SM OWNS ALL RIGHTS

The trip back to the Cullen's was going by to fast and I started to panic a little. I just didn't feel like dealing with all this drama tonight. I tried to think of something to stall or convince him to just take me back to his house. After ten minutes of begging and no response I started to get desperate.

"Sam let's just go play in traffic. I mean I know its Forks and there isn't much traffic but I am willing to travel…" Sam slowed down from his run and I peeked up. The Cullen's house was a few hundred yards in front of us. It looked like every light in the house was on and it looked like it was a beacon lighting our way home.

"Sam I don't want to do this right now… let's just go find Victoria… I think I will just take my chances with her." I sat up urging him to just turn around but he just kept walking ignoring me.

"Let's umm… I….ahhhh…. Let's go into Forks and scare some people? I mean a huge black wolf walking down main street should turn some heads, even in Forks…." I felt Sam snort but he kept walking.

Moments later we were walking out of the tree line and into the backyard. "OK Sam this is far enough…. I can walk from here. You go ahead and go back to Emily." Much to my amazement he stopped and sat down. Which caused me to slide down his back and land on my ass on the ground.

"Asshole. You could have warned me." I mumbled and Sam had turned around to look at me and I swear he was smiling at me sitting on the cold wet ground, but I know I couldn't prove it so I flipped him off and wiped my hands off.

I heard a chuckle come from behind me and I froze. I knew that voice. It was the voice I was desperately trying to avoid. Damn my luck I didn't even make it to the house. This wasn't good.

I didn't even turn around. I knew it was Edward. I just glared at Sam. "Fucking traitor." I said to Sam then started to stand up. I made it to my knees and I felt Edward's arms wrap around my waist and lift me to my feet. I expected him to release me but he didn't. He just held me to him.

"UM thanks." I said and tried to step away from him. He held me a moment longer then let me go. I started walking toward the house. I just wanted to be anywhere but here right now. "I am going to go ask Alice if she wants to go shopping…" I mumbled to myself and started to walk faster towards the house.

"Thanks for everything Sam." I said over my shoulder, glancing briefly back at him. When I turned my head back Edward was less than a foot in front of me. I shrieked. His sudden appearance in front of me scared the shit out of me. He found this amusing and started to laugh.

"You can take on vampires and werewolves NO Problem but you are so easy to startle Bella."

"Fuck you Cullen." I said while grabbing my chest trying to keep my heart from exploding out of my chest. I bent over trying to catch my breath placing my hands on my knees.

"I'll take a rain check on that one." He said with a smirk. "Sam needs to talk to us before you try to go hide in the house. Which isn't going to work by the way."

I narrowed my eyes at him and was about to tell him where to go when Sam walked back up to us fastening his shorts.

"Bella before you go I need to tell you something." Sam said.

I gave Edward my best go to hell look and turned back around to look at Sam. "What is it Sam?"

"It's Jake, Bella. I don't know what is going on with him right now but if you see him don't trust him. He has been acting weird lately. Ever since that Victoria has been lurking around. He hasn't been going home and he stopped his patrols. I am not saying that he is on Victoria's side… I guess I am just saying that until we know for sure what is going on… Be careful. We are looking into it as fast as we can, when we figure something out we will let you know."

"I have known Jake my whole life… Do you honestly think he would hurt me?" I asked as a chill went down my spine.

"Bella…. I don't know for sure… but we think he had something to do with your dad's death." My head started to swim. Would Jake really do something like that? Why would he do something like that? I didn't know what to say.

"Don't worry yourself over it right now. I probably shouldn't have said anything until we knew for sure but we all want you to be safe and careful. No more surprises." Sam said as he walked over to me and gave me a hug. "It will be ok Bella."

I was at a loss. I didn't know what to say or do. So I just stood there for a moment looking like an idiot with my mouth hanging wide open.

"OK kids I have to get going. Emily is waiting for me. You two have fun. Oh and Bella try not to destroy anything else?" He smiled deviously at me then laughed when I flipped him off again.

"Bye Sam." I said the I turned around and started stomping back towards the house. Pushing my way past Edward who was looking at me with a little smile playing in the corners of his mouth.

