A/N: As always, a big thanks to Katbug86 for her stellar beta work, ily.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight; all the respectivecharactersbelong to Smeyer.

Chapter 25

BPOV

My mind was blazing - thoughts swirling through at a torrid pace. A raging forest fire coursed through my brain fibers, burning to cinder all my good memories and happy times; because in front of me - before my very eyes - it was all ending.

Jake lay flattened to the ground whimpering in pain. Charlie had appeared out of nowhere, attacking Victoria with a rabid ferocity. Until then I had been held captive, feeling utterly hopeless, watching Jake fight for his life - fight for me.

With the sight of Charlie, my heart swelled inside my chest, filling me with new hope - new possibilities, and I began to wriggle against the vampire who was holding me. I had to try; I couldn't just stand by and watch any longer.

"Dad!" I screamed, thrashing harder against the freakish brute strength of the boy behind me.

Victoria ripped Charlie - like an old band aid - swiftly from her shoulder and discarded him to the ground with such ease. Her wild eyes flicking back to Jacob.

I tugged harder, trying to pull myself free. I could feel the bruising rings around my arms where his hands were clamped down, but I didn't care. All I could focus on, as my hopes began to die out again with Victoria's seeming triumph over Charlie, was Jake's desolate form.

A sudden flash of memory from the dream I had so many nights ago hit me like a ton of bricks; Jacob standing over my dead and drained body - his eyes glowing sickly red. I had been so afraid of that image, but then his words came back to me. "I had to, I had to save her."

I couldn't let it happen. I couldn't let Jake sacrifice himself just to save me.

With all my might, I pulled my body forward and dropped my head back into the vampire boy. It was a stupid, desperate attempt - I'm not even sure what I was hoping for - but I was grasping at straws. The pain struck through me like a lightning bolt when my head connected with his chin; I could smell the blood immediately. In that split second, his demeanor changed.

He had been apparently bored up to that point, because once the copper scent hit the air, the boy came to life. A vicious rumble erupted from low in his belly, his grip tightening around me. I squeaked out in pain as my bones whined in protest against the pressure. Just as I feared they might snap, something was ripping me free of the monster I had awakened. I tumbled forward, not stopping to look back, and in that same instant Victoria was crouching, preparing to lunge at Jacob.

"No!" I screamed again, my voice barely registering in my ears as the wind roared against them. I was moving - flinging my body in their direction. I landed with a thud on top of Jacob's soft, warm body, my eyes catching with his left one. The pain and sorrow I saw there nearly undid me, but I didn't have time to dissect the moment because Victoria had descended us, landing squarely on my back.

I heard the sickening pops and snaps in my spine before I felt them, then my body went numb from the shoulders down. I grunted at the pressure of Victoria's weight on me. In a blur of speed her head fell to my neck. I could feel her cold breath along my skin, sending icy chills along my flesh. I waited for the chill to run down my spine, a fat tear welling in my eye when I realized I couldn't feel it.

"All for a stupid human," she seethed in my ear as I whimpered, starting to plead with her.

It was useless; I could already see her mouth open against my skin. Everything seemed to slow tremendously in that moment. Victoria picked a spot above my shoulders, apparently aware that she had broken my back - she wanted me to feel the pain. Her teeth sliced through my flesh with ease, and my mind ironically wandered to images of melting, warm butter. I cried out, the burning sensation hitting me instantly. Then she was gone, the pressure of her body missing, and all I could feel then was the open wound gushing at the crook of my neck. A moment later someone lifted me, pulling me to them. I winced reflexively, expecting another hostile vampire - James perhaps. The sight before me was miraculous, tears sprang immediately to my eyes, overflowing my lids and spilling down my face.

My vision blurred in and out, and I struggled to keep focused. Our eyes met just as I tasted the blood that was bubbling into my throat. Edward looked grief stricken and frantic. "Edward?"

I was able to register that he had responded, but my ears were ringing so loudly that I could not make out his words. I felt myself falling, my body failing me - I needed to say my goodbyes. I needed him to forgive me for being so stupid - I needed him to absolve me. I did my best to communicate my thoughts with him through my strangled cries. He pulled my head into his neck, his entrancing smell taking over my senses, soothing me, and supplying me that one last glorious moment.

