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

CH. 14

(EPOV)

When I woke up in the morning I was warm and comfortable. All I wanted was to go back to sleep. I rolled over like I often did first thing many morning grabbing my pillow and putting it over my head. Instead of the mattress I found myself face first into something that felt cold and firm; it also smelled heavenly. Hearing a sharp intake of breath, I sat up quickly.

To my embarrassment I realized that I had just buried my face right between Bella's legs. She looked caught off guard and her eyes looked slightly dark.
"Bella, I'm so sorry. I forgot you were here." My hand went through my hair trying to tame the wild mat.

"Should I've left," Bella pouted slightly, she moved to get off the bed.

My hand reached up and grabbed her wrist. "No, please, don't go. I'm glad you stayed. If I had it my way I would keep you for life. I mean…" I winced when I realize how obsessive that sounded.

Bella grinned while leaning toward me. "Well, I'm yours." She kissed my lips lightly. "And you're mine," she growled softly before kissing me more passionately.

I returned the kiss heatedly. I reached out for her and tried to pull her on to my lap. At first I was met with resistance, but then she quickly straddled my lap. Our kiss grew deeper as hands started to roam. She felt as if she was all muscle, smooth hard.

Speaking of hard, I felt my shorts become uncomfortably tight as Bella rubbed against me. A loud purr came from her and I almost lost it. I pulled back sharply and she slid off my lap.

"Edward, are you alright?" she looked worried. Her eyes started to roam my body making me more flustered. With my luck vampire's probably had excellent eyesight and she would notice my current excitement from our short make-out session.

"Shower. I need to go shower." I mumbled as I stumbled off the bed. I all most landed on my face but Bella caught me; only making me feel more embarrassed. I thanked her hurriedly and left the room. I stumbled through the kitchen and living room too. I realized I forgot my glasses. Fortunately my contacts were in the bathroom.

I took the coldest shower of my life. I was putting in my contacts when I realized that I forgot to bring clothes with me. I slid back on my shorts for now and was in the process of putting my shirt on as I walked out of the bathroom. My foot hit something soft. I looked down and noticed a small pile of my clothes left by the door. I smiled and quickly changed into them. Bella must have done it since I noticed that Charlie and Alice weren't home when I came up the stairs.

When I reached the bottom of the steps I was greeted by an aroma from the kitchen that made my stomach growl. Something sure smelt good. I peeked in and found Bella by the stove.

"I hope you like omelets and home fries." She looked over her shoulder at me.

"I do, but you didn't have to do this." I watched as she seemed to dance around the kitchen.

"I wanted to. It has been a long time since I have cooked, I hope it came out okay. I can't taste as I go any more." She brought a plate to the table where a glass of Orange juice was waiting. From the emaciated oranges on the counter behind her I could see that this was freshly squeezed juice.
"It smells wonderful. I'm sure it tastes just as good." I took the seat. I speared a potato piece and brought it to my mouth. I was amazed how good it tasted in my mouth. I immediately tried the eggs.

"Mmmm, these are delicious. Can you teach Alice?" I begged after swallowing. Bella smirked and shook her head.

"I'm afraid I don't remember too much." Right, she wouldn't need to cook now.

"So you don't eat at all then; even for show?" I asked before shoveling more into my mouth.

"We try not to. We can if we had to for show. But we can't digest it and it also taste like eating dirt to us."

"Hence, why Emmett spit out that burger." I laughed. Bella smirked and rolled her eyes.

"I still can't believe he did that. Alice really must have caught him off guard." She laughed too.

"I think she was testing him. She knows." I gauged her reaction. Bella nodded, seeming indifferent.

"I was starting to suspect she knew more." Was all that Bella said in response.

"I wish I did, apparently she knew before we came here." I was finishing up the last bit of eggs. Bella's eyes widened slightly but nodded.

"Somehow I'm not surprised." Bella sighed.

"Is it all right that she knows?" I asked.

Bella stilled and held up a finger. Before I could ask I heard the front door open. Charlie must be home. He appeared in the kitchen doorway moments later.

"Good Morning," he greeted us curiously. I glanced at the clock, it was eight in the morning. I'm sure Bella being here looked suspicious.

"Good Morning, Charlie." I was trying to figure out how to explain Bella being here.

