Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.
We're getting close to the end, folks. I'm thinking one more chapter from each of their POVs. Bella will be her waking up as an angel, showing, telling and sharing her love with Edward. They're also going to introduce Bella to the legion of angels.
Chapter Thirty-Five
BPOV
There was no part of my body that didn't ache, but the worse pain was along my spinal column and through my shoulders. After the initial poke through of my wings, which was probably the worst pain I'd ever endured, they grew rapidly, but the agony was constant, aching and just uncomfortable. My body was changing, for the better, but it was torturous with the amount of pain I was in.
You did come back from the dead, so quit complaining, Swan.
I was faintly aware of the people in the house; my mind never shutting down. Edward, for the most part, was lying next to me and being a constant calming presence. I could feel his tender caresses of his fingers along my skin, his quiet whispers of how beautiful I was and a never-ending vow of staying by my side.
Forever.
Always.
Eternity.
We would be together until the end of time. Our future was so promising, bright. It was so unlike my human life. It gave me solace, happiness and a sense of belonging, a family – something I never felt or had before.
I really loved the sound of that. I wanted my life to be his. I finally wanted happiness, true happiness and had a chance to get it. I wanted love, both freely given and shared often. I couldn't wait to share myself with Edward once again. He was a patient, passionate lover who always saw to my desires first, but watching him come undone was an amazing experience, too.
His head thrown back as he … hmmm, absolutely beautiful. I need that. I need him.
Finally, I also desired to learn how to be me. For the longest time, I was Isabella, the broken girl. Now, I had a chance of moving past all that. I'd forever have my history, the dark part of my life, but with Edward's unending patience, devotion and love, I finally had begun to heal. Meeting my father, even his reincarnation, gave me strength to finally move past and see beyond tomorrow, to want to live for the future.
Yes, ultimately, it cost me my life. Emmett also was sacrificed, unjustly. He was inherently good but Rosalie tarnished his light. She'd planted a seedling of darkness inside and Lucifer capitalized on it, trying to encourage its growth, but Emmett, until his dying breath, fought it. He prevented so much violence against me, standing between me and Riley. When his human part wanted to ruin me again, Emmett put me in the cage and blocked him until Lucifer regained control. I prayed his death wasn't in vain …
His soul was analyzed, Edward thought to me, his arms around my body. He was determined to be salvageable. He was recycled and perhaps, he will live to his full potential.
As an angel? I thought back.
That was supposed to be his destiny, but Rosalie and Riley had other plans, corrupting his thoughts and actions. But, his powerful character and need to be good saved him for the future, Edward said, his lips brushing my temple. How are you feeling?
Ready to wake up … I thought.
Only a few more hours. Your transformation is nearly complete, pretty Bella. Though, you're far more than pretty. You always were, Edward cooed. Gorgeous, exquisite, angelic …
I started thinking of all of the changes to my body. How would I learn how to fly? Would I be given humans to guard right away? What are the rules of being an angel? My mind wouldn't shut down and I was worried.
"Bella, relax," Edward said out loud. "I hear your worries, but you have no reason to be. Just rest. I'm here for you. I'll be here to guide you, every step of the way."
Even the flying?
"Especially the flying," he snickered. "It's one of the best feelings in the world. To feel the wind in your face, coasting the currents and seeing the world from a whole new perspective."
I sighed, snuggling into his arms and I felt my wings flutter. That was weird, let me tell you. The muscles in my back controlled them, but it was almost like a muscle spasm. I felt Edward's love toward me infiltrate my mind and he hummed happily as his fingers combed through my hair. My brain drifted. I listened to Edward's thoughts, which were filled of our time together, the love he had for me and the growth we had as a couple. But, those thoughts were not very comforting when my body clenched and pain radiating from every pore. "Edward!" I yelled, my eyes flying open.
"It's nearly finished, Bella. I promise you, you will be okay," he said gently. He sat me up and I had to be moved. I was boneless and had no control over my muscles. My wings spread and I yelped, gripping Edward's biceps. "You're almost there, my love. The wings are fusing to your spine and you should feel a tingle throughout your body."
