Okay! So here is the next chapter. Like the others, it's a little rushed. I have a small break with school right now, so I'm trying to take that to my advantage and get as many chapters out as possible. Because once school gets crazy again, I'll probably not be able to update as often. Also, warning: The rating of the story has gone up to M instead of T do to alcohol use and mild sensuality. I'm sure I could keep it T but I'm changing it to be safe!

Chapter 14: Cliff's Edge

Carlisle listened carefully to the things Dani told him. It was hard listening to someone you love tell you about the abuse they had to go through. It wasn't right. Dani didn't deserve the things AJ had done to her. Carlisle liked to consider himself a reasonable person. He was rational, forgiving, and tolerant. But a part of him wanted to find AJ and kill him. He knew that wasn't him, and he knew he had to control those thoughts. But there she was; Dani, sitting in front of him and she was so kind. Her warm eyes were forlorn from the memories she was bringing to the surface.

He brushed her hair from her face, and then caught her cheek in his hand. He brushed his thumb along her cheekbone, giving her an encouraging smile. "Thank you, Dani." He murmured, a smile reaching his voice. "Thank you for sharing your past with me." He let out a sigh now, the smile fading. "But I promise you, nothing like that will ever happen to you again."

Dani let out a dry laugh, then gently brushed her fingers on his chest, just over the buttons of his shirt, "Oh, Carlisle. I know. You will never have to worry. I can defend myself. I'm a lot stronger now, more than you think."

Carlisle didn't doubt Dani's strength. He knew she was strong. Not just physically but mentally. But her biggest weakness was his greatest weakness. She was kind and people tended to take advantage of kindness; it happened to him all the time.

"I know." He watched her carefully, his eyes locking onto hers. There were so many emotions circulating in the depths of her eyes. His eyes fell on her flushed cheeks then her supple lips. They were lax and slightly parted as she stared right back at him. She truly was beautiful.

"Dani, tell me about imprinting again." He murmured.

Dani exhaled, gathering her thoughts before casting her eyes down to his hand. She took his hand into hers and turned it over, so his palm was facing up. She slid her fingers over his and slowly caressed his palm.

Carlisle nearly shivered from her warm touch. It was like honey spreading over his arm and into his very core. Her fingers stopped halfway up his arm and then she wrapped her hand around his forearm. "It's the warmth," She told him quietly. "I know it does something to you. Like we discovered the night I told you about the imprint." Her eyes flickered up to meet his, "I know you're addicted to it."

He would have blushed, but his physiology wouldn't let him. "It makes me feel…"

"Human?"

He shook his head, "Superhuman."

They stared at each other now, his gold eyes meeting her chocolate ones. Dani tore her gaze away, focusing on the lines in his palm. "I become whatever it is you need me to be," She told him, looking up at him again. "It doesn't mean I completely die to myself. I still have a choice, but my soul is bound to yours, so I can't help but give you what you want, and usually it's what I want anyway"

Carlisle took a shallow breath before shaking his head, "Dani. I've been alone a long time, and I wear it well. Most think I'm okay, being alone because I never seem lonely. I have a wonderful family, and I love them. And I'm happy Edward has Bella now. But people, who think that is enough for me, are wrong. I do get lonely. I need more than the friendships I have with others. I need something deeper."

"What are you saying?" Dani asked, her heart doing a thing that would be considered medically critical.

Carlisle searched her eyes, remembering what Molly said. They needed to stop dancing around each other. Carlisle was old fashioned, and this sort of game they were playing would be considered ridiculous in his times. If you loved a person, you called upon them. That's just the way it was. Or you threw yourself into an arranged marriage. But Carlisle had a choice. He could be with Dani. At least, he hoped.

"That girl is crazy about you."

He hoped Molly was right.

"Dani. I'm from a different time than you. We called it courting, and now they call it dating. But whatever it may be considered, I think we should consider it. I need stability, and if someone should ask what we are, I'd like to give them a solid answer."

"Is this your strange way of asking me to be your girlfriend, Carlisle?" Dani was so amused. Here was this 300 and something-year-old Vampire, asking her out in the most awkward way possible. It's like he didn't know what he was doing because this was not something common in his time. They would never be in this sort of situation if they lived back then.

Carlisle inhaled then exhaled, gathering his nerves before nodding, "Yes."

Dani laughed. She was overjoyed, but she was also equally amused. "If you are sure that is what you want? I'm a handful."

Carlisle grinned, nodding firmly. "I think I can handle it. And yes. I'm sure if you are ready?"

Dani's lips twisted into a smirk, her eyes dancing happily, "I'm more than ready."