"Good Morning, sir." Bella stood up walked gracefully over to him. "I'm Isabella Cullen. Edward and Alice have said wonderful things about you." She smiled charmingly.

"It's nice to meet you to Isabella. I take it you're Carlisle's daughter? Your father is a good man and doctor." Charlie smiled at her but questions still lingered in his eyes.

"Thank you. I came over early to make Edward a good breakfast before we went out hiking this morning. May I make you anything?" she asked sweetly.

"No, thank you, Isabella. I just got off the night shift and I'm going to head to bed. That your car out there?" Charlie relaxed more now after Bella's quick explanation.

"Yes, sir. It wasn't in the way was it?" she asked. I was trying to figure out when she got a car here.

"No, you're good. You two have a good hike. It's foggy now but from what I hear it will be another sunny day." Charlie smiled at her. She had quickly charmed him it seemed. The dryer buzzed and Bella excused herself.

"You have her doing laundry too?" Charlie gave me a look of disapproval.

"It's Alice's jacket from yesterday. She offered, I swear I didn't ask." I held my hands up in surrender.

Charlie nodded. He pulled out his wallet then pulled a small flat square. He tossed it to me and I caught it one handed. "Remember what I said." He turned and left the room.

I looked at the condom in my hand just as Bella came back into the room. I shoved it into my pocket.

"When did your car get here?" I whispered to her.

"Emmett dropped it off while you were in the shower." She grabbed my plate and started to wash it.

"I can do that," I felt guilty she was doing everything.

"Don't worry about it." I noticed she was already done with the clean up.

"So hiking? We can try out this new GPS I bought. Ben mentioned a trail I wanted to check out." I suggest.

"We can do that we just have to make sure no other humans are around." She cautioned.

"No problem. I will go grab it." I disappeared downstairs. The first thing I noticed was that the bed was made. It took a few minutes to get it ready. I grabbed a sweatshirt and headed up the steps.
Bella was waiting in the kitchen with a small backpack.

"Lunch," was all she said as caught me looking.

"Wow, you're going to spoil me." I grinned.

"Is that a complaint?" she arched an eyebrow. I shook my head before kissing her cheek.

"Nope, this just means I get to spoil you too." I took the bag from her before taking her hand.

F

Sometime later we arrived at the trail that Ben had mentioned. I got out of the car and the air felt warm enough that I took off my jacket. I grabbed the bag from Bella before she could sling it over her shoulder. She raised an eyebrow but said nothing. I pulled out my device and waited for the coordinates to locate us.

I took a step towards the trail when Bella stopped me.

"Let's go this way." She suggested, gesturing towards the woods; there was no path.

Realizing my reluctance she added. "I know where we are, we won't get lost." She held out her hand for mine. "It would be better too if we didn't run into any one."

The woods were a bit cooler in the shade but still comfortable. I held my new device one hand. I planned to plot points in the GPS every few yards.

"So you never answered my question about Alice earlier. Is she in danger because she knows?" I restarted our conversation from earlier.

"There is a coven of vampires known as the Volturi. They see themselves as leaders of my kind. One of our main laws is keeping our secret from the human world." Bella looked grim as she effortlessly jumped a fallen log like a gazelle.

"What happens to the humans if this Volturi finds out that they know?" I asked as my jump wasn't as graceful.

"It's usually be changed or die." Bella grimaced.

I frowned as I started to think deeply. So that is it then, I was to become a vampire. The thought of drinking blood disgusted me to no end, as did knowing I would have the urge to kill humans too.

But then there might be at advantages to it too. I felt sort of out of place with Bella. I always thought the male in the relationship should take care of the girl. That he should be stronger and provide for her.

I realize that was an outdated belief today, but that was how I was raised. Right now, Bella was stronger than me and that just felt odd. I felt if I should be protecting her not the other way around. Was it even possible to be more intimate with her?

"Do you need to rest? You stopped?" Bella eyed me with concern. I shook my head and started to walk again.

"So you're telling me that Alice and I have to become vampires then." I stated. A brief flicker of rejection flickered in Bella's eyes. I realized that might have been harsher than what I meant.

