Hey there guys, here's chapter 50!
Dude, this story has gotten over 1,000 reviews! Are you kidding me? I almost had a heart attack, seriously . . .
Before you can go and enjoy the chapter, I must give a huge thanks to Bree (causewerewolvesdontsparklexx). You know what for, girl. Also, I'd like to recommend her awesome story, Guardian of My Heart.What if Bella wasn't just a silly human? When Bella turns 18, a drastic change will occur and change her life forever. Set in New Moon. Edward hasn't left.
Here's the summary on the story:
You guys should go show her story some love, it really is good. :)
Alright, one more thing: What did you think about the New Moon Soundtrack or the new 45 second"Volturi Fight" clip?
Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight, short and simple. I'm gonna go faint now at the amount of reviews.
Bella POV
"Edward, would you stop?" Jasper hissed quietly.
Why did I hear Jasper?
"I can't help it," the voice of my Edward whispered back, "I didn't know I could feel this territorial, you know."
Why did I hear Edward as well?
Wait . . . I'm no longer stuck up there but down here with my family. Relief like I had never known before washed over me and lulled me into a serene state of consciousness. There were bodies moving around me, occasionally touching me with butterfly fingers, and exuding loving worry over me. Quiet murmurs ensued and now that the danger of being killed or tortured to death wasn't hanging over my head I let my mind be free for the first time in days. I recoiled after a little while, afraid to be snapped back into a reality where I wasn't really out of Katheryne or Evelyn's reach. My body tensed in anticipation of another stroke of the leash and the pain that would accompany but nothing ever came except for the draining feeling as the fear left. I couldn't even find it in me to worry about Missy like I should have, I just wanted to be and feel safe again.
Unconsciously my soul was aware that its mate was nearby and called out in joy with every deep breath I took. I know Edward held me in his arms by the tiny electrical currents he set off against my skin. I wasn't aware of how much time had passed since the pain became too much and knocked me into a black oblivion. By the stiffness of my limbs I'd guess hours if not a day or so. Just as I thought of the aching it returned with a vengeance that brought me awake. I became aware of my surroundings slowly. Cool air blowing past my face, gently caressing my cheeks and lips. My hair pulled to my side and held together with a band. I was lying on my stomach and scrunched up a little in a ball. The white dress I had been forced into was still on me and the shimmering fabric felt like a few hundred pounds. I shifted my face upwards a few inches and was met with the familiar spot in between Edward's neck and shoulders. I buried myself there eagerly. With one gulp of air his mesmerizing scent covered my self in a way that felt too intimate to be viewed by anyone else.
I knew I was safe. Here with Edward.
My fingers tightened on his shirt and the ring on my finger began engraving itself on my skin, something that pleased me, there would be a mark.
"She's awakening again, let her hear your voice," I heard Alice whisper from a corner of the room.
"Carlisle, she's too warm. I think she might have a fever," Edward rushed out, "Bella, open your eyes, love."
I had to resist the urge to pout and stomp my foot. It was hard enough to stay awake much less opening my eyes and speaking. Instead of moving I sent Jasper, who I knew was nearby, a couple of my emotions so he could let the rest know.
"Whoa, Bella. Hold on, one at a time," Jasper breathed out.
"What is it Jasper?" Carlisle asked.
"Bella's sending me some of her emotions," replied Jasper, "She's conscious but she's too weakened to do much."
"Bella," said Carlisle gently, "I know you're hurting, I'm doing the best I can at treating your wounds, but you can't give up. Okay?"
Never.
"She won't, her determination is quite strong," chuckled Jasper.
"That's my girl," I thought I heard Edward say.
The room filled with a brief moment of silence before it was broken by a gasp that came from Alice, I was sure. Rapid footsteps crossed the floor and whispers too low for me to hear were muttered. There was a sigh, a couple of more footsteps then a door closing.
"Our future disappeared," Alice explained, "I think it's the werewolves that are blocking my vision."
Her voice wavered for the slightest bit with uncertainty, alerting my instincts to protect. I was about to push off the bed and stand up when soft hands stopped me. As if I would have been able to get up anyways.
"Hey, now it's our turn to protect you, Bella. You have to rest," Carlisle said, "The wolves aren't a harm to us; they must have a reason for wanting to speak with us. No need to worry."
