AN: Okay, hi All!

So, I know I'm updating super frequently, but that's because I'm sick and not feeling up to things like working out or doing housework or practicing Spanish on Duolingo.

So instead, I am writing! Because that is what is sparking joy for me at the moment. #konmari

So try not to cheer too loudly since y'all are technically benefiting from my illness, ha! :'-D

Many thanks to all who are reading, following, favouriting, and reviewing!

Reviewers for the last chapter are, catgrl, and kouga's older woman! Thank you soooo much for your continued support!

And now, here is Chapter 18!

Chapter Eighteen: Forming Connections

After Jasper and I finished our union, along with everyone else in the house, he and I sat down with Edward and Alice to hash out the rest of the details for our schedule going forward.

Alice, being the most extroverted, opted to speak first.

"So, Edward and I had a chance to discuss this a bit during my week with him and Carlisle, and I think we're on the same page as far as our changing role in all this. For me, and I think, for Edward too, our biggest concern would be flexibility.

"Like, for instance, if sometimes, Edward and I wanted to spend time together, intimately, while you two are together, is that an option, even if no one else in the family is in a temporary union at that time?" Alice asked.

I immediately sent my emotions about that to Jasper since it was easier than having a verbal discussion amongst ourselves about it.

"That makes sense." He nodded. "Actually, Bella and I talked a little too and we were sorta hoping you two might want that. We know this changes things for you both because you're used to having unlimited access to us, and we don't ever want either of you feeling neglected."

"Perfect." Edward smiled. "Now, I know this one has been blazing through Alice's mind...she wants to know where we stand on group sex."

I didn't even need to send Jasper my emotions on that one because I'm sure he certainly felt them. I had been fantasizing about that possibility and it was another thing Jasper and I had briefly discussed, so I knew he felt the same.

"Yes. I would say that interests us." I nodded slowly. "I mean, not all the time, obviously. It isn't like we'd want to just buy a giant bed and become a foursome permanently. If all four of us were mates it would make sense to do that, but that's a moot point." I rambled, a little flustered about discussing sex so openly since I wasn't yet really used to that.

"Right, so occasionally though, when we all agree?" Alice confirmed.

"Yeah, I think that's a fair assessment." Jasper nodded.

"Cool, so next would be in regard to how things work now with the lifestyle. I imagine we would all discuss our desired maximum and then Jasper and Bella would set theirs to whichever was soonest? Like, if I wanted eight months, but Edward only wanted four, then I guess we would all set to four months?" Alice wondered.

"I mean unless Alice wanted to still set hers to eight and take someone else in the family on a four-month shopping excursion." Edward winked at Alice.

"Right, so, Bella and Jasper would always set theirs to match whomever's is lowest, and most of the time, Edward and I would as well?" She confirmed.

"Yeah, that seems fair." Jasper agreed after I sent him my emotions.

"Spectacular!" Alice cheered. "I'm sure more issues will arise that we'll need to discuss but I think as long as we all agree to keep the lines of communication open, then that covers most of the urgent matters for now? Unless anyone has any other...requests…?" She smirked, staring straight at Jasper.

"You two, with your 'nosy' gifts, better reign it in a titch or Bella's gonna start to feel out of the loop," he cautioned lightly.

"But yes, I did have something I wanted to ask. Since Carlisle was saying the other day that if everyone selected short unions this time around, there'd be time for another round of trades before Kate and Garrett's banquet comes up...I was actually hoping you ladies wouldn't mind if I spent a bit of time with Edward?

"I mean, he and I are the only ones out of the four of us who haven't been intimate, though I know Alice and Bella's experience was brief. But I was just thinking that before the first time anyone suggests a group sexcapade, it might be wise to see if he and I have any chemistry of our own." Jasper shrugged.

I thought back to my discussion with Alice after mine and Edward's initiation banquet when she told me that Jasper wanted a chance to get frisky with Edward.

"As long as Edward is open to it, I think that's a great idea." I smiled.

"Definitely open to that, yes " Edward smirked with his crooked smile. I could tell he was reading a few things out of Jasper's mind and it certainly didn't seem like their chemistry was going to be an issue.

"Alright, so let's call a mini-meeting with the family and explain to them what we've decided and then we can skip straight to the new temporary unions!" Alice suggested.

It had previously been explained to Edward and me that when no one was coming in new to the lifestyle, they usually just had everyone decide what offers they wanted to make and then Alice would use her gift to let everyone know which offers would be accepted, rather than go through a whole big song and dance.

"Perfect." We all agreed as we went to round up the family for a quick chat.

The talk went well and everyone seemed happy that the four of us were working things out with no issues.

Once everyone had decided what offers to make, we gave Alice the floor to let everyone know who would be matched with whom. I had planned on making an offer to Rose similar to what she had offered me because it had sounded so nice.

Evidently, she must've liked my offer. "Bella will be with Rose, Edward will be with Jasper, Ceit and Arthur will be with Carlisle, Fiona will be with Esme, and Emmett will be with me!" Alice announced. Everyone seemed pretty happy, so the system obviously worked. Never bet against Alice, that's what we always say.

Edward took Jasper to mine and Edward's room, and Alice wanted to be close to her closet which left Rose and Em's room free, so Rose and I took that one. We hadn't said as much out loud but I think there was a silent agreement between Jasper and me that we wouldn't bring anyone else back there for a while until our "honeymoon phase" was over.

"So, I figure we can spend tonight here and then head out on the bike tomorrow if that works for you?" Rose suggested, pulling me out of my musings.

"Yeah, that sounds great." I smiled, giving her my undivided attention.

"I'm really happy that you offered this, Bella. I usually don't make the same type of offer twice so I probably wouldn't have suggested it again myself." She told me, stepping closer to wrap her arms around me. I returned the gesture.