"Shhh, love, I know, it'll be okay," he whispered to me after some time. I knew he was wrong though. I had so many injuries in my lifetime, but none had ever come close to what I was feeling in that moment. I could feel death coming - there was no question in my mind. Abandoning my concern for forgiveness, I put my energy into trying to relay to him just what he had meant to my life.

"Edward, I'm s-sorry." Frowning at him, I tried to speak as loudly and determined as possible. But, instead, my voice was fragile and withering. "I love you more than anything. Don't… don't you ever forget that," I swallowed back more blood that was choking my words.

"You brought me back," I continued. "You gave me what I thought I would never have again, you fi-fixed me."

Edward surprised me by pressing his lips firmly against mine, effectively silencing me. He kissed me with a fevered passion, and I responded immediately, recognizing it would be the last time. Allowing my eyes to fall closed - my pain momentarily forgotten - I was home. Edward was my refuge and I felt content and fulfilled.

In the recesses of my mind I was barely aware of Jiminy, brushing tears from her own eyes. I love that man, she sighed, saying her own goodbyes. He wasn't all that bad.

Edward began to pull away softly, the pain returning full force. I ground my teeth together, wincing at the sting.

"Bella, love, its okay. Carlisle is here, everything is going to be fine. I love you."

Edward's face turned away from mine briefly, and he spoke to Carlisle who must have been standing behind me. Carlisle appeared in my line of sight, kneeling next to me, his face tender, concern creasing the edges of his eyes.

"Bella, can you feel your legs?" He asked softly.

I shook my head no, tears welling up in my eyes again. I knew it was silly to be concerned about being paralyzed when I could feel death hovering so close, but I couldn't help it.

"Alright, dear, that's fine. Edward, let's lay her flat onto the ground so that I can assess her better."

Edward laid me flat to the ground, letting go, and another pang of grief filled me that I hadn't felt his touch on my body to begin with. Carlisle began assessing me, lifting my arms slowly and asking what I could feel. It was getting harder and harder to focus, white spots appearing in my vision. I blinked a few times, willing them away, but that did no good.

Along with my vision, my attention was going in and out as well; the ringing in my ears growing and then abruptly dissipating. I barely made out Carlisle's words to Edward as I closed my eyes, suddenly feeling very sleepy.

"No, son, there isn't anything we can do. The cut is too deep - it can't be stopped," he paused, "But you could do one thing."

Another wave of static and ringing sounded, and I longed to pull my arms up and cover my ears from the offending noise. A sound that was something close to my name being murmured under water overtook the ringing, but I wasn't sure that I didn't imagine it, so I lay still, lacking the energy for much more.

"Isabella, love, open your eyes." Edward's voice broke through clearly that time. I struggled to lift my lids, searching for his face. It was a blurry circle in front of me which slowly took proper shape. His skin was glowing, a strange orange hue, but I couldn't place where the light was coming from. His expression was grim, quickly shifting as I focused on him. His eyes lightened, and a smile graced his full lips.

He was so beautiful, how had I ever been so lucky as to have that man in my life - even if for only a short while.

"Carlisle says that you have broken bones," he spoke softly, drawing his hand across my forehead.

I swallowed, grimacing against a flare of fire that singed at my flesh. At times it felt as if I could feel each individual cell smoldering to ash. "Don't s-sugar coat it Edward. I know I'm dying," I said, unable to ignore the obvious.

"No, Bella, I wouldn't let that happen."

"What di-did Carlisle mean there's nothing el-else that can be done?"

He closed his eyes briefly, shaking his head as if to rid it of the answer. "He said that you are already changing. That I could help make it quick," he replied reluctantly.

Changing? I was not dying? I was becoming a vampire? It was almost too much information for my brain to process - I hadn't even considered. It only took a half second for his words to register with me and Jiminy mumbled weakly from a darkened corner, Let him do it.

I let my eyes close but didn't hesitate in my response, "Do it."

"Bella, you don't know what you're asking me to do. I have never done this before, what if I can't stop?" His answer was panicked, doubt coloring his words.

I had no doubt - not one ounce - that he wouldn't stop. I trusted him implicitly - he needed to know that.

"You will," I replied soft and evenly before opening my eyes. His were a liquid onyx, flecks of butterscotch melding throughout; worry fading as he read the honest trust in my expression.

I watched doubt creep back across his face suddenly as another thought occurred to him - his features falling flat. "I - I, I can't. I can't help take your soul!" He shouted, frustration evident in his tone.