She leaned forward then, tentatively wrapping her arms around his neck. "You're adorable, by the way." She mused into his ear, placing a sky kiss to his cheek.

Carlisle sighed happily, pulling her against him. "I'm glad you think so," He said, with a tone of amusement.

Dani rested her face on his shoulder, and she could feel his chin gently pressed against her forehead. He was rubbing circles on her back, his other arm gently squeezing her waist. "It's nearly four in the morning," He told her in a hushed voice. He looked around the loft. "Perhaps you should go back to sleep."

"I'd rather stay here," She whispered, her voice growing weary.

"As you wish." He murmured, placing a gentle kiss to her temple.

Days at the Ranch were passing quickly, and Dani started to feel a little sad. She loved spending time with her Aunt and Uncle and especially with Carlisle. They were able to be together constantly, the duties of school and work not coming in-between them.

Her Aunt and Uncle were overjoyed when they discovered Carlisle and Dani were finally together. However, Dani was certain her Aunt gave a good talking to about not hurting her.

Dani was only disappointed in her cousin, Will. He was so busy working; he did not once come to visit with her.

Dani shook her thoughts from her cousin and tried to concentrate on her homework. She was in bed, laying flat on he stomach, her laptop and textbook in front of her.

Carlisle was sitting in an armchair adjacent to the bed; he was reading quietly to himself. It was nice, both of them just doing their own thing, but sitting in the same room and enjoying each other's mere presence.

Dani groaned, scribbling something in her notebook before pressing a key almost abusively. Carlisle peeped at her from over his book and raised a brow, "Are you all right?" Dani shook her head, "No. I don't get it. I just don't get it." She grumbled, closing her laptop.

"What don't you get?"

"These obnoxious physics problems." She sighed, sitting up shaking her hair from her face.

"Here, let me see." He closed his book and gracefully rose from his chair. He glided over to her, his tall form leaning over her shoulder and opening her laptop again. He gazed at the problems before sitting down next to her. "Let me show you." He took her notebook and started jotting down the formula. He was explaining it to her, his velvet voice patient and precise. Dani was paying attention at first, but then his lips became a distraction. He was so perfect. She watched as he licked his lips quickly as he explained, his eyes narrowed in concentration. She mirrored his actions, subconsciously licking her lips as well. She suddenly wondered what it would be like to kiss him, not on the cheek, but on the lips.

His smiling eyes flickered up at her, "See, easy."

Dani just stared at him, suddenly feeling like an idiot. She was acting like a teenage girl. She was so disappointed in herself. "Yeah…thanks."

He quirked a brow, giving her a knowing look. "Did you pay attention, Dani?"

Dani groaned, sinking in her spot, "No. I'm sorry."

He sighed, shaking his head in amusement. "Okay. I'll explain it again." This time, she listened. He was right; it was easy.

Once she finished her homework, her thoughts were free to wonder where they liked. She watched Carlisle again, reading his book. She imagined herself just sauntering over to him and pulling him up by the pelt of his jacket and kissing him square on the lips. Why couldn't she? He was her boyfriend now. But perhaps he wanted to take things slow. One kiss wouldn't be too fast, would it?

Carlisle looked up at her from his book; she closed her laptop and textbook and then hopped off the bed. She was giving him such a strange look. He often wondered what was going on in that head of hers. She was wearing a tank top and shorts. Her toned arms and legs were exposed for him to see. Carlisle had a lot of self-control. Most of his family did because of their diet. Sustaining from human blood was a lot harder than sustaining from sexual desire. And if he could avoid human blood, then he could avoid sexual temptation. But Dani did get under his skin. He wanted to touch her so badly, and he was ashamed of that. Often was he tempted to kiss her, one of the moments just occurring when he was showing her how to do her physics equations. But he didn't want to move too fast.

He tore his gaze from Dani's physique just as a knock sounded from the door.

Both Dani and Carlisle looked at the door. Carlisle didn't recognize the scent; however, it was still strangely familiar.

"Come in," Dani said just as a man entered the room. He was in his mid-thirties at the most. He had dark brown hair and olive colored skin. His eyes were blue and his face covered with a nicely trimmed beard. He was tall, thin and muscular. He looked Native American; nevertheless, it was obvious he was only half. This must have been Will.

"Will!" Dani exclaimed moving swiftly to her cousin. He let out a deep laugh, his voice sharp and gruff. "Dani, you look so different." He acknowledged just as he lifted her off the ground and gave her a bear hug.

He put her down and held her out at arms length, "You're taller. How is that even possible?"

Dani shrugged, "Perhaps you're just getting old and shrinking." She teased, her eyes shimmering with mirth.

