I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH 20
It was a few days after our meeting. I held Edward's hand as we drove through Canada on our way to our new home. We had waited until after my funeral. For obvious reason, I couldn't be there, I stayed with Rose and Emmett, since they were 'at collage', and wouldn't be going themselves. I told everyone else before hand that I didn't want any details of the funeral, that just seemed creepy to me.
The story around Fork was that someone broke into Charlie's during the game, overpowered Jake and Charlie and took me hostage. My bloody clothes were found miles away next to a burn pile. Blotched evidence proved that my remains had been burned.
The afternoon after the funeral, Jacob showed up at the Cullens with Embry and Quil in tow.
"Hey Jacob, I'm glad that you are feeling better," I told him as I meet them outside. Edward was standing with me. Emmett and Jasper were on the porch just watching.
"Feeling good as new thanks to Dr. Fang. I guess it was a close call. I know my dad is grateful as well." Jake looked me over. "Those eyes are darn right, freaky." He scowled.
"They will go away the more bears and mountain lions I eat," I replied bashfully.
"Bear?" Quil's interest peaked.
"Yes. Bella killed a bear on her first hunt. Three times her size too," Edward stated proudly. The wolves looked a mixture of impressed and disgusted.
"Besides, you're one to talk about my eyes. At least, I don't smell like a wet dog," I shot back at Jacob. I heard Emmett laugh on the porch.
"Us. You smell too, you know." Jacob wrinkled his nose up.
"How do we smell?" I frowned. Edward and the others still smelled fine to me.
"Sickingly Sweet." Jacob gagged. I rolled my eyes.
"Anyways, I came to say good-bye and sorry that I couldn't protect you better." Jacob gave me an apologetic smile.
"I don't blame you, Jacob. Only her, and perhaps James." I reassured him.
"Where are you guys headed?" Jacob asked. I looked up at Edward, not knowing if we are keeping this quiet.
"We are going to head to Alaska. Until, we know Bella's newborn phase is over," Edward informed him.
"I guess then this is it." Jacob frowned. "Just to let you know. If you or the Cullen's need anything let us know, especially if the pack can help."
"Thank you," Edward told him.
"Jake, take care of Charlie for me," I asked.
"Will do, Bells." Jacob nodded then turned to Edward. "Take care of her or you will have me to answer to."
"I will," Edward tightened his arms around me. Jacob seemed pleased as he gave a wave and jogged into the trees. Embry and Quil also shouted good-bye before disappearing.
"Bella, you with me?" Edward called. I am brought back to the current time.
"I'm here, just day dreaming I guess. Or night dreaming." I answered as I look and noticed the night sky.
"Everything okay?" He asked.
"Yes," I told him and snuggled as close as I can in the car.
"I just wanted to point that out to you." Edward pointed to spot near some cliffs. Above, in the sky, is the aurora borealis.
"Oooo, that is so pretty." My eyes lit up.
"We aren't far now," Edward told me.
A few minutes later a four story house comes into view.
"Wow! Did Esme restore this one too?" I asked. Edward nodded.
"Unlike our other house, the garage is on the ground floor, as well as a game room. The second floor is Carlisle's office, Jasper's office/library, Rose and Emmett's room, Alice and Jasper's room. The third floor is Esme and Carlisle's room, drawing/sewing room and our room. On the top floor is a kitchen, living room, dining room." Edward explained.
"Is the roof all glass?" I ask in awe.
"Yes. The rear side of the house as well." Edward nodded.
"I get why you like the glass, because of all the light it brings in. But who thought it was a good idea letting Emmett near so much glass." I asked teasingly.
"Oh, he has broken more than his fair share. He is also now an expert at replacing them." Edward laughed along with me.
He drove under the house. The moving truck would be here in two days. We packed small bags with us. The house was already furnished with most things we needed.
Edward carried our bags up to his room. The room had a golden rug and white walls.
"We can redecorate if you want. I want this space to feel like it is yours too," he announced as he placed the bags down by a couch.
"I don't have a bed, but, um, we can go shopping for one if you like." Edward ran a hand through his hair. I stepped up to him and replaced my hand with his. He leaned into my touch and started to purr.
"I guess we will need one, sometime soon." I answered him. I leaned up to kiss him, he pulled me forward. I felt him fall into the couch pulling me on to his lap as he went. He deepened the kiss and I clung to his shirt. He pulled away to kiss my neck.
"The sooner the better," he mumbled, I tensed slightly. He sighed as he pulled back.
"Sorry, I'm not rushing you. I promise." Edward kissed my cheek. After I told Alice I would have to think about it, Edward and I talked more about getting married, or more precisely when. When I told him I wanted to get adjusted to being a vampire before I added getting adjust being a wife too, he was supportive.
Edward groaned in frustration. Before I could ask why, he looked towards the ceiling.