Helplessness overtook my emotions - then I will suffer, I thought, defeated. "So you'd rather I be in pain?"

"No, no - I never want you to hurt in anyway," he answered, looking lost as his eyes dropped to his lap.

He was concerned for my soul, but I held no such fear. Edward was being Edward - trying to put my best interest first. Only in that case I think my best interests were outside of his grasp, he couldn't understand.

"Edward, look at me."

He obeyed, slowly, and I continued, "I have seen the ty-type of vampires you and your family are. You are good a-and kind hearted, more m-moral than most people I know. If you are soulless, then I could make the same argument for most humans. I am not afraid of losing my soul. J-Just as you have one, mine will stay intact. Please Edward, do this and then we'll be … ugh!"

Another shot of pain seared through my veins. I clenched my eyes shut, attempting to compose myself. "Together forever," I finished after a moment, breathlessly.

"Edward, there isn't much time," Carlisle spoke from behind Edward, and I wondered idly what would happen if my heart gave out before Edward did what I had asked of him. I supposed I would be made to suffer through the intense agony for that much longer. Was I asking too much of him then? Perhaps I should tell him to forget it and deal with the pain. Those thoughts fluttered around my brain, mixed with sharp twinges of pain, as I watched Edward's tormented face morph in and out of decision. Then, suddenly, his expression grew determined, his eyes falling back to mine.

"Alright … this will be painful though. The whole transformation can last three days, but I'm hoping that I can make it quicker. We have never really discussed it, but the burning sensation can be quite agonizing. When you wake up you will be very thirsty. Just remember that we will all be here, we will help you through every second. Do you understand?"

I nodded in acknowledgement, a fragment of fear slithering into my emotions. We had never discussed my changing, and I had not given it much consideration. The process had already begun, and I wasn't fearful of the ultimate effect, or even Edward having to bite me again. I was fearful of the loss of my life. I hadn't spoken to Renee in a few days, would I be able to see her again? Or would I have to abandon her the way Charlie abandoned me? Would she receive a phone call from a stranger stating they had found my body and I was dead? I couldn't imagine what that would do to her, and I felt impossibly sadder at the prospect.

Edward leaned in, kissing my cheek, and pulling me from my mulling. "There isn't much time, love. I need to do this now."

I shook my head again, it being harder than he last time. My muscles felt sluggish, my breath shallow and slow. His head moved to my right side, I could thankfully feel his lips there, and I basked in the momentary feel. His cold lips against my warm skin - it would be the last time. "I'm sorry I could not be better for you," he whispered, his breath fanning across my skin.

Tears spilled over as I drew in a staggered gulp of air, opening my mouth to reject his comment. But before I could, Edward's teeth sunk into my flesh. I screamed out at the immediate pain, the same image of melting butter flashing before my eyes. He moved to the other side of my neck, repeating his actions. The pain was not as harsh, as I was anticipating it that time. His teeth moved so easily through my skin.

He moved to my ankles and proceeded in the same manner. The pain was stinging through my system when he pulled his body up, his face hovering just above my heart. I did not expect what he did next, the fiery pain all but too much as he bit deeply into my breast. I screamed out in shock, thinking I might pass out from the pain, but I was granted no such release.

"I love you, Bella," he mumbled into me before pulling away; I whimpered in response.

I could no longer open my eyes, my world was nothing but agony and sparks of light and dark. The blood moved slowly through my veins, flames taking its place. I was somewhat aware of my body being lifted and moved, but I had no clue or care as to where.

"Bella, can you hear me?" I thought I heard Edward's voice. I groaned in response, dropping my head in its direction and trying desperately to pry my eyes open.

"Edward," was all that managed across my lips.

"Yes love, I am here."

For the first time it occurred to me that he had done it. Just as I thought he would - he had bitten me and not lost control. A sense of pride swelled within me. I tried to smile, but was too weak, only able to turn the corners of my mouth slightly. I could feel the fire moving closer to my heart as it slowed. I knew that moment was my last as a human with a beating heart and blushing cheeks. I thought of my life and aside from my mother, I knew I wasn't going to be losing much. In Edward, I had gained so much more.

Staring into the eyes of the man who had changed my life so drastically, the unconditional love and devotion I felt inside myself was mirrored there - it was indescribable. We connected just by a look, it said all we needed to say as I took my last breath, exhaling the only words that mattered. "I … love… you…."

