, and I suddenly wished I had my pocket knife on me right now, but it was back in the car. I'd never get away with cutting myself with Edward around anyway, but fuck me I wanted to feel that release right now. I was like a pressure cooker with a blocked top—the emotions building and building inside me until I was about to implode.

"Surely you're aware that I can tell you're not relieving yourself." Edward's voice suddenly came from my left, and I started, glaring up at him.

"Who the fuck says 'relieving yourself' these days? You're so last century, Edward."

"I am from last century, Izzy." A crooked grin spread across his face.

Crankily, I continued to glare up at him, avoiding his panty melting smile as best I could. He really was beautiful, and I took him in from head to toe: tousled sex hair, sensual lips turned up in a smirk, tight black t-shirt hugging his lean muscles, black jeans hanging low on his hips... damn him. Edward would look hot in a fucking potato sack.

He crouched next to me, placing a finger under my chin to tilt my face his way. For a moment, he said nothing, watching closely. His golden eyes were clouded with concern. "What is it?" he asked softly.

"Do you always have to be so fucking perfect?" I snapped, dangerously close to pouting. I wanted to be angry with him, but I couldn't be. I wanted to be alone with my thoughts, to cut myself, but I was never alone, and he'd never let me get away with it anyway. I'd have to explain myself to him; he'd want to know why I was cutting or snorting a line. Hell, he could smell any substance I put into my fucking body. My life was not my own. This fact didn't sit well with me, but I was in too deep; there was no way my freedom would be worth letting Edward go. And in that moment, I knew that I was truly and completely his, for better or worse.

"I'm far from perfect, Izzy." He laughed in a self-depreciating way. "Tell me what's wrong. Why did you feel the need to get away from me? Did I say something to hurt you?"

For a moment, I stared back into his golden eyes—eyes I had come to crave roving over my body, seeing into my soul... ferreting out my secrets. If I was honest with myself, Edward was my ultimate drug. I'd realized it on some level the night he'd showed up in my room and took the vial of blow away from me, the night of our first kiss. A part of me recognized even then that Edward was going to be my Achilles' heel. I'd fought so hard not to fall for him, but it was hopeless. I never had the strength, and I no longer had the urge, to fight against the fact that Edward Cullen was my saving grace along with being my greatest weakness.

"Yes, damn you."

"Tell me what I did."

"You said you would die protecting me." My words were barely a whisper on the wind, but I knew he could hear me just fine.

"Izzy, you have to know I meant it." He drew closer, his cool breath ghosting over my cheeks. "You're everything to me."

"That's the problem. I don't want to mean that much to you."

"Why? Have you changed your mind... about us?"

"If only it were that easy..." I muttered. If I could just push him away, turn my back on him, things would be much simpler.

Edward cupped my face in his hands, saying nothing until my eyes met his. "What are you trying to say?" I could hear the fear behind his words, see it in his eyes.

Jesus. He thinks I'm going to dump him.

"Edward... I love you so much. I can't believe I'm going to say this out loud..." I closed my eyes.

"Say what out loud?" There was still an undercurrent of fear in his words, and his hands tightened almost imperceptibly on my face.

"I'm scared. Scared of this—what I feel for you. Scared that James will take you away from me. I don't want you to die for me, Edward."

"Oh..." he said on a short, relieved puff of his cool, sweet breath. "I thought you were going to say something else."

"You thought I was going to break it off, didn't you? I suppose I've never given the impression of stability."

"It's what I feared because I love you so much. As far as stability goes... you're doing much better than when we met."

I looked up into his eyes; his face held an expression of such relief. "I suppose you're right, boyscout. I'm not that girl anymore—I would never let another man put his hands on me. Ever." I caressed his handsome face. Truly, I knew that I would never willingly allow another man to touch me. I may have been a foul-mouthed bitch with a huge chip on her shoulder, but I was smart enough to realize Edward was the best thing that had ever happened to me.

"I'm glad to hear you say that. Now about the protecting you part... what has you so upset?"

