AN: Hello again, my lovelies! Finally time for yet another update! As always, I really love your reviews and thoughts. Some of you are asking about when Bella's birthday is, so I've added some info about that at the end of this chapter.

Christmas is coming up and I will be celebrating with my family in a different town here in Norway. In other words, I probably won't be able to write much. Luckily, chapter 17 is already written and my Beta and pre-readers have been helping me out! I'll probably post this chapter on Sunday, but then I'll take a short break for the holidays.

Enjoy!

A Place to Belong

I'm nestled in a cocoon of warmth, feeling more relaxed and at ease than I have in, well, forever. I don't think I've ever woken up feeling this good. A part of me wishes I could keep on sleeping, but a larger part has had its fill and is reaching for awareness. My body is so comfortable that I don't even stretch right away as I usually do, but simply open my eyes, squinting them a little before they finally focus. The first thing I see is the rise and fall of an exquisite muscular male chest and I can't stop the almost giddy smile from spreading on my lips as I am reminded of how we ended up here.

My body fits perfectly against his long form and the way we are intertwined with one another feels like the most natural thing in the world. My head is resting comfortably on his right peck. I can feel his soft, warm skin against my cheek and the steady beat of his heart in my ear. One of my arms is wrapped around his narrow waist while the other lies underneath me, down my side. A leg is hitched over his hip before being deliciously tucked in between his two strong thighs. His arms are lightly wrapped around me as well and I can feel how our breathing is completely in sync. This feels like a dream.

Carefully, I tilt my head back slightly so that I can see his face and all of a sudden it's as if a thousand butterflies take flight in my stomach. This isn't a dream, a gorgeous man is truly resting peacefully in my arms and the sight of him quite literally takes my breath away. He is my Adonis with his strong chin, perfectly shaped eyebrows, long lashes, soft lips and wild bronze hair.

Reacting completely by instinct, I slowly lift the hand I have resting around his waist upwards to push a wayward strand of hair from his face. When I have successfully pushed it back, I feel his breathing change and I realize that he's about to wake up. A thrill shoots through me and for a moment I wonder if I should move away, but when his eyes slowly open I'm transfixed. Those deep green pools are bright, reminding me of freshly cut grass. They are still heavy with sleep and it takes a little while for them to focus, but I quickly notice that there is a serenity in them that I haven't seen before. Edward has always appeared to have a hundred things on his mind, but now it's as though they are all wiped away and he looks blissfully at ease.

"Hmmm," he hums and his eyebrows pull together as if there is something bothering him.

Tightening his hold around me, he gently guides my head back to my previous resting place against his chest. Apparently he is determined to hold on to this moment a little longer. I smile and quickly relax against him, enjoying how my body almost purrs in contentment.

Soon he starts to lazily trail his fingers up and down my bare back, sending delicious tingles through my entire body. His body is warm and so incredibly comfortable and his touch… A deep and satisfied sigh escapes my lips and I bask in how wonderful I feel. After a short while Edward moves slightly and my lips automatically pull together into a childish pout. My eyes are closed, but they open when I feel his chest shake with light laughter. Very gently Edward has turned us slightly so that we can face one another and he apparently finds my pout hilarious. I try to remain serious, but can't hold back a returning smile. There is still a drowsiness on his features, but he is more awake now than earlier.

"Hi," he whispers softly when his laughter dies down. A soft smile lingers on his beautiful lips and I know my answering smile mirrors his.

"Hi," I answer in a similar fashion and Edward chuckles lightly, almost as if he can't believe that I'm here with him.

His hand is still trailing up and down my back and his touch leaves a path of heat and longing in its wake as goosebumps rise to my skin. After a short while he moves his hand to cup my chin, and leans towards me placing an achingly sweet kiss on the top of my forehead before touching his own forehead with mine. I can feel his breath on my skin and close my eyes as I breathe in deeply, feeling how his intoxicating scent fills my nostrils. There's a hint of a citrusy aftershave, but it's his familiar and very distinct and rich spicy scent that my body immediately reacts to and I moan softly. I recognize that everything about him is drawing me deeper and deeper and I truly feel like I'm lost in some spell, but I feel too good to even care. Realistically, I know that these intense emotions I have for him should scare me, but they don't.

