I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Fran, thank you for taking your time to edit for me.

CH. 14 (BPOV)

"Our future is in your hands, whatever you decide I will respect. Do you still love me?"

"I don't think I have ever stopped loving you and that terrifies me. I worked so hard to make myself a stronger person than the one who fell apart when you left. However, as strong as I am now, I know if you leave again that it would destroy me this time." I explained.

"I will not leave you ever again," he said adamantly.

"You've promised me that before." I pointed out.

"I've also said as long as it was for your own good. Nevertheless, this time I'm staying no matter what. Unless you order me away." His eyes pleaded with me not to.

"You called me your mate, why?" I asked. I knew what a vampire mate was, but he had never before referred to me this way before and I wanted to know why.

"Because that is who you are to me, Love. You're my mate — my better half." He brushed my cheek one more time before dropping his hand.

"But don't I have to be a vampire for that? What about Tanya, wouldn't she be better for you since she is already a vampire?" I asked as a cold feeling washed over me.

"I know that you're my mate, it took me a while to recognize it and accept it myself, but I had realized back in Forks. As for Tanya, she and Rose decided to play a childish game to try to make you jealous. There has never been, and will never be, anything between Tanya and me; perhaps you still don't see yourself clearly." His face twisted into a scowl.

I was happy he dismissed her so quickly. I figured that was what she was up to; however, I still had to wonder if Tanya or another vampire was the better choice for him.

"It has nothing to with that … well, not exactly. You wouldn't lose another vampire one day like you would me. I can only live for so long. She can do things for you I can't. I would want you to be happy," I explained.

"I thought you understood, but maybe it is my fault because I never fully explained. Vampire mates don't work that way. When we find our mate, it is an irreversible bond for eternity. There is no one else, there could never be. Even if one of the mating pair ceases to exist, there is no moving on with another," he said tenderly.

"Are you my mate or would I have to be a vampire for that to happen?" I looked up at him in curiosity.

He turned back to me and gazed into my eyes, making my heart race. He glanced down at our hands and squeezed mine gently. I felt a buzz of electricity run up my arm to my heart.

"Do you feel that?" he asked softly, rubbing his thumb over the back of my hand.

I nodded hoping he wasn't avoiding my question.

"Vampire mating does work both ways. That's part of why I never mentioned it before was because I thought the connection was one-sided due to the fact you were human. However, I now believe I was in denial since I didn't want you to be subjected to the dark side of being a vampire. I also didn't want you to feel as though you had to be with me because of the connection. You deserved so much better. When we first met, you tended to romanticize about us being together. However, I do think the relationship formed both ways." He looked at me wistfully.

"Maybe I romanticized things because you always kept me in the dark about what you thought I couldn't handle." I pointed out.

He nodded and looked a bit sheepish.

"It is my nature to protect you — shield you — from any potential harm. It was never to demean you and I'm sorry if that's how it appeared." He looked apologetic. "It's also why I am struggling with you being a Narc and working at the club. On one hand, I want you to be able to do your job and succeed. On the other, the possibility of losing you if something goes wrong terrifies me."

"You won't lose me," I promised.

I took a deep breath and prayed that I wasn't making a mistake.

I would always love him — I knew that. Keeping him away was getting to be too hard. I realized it was already too late; it hurt to think of him leaving.

"I want you to stay." My resolve crumbled as I admitted it out loud. "I still love you."

He stepped closer and cupped my face. He leaned down and paused, looking at me for permission. I closed the space between us and placed my lips on his. Edward's arm wrapped around my waist pulling me against his firm, cold body. My hands made their home in his hair. I missed how silky and thick it felt between my fingers.

Edward was the first to pull away. "Please tell me that you are fully awake this time." His warm, butterscotch eyes glowed.

I laughed and then shivered when a cold gust of wind pelted us with rain.

"You're cold. You should go inside." He stepped away from me quickly.

"Only if you come with me." I tugged him back to me.

His frown melted into a crooked grin. "Do I have to worry about any weapons?" he teased.

"No, the proton pack is on backorder." I joked.

His laugh rang out, and he paused at the corner of the house. "I'm going to enter through the back; one of your neighbors is up for midnight snack and might see me."

I nodded, and he placed a quick kiss on my lips.

SG

I hurried to the front of the house and then to my room. I had barely unlocked the window when it slid up, and Edward entered.

"I'm going to take a quick shower and put on something dry. "I'm sorry I don't have anything for you." I grimaced looking at him dripping wet.

