Stregoni Benefici Chapter 14: How Far We've Come, a twilight fanfic

Disclaimer: Not mine. Go figure.

Okay, so I lied to myself. I told myself many times that this was going to be the last one, but it's not. There will be another chapter after this. Also, this chapter will contain the first ever lemon I've ever published, and there will be two. If sex offends you, don't read it. That's all I've got to say. SO sorry it took so long.

Also, I've got a new literature website. It's a Yahoo!Group called Slifka MD. The link is on my profile. Check it out and join. The first chapter of my next Twilight story, Plague, is already there.

Chapter 14
How Far We've Come

-
I'm waking up at the start of the end of the world
But it's feeling just like every other morning before
Now I wonder what my life is gonna mean if it's gone
-

"Can we trace where he is?" I asked, turning to Demetri.

He rolled his eyes at her. "If you wanted a tracker, you should have brought Felix along. I'm the brawn, not the brains."

"I would hardly call Felix the brains of anything," I mumbled under my breath.

"I see us fighting him in the Bergamo Alps," Alice provided.

"That's southeast of here," Akiko announced, her nose buried in a map. Ehno and Eran were both quiet, standing passively on the side.

"We shouldn't run," Carlisle input his advice. "We'll want to be at our full strength when we go up against Nathan and his army. We're not even sure of his army size, and Bergano Alps is a decent sized mountain range – he could be anywhere."

"And just because Miss Cullen saw us fighting there," Ehno said quietly, "does not mean that it will be the first place we fight him. We could be here for a long while."

"Point," I acknowledged. "We run to the nearest city, find us somewhere to rent cars, and we drive," I suggested.

Everyone agreed. Bern was the capital city, and we were only about a hundred miles away. It was a short run that only took us about 45 minutes. The woman behind the counter at the rental car company was blonde and looked to be about 25 years old. I could tell by the way she was looking at Alice, Akiko, and I that she was wondering how on Earth we got so lucky to be traveling with such amazing looking men. I internally laughed. If only she knew.

We rented three cars. We would have made it in two, but this would be more comfortable and we could get faster cars if we got smaller ones. Besides, I paid using a Volturi credit card, so what do I care how much it costs?

Alice drove, of course, a Porsche, and Jasper and Carlisle went with her. Ehno had himself an Audi and had Eran and Akiko as his passengers. Edward chose an Aston Martin, of course, and Demetri and I rode with him. They both refused to let me out of their site. Seriously, it was getting ridiculous. I think I've proved by now that I can take care of myself.

-
Cars are moving like a half a mile an hour and I
Started staring at the passengers waving goodbye
Can you tell me what was ever really special about me all this time
-

Our car ride was mostly silent. Demetri looked deep in thought – probably planning battle strategies. It's pretty much all he ever thinks about. I wonder if Edward appreciates his power. I mean, to know what everyone is thinking every moment of every day – what an advantage! I wonder though; he complains that it gets irritating listening to humans and their trivial thoughts. I wonder if things would have been different if he had been able to listen to my thoughts from the beginning.

Would he have found me to be as trivial as the rest of the human population? If he had known how obsessed I was with him in the beginning, would he have been just as disgusted with me as he had been with Jessica Stanley and Lauren Mallory? Would he have hesitated to kill me if he hadn't been so intrigued by me? Things I'll never know.

Welcome to Thun.

Edward

I was worried about Bella, as always. The entire car ride she said nothing – just held her knees to her chest, curled up and staring out the window. She was blaming herself for everything, just like she always did.

Is she going to be okay?

I met Demetri's eyes through the rearview mirror. I rolled my eyes and he chuckled in his head.

She's blaming herself. I nodded minutely. She always does. She always thinks everything is her fault. But she's strong, Edward. That girl has the biggest heart I've ever seen, and the only thing she's afraid of is losing you. If it comes to it Edward, she will jeopardize her own life to save yours, and I respect you, but I cannot allow that. If I have to choose, I need to you realize that my loyalty remains with her.