"How are you feeling?" he asks with gentle concern.

His voice is growing stronger and there is a tenderness in his tone that causes a deep blush to spread on my cheeks. Our eyes meet and I can see fascination and awe shining from his green orbs as they trail over every inch of my face. I feel precious and beautiful.

"Never better," I whisper, locking my eyes with his.

The tenderness in his voice makes me feel brave and I gently stroke the tip of my nose against his before pulling back. He closes his eyes and I can see that he's pleased by my initiative. It takes a while before he opens them. All the while his thumb is gently caressing my warm cheek.

"I don't think my wolf has ever been this quiet or content," Edward reveals and I can see that this both surprises and pleases him.

I quickly turn my focus inwards to search for my own wolf and find myself in complete agreement. She is blissfully at ease and very, very pleased. She's finally gotten her will and the look she is sending me is smug, almost as if she's saying: "See? I told you this was where we were meant to be all along."

"Mine too," I confess, trying not to overanalyze everything. Both of us close our eyes and simply revel in this rare moment of peace.

After a short while, I reluctantly force myself to pull back and look out the window. It is as I expected. The last rays of sun is slowly disappearing from sight, and my heart grows strangely heavy when I realize that we don't have much time.

"Leah will be here any minute," I say, deep regret clear in my voice.

Edward's lips purse and I can see that he doesn't like the thought of our perfect little bubble bursting. We are both reluctant to return to reality. A look of complete and utter resolve spreads across his features, almost as if he has decided there is something he simply must do before it's too late.

Closing the distance between us, he encases my lips softly with his. The heat of his mouth sends a shock of desire through every inch of my body and I immediately melt against him. I exhale sharply and can feel him do the same. Our lips languidly move against one another as if we have all the time in the world, almost as if time is standing still. This isn't like the desperate and lustful kisses that we've shared before, but something distinctly more powerful. It's almost as if Edward is meticulously etching each touch, moan and sigh to memory.

Gradually, I feel my body ignite as the burn grows from a small flame to a mighty and all-consuming blaze of fire. Impatience begins to build within me as this wave of lust flows through me like molten honey. Edward's movements are still painstakingly slow and I whimper out in longing, twisting my fingers tightly in his hair. His responding groan vibrates through me and suddenly it's as if someone has lit a stick of dynamite.

All at once the gentle, exploring and soft touches are exchanged for a consuming fever of passion and lust that completely takes over our bodies. My self-control is long gone and there is a compelling force expanding within me that is urging me to join with Edward in every single way humanly possible. It is growing stronger and stronger by the minute and soon it's all I can think about as I push and pull against him.

I don't know exactly who makes the first move, but suddenly we are no longer lying horizontally on the narrow couch. Edward is seated upright and I am straddling him, deliciously rubbing my lower body against his. My hands are frantically tugging at his hair as our tongues battle for dominance. One of his hands is cupping my ass and every time I rub against him, I can feel his fingers dig into my skin through the thick material of my jeans. His other hand has pushed down my bra and is busy rolling my nipple between his fingers. It feels so good! I realize that my small living room is now filled by the sounds of wet kisses and increasingly desperate male and female moans and groans.

Edward's lips tremble against mine as our movements increase in intensity as we vigorously and desperately move against one another. We are plummeting head first into something powerful and earth shattering and everything in me is now completely focused on that feeling of ecstasy that lies so closely within my reach. My entire body burns for him so strongly that I can barely breathe.