"We will be right there." Someone must have been talking to him in their mind. "The Denalis will be here in about five minutes." Edward stood and held me in his arms.
"How close do they live?" I asked wondering how often I was going to have to endure Tanya.
"Not far for us to run just a few minutes. To humans though, they would have to drive about three hours." Edward laced his fingers with mine.
"Do you have a public story for their relation to your family?"
"The sisters are often referred to as Carlisle's cousins." Edward took my hand and led me to the door.
"Right. Tanya, Irina and who else?" I asked. Edward looked at me questionably than answers quickly.
"Kate." Edward answered while opening his door.
"So when were you going to tell me that Tanya was the female equivalence of Mike Newton?" Edward froze so fast that I nearly bumped into him. I could hear the rest of the family holding back their laughter.
"Ahh… Who told you that?" Edward asked sounding alarmed.
"Doesn't matter. The question was why you didn't tell me?" I raised a brow.
"Because, it was nothing of any consequence. She was never a real threat." Edward looked sheepish.
"Neither was Mike, but you seemed to think so," I retorted back.
"Dually noted. I'm sorry I never said anything. I didn't think Tanya was worth it." Edward kissed me chastely.
"They are in hearing distance, now" I heard Alice whisper.
"I need to hunt soon," I reminded Edward. He nodded and kissed my nose.
"Let us say a quick hello and then I will go with you." Edward continued to pull me to the steps to go outside.
We arrived outside with the others as five figures come into view. Four of them are female.
Edward glanced at Alice, then steps up, wrapping his arms tight around my waist.
The arriving group comes to a stop in front of us.
"Carlisle and the other Cullens welcome." A strawberry blonde vampire announced.
"Tanya, everyone, good to see you again." Carlisle responded, while stretching his hand out to shake Tanya's hand. So that was Tanya, she was gorgeous, I felt even plainer as a vampire. Out of the corner of my eye I see Jasper shot Edward a look. Edward leaned forward and kissed my neck and I calmed down, but then Tanya walked towards us.
"Edward, who is this? Aren't you going to introduce us?" Tanya was eyeing me.
"Carmen, Kate, Irina, Tanya and Eleazar, this is my Bella. Love, this is the Denali coven." Edward announced. Most of the vampires are trying not to snicker. Irina looked as if she could care less. Tanya looked a little disgruntled when Edward called me 'love'. She straightened herself up.
"Bella, I'm Tanya. But I'm sure our Edward has told you all about me." Tanya gave me a smug smile and Edward's arms tensed.
"No, my Edward hasn't spoken your name until about five minutes ago. But don't worry, Alice told me all about you." I smiled back and Tanya's smile started to falter. She shot a glance at Alice, who just gave her a smug smile. I vaguely wonder if Tanya ever tried to hit on Jasper. Edward, I am not sure consciously or not, starts playing with my ring.
"Yes, Carmen, it's exactly what you think it is. Bella and I are getting married." Edward announced with pride, he lifted my left hand and gave it a kiss in front of everyone. I could feel myself smile as well.
"Congratulations," the dark haired female squealed. She zipped forward hugging us both at the same time.
Eleazar followed her and shook Edward's hand. "Congratulations!" He then eyed me carefully. "How long have you been a newborn, Bella?"
"Six days now," I answered him, his eyes grew a bit wary.
"There's nothing to worry about, my old friend. Bella has more self control than even myself at that stage." Carlisle chuckled lightly in hopes of lightening the mood.
"Is that so?" He looked me over, he seemed to be studying me.
"She stopped in mid hunt of a human on her first hunt when Rosie told her to stop. Bella held her breath and ran in the opposite direction." Emmett bellowed with his loud laughter.
"Now that is impressive." Kate smiled at me, she seemed to be another genuine friend.
"Alice, I was hoping you can help me locate a friend of mine. His name was Laurent?" Irina asked her. Alice stiffened and she looked at me. The other follow suite.
"Laurent was killed when he tried to attack me when I was still human." I told her, shrinking back into Edward. Her eyes narrowed, she started to growl and suddenly crouched. Edward growled back and shifted me behind him. Just as she pounced I threw up my shield hoping I could protect both Edward and me.
"What just happened?" Carmen cried in alarm as Irina bounced off the shield right in front of Edward. Emmett grabbed and pinned her arms around behind her.
Edward turned to me and grabbed my hand. I was pleased when I realized I was able to protect Edward too.
"You can lower it, love." He squeezed my hand lightly.
"Did that hurt you?" I asked. He shook his head and I lowered my shield.
"Irina, we have reason to believe that Laurent was using you to get information on our family. He gave that information to a vampire named Victoria that wanted to torture Bella, because she's Edward's mate. Edward killed her mate last year when he attacked Bella. Laurent was destroyed by the Quileute wolves when he attacked Bella." Edward said firmly. Her face fell and she looks sad again. Luckily, she seemed to believe Edward. Emmett let her go and she took off into the night. Tanya and Kate moved to follow her.