I made it about two steps past him when he grabbed my arm and my heart leapt into my throat. When I looked back at him Sam and Quil were just disappearing into the woods and we were now alone.

I tried to pull my arm free but Edward wasn't letting me go. I was annoyed. I know I didn't really have any reason to be mad but I couldn't help it. I was sick of being manhandled today.

"What do you want Edward?" I snapped at him.

He seemed unfazed by my attitude which only served to piss me off more. "We need to talk Bella."

"We don't NEED to do anything Cullen. I have heard all about the crazy Jessica Stanley. It seems Sam and my dad did a little detective work when it happened. Sam and Emily both said that you never did anything." I said finally pulling my arm free and crossing my arms over my chest.

"Well that saves me some time but I need you to know a few things Bella. I need us to be totally crystal fucking clear on a few things." He paused and stared walking slowly towards me. "You are the only person that I have EVER felt like this about Bella. I love you and ONLY you." He stepped closer to me and I backed up towards the house. He looked almost predatory, I felt like he was stalking me. "You are the ONLY person I have ever wanted… like THAT. I wouldn't dream of EVER doing something like that with ANYONE but You."

He was slowly walking towards me. His eyes locked with mine. I stumbled backwards trying to put more distance between us. He was walking faster towards me. I kept walking backwards until my back met the deck. Edward placed a hand on either side of my head and leaned in. Trapping me.

"I don't care what you did to the car Bella. It's just a car. The ONLY thing that could EVER hurt me… Is losing you again. I can't and I WON'T let it happen. You are my life and my forever Bella. Without you… I am nothing. I can replace a car…. There is NO replacement for you."

I was struggling to remember to breath. Edward being this close was making my body go crazy. He leaned closer still, our faces only inches apart. My heart fluttered. He smiled gently then closed his eyes and brushed his lips against mine.

I think my heart stopped as he pressed his lips to mine, deepening the kiss. His tongue traced my lips demanding entrance. I started to part my lips and let him have the access he was demanding… and Alice burst through the doors onto the deck.

"UMM I really hate to interrupt this. Really I do.. But um Bella you look like you have been rolling around in the dirt and Emily called and said you didn't have dinner yet so… Esme has your dinner about done and I figured you would want a shower before…."

I shook my head trying to clear it and stepped around Edward and started walking towards the stairs.

"Umm thanks Alice." I mumbled looking at the ground a little embarrassed by being caught.

"No problem…. I will wait for you upstairs." Then Alice disappeared as I scrambled up the stairs. I was just about to the door when I heard Edward right behind me.

"I am not done with you yet Miss Swan. After dinner your mine for a while."

I swallowed loudly and continued into the house. Hoping and praying my legs would carry me up to my room.

"HEY SLUGGER!" Emmet boomed as I walked through the door. I chuckled and flipped him off and continued up to my room.

As promised Alice was waiting in my room. When I walked into the room she just shook her head.

"I will be throwing those clothes away. You smell like dog and dirt. Did you know you have grass stains on your ass?" She grabbed my hand and pushed me in front of the mirror as she started to wrap my arm so I could wash up.

I looked like hell. I was covered in dirt, dust, grass, and there were a few pieces of glass and sticks stuck in my hair. I laughed at my reflection while I picked out a few pieces of glass from my hair. I looked like I had literally been rolling in the dirt.

"Come on Bella I have a bath ready for you." Alice said when she was done wrapping my arm.

I allowed her to grab my good hand and pull me to the bathroom.

The bathroom smelled like strawberries and vanilla. Alice disappeared for a minute then reappeared holding a trash bag.

I shook my head and started stripping placing each item in the trash bag as I took it off.

Alice stood with the bag held at arms length wrinkling her nose. When I had everything off she tied the bag in knots and set it on the floor. When I was settled in the tub she excused herself grabbing the bag and practically running she left the room.

I sat back in the tub and let the warm water relax me. I closed my eyes and thought about Edward. A smile came to my lips when I thought about the brief kiss we shared. I was brought back to reality by a knock on the door. Rose entered when I said come in.

"Bella I have been sent by Alice to help you wash your hair. She is outback burning the clothes you had on today." She said as she sat on the edge of the tub.

"That girl has issues." I said teasingly. As Rose began to wash my hair.

