Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: Thank for all the wonderful reviews you continue to send. I'm so glad this story means so much to people.

After this chapter, only two chapters remain.

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Chapter 21: Time for Sleep

As the daylight began to drift into darkness, Mick held Beth in his arms, thankful she was by his side. The ache he'd felt since leaving L.A. was finally gone, and he'd spent their hours together soothing the fire in his body that blazed since the moment he saw her walk through Bella's door. Making love again and again, they finally collapsed and slept. It was the first meaningful rest he'd had since coming to Alabama.

Watching Beth sleep, he was anxious for her to wake. As she began to stir, he embraced her tightly, cradling her from behind. Her head lolled back limply, and she turned her head to look at him.

"Hey there. Am I dreaming?" she whispered. "If I am, just let me sleep."

He kissed her forehead, his lips forming a smile against her skin. "No dream. I'm here. I missed you so much."

Beth turned over to face him, lightly brushing his mouth with her fingers. "I missed you, too. Next time you leave for a few weeks, I'm going with you. This separation stuff sucks." She laughed but stopped when she realized Mick was quiet. "What's wrong, Mick?"

He took a deep breath, willing his mind not to reel at the scent of her. "I've wanted to talk to you about something for so long. I don't think I can wait anymore."

She scowled, her face transformed instantly into a worried mask. "What is it?"

Extending his hand palm up, he held a small black box containing all the hopes and dreams he had for them. Watching Edward and Bella exchange their vows only cemented his plan, and he knew he couldn't wait until they returned to L.A. to know her answer. He watched as the confusion in her eyes cleared, replaced by welling tears. He opened the box, displaying more than just a ring to her. He was showing her his heart.

"Beth, will you marry me?" Searching her face, he sighed when she smiled brightly.

"Yes," she whispered, tears falling down her cheeks. She raised her trembling left hand, spreading her fingers. "Will you put it on?"

Holding her hand in his, he removed the ring from the box, slipping it easily on her finger. It fit perfectly, just as they did. He kissed her fingers, then her palm, finally resting his lips against hers. Her arms were the only true home he'd known, the only one he would ever know, and he moaned as she embraced him. Their lips parted, and he tasted her again. Her sweetness was as strong as it had been the first time he'd kissed her, and he knew he'd never tire of her taste on his lips and his tongue.

"I love you so much," he whispered.

She sighed, resting her head over his heart. "I love you, too, Mick."

They lay together as the room grew darker. It was almost time to leave for Bella's, and Mick reluctantly released Beth and sat up. "We have to get ready."

Beth stretched and looked up, her eyes still happily glazed. "How long will it take?"

"I'm not sure," Mick shrugged. "I think my change took overnight, but Josef said others have taken a couple of days."

"Josef's really worried about her, you know. I'm not sure what Bella said during that chat, but he was pretty taken with her." Standing, she extended her arm to admire her ring. "If I were Edward, I'd definitely not let her come to L.A. for the wedding without him."

"Oh, already planning the nuptials, I see." He grinned, pleased to see her so happy.

"Are you kidding? Since I was twelve years old." Walking around the bed, she sat next to him and took his hand. "Are you ready for this tonight?"

Mick nodded slowly. "Yes, as much as I can be. Edward's right, of course. If I change her, she can easily mainstream with humans. She'll be able to move and travel without worry that someone will discover her secret. As far as anyone else is concerned, she's just another pretty face. It's important to Edward that she not live under that constant fear the way he does. She also won't have that horrible bloodlust. I'll be able to teach her to control her impulses in a way Edward never can. He's always on edge, afraid he'll one day lose control. As long as I do my job, Bella won't have that weight on her shoulders."

"Who are you trying to convince? Me or you?"

"Not convince, explain." He stood, pulling her up next to him. "I just want you to know I've thought this through."

She kissed him softly. "I never doubted it. Everything will be fine, you'll see."

Mick hugged her tightly, again quietly hoping tonight would also bring them closer to their own forever.

~*~

Standing outside the bedroom door, Edward took slow, deep, steadying breaths. Even though this had been his idea, having someone else change Bella was not something he relished doing. Still, he wanted an eternity with her, an eternity she wouldn't have to spend in fear and trepidation as he did. If anything ever happened to him, Bella would be able to blend in with humans and live a life of freedom he'd never know. No matter how much it would tear him up inside to watch someone else change her, he knew it was the right thing to do.

When it was time, Edward slowly opened the door. Bella was standing on the balcony, and the cool breeze billowed her gauzy white top around her. It was the same outfit she'd worn the night she allowed him to love her again, and he smiled remembering. When she turned to face him, the beautiful disarray of her hair and the depth of molten eyes made him gasp.

He felt Mick's hand on his shoulder, and Mick spoke to him wordlessly. We don't have to do this now. Maybe you need time.

Edward didn't need time; he needed courage. Looking at Bella, he realized she had enough for both of them.