My whole body lit up and my wings fluttered, almost an uncontrollable spasm. The tingle was stronger than he thought, because I felt like I was being electrocuted, similar to the pain I felt while with Riley, but different, almost an electric sizzle along my skin. My eyes shot open and I gasped. The pain stopped abruptly and I gained control of my body. My wings retracted, tucked near my body and lay behind me. Edward was crouched in front of me, his eyes so green, but also had facets of gold, brown and even a touch of blue. Blinking slowly, I reached out and touched his face, feeling his warm skin. He had a subtle glow around him, making him look ethereal, beyond angelic. "Edward …" I breathed.
Tears welled in his eyes and the fell freely on his cheeks. "My Bella," he sobbed, pulling me into his arms and hugging me tightly. I clung to him, my own wings slithering around us and encasing us into our own bubble of safety. "You can protect me now," he chuckled. "How are you feeling?"
I moved my wings and looked around. I didn't see any scars from my time with Riley. The blackened skin around my wrists, legs and belly were gone. I had a subtle glow as well. My pale skin was almost luminescent. "I feel like me, but not. It's weird …" I shrugged. "And I have wings." I spread them, seeing their color. "They're white. Almost blindingly so."
"Do you remember what was said if you were changed into an angel?" Edward asked.
My memories were hazy, but I remember Carlisle mentioned that because of my parentage … "I'm a Dominion," I whispered. "Wait, Carlisle! He's gone? I don't feel him, sense his presence."
Edward's eyes dulled and he nodded somberly. "He sacrificed himself to save you. He said it was his penance for letting you fall through the cracks and failing in protecting you when you were growing up. He removed the arrow with his bare hands and the poison got him, making him fade away. However, he was recycled and he will join us again," he murmured, his eyes sad, but hopeful. "Esme is doing okay, checking frequently on the baby who holds Carlisle's soul – a baby boy in England named Thomas."
"Is Esme here now? Or in England?" I asked.
"She's there, but will be back by sunrise," Edward said. "Now, why don't you shower and I'll make you something to eat. Transforming takes a lot out of you."
"But, I'm not tired," I said. "I mean, I feel drained, but I don't want to sleep. I guess the best way to describe it is that I feel weak, but not. I don't know. My brain is …"
"You become tired enough to sleep if you're injured or you use a great deal of healing energy," Edward explained, chuckling quietly. "You will also need to refuel, with high protein, high caloric foods. It'll help your focus and alleviate that 'drained' feeling you're experiencing. I'll take care of you, my Bella." He leaned forward, but paused. His hand was on my cheek. "May I kiss you?"
"I'm your mate, Edward. You don't need to ask," I smiled timidly, my hands laying on his smooth pectoral muscles.
"I will always ask. You are and always will be in control," he whispered, his lips brushing over mine. I sighed against his mouth, my fingers sliding up his shoulders and tangling into his hair. He kept it chaste, nuzzling my neck and combing my hair back. He smiled tenderly, but there was a peace in his eyes that I'd never seen before. "Now, I'm assuming you don't want to walk around with wings, right?"
"Yeah. They're heavy," I said. "How do I make them go in? Like yours."
"To roll them out, you roll your shoulders back," he said. He was shirtless and he rolled his shoulders back. His wings unfurled, also blindingly white, no longer the charcoal color they were previously. What happened? "I'll tell you after you shower, my love."
"Sorry," I said, just looking at the wings. "We're both Dominions?"
"Yes, baby," he replied, giving me a crooked grin. "I know it's a lot to process, but you will not begin your 'job' as a Dominion until you feel ready."
"How will I know?" I whispered.
"It's a calm you feel. In here," he said, pressing to his chest. "I'm not ready either. I'm uneasy and I'm in 'training,' too. We'll learn together. Anyway, back to the wings. To retract them, roll your shoulders forward. They will slide back inside of your body."
"Will I feel them?"
"It's an interesting sensation," he said, a wry grin spreading over his face. He rolled his shoulders forward and his wings retracted. "Now, to lock them place, while out, you just move your head to the right. Unlock, move it to the left. That way, they won't retract while in midflight if you roll your shoulders."