My eyes settled closed, my heart taking its last feeble beat, and I heard Edward's words echo inside my head over and over as I fell into darkness. "Isabella, my love - my life, I love you more than anything. Never forget that."

xxXXxx

I felt as though I had been sleeping for a thousand years, my limbs heavy to the point of feeling dead. I tried to move but could not. A fireball of pain exploded suddenly from my heart, shooting through my veins. Screaming out, my body propelled forward on its own accord.

Something pushed me back down, and I writhed against the pain, hissing and snarling - willing it to go away. Slowly, it dissipated, and I slipped back into blackness.

A sensation growing in my feet and hands fished me from the darkness once again. It felt as if someone was holding hot pokers against them. I yelped at the feel, only partly aware that I shouldn't be feeling anything at all from my extremities. I bit down against the pain, trying to remember why I felt such intense displeasure, and why I couldn't open my eyes.

The darkness, which seemed a safe haven before, only seemed to swallow me then as the pain followed me. I felt vulnerable, unable to move or see what was attacking me. My brows furrowed in agony and confusion. Who was doing this to me?

The relentless torture went on for what seemed like forever - no end apparent. I began to think I was dead, my mind coming to the only logical conclusion. I struggled to remember anything, but could not - only flickers of faces and muted voices that made no sense. There was no other explanation for the excruciating pain - the blindness - the helpless feeling - I was in hell.

Just as I solidified that thought in my mind, coming to terms with the fact that I would be suffering for all eternity - unable to remember what I had done to get there, or anything of my life before - the pain lifted minutely. The intense burning smoothed to smoldering warmth throughout my flesh.

I wiggled my fingers and toes, testing that I could move them. Keeping my eyes shut, from fear of what I would find around me, I sat myself up slowly. As I did so I realized I had not been breathing, for God knows how long; panicked I inhaled sharply. All sorts of smells assaulted my nose, overwhelming me. I stopped breathing immediately, unsure I could handle it, simultaneously it occurred to me that I didn't need the oxygen. Something about that thought struck me as familiar, but small sounds distracted me from thinking of it any further.

I could hear the chirping of birds outside, as if they were sitting on my shoulder. Then there was a rustling of brush along the lush forest floor, small pitter patter of an animal's feet moving swiftly. They were light steps of a small creature, no bigger than a rabbit.

The pain had diminished, the sensation almost completely gone, save the slight burn that had settled into my throat. I felt the intense need to put out the flames there, satiate it in some way, but it was a far cry from the overall blazing pain I had been suffering. I smiled in relief, a small giggle bursting from my chest and the melodic sound was strange to me, like a chorus of wind chimes. I was not dead, I was not in hell, but something was very different.

Cautiously, I opened my eyes, immediately assaulted with vivid light and colors. I didn't need to squint against the it, or shield my eyes; I was able to look straight into it, amazed by the each separate particle reflecting color. Dust motes fluttered around in the light; I squinted at the tiny fluffy balls, astounded I could see each individual fiber.

Glancing down I took note of the long, flowing, white night gown that clung loosely to my body. Grazing my fingers down my torso I touched the soft gauzy fabric beneath my finger tips, it felt fragile.

I stood, moving swiftly and gracefully to the source of the light where it melted in through the window. Voices piqued my interests as they made nerves shudder through me. I felt immediately defensive, perking my ears up to listen to their words.

"I also wonder… Bella has already accepted us. She has known our ways for weeks now and showed no objection to us. She should, in theory, remember that. It gives me confidence that she will be less afraid when she wakes. I have high hopes for her Edward."

Edward, I couldn't place it, but the familiarity of that name sent calming waves through me. I twisted to go towards the voices when the light broke through a bay of clouds, spiking a bright beam through the window, gleaming off my skin and splashing a shower of color all around me.

The sight was breathtaking. I turned back to the window, staring at my luminous skin sparkling in the light. It was captivating, all the millions of colors, I could see each distinct crystal. A memory of a duller version of the same sight sparked through my mind.

"Bella," I heard a man's voice whisper. The fact that I had not heard anyone enter threw me; I spun, immediately defensive, my instincts taking over. I stared at the man who had spoken, his tall lean figure hovering in the doorway. My mind was racing with thoughts of survival, and I found it aggravatingly hard to concentrate on any one thing.