He plucked her on the nose before Carlisle caught his eye. He took a double take then looked back at Dani with wide eyes. "Who is that?"

Carlisle stood from his seat and walked over to Will; he gave him his hand, a kind smile filtering across his face, "I'm, Carlisle. I've heard a lot about you."

Will shook Carlisle's hand, impressed by Carlisle's strong, solid handshake. He looked back at Dani, "My parents told me you were bringing a friend. I didn't think it was a boyfriend." He paused, "He is your boyfriend right?"

Dani chuckled, nodding in confirmation, "Yes, Will. He's my boyfriend."

Will gave Carlisle a hard look, before patting him on the arm, "You always did like older men. Remember your crush on my best friend, Wesley?"

Dani blushed, "Will, we don't talk about that." She mumbled in a low voice.

Will just laughed, nudging his little cousin playfully, "Okay, that's it. I just had to embarrass you at least once. I'll stop now."

Dani just rolled her eyes, "Now onto more serious matters. Where have you been? I've been here for a week now."

Will sighed, scratching the back of his head, feeling vulnerable under Dani's hard, abrasive stare. "Work and stuff."

"Mhm." Dani crossed her arms over her chest, her dark eyes scanning over her cousin. He was wearing a flannel lumberjack shirt, tucked into dark jeans and boots.

"Okay. Fair enough. But you owe me?" She bargained.

"I do. Tavern at the end of town? Wesley's the bartender and owner now." He winked, getting in one more tease.

Dani punched him in the arm. "I don't care about Wesley." She moved closer to Carlisle, slipping her arm around his waist." I have a Carlisle."

"A Carlisle?" Will chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I can see that. Now get dressed and lets go! Your Carlisle can come too." Will raised a brow Carlisle's way before leaving the room.

Dani watched Will leave before grabbing a pair of jeans from the drawer and quickly slipping off her shorts.

Carlisle watched as Dani began to undress. His eyes widened, and he quickly cleared his throat, his face feeling hot all of a sudden. "Dani?"

Dani stuck her feet in her jeans then froze. She looked up at him and squeaked, "What am I doing?" She gasped, falling over in her jeans and onto her face.

Carlisle started laughing but moved quickly to help her up. Once he had her standing she shoved him around. She could see his shoulders shaking with laughter as she hopped into her jeans and quickly buttoned them. She threw on a gray cardigan with her shoes and then slowly walked up behind him. She slipped her arms around his waist and pressed the side of her head against his back.

"Okay, I'm ready." She murmured against him, giving his body a tight squeeze.

"Am I that boring, that you forgot I was in the room?" He asked, however, his voice was soft, despite the intended joke. He was relaxed under her gentle embrace. It was nice, and he didn't expect her to hug him such a way. This was something he could get use to. If this was eternity on earth, then he gladly welcomed it.

Dani let out a breathy laugh, her nose pressed into his jacket, "No. I'm just so comfortable around you, I guess. I wasn't thinking. I hope my supergirl panties didn't scare you too much." She hummed against him.

Carlisle snickered, "I do not judge."

"Tonight!" They both heard from the other side of the door. Will was always impatient. "We're coming!" Dani said quickly, letting go of Carlisle, but grabbing his hand instead. "I forgot to ask. Do you even want to go?"

Carlisle shrugged, "I don't mind. Just don't fall in love with Wesley again." He teased, brushing his thumb against her cheek.

Dani rolled her eyes, "Exactly what I planned to do too." She said sarcastically, just as Will blew the horn from outside. "Oh my gosh, that man needs to learn patience. And manners!" Dani practically growled before they headed downstairs.

The moment they entered the Tavern the strong smell of smoke and alcohol invaded both Dani and Carlisle's heightened scenes. The music was mostly folk music, and everyone was calmly sitting around eating and drinking. Only very few people were slow dancing by the bar.

"Welcome to the hangout for country hipsters." Dani teased earning a very frightening glare from Will.

"I'm kidding! I love your Simon and Garfunkel, sort of friends."

"Says the girl who listens to Mumford and Sons." Will retorted.

"Okay you're right, I probably do fit in." She chided, waving her hand in acceptance before spotting Wesley at the bar. He saw them and waved dramatically.

They made their way over to him, and Wesley was gawking. "Dani!" He said in astonishment. "You've grown!"

Dani just rolled eyes, "What did you think? The next time you saw me, I'd still be 15?" Dani looked at Wesley carefully. He was much older now, just like Will he was in his early thirty's. He was still handsome; however, he was slightly fuller than he once was. The extra weight suited him. He always looked so jagged, but now he looked like a cuddly teddy bear. Dani smiled at him. To think she obsessed over him at one time. And she saw him now, and he was just a good looking, sweet guy. Nothing more. Carlisle was everything.