"She just needs to cool off. Give her some time before you go after her. She will be fine," Alice whispered, stopping them.
Eleazar cocked his head to the side still looking at me.
"We were hoping you could tell us about Bella's power. Even as human she was able to block me." Edward informed him.
"Interesting. I'm also curious because I am having a hard time reading her. Shield maybe?" He turned to Jasper and Alice.
"Can you two read her?" He asked.
"Most of the time, but not when she's cover herself completely with the shield," Jasper snickered.
"Remarkable," Eleazar breathed. "She's definitely a powerful shield. More powerful than I have ever seen. I suggest you keep quiet about this." Eleazar informed us. Edward nodded in agreement.
"This was the first time she was able to protect someone else. But I'm not surprised, since Edward is her mate and her gut was to protect him." Carlisle spoke up.
"It was interesting though. I can still read everyone while under the shield. Could you two still see me?" Edward looked to Jasper and Alice, who shook their heads.
"Well, my dear, it seems you were definitely meant to be a vampire." Kate gave me a sincere smile. "You would never know she was a newborn, except for the eyes."
"That is definitely true. But then Bella has always been a bit different." Jasper snickered. I immaturely stuck my tongue out at him. He finally told me his story the other day. I now understood better why my behavior threw him for a loop.
"Well, if you will excuse us. Bella and I are going to go on a hunt." Edward told them then led us a way from the rest.
One moose and two Caribou later, I was standing with Edward on the cliffs he pointed out earlier. We just held hands watching the lights in the sky and the refection on the water below.
"This is a beautiful place," I commented as I lean into him.
"It is alright. I much prefer looking at you." Edward kissed the top of my head.
I look around, deep in thought. Part of me felt bad holding off on the wedding. I realized the chances of Charlie being at my wedding were probably null. So what was the point of waiting too much longer? What was I really waiting for? Although, it would also be nice not to have flaming red eyes in the wedding pictures.
"You're awfully quiet. What are you thinking about?" Edward asked rubbing my arms.
"So even though Charlie knows he still can't be at our wedding?" I asked. Edward sighed heavily.
"I wish I could say yes. It was one of the reasons why I wanted to get married before." He reminded me.
"I remember. It was one of the reasons, I was thinking of changing my mind." I turned and look into his golden eyes. He looked back at me with curiosity in his features.
"Does this mean if I had asked properly when you weren't changed, you still would have said yes?" he questioned.
"I say it was a good chance of it. I was definitely leaning in that direction." I rubbed my hand against his cheek.
"Do you think we would be able to tape it, or maybe even have Charlie be able to view live somehow?" I asked. I could see him think it over before he answered.
"I wish I could tell you yes, but it is so risky. I will talk to Jasper and Carlisle. Maybe we can work something out."
"Thank you,"
"Anything for my bride." Edward grinned crookedly at me.
"Anything?" I prompt. He raised a brow. "So you would not mind a small wedding."
"If that is what you want. I know Alice plans big, she doesn't have to plan it. I will talk to her or I will have Jasper talk to her." Edward told me.
"I'm not worried about Alice. I actually may need her help, as long as she doesn't go overboard. What do you think about getting married right here?" I bit my lip.
"Here?" Edward asked looking a bit lost.
"Yes, on the cliff, under the night sky with the northern lights above us. Just the family with us," I explained. He looked around the area and back at me.
"Well, it will definitely be different than a traditional wedding. However, the lights are only really going to be visible for another week and won't return until late August. I'm not sure if even Alice can help us pull it off in a week. Can you wait for August?" Edward asked. I knew what he was thinking: our level of intimacy. My shoulders slump slightly.
"All we need is a license and someone to perform the ceremony." I told him surely we can get that in a couple of days.
"This is what you truly want?" Edward brushed my hair back over my shoulder. I nodded and gave him a small pout. I heard his cell phone chirp. He pulled it out.
"Alice," he mumbled as he shows me the text.
A/N: Hmm. Apparently Tanya is all talk and no bite. It is Irina you have to watch out for. Next chapter, the wedding. I thought it would be fitting to have it on a cliff, coming full circle. Then there will be an outtake and Epilogue.
Thank You For the Reviews!
Preview:
"Yes, Bella is probably the most forgiving person I know." Edward praised me.
"Don't you know it? I don't think anyone has screwed up more with Bella than Edward." Emmett snickered, Edward growled in response. I stepped away from Edward and disappear.
"I would stay away from chairs, Emmett," Jasper snickered. Emmett started looking around frantically.
"So that was her? Where is she?" Emmett kept whirling around and backing up and he is now standing at the edge of the cliff.
"Sure, you want to stand there?" Kate giggled. Emmett glanced behind him and blanches.
(Oh Emmett. You should have never picked on Bella.)