A/N: Dearest Katbug86, you have been my faitful beta through crazy late nights, moments of total fail, times when I felt like I sucked, times when I was giddy and felt good about this mess. You are the best. Thank you SO MUCH for sticking with me. [hearts and a little bit of tucked peen] -Buff

Chapter 26

BPOV

Crouching low behind a tree, I listened intently to Edward's instructions.

"Close your eyes and just listen," his voice was soft in my ear.

I obeyed, allowing my lids to fall closed.

"Now, what do you hear? Use all of your senses."

After a moment I could pick up on what Edward was talking about. Not far from where we were perched, about one hundred yards or so down the slight incline, I could easily hear the sound of a small stream; the water splashing lazily against the earth, rushing over worn down rocks. Along with that was the faintest sound of an animal lapping up a drink at the stream's edge. Inhaling slowly, I pulled in musky scent of the animal. It was definitely larger than the squirrels and chipmunks I had detected at the meadow. I could smell the thickness of its warm blood, causing my mouth to fill with venom.

"Mmmm, what is that? It's bigger, I can smell more blood," I mumbled absentmindedly, my attention focused on the very thing that would quell the insatiable burning in the back of my throat.

"That, love, is a mountain lion," Edward whispered softly against my skin, his lips brushing against my neck. I giggled at the touch as it distracted me momentarily. "Now follow your senses - go slow so not to alert it."

Raising my body only slightly from its crouched position, I started moving as quietly as I could. Balancing on the tip of my toes, I trotted lightly towards the scent.

"Bella, what are you doing?" Edward chuckled, startling me. "You look like Elmer Fudd," his laughing increased to a full on airy belly laugh as he clutched at his stomach, leaning his weight into the tree.

Glancing down, I took in my stance and he was right, I did look like Elmer Fudd; all that was missing was the oversized rifle and that funny hat. Biting back my own laughter that threatened to bubble over, I settled on irritation as Edward continued to laugh like a twelve-year-old.

"Shut it. I don't need to be made fun of, and I certainly don't need you scaring away my first hunt," I stretched my body to its full height, my hands falling to my hips.

Shaking his head softly, he attempted to calm himself, allowing one last chuckle to escape. "You're right, I'm sorry. But Bella - watch out for those pesky wabbits."

"Jesus Edward - fuck you," I seethed through clenched teeth. Could he possibly be any more juvenile? Jiminy and I were in agreement for once as she arched a brow, irritated.

"Yes, later," he deadpanned before more silent laughter erupted from him.

My mouth fell open, I couldn't help but gawk at him, my frustration melting away as I appraised his demeanor; he was so light-hearted, so happy, and it was entirely disarming. A slow smile pulled at the edges of my lips as I rolled my eyes at the adorable boy in front of me. "Yeah, sure, that's what you think," I challenged, my tone becoming playful.

Edward's face instantly fell as he pushed off the tree and stepped towards me. "Oh… really now?"

My breathing hitched as his feet fell in line with mine, his face inches away. His mouth curled into that delicious cocky grin, sending electrical pulses snapping through my body. "Well, Miss Isabella Swan," he drew one long finger along my exposed arm, the electricity popping, sending a jolt down my spine. His voice was a hushed whisper, thick and dripping of sex. "That's exactly what I think. That is, unless you weren't interested?" His defined brow quirked questioningly, his eyes dancing with amusement.

My mouth went desert dry, no traces of venom detectable. My knees jarred against one another, and I could feel that pull my body always seemed to have, forcing me to him. I wanted to touch him - to taste him - everywhere. Somewhere in the back of my mind I found myself completely flabbergasted and annoyed that he still had such influence over me physically. But that voice was an almost silent murmur as Horney Bella began to lick her chops, ready and willing to give Edward whatever he wanted in that moment. I had forgotten my ability of speech, my breathing shallow, mouth gaping.