Taking Bella's hand, Edward led her to the bed. He sat first, moving to sit up against the headboard. He took off his shirt, knowing his cold flesh would sooth her during the change. He spread his legs apart and motioned for Bella to sit. When she sat on the edge of the bed, he lifted her, placing her gently between his legs, her back resting against his chest. He took in a deep breath and concentrated on her heartbeat, which was racing. She shivered slightly before relaxing into him.

Mick walked toward them, taking off his jacket and rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. He sat down, facing Bella, and began speaking in a deep, calm voice. "Before we start, I need to make sure you understand what is going to happen and what it means. Okay?"

Edward wrapped his arms around Bella's waist as she nodded and laced her fingers tightly around his hands.

Mick continued. "For our line, turning a human is a very serious obligation. When I turn you, I become your sire. I am responsible for making sure you have the knowledge and the training you need to exist as a vampire. I will not leave until I'm sure you can do so. Understand?"

Bella nodded again.

"Bella, I need you to say you understand."

Her voice was soft and timid. "I understand."

"The process of turning is very painful. I will drain you of almost all your blood, and then you must feed from me or you will die. There is no guarantee that you will survive this. However, I will do everything in my power to make sure that you do. Do you understand?"

"Yes, I understand." Her voice was stronger.

"Finally, once you are turned, you will need to consume human blood. You won't be like Edward; you cannot exist on animal blood alone. You and Edward may hunt together, but you will still need human blood. Do you understand?" Mick looked at Edward, and it was obvious the question was directed towards them both.

"I understand," she said, clear and determined.

Bella slowly undid the top button of her blouse, pulling it down her shoulder to expose the artery on the side of her neck. As she leaned her head to the opposite side and stretched, Edward brushed her hair behind her head and kissed her throat tenderly.

"I love you," he whispered, his mouth dry.

Bella rubbed her hand soothingly down the outside of his leg. "I love you, too. I always have."

Edward sighed, his love for her growing as she comforted him. Mick and Edward then exchanged a tense glance. It was time.

Mick slowly leaned into the crook of Bella's exposed neck. Although he knew it was the monster inside Mick doing it, Edward still felt a blaze of jealously when he saw Mick lick his lips hungrily, his fangs extending. Mick grabbed Bella's shoulders and looked up at Edward with white eyes as he slowly sunk his fangs into the soft flesh covering her throbbing artery.

Edward jaw tightened as waves of anger crashed into him. Bella was his, and he wanted to give her everything. Yet, here he was, watching another drink the life from her and give her eternity. It didn't matter that it had been his idea; it was eating him from the inside out.

Mick continued to drink while Bella moaned and thrashed, her body pressed up against Edward. He was finally pulled out of the black jealousy by Mick's thoughts screaming at him.

Damn it, Edward, concentrate! You have to hold her so I don't rip her throat out!

Edward wrapped his arm around her waist again, holding her tight enough to stop her violent thrashing. He couldn't bear to hear her moans anymore, so he placed his other hand tightly over her mouth.

It was then that he felt it. With each swallow, Mick had allowed Bella's blood to drip down her shoulder. It was starting to soak into the fabric of her blouse, which was in turn sticking to Edward's bare chest. He pulled away, staring at the streams of blood running down her back.

It was the blood that had sung to him that first day in Forks, and he had wanted to consume her. The same blood called to him every second of the last three years, begging him to come back to her. He had only tasted it once, but it had been bitter with fear and James' venom. Not clean and crimson and sweet, as it was now.

Just one taste, that's all I want...it's all I need.

He ignored Mick's screaming inside his head and leaned toward Bella's shoulder. He slowly lapped a small drop of her blood into his mouth, leaning his head back to savor it.

So sweet. So good. So good. So good. Must. Have. More.

As her blood slid slowly across his tongue and down his throat, he could feel the fire spread and reason drain away. When he gazed back to Mick, Edward's eyes were deep, shiny black pools of hunger.

Edward grabbed the hem at the back of Bella's blouse and ripped upwards. He removed his hand from Bella's mouth and held the gauzy remnants across her breasts, while his other hand uncovered her blood-streaked back. Wide-eyed but no longer screaming, Mick continued to grip her shoulders as he took in great gulps. Each time, blood escaped his lips covering the wound and ran down her back.

Edward dipped his head down and began running his tongue over Bella's porcelain skin. First his licks were short and tentative, but, as he tasted more of her sweet blood, he flattened his tongue to take long, hard swipes across her back. All the while, he ran his free hand up and down her side and across her stomach.

He was acutely aware of Mick watching him, but he was too far gone to care. Mick had begun slowly stroking Bella's arm with one hand and buried his fingers of the other in her hair, caressing the back of her head. Edward briefly thought to object, but another ribbon of blood called his name. As Bella's blood continued to cascade down her back, Edward realized Mick was allowing more blood to flow than was necessary, as if he was purposely sharing it.