"Oh, that would be bad," I giggled. I rolled my shoulders forward but they wouldn't move. Edward had me move my head to the left and I felt a mechanism loosen in my back. I tried it again and the wings slid back inside and I could feel what Edward said as interesting. It was like my wings hugged the curve of my ribs, along my sides and down my legs, but were not visible to anyone. I felt every inch of the sinews of muscle and fluffy feathers, but on the inside of my body. "Do I need to lock them in while retracted?"
Edward nodded and I used the head motions. Looking down, I saw I was wearing the nightie I wore when I gave Edward the gift of myself, sharing our first time making love. He stood up, his fingers gliding along the strap. "I needed something that kept your shoulder blades relatively free," he smiled. "Plus, you looked like an angel that night."
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. "I should have told you that night. I love you, Edward," I murmured. "I wanted to. I tried to and in my own way, I did."
"The kisses," he chuckled, kissing my lips softly three times. "I figured it out, but I always knew. Now, Alice brought in some new clothes. With your angelic body, you are stronger, but you are also smaller."
"Yeah, I'm more defined, but still feminine," I said, looking at my arms. "I have muscles and my tummy is flat."
"You could lift me, Bella, and not break a sweat," he smirked.
"Really?" I deadpanned. "You're what? Two hundred pounds?"
"With the wings, yeah," he said. "Try it. You'd be surprised at the strength you now possess and how little energy it takes for you to pick me up." I walked over to him, in total denial that I'd be able lift him. He was taller than me by a foot and probably twice my weight. I wrapped my arms around his waist and lifted him.
No straining.
No grunting.
Perfectly easy.
"Well, shit," I laughed, putting him down. "Oh, I probably need to curtail my swearing."
"There's a time and place for everything, but my language doesn't negate the goodness in my heart," Edward snickered and hugging me. "Now, I'm going to make you some food. Take your time. Look at your new body. You were gorgeous before, but now? You're stunning, Bella. I'm so lucky you're mine."
"You're one to talk," I purred. "Face of an angel."
"Hmmmm, appropriate since I am one," he smirked, kissing me again. I love you, Bella. All that I am … it's yours. You own me.
He kissed me again and lightly patted my butt. With a wink, he pulled on a t-shirt and gave me a few moments. I sat down heavily on the bed. Felix walked in, his tail wagging. "Hey, puppy," I said, scrubbing behind his ears. "I felt you keep me safe, Felix." He licked my hands, giving me his doggy grin. I smiled at him and got up. I found a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. The fabric of the jeans felt rough, but the t-shirt was soft. Picking up the clothes, along with underwear and shoes, I went into the bathroom.
When I looked up in the mirror, I was shocked at the changes in my appearance. My face was soft, feminine, but lost its roundness and the sadness in the eyes. It was replaced with a peace and happiness I'd never seen before. My lips were pink and a warm, rosy glow was splashed along my cheeks. My hair was a warm chocolate brown, laying over my shoulders in elegant waves. I slid off my nightie and gasped at the changes at my body. The muscles in my body were solid, but didn't make me look like a monster. "Holy crap, my boobs look awesome," I whispered, cupping my breasts. They were always on the small side, but they were rounder, but still pert. I ran my hands along my tummy, shocked to feel muscle definition and there was a subtle flair to my hips. The scars from human past were gone, including the scar when they removed my uterus. My womb was still gone, but, the silvery line just above my dark curls was no longer evident on my body.
But, that worried me. If the scar of my hysterectomy was gone what about … "My wings?" I whimpered. I turned around, but was happy to see the tattoos of my 'wings' on my back. I smiled softly before blowing out a breath.
I got into the shower and washed the remaining human feeling from my body. I could feel the sweat from my transformation on my skin. It was a weird sensation. Everything was enhanced, so being able to feel that sweat on me was weird and disgusting. I washed my body and scoured my hair, feeling relaxed. My stomach snarled as the scents of whatever Edward was cooking wafted into the bathroom.
Finishing my shower, I dressed in the jeans and t-shirt, tossing my hair into a ponytail after I blew it dry. Padding into the kitchen, I saw Charlie and Alice there, too. Seeing them seated, side-by-side, I could tell the difference between a regular angel and a Dominion. Alice was beautiful, but she was dim compared to Charlie and Edward. She raced to me, hugging me tightly. "I'm so glad you're okay," she whispered. "Edward … he was …"
"I was a fucking mess when your heart stopped beating," he said, a frown on his face. "I will never forget that moment for the rest of my days. I thought I was miserable when I lost my wife and son? Nothing compared to the possibility of losing a mate. My soul was lost." He placed a plate in front of me. It was packed with every breakfast food imaginable. "Even for those few moments, I wanted … I couldn't imagine not having you by my side."