With a harsh expletive Edward pulls back and uses both of his strong hands to still my movements. It takes a few seconds for me to react and when I do I feel as though I could weep in frustration. My entire body feels hot and on edge. I huff out my anguish and can feel a desperate whimper fall from my lips. Edward leans forward, burying his head in my neck as he tries to calm his breathing. I can feel his breath on my skin and a light sheen of sweat on his bare shoulders. I don't understand why he has stopped, when everything in me is still urging me to continue.

"Please," I plead, trying to move my hips against his, but my movements quickly still when his fingers tighten at the top of my thighs.

"Bella," he growls out in warning and I can feel how he is using his powers as Beta to ensure my instant submission. This rubs me the wrong way and simply increases my frustration, however it does put an immediate stop to my movements. I don't understand what is going on and I feel like I could scream!

I tug at his hair, forcing him to meet my gaze and luckily he quickly responds. When his eyes meet mine, I'm shocked by the struggle I find in them. They are dark with a carnal lust that exceeds my own, but there is a powerful force of will that is holding him back. Why? My question must be written on my face, because he forces a painful smile. Cupping both of my cheeks, he tilts our foreheads together and I can feel our harsh breathing and accelerated heartbeats begin to slow.

"I can never lose control with you," he whispers and closes his eyes, almost as if he's ashamed of the fact.

His words and reaction confuses me even further and I'm suddenly reminded of how little we actually know each other. His touch suddenly feels wrong, and although my wolf immediately disapproves, I quickly stand, stepping away from him. I can feel him reach for me and know that he probably doesn't understand my reaction, but I'm overcome by the need to get away from him.

Adjusting my bra, I move to the kitchen in search of my t-shirt. I feel him enter behind me after a short while, and my shoulders rise as I wait for him to demand an explanation. When it doesn't come, I wonder if he's trying to give me space, but I continue to do everything I can to ignore him. Finding his shirt hidden under some kitchen chairs, I blindly throw it in his direction. I hear him catch it, but I force myself to continue in my search.

I'm so caught up in looking for my t-shirt that I don't notice him step closer and reach out. His soft, but firm grip on my right wrist immediately causes me to stop what I'm doing and I freeze, keeping my eyes fixed on those long fingers that so easily encase my hand. He moves his other hand to my view and my eyes are drawn to the movement. Clutched in his strong hands is both his shirt and mine. He relinquishes his touch on me and very carefully, almost as if he's afraid I'll bolt, untangles my t-shirt from his and hands it to me.

I stare at it for a moment, feeling my jaw clench as I try to sort through all of the emotions that are battling inside me. With a sigh, I take my t-shirt from him, making sure that I don't touch him. Turning my back to him, I pull it over my head and busy myself by placing the forgotten juice from the kitchen counter and returning it to the fridge. I am closing the doors a little more harshly than usual, when he speaks.

"I'm sorry that I got carried away again, Bella."

An incredulous huff escapes my lips and I feel anger blaze within me and I contemplate for a moment how I should respond to him. Deciding that the only way we can move forwards is to be honest, I slowly turn to meet his gaze. He has pulled his shirt on, but hasn't had time to button it so it hangs open, revealing his sculpted body. I force myself not to become distracted by this and lift my eyes to his.

"I'm not angry that you got carried away, Edward."

His eyes widen and I can see confusion in them. I feel my cheeks heat with the revelation I'm about to disclose.

"I just don't understand why you stopped."

There is a pregnant pause between us and I feel the nerves building in my stomach. He takes a step towards me and very carefully intertwines his fingers with mine. We both stare at our joined hands for a moment before he finally answers.

"Bella, every time we touch," he pauses, almost as if what he's feeling is too powerful to put into words. I understand because I feel the same way. He steps even closer and I can see that he is struggling for words.

"This thing between us is inexplicable and all-consuming. It's so intense and everything is going so fast," he pauses and exhales heavily. I look back down at our hands and I know that what he is saying is the truth, but it still doesn't explain why he stopped.