Our eyes met momentarily, but he dropped his gaze immediately, sadness washing over his features. His face shifted quickly as he looked back, taking a step in my direction. Every molecule inside me was on high alert - ready to fight for my life. I couldn't make sense of the overwhelming urge, but I was scared and confused, and I went with my prominent reaction - my baser instincts taking the lead.

"Bella, love, its okay…" The man spoke, he was calling me Bella… the name held familiarity, but I pushed it from my mind as he stepped closer. Without thinking, I crouched low, ready to spring if necessary, hissing at the man in warning. He didn't heed the warning and stepped closer still.

Panicking, I turned and sprang through the window toward the light, landing nimbly with a soft thud on the ground below. The man was right behind me, grabbing me by the wrist and turning me to him. The sudden shock of electricity the speared through my body frightened me, and I hissed at the odd feeling.

His expression was unfathomably pained, but I didn't know what he wanted, I only knew that everything was too much for me. I needed to get away, all of those new sensations overtaking me; I couldn't focus - I was terrified by it.

Growling, I pried my wrists easily from him, lifting him up and throwing him into the trees. I didn't wait to see his body hit the ground; I just turned and ran into the forest. The wind whipped madly around me as I dug my bare feet into the earth, it was easy to run. I had a sudden memory of my past clumsiness, and I was fully aware that the lithe, agile movement was new for me.

I ran and ran, never tiring; another thing that I knew was different. Whatever I was, I was no longer human. Was the man who tried to stop me?

I spun abruptly, running west towards the sinking sun, and up the slight incline toward the mountain in the distance. I was surprised when the trees parted and gave way to an open field. Slowing to a stop, I found myself standing in the middle of a small meadow. Flowers blooming in radical purples and blues, low to the ground, a stark contrast to the bright green of the soft billowing grass that waved slowly in the breeze.

Rays of light pushed through the thick trees, reaching their arms out to the meadow, golden hues dancing across the field. It was magnificent, I felt oddly content there. Carefully, for the first time since I had awoken from my blackened sleep, I took in a light breath, taking in the scents around me. Once again, I was hit by an assortment of different smells - the earthy smell of the soft dirt being stirred slightly by the breeze; the blades of grass which were warming in the late afternoon sun, the light floral scent of the flowers littering the ground. I could smell the faint scent of animals hiding in the forest, and my mouth laced with liquid as my mind went to what pumped through their bodies.

The blood. That's what my body was craving, why my throat still burned, and why I felt thirsty. Vampire, Jiminy whispered to me, and I remembered my familiar inner voice for the first time since my changing.

I had been changed, but by who? If I knew that much, then I knew it was all locked in my head somewhere; I grew impatient and frustrated. Why could I not remember? Sinking to the earth, I felt the cool grass beneath my own chilled fingers. I had a weak sense of an icy touch, one I use to crave, but I couldn't place it fully.

Nothing was making sense. Why had I felt the need to flee, and why did I feel comfortable stopping in this meadow? It held something, a presence that my body seemed at loss for. Breathing in again I got a whiff of a new smell, one that was wholly familiar, but more intense. I closed my eyes, laying back, trying to remember before my change and breathing in that recognizable smell.

Cool touches and soft kisses, auburn hair, and soft, warm eyes shining full of love. I was receiving splashes of memory. A smooth honey voice lulling me to sleep. Incredible pain, a loss of a life, and then that voice - peace. He had put me back together. I loved him. How could I have forgotten him?

Never forget. And then the memory crashed into me with overbearing force - his last words.

"Isabella, my love - my life, I love you more than anything. Never forget that."

"Edward," I breathed, his name trickling over my lips, my new voice sounding strange in my own ears. I could see his face then, gasping as I realized it was the same face I had seen outside of the house - the overwhelming sadness in his eyes was because I hadn't recognized him.

I stood in one fluid motion, inhumanly fast; turning to run back in the direction I had come from, but was halted at the sight before me. Edward was there, lingering at the outskirts of the meadow, watching me with apprehension. Looking into his eyes, with the new pieces to the puzzle, everything fell into place - my mind unlocking the past. The memories flooded into me like a crashing wave, knocking me to my knees.

My father, graduating, coming to Forks, running into Edward, Edward, seeing Charlie again, James and his group, Jake - Oh no! Jacob!, Victoria biting me, and Edward saving me. The visions of the past were dull, but I recalled it all.