"But, she's here and she's now one of us," Charlie said, hugging me gently. "Eat, sweetie."
"I won't be able to eat all this," I argued.
"Yes, you will," the three of them quipped. Charlie continued. "Transforming takes a lot out of you. When I was fast-tracked into my new/old body, I think I devoured an entire cow. Millie, the woman at the diner, was shocked at how much I put away in one sitting."
I ate the plate of food and most of a second one that Edward gave me, chuckling when I asked for more. "Your body will process food differently. It's a fuel source, but we use our bodies differently," Edward explained. "We never age, unless we force our bodies to do so. Sleep is not necessary unless you're injured or you heal a human. You will rest for as long as you need, but wake up when you're rejuvenated."
"And what about us? If we're injured?" I asked.
"Human weapons can't hurt us," Alice chirped. "Only the poison arrows from any of Lucifer's minions can cause damage. But, they are gone. It will be a long time before he tries anything again. He was banished to the underworld for at least a century with Edward's killing blow, ending Riley's human life."
"So, what will we do now with a hundred years of relative peace?" Edward chuckled.
"We guide humans," Charlie shrugged. "We try to make goodness desirable to humanity again. They are so consumed by greed, the acquisition of material things and instant gratification. Interacting with people is no longer wanted." He looked at me, hugging my shoulders. "I also want to get to know my daughter. We now have the time to truly bond."
"Yeah," I smiled, kissing his cheek. He beamed happily. "It'll give me a chance to learn how to be an angel."
"A Dominion," Edward chuckled. "Me, too."
"You also need to formalize your union, too," Alice said. "You are mates, but you need to …" Edward gave Alice a sharp look and she squeaked, shutting up abruptly. "Sorry."
"What just happened?" I asked.
"Nothing," Edward answered, smiling nervously at me. I arched a brow. "I'll explain, pretty Bella. I'm just working on something. I love you."
"I love you, too," I said, leaning over and kissing him.
"Are you finished?" he asked. I nodded and he picked up my plate, cleaning it efficiently. When he was finished, we spent the day teaching me how to access my angelic powers. Mind reading was like second nature, with Edward. I had to focus more with Charlie and Alice. The reason behind that was because they were not my mates, nor under my command as a Dominion Lordship. Charlie was easier since we were the same 'rank,' and he was my father, but Alice was more of a struggle. Healing was a bit more of a challenge. There were no humans that needed assistance, but all of them said that the trigger was love. As we were discussing that, someone landed behind us and I turned instinctually, holding up my hand and a bubble, almost impenetrable, it was wrapped around me and Edward.
"Whoa," Charlie breathed.
Seth and Esme, who were thrown back, hopped up and their eyes widened. "Never seen that power in a while. A shield," Esme whispered
"Bella, love, I need you to lower your arm," Edward said. "Bring back whatever that is."
I was shocked, drawing the shield back and leaning heavily against my mate. "What was that?" I was drained like when I first completed my transformation.
"A shield," Edward explained. "A rare, but powerful and coveted angelic power. Only the strongest angels have it. I think Michael is one of the few that remain with the shield power, but he rarely uses it. It takes a lot of energy to create a shield. Right, Charlie?"
"Yes," he said, hugging me. "I was also a shield, but when I was recycled, I lost that ability."
"You don't have it anymore?" I asked.
"No. Just your standard angel," he quipped, tucking my hair behind my ears. "If I had it, I would have used it to protect you from that arrow, baby girl." Charlie draped an arm under my ribs and guided me back into the house. Edward sat down next to me, with Charlie on the other side. Edward made me a snack and I devoured it while Esme sat down with Alice and Seth. She looked older, sad and just lost.
"Esme, I'm so sorry about Carlisle," I whispered.
"He wanted to save you, little one," she murmured. "He was ready to sacrifice himself in order for that to happen. I love him more for it, but it doesn't make his loss any less painful."