"Actually, when Alice was dropping off the items you requested, she left me a change of clothes. She texted me right before you got home." He shrugged sheepishly.

"I thought you said you didn't have a phone," I asked offhandedly.

"I didn't until today. Esme had pity on me, and went out last night to buy one for me. I know I could have called you, but at that point, I thought it would be better in person." He looked nervous.

"How did you break your first one?" I asked.

"It was in my hands when I found out about Tanya and Rose's plans. I hope you know I wasn't ever supporting their childish game." He looked annoyed.

"I'm happy to hear that. It was rather obvious that they were trying to get me upset. I didn't believe them for a minute." I rolled my eyes.

Edward sighed looking relieved.

"I'll be quick," I promised. The contacts were starting to irritate me, and the wet clothes were making me cold. Plus, I could still smell the stench of the club.

"Take your time I won't leave," Edward promised.

About twenty minutes later, I stepped out of the bathroom and into an empty bedroom. My heart dropped to my stomach until I spotted a pile of wet clothes and his shoes by the window.

"Edward?" I called out.

"In the kitchen," he called back.

"Why are you in the kitchen?" I pondered out loud.

When I found him, it was just in time to see him pour milk from a pan into a mug.

"I thought you might like something warm to drink before you head to bed. I watched you the other night, so hopefully I did it right." He held out the mug shyly.

"That was very sweet of you." I accepted the mug.

I took a sip and found it slightly too hot. I blew on it lightly. I glanced up to see Edward staring at me intently.

"Too hot?" he looked disappointed.

"Only slightly, thank you." I kissed his cheek lightly.

He ducked his head and gave me a crooked grin.

"May I ask you something without you getting upset?" he asked nervously.

"What?" I hated when a question was stated that way … It made me instantly on guard. No good question starts out that way.

"You're okay financially, right? I'm not trying to offend you,'" He glanced at the living room and back. He gave a guilty smile.

"I have plenty, actually. All of Charlie's estate went to me — he might not have been rich, but it has been enough. Plus there was his settlement after his death. I chose to live simply because it just me here. Plus, if I need to leave in a hurry, there's less to pack," I explained.

"Good. I'm sorry if I was rude. If you do need anything, I hope you would come to me." He brushed my hair over my shoulder.

"Edward, I don't need…"

He stopped me with a kiss. "You would do the same for me, wouldn't you?" He dazzled me with his eyes.

I blinked and looked down at the mug. "Yes, I would. If I need you, I will say something," I said in agreement.

He beamed at my response. He grabbed the pot and washed it quickly as I drank.

"So you know about Tanya. I was wonder about you. Has there been anyone else?" He looked nervous.

"Sorry, but as much as you tried to push me to him, Mike has never done it for me," I smirked.

"You mentioned Jacob Black before," he frowned.

My smile fell, and I shook my head. "No. Jacob and I grew close after Charlie's death. He was there for me and didn't treat with pity unlike the rest of the town. He and the pack helped me train so I could join the academy. He wanted more, but I couldn't give it to him. He kissed me, but I felt nothing. When I refused him, he grew angry and said hateful things about how I was still pointlessly clinging on to you. I haven't seen him since."

Edward nodded. I thought that this would make him happy, but he looked upset.

"Did he hurt you?" he demanded. His fists clenched at his side.

"If you mean physically, no, although it did hurt to lose a good friend." I finished my milk and went to the sink.

"I'm glad. Young wolves can be so volatile. He could have easily hurt you." Edward sounded relieved.

"He didn't and I'm fine." I stepped closer to him and spun a small circle. "See."

"I see." He grinned crookedly.

He placed his hands on my hips and pulled me in for a chaste kiss. "I guess I should let you go to sleep."

I glanced towards the clock and sighed. "I should get some rest."

He followed me to my room and headed to the window. My chest hurt at the idea of him leaving.

"Edward?" I called out.

He turned from the window to look at me.

"Would you like to stay until I fall asleep?" I asked shyly.

His face lit up brilliantly. "Shall I sing for you?" he asked hopefully.

"I would like that." I sat at the edge of my bed and patted a spot next to me.

He was across the room in two strides and on the bed next to me in a moment. I curled into him and placed my head on his chest. He sighed in contentment and started to hum — I drifted off into the most restful sleep I had in over a year and half.