"Well, b a b y, you say the word. I won't touch you unless you ask." His finger left my arm, my flesh instantly yearning for the feel of him. Leaning in, his mouth hovered just above my ear. I could feel his breath on my skin, my body longing for the soft contact of his lips. "I promise," he whispered.

What? No. That was no good. He had to touch me, I wouldn't survive. He was so close, our bodies were so close, but he wasn't allowing contact. It took my brain a minute to formulate a solution, the frustration flustering my resolve. Talk you dummy! HB groaned at me

"Touch me!" I blurted, my hand slapping tightly over my mouth as soon as the words were expelled. Oh dear God, could this get any worse? I am a fucking vampire now for God sake. They all seem so together, so graceful and all knowing. And I am a bumbling idiot just at the mere spark of sexual tension. Get your shit together, Bella! I scolded myself.

Closing my eyes tightly, I ground my teeth together and let out a cleansing breath. When I opened them again, Edward's expression was twisted, his calm sex-God demeanor broken, as he bit into his lip so hard it would have surely drawn blood if he were human. He was trying, bless his heart, not to laugh at me.

Placing my hand against his cheek, I smiled gently. "What I mean is I don't want you to keep your hands to yourself. And with my heightened senses right now, I don't think I can handle … that kind of teasing - so please - have mercy on the vampire rookie."

He grinned, pulling me to him by the waist, his lips pressing into the top of my head. "Oh Bella, I never had any intentions of keeping my hands to myself."

"Good," I replied, all too happily, the fire in my throat intensifying as I caught another whiff of the animal. Reluctantly, I pulled away, turning back to the delicious scent. "Now, if you don't mind…. Be vewwy vewwy quiet, I'm huntin wabbits!"

Edward let out a soft chuckle behind me as I whisked lithely down the hill toward the stream. I closed my eyes for a moment, doing as Edward had said before - giving over completely to my senses. As I grew closer, I could hear that the large cat had started to move up stream, its heavy paws making a weighty thud as it moved. I could make out the smallest sounds - the click of its tongue against its teeth as it panted softly; the pulse of its heart, followed by a dull whooshing sound - its blood moving through its veins. The venom returned with full vigor, drooling down my chin as I picked up speed. My steps were virtually silent, and although I couldn't hear him, I could sense Edward close behind, the hum present as always.

Pulling myself into a tree quicker then I would have ever thought possible, I found myself over top of the mountain lion. It was crouching low in the forest overgrowth, concentrated on something in front of it. Without waiting for further instruction, I took the lion's momentary distraction to my advantage and pounced - dropping my body out of the tree and landing with a loud thump on the animal's back.

It growled and hissed loudly, viciously clawing at me, but I was stronger - having no problem corralling the beast. It felt as if I were wrestling a toddler, it seemed almost effortless as I held its flailing paws back and sank my teeth into its neck. I was naturally drawn to a spot on the mountain lion where the blood pumped wildly, a large artery that lead straight to its heart. Bearing down with my teeth, they sliced through the animal's thick hide with ease. Suddenly my throat was coated with the thick warm substance I had been craving. The taste was slightly bitter at first, but the warm smoothness of it calmed the burning, which was utterly satisfying. I sucked harder and harder, pulling the lion to me as its arms went limp and I sucked the life from it.

I was disappointed when the flow of blood slowed and then eventually ran dry. My body felt jittery, a sensation I would liken to adrenaline pumped through me - I felt slightly high. I glanced up to find Edward standing back watching with an amused expression. Dropping the animal from my mouth I stood, my body feeling fuller, my thirst satiated. "Well? Don't just stand there and smirk at me. How'd I do?" I asked.

He moved to my side, appraising me slowly as he looked me up and down. "Well, you did excellent at the hunting part - but, we'll have to work on your table manners."

My brows furrowed, and I followed his gaze down to the front of my night gown. The crisp white fabric was stained red, with slash marks slit through, parts of my skin exposed. "Oops," I sighed, hoping the night gown wasn't one of Alice's.

"Come," Edward replied, taking my hand. "Let's go get you cleaned up."