"Well. I didn't expect a young woman." He said tossing a towel over his shoulder. He gave her a cheeky grin now, mischievousness reaching his green eyes. "Remember when you had a crush on me?"

Dani groaned, "Why do you people feel the need to bring this up?"

Wesley just laughed, "I mean. You're older now. And really pretty, I'd ask you out if I didn't already have the love of my life waiting for me back home."

Dani noticed he was wearing a wedding ring. "Oh! Did You get married? That's awesome, Wes."

He grinned widely, his shoulders lifting proudly. "Two years now! We have twins. A boy and a girl; they just turned one yesterday actually."

Dani just watched as he excitedly told her all about his kids. Wesley was a husband and father. Things really were changing.

"Now enough about me," He concluded, eying Carlisle. "Who is this city slicker?"

"Carlisle isn't exactly a city slicker—" She tilted her head in thought, "Well…he is from London. But that doesn't count; he hasn't lived there for ages. He's a wilderness dweller now. He lived in Alaska once." She confirmed with a solid nod.

"Still just as weird as you were then." Wesley teased his attention on Carlisle now. "So you're English then?"

Carlisle nodded, "I was. Well, still am. I sort of lost my accent, so it's not as noticeable."

"Yeah, but I can still hear it in there somewhere." Wesley made a circling motion with his finger, "Are you Dani's boyfriend?" He gave Dani a side-glance. "Still chasing the older men, Dani?"

Dani just shook her head in discontent, "I'm going to forget you said that." Wesley just laughed, sliding her a tall glass of Whiskey. "Here, drink this and loosen up."

Dani lifted the glass and swished it around before downing almost half. She earned an alarmed look from both of them. "Go on," Dani told them.

Wesley just winked at her before looking at Carlisle. "So are you her boyfriend?"

Carlisle nodded, "Yes."

"Oh good! I'm glad Dani's found herself a boyfriend. I never thought she'd get over me." He gave Carlisle a wink, obviously throwing jibes at Dani.

Carlisle laughed, and Dani just glared at them. "Are you two finished?" She asked, taking another swig of her drink.

Wesley raised his hands up in surrender, "I have work to do." He pointed at Carlisle, "Nice meeting you, man. I'll talk to you both later." He moved down the bar, helping a couple that just took a seat.

Dani turned in her seat, leaning her elbow against the bar and resting her chin in her palm. Her legs were crossed, her hip protruding in the other direction. She was giving him an ardent gaze, the corner of her lips tugged into a half smile.

"What?" Carlisle asked softly, leaning his body against the counter as well. He searched her eyes, wondering why she was giving him such an avid look. He glanced at the whiskey. He knew whatever affects it had on her, would wear off quickly because of her body heat. But at the moment, she was apparently influenced.

"Nothing. I was just looking at you. Admiring you." She admitted, bringing the glass of whiskey to her lips.

Carlisle raised a brow, clearing his throat. "You were?"

"Yep," She told him, watching various emotions drift through his eyes. He regarded her with a peculiar stare as if he wasn't sure how to handle her. She watched him swallow hard, his fingers rubbing against his palm nervously.

Dani was a generally a shy person, but alcohol always did bring out some bold, daring vixen. She leaned forward, her face only inches from his. Her lips spread into a subtle smile, her eyes falling on his mouth.

He watched her lick her lips and felt her hand lightly touch his knee to keep her balance. He leaned forward. He wanted to kiss her; everything inside of him was yearning to close the vast gap between them. It felt like drowning, and he didn't even need to breathe.

But he couldn't. He pulled back and cast his eyes down. He wasn't going to kiss her now. Not if there was alcohol involved. It didn't feel right. Carlisle was a gentleman, perhaps too much of one, but he had to stay true to himself. Dani deserved more than that. Hell, he deserved more than that. Although he had to admit, she was the cutest thing when drinking. She wasn't rowdy or anything. She was just daring and perhaps a little sultry. It was becoming, but he still didn't feel like their first kiss should be shared this way.

He watched as he pulled back. She was disappointed, but she still smiled. She was thankful for his self-control. She didn't want to move too quickly, and he knew that. She finished the glass of whiskey before placing it on the bar. "Thanks for coming with me."

Carlisle looked around, "It's not so bad. Not like most bars at least."

Dani let out a hoarse laugh, her voice growing huskier from the alcohol. "No silly, Montana."

"Oh." Carlisle lifted a strand of her hair, then let it go and watched it fall back into place. "You're welcome." They locked eyes again, just staring. That was until Will came bouncing along, sticking his nose in between them. "I just called in for an emergency. So we need to go." He told them, wondering if he interrupted anything.

