A/N: Thank you for reading!


A few months later…

Alice tried her hardest not to stare while Bella was lying on her stomach reading with her feet comfortably dangling in the air. Alice was trying to draw a sketch for her new design that she had thought of earlier that day, but she had somehow crept over to sit on her bed with Bella instead of staying stationed at her drawing desk.

The beautiful vampire watched as Bella tilted her head from time to time, obviously finding certain parts of the story amusing as she did so. Alice couldn't help but noticed how cute Bella was with her hair up in a bun yet with several strands of hair falling to the front of her face. It took all of the vampire's willpower not to lean over and brush the single strands of hair aside and tuck them behind Bella's ear. Bella happened to be one of those readers who didn't take too kindly to being interrupted while she was mentally interpreting the characters' motives and symbols composed in the novel. That's why Alice couldn't allow herself to do the things she currently wished she could do to the sixteen-year-old.

Alice let out an almost silent sigh so her little human cannot hear, and she finally found herself looking back to the sketchbook in her hands. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized that she had spent the last hour drawing the lithe figure lying beside her. The portrait contained so many intricate details that made the picture come to life before her topaz eyes, and she smiled as she looked back and forth between the detailed sketch and the real human beside her. Alice shook her head wondrously in disbelief and chuckled softly, and the twinkling sounds certainly did not escape Bella's ears as it reached the younger human's hearing organ. Bella turned her head towards Alice and quirked an eyebrow and Alice's eyes found Bella as she noticed the slight movement next to her. Alice smiled serenely and finally allowed herself to reach forward and tuck Bella's stray hair behind her ear before leaning in and placing a soft kiss upon Bella's nose. Bella's features wrinkled in response but they both knew she enjoyed the feeling nonetheless.

"What's so funny?" Bella curiously asked, but Alice only shook her head in response as she begins smiling. Bella's face remain scrunched up as she then returned her attention to the book in her hands, and she shook her head in annoyance and rolled eyes before she started rereading the same page she's been zoning out on in the last half an hour.

It was only a few months before their family would be moving to Forks, and then she'd start school soon after. Bella felt anxious about attending a public school, but deep within it felt right to her to interact with humans and give it a try before she decided she wanted to conceal herself from the rest of the world's population like her family when she was finally turned. Bella knew it made all of her family members incredibly nervous to let her venture into little-known waters, and that is why all of the Cullens, save for Esme and Carlisle, decided it was best to attend school with her. It was only natural that they were protective of their human, but Bella felt beyond relieved knowing that she'll have people to fall back on if anything went wrong, even though there was very little possibility that anything could surprise her after all she's seen by this point in her lifetime.

Then, there was Alice to think of. It did not escape Bella's attention that Alice was more protective of her than per usual ever since she's admitted her feelings for the vampire, and Bella knew that most of it was part of the mate bonding process. Bella didn't find the vampire's affections and protectiveness overbearing, but she feared for what may happen if humans came up or talked about her at school, because Alice was still in the mate bonding phase where she was quite susceptible to act out irrationally at an appreciative glance or two from strangers from time to time. Bella was aware that Alice was trying her best to reel in her instinctive reactions to anyone noticing her Bella every time, and Alice was getting better at it. The rate of change in her behavior was staggering ever since a few months ago, but it was without saying that Alice still needed more practice. They went out often now because of that reason, and more than half the time, other members of the family had to accompany Bella and Alice on their usual outings. Not one of them minded since they enjoyed family bonding time outside of their home, and they felt incredibly proud of Alice for getting so far.

"Any plans for today?" Alice's question suddenly snapped Bella out of her deep thoughts. Bella turned and looked at her adorably perfect mate, who was wearing a pair of tight designer jeans and a chiffon cut laser short sleeve short. Bella smiled lazily at Alice after slyly giving her the onceover, and sat up as she marked the page and set the book down on Alice's bed.

"Mall?" Bella suggested, trying to propose something more fun for the vampire since she deserved it after going through the many struggles she did with the humans who've approached Bella. It amazed Bella that Alice wasn't even aware that more than half of the time that the simple humans were looking Bella's way, it was because of Alice's inhuman beauty that attracted their attention, but then Bella conclusively decided that she rather loved Alice's unpresuming character trait anyway.