We walked at a slow pace back to the Cullen's house, hand in hand, occasionally casting lazy sideways glances towards one another. Edward was entirely relaxed; unlike I had ever seen him before - even in our most intimate of times. Then it hit me - the blood lust was gone. Any, albeit small, part of Edward that was constantly craving my blood was absent. He didn't have to worry about that anymore, he could sincerely just be with me, not a care in the world.

My face split in two, a wide smile stretching across my lips until I felt my teeth showing. I couldn't help the goofy grin, I was deliriously happy at the idea that Edward could be truly free around me. He stopped abruptly; my gaze drew to his face to see what he wanted. His eyes were unfocused, coated with a glassy sheen as he stared at my face. He looked - dumbfounded. "Edward?" The smile fell from my lips, and he shook his head slightly, his eyes refocusing.

"Ha, Bella - you, ah, can't do that to me," he laughed nervously, his gaze flitting around anxiously.

My brows burrowed into my face, I was completely confused. "What the hell are you talking about Edward?"

He finally looked at me, a shy smile playing on his features. "Dazzle me like that."

I arched a single brow, smirking at his coyness. "I dazzle you?"

His eyes grew to wide, honest pools of sincerity, "Always."

There was that disarming charm again, I didn't know what to do with myself, the love inside me swelling - it felt as if I might burst from it.

"But you should know, especially now - that smile, it's lethal," he crooned, pulling me in and kissing my temple.

xxXXxx

"Bella!" Alice squealed as soon as we stepped inside the house, and then she yanked me into a hug, using every ounce of strength in her tiny body.

"Alice!" Carlisle scolded from the living room. "I asked you to give her space."

Alice rolled her eyes and pulled away slowly. "It's okay Carlisle. I knew she would be fine."

I couldn't help but smile down at her, she was entirely too happy to be irritated at. "It's good to see you too Alice."

"Oh, Bella, you are gorgeous!" She stopped short, her eyes falling to the nightgown hanging in shreds from my body. "Well, not that, but I already left you some clothes on Edward's bed."

My head tilted to the side, my eyes narrowing at the slight, prophetic minx in front of me. "Alice… you're clothes don't fit me. Did you bring my things from home?"

She smiled demurely, "No, I may have purchased some things for you…" She allowed the sentence to hang in the air, obviously fully aware of what my reaction would be.

"Alice," I took a deep breath trying to control my emotions, which was proving harder then it use to be. A potent smell immediately assaulted me, burning the insides of my nose. It was musty, but not the woodsy smell like the mountain lion. It was some type of animal; it almost smelled like a wet dog. "What is that horrible smell?"

Edward lost it. He began laughing and held is hand up indicating for Alice to tell me, who was also struggling to control her laughter. "Sorry Bella, that 'horrible smell' is Jake. He's still in the other room."

My eyes grew wide, I had all but forgotten about Jake. "Oh, my gosh. Shit, how is he?"

"He's fine, Carlisle says he should be able to phase back soon, Sam and the others are on their way back. Charlie hasn't left his side."

At the mention of my father, my mouth went completely dry. "Charlie's still here?"

"Yes, of course. He's been waiting for you."

A gambit of emotions plagued me instantly. I had been so hell bent on finding my father - going after him. I had not stopped to think what exactly I was going to say to him. How did I feel? He had left me, allowed me to believe that he was gone for good. I had lost two years of my life grieving for someone who was in fact not dead. And he had been killing people! My father had gone from a law-enforcing and abiding citizen, to a monstrous vampire who killed innocent people, maybe even tortured them.

After witnessing the path the Cullen's chose, I knew enough to know he didn't have to be that way. I was holy disappointed at that realization, that he had chosen that lifestyle, and anger bubbled inside me.

"Where is he?" I asked calmly, my eyes training on the doorway to the living room.

"He's in with Jake now, but Bella -"

I stepped by her, ignoring anything further she had to say. As I entered the room, everyone's heads snapped in my direction, my demeanor clearly garnering worried glances.

