A/N: For all of you who have stuck with me from the beginning, thank you! I really do appreciate every single hit, review, alert, and favorite that I see every day. This is my first time publishing what I write so I appreciate those who have helped me to define my writing and my style. So thank you all and this chapter is definitely dedicated to all of you!
***Here is Peter and Char's entrance. Please let me know what you think of them.
*** Disclaimer: I do not own twilight but I DO now officially own the "Ultimate Fan Edition" New Moon DVD.
*** Please read and review. Let me know what you think :)
BPOV
"What a delight we have here today my brothers! I have heard many things about you, young one. You are quite the exquisite creature, Isabella. You have so much potential even as a mere human. I haven't seen a prospective talent so promising since we found Jane and Alec. Can you imagine the possibilities when she is one of us?" Aro asked with a delighted smile on his face-one which resembled a child on Christmas morning receiving their most prized possession.
Aro's words were followed by many hisses throughout the crowd behind me. I didn't need to have Jasper's gift to feel the tension that was building throughout both sides of the crowd. The tension was one that was about to erupt if not taken care of carefully.
"Old friend, it is very kind of you to visit us today but may I ask why it is that you have decided to come? We have not committed any acts that need to be dealt with." Carlisle asked calmly, trying to defuse the situation before it got too far.
Aro smiled sadistically at me. His crimson eyes bore into my brown ones with such intensity that I felt as though he was invading my soul. He kept eye contact with me while he answered Carlisle's question. "We came for the girl."
The moment he finished his reply, feral and murderous growls erupted from behind me. Then all hell broke loose.
"NO!" My eyes shot open in the dark. I panicked as I looked around but saw nothing.
"Bella, Bella!" I heard a familiar velvety voice call to me through the darkness.
I couldn't see anything but I felt cold arms wrap around me. Instantly I felt that familiar current pass through the skin contact and I knew that for the moment, I was safe. I was in the arms of my beloved. I opened my eyes and found that Edward was watching me with concerned eyes.
It took me a few minutes to calm down but my shaking and breathing slowly returned to normal. I took a deep breath and looked up at Edward. I gave him a small smile and leaned up to kiss him chastely on the lips.
"Bella, what's wrong? What was your dream about, Love?" I could still hear the concern and freight in his voice. I have no idea what I said whilst sleeping but I can only imagine it must have resembled my nightmare because of the way he looked at me with such distress coloring his face.
I held him tighter and breathed in his scent to calm my nerves before I recalled my dream. "Aro came for me. He thought I was an "exquisite creature who has great potential", I told him with a soft voice so it wouldn't crack with the fear I felt.
The dream felt so real as if I was truly there. I could feel the intensity at which Aro looked at me. It felt as though he was pulling the essence from me. I shook my head to clear those thoughts which threatened my mind.
I turned my attention to Edward who was instinctively holding me even tighter and he was growling so low that I barely even heard him, even with my new sensitivity to sound. To calm him down I put my hand on his chest, over his non-beating heart. He instantly calmed down and looked at me with pained eyes.
"What else happened?" He asked in a soft voice that was so obviously strained.
"Carlisle spoke up to try and defuse the situation but Aro wouldn't listen to him. Aro then said that the reason they came to us was for me. He wanted me to join them." I said with a shaky voice.
"Carlisle", Edward called in a normal tone.
A minute later there was a knock at the door. Carlisle came in with a worried expression. Whether he was listening in on us or not, he showed no sign. He just looked concerned as to what could be happening that required his presence.
"Yes, son, what do you need?" He asked politely. That is one thing I admire about Carlisle, he retains his manners in every situation. Even when he dealt with Tanya, he was as polite to her as he could be at that time. His character is one that requires appreciation for he has one of the most humane souls that I know.
"It may be nothing but Bella has a dream-a nightmare- in which involved Aro." Edward explained while trying his best to withhold a growl.
Carlisle turned his attention towards me. I could see that he had a lot of questions burning in his mind. "Bella, was this like the dream you had before-with the way you felt in it?" He asked in full observation mode.
"Well, yes. The dream was different, I mean, but the draw was the same. It felt so real, as if I was truly in the dream. I could feel the intensity with which Aro looked at me and every detail was clear to me." I tried to explain.