"Yeah she does, but she loves you a lot Bella. We all do. She feels really bad about today."

"Yeah but she shouldn't. I overreacted. I should have let her explain or wait for Edward to explain. I just…. It's just REALLY hard for me to trust anyone… I have been on my own for a while now. I.."

"Bella we understand trust me. You have been through a lot in the last few years. We just want you to know that you aren't alone anymore. AND NO MATTER WHAT happens YOU are not alone anymore. You are a part of this family whether you like it or not missy."

I laughed at her and for the first time in a long time I felt like I really was at HOME. Where I belonged and I sighed contently.

"Come on Bella." Rose said after a few minutes. "Go rinse off in the shower. Esme just said your dinner would be done in five minutes."

"Ok." I said and Rose helped me stand up. Once I was out of the tub Rose walked over to the shower and turned it on for me.

"You ok to rinse off? I am going to go make sure Alice has pajamas out for you instead of a dress and heals." She said smiling.

"Yeah I think I can handle rinsing off by myself." I said as I stepped into the shower and closed the door behind me.

Rose laughed slightly then said, "There is a towel for you on the hook by the shower and your robe is on the counter."

"Thanks Rose." I said and stepped under the water of the shower.

"Anytime Bella." She replied then I heard the door click closed.

I quickly finished rinsing off and got out of the shower. I dried off then flipped my hair over my head and wrapped the towel around it, slipped on my robe and started to make my way to my bedroom.

I paused at the door listening to Rose and Alice arguing over what I should put on. Shaking my head I opened the door.

Alice was standing there holding a silky blue nightgown. Very pretty but I had to go back downstairs for a while, so not very practical.

Rose stood there holding a pair of yoga pants and panties.

"OK Alice I love you but there is NO way in hell I am going downstairs with nothing else on but that thing. Rose hand me those." I said as I walked over to her.

She stuck her tongue out at Alice and met me half way. I pulled the panties on then the yoga pants.

"OK now I need a t-shirt. Nothing fancy Alice I am just going to go to bed." Alice went into full pout. "Alice I love you but please just tell me where to locate a shirt. I can't find anything in that thing." I said pointing to the closet. "I am afraid to go in because I will never find my way out."

Alice trying to be stubborn crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her hip out. "Ha-ha Bella just for that I will let you go find your own shirt."

I laughed at her expression. You could tell she was just playing around she wasn't really mad but she was challenging me to find a simple t-shirt. "Find a plain white t-shirt in under two minutes and I will let you have ONE get out of shopping free card. You can tell me no once when I want to go shopping." Alice challenged with a smile. "You don't find one we go shopping tomorrow and I get to buy you whatever I want. NO arguments from you."

I stood there for a moment staring into the closet door, contemplating my odds.

"You better at least try Bella. If you find one you will be the first ever to get out of shopping legally with Alice." Rose said with a snort. "Good luck."

"SO I just have to find ONE white tee right?" I asked Alice.

"Yep." She replied popping the P

I smiled deviously at her and spun on my heals and walked to the door.

"No way Bella that's not fair! That's cheating!" Alice said as she walked after me.

"You never said it had to come out of that closet!" I said and opened the door and headed towards the stairs. I walked up one flight and marched down the hall. It was the first time I had been up here since before I left. But I didn't let that stop me. I walked right up to Edward's door and knocked loudly as I pushed the door open.

Edward was sitting on the edge of a huge bed that had taken the spot of the black couch. He smiled at me as I walked in Alice following at my heals.

"Hi!" I said hoping I wasn't pushing my luck. He didn't say anything he just smiled and nodded, knowing what I was there for.

I smiled back and spun around and walked to his closet. Opening the door I was relieved to see nothing had changed since the last time I had been in there. More clothes maybe but everything was still in the same spots.

I walked into the closet a few steps and pulled out one of the built in drawers and found my white tee.

"AHA!" I exclaimed as I pulled the shirt from the drawer. I spun around and walked out of the closet holding the shirt in front of me. "You can just leave that get out of jail, I mean shopping card, on my night stand! Thank you Edward."

He chuckled at Alice's expression of shock and replied, "Anytime love. What's mine is yours. But in exchange for that shirt you have to go with me to look at new cars, seeing as I am in the market for a couple of them now." He smiled innocently at me.