"That would be the safest solution, in all honesty. However, no one is going to force you or Alice to be changed. That decision is up to you. If you chose to remain human then I will do whatever I can to keep you safe." She promised, but that didn't ease anything. I should be protecting her. "Even if I had to leave for you to be safe." She whispered. That I didn't like at all. Just those few hours away from her hurt like nothing I felt before. I couldn't imagine not ever seeing her again.

"That would put you in danger, wouldn't it?" I pinched the bridge of my nose. I felt Bella reach up and remove my hand. She held it with one hand as she used the other one to run through my hair.

"No one is in danger right now. They may never find out about you and Alice if we stay quiet enough. Besides, I can protect myself." Bella told me calmly.

"How big is this other coven?" I still wasn't satisfied that she wasn't in danger.

"They are three that rule and their wives, but they have a guard composed of other vampires chosen for their strengths and special abilities." She explained. I was having trouble seeing how she could say she wouldn't be in any danger.

"What kind of special abilities," I started walking again for some thing to keep me from panicking.

"Well, things like, Aro is one of the leaders, he can read other's minds if he touches them. There is another that sends pulses with her mind to her victim's mind that makes them feel like they are in pain." She explained.

"Forgive me for asking. But how can you tell me you would be safe from them, when you talk about how powerful they are." I'm sure my voice came out strained.

"Well, I have my own special ability. I have a shield over my mind that will protect me from most, if not all their abilities. If I need to I can push my shield out to protect my loved ones." She seemed pleased.

"But this shield, would it protect you from a physical attack?" Her smile fell and she looked grim.

"No, but I do know how to fight if it came to it. Emmett is one of the strongest vampires I know. Maybe we should move on to a different topic. I didn't want to upset or worry you. We are safe right now. " Bella sighed. "The last thing I wanted was for you to feel like you had to be changed. I want you to make that decision on your own and I will support it." She suddenly looked so sad that I felt guilty. Someone as beautiful her should never frown.

We were silent for a few more feet. I watched as she walked up a tree that had fallen half way like it was balance beam. Though she looked graceful I was nervous that she might slip off.

"Why did you decided to be changed?" I asked looking up at her. She froze in mid-step, she took a deep breath before turning on the tree. She jumped down a good twelve feet landing lightly on her feet.

"I didn't have a choice in the matter." She told me. She went on to explain to me about this vampire, James. I never wanted to hurt anymore more than I did him in my life. I tried to keep calm as I held her hand and rubbed circles on the back of her slender hand. She was still visibly upset about something that occurred years ago. Although it showed me how strong my girl really was.

"I'm sorry that happen to you." I kissed her forehead. I held her as close as she would let me. "The others, what about their change?"

"None of them had much of a choice either. But their stories are theirs to tell. I'm sure Emmett will have a blast telling you his." I pleased to see her smile again.

"So then why do I have choice?" I asked perplexed.

"Carlisle changed the others at the point of their deaths. You still have a chance at normal human life. You could find another girl that you could marry and give you children." Although I fully comprehended what she was telling me, the idea still seemed so foreign. How could any other girl hold a slight flicker to what Bella meant to me?

"So I assume then you will just find another guy or should I say vampire to replace me?" I couldn't help but be angry with the idea of anyone else touching her.

"No, of course not." Bella responded immediately as if the idea was ridiculous.

I nodded tersely and clenched my jaw. I let go of her hand and distracted myself with the GPS.

"You're mad." Bella looked down at her feet. I sighed and grabbed and placed my fingers under her chin and tilted it up until I could see her face.

"The idea of anyone else being with you makes me feel that way. I wish I was good enough for you." I sighed and told her honestly.

"Edward Anthony Masen, you're plenty good enough. I'm not trying to replace you. I told you there would be no one else. You're my mate, there could never be anyone else. You're it for me," she declared with fire in her eyes. She placed a hand on my cheek. "I will always love you and always you. I was only making sure you knew you had options and you weren't trapped with being with me."

My heart soared when she said she loved me. My anger and anxiety melted away when I realized what she was trying to do. She was only looking out for me, putting me before her feelings. It was a sweet gesture although I disagreed with a hundred percent.

"I love you, too. There could never be anyone more perfect for me than you. I'm not letting you go. Ever." I leaned down to kiss her sweet lips. She responded immediately and enthusiastically. Kissing her was great, but I was craving more intimacy. "I don't know if I want to be changed or not."