"Wait, Bella, when have you been told about Aro?" Carlisle questioned.
I scrunched up my face in concentration and thought. When have I heard of Aro? How did I even know about him? "To be honest, I am not exactly sure. I have no idea where I heard about him. I just knew him when I saw him." I said with increasing confusion.
"What did he look like?" Carlisle asked as he came and sat at the end of the bed-looking at me with curiosity burning in his eyes.
"He was of course pale with skin that reminded me of onion skin. He had long black hair that he tied back. His eyes were the most prominent thing that I noticed about him. They were a milky red color that unsettled me and it felt as though he was peering into my soul with his gaze. I can't explain how the intensity of his stare made me feel, but it just felt…wrong.
"I could tell that he was prepared for battle with the way he held himself. His personality seemed almost childish in nature but he seemed manipulative just as well. It was just a feeling that I felt from him which I cannot reason with. All I know is that it all felt so real." I finished explaining with a soft and wavering voice.
Edward pulled me to him so I was cradled against his chest. Normally I would feel shy about showing this weak side of me in public, but this dream really got to me.
"I know that it may sound crazy or something but I know what dreams feel like and I can honestly say that this wasn't anywhere near a regular dream. I have no idea what it is but I have a bad feeling, Carlisle." My voice cracked at the end.
Carlisle began pacing while Edward rubbed my arms up and down in a comforting manner. Perhaps I am losing my mind or imagining things. I'm starting to worry about everything that is changing with me. I wonder if I'll be able to handle it all when it's all said and done.
I was pulled out of my reverie when Carlisle came and knelt in front of me. "Bella, I believe that perhaps you are having a sort of vision while you are asleep. That is the only explanation that I have for how you could know so many details about Aro with never being introduced to him personally or through another."
"What do I do?" I asked- worried to hear his answer.
"To be honest, I have not a clue yet. Perhaps we should wait until we learn something new and we have more evidence. I do not know how or why this was brought to you but we should be on alert. I will inform the rest of the family and ask Jasper to start thinking of ways to benefit us. If anyone knows how to handle such a situation, it is him. Don't worry Bella, we will protect you." He explained.
Yeah, but who will protect them all? I know I surely can't because I am a weak and fragile human. I can't even protect my family from threats against me!
"So you think that perhaps it is a warning of something that will occur?" I asked timidly.
He gave me a small smile and put a hand over my own. "I believe that it is possible. Bella, you have shown many great talents and abilities even while you are still human. It shows that you do have gifts, even as slight as they may seem now. Eleazar has already established that you have a gift of self-preservation so perhaps this is a part of that. Whatever it may be, we will need to be on our guard until we know more."
He stood up and came directly to me and pulled me into his arms. He kissed my forehead as he straightened his posture. "On any account, though, don't worry until you must. It could perhaps be nothing. We just need to pay more attention. If anything else occurs, even something simple, will you let me know?" He asked paternally.
"Of course, Carlisle. Thank you for everything." I said with genuine appreciation.
He nodded and left the room. Once Edward and I were alone I turned to him and saw him looking at me with something that looked similar to awe.
"What is it, Edward?" I asked curious to know what he's thinking. It's times like this that I wished I had his ability. To be able to see his innermost thoughts would be something fascinating to me. Perhaps that is why he gets somewhat disappointed when he can't hear mine.
"Bella, you are truly amazing, my love. If you were a vampire with your talents, you would be exceptional but as simply a human, your abilities and talents are unheard of. I can only imagine how exquisite you will be as a vampire. My love, you will be very powerful. I am in awe of you." He said as he held me even closer to his chest.
"I love you, Edward", I said as I brought my lips close to his.
"I love you more than you could ever imagine, my love", he said as he closed the distance between our lips. Our kiss was soft and sweet-void of the utter desperation that fueled our romance last night.
"We better get ready. Jasper said that Peter and Charlotte are about two hours away", he said as he broke our kiss so I could breathe.
We both got up and I took a shower while he got dressed. Once I finished my shower, I came out in a towel to get dressed. He was just buttoning up his shirt as I walked into the room.