Easy for him to say, I sighed internally. All my senses were telling me to get up and be their protector; I wasn't used to feeling taken care of or being so hurt.
"If you don't mind," said Edward a few seconds later.
"How about letting us in on the conversation?" shouted Emmett from somewhere outside the room.
"We'll meet the wolves outside while Edward looks after Bella," Carlisle replied.
"Get better my sister," Alice murmured brushing her fingers across my head.
"I remember Jasper," Edward said, "Thank you."
"If you need me, I won't be far," Jasper said. I knew he was talking to Edward and I, though with different meanings.
I sent him my gratefulness. He chuckled in response. The door opened and closed one final time until it was only the both of us. Silence overtook the space around the room and only our breathing echoed in the same rhythmic pattern. I didn't notice how hard it was to move until I tried lifting my hand in an effort to touch Edward's face. I felt him move to take my hand in his and then lift it gingerly to where I wanted. The coolness of him grounded me in a way that took my breath away. Slowly but surely my hand moved down his temple to his cheek and lastly to my favorite part, his lips. They felt so smooth against my fingers and the way they parted slightly sent cool breath rushing past like a breeze. They quivered and a low sob reached my ears before he placed a gossamer kiss on them.
Butterflies danced in my stomach and my heart began beating more strongly than before. Everything he did affected me so strongly even if he wasn't aware of it but every action and consequence latched onto my soul. It was because the bond we shared and the love that kept us who we were. After he kissed my thumb I ran my fingers over his face again suddenly feeling like I had to memorize him.
"I love you, Bella," Edward sighed into my hair, "So much. To see you hurt or in any kind of pain sends me to my knees. When I saw you on the ground looking like you were asleep, it scared me a lot; there was blood on you and pooling on the grass. My mind kept seeing you there, fearing you were never going to wake up, and I nearly lost it right then and there. If you die, love, then I'm right behind you."
"Ed . . . ward," I breathed out, "No."
"I am not lying about this, Bella. If you should ever part from this world then all that I'm wanting to live for will be gone and nothing would keep me here," continued Edward seriously, "because I need you and I am no one without your love."
I wanted to shout at him that I wouldn't want that for him, to die after me. He needed to live and be with his family should that ever happen. I know I would want to die if he was the one that left from this world and understood his wish but I just couldn't have him fall like that. A couple of tears fell from my eyes from sadness.
"Wolves," I said in an effort to distract ourselves for a little bit.
"They're outside now," he informed me, "They wanted to talk to Carlisle about two scents they picked up but it was just yours and now he's filling them in on your . . . return."
For the next fifteen minutes Edward filled me in on what was going on downstairs with the meeting. At one point Edward grew extremely tense and let out a warning growl, I had to assume it was towards one of the wolves' thoughts. I tried asking him what had bothered him and all I got was a kiss on the forehead and his body shifting closer to mine. Edward kept touching me ever so often as if to assure himself I was real and not going to disappear if he moved away, a feeling I knew well.
"The family is going on a quick hunt if they are going to be so close to you, your blood is still very potent," Edward told me a while later.
At some point I had enough energy to open my eyes but the sight of Edward had me wishing I had kept them shut. His eyes were dangerously black with little sparkles of dark golden here and there. That wasn't the part that made my heart pang with hurt; it was the emotions written so plain there even a blind man could see them. He was a mess with his bronze hair unruly and clothes disarranged. He had needed me as much as I had needed him. With William's words threatening to block my logic I pushed all thoughts and questions that could lead to the events of the past few days away. I wasn't ready to face them just yet and neither was Edward. There would be a long talk about it just not now. Right now I needed him to be my lover and friend.
"Edward," I called out more strongly than before, "I hurt."
"I know, my love, I know," he cried woefully. "Wait just a few seconds."
I nodded and he was gone from my side. Against my better judgment I started to panic at not having him close although I knew he was still here. Before a panic attack surged forward Edward appeared next to me again. I took in his expression and questioned it with my eyes.
"Tell me if I hurt you, okay?" He asked.
"I trust you," I let him know.
A ghost of a smile flittered on his lips before a concentrating look took over. He lifted me off the bed carefully only causing me slight pain and carried me out of the room. He had an arm a little below my neck and around my knees while I did my best to held on to him at the slight burn I felt. I wondered where he was taking me. Surprisingly he carried me into his room and instead of putting me on his bed like I thought he would he walked straight into the bathroom where I heard the shower running. He closed the door with a tug of his foot and flicked off the bright lights, only in the near darkness did I see candles around glowing and giving off a warm scent. Without realizing it Edward had taken off his shoes. He placed a kiss on my temple and whispered into my ear.