"Bella?" Edward called to me cautiously. It occurred to me then he still could not read my mind, or he would have already been to my side. I ghosted to him, taking him off guard, but stopping arms length away.

Searching his face, I was amazed that he still looked just as perfect, even with my improved vision. His skin was smooth - flawless, his eyes still warm and inviting. Tentatively I reached my hand up, his weary expression melting away when my fingers caressed his cheek.

I was entranced by how his skin felt beneath my fingers, no longer hard, cold stone, but soft and almost warm compared to my own flesh. "Oh Edward," I breathed. "I remember, I remember everything… and I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."

With that he collapsed into me, grabbing around my waist and pulling me to him. "Oh Bella, my Bella. I was so worried I had lost you forever," he sobbed dryly into my shoulder.

"Shhh, I know, I'm sorry I frightened you. I was just so scared and I - I didn't know what had happened," my voice trailed as I reveled in the feel of him holding me. The spiking electric current passing easily between us was no longer strange to me, but all too familiar - just intensified. I immediately felt desire pool low in my belly, and I pressed my lips to his neck tentatively.

He pulled back gently, keeping his arms firmly in place, gazing into my eyes. "Bella, how did you know? What happened?"

I smiled wildly at him, ecstatic that the tension was gone, that something felt right for once, and I was no longer frightened. "It was you Edward. I was scared and couldn't remember, but then I came here and something about this place seemed right. I stopped to think, and then with my eyes closed I could smell you and pieces began to fall into place. I was going to come find you, but you were already here."

Edward was regarding me with a curious expression, and I wondered if he was thrown off by my voice as much as I was; I quirked an eyebrow at him inquisitively, "What?"

He shook his head, a light chuckle escaping him. "It's just you… you are amazing. It took most of us days to recall what exactly had happened to us, and you - you take mere hours."

"Hours! I was running for hours?"

"Well, two, but yes, you ran for a long time. I was beginning to think Alice's vision was wrong. I left to find your trail, but you must have come just as I left."

"You were waiting for me here?"

He smiled warmly, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear. The buzzing trail his finger left along my skin was distracting. "Yes, love, Alice told me I would find you here."

"Oh," I replied other things clicking into place. "OH! Jake? Is he okay? What happened?"

Edward supplied me with another honest grin, which was relieving. "Jacob is fine, he is banged up, but he will make a full recovery."

I breathed a sigh of reprieve, happy to hear Jacob would be fine. The burning sensation in my throat increased tenfold suddenly, I winced against the irritation. A warm, rich smell wafted against my nose, and I closed my eyes, breathing it in. "Mmmmm," I heard myself hum and turned away from Edward toward the source. My throat was coated in liquid again.

"Bella, stop," Edward ordered, grabbing my arm. The scent was fading, and I whined in response, opening my eyes and turning, irritated, finding Edward's shocked expression. "What was that? Why did you stop me? And stop looking at me like that," I huffed folding my arms tightly across my chest.

He blinked slowly at me before replying, "Bella, that smell was hikers a few miles from here. I told you to stop so that you didn't run after them and make a mistake. I am looking at you like this because I'm shocked you listened."

I rolled my eyes, "Why are you 'shocked' I listened?"

"Because with newborns their desire typically prevails over all else… and, well to be frank, you never listen to me."

I laughed humorlessly at him, and then recognition hit me. "That smell was people?"

"Their blood to be exact, but yes; I'd say there were three of them. How do you feel now? Is the venom filling your mouth still?"

Venom? So that's what that was, it just felt like thick saliva. "Um, I'm okay, my throat's burning, but I haven't gone insane yet," I replied dryly.

He nodded, flashing me a vigorous smile that made my head spin slightly, Wow. "Good, it would have been worse if you were already hunting, but I think you did excellently regardless."

His hair was shimmering - bright strands of auburn glowing in the tawny sun cresting the horizon. The desire wound tight in my stomach, my urge to ravage him intensifying as I stared at his dazzling face. The only thing holding me back was the distraction of my scorching thirst. I grunted in irritation. "Can we hunt now?"

He paused briefly, glancing around before responding. "Yes, but we should go somewhere a little more remote. Follow me… if you can keep up," he challenged, lifting an eyebrow and shooting an evil grin at me.

Wow indeed.