"Deal! I would rather go car shopping with you than spend ANOTHER day of pain and torture shopping with the pixie." I joked and walked into his bathroom to slip the shirt on.

"It's only a one time pass Bella. There will be more!" Alice called after me.

"That's ok Alice I still have time to come up with excuses for the rest of them." I said as I walked out of the bathroom holding my robe in one hand and pulling the towel off my head with the other.

As I walked out of the bathroom I froze. There on Edward's nightstand was the only picture ever taken of me and him and my dad.

"Where did you find that? I looked everywhere for that before I left." I asked as I walked over to pick up the picture.

It was taken about a month or so after I had gotten my cast off my leg after the whole James incident. Alice and Edward were at my house helping me study for a Spanish exam. Dad had come home from fishing and while I fixed him dinner he and Edward watched a baseball game on TV. Alice convinced us all to get together and take a picture.

"We all looked so happy." I said running my fingers over the frame remembering.

"We were…. If I remember correctly it was the first time after the incident that your dad would even look at me much less talk to me. I found it on the mantle in your dad's living room after he passed. You can have it if you want it." He said gently. "I have other stuff…." We were interrupted by Emmet's voice booming from downstairs.

"SLUGGER! YOUR DINNER'S DONE!"

Conversation was ended temporarily as I turned to leave the room.

"I'll get it later." I said to Edward not making eye contact. I didn't want him to see the tears that were beginning to form from looking at the picture. I really missed my dad and seeing his smiling face in a picture was still kind of hard.

As I walked past Edward he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to him. Wrapping his arms around me he didn't say a word he just held me. It was like he knew I was upset by seeing the picture and it touched me that he could still read me so well.

"Edward I'm sorry…"

He placed a hand over my mouth silencing me. "Bella there is no need for you to apologize for anything. We both messed up. We both made mistakes and overreacted. Let's try to just put the past behind us and move forward. As long as you are here with me I don't care about anything else."

He was looking into my eyes with such intensity it felt like he was trying to burn the words into my brain and I stood helplessly looking into his eyes.

"Come on Bella! Esme said you better get your butt downstairs before it gets cold." Alice said impatiently behind me.

I shook my head clear and stepped away from him. How the hell did he do that? Damn vampires. I said to myself as I was pulled from the room by Alice. Edward followed close behind laughing at Alice.

Esme had made me a pot of homemade chicken noodle soup. Homemade right down to the noodles. It was the best I had ever had.

When I was done eating everyone was sitting around the table talking about their day. It was kind of surreal for me. It just seemed so normal and I just wasn't used to normal anymore.

Rose talked about the modifications she was going to start on Emmet's jeep. Alice chattered about some sale that was starting Saturday at her favorite store. Emmet talked with Jasper about the ball game that was on TV. Carlisle talked about his shift at the hospital. Esme, like me, was content to just sit and listen to them all. Edward didn't say anything and seemed content to just sit and stare at me.

I did my best to just ignore him, because he was starting to make me feel a little uncomfortable. I sat there for a little while listening to them all and finally excused myself.

I got up and took my bowl into the kitchen and washed it out and set it in the sink. I turned around and walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.

I started to walk back to the table for a little while longer with everyone but as I walked out of the kitchen I was lifted off the ground and flung over Emmet's shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Come on Bells come watch the rest of the game with us."

"That's sounds like fun Emmet but I am fairly sure I can walk."

"Yeah but this way you don't detour and destroy anymore cars."

"Fuck you Emmet! I should go flatten all your tires for that one."

He laughed out loud then said, "Yeah as long as that's all you did it would be ok… but my jeep can't handle a Louisville slugger through the windshield."

"Neither could the Vanquish but that didn't stop me." I replied as I was tossed gently onto the couch.

"I know it took us three hours to clean up all the glass. You should have seen the guys face that came and towed it to the junk yard. When he saw the bat sticking out of the back windshield… MAN it was priceless!" Emmet started laughing again as Edward wandered into the living room and sat next to me on the couch.

Emmet sat next to me on the floor. Jasper and Alice were sharing a chair. Rose, Esme, and Carlisle were still in the dining room talking at the table.