"This will sting a little," he said.
I nodded at him to continue whatever it is that he was doing. The water had been turned off and then Edward lifted me once more and settled the two of us into the bathtub. He settled down until his back was touching the tub and let me rest on his chest. My body welcomed the hot water like air into my lungs but the gashes on my back did not. I did my best not to scream out and settled for a whimper. Edward began speaking in an attempt to divert my attention, it worked better than I hoped for. It felt like forever but the stinging disappeared, for now, leaving me tired and scarred. I lay my head on Edward's chest and focused on how when my heart beat it went through me and resounded through him creating the illusion that his heart was still beating. I know he felt it like I did. In no time at all both the water and Edward's body turned the same temperature and almost put me to sleep.
"Did you ever think of me while I was . . . away?" I asked out of the blue.
His body tensed beneath me and a growl built up in his chest, to whom it was directed I didn't know. I waited patiently for his answer.
"Yes," he answered curtly and with a tone that left no room for further questioning on his part. "Did you ever think of me?"
Unexpectedly I choked back a sob as I remembered just how much I thought of him. "More than I can explain to you, Edward. I wasn't lying to you when I said you kept me alive."
We fell into a silence that neither of us felt the need to ask any more questions. I simply let my body melt with Edward's and hummed along as he tentatively started my lullaby. Half way through he began scooping water and letting it run down my back. He repeated the motion again and again with a carefulness that made my heart ache for him. He washed the dried blood off my tangled hair and did it without getting any water or shampoo on my face. Next, he cleaned my wrists delicately and kissed each one when he was finished. Lastly, Edward ripped open my dress from the top to my waist; the thin sleeves kept it from falling completely off my shoulders, and moved the fabric to the side slowly so he wouldn't end up hurting me. He dabbed a hand towel in the water and removed the blood clinging to me. I was gripping his wet shirt tightly to keep from flinching every time he touched my wounds. When he touched the middle of my back I couldn't help the wince that descended through my body. In that particular spot it hurt like hell.
"I'm sorry," whispered Edward.
"It's not your fault," I whispered back feeling like he was apologizing for more than this small incident.
"I'm sorry, Bella," he said again.
"It's not your fault, Edward," I repeated.
Edward let the water run down before slipping a warm, fluffy towel around me and taking me out of the tub. He set a couple of more towels on the edge of his bed and lay me on my stomach. Edward changed out of his wet clothing rapidly and knelt on the floor where he began placing rubbing an ointment over my wounds then putting gauzes over them. He did this for a couple of minutes until he was satisfied with his work and covered me again with a towel. He pulled on the cloth around my shoulders and let it fall to the floor at my feet. I barely registered the shirt being lowered over my head and the shorts underneath. All the towels fell to the floor. Edward got us under the covers and made sure I remained warm and comfortable but most of all pain-free.
I pulled him as best I could to my level and kissed him putting every bit of emotion I was feeling at this moment but most of all my love for him. He responded and kissed me back with a fervor that ignited an all too familiar spark around us. We broke off at the same time gasping for air and held each other in a tight embrace. Edward whispered sweet nothings into my ear and the sound of his voice, like times before, lulled me to sleep. This time I wouldn't wake up to a dream, it would be real.
_______________________________________________________________________
Rosalie POV
I was waiting impatiently at the edge of the forest for the rest of my family to finish hunting so we could go home. I had to admit it made me antsy to be away from Bella and Edward, I didn't know why and it was driving me crazy. The joy I felt at having my sister back was incomparable to anything, respectively, and even in the horrible condition those so-called angels left her in. The hope that I had lost in Edward returned and I begged him through my thoughts to take care of Bella because no matter how much we loved him we would not forgive him if he left her in a worse state than she already was.