Turning, he ran into the line of trees. I followed, finding it easy to keep up. He stopped after a bit, a large dip in the earth creating a shallow creek that was very wide, the ground dropping off just past the edge of the water. His eyes were radiating with excitement when he turned to me, "Would you care to try something?

"Uh, sure," I shrugged, although I couldn't help the quiver of excitement that betrayed my indifference.

Taking a few steps back, he took two bonding strides forward and flung his body into the air, clearing the wide expanse with no problem, and landing in a tree on the other side.

Holy shit, he wants me to do that? I thought in morbid disbelief. "No way," I finally spoke.

"Oh, come on Bella, you can do it. It's easier than it looks. Just aim for a high, sturdy branch."

"Okay, whatever you say."

Pulling in a deep breath, reflexively, to prepare for my jump, I took two steps back just as Edward had. In two long bounds I pushed my feet with all my might into the earth, propelling myself forward. It was an amazing feeling - the air pushing past me as my body soared through the air - I was flying. I couldn't help the buoyant laughter spilling from me.

Butterflies assaulting my insides - I felt like I was on a rollercoaster - it was amazing. I watched as the spot where Edward was perched drew nearer, and I reached my hands out to grab a neighboring branch, realizing I was too high. I flew past where he had landed by a great deal. Descending a hundred yards or so past him, I grabbed a thick branch as soon as it came close enough. The wood splintered under the force and cracked, falling to the ground - along with me.

Edward scurried from the tree and to my side in no time, pulling me to him, concern lighting his eyes. "Bella, are you okay? I should have stipulated you to be careful when you grabbed the branch."

My body was shaking with laughter, I could not respond; so I held my hands up to indicate he give me a minute. His expression lightened once he registered I was okay. "Yeah, you're a bit stronger then you're used to b a b y."

My laughing stopped abruptly with his crooning words, my eyes darkening with lust, recognition dawning on his features. I pulled his face to me with heavy force, smashing his lips to mine. "Owe, Bella, owe careful," he winced.

I giggled against him, drunk with the fact that I could be rough with him and he could be rough with me. "Sorry babe."

He groaned, pressing his mouth back to mine, the trigger word still working on him as well. Our tongues joined, sliding lithely along one another, winding my insides tight. Every sensation - every touch was intensified, and I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to have him inside me.

My fingers found his hair, and I pulled, eliciting a growl from deep within in chest. Edward's hands roamed my curves, dipping underneath the long night gown I was still wearing. It was amazing to have his hands feel warm, my flesh quivered under his touch. His nimble fingers skated along my stomach, working their way up and finding solace on my breasts. I moaned into his mouth, my nipples hypersensitive - a live wire straight to the insatiable throbbing between my legs.

He laid me back on the ground, lingering above me, our mouths still connected. I pulled again on his soft tendrils in an attempt to pull his body closer. He responded immediately, dropping himself into me, his erection pressing firmly into the apex of my thighs. He wasn't holding back - wasn't being careful - it was splendid. Working his hips into me, I rose to meet him, granting the friction we were both looking for. His mouth abandoned mine, falling to my chin as he placed sinuous kisses along my skin. His tongue jutted out, licking my flesh - tasting me. I purred into his hair as he moved lower to the exposed part of my chest.

Unexpectedly, my mind began to wander as I caught the scent of a warm blooded creature nearby. My head tipped back to look behind me, the trees appearing upside down from my vantage point.

"Bella?" Edward's whispered into my ear, tickling me. "Would like to hunt first love?" It didn't go unnoticed that his words came out sounding slightly wounded. I looked back to him, wanting to say no, but the inferno in my throat answered for me.

"Yes, please?" Pulling my bottom lip between my teeth I smiled coyly at him, hoping he would understand. His gaze dropped to my mouth and then back to my eyes.

"Well, then, stop doing that," he replied darkly, reaching out and tugging the skin free from between my teeth.

A/N: I had soooo much I wanted to fit in this chapter, so I decided to split it into two because in Kat's words "that chapter was loooooong." I hope everyone is happy with the turn of the tides here, it appears angsty times have come to an end. (I think I've let you all suffer enough with the past 4-5 chapters.) So, a splash of fun times in the end here, and more to come next chapter, as I plan on that being the final one. Don't worry - loose ends will be tied up!! Please review and send me your thoughts!

xoxo Buff