My glare was back, and I turned it on him in full force. "Edward, are you for real? I don't want anything to happen to you. I don't want you to... leave me." The last part was whispered, but he could hear me with his damn vampire superpowers.

You sound like such a fucking pansy! I love him, too, but don't you have any dignity? My inner banshee was back. I'd been wondering when she would rear her ugly head. I decided to ignore her.

"Izzy, I'm not going to die. James is no match for my family and the wolves."

"You don't know that. You can't promise me that you won't die because of me, can you?"

Edward looked down at the ground. "No, I can't."

"Thank you for being honest."

Edward shifted to sit next to me against the massive tree, pulling me into his embrace. "I promise to do everything in my power to protect you and be here for you always. There really is very little chance of James overpowering all of us. If we stick together, and you cooperate, there isn't much he can do without making a spectacle of himself. And that is something no vampire wants to happen."

"Why?"

"Because that will attract the attention of the Volturi. The existence of vampires must remain secret, and if they get wind of odd activity, they'll come and check it out. They aren't known for their mercy—very often vampires are destroyed just by their association with troublemakers. If James made a lot of newborns, the Volturi would find out."

"What if they come here?"

"Then we're all in danger, Izzy. If they find out about you, they'll want to turn you for your powers, and they'll likely destroy me and my family for keeping you a secret all this time." When I gasped, he continued, "Don't worry about them. Alice would see them coming, and we'd take measures to protect you."

"What kind of measures?"

"We could take off for a while—Carlisle could tell them a few of us went on a trip."

"Wouldn't they check?"

"Not if there was no reason for them to be suspicious. Please, Izzy; we have enough on our plates right now. We really don't need to add the Volturi to the mix."

"Okay. Promise me that you'll do whatever is necessary to stay alive... even if that means giving me up."

Edward growled low in his throat. "That's not going to happen. I'll never promise you something like that. I could never live with myself if I didn't do everything I could for you, Izzy. If I let you go, I would have no life worth living anymore."

I tipped my head back against the tree, contemplating Edward's words. Would I want to live knowing that I'd allowed Edward to die in my place? If it came down to it, wouldn't I use my power—or any other means at my disposal—to keep anyone from killing him? Yes, of course I would.

"You're right, Edward. I was being selfish, but I understand."

"You do?"

"Yes. But you have to understand that the reverse is true, too. I will do whatever is within my power to make sure you don't go down for me."

"But –"

"No. There are no buts. My feelings for you are just as strong as yours are for me. I would face the same moral dilemmas you would. Don't put me below you, Edward."

"Damn it," he muttered, raking his fingers through his hair roughly.

"Is that your way of agreeing to my terms?" I asked with a smirk.

This time it was Edward's turn to glare at me, and boy, could he glare. A shiver traveled along my spine as we sat there staring each other down. Finally, he caved.

"You win."

"I always do, boyscout. Like all men, you're a little slow on the uptake." When I took in the glare that was still beaming from his face, my panties grew wet. "Um, you're really fucking sexy when you give me the Edward Cullen Death Glare... just so you know. So hot."

He grabbed my hand before it could land on his crotch. "Not now."

"But you always want me, baby." I leaned closer, licking a trail up the side of his neck. Edward drew in a sharp breath, and I knew I had him.

"Oh! Whoa! What-all's going on up here?" The loud, booming voice belonged to none other than...

"Hello, Em. You totally ruined our make-up sex. This better be good." I turned to glance at the big teddy bear that stood at the edge of the tree line.

"Ha, ha, ha! Sorry, Iz. You've got company waiting back at your house, though. Alice said so. Take a rain check on that make-up sex... maybe in Eddie's room where I can listen." Emmett wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

"Emmett!" Edward was affronted.

Poor, innocent boyscout. I thought it was a grand idea, but I just winked at Emmett and kept it to myself.

"I saw you wink at him, Izzy." I could tell without even looking that Edward was rolling his eyes.

"Well, how the fuck did you do that? Can you see through my thick skull now, too?" I huffed.

"No, I saw it through his mind, the pervert."