SG

The school day passed quickly, and I actually fit in a small nap before getting ready for tonight. Edward wasn't pleased when I said I was going to the party. Or maybe it was more that I still had to flirt and try to get close to Carver.

Carver was seemingly unpredictable while high. Carlisle suspected that was the reason Alice's visions kept shifting. It was due to his erratic mind. Edward relaxed somewhat when he knew I would have my gun with me.

I got dressed in the outfit Alice picked out for me. The skirt was black lace with a flesh-colored slip underneath. The shirt was a white, hung off my shoulder, and showed the strap of my black bra.

I looked around for my black shoes I found them by the desk right where I had left them in my office. As I slipped them on while holding onto the desk, my hand grazed the small remote for the video camera, the one I used to capture my performance so I could see how I looked. I had turned it on without thinking when Edward was here.

"I wonder…" I pondered aloud and glanced at the camera across the room.

I headed over, grabbed it from its stand and went to the television in the living room. I watched the screen intently. My movements at the beginning were smooth and graceful. Edward caught my attention — he was just barely in the shot. He was staring at me intently on the pole. The look on his face was one I had become very familiar with seeing at the club. Just as my form on the screen arched and spun, Edward subtly reached down and…

"Wow." My eyes widened. "He is such a liar."

I wasn't mad but shocked — maybe slightly pleased. Edward wasn't lusting after my blood; he was lusting after… Oh dear, god. Emmett figured it out before me. He was probably going to tease Edward about this relentlessly. Well, serves him right for lying.

Fine, my ass.

Edward Cullen was turned on by my performance.

I clicked off the television and shook my head.

I would deal with him later.

SG

The party was at full tilt by the time I got there. Josh's family seemed to be fairly well off judging by the size of their house. The music was loud enough that I could hear it from the street. It was only a matter of time before the cops came to break it up for the night.

Well… an hour and a half to be exact, unless something major happens before then. I already placed a call to my supervisor, and we agreed for me to go inside to see if I could gather any incriminating evidence. The police would come to break up the party before things got out of hand, and I was to make sure I was gone by then.

I glanced around the first floor and the swarm of kids dancing and talking in groups. A majority of them were sipping from large, red Solo cups and a few held cans of soda. I snickered thinking they might as well wave a red flag with the plastic cups. It was a near giveaway that there was alcohol in them.

There were two boys in the corner of the room, keeping to themselves. One looked extremely nervous, and his hand kept running through his hair every two seconds while his friend talked quietly to him.

"That's Josh." A voice on my left startled me.

I glanced and saw Alice next to me with a very uncomfortable Jasper looking behind her.

"What are you two doing here?" I asked.

"Babysitting." Alice shrugged.

I narrowed my eyes at her.

"Not you, my brother. Edward is around here somewhere," Alice whispered. "Plus, I thought two cameras would be better since you can't get everywhere at once with just one. Jasper can easily transfer them all onto one later." She subtly touched her necklace that had a hidden camera inside.

I nodded. "I'll see you around then."

I made my way to Josh and made sure to take a picture of him. As I got closer, I noticed a joint in his hand. I timed a picture perfectly to catch him bringing it to his lips. Then another as he passed it off to his friend.

There was still no sign of Carver, so I continued to wander. I entered the kitchen and noticed three large kegs. I snagged a picture of that too.

I felt a hard tap on my shoulder, and I turned to finding myself face to face with Jackie, Carver's ex. She already looked drunk and was wobbling as she stood in front of me.

"Carter is mine," she slurred; the cup of red punch sloshing as she waved her hand.

"Who is Carter?" I was half-amused, that she got this name wrong.

She paused and tilted her head in confusion. "Oh, I mean Carver. His money is mine. I don't care if his winky is tiny." She wiggled her little finger.

I covered my laughter with a cough. How does one even respond to that?

"You just want him for his money? That's not very cool," I responded.

"Whatever, he doesn't care as long as you spread your legs. He even said so. However, the pot isn't bad either. He always keeps the good stuff for himself," she whispered loudly.

I should have made friends with Jackie long ago. I was getting more from her than Carver.

"What does he do with the other stuff," I prodded.

"He sells it for twice the price its worth to some sucker. Half the time he mixes it with oregano and no one notices." She blinked a few times. Her eyes went huge, and she looked scared. "I shouldn't have told you that. He is going to be so mad." Tears filled her eyes.

"Tell me, what? You haven't told me anything. Just that you still liked him." I lied.

She nodded. "Oh good. I thought I told you too much. I want more punch." She wandered away.