I nodded in understanding. I would have it no other way. I was very well aware that Bella would probably do something stupid and risk her life for mine, but I was glad Demetri would be there to watch out for her if I was unable to. I mouthed the words 'Thank You' to him through the mirror.

-
I believe the world is falling to the ground
Ah, well I guess we're gonna find out
Let's see how far we've come
Let's see how far we've come
Well I believe it all is coming to an end
Ah, well I guess we're gonna pretend
Let's see how far we've come
Let's see how far we've come
-

There was a very large possibility that I was going to die. When we stopped to rest for the night, I would prove to Bella that I love her, with all my heart. If this is going to be our last night together, I want her to remember it forever. I want her to always remember that I love her.

I wasn't the only one concerned about my loved one. Jasper was, of course, worried about Alice. He was berating himself for letting Alice come. Carlisle was happy Esme had elected to stay behind, but was regretting not being able to spend one more night with her. Akiko, the small Japanese woman was thinking of her love back in Italy, a member in the guard as well, and wondering if she'd ever see him again. Ehno and Eran seemed to live solitary existences so far, because their mind was revolved around protecting their leader, Bella. Alice was the only one that didn't seem so worried, which pulled a bit of weight off my mind. She was just wondering if Jasper was even going to let her fight, or if they'd get into another argument about it again. Jasper was insanely protective of his mate, and almost never let her put a hair out of place. Alice was small, but she could be vicious when fighting for the ones she loves.

Alice was, of course though, my other main worry. Carlisle I almost wasn't even worried about. If anyone was going to make it out of this, it was him. He was the smartest one here, and that alone would help him survive. Alice though… Alice was fiercely loyal to Bella, and while I loved Bella, Alice was my sister. Alice and I are closer than any of the others because we understand each other. We are both plagued by our 'gifts' and our inability to control them. We've spent hours in silent communication, her thinking her words to me, and me planning what to say so Alice would see the outcome without me having to respond. Alice had also picked up on my every movement from our talks. The slightest movement of my eyes and she knew when I was nodding or shaking my head. Alice was amazing, and I loved her like I didn't think it was possible to love someone in a non-romantic way. I don't know what I would do if I lost Alice.

I love you too, brother. And don't worry, we'll make it through this seemingly unscathed.

Alice had, of course, seen the course of my thoughts and responded from the car behind me. I glared at her through the side mirror. No visions while you're driving, you'll wreck that beautiful Porsche. I saw her body shake slightly with laughter, then Jasper wondered what had made her giggle.

-
We could turn to the clock
But I don't really know
And I can't remember caring for an hour
So tired of crying and I couldn't stop myself
Started running but there's nowhere to run to
-

Carlisle

I pulled off into the parking lot of a hotel in Bellinzona, the others following my lead. We each booked our own rooms, splitting off into pairs to spend what we were sure would be our last night together. I however, was alone. Part of me was sad, for if this were to be my last night on Earth, I would love nothing more than to spend it with Esme. The other part of me, the much more dominant and sensible part, was thrilled that I had managed to evade her when we snuck out of Italy. I'm happy she's not with us because I know I cannot concentrate while there is a chance that she may be in danger.

Akiko and Demetri roomed together in a double room next to Edward and Bella's single. I had the feeling Demetri never got very far from Bella. He was very protective of her. Enho and Eran were in the room across the hall – Bella's entourage surrounded her. Alice and Jasper were together in a room a few doors down, and I was across the hall from them.

Jasper

The atmosphere was calm, and for once, it was not because of me. Alice was surprisingly subdued. When we checked into the hotel, she glided over to Edward and Bella, pecked them both on the cheek, hugged Carlisle, and then the two of us were off to our room.

The bedroom door closed behind us and Alice took my hands and slowly dragged me to the bed. I'd never seen her so calm. She turned so my back was facing the bed and pushed me into a sitting position, where she then proceeded to kneel down before me and unbutton my shirt. No words were needed.