This time we all laughed... some harder than others. Cough.

~*IWIPB*~

It turned out that Ricky and Darren were sitting on my front porch when we arrived back home with Tess. Edward tried his hardest—even busting out a boo-boo lip—but I refused to let him get behind the wheel of my baby. Edward is also really fucking hot when he pouts. Just saying.

When we pulled into the driveway, Ricky and Darren jumped up and ran to Tess, caressing her tough exterior with gentle hands. They 'oohed' and 'ahhed' all over her gleaming black ass. Opening the door, I stood up and watched the two yahoos with amusement.

"Um, hey! I wish you'd give my chassis so much care and attention."

"Hey, bitch!" Darren smiled behind his hand—as if I couldn't see the playful gleam in his eyes.

"Asshole." I nodded in greeting.

Ricky ran over and enveloped me in his arms—as much as his wiry frame could envelope, that is. His hands ran up and down my back, and he pressed his cheek to mine, whispering in my ear, "God, Izzy-B, you scared the shit out of me. Are you really okay?"

I hugged him back tightly—Ricky was the only one in my life, other than Edward, that meant the world to me. He was a true friend that loved me just as I was. "I missed you, Ricky. Yeah, I'm okay. Edward has been taking good care of me, and you know that his dad is a doctor, so... I'm good." We were swaying back and forth gently. My mind returned to what was going on before all hell broke loose. "How are you, babyface? And Lila?" I asked curiously.

"I'm glad you're being taken care of. I'm great. Lila is... awesome. I think I found the girl of my dreams... thanks to your prodding."

"Yes! I knew it! She's just perfect for you."

Ricky loosened his hold on me. "Sorry, Edward. This girl means a lot to me."

"That's perfectly okay, Ricky. She means a lot to me, too, and I know what a good friend you've been to her."

I smiled into Ricky's shirt. "Not even a little bit jealous, boyscout?"

"Not even a little."

Darren stood awkwardly to one side of Tess, so I pushed Ricky away and stalked up to him, taking him in from head to foot. "Hair looks normal again, disgusting nose chain in place, snarky smile, signature black clothing... and where did you get those fuck-awesome black suede combat boots?"

"Wouldn't you like to know, bitch?"

"Oh, you'll tell me all right. Izzy has her ways with the men." I nodded my head slowly. "You have to hook me up with a pair of those boots."

"What size do you wear?"

"Seven."

"Done."

"So... a hug, asshole?"

"Why the hell not?" Darren picked me up in his arms, spinning me around until we were both dizzy. He staggered back and fell on his ass with me on top.

"Shit, asshole! If you want to get cozy with me, there are more traditional methods." I put a hand up to my head, which was spinning.

Darren spread his arms and legs out on the grass and let out a loud, braying laugh. Once I regained my equilibrium, I joined in. It felt good to laugh; it seemed like years since I'd truly let loose, and maybe it had been. That was a sobering thought, effectively curtailing my amusement. Sitting back on my heels, I glanced over at Ricky and Edward to find them deep in conversation, and I wondered what it was about.

"Hey, boys... what gives?"

"Nothing. Just catching up." Ricky smiled at me.

Edward said nothing, but he walked over and held out a hand to help me up. I accepted his hand, feeling the usual tingle rush up my arm. He gazed down into my eyes, capturing me where I stood. Caressing my cheek with one hand, he smiled faintly before pulling me in with his other arm. "I love you, Izzy. Just go with this," he murmured so low I could barely hear him.

"With what?"

"Shh... Trust me." Edward held me close, and my heart started beating a bit faster, although I had no idea why. He slipped his phone out of his pocket, holding it between us with the screen facing me.

Incoming Text Message from Alice:

James is close. Emmett and Rose on the way.

I wanted to scream, but I held it together. Knowing that fucker was close by set my blood to boiling, and my heart started beating harder in my chest. If he was really close, I knew he'd be able to monitor my vitals, and my reaction might give us away. I tried to breathe deeply, but it was difficult with the anger flaring through me. I felt a gentle ~flex~ in my mind and worried about what might happen. I'd never felt that feeling unless there was a specific purpose to it, but it seemed as though my power was gearing up for an attack. My eyes met Edward's, and I mouthed, 'My power,' to him. He seemed to understand, and one hand tightened around my upper arm as he slipped the phone back into his jeans pocket.