I snorted. If there were ever a reason not to do drugs that would be reason number one right there. Jackie was so blitzed, it wasn't even funny.

I followed her to the punch and poured myself a cup. I brought to my nose to pretend to take a sip. Before I could, someone knocked into me, and the cup went flying, splashing a guy who was nearly as big as Emmett, but definitely not as friendly.

"What the fuck?" He whirled around and glared at me.

"It was my fault. I bumped into her, so blame me if you must." Edward's dark voice announced his presence. He stood next to me as his coal-black eyes glaring.

The guy looked up and took a step back. "It's cool." He walked away disappearing into the crowd.

"Why did you do that?" I turned to him.

"The punch is spiked, and I think someone slipped Rohypnol into it," he warned.

"I wasn't actually going to drink it — just pretend." I rolled my eyes.

"Sorry." He gave me an apologetic smile.

"Why are you here?" I whispered.

"To help," I watched as he poured me a new cup that he reluctantly handed over.

"Can you tell me where Carver is?" I asked.

"I don't think … He's upstairs in the second bedroom to the left; he isn't alone. Please be careful, he is on Methamphetamine right now." He looked nervous.

"I will," I promised. "Can you sneak this out so it can be tested? Make sure your prints are clean," I asked.

"I can do that. And vampires don't leave fingerprints — and not a trace of body oils, either." He nodded and took the cup back.

I started for the stairs when he caught my elbow. He leaned forward to whisper in my ear. "I thought you would have your gun on you?"

"I do — it's hidden." I smiled mischievously.

"Where…" His eyes searched my body and landed on my breasts. His eyebrows rose to his hairline as he figured it out.

I gave him a wink and walked away. I climbed the steps and found my way to the room. The closer I got the moaning and groaning grew louder. It was very clear what was going on in there.

The door opened and a girl wearing just a thong stumbled out; she saw me and giggled. "You're Marie, right? We've been waiting for you. Come and join our party." She pulled me into the room.

I counted three girls and Carver on the bed — without a stitch of clothing in sight. It was a mass of twisted body parts, and it was difficult to know what belong to who. The girl who pulled me in let go of my arm and ran over and jumped onto the bed. She leaned across and whispered in Carver's ear. The scene turned my stomach and my instinct told me to leave.

No wonder Edward didn't want to tell me where Carver was.

He lifted his head, and he grinned at me lazily with hooded eyes. "Come join us, Babe," he asked huskily.

"I think I'm going to pass. I'm more of a one on one type of girl. I hope you all enjoy yourselves though. Catch up with me when you're done, Carver; I'll be waiting." I winked. I took a couple of pictures, feeling dirty. However, I knew Carver was eighteen and I was pretty sure at least one of those girls was under the age of consent, so I felt the need. On the floor and nightstand, there was also paraphernalia I wanted to shoot a photo of for evidence.

I turned and closed the door behind me. Edward was waiting at the bottom of the stairs with his arms crossed over his chest.

"A little warning would've been nice," I grumbled.

He smirked. "I told you he wasn't alone. Shall, we get out of here, Love?"

I glanced around about the room.

"No one will notice." He promised. "Alice got a lot of images too. The police are about five minutes out."

I glanced at my watch and nodded. We slipped out the door and walked the two blocks to where I left my bike.

I slid on and looked up at him standing next to me. "Would you like a ride?"

He hesitated for a moment before sliding behind me. "You know I could run faster than this thing, even with you on my back. But at least it's quicker than the truck." He wrapped his arms around my waist pulling my tight.

"Are you offering me a ride, Edward?" I smiled slyly and batted my eyes playfully.

Edward's jaw slacked slightly then he smirked. "I suppose I did. But not the way you're thinking, you have a dirty mind." He kissed my cheek.

"You have no clue what I'm thinking. And I think going for a run is a fine idea." I stressed the fine with a pointed look.

Edward smiled nervously as I turned back and drove away before the police arrived...

A/N:

So who is happy that she forgave him and is giving him a chance? I know some of you were worried about Tanya. Sorry if my A/N misled you last time. I will repeat nothing has happened between Tanya and Edward.

Party was mildly successful; Bella got some evidence against Carver.

Bella isn't mad at Edward for saying her routine was fine. However, she did figure it out, a good idea what he really thought about it.

To all those at the TFMU, I hope you are having fun. To them and everyone else I hope you have a great weekend.

Thank you for all the love and reviews you have given my story.