The moon was full, and Dani couldn't help but wonder if there were any real werewolves around. She heard faint howls, but she knew they were just regular wolves wandering the forest. She ripped straw from the haystack as she gazed out the loft window. Carlisle was hunting again, and Dani just had a shower. Her hair was slightly damp, water dripping onto her baggy blue sweater.

She wondered how long he'd be. He said it would only be a quick one. She sighed, thinking about the tavern. She hoped Carlisle wasn't embarrassed or disappointed in her. Dani was always more honest when she drank. The alcohol didn't stay long in her system thankfully. By the time they got home, and she had a shower, the alcohol was completely gone. She was herself again. And she didn't know if that was a good thing.

Thirty minutes passed, and her hair and sweater were finally dry, but there was still no sign of Carlisle. She huffed, leaning her chin on her hands that were propped against the window.

"Are you just going to stare out that window all night?" He asked, standing behind her.

Dani jumped, turning around and gawking at him. "How did you even sneak up on me? I always know when someone is around."

"You were obviously deep in thought," He told her, pointing down. "You didn't lock the side door; I slipped in through there," He told her, watching as she stood up from the haystack and lingered by the window.

"I see," She said, watching him take a few steps closer to her.

"Did you have a good hunt?" She gripped the window ledge, her voice trembling. Why did she feel this way? Perhaps it was the tension she felt. It's like they were fish caught in nets or she was standing on the edge of a cliff, and all it took was a gust of wind to knock her to her death. Only Carlisle could save her from falling.

His hands were shoved in his pockets, and he was standing like a nobleman, his shoulders squared, and his chin held high. He always looked so kingly, yet with all that, he appeared distressed. "Yes, quick but satisfying."

She watched him swallow again, his eyes practically burning into hers.

Dani let out a shaky breath and with all the courage she could muster; she finally spoke before her new found bravery fled. "For goodness sakes, Carlisle. Just kiss me!" She demanded. She knew if she didn't tell him to kiss her, he wouldn't. Carlisle was too proper and set in his ways.

His eyes had winded in surprise before he flew over to her. His hands were around her waist, and she found her body being pulled flush against his. She could feel his cool breath against her face, and the smell of sandalwood and cedar was overpowering, leaving her dizzy. His honey eyes were dripping with what she could only regard as yearning.

His hands found her burning cheek, and she tangled her arms around his shoulders and dug her fingers in the scruff of his neck, feeling his silky blonde hair against her skin.

His palm was pressed tenderly against her face; his thumb was gently stroking the curve of her cheekbone. She lifted her head up more; beckoning for him to close the abysmal space between them that left her body surprisingly cold.

He slid one arm back around her waist; his palm pressed into her lower back. He pulled her trembling body more into his. Their lips were but an inch apart—an inch that felt like a thousand relentless miles—but still close enough to feel the heat from her shaky breath.

Carlisle inclined his head; strands of silken, onyx hair were tickling his face. His forehead was pressed against hers, inhaling her woodsy scent.

Dani's body continued to tremble under his endeavor, her eyes automatically closing at the touch of his nose feathering hers. She sucked in a breath and her heart was pounding dramatically in her chest.

Then his eyes closed and their lips met.

At first the kiss was soft; both were enjoying the new sensation of touching lips. Then their desire escalated. The shared feeling of needing to touch each other overcame them; the mild pressure of lips on lips turned vigorous.

He kept her tight against him, her body fitting into his arms as if she was molded from his very core. His fingers curled around the back of her neck, tilting her head up farther.

Dani clutched his collar as if to pull him closer, but they couldn't get any closer. Their lips moved as one, rhythmically working together to offer the other as much pleasure as possible. Dani felt her head spin; he was kissing her with such passion, yet gentleness.

Carlisle abandoned Dani's lips; he pulled away, opening his butterscotch eyes hesitantly. He had to stop for now. He had to get use to the feeling of kissing her. It was too much, and he was afraid he'd lose control. He never felt so detached from his normal ability to control himself.

His breathing steadied then he cracked a smile, his heart flinching in his chest. "I adore you." He whispered. Brushing his thumbs lightly against her cheeks.

Dani blinked up at him, her head still dizzy. Her fingers continued to play with his hair, and her heart was still trying to escape her chest.

She felt better, and she knew he did too. There was so much tension between them that she was sure they would implode.

"And I adore you," She told him, pressing a small kiss to his jaw line. Their first kiss was in a dusty old loft in a barn. Boy, would Rosalie get a kick out of this.

Well, they finally got together! I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and please leave a review and let me know what you thought!