Dressed in a grey button-up shirt with his sleeves rolled half way up his arms and a pair of loose-fitting dark faded jeans, he looked utterly scrumptious. I was frozen while gazing at his perfection. He was amazingly beautiful and he stirred feelings inside of me that I have never known before him. He completes me in every way, even just but looking at him.
"See something you like?" He asked while winking at me.
"Well, you know, perhaps." I said nonchalantly.
He came over and wrapped me in his arms at vampire speed. Before I could even register what he was doing, his lips came crashing down onto mine. He kissed me with such passion that I felt as if our souls were communicating. I felt like my body was calling out to his and his was responding with the same intensity.
I can't explain the feelings I have been experiencing lately but I do know that they are anything but ordinary. It's unexplainable from what I am aware of but I do know that it has something to do with our connection.
When we broke from the kiss he looked at me inquisitively. "Did you feel that too?" I asked and he nodded. "I thought perhaps it was just me." I said shyly.
"No, Love. I felt it as well. I also thought it was just me, but apparently not. I don't know what it means but when it happens, I feel so content as if something that was missing was finally found." He said as he stared at me with utter love shining in his eyes.
"I know exactly what you mean, baby." I said as I kissed him once more.
We finally broke apart from one another and made our way to the living room where the rest of the family was. I saw the family and I almost burst out laughing at the scene before me.
Rosalie was sitting on the loveseat while Emmett was rubbing her shoulders. She was scowling with her arms crossed over her chest. She looked like a little child pouting over the 'no cookies before supper' rule. Emmett was trying to console her and keep her calm.
Carlisle and Esme looked very nervous. They were looking around to their children and I could feel the anxiety rolling off of them thanks to Jasper. I could tell that they are very worried about their children making a bad impression on our coming guests.
Looking at the remaining two family members broke through the hold on my laughter. Everyone looked at me while I laughed out loud.
Alice was pouting with her bottom lip jutted out and her arms crossed her chest-mimicking Rosalie to an extent. Jasper was glancing at her with a timid expression. He wanted to make his wife feel better but he wanted her to act her age as well-and not her physical age, her actual age.
Once my laughter died down, I looked at everyone and spoke up. "You all do realize that they are just two vampires. I don't see why you all would be so anxious about it. I can understand Jasper's reaction since he hasn't seen them in years, but the rest of you are just too comical. Come on, I am a human and I am not worried. Relax, they won't bite", I finished with a wink.
Thankfully my attempt to lighten the mood worked and everyone started laughing. It sounded like a room full of bells when they laughed. I suppose immortality makes everything about a person beautiful.
I felt a spike in excitement coming from Jasper as I heard the distinct sound of tires on our gravel driveway. I couldn't gage how far out they were because I still am not used to this hearing, but by the way that Jasper's happiness shot out to me, they couldn't be too far.
I hadn't realized how important this visit is to Jasper. I smiled at him to show him my support and I felt a wave of gratitude crash into me as a silent thanks from Jasper.
Nobody made a move because they were uncertain how to proceed so I took the lead and headed to the door. Jasper followed me and the rest did as well. I opened the door just as the vehicle came to a stop and a male and female vampire got out of the car.
My mouth hung open slightly as I looked at the car they were driving. It was a silver Bugatti Veyron that looked like it was straight off the showroom floor. I was practically drooling and as I pulled my eyes from the car, I saw that Rosalie was looking just as stunned as I was.
Nobody outside of our family would believe that Rosalie was the best mechanic to walk this earth because of her stunning looks. She is the picture of perfection on the outside and for her to work on cars is hard to comprehend since it is supposed to be a 'guy' thing. I learned early on that she takes her cars seriously and she is like the "All You Would Ever Need To Know About Cars" walking and talking book.
I smiled as I realized that Peter and Charlotte just won over Rosalie unintentionally. Well, looking at Peter's smirk, perhaps it was intentional. Peter's eyes caught mine and he winked.
Nobody has yet to say anything, so I took it upon myself to break the ice, yet again. I stepped forward, despite Edward's silent protest, and came to stand in front of Peter and Charlotte. They looked me up and down as if appraising me.