"You don't have to decide today." Bella rested her cheek over my beating heart.

"So, what next? Do I ask Dr. Cullen's permission to court you? That is what they called it in your time, right." I felt Bella start to shake with laughter.

"I would highly advise against it." My mood fell slightly. Would he turn me down because I wasn't a vampire too? Bella pulled back and looked up at me. "If Emmett overhears you he will tease you unmercifully for as long as you live." She explained trying not to giggle.

"We can still go on dates though. I will be a fairly cheap one. You won't have to buy me dinner, first." She winked before kissing my jaw.

"Sounds nice." I agreed smiling back.

"Come on. I want to show you something special." Bella pulled me on.

F

We still had a while to go before we reached our destination. We reached a point where the woods started to thin out and I could see the sun up ahead. I stepped through into a clearing and found myself in a meadow. The sun felt warm against my skin. I made a note that we would have to come back in the spring.

I turned to discover Bella still back in the shadows. She was nervously biting her lip.

"Are you coming," I held my hand out to her.

"Remember I told you that sun affects vampires." She tried to prepare me.

"Will it hurt you?" I grew concerned.

"No, but I just want to remind you, because it can be unsettling." She probably assumed I would overreact again. I tried to prepare myself for anything. I nodded my head to encourage her to proceed.

She slowly took a step forward. As soon as the sun hit her skin it started to shine like little diamonds caught in the light.

"Wow, I definitely wasn't expecting that." I admitted. Bella shifted looking slightly uncomfortably. "May I?" I reached for her hand.

She lifted her hand to me. I held it in mine and lightly touched the smooth surface. I turned her hand from side to side and watched it sparkle in the sunlight. I could see why they needed to hide during sunny days. This would never go unnoticed.

"I guess I was wrong," I held on to her hand as tried to take it back.

"About?" she sounded cautious.

"Before I didn't think you could be any more beautiful than you were, but this shows me that I was wrong. You look stunning." I smiled down at her. She quirked an eyebrow this time. She looked like she was trying not to laugh. I winced when I realized my chosen words. "Sorry, you do look beautiful, so please don't hide yourself from me. Do you sparkle everywhere?" I was very curious to find out everything about it. I've never seen anything quite like it before.

Bella's giggles alerted me that I stuck my foot in my mouth once again. I was slightly mortified at my question. At least she was giggling about it rather than getting angry.

"Would you like to find out?" Her eyes twinkled mischievously. She stepped forward and rubbed her hand up my chest.

"Can we even do that?" my voice squeaked on me. The rest of me became very aware of our proximity. Bella giggled and smirked slightly.

"Are you asking literally or figuratively?" she teased pressing against me lightly.

"I..um…I guess both." I felt red in the face.

"It's possible. My cousins, that you met, do on a regular bases. They are technically what are called succubuses." She explained.

"Doesn't a succubus kill their mate after using them to mate?" I asked nervously.

"A long long time ago they did. But not after they switched to our diet. So your head is completely safe." Her lips ghosted over my neck.

"As for us, it's entirely possible," she purred against me. I fell easily under her spell. "Although we should probably take it slow. I wouldn't want to hurt you in the heat of the moment." She lightly kissed my lips. I quickly deepened the kiss and took the chance of trying to lick her bottom lip to gain entrance. She pulled back instead.

"My teeth are coated in venom. If I was to cut you with them then the venom could start to change you." She explained.

"Sorry," I apologized. My stomach gave a low rumble.

"Are you hungry? I packed plenty for you to eat." She moved to take the bag from me.

Like a flash she set everything up on a small blanket for me. I sat down and started the sandwich she had prepared.

"You know the one thing I'm dreading," I mentioned between bites. She eyed me skeptically with a neutral expression on her face. I continued on without waiting. "Is facing Alice. She's not pretty when she gloats when she's right." I chuckled softly.

"I'm going to have to apologize to her for not only saying she was nuts for believing that you were vampires but calling this other vampire soulless." I sighed.

"In truth, your reaction was probably normal. I would be more surprised if you didn't worry about her." Bella told me with a shrug.