Charlie stood, slowly stepping away from Jake. I glanced down at him, my expression softening momentarily; he was curled in the corner, sound asleep. Looking back to my father, my disposition shifted again, the resentment building thickly through me, his expression only fueling those feelings.

He stood there staring at me with such love and sorrow; even through his red eyes I could see that. What a liar, I thought, rage sparking inside me.

"Bells, I - I have missed you, I am so sor-," Charlie stopped short when my hand came swiftly across his face with a sharp slap.

"Don't you dare call me Bells," I seethed. I was irate, my anger overflowing. The emotions were too much to handle in my new body; I needed to release it somehow. Without thinking I grabbed him by the throat, lifting him into the air, his feet dangling inches above the ground. He did not struggle or make any motion that he couldn't breathe like a normal human would; he had no need to breathe, because he was a lying vampire.

"You are not my father. My father died two years ago!" I roared at him, flinging him to the floor, the hardwood cracking underneath the force. Before he could rise fully to his feet I whipped around and placed my foot squarely across his jaw. The bone there shifted sickly, popping loudly as he grunted in pain.

"Isabella!" Edward called my full name, and I swirled around, fury riddling every nerve in my body, my eyes locking with his in a challenge.

"This is not your place," I growled, but he put his hands in the air approaching me cautiously.

"Bella," his voice was soft, calming. I realized belatedly that the calm I felt suddenly was not from his voice but from Jasper standing a few feet behind me.

"Knock it off Jasper," I pouted, glancing over my shoulder at him and sounding more like a petulant teenager than I ever had before.

"Bella, look at me love," Edward crooned suddenly in my ear, and then his hand was on my back. The distraction worked immediately, our electrical current sparking between us. My limbs filled with lust and I turned my eyes back to his, rich topaz and butterscotch, my home. "I know you're upset and it's hard in your current state to deal with these overwhelming emotions - but love, your father has done nothing but protect you, please hear him out."

He's right, Jiminy sighed lazily from her perch on a lawn chair, tipping her sunglasses down on her nose. Give him a chance.

Oh, gee thanks, where were you five minutes ago, I thought irritably, closing my eyes and taking in a calming breath.

Turning slowly back to Charlie, I opened my eyes, my shoulders falling at the sight of him. I was a hypocrite for being angry that he never found me to tell me he was alive. I still had the little matter of figuring out what to tell Renee, and had not yet ruled out the possibility of letting her think I was dead. I knew how impossible his situation must have been, and from what Edward had told me, I didn't know the half of it.

"I'm sorry Dad, I just - I have a little bit of an anger problem apparently right now," I shrugged lamely, feeling foolish for my previous actions.

"Bella, can we go talk?" Charlie tried again, his hand cupping his chin as he spoke.

"Sure, sure," I muttered, glancing back at Jake and then turning to go back outside. Edward started to follow, and I turned, giving him my most convincing smile. "Edward, I'm fine, really. I think I should talk to him alone. Okay?"

He appraised my face, concern pulling the muscles in his face taunt. "Okay love, I will be inside if you need me," he finally sighed, kissing my forehead.

Charlie supplied Edward with a light nod as he walked past, then he looked nervously at me. "I said I was sorry Dad, I overreacted. I promise to be on my best behavior … so relax okay?"

He seemed to relax slightly with my words, taking in a soft breath before speaking. "Bella, I am sorry that I haven't been there for you these past few years. The Cullen's and Jake have filled me in on how hard you took it, and I would do anything to change that."

His gaze fell to his shoes, his left shoulder raised slightly as he seemed to consider his next words. "I couldn't tell you Bells, it was too dangerous. James threatened me; he said that if I didn't join him he would find you and kill you… I couldn't let that happen. Damnit, I would have rather become a horrible monster then let that scumbag harm a hair on your head." His eyes met mine again, an intense fierceness there. "And I'd do it again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping my little girl safe. Even if was only for a couple of years," he finished, sounding defeated, his gaze falling again.