Peter took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He opened them and looked at me with a smirk. "You were right, Sweets, you do smell delicious", Peter said with a smile that showed all of his razor sharp teeth. I heard six distinct growls in response to Peter's words.
Edward stepped forward, in front of me to shield me from Peter and I couldn't contain myself any longer and burst out laughing. Peter, Charlotte, and Jasper joined in with me. Everyone else looked at us as if we had gone insane which only made me laugh harder.
"What did I tell you Jazz my man? She's a firecracker." He said as he came around Edward and hugged me. Edward was too stunned to stop him. After a few moments he snapped out of it and growled at Peter.
"Relax, I am not going to hurt her", Peter glared at Edward.
"Seriously, Edward. They won't hurt me. Give them and me some credit" I said as I rose up to kiss him on his lips.
"Alright, Love." He said as he gazed into my eyes. I knew that he hated the thought of anyone or anything hurting me but he also needs to trust my judgment on things.
"Welcome to our home. I'm Esme and if you need anything at all, please feel free to ask." Esme said as she stepped forward and hugged both of our new friends. Their eyes lit up with emotion at her kindness and I smiled internally as I thought perhaps they might stay and join our family.
Carlisle stepped forward and shook both of their hands. "Hello, I am Carlisle. Please feel free to be at home here. You are Jasper's family so in turn you are more than welcome here as our family as well. The only thing that I do request is that if you are to hunt, please do not hunt in Forks or the surrounding areas. Also, the area near the beach is off limits since we have a treaty with the local tribe there." He finished and Peter looked at me sadly even though I could feel his amusement through Jasper's gift.
"So there will be no Bella-flavored snacks?" He pouted.
"Sorry Petey, we're fresh out." I shook my head sadly.
It was amazing how natural I felt around Peter. I have never met him before in my life, but it feels as if we are old friends. Talking to him felt as natural as breathing. It is truly odd but then again, the majority of my life hasn't been typical.
"Sweets, you're a hoot!" He said as he put his arm around me and Charlotte came to stand in front of me.
"Bella, it's lovely to meet you. Peter hasn't shut up about you since he spoke with you on the phone." She said which made me look at her confused.
"Sugar, he finds you to be very amusing and he thinks you would be hilarious to be around. Normally we don't interact much with humans so I am sure you can see why he finds you interesting. In all my years, darlin' I have never met a human who can run with vampires like you do." She kissed me on the cheek and stepped back to be wrapped in the arms of Peter.
"Yes I have been told that I am amusing. I'm glad I amuse you", I said sarcastically.
"Wait, how does Bella smell good? Can you smell her blood when we can't?" Emmett asked. Ah, there is Emmett's goofiness.
Peter looked at me. "Sweets over here does smell good. It's not her blood that smells good-it's her natural scent. Of course we can't smell her blood anymore than you all can but we can still smell her. It's very potent. It smells amazing but not in a food sort of way."
"So, Bella smells good but not edible?" He asked while cocking his head to the side. Wow, he has been spending way too much time around me.
"Exactly. Well, unless you ask Edward, that is." Peter winked at Edward and me.
I turned my head into his chest to hide my burning blush from everyone. Sexual innuendos still make me feel uncomfortable, especially when it's said around people who are so close to me. They all know that Edward and I are intimate, but for others to speak about it, really makes me feel like a shy child.
Edward chuckled and kissed the top of my head. "It's okay, Love. He was only kidding but you do smell good enough to eat." He brought his lips to my ear and whispered as his cool breath wash over my sensitive skin-making goose bumps appear. "Perhaps I will later", he whispered.
A shiver shot through me and I moaned involuntarily into Edward's chest. How does he have such an effect on me? I then remembered that everyone was watching, so I disentangled myself from Edward and took a deep breath before I faced the smirking crowd.
"Oh, hush!" I said as I mock-glared at them all.
Esme led everyone inside to sit down and talk. Charlotte and Peter attached themselves to my side which I felt bad about. They were Jasper's friends but their attention was on me and not him.
Jasper felt my guilt and he sent me reassurance. Thankfully he understood that I wasn't taking his friends away and he was happy that they and I were getting to know each other. His friends and his best friend becoming friends. He was happy for me and them.