Edward pulled me close, whispering into my ear, "Kiss me."

It seemed like a strange request, but I knew that his mind would be all over James and his close proximity, so I just went with it. Sliding my arms up around his neck, I looked into his topaz eyes for a moment before mine slipped closed, and I brought my lips to his. He pulled me in close with both hands firmly wrapped around my waist and brushed his lips slowly across mine. Even though the contact was light, an electric tingle started to spread through my body, vibrating at a frequency I was coming to know as our own special connection.

Edward continued to hold me firmly, his lips moving slowly against mine. Unconsciously, I arched my back, leaning in closer to his rock-solid torso. He placed gentle kisses along my jaw until his lips were against my ear. "I want to mark you again."

His words sent a thrilling jolt right between my legs, and I increased my hold around his neck when my knees weakened.

"Will that help with James?"

"No. It's purely selfish and possessive of me." His cool tongue traced around the edge of my ear, and shivers raced through me, adding to the tingling, heat, and wetness that were already gathering at the apex of my thighs.

"Now?" I whispered.

"No." His nearly black eyes gazed down into mine meaningfully. "When we're alone. But soon."

I couldn't look away. Part of me was aware that Ricky and Darren had to be standing awkwardly by, watching this scene play out; I knew we were being rude, but I couldn't bring myself to care. Edward was waiting for my answer.

"Yes," I answered breathlessly.

Edward lowered his face to mine again, kissing me deeply. He licked across my lips, which I wasted no time parting to invite him in. With a barely suppressed moan, he lifted me off my feet, crushing me to him as his tongue delved into my mouth. My heart pounded between us as I melted into his kiss.

"Um, Izzy-B, we're gonna go..." Ricky's tentative voice broke into the sensual cloud surrounding me.

Edward pulled back from my lips, letting me down to the ground, where my knees buckled. My arms were still around his neck, and his hands were planted on my hips; otherwise, I would have fallen into a boneless puddle on the ground.

"Don't leave, Ricky. My apologies for our... very public display," Edward offered.

"That's okay. We really need to get going anyway."

"Okay, Ricky. I want to hear more about Lila, so I expect a phone call or visit soon." The only reason I was readily agreeing to them leaving was my fear that they might get sucked into any drama that might occur with James. The last thing I wanted was for more people I cared about to get hurt. Edward's eyes flicked back to mine, and he seemed to understand my concerns.

"Yes, please come visit soon. Izzy will be staying at my place for the foreseeable future, but you're both welcome to visit us anytime."

"Thanks, man." Ricky smiled, bumping fists with Edward.

Darren just nodded; he didn't seem as comfortable around Edward as Ricky was.

Edward never let go of his hold on me.

"Love you, girl. Take it easy, yeah?" Ricky kissed my cheek.

Darren looked at us oddly. "See you." He glanced back once as they sauntered over to Ricky's car.

When they were gone, we moved Tess into the garage, entering the house through the inside door. I didn't say anything about James because I wasn't sure how close he might be.

"Darren looked odd," I commented as I shut the door and put my things down on the kitchen table.

"He's wondering about us. He thinks I'm too attached to you." Edward smirked.

"And that would be funny why?"

He walked toward me slowly, taking my wrists in his hands and pinning them up against the wall beside me. His lips ghosted over my neck, his tongue peeking out to lick his mark on my neck. "Because he's absolutely right. I am too attached to you. I want you every moment of every day." Another lick. "There's no physical way for me to get as close to you as I wish to."

"Edward..." My voice shook. His words rocked me to the core because I found myself feeling the same way—I wanted to crawl inside him and curl up like a cat in her favorite patch of sun. "What's happening with us?"