Alice smiled brightly and closed her sketchbook as she zipped over across the room to place it on her drawing table, and then decided to strut over to her walk-in closet with a purpose, adding a little bit of a sway into her hips as she did so. Bella stared after the luscious-looking vampire that was seducing her, not being able to help herself as she checked out Alice's ass. Alice knew exactly the things she could do to her human mate, and she often used it to her advantage when she felt like teasing Bella. The girl got up from the bed and walked out of the room when Alice disappeared out of her sight, and just as she got to Alice's door, Rosalie had appeared from nowhere with a soft smile on her beautiful features.

"Shopping?" the blonde asked with a hint of excitement that she always oddly felt the need to conceal. Bella nodded in response before heading in the direction of her bedroom. Once there, Bella changed into a pair of black cropped jodhpur pants and pulled on a sea green ruched-back sweater, both designed by Phillip Lim. Before she walked out of her own walk-in closet, she grabbed a black pair of Burberry suede ballet flats and slipped them on, and then she switched off the lights in the glamorous room as she made her exit. After taking a quick look in the mirror that was hung behind her bedroom door, she opened it and walked out into the hallway, not at all surprised that Alice was perched against the wall opposite her bedroom. Bella let her eyes wander shamelessly down the length of Alice's figure as she admired how Alice had dressed in leather from top to bottom, save for the white double-layer tank top she had on underneath the cognac-colored leather jacket. The black leather pants clung tightly to Alice's slender legs, and a pair of Lollita chain-trimmed suede sandals embellished her appearance as it added a few inches to her height.

When Bella's eyes finally made their way back up to the pair of amused topaz eyes she came to love, she stepped forward and leaned in to kiss Alice's cheek. Of course, Alice had a brief vision of this right before Bella finished dressing up, and Alice quickly turned her head slightly to the left and caught Bella's lips, instantly moaning softly at the feel of Bella's lush lips against hers. She pulled Bella forward and held Bella against her own lithe body as she pulled back slightly before pressing her lips sensually against Bella's once again. Whereas Alice was completely immersed in their kiss, Bella had barely grasp onto the situation and suddenly felt her eyes fluttering close as Alice's silk-like lips brushed against hers once more before kissing the vampire back with as much fervor. Bella lifted both her hands up to cup Alice's face as they kissed and she could feel the pull towards Alice by a hair's breadth. Little did Bella know, Alice was feeling the same sensation a thousand times over and cannot retract herself from her human mate as hard as she tried when she knew she was close to overstepping boundaries.

Edward! Alice called out to her mind-reading brother before she felt more than two pairs of hands pulling her away from her Bella. Alice watched with darkened eyes as Bella breathed heavily a few feet away and her cheeks were now flushed from lack of oxygen.

"Sorry," Alice apologized as she supported herself against the wall behind her with her two hands. "Got a little carried away…" Alice grinned sheepishly Bella's way before the girl nodded back at her in understanding, while Edward, Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie watched on in amusement at the two.

"A little?" Emmett joked before he felt a smack at the backside of his head. He yelped in response, knowing full well that it was his Rosie that had done it, which caused everyone to laugh and lightened the atmosphere a bit.

"So, who's driving?" Jasper was the first to speak. Edward rolled his eyes as he felt Bella block everyone's thoughts from him and then saw Bella smiled cheekily, seeing that it would be more fun to have everyone entertainingly debate over who's going to drive. It was a sure deal that Rosalie was going to be driving her red convertible, so that usually left a spot for one more driver.

"It's my turn!" Emmett whined as everyone stared at him indifferently, knowing they weren't going to let him drive his big black monster jeep.

"Let's put it to a vote." Bella put forward and everyone nodded as Edward tried again not to roll his eyes at the girl's comical act. After they went around in a circle, it was then decided that Jasper would be the second driver.

Rosalie had then snatched Bella and pulled her into the red convertible before Alice could argue with her. They were now on the road and Bella was softly singing along to the song on the radio, and Rosalie smiled as she effortlessly drove and tuned in on Bella's sweet voice. The beautiful blonde could only imagine what the foursome were jesting about as they rode together in the Mercedes Benz's midsize five-seat M-Class SUV that they borrowed from Esme since Jasper's only ride was his beloved Ducati. Rosalie slowly stepped on the brake as she made an exit off the busy highway, which led them onto a narrow street, straight towards the city's shopping mall. It was barely five minutes before they arrived at their destination and merely moments later, a black SUV pulled into the parking spot to Rosalie's left as she stepped out and the blonde smiled as Emmett flung the door open and impatiently jumped out of the car before the Jasper even got the chance to completely park the car. Bella had just stepped out of Rosalie's convertible and laughed as she saw Emmett fixing himself upright as he landed on his unsteady feet, and Emmett frowned when he noticed that Bella had saw him in his rare state of clumsiness. The others quickly got out of the car and soon began to walk towards the shopping mall in pairs with Alice and Bella, Rosalie and Emmett, and Jasper and Edward. Alice interlaced her fingers with Bella as they held hands, and Bella looked over at her with a doting smile as she swung their hands gently back and forth when they walked in silence.