The strain in his voice was evident, and I felt a slight pang of guilt as he voiced my thoughts of his choice. I had thought of him in that way, as a monster. I had judged him before I knew any of his story. I hadn't even afforded him the same benefit of doubt I had graciously, and somewhat to a fault, afforded the Cullen's. Some daughter.

"Dad, stop - I, I understand why you did it. And honestly? Even if that weren't the case I understand why you didn't come tell me. The Cullen's are different, and I tend to forget how regular vampires can be. It wouldn't have been smart for you to be around me, and I get that. I just… I was so angry for so long. I had lost you, just when you were back in my life." Moving gracefully, I stepped next to Charlie, taking his hand in mine.

"If I am being completely truthful, then I should say that I was angry with myself. I was furious at the fact that I squandered my time with you, and that I wasn't the daughter I should have been. And Dad?" He lifted his eyes to me, as I implored him to hear just how sincere I was. "I am sorry. Sorry that I didn't come and stay with you every summer - here in your home. Sorry that I didn't make time for you when I should have. Sorry that I never said I loved you - not nearly enough. I'm just sorry."

In a completely un-Charlie way, he wrapped his arms tightly around me, towing me into a hug. I smiled, relishing the feel of my father holding me again. "I love you too Bells."

Pulling away, we both silently stepped toward the house - both happy with our resolution, nothing more needing to be said.

"Oh, and Bella, I've been talking with Carlisle, and I was really sorta thinking of giving this whole vegetarian thing a go."

I beamed at him as we stepped through the front door. "Really?"

"Yeah, really. Don't look so shocked. Your old man was a cop in his last life, those habits die hard, and it wasn't easy for me to take human lives," he mumbled with a shrug, as if what he said wasn't completely noble for a vampire to say.

"That's great dad. Really, we can do it together."

He smiled and then turned slightly as if to go back into the living room, but unsure how to wrap up. It appeared Charlie had met his fluff limit. Being a vampire really hadn't changed him one bit. "Well, I'm gonna go get changed," I said, supplying him with an out.

"Okay Bells," he shot me a small smile and then retreated to the living room.

I watched as my father went right back to Jake's side, sitting, legs crisscrossed on the floor. He really hadn't changed. I wondered idly what would happen when the pack got there. No doubt Billy would be with them.

Pushing that thought aside, I mounted the stairs, reaching the third floor in one fluid movement. Edward's bedroom door was open, I skipped across the thresh hold feeling lighter then I had in years.

"Hey you," Edward's warm honey voice filtered across the room. He was leaning against the far wall, thumbing through his CD's.

"Hey," I smiled back wildly at him, shutting the door behind me.

Edward chose a CD, placing it in the player and then turned the volume up rather loud.

I squinted at him, the noise almost too much for my sensitized ears. It was a classical piece, but emoted an aggressive tone; the tympani drums booming loudly in a sweeping crescendo, violins singing madly over the basses that buzzed along. I imagined a conductor with crazy, grey, wiry hair, a mess atop his head, flailing his arms along to the tempo - controlling the pace, pushing it faster and faster.

"What is that?" I asked, curious.

In a flash he had me in his arms, his lips pressed to my neck - a violent current shocking my system, shooting through me, searching for its ground. "Background noise," Edward breathed between kisses.

'Oh' I mouthed, unable to speak.

His hands were everywhere, in my hair, on my hips, my ass, and my arms - pushing me. My back hit the wall, Edward's lips trailed to find my mouth. I responded the second his lips met mine; our tongues pressing together, moving sinuously faster and faster - matching the pace of the music.

Edward's hand moved between us, palming my right breast roughly before moving to my stomach where a small slit hung open. He hooked his finger in the fabric and pulled down, ripping the gown easily in two. He pulled again at the thick straps, and then the gown was in pieces at my feet, leaving me in just my underwear.

Desire washed through me like a tidal wave. "Now Edward," I whispered the only intelligible thing I was able to muster.