Instead of answering, Edward pressed his lips to mine again, his tongue moving in perfect sync with mine. He let go of my wrists, and without breaking the kiss, lifted me by the backs of my thighs. He backed up and turned us around, sitting me on the counter of the breakfast bar and placing his hands down flat on either side of my hips. I put my hands on his shoulders to stabilize myself. Without speaking, he focused his smoldering eyes on my lips as he leaned in slowly to kiss me again, his tongue moving against mine for a moment before he pulled back. He slipped one hand under my shirt, his long fingers playing with my nipples. Falling to his knees, he looked up at me with pure lust in his eyes, and I drew in a sharp breath. His hands moved to my thighs, and he pushed my skirt up slowly until my pussy was bared to him. I pressed my hands against the counter, curling my fingers into claws until my nails were digging into my palms. Coaxing my legs farther apart, his gaze fell between them unabashedly, and he growled.

"Edward... what about..." I mouthed, 'James.'

"He's gone."

"How do you know?"

"I read Rosalie's thoughts. James got away."

"Fuck."

Edward's hands gripped my thighs tighter. "I want to mark you now."

"Where?" I asked with surprise. I fully expected him to go back to the mark on my neck, but apparently, he had other ideas—possibly delicious ones—in mind.

He leaned forward, licking a trail along the inside of my thigh, stopping just short of my pussy. Swirling his tongue in a tight circle then nipping with his lips, he said, "Right here."

My eyes nearly rolled back in my head, my breath coming in short pants. Looking down and seeing Edward's head between my legs about to sink his teeth into my upper thigh was an aphrodisiac that went beyond words. He placed a gentle kiss where he wanted to bite, looking to me for permission first. The low rumbling growl that vibrated in his chest told me that he was holding himself back with some difficulty, but I knew that if I said no, he would back off. That's what made Edward so wonderful and perfect.

Unable to speak, I nodded my head and watched as his eyes darkened further. Then he sank his teeth into my thigh, and after a slight sting, it was pure ecstasy. I don't know that it had to do with the mechanics of what he was doing as much as the thrill I received watching him and listening to the growl in his chest lower in volume until it was almost a purring sound. When he'd bitten my neck, I couldn't see him at all, but in this position, I could watch him drink, watch his eyes slip closed, witness him trembling between my legs. I couldn't take my eyes off him, and when he gazed up at me after his second mouthful, I nearly came right then.

Gripping his hair in my fingers, I reveled in the feel of each small pull he took. "God, Edward..."

A moment later, he pulled his teeth from my thigh, licking the wound closed with his tongue. I nearly protested the fact that he'd stopped so soon, but my words jammed in my throat when he shifted his mouth dead center between my legs. He kissed my kitty once softly before parting it with two fingers to lick at my clit. Edward's tongue flicked lightly over my sensitive nub, swirling around before dipping inside me. He repeated this pattern over and over, moving faster than a human male would be capable of. My fingers tightened convulsively in his hair, my other hand splayed out behind me against the cool marble of the counter for support as he laved me with his tongue. Between what was going on between my legs, knowing how badly he wanted to mark me again, and the sight of him doing so, it wasn't long before I felt a tightening in my abdomen as shivers of the most exquisite pleasure started washing over me.

"Oh... I'm going to..." I gasped.

Edward placed a hand on my hip, squeezing it to encourage me to let go. There was nothing I could do to stop it even if I'd wanted to. I held out a few more seconds, knowing that would make it even more intense, and then I came hard with a sharp cry. He continued to lick at me until the aftershocks died down, and then I heard the sound of his zipper going down.

Fuck, yeah.

Edward slid my ass forward, wrapping one arm around my back for support and entering me swiftly. With a soft growl, he set a fast pace, looking down on me with pure lust. Rolling his hips against me over and over, he moaned his pleasure even as I felt my own orgasm building again.

"Edward, I'm getting close again," I whimpered.

"Hold on for me, Izzy," he rasped, leaning down to take a nipple between his cool lips.