Surprisingly we had reached a new level of understanding with the werewolves and while we hadn't become the best of friends in such a short time the previous heavy tension between us had disappeared. The smell still bothered me though. When the wolves had appeared earlier I freaked out honestly but when I learned that they had only wanted to talk I calmed down again. They came to us because a familiar scent crossed their way as they were heading home, turns out the scent had been Bella's and the woman who brought her to us. Since they had smelled a scent like theirs - angels - before and it hadn't turned out to be a good thing they came to warn us. Carlisle cleared everything up and informed them that Bella was once again with us. One of the wolves in particular became really agitated when they said they had also smelled a lot of blood. Jasper then explained the condition in which he had found Bella all the while keeping their tempers in check.
"You're not going to turn her, right?" The leader, Sam, asked.
"I don't think that's possible," Carlisle responded quickly and swiftly, "but if it came to that we would try."
They were shocked with his answer.
"If you don't mind now we need to hunt," Esme stepped forward wielding the matriarchal aura she possessed as a mother, "My daughter is hurt and her fiancé is caring for her. We need to be with there too."
Even my mouth dropped open at the way Esme commanded our attention. She left no room for arguments or disagreements and at the same time holding her quiet nature. Carlisle bid goodbye to the wolves and disappeared with her leaving us to follow our own way.
Alice was the first to join me back, a small strained grin appearing on her face. I could tell she had a hard time like me by the faded spots of blood on one of her favorite jeans and random leaves sticking in her hair. Without uttering a single word the little pixie waltzed over and hugged me. Her shoulders heaved slightly with silent cries and I hugged her back knowing how she was feeling.
"It's okay, Alice, we got her back," I assured her, "She's not going anywhere."
Alice let out a low chuckle and stepped back, "I know but they took her away so easily last time and there was nothing we could do about it. That almost killed us; I don't want it to happen again. I don't want to look into the eyes of my family, and mine, and see the dead expression there."
"Hey, hey," I calmed her down, "You're not. Now turn that frown upside down."
"That's my line!" grinned Alice bouncing back to her usual chirpiness. "Thanks Rose."
"Anytime, sis," I grinned back, "I'm not a heartless person you know."
"Technically . . . "
"Oh shut up," I cut her off pushing her playfully.
Our laughter filled the forest and like a beacon, Jasper and Emmett ran out of the trees with genuine smiles followed by Carlisle and Esme. We gathered around the edge for a few seconds to 'regain our breath' before heading home. Our moods were certainly lighter than they had been before. The run back was shorter than expected and as we neared the house one steady heartbeat and two deep-filled breaths echoed from inside. Jasper stopped a few feet away from the front door and closed his eyes like he was testing the atmosphere with his empath ability.
"He did it," Jasper said opening his eyes.
"Did what?" asked Emmett.
"Edward was on the verge of leaving all that he worked so hard for," Jasper answered mysteriously, "They need each other more than I thought."
"Come on then," Esme smiled.
I shed off the jacket I put on hastily before going hunting and hurried upstairs to see Bella. I caught Jasper's questioning glance as I did so but the feeling that had been hanging over me returned. Bella's room was empty when I looked inside and almost started to panic when I heard Edward's voice from his room.
"In here, Rose," he said.
I followed his voice to his room and saw my sister sleeping, her head on Edward's chest. For a second I couldn't help but let my thoughts wonder off.
"You didn't . . ." I trailed off.
"No, Rosalie, please," he half-glared at me.
"Sorry," I apologized and added silently, I'm just feeling rather protective, you know.
Edward smiled weakly and returned his gaze back to Bella. She really did look better but far from okay. I didn't smell any fresh blood outside her wounds just a bit lingering and by the look of it her wrists were looking better as well. Angry, red marks encircled her flesh and just the thought of what happened to her sparked my temper. Carlisle entered the room to check on Bella and make sure she was doing okay. I tuned out the conversation and noticed the lights were dimmed, something I hadn't seen due to our perfect vampire vision, then the smell of candle wax wafted through the room from the bathroom.
"I know you don't want to leave Bella's side but you have to hunt too, Edward," Carlisle said catching my attention.
"I don't have the energy to argue," sighed Edward, "I'll be back soon."
Carlisle and I left the room to give Edward some privacy and waited outside. I found Emmett coming up the stairs and was welcomed by one of his bear hugs that managed to always warm me from the inside out. It had been too long since I spent any real quality time with my husband or even did something by ourselves.
"You're worried," Emmett noticed.
"I'm not sure what about exactly," I confessed, "everything is keeping me on end."
"Yeah, it's kind of hard to miss 'cause you're not usually like this," teased Emmett.