Her lips felt heavenly as they ascended my abdomen, slowly making their way to my own. I gave up my patience when she finally made it to my mouth and I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her on top of me. She straddled me without protest and her hands worked their way into my hair, pulling at the ends and massaging my scalp.

The night was long and sweet. We each took our time to remove each other's clothing. Her teeth nibbled at my neck as she pushed my shirt back off my shoulders. I stood and she wrapped her legs around my waist as she reached down to unbutton my jeans, before using her feet to push them down off my legs. I unlocked her legs from around my waist and set her feet on the floor, fully prepared to worship my pixie.

My fingers worked swiftly to remove her designer dress, and she made no argument when I let it fall to the floor. She would usually pull away and swiftly hang the dress, not wanting it to get wrinkled. She had been wearing no undergarments, and she was now completely bare in front of me. She grabs my hands and we move together back towards the bed. Her knees hit the edge of the mattress and she falls back, pulling me down on top of her. She removes my last piece of clothing, my boxers, as she simultaneously leans up and attaches her mouth to my chest. She latches on to a patch of skin and suckles, and the sensation is wonderful.

I moved towards the head board, leaning back against it so I can pull her on top of me. Her knees rested on the bed on either side of me, and I gripped her hips and lowered her down on to me. God, I could never get used to this feeling. At first, she didn't move, giving herself time to adjust – she had such a tiny body. Her spikey hair fell in front of her eyes and I lifted my hand to brush it away. Nothing should obscure her beautiful face.

Finally, after what seemed like eternity, she began moving on top of me. Her unnecessary breaths were coming in short pants and she was smiling at me. I held one palm against her lower back and the other between her shoulder blades as I pulled her body close to me and sucked her nipple into my mouth. Her back arched instantly and her hands were holding my head against her.

"Oh God, Jasper…" It was breathy, barely a whisper, but I heard it. I felt her clench around me and she bit her lip to keep quiet as her juice coated me. Her eyes were rolled into the back of her head and she's never looked more beautiful.

"Let's see if we can't make that happen a couple more times," I whispered in her ear, and she smiled down at me.

If this was going to be our last night, we were going to go out with a bang.

-
I sat down on the street
Took a look at myself
Said where you going man
You know the world is heading for hell
Say your goodbyes if you've got someone
You can say goodbye to
-

Bella

"Everything is going to be fine," he told me for the hundredth time, but I just couldn't bring myself to believe him. "Bella, please, stop freaking out. We're all going to be fine."

"But Edward, you can't know that. Are you Alice? No. And even Alice can't say for sure because there are too many variables. And I'd never forgive myself if – "

He cut me off by pressing his lips roughly against mine. My mind blanked, and I suddenly couldn't remember what we were arguing about. I wove my hands around his neck and threaded my fingers into his hair. It was so incredibly soft. He moaned into my mouth, but then I felt him pull away. I was strong now – maybe not stronger than him if it came to a fight – but strong enough to resist his resistance.

I tightened my grip against his head and brought his body closer to mine. For another wonderful few moments, he stopped fighting it and it felt like heaven when his tongue traced my lips and then slipped between them.

But then suddenly, and I hadn't seen it coming in time to stop him, he was on the other side of the room panting. My breathing was equally as ragged.

"Damn it, Edward," I groaned, running my hands through my hair. "Why do you keep doing this? Do you really so desperately not want to be with me?"

"Bella, you know that's not it," he argued weakly.

"Then what is it?!" I screamed, losing my patience.

"Bella… I don't want to hurt you." He said it as though he were trying to pacify a rapid animal.

"I'm not a weak human anymore, Edward," I told him, trying to calm down. "If you don't want to be with me, please, just tell me. Don't make up some stupid excuse, just tell me the truth."

He didn't respond for a while, his eyes going to the ceiling, the wall, the floor, anywhere but me. I tried, but failed to keep the tears back. He actually didn't want me.

"I see…" I croaked, and headed for the door. "Don't feel obligated to anything. I'll stay with Carlisle tonight." My hand reached for the doorknob, but before I could twist it, I felt Edward's icy touch on my shoulder.