He emitted a low growl, ripping my underwear from my body and lifting me into the air in one smooth motion. I pulled at his shirt; to my astonishment and utter joy; it ripped easily from his body. Ooooooo vampire strength. Edward whipped us around, and I was suddenly being pressed into his mattress.

Reaching down, I tore his pants from him, the fabric and belt flopping to the ground with a clanking thud. He lingered above me, fully naked, and it was glorious; the sparkle in his eyes, the smile on his lips as he gazed down at me. The line of his jaw moving sharply into his neck, his smooth skin, defined muscles. My fingers traced his contours, drinking in every inch.

"Make love to me Edward," I cooed, smiling at the flash of desire that darkened his irises.

He leaned down, placing feathery kisses along my cheekbones. His lips felt warm on my skin, and the sensation was amazing. My fingers pressed firmly into his back, pulling him to me with ease. I was stronger than he was, but I don't think he would have resisted either way.

Edward parted my legs gently and sunk lower, moving swiftly inside me. I cried out at as our bodies melded together. My hips began moving, friction mounting, a sinful tension built in the pit of my stomach. My hands found the hairs that curled slightly into the base of Edward's neck, and I pulled. A primal snarl ripped from his chest, his hips bucked hard into me, but then he stilled.

He needed to let go - I wasn't as fragile anymore. I pulled harder on his hair, sending him the message. He hissed loudly, and then I was being jostled, moved in a blur, until I was perched on top of him; my legs straddling him as he kneeled below me. With one hand on my neck and one cupping my ass, he began to pump into me vigorously. Fisting his hair, I pushed back against him; the rapid motion causing the coils in my stomach to wind tight and then suddenly spring loose without warning. "Fuck!" I screamed, the waves of euphoria rolling fiercely through me.

Edward moved his hips even faster, thrusting into me, emitting a single grunt with each motion. It was the hottest thing I had ever seen or heard. Edward letting go, me perched on top of him - ridding him, causing him such intense pleasure.

My insides tensed again before the waves had completely subsided, the feeling more concentrated than ever; between my legs was burning molten flames. Digging in, I moved with Edward only a few more times before we both exploded against one another, collapsing onto the bed.

We lay side by side, holding each other for some time, perfectly content to just stare into each other's eyes - fiery blood and smooth honey. "I love you so much," Edward finally spoke, brushing wispy tendrils away from my forehead.

"I love you too." I smiled at the tranquility of the moment - just me and Edward, together, normal in our own un-normal way. No Jiminy, no HB, no doubts or worries, uncontrollable urges or bloodlust. No shadow hanging over my heart. It was simply him and me, together. "Will it always be like this?" I sighed.

Edward returned my smile, pressing his lips to my cheek. "Yes, love, as long as you'll have me, it will always be like this."

"Mmmmm," I cooed, my eyes falling closed. Although I knew sleep would not come, it felt good to do so. "I like it."

A light tap at Edward's door interrupted our moment.

"I'll be down in a minute, Jasper!" Edward called over his shoulder, sighing as he turned his head back to me. "The pack is here for Jacob."

I began to pull myself up, "Oh, we should go down."

"Bella, it's probably not a good idea for you to go down to meet with them." He waited, gauging my reaction. My mouth opened to speak, to argue with his logic, and then fell shut when I remembered my thoughts of Billy earlier. I didn't want to chance any mistakes, especially with someone I cared for.

"Okay," I replied finally.

Edward stared at me for a second, most likely waiting for me to become angry. "You sure you're okay with it?"

I huffed, my chest rising and falling with a whoosh of air. "Yeah, I understand. I need to be smart about this; I really don't want to chance anything."

He looked slightly relieved, nodding his head softly in acknowledgement.

"Besides," I continued. "I need to call Renee."

Edward eyed me wearily; worry creasing his brow, "What are you going tell her?"