Bella's moans, which had started out strangled and pained, were now longing and breathy. It wasn't until she sighed his name that Edward was sure she aware of what he was doing. It only served to push him further, and he cupped her breasts in his hands, massaging her slowly as he and Mick continued to drink her blood.

"Edward, stop."

It was a few seconds before he realized Mick had said the words out loud. Finally able to concentrate on Mick's voice, Edward growled, pulling Bella flush against him.

Mick sunk his teeth into his own wrist, opening a vein. He offered it to Bella, who was barely conscious. "Drink."

Bella weakly grabbed his wrist and brought it to her mouth. Small, tentative sips turned into large, hungry gulps. After several seconds, Mick pulled his wrist away, and Bella fell back limply against Edward.

"Bella, sweetheart, rest now," Mick whispered, brushing her sweat-drenched hair from her face. "Beth and I will be here when it's over." Addressing himself to Edward, Mick's eyes hardened. "Don't get venom in her wound."

"I won't, I swear."

When Mick closed the door, Edward moved from behind Bella, slowly lowering her onto the bed. He was shocked to see the heavy streams of blood that had run down the front of her shoulder and over her chest. Peeling her shirt away, he wasn't sure what he should do.

"Edward?" she whispered meekly.

He lay on the bed next to her, cupping her cool cheek with his hand. "Yes, love?"

"It's okay. I don't mind."

"What's okay, Bella?" he asked, confused.

Her breathing was becoming shallow. "What you want to do. I don't mind."

Bowing his head in shame, he couldn't look at her. "Bella..."

He felt her fingers run through his hair, soothing him. "Don't be ashamed, Edward. I want you to." She let her hand fall to her side. "I'm just so tired, baby."

"Go to sleep, love. I'll be here when you wake up, I promise."

As her eyes drifted to a close, Edward began slowly, languidly tasting the drying blood on her skin. Taking care to avoid the wound, he ran his tongue over her shoulder, her breast, and her stomach, consuming every drop of her blood. When he was finished and she was clean, he covered her naked torso with a sheet and pulled her into his arms. He wanted to hold her until her beautiful eyes reopened.

~*~

Cracking the door slightly, Mick looked in on Edward and Bella and found the same scene as he had the last three days. Edward held Bella, unmoving and eyes closed, in his arms. Every so often, he would tell her he loved her and ask her to please wake up. Mick and Beth had both begged Edward to let them relieve him, but he refused to leave Bella's side.

"There's no change," Mick said sadly as he sat next to Beth on the couch downstairs. "I'm afraid she'd not going to make it." Running his hands through his hair, he began to pull it angrily. "This is all my fault. All my fault. First Charlie and now Bella."

Beth grabbed his wrists and yanked his hands away from his hair. "That's not true! You had nothing to do with Charlie's death," she cried as she cradled his face in her hands. "Look at me, Mick. This is not your fault. You did everything the correct way. It is beyond your control."

Mick shook his head vigorously. He blamed himself for so much that had happened the last few months. If he had caught Phelps, not only would Charlie be alive, but Annie would not face years of intensive therapy just to sleep through the night. If he had just said no to Edward or, more than that, talked them out of their plans, Bella would be planning their move away from Alabama. Instead, everything was all fucked up, and he didn't know how to begin to repair it. He began to worry that his bad luck would extend to Beth too, that he'd fuck up her life like he had everything else.

"I can tell by the look on your face what's going through that mind of yours, Mick," Beth said, her voice clipped and sharp. "Don't you dare go down that road. The things that have happened have nothing to do with our feelings for each other." The rejection he'd seen so many times was just on the edge of her blue eyes. "I love you, and I will not let you go. No matter what."

Wrapping his arms around her, Mick lifted Beth and sat her in his lap. He buried his face in the crook of her neck and rocked them slowly back and forth. "I love you so much. If it were you up there..."

"It's not me," she whispered. "We're here, and we're okay. They made their decision, and they understood the risk. One day we'll make ours, too, but, right now, we're fine. Okay?"

Mick leaned back on the couch, embracing Beth tight against him. Every time he thought he'd lost Beth, she returned to him, and he fought to keep her. Their love had been enough to overcome anything, and he made Edward believe the same thing was true for him and Bella. What if he'd been wrong? What if fate was that cruel and, despite the love between Edward and Bella, they just weren't meant to be happy?

He lifted Beth and sat her next to him on the couch. He gave her one brief, reassuring kiss, and he walked over to his jacket, retrieving his cell phone from the pocket.

"Are you calling Josef?" Beth asked.

Mick began paging through his address book. "No, I'm calling Alice."

"You promised him, Mick." Beth stood reaching out for the phone. "You know what he wants."

"I'm not calling them so they can come change Edward's mind," he said, his finger pausing over the call button.

"Then what are you doing?"

Mick pressed the button and turned away from Beth. "I'm giving his family a chance to say goodbye."