About an hour later, they were all walking around in the glamorous Saks Fifth Avenue store, looking at the many designer items displayed beneath bright lights. Edward walked beside Bella as they trailed after Rosalie and Alice, both who were admiring the new arrivals of the summer collections, and Emmett and Jasper were walking a few feet behind them talking about a game about wars and battle strategies as they carried the girls' shopping bags.

"You should do it." Edward's words startled Bella and caused her to momentarily halt mid-step as they followed the two beautiful female vampires. Bella looked over and watched Edward curiously before he rolled his eyes at her for the millionth time that day.

"What about?" Bella hesitantly asked as she treaded carefully around Edward's question, not knowing if she had let her shield down as she was deep in thoughts only seconds ago.

"Well, I'd say it out loud but she'd hear me." Edward smiled before he winked her way. Bella blushed as she realized that she did let her shield down. She brought up a hand and gently smacked her forehead at her carelessness, and Edward chuckled beside her.

Will she like it? Bella silently asked.

"Yes." Edward smiled and saw Alice turning her head around a bit and looking at him curiously. He shook his head at her and Alice rolled her eyes before returning her attention to the low cut shirt she was currently looking at. It was futile to even bother to press Edward for answers. He was as stubborn as a bull as they all would say.

"Alright." Bella decided and made sure to shield her decision from Alice.

Edward's smile widened and he wrapped an arm around Bella as they walked along the aisle, ignoring the stares he was receiving from the salesgirls that were ogling him from afar. It was nice to have Bella by his side, because then he wouldn't have to worry about fending off the girls all by himself. He'd probably turn into his broody old self if he had to deal with them alone.

"I think they like you." Bella teased as she gently nudged him at the side of his ribs. Edward once again rolled his eyes and then bent down to whisper into Bella's ear, making it appear as though he was kissing the side of her face.

"Well, I can assure you that the feelings aren't mutual." Edward spoke with a hint of annoyance before he stood up straight again and led the both of them after Rosalie and Alice.

"I don't see what they see in you." Bella said as matter of fact before she crossed her arms. Edward still kept his arm around her shoulders as he pulled her in closer but only to the extent where she was still comfortable walking beside him.

"I can think of many things. My looks, my intellect, my charm, my muscular built bod– "

"Are you trying to seduce my little Bella?" Alice's teasing voice cut him off as she stood right before them while crossing her arms across her chest, causing the both of them to halt before they ran right smack into her. Edward withdrew his arm from Bella and raised both hands into the air defensively, not certain if Alice was experiencing one of her jealous moments once again as he tried to read her mind to make sure.

"No, I was simply explaining what a delightful company I am when I grace someone with my presence." Edward joked before he dropped his hands and then hid them in his jeans' front pockets.

"Really now?" Bella teased him with her arms still crossed against her chest. Alice finally cracked a smile and then uncrossed her arms before she went over and leaned in to kiss Bella's cheek, causing her mate to grin in response.

"Women…" Edward sighed, seeing that he was no longer needed there. He retreated to the back where the other two male vampires were still in a conversation about war strategies, and Alice turned to face Bella.

"So." Alice said as her eyes twinkled with mischief.

"Yes?" Bella said as she now faced the beautiful vampire as well.

"Nothing!" Alice giggled, her voice tinkling like bells before she walked off and left Bella standing there alone in confusion. Bella was simply too enchanted with Alice to even realize that she was standing with a dazed expression, and when she did come around to recognizing that she was, her feet had started moving.

God, I love her. Bella thought lovingly before she sighed and quickly followed after the vampire.

Bella's plan was slowly setting in motion right under Alice's nose, and she hadn't a clue about it.

To be continued…


Disclaimers: I do not own Twilight.