My body seemed very aware of Edward. There was a couple feet between us but it felt like a mile. I curled my legs underneath me and tried to watch the game and ignore him the best I could.

"Awww come on can we get a rebound. Shit come on guys!" Emmet yelled at the TV and jumped to his feet. He turned around and looked at me. "Hey scoot down and let me sit on the couch too."

"So sit there is enough room between us for you to sit."

"Nope sorry I need the arm rest."

"I was here first."

"I put you there and now I will move you again." He smiled impatiently at me and scooped me up and moved me down on the couch, then plopped down where I was sitting, taking up half the couch. I was now squished between Edward and Emmet.

"Comfy?" Emmet snickered and he leaned closer to me taking up more room.

"Hardly." I muttered then went to stand up. "But that's ok, I think I am just going to go…."

Before I could finish my sentence I was pulled into Edward's lap and I felt his arms wrap around my waist.

"I told you that after dinner you were mine. You aren't going anywhere yet, sit with us and watch TV." Edward whispered in my ear. I looked up at him slightly startled. He just smiled his crooked smile and gazed into my eyes.

"Here sweetie. You probably will need this sitting on his lap." Esme was standing in front of me unfolding a blanket. She draped it over me and Edward tucked it in around me. It was the softest and warmest blanket I had ever felt. It was a rich burgundy color and absolutely gorgeous.

It felt so right. Sitting there being held by Edward surrounded by people that truly cared about me. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt like this and the more I thought about it…. I had never felt like this.

Mom and Charlie had divorced when I was still a baby. Mom only dated on and off and most of the time I was the one taking care of her like this. Not the other way around.

I had never really had the whole "family" thing, ever and until now I never realized what I had been missing. It was this moment that I realized I could never go back to being alone. There was no point in trying to sugar coat it. This was my family. I was finally home. This is what I had been wanting for so long. A place to belong and fit in.

I felt the tears start to gather in my eyes and I started blinking quickly trying to stop them before they spilled over.

This is what Charlie had wanted for me. He knew this is where I belonged before I did.

"What's wrong love?" Edward asked stroking my cheek.

"Nothing, I guess I am just happy." I replied and snuggled a little closer to him. He tightened his arm around me and kissed my cheek. His other hand resting on my thigh.

"That's all we have ever wanted for you." He said with a smile.

"OK you two….. Shhhh the game is on!" Emmet said with a smile.

We sat there watching the game for a while. Sometime around halftime Carlisle walked into the room.

"Is anyone expecting anyone? A car just turned off the road into the drive." Everyone shook their heads and started to get up.

"Do you think we should take Bella upstairs?" Esme asked.

They all froze and looked at me for a moment concentrating. It was Alice that answered with a groan. "No it's ahh…. It's for Edward."

I felt Edward stiffen besides me. His eyes going almost black with anger. "I can't believe it." He muttered.

They all stood there listening to the car come up the driveway, their lips trembling. They were talking to each other and I couldn't hear them. It was starting to get annoying.

"Would someone like to tell me what's going on?" I huffed just as there was a knock on the door. No one moved. They just stood there looking from me to Edward.

Whoever it was knocked again. Again no one even flinched.

"Oh good god. A house full of vampires afraid to answer a fucking door." I said and pushed my way past all of them.

"Bella wait…." I heard someone say but I ignored them. They obviously weren't to worried about me opening the door because no one tried to physically stop me.

The door bell sounded again, followed by someone beating on the door. Whoever it was, was impatient and rude. I was always taught that you didn't call anyone's house before 10am and if it was after 9pm you call before you show up. Standing unannounced beating on someone's door at 10:00 at night like they were crazy… just not cool in my book.

So by the time I made it to the door, I was beyond annoyed. I flung the door open and there stood none other than Jessica Fucking Stanley. I resisted the urge to fling myself on her and beat the living snot out of her. Barely.

"What in the hell do you want Stanley?" I snapped.

"I came to see my boyfriend. Could you go fetch him SWAN?" She snapped back.

"You must have the wrong house, there is NO ONE in this house stupid enough to date you." I said with a smile. I heard someone behind me chuckle.

"Listen you little bitch go get Edward for me NOW." She screamed at me and that did it. I saw red but I remained calm. I clenched my fists and took a step out the door as she took a step backwards.