"Do you think this guy is safe? Emmett said not to judge drinking human blood, but it still makes me nervous."
"We won't know until we meet him. But I agree with Emmett. We met many vampires over time, like humans you have your good ones and your bad ones. Many think it's just the natural thing to do. I don't believe that I'm soulless. I believe my soul is what kept me from drinking from humans when I knew it was wrong. I think it also allows me to love you and my family." She snuggled into my side.

"Bella…" I started to feel guilty again.

"I wasn't saying that to upset you. Just letting you know my views. Do you think Alice really could fall in love with someone soulless?" She looked up at me, I shook my head.

F

Hours later I was back at home. Our remainder of the afternoon was talking and kissing with soft touches. Finding ways to make Bella purr was both satisfying and a turn on.

I was finishing up some homework when Alice bounced into my room.

"You could knock," I sighed. She rolled her eyes and knocked on my desk.

"You know one of these days you're just going to walk into something and only embarrass yourself." I closed my book and bent over to shove it into my bag.

"How is Bella," Alice replied cheekily. She went over and sat on my bed with a bounce.

"Bella is fine." I turned in my seat to face her. It was better to get this over with.

"Look, I owe you apology for freaking out on you last night." She waved her hand.

"I knew you would. That is why I didn't say anything before. I was hoping it would come better from Bella." She swung her feet lightly. I was glad she wasn't gloating.

"Yeah about that," I smiled sheepishly.

"OMG, what did you do?" Alice stopped swinging her feet and accused.

"I might have accidently inferred she had no soul. But I fixed it." I admitted. Alice stood and stalked over to me and smacked me on the head.

"You didn't. She must have been so hurt." Alice scolded me.

"I overreacted. The words slipped out when I found the vampire you have been seeing drinks from humans. I thought it was him that was souless." I got smacked on the head again.

"He's not." She hissed.

"Come on, Alice, you have to agree that drinking from humans isn't good when there are other choices." I tried to reason.

"He will change his ways. I'm sure he will when we show him there is another way. We will just hunt animals as well." She stated more calmly.

"We?" I ducked this time before she could smack me.

"Of course, we. Once we are vampires." She said nonchalantly.

"You decided to become one then?" I eyed her.

"It's our path. I have seen it." She admitted. "Don't you want to be?"

"I don't know. Bella said we had a choice." I answered.

"What does she want?" Alice asked looking confused now.

"I didn't ask, maybe I should've. I guess I should talk to her about it." I furrowed my brows. Alice just shook her head in disappointment.

"What now?" I sighed.

"For someone so smart you're being stupid." She gave me a pointed look. "I just hope you come to your senses sooner than later." Her eyes grew a bit sad as she shook her head again.

"What aren't you telling me," I was on high alert. She had brief look of hesitation before she shook her head.

"Nothing," she lied. I narrowed my eyes.

"That's bull, Allie. What are you hiding?" I demanded.

"Nothing. I swear." I wasn't convinced a bit. "Just make a decision sooner than later." She repeated before she kissed my cheek. "I love you, big brother." She left up the steps. I sat there unsure if I should go after her.

A knock on the basement door alerted me to Bella's arrival. I let her in and gave her a quick kiss.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Alice is hiding something from me. I don't like it." I frowned sitting down on the bed pulling her down on my lap.

"I'm sure she has her reasons." Bella ruffled my hair. "Would you like me to stay with you tonight?" she asked.

"Like I would ever say no to a beautiful girl vampire in my bed." I kissed her cheek.

"I will let Tanya know," Bella retorted, her voice sounded crisp, but with a slight teasing tone. She seemed pleased when I shuddered.

"Silly girl, I only mean you." I pouted and she started to giggle.

"Oh, I know, but your expression was priceless." She snuggled into me.

A/N:
All I can say is give the boy time to make the decision about being changed. He's not saying not but he not ready to say yes yet. He's trying to be logical about it.

Bella has told him everything yet, like him being a mind reader, so she doesn't overwhelm with too much at once.

Bella doing things for Edward is her showing him she cares for him. Like Edward was raised to be a gentleman (in Twilight), women in Bella's time cooked and took care of their men. That is why she made him breakfast, made sure he had clothes and made his bed.

Thank You For All Reviews!

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Preview Alert

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Preview:

"You have kept me waiting a long time." Alice greeted the stranger as she held out a hand to him. He eyed her with curiosity.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am," he drawled a small smile played his lips.

(I don't think I need to say more than that)