"As bad as it sounds, I'm glad I have something to stress over," I sighed, "makes me feel human and useful."
"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I find myself needing you every second of every minute," Emmett grinned, "I imagine it will stay that way forever."
* * *
"Stop, please, no."
I jumped from my spot next to Alice and Emmett on the couch and raced upstairs trailing behind Esme who had reacted a few seconds before me. The house had been quiet as we tried to give Bella some space and time to rest before we sat down and talked about everything that had happened, something that could take hours and would be emotionally draining no doubt. Edward had only been gone for a couple of hours when Bella's desperate cries permeated the silence.
I suddenly picked up the scent of Bella's blood. I rushed into the room cautiously afraid she could be hurt and saw Esme holding her breath but trying to settle a restless Bella. She had switched positions and was now lying on her back, the sheets were tangled around her body tightly and she looked like she had a fever. Through the darkness in the room I saw spots of blood on the bedspread and on the shirt she was wearing. I could only guess that she had moved too rapidly or pressed against her injuries too tightly and caused them to open up. She was having a nightmare.
Carlisle hurried inside the room ready with new gauzes and some ointment to patch Bella up. I helped him and Esme move Bella gently and untangle the sheets from around her. It was hard to do so while I watched sweat roll down her forehead and a pained expression on her face. She lay silent for a moment before calling out Edward's name.
"Alice?" I called out.
"He's coming," Alice answered sticking her head in, "in about ten minutes."
I can deal with ten minutes, I thought to myself.
Apparently ten minutes do not pass quickly when someone you love is hurting and crying out for the one thing that can make it all better. Carlisle finished up bandaging Bella and was trying to lower the spike in temperature which was much higher than a normal human's, however, us being near her helped. I almost gave out a cry of relief when Edward made his presence known. He almost ripped the door off its hinges in his haste to get inside. I couldn't help but watch in amazement when Bella took a hold of Edward's hand and opened her tired, bloodshot, eyes. A look of understanding passed between them.
"When I didn't feel you next to me, I thought this had all been a dream," Bella whispered frightened, "You and everyone else didn't really save me."
"Shh, I'm here now," comforted Edward, "Your family is here with you."
"Yes," said Bella closing her eyes, "I would keep fighting to stay and I know you guys wouldn't let me leave. We're a family."
For some reason Edward tensed up the slightest bit then relaxed instantly, it happened so fast I wasn't sure if I imagined it. A look at Esme and Carlisle told me they hadn't spotted anything but I was sure there had been a reaction from Edward, a negative one. Something isn't right here. The same feeling of dread I've been having all day made itself known in the pit of my stomach.
"There's nothing else we can do right now but let Bella rest," announced Carlisle, "It looks like Bella has a fever but it's not actually one, her body temperature is just rising unnaturally. I'll try to see if I can lower her pain levels so I'll be in my study."
I looked straight into Edward's eyes and thought to him, We need to talk, the whole family does. Things need to be settled.
I left the couple alone knowing Edward would ease her fears and went to the living room. Alice, Emmett, and Jasper were like statues as I sat down. No words were spoken amongst us, the nearness of one another was enough comfort. Occasionally Jasper would let out waves of patience, that's what they felt like to me, but I wasn't sure who he was directing those to. Eventually Esme and Carlisle came into the living room and by the look on our dad's face he would like some answers. All of us wanted them, that and to know what happened. What was going to happen now?
From upstairs murmurs even I couldn't hear were uttered and then slow, steady footsteps were heard. Coming down the stairs was Edward and Bella. I practically jumped out of my skin at seeing her walking although it seemed most of her weight was leaning on Edward. She did look sickly yet there was an aura about her that rang with strength. A robe covered her. I noticed the reprimanding look Esme sent Edward and had to stifle a laugh at how normal that seemed.
"As much as I know you want to take care of me, I have to do some things by myself," Bella explained simply. Her reasoning was a thing all of us understood. Edward helped her get comfortable on the couch next to him. "Time for a discussion, I'm assuming."
Carlisle was the one that responded, "Yes, Bella."
"In that case, you guys should go first," said Bella, "Starting from the day at the lake."
This was going to get serious . . .
Okay, short I know. The next chapter will be longer, I promise. For now, what did you guys think about this one?
Now, I'm going to start on the next one. Thanks for reading.
Until next chapter,
~*~Mimi-Love-4Ever