"The feelings I have for you -," he huffs out a humorless laugh. "Bella, my wolf is one of the most powerful wolves in the Pack and the feelings we have for you are so strong. I'm terrified that I'll hurt you somehow." His voice almost breaks and when I look up I can see true fear on his features. My heart warms and I gently untangle our intertwined fingers to wrap my arms around him in a hug. He is much taller than I am and I have to tilt my head back to keep eye contact. I can see how they soften when our bodies touch and can feel how my own feelings immediately calm down.

"You won't hurt me," I state with vehemence, keeping my eyes on his.

He drops his head in defeat and pulls me closer, wrapping his arms tightly around me. I lean my cheek against his chest and we just stand there, holding on to one another. Soon, he looks down at me, a smirk growing on his lips.

"Besides, I thought you said we didn't have much time."

A soft laugh escapes my lips and I release my hold on him while shooting a glance at the time on my microwave.

"That's true. Leah should be here in about half an hour and I still need to shower."

I can see his eyes darken slightly and I think he is biting back a remark of some kind. My face heats when I imagine what might be running through his mind. Instead of saying anything, Edward moves to where his cellphone is discarded on the kitchen counter. When he turns it over I can see the tension building in him as I approach.

"Is everything alright?" I ask carefully. He quickly schools his features and I try not to show my disappointment when he quickly dismisses my concern.

"Nothing for you to worry about."

Whatever was on his phone pulls Edward into action and he is hurriedly buttoning his shirt, quickly getting ready to leave. I knew we had to say goodbye soon anyways, but I can't help but wonder about his sudden urgency and it makes me feel uneasy. I follow him to the door and feel panic and uncertainty grow inside of me. My wolf is nervously pacing within me. She doesn't want him to leave, neither do I. Just before he's about to leave he turns, wraps his arms around me, pulling me to him in a heartwarming embrace, causing me to sigh. Clutching his shirt tightly between my fingers, I hide my face in his chest.

"So, you don't regret this?" I ask, almost inaudibly.

I can feel his body tense at my words, but then he quickly untangles himself from me and meets my shy gaze.

"No, I don't regret this," he answers and I can see honesty in his expression. He leans forward and kisses my cheek softly. I turn my head and he lingers, our lips just a breath away from one another.

"I need to go," he whispers and I can feel how his lips gently touch mine when he speaks.

"Then go," I answer in kind.

We can both feel how our connection is humming between us, pulling us together. If he kisses me now, there's no knowing what will happen. He inhales, very reluctantly pulling back, and I can't help but feel a little disappointed.

"You will be careful?" he asks with his hand on the doorknob. I smile at his concern.

"I'll be hanging out with your sisters and Leah, Edward, I think I'll be fine."

I'm expecting him to leave quickly, but he still lingers by the door. I can feel how upset my wolf is growing and realize that he must be struggling with the same thing.

"I will see you later, Edward," I promise, trying to placate both him and my increasingly agitated wolf. His eyes meet mine and I can see his wolf flash in them.

"You can be sure of it," he vows, before finally opening the door and quickly leaving before either of us can say, or do, anything else.

I force myself to move in the direction of my bedroom and quickly jump in the shower. Needless to say, my wolf is extremely annoyed with the fact that Edward isn't with us any longer, but the increased amount of time we've spent together and the promise of seeing him later that evening helps to calm her down. I'm also really pressed for time and can't afford to argue with her. When Leah pulls up, I've been able to throw together a few outfits in a bag with my makeup and quickly blow-dry my hair. I hurry to jump into her very cool classic Mini-Cooper and we take off.

"You ready?" she asks, excitement bubbling in her voice.

"I think so," I answer with a laugh. "I had to rush a little, so I hope I have everything."

"Did everything go well with Aro?" she asks carefully. I bite my lip, wondering how honest I should be.

"Yeah, it went well, I guess," I begin, knowing my answer is very vague. Leah can hear my uncertainty and sends me a look, calling me out on my bullshit. I exhale heavily.