The feeling nearly sent me over the edge as it traveled straight to my center, but I tried to hold on so we could release together. Flicking his tongue across my nipple a few times, he whispered, "Now. Come for me, Izzy," as he shifted his lips off to the side and bit into my tender skin lightly, licking at the blood that beaded there. Needing no further encouragement, I exploded beneath him, feeling his cool seed pump into me as he cried out my name.

Spent, boneless, and breathless, he lifted my limp form in his arms after zipping up his jeans and carried me up to the bathroom. Sitting me on the lid of the toilet, he drew a warm bath, holding out a hand to help me step in after undressing me. Sinking into the soothing water, I closed my eyes and sighed with contentment. We hadn't spoken a word since we came together in the kitchen, but there was an unspoken peace between us, an understanding of some kind that I didn't quite comprehend. I was getting used to such occurrences when dealing with Edward.

He knelt next to the tub and shampooed my hair, his long fingers massaging my scalp and relaxing away any tension that might have been left over from earlier.

"Oh, you have magic fingers," I enthused, "to go along with your magic tongue... and your magical cock. And let's not forget those cutting edge incisors."

Edward chuckled. "I aim to please." He continued massaging my scalp for a few moments before speaking again. "May I assume you're okay with what happened? That last little... nibble... wasn't planned. I got a bit carried away."

I smiled without opening my eyes. "I really must find a new nickname for you; boyscout is so inadequate now that I've corrupted you. Yes, it was fine. I can't believe I'm about to admit this, but I really get off on you... um, biting me."

"Tilt your head back."

My eyes flew open only to meet two very amused topaz ones. With a crooked smile, he said, "So I can rinse your hair, Izzy. I'm not about to drink from you again."

"Oh, um, sure." I complied, tilting my head back. "So why don't you want to drink from me again? You did enjoy it, right?"

"Very much. I didn't take a great deal of blood from you, but your body will need time to replenish it."

"I see. Did it... taste good?"

"Yes, but you still don't taste like you yet. I can still detect other... flavors under your unique bouquet due to the transfusions. This wasn't about your blood, though, Izzy." His tone had turned more serious.

"What was it about then?" I asked carefully, keeping my eyes closed as he continued to rinse the soap from my hair, the warm water tracing gentle rivulets down my back.

I felt his wet hand touch my face, turning it his way, and I opened my eyes to meet his. "Izzy, vampires are very possessive creatures. I'm not necessarily proud of it—and it won't matter one iota to James—but I wanted my mark somewhere more... intimate. It was purely selfish of me, and I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry," I said softly, reaching a hand out to caress his cheek. "I wanted—no, needed—that as much as you did. I want everyone to know I belong to you, Edward."

He leaned in to kiss me. "Well, I certainly hope you aren't intimate enough with anyone else to show them those marks," he answered playfully.

"No, that will never happen. It's only you, boyscout."

An hour and many kisses, caresses, and a short romp in my tub later, we arrived back at the Cullens' house to discuss James. Edward and I walked in hand in hand, barely able to stop touching each other; it seemed his marking and drinking from me had a similar affect on us both, and we were reluctant to be more than a few inches apart.

Everyone was gathered at the dining room table waiting for us. It seemed that all serious discussions took place around their table, and by the looks on their faces, this was no exception. As usual, Carlisle was at the head of the table with Esme to his left. Emmett and Rosalie were to Esme's left, and Jasper sat beside Alice across from them. Edward sat in the chair next to Jasper, pulling me down sideways on his lap and wrapping his arms around me. I was glad he didn't make me sit apart from him; I wasn't ready to lose contact with him either.

Everyone greeted us. Most notably, Carlisle with a knowing smile and Emmett with a loud guffaw before he said, "Shi-it... I can smell you two all the way over here. I'd tell you to get a room, but obviously, you already did."

I laughed, already anticipating Edward's, "Emmett!" delivered between gritted teeth.

Rosalie rolled her eyes. "Shut the fuck up, you goons. We need to talk about James, remember?" Her jaw was set in a way that told me the news wasn't of the we-caught-James-and-burned-him-to-ashes variety. Fuck my life.