"So, Darlin', what gave you the push to call us up?" Peter asked as he looked between me and Edward with a concentrated glance.
Edward looked like he was concentrating but not finding what he was looking for. I realized that he was trying to peer into Peter's head but I believe that he is blocking Edward.
Edward may hate when people block him but I had to giggle because I believe that people deserve the privacy of their own minds-well most people that is.
I turned my attention back to the conversation. "Jasper and I were talking and he told me about his past when he mentioned you and Charlotte and how you haven't seen each other in a while," I paused and glanced at Alice who looked at me and dropped her head in embarrassment. I am sure she would be blushing like mad if she was able to.
I returned my gaze back to Peter and finished. "The things he told me and the way he feels about you being family, made me really hope for a chance to meet you both." I said while blushing and looking down to the floor.
"That's mighty sweet of you, Darlin'. We really appreciate your invitation. We do miss Jasper terribly and it was imperative that we meet you as well." He said with a knowing look in his eye that I have gotten used to in regards to Alice's visions.
Oh please, not another Alice. I love her terribly but I hate the whole 'I know how the future is supposed to be so I get to make all your decisions for you' thing.
"What do you mean?" Edward asked somewhat unsettled by his words. Oh, I guess he doesn't know about Peter's gift.
"I mean that for some reason it was planned for us to meet Bella", he said even though it didn't answer his question.
I took it upon myself to explain it to the best of my ability. "Peter… knows things." Hmm… okay that didn't explain it any better than Peter did.
Edward looked at me exasperated and I just leaned into him to comfort him with my presence. It was odd to me how our presences can comfort and calm each other. It's quite odd considering our natural instincts should unsettle us in one another's presence. Him being a vampire and I a human.
Jasper, feeling the emotions around the room spiking, decided to step in, but not without a chuckle first at the confusion surrounding him. Apparently he is used to Peter being cryptic. I'm sure this situation must remind him of when he first encountered Peter's power and made him feel just as confused as the group was now.
Jasper cleared his throat to gain everyone's attention and explained. "Peter has an ability. He gets feelings or 'hunches' about certain things. Normally it will have to deal with the future but sometimes it also includes the past, even though the past part is more rare for him than the future", he explained and I could tell that people were still confused.
"So he's like Alice but with testosterone?" Emmett asked. Leave it to him to make a joke with inappropriate timing and material.
Alice glared at him and he just stuck his tongue out at her. I giggled because Emmett is such a child at times. I think that is what really makes his personality so remarkable though-the fact that he can see the innocence and the simplicity in life when others are blinded to it.
"No, I am not like the pocket pixie," he said with a sarcastic chuckle which earned him a growl from Alice but it didn't faze Peter. I will have to ask him about that later.
"What I get are not visions but they are a foreboding of sorts. Whatever they are, they are definite and not subjective. Form years of dealing with this particular gift, I have never had a 'hunch' fail me. When I get them, I know that they are to be taken with the upmost seriousness." His face grew somber as he spoke.
I realized that he must have felt something rather disturbing. In the matter of seconds, he went from sarcastic, cheery Peter to upset, depressed Peter. I don't really know him all that much, but even I could see the difference. Jasper caught onto Peter's change and he stepped forward to come face to face with Peter.
"What did you find out, Peter?" Jasper asked in the calmest voice he could but thanks to his continued projection-to me alone- he allowed me to feel his anxiety.
"I don't know specifics of course but after we spoke on the phone I felt as though this trip was going to be very important. Also I believe that the Volturi are coming." He said as he chanced a glance at me.
In that moment that our eyes connected, I could see the hidden words in his eyes… they were coming for me.
I took a deep, shaky, breath and mentioned-barely audible- "They are coming for me". As I said this, all heads whipped in my direction, save Carlisle and Edward.
Peter stepped forward and came to stand in front of me. He kneeled so we were on the same eye level. He gained my attention before he spoke softly with the concern one would feel for family in need. "What makes you think that, Bella?"