I shrugged, "There's not much to tell. She knew I was staying here through the summer. She knows I've transferred to UAA. I guess the only thing I'll have to figure out is how to keep her from helping me move into campus. But I have some time for that."

"Do you really think that is even plausible?"

I shrugged again, laying my head on Edward's shoulder. "I think it could be. Phil's schedule is crazy, and my mom wants to be able to travel with him more. She wasn't able to do that since I moved back in with her. I know she was looking forward to it once I went away to school. Alaska so far away, I bet I could convince her to wait until I get settled, and focus her attention on Phil."

"I can see that," he mused, his lips moving lightly against my hair. He groaned, "Ugh, Jasper is coming back up here." Reluctantly, I released him as he stood, grabbing clothes from his closet to throw on. I realized then that the music had stopped, funny how I had forgotten completely about the angry, loud symphony so quickly. Edward came back around, placing a quick kiss against my lips. "I'll be right back love."

"Ok," I smiled, watching him turn and leave.

Looking around, I found the clothes Alice had laid out for me and pulled the soft navy blue sweater over my head. I ran my hands over the fabric several times, enraptured by the feel of each individual fiber. Sliding the jeans on next, I stepped around to the side of the bed and found my cell phone placed on the bed side table.

I fingered the small buttons, immediately remembering the last time I looked at my phone. Sadness seeped through as I recalled turning it off when Edward was so desperately trying to get through to me. He had resorted to the one capacity we had always been able to communicate - even when we were unaware we were doing so, and I had let him down.

Pulling open a new email, I quickly composed one, suddenly desperate to open up that line of communication again.

Dearest EM109,

I was born.

I died.

You reincarnated me - gave me a new life.

You know this.

However, what you don't know is that you did this rejuvenation before my heart ever stopped beating.

From the cindered cold ash that was my existence, you pieced me back together bit by bit.

You took a chance, put yourself last and defied all odds.

You are a hero in my eyes, stronger than you know.

You are my missing piece.

The light to my darkened heart.

Edward, my love, I cannot put into words the immensity of this feeling I have for you.

My heart is filled to the brim, to the point I fear it may burst.

You are my heart's metered beat - you are my life force now.

With love that will last a lifetime and then some.

Forever and always,

your Bella

Grinning down at the words, I hit send and felt instantly better. I scrolled through to Renee's phone number, and prepared to call my mother. As I contemplated exactly what to say, the phone buzzed, vibrating beneath my fingers. I pushed the toggle button and the alert appeared - 'One New Email : sender: EM109'. My grin grew impossibly wider as I scrolled to open the email.

Dearest Bella,

I had given up on living long ago.

The dark you speak of, I lived it for so long, eventually believing there was nothing else for me on this earth.

Then you stumbled into my world, crashing down any preconceived notions my narrow mind held.

My soul, something I was convinced I had lost long ago, was only locked away.

You are the key to my tethered soul.

You have unlocked me, freed me.

I am no hero, only selfish and wanting.

And I want only you.

My love for you is searing, burning deep to my very core.

My Claire de Lune, the ocean washing against my shores, the gravity that holds me here - my reason for being.

Forever and always,

your Edward

And that was what it boiled down to, his words and my words - they were both truthful and heartfelt. My eclipsed heart was no longer shadowed, his broken soul stronger; for I am his key and he is my light, and together we are whole.

A/N: *epic sigh* And so the story comes to a close. This is most definitely bitter sweet. Thanks SO MUCH too all of you who have read, reviewed, favorited, alerted - I love you all sooo much! I know there are a few loose ends - and I will write an epi. I wanted this to be about Edward and Bella's relationship - I didn't want anything else to color the tone of the chapter. The heart of this story is obviously their love, how it blossomed and how two broken people found solace in one another. So, in short, I wanted that to be the theme for the final chapter. I did pepper in the resolution with Bella and Charlie, because I thought that was important as well. Please review and send me your thoughts! I will leave you with this fun fact:

Elmer Fudd was a vegetarian too. Did you know that?

xoxo Buff