"Well, I kind of lost control and passed out," I admit somewhat hurriedly. "But I did do everything I set out to do, which was good," I continue trying to lighten the mood.

"Bella?!" Leah exclaims and the car weaves slightly on the road as her attention becomes otherwise occupied.

"Leah, keep your eyes on the road!" I exclaim and she quickly reacts. Her fingers tap anxiously against her steering-wheel and I can see that she's biting back a remark.

"I'm fine, really. Edward picked me up and drove me home and I've had a long nap," I blurt out. Leah's eyebrows rise in question.

"Edward picked you up?" she asks incredulously and I realize quickly that I probably shouldn't have revealed that particular piece of information.

"Aro, called him when I passed out. He is the pack's Beta," I lie, trying to cover my tracks.

For some reason, I'm not ready to reveal what's been going on between Edward and I. Leah shoots me a look, but soon appears to accept my explanation.

"Bella, you have to be more careful. The same thing happened when you tried to fix everything after that earthquake. If using your magic causes you to pass out, then-," her voice trails off and I can hear how worried she is. I smile, suddenly realizing how lucky I am to have found such a good friend.

"I will," I promise, my voice soft.

"Besides, I think I scared the hell out of Aro, so I think he's probably going to put on some major restrictions at our next training session," I reveal with a light laugh. Leah still looks worried.

"Maybe you should have someone from the Pack with you at the training sessions? That way there won't be any misunderstandings. I can't believe Edward was happy with finding you passed out again. There's still a lot of animosity between the witches and the wolves, Bella, and if you keep getting hurt-," she trails off. I understand her reasoning and quickly agree.

"That's a good idea, Leah. I promise to see if someone can go with me next time."

An uncomfortable pause grows between us, and I feel compelled to speak out in the witches' defense.

"They'd never intentionally hurt me, Leah. It was my fault that things got out of hand today. Riley and Aro tried to pull me out of it, but it didn't work."

Leah nods, accepting my explanation and I know that she is simply trying to protect me.

"Then you definitely should have someone from the Pack with you. Maybe Carlisle or Edward, as Alpha and Beta they can both force you to react if things get out of hand."

I bite back an argument, knowing that although I really don't like the idea of someone forcing me to do anything, her argument holds merit.

"Can I promise to think about it and we leave this topic for the rest of the evening?" I ask carefully.

"I haven't seen you all week and I want us to have fun tonight," I continue. Leah's lips lift into a smile and I know that I've won for now.

"Fine," she agrees. "Alice will probably want to talk nonstop about Jasper and their imprint anyways."

I can hear a hint of trepidation and sadness in her voice, but can see that she's trying to hide it.

"Are you OK with this?" I ask gently. Leah inhales and exhales deeply as though she's trying to calm herself.

"It's just the first imprint in the pack since Emily and Sam," she explains, her voice shaking slightly. "Brings back some painful memories, that's all."

"Your birthday must be just around the corner, right? It's August 5th today."

Her grip tightens around her steering wheel and she swallows nervously.

"10 days. My birthday's on August 15th," she reveals. I'm reminded of the deep longing in her voice when she explained the imprint to me.

I reach out and touch her arm, squeezing it in comfort.

"I hope you get everything you've ever wanted, Leah."

There are tears in her eyes when she looks my way, but she quickly blinks them back.

"Yeah, well, your birthday is coming up as well. September, right?" she asks and I can feel the tension building inside of me.

"The 13th," I answer mechanically.

"You still hoping that it won't happen to you?" she asks and I take a moment to think through my answer. So much has changed since that initial conversation.

"No," I answer honestly and I can see Leah is surprised by my answer.

I am no longer afraid of imprinting, but I don't allow myself to question my sudden change of heart. Our conversation has quickly reached its end because we've now pulled up next to a beautiful modern styled house and I realize that we've reached our destination.