"I am going to give you to the count of five Jessica to turn around and go back to your fucking car and just drive away. Don't come back and don't bother any of us ever again. Edward isn't yours. Never has been, never will be so just go home and grow the fuck up."

I was fighting the urge to shove my fist down her pretty little throat when the stupid bitch said, "And if I don't? What the fuck are you going to do?"

I smiled at her. A huge, wide, smart assed, toothy grin. Then replied simply, "This." I pulled my fist back and swung. I caught her jaw she fell on her ass. I was in mid leap when I felt someone grab me from behind.

I screamed in rage. I wanted to beat the shit out of the little bitch. Teach her some manners. "She isn't worth it." I heard Edward say into my ear as he held me tightly to him. I stood there struggling for a second, trying to get to her.

"I just want to help her to her car." I begged. I just wanted one more swing at her. Jessica just sat there on the ground holding her jaw staring at me shocked.

I started laughing when I really looked at her for the first time.

"You know what Edward. Your right. She isn't worth it." I relaxed in his arms but he didn't let me go. I stopped trying to shrug him off and looked at Jessica who was still sitting on the front porch holding her jaw.

"Jessica you have about five seconds to get up and get in your car and get the hell out of here. Before I make Edward let her go." Rose said as she stepped between me and Jessica. Rose looked pissed, and I mean truly pissed and Rose is really scary looking when she is pissed.

"He's mine…." Jessica stuttered.

"NO Bitch! He is mine!" I screamed at her. "He has never been yours and he never will be. HE IS MINE! I swear to god if you don't get your fucking ass off MY porch I will find you Stanley…. And Edward won't be there to stop me next time." I tried to kick at her as Edward started dragging me back into the house.

Rose simply walked over to Jessica and grabbed her shirt and lifted her to her feet. Then she proceeded to push her to her car.

"Get in. LEAVE. Don't come back." Rose said as she opened Jessica's door and pushed her inside.

After another second Jessica started her car and drove off.

"ALRIGHT GIRL ON GIRL ACTION!" Emmet laughed. "You go Slugger!"

I ignored him and Alice smacked him upside his head. I was seething. I wanted to strangle the little bitch for all the things she had said and done to me and to Edward since I left.

Instead I was drug back into the house.

"She won't be back anytime soon…. And she won't be bothering Edward anymore either. Bella you have already been deemed a psychotic bitch but she won't bother us anymore." Alice said with a little laugh.

"Well I guess I have been called worse…" I said to myself but everyone burst out laughing.

"Come on slugger, let's go watch the end of the game." Emmet said as he grabbed my arm. Edward never let go but allowed Emmet to pull us into the living room.

"I'll get some ice for your fist sweetheart." Esme said then disappeared.

Moments later we were sitting back in the same spots as before. Me cradled in Edward's lap with him gently rubbing my leg. Esme and Carlisle curled up together on the love seat and I held the ice pack to my throbbing wrist.

"Yeah Carlisle can you get Bella something for pain? Her fist is hurting pretty bad right now." Jasper said with a frown.

"It's not that bad Carlisle. Really." I said after I shot Jasper a look.

"Nonsense Bella. I can get you something mild." Carlisle said then disappeared.

Moments later he reappeared holding two pills and a bottle of water.

"Please just take them love. There is no need to sit there in any amount of pain." Edward whispered into my ear.

"Fine." I huffed and took the pills. Carlisle went back to the couch and we all went back to watching the end of the game.

I never made it to the end of the game. About fifteen minutes later I started yawning and feeling the affects of my day. I was exhausted.

Edward didn't say a word that I could hear. He just rose cradling me in his arms and holding me to his chest and walked out of the room.

Moments later we were standing inside my bedroom. Edward walked to my bed and while still holding me to him he pulled the covers back then laid me down.

I was already starting to fall asleep as soon as my head hit the pillows. Edward leaned down and kissed my forehead as he pulled the covers up around me.

"Edward?" I mumbled.

"Yes love?"

"Will you stay with me for a while?"

I felt him crawl into the bed next to me then pull me up against him.

"I will stay with you forever love." He whispered to me while kissing the top of my head.

This was the last thing I remembered as sleep took me away.