I sighed and moved to sit on Edward's lap before I explained how I knew that the leaders of the vampire world-the royalty that could destroy entire covens with one word-are coming for me. "I had a sort of vision in my sleep. There have been instances, this being the second, where I dream of a something happening in the future. I cannot explain it but Carlisle believes it to be tied in with my ability for self-preservation."
"Dang Sweets, I had a feeling that you were powerful but I didn't know you have already had a developed power. You're still human! Wow, you are something else." He said with awe shining from his eyes.
Edward kissed the top of my head and mumbled "Yes, she sure is".
"So what did this vision, eh, dream entail?" Peter asked as if my answer was of the utmost importance.
I explained, in as much detail as possible, what occurred in my dream and had everyone hanging by each word. It worried me that my dream could possibly come true. If my family had to fight for me, how would they survive against such powerful vampires? They would be fighting for me and I'm not worth it.
"Bella!" Jasper hissed at me. In an instant, he was in front of me with a glare on his face that made me shrink back a little.
Edward crouched in front of me-in between Jasper (the supposed threat) and me. "Don't you ever feel that way again! Damnit, you are worth it! You are worth my life and all of our lives. You are worth everything, Bella."
His face softened once he felt my emotions. "Bella, you are the key to this family-the heart and soul. You have brought us to life after we have been dead for so long. You brought us into the light while we had always been in the dark. Bella, you have shown us that we can actually live even as vampires. You have helped us to learn the appreciation of life, no matter how short or how long the span of it may be."
Jasper came around Edward and brought me into an embrace when those traitor tears made their presence known. "Bella, my sweet, sweet Bella. You have given us a reason to live instead of merely existing. You have given us such a precious gift just by being around you. If you were not part of this family any longer, we would forever be missing the most important part of it. We could never truly have a life without you in it. Never doubt that and never forget it."
By the time he finished, I was in tears, full out crying. He held me to him as I cried but he didn't change my emotions. He knew I needed to feel this. He knew that I needed to feel the truth. And then I could feel it. Jasper let me feel the love and the pride shining from each and every person- even Peter and Charlotte. They forever became a part of my heart, even in this short time that I have known them.
After a good five minutes of crying, my tears slowed and I composed myself enough to face my family. I was more embarrassed than I have ever been. Only two people in this family have really seen me cry like this before today. Now, everyone has seen me act like a baby. I am so weak-how could they ever see me as worthy of being in their family.
Jasper glared at me and I took a deep breath. Apparently he picked up on the unworthiness I was feeling again. Embarrassment won over as my main emotion. Thankfully, Jasper sent me reassuring and calming emotions. I smiled at him to show him that I was okay before I turned to face the family, which now included Peter and Charlotte. I gave them a small smile and in return I felt the love and adoration that they felt for me.
"Good God Woman! I thought we were going to have to repeat Noah's Ark sometime soon if you kept that up." Peter joked around with me. I laughed at his attempt to cheer me up because it really did work.
"Why? You could have just swum." I said quirking an eyebrow at him.
He chuckled, "That I could, Sweets, but I think the other humans would appreciate not to drown in their sleep."
After some good-hearted banter, everyone-save Jasper, Edward, Peter, Charlotte, and I-went hunting. We all fell into conversation and I felt happy knowing that everyone was getting along so well. Jasper and Peter were engrossed in conversation about the Bugatti when something in the air suddenly changed.
Peter stopped mid-sentence and winced before looking at me with pain in his eyes.
I took a deep breath and calmed my nerves before I spoke. "How bad?" I asked with a strong voice even though inside I was screaming like a scared little child.
Edward hugged me tighter and growled at someone's thoughts as Peter said one word.
"Very"
So…Thoughts?
Did you like Peter and Char? I know I haven't really gotten into details with them yet but they are visiting so they will be in the next chapters.
I think I should explain about the dream. As I have established, Bella's gift is self-preservation. This dream/vision pertained to a future even that could put her in danger, thus she had it to protect her.
This has nothing to do with the story really but I went to the New Moon DVD Release Party at our local Wal-Mart and stayed in line for 2 hours while I waited to get my copy of the Ultimate Fan Edition that was a Wal-Mart exclusive. It was so worth it. Plus who can turn down free cake?