Carlisle broke in before things got out of hand. "We have serious matters to discuss, everyone." He never raised his voice, but I noticed they all sat up straighter, coming to attention when he spoke. "Edward, Izzy... Alice had a vision that James was spying on you both from somewhere close to Izzy's house. Obviously, that means he isn't dead, and that he is, in fact, still very interested in getting to you."

Edward's arms tightened around me.

Carlisle continued, "Emmett and Rose headed his way but weren't able to get him. Emmett, do you want to explain what happened?"

"Yeah, sure. That asshole has quite the gift for evasion, 'cause I chased him hard, but he still outmaneuvered my ass. No fucking way—sorry Esme—that little putz could outrun me."

"I was watching your house from a distance. We didn't think it was a good idea to leave you completely unprotected; it could have been a ploy to divide and conquer," Rosalie informed me.

"Thank you," I said, and she nodded.

"Good thinking, Rose. Emmett, do you think he was working with any other vampires? Did you catch any other scents?" Edward asked.

"Nah, the fucker was alone. I didn't catch any fresh scents out there."

Edward started rubbing slow circles over my back, and I wondered if he was trying to soothe himself as much as me. James was a persistent fuck. I just wanted him dead; the thought of him hurting anyone I cared about made me feel sick inside. I lay my head on Edward's shoulder, settling my nose in the crook of his neck to breathe in his fragrant scent, which never failed to calm me. I placed a kiss on his Adam's apple, and he squeezed me reassuringly.

"Don't worry, Izzy. We'll get him," Edward said quietly.

"Izzy, I understand you had an incident with your power?" Carlisle addressed me.

Lifting my head, I nodded. "Yeah. How did you know that?"

"Edward told me when he called before the two of you came over. Can you tell me what happened?"

"Um, well, I was really pissed thinking about James stalking us, and I felt that little flex in my mind that happens when my power is gearing up. I mouthed to Edward that it was happening, and he distracted me by asking me to kiss him."

"And did that resolve it?"

"Yes." I realized that was true; after I'd started kissing Edward, there were no more coherent thoughts of anger, James, or my power.

"I'd like to run some experiments, Izzy."

Edward stiffened around me. "What kind of experiments, Carlisle? And why didn't you mention this over the phone?"

"It just occurred to me, Edward. I wasn't trying to hide anything. I'd like to test Izzy's responses under CT and MRI. I have some theories I'd like to prove."

Edward growled. "She's not an experiment, Carlisle! There's no way I'm letting you trigger her power!"

"Wait, what?" I asked, confused, but then I realized Edward must be reading from Carlisle's thoughts.

"Son, calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down. You're not using the love of my existence as a research subject!" Edward stood up, his hands tightening on my arms. "This conversation is over." He started to pull me from the room but hesitated when I resisted.

"Edward, wait. I want to hear what Carlisle has to say. I need to decide this for myself."

From the set of his jaw and the glare directed down at me, I could tell he wasn't going to make this easy. So, what else was new?

~*IWIPB*~

A/N: Yeah, so Edward was pretty frisky this chapter. See what happens when he lets the monster out of his cage? *cough* Leave me your thoughts, and I'll send you a special teaser. Promise.

I've been nom'd in a few categories of The Tomato Soup Awards. Thank you little angels! I haven't had a chance to look over the website yet, and I don't know when voting starts. Aren't I a font of information? Sorry, guys.

My collab with the lovely wmr1601 is up on The Lemonade Stand this week! Voting ends tomorrow, and your votes are much appreciated! The story is 'Speak Now.' And if you aren't reading it yet... why the hell not? Join us for some wedding crashing fun! And some angsty times. We'll be running the gamut in this fic.

My collab with Padme-And-Anakin-4-Ever (go check her stuff out) won first place voters' pick in the 'Write That Tune' anonymous contest! Thanks to all who read and voted. The story is posted on my profile, and it's called: 'So a Vampire Walked into a Bar...'

Enough of my blathering. If you like my blathering, join me on Twitter—where I spend entirely too much of my time. (at) SaritaDreaming