"Bella, I just didn't think… I didn't think that after everything I've put you through… Everything I've caused… I didn't think you would still want me…" Edward confessed.

I looked at him incredulously through my tears. "And these last few months have been what? Pretend time?"

"Bella, I didn't think – "

"Exactly," I interrupted rudely. "You didn't think. I love you, Edward. I have always and I will always."

The hopeful smile that lit up his face was blinding. I heard him murmur an 'I love you', but I didn't get the chance to respond as I would've liked to. His lips were attacking mine furiously, and I couldn't help but grin into the kiss. I won.

-
I believe the world is falling to the ground
Ah well, I guess we're gonna find out
Let's see how far we've come
Let's see how far we've come
Well I believe it all is coming to an end
Ah well, I guess we're gonna pretend
Let's see how far we've come
Let's see how far we've come
-

Edward

Bella's words echoed through my mind as I kissed her. She loved me. She didn't secretly hold a grudge for what I did to her. She loves me! Her lips were eager against mine. I gripped her waist tightly in my hands and lifted her slight body closer to mine. Her hands were twisted into my hair; she pulled my head back and dropped her mouth to bite and suck on my neck. It surprised me how sensitive my neck was.

However, I didn't want this to happen with her pushed up against the door as she was now. 'Bed' I murmured quietly as I motioned for her to wrap her legs around my waist. In a flash, I was bending her backwards onto the bed, and my body followed her down.

She arched her back off the bed, and her arms crossed in front of her as she grabbed the hem of her shirt and lifted it over her head. God, she's beautiful. Her hands moved inside my button up shirt, and I quickly aided her by undoing the buttons at a faster-than-human speed. She pushed it off my shoulders and then her mouth latched onto my collarbone.

It didn't take us long to rid each other of all our clothes. Once she got rid of my shirt, my pants were close behind, and I didn't waste any time removing her pants as well. As we lay there in nothing but our undergarments, I had to force myself to believe this was really happening. It's not a dream – obviously, because I can't sleep. It's not a hallucination; Bella is really here, almost nude in front of me, wanting me to make love to her. I unclipped her bra and I saw a slight flush immediate come over her body.

"Don't be embarrassed, my love," I whispered in her ear. "You are the most beautiful creature I have ever beheld." I punctuated my words by placing kisses all around her beautiful breasts, nipping and licking until I reached the center. Her nipples hardened as my cool fingers touched them. While I bit gently on one nipple, I tweaked the other with my thumb and forefinger, causing Bella to let out a whimper and arch her chest towards me. I felt her hands thread through my hair and hold my head to her breast.

"Edward," she panted. "Edward, please. I need…" but the rest was a gasp as I trailed my free hand down to her panties. I pulled them off with a bit of assistance from her, and her wiggling hips drove me insane. When I removed my own boxers, and we were finally completely flesh-on-flesh, I swear I'd died and gone to heaven. Her body was so warm and alive.

"Bella, love, this is going to hurt," I warned her. She nodded in understanding and wrapped her legs around my waist, using her knees to urge me forward. I pushed into her slowly and we both groaned in unison. I pushed past her barrier quickly, to get it over with, and she let out a small, pained whimper.

"I'm sorry, love. It'll get better, I promise." She nodded up at me, blinking a tear out of her eye. I raised my hand and wiped the tear away. After a moment, she smiled up at me and rolled her hips, causing my eyes to roll back in my head.

"Faster Edward, please," she moaned, fisting my hair and bringing my lips crashing against hers. All of a sudden, my plan to make slow, sweet love to Bella was demolished, and instead was replaced with fast and hard. She didn't seem to be complaining though, if the high pitched keening in the back of her throat was anything to go by.

She let out a scream, though I don't think she realized it, as she finally climaxed, and as her muscles clenched around me, I followed soon after. I moved to roll off her, but she tightened her legs around my waist in protest, holding me inside.

"Just stay, please," she whispered. I nodded and rolled us so that she was instead on top of me. She hummed in happiness and only a few seconds later, she was asleep on my chest.