"You must hate me," I muttered.
"Never, Bella," she said. "Your pain, your past, it was our fault. Carlisle, at first, was not willing to concede that notion, but researching what you endured and how Heidi's incompetence ultimately caused your pain, he knew he had to make it right. Gabriel was willing to sacrifice you, but Carlisle stopped him. He began your transformation. I joined him, along with Charlie and another Dominion, Maria." She looked at Edward, smiling softly. "And when Carlisle died, his Lordship was passed onto Edward."
"That's how you got the white wings," I whispered. "Oh, Edward …"
He kissed me, his lips tenderly brushing mine and he tucked me close. "I'm saddened that the man who I was closest to passed on. I have to fill his shoes, or rather, his wings. I pray I do him justice," he whispered, looking at me and then blinking to Esme. "I'm sorry, Esme."
She waved her hand, tears streaming down her face. "I'll see him soon. I feel him here and he knows, even on a subconscious level that I'm by his side, even if I'm not. Which brings me to why I'm here, other than to meet Bella, again," she said, sobering quickly. "You need to leave, Edward. Charlie has already tendered his resignation as the police chief. You said you were leaving, but people are getting curious."
"Wait, I'm confused," I said.
"Bella, in order to cover what happened, you 'died,'" Edward explained. "Alice acted as your body and you were 'cremated.' Acting as your boyfriend and future fiancé, I identified your body and spoke with Ms. Whittier at the school. I also sent an email to Jane Hopkins, explaining to her of your death. We have to go."
"Where?" I asked.
"I was thinking someplace remote, quiet, at least until we got your powers under control and our training is completed," Edward said.
"If I may? I have a suggestion," Esme stated, holding up her hand. "In the moors of Scotland, there's a castle that belonged in Carlisle's family, for generations. Carlisle, when he was down here helping prepare for the battle with Riley, had a feeling that something like this was going to happen. He had the castle opened up and the ownership was transferred to me."
"How do you know this?" Edward questioned.
"He left me a note in our quarters up there," she said, pointing skyward. "He had a feeling of the outcome of the battle and his decisions, how they things would play out. The castle is there for your disposal. It's remote, so you can learn how to fly, how to use your powers and finalize your bond." Her eyes glazed over. I looked into her mind and saw flashes of the future, but it was all confusing. "You need to be gone in two days." She reached into her pocket and produced two passports. "Charlie, Alice, Seth and I will go and prepare for your arrival. You two will fly over, in a plane."
I opened the passport and saw that I was now Marie Cullen. Edward's name was the same, but he didn't just recently 'die.' Charlie walked out with Felix in his arms. "Wait, you're taking Felix?" I asked.
"He's snoozing," Charlie quipped. "He won't remember a thing. We're flying him to the castle."
"Why can't we fly?" I asked, looking at Edward.
"You don't have the, um, endurance or the technique to fly that far. A plane would be our best bet, pretty Bella," he said, draping my legs over his. "Plus, we can bring what we need in suitcases. They're just going in what they have on. And my dog."
"We'll work on getting you paperwork while in Scotland," Alice said. "See you in a couple of days."
Alice hugged both of us and darted out of the house, taking off quickly. Esme kissed Edward's cheek and caressed my nose before taking the dog from Charlie. He pulled me out of Edward's arms and hugged me fiercely, enfolding me in his arms and wings. He kissed my forehead before shaking Edward's hand before giving him a man-hug. They both left after Charlie took the snoozing Felix from Esme's arms. Seth waved and took off quickly.
"Scotland?" I whispered.
"A new beginning. A chance to learn and grow, to be together," he whispered back. "Away from the past and the darkness that lingers here."
I looked at him and brushed his copper-colored hair back. I smiled tenderly at him. "Out of the darkness and into the light … a new beginning." I kissed his lips three times, opening my mind to him. I love you, Edward. You are my light.
As you are mine, Bella. As you are mine.
A/N: One more real chapter with Edward. We're going to explore Bella's powers, enjoy some alone time and finalize their bond. Then, we'll have the epilogue, with some returning characters. Thank you for reading. A picture of Bella as an angel is on my blog. Thank you to Clo for the manipulation! Leave me some!