"Yeah, that makes sense. I was glad you were still interested though. I was a little afraid after the whole thing with...well, I thought you might be less than thrilled with me," I confessed.

For a moment she looked ready to remind me that we're not supposed to take rejections personally, but then it dawned on her what I was talking about. "Oh...you thought I would be mad about Jasper?"

I shrugged. "He assured me you wouldn't but I wasn't so sure. I mean, you just finished making a pretty grand gesture for him. I didn't want you to feel overshadowed or anything."

"No, I get that. If I was you I probably would have been worried too. But Jasper was right, Bella. You have nothing to be concerned about. For one thing, Jasper has more capacity for love than anyone I've ever met. Did you know he still loves Maria, even after everything she put him through? His love knows no bounds. So I know that there is more than enough of Jasper to go around.

"But also, the type of relationship I have with Jasper is more like best friends with benefits. We have the physical chemistry and we have an emotional bond but our connection isn't really of the passionate variety. It's cozy and comfortable and I trust him. When we're together it's a very chill, laid back dynamic." She shrugged.

I made a mental note to talk to Jasper about the whole Maria thing. I didn't like thinking she still had any power over him after all she had done. But I put it out of my mind, for now, to focus on Rose.

"I'm glad I was wrong then." I smiled looking into her tawny eyes.

"And I'm glad because we can do this…" she said before pressing her lips to mine. I reciprocated the kiss and it escalated quite quickly.

Rose was all fire and ice. It was hard, especially after kissing her, to understand how she and Jasper could possibly not have passion. Jasper was very passionate and I was learning that Rose was too. I guess that's just another example of how different people bring out different sides of us.

We kissed for a long time, eventually making our way onto the bed.

Eventually, Rose's kisses trailed down my neck and she began to play with the hem of my top so I took it off for her.

"You have a beautiful body, Bella," she whispered in awe.

"Says the Queen of Gorgeous," I shot back playfully as she took her blouse off.

"I mean it, Bella. I know as a human you were always self-conscious, as humans usually are. But I hope you know now as a vampire, you don't have anything to be self-conscious about," she assured, kissing my newly exposed flesh.

"Thank you, Rose. That means a lot to me. I mostly do know that, though there are still times when old insecurities do creep up," I admitted.

"Well then, I am going to do my best to spend our time together making you feel beautiful." She grinned.

"You don't have to do that, Rose," I didn't want her feeling like she had to go to any trouble for me.

"I know I don't have to, but I want to. Will you please undress for me, Bella?"

"Yes, Ma'am." I grinned, doing as I was asked.

"Good girl." Rose cooed. She kissed a trail down my body, asking permission before she went too far. I gladly gave her my consent and she began to use her mouth on me. I quickly learned that her talented tongue was even more talented at cunnilingus than it was at kissing if you can believe it.

It was an embarrassingly short time before I was clutching my hands in the sheets. "Wow!" I exclaimed thrashing my head around. "Are you some kind of lesbian sex goddess?" I giggled. I very rarely giggle.

"Something like that, I guess." She shrugged. "Emmett had to get really good at it because I couldn't do penetration for a long time when we first got together. So, the first time I ever went down on a girl, he taught me how to do it. You could say I learned from the best." She shrugged humbly.

"Geez, you must have! That was amazing!" I reiterated. "Will you let me return the favor? I won't be as good, of course, but you could teach me what you like?"

Rose seemed to consider it. "I'm torn because that sounds really nice, but I also want to fuck you, and you're nice and wet for me right now so maybe we should do that first?"

"Oh, yeah, that um...sounds really hot." I nodded, my mouth going dry with nervous anticipation.

"Okay, great. Ready to meet my 'little' friend?" Rose smirked.

"Yeah, definitely." I'd heard Rose's friend was big but I wasn't expecting the ginormous schlong she pulled out of her closet. Geez, Louise!

"You like?" She asked beginning to get the strap-on unit ready as my eyes bugged out.

"Um...Rose, that thing is a monster!" I laughed nervously.

"Yeah, I like having a bigger cock than my husband. It makes me feel powerful. I dunno why." She shrugged. "Are you okay with it?" She worried.

"I mean, I'm a vampire, so I know it can't really hurt me. But man, that thing is...intimidating," I admitted.

"Yeah, none of the guys will let me use it on them." She shrugged. "Don't worry, Bella, if you're not comfortable, I'll put it away."

"You don't happen to have a smaller one?" I wondered.

"Yes actually, I have a back-up somewhere, lemme see if I can find it," she said, rummaging through a drawer where I assume she kept all of her sex stuff. "Ah, here it is!" Rose cheered gleefully, pulling out a much more appropriately sized appendage.

"Perfect!" I exhaled in relief. "That's far less terrifying."

"I'm sorry if I had you worried, Bella. I hope you know I would never do anything that you were uncomfortable with." She frowned.

"I know, Rose. And I appreciate that. I never thought it would make me uncomfortable until I saw it. I'd heard the rumours but sheesh, I didn't think it would be that big," I admitted as she got the normal vampire-sized fake penis ready in the holster.

"Well, I'm just glad I had this one then. And trust me, you're going to love it," she promised kissing me as she climbed up on top of me.

"I don't doubt that I will." I nodded, spreading my knees for her to have better access.

She confirmed that I wanted this and that I was ready before carefully entering me.

"Oh fuck that feels good." I groaned.

There was something very thrilling about being with Rose this way. I think partly because when I was human she was the vampire who most intimidated me. And then after I was turned, most of our interactions over the years centered around Renesmee, so we never really became that close.

In some ways, it almost felt like what I would assume picking up a near stranger at a club would feel like. Like going for a ride on a rollercoaster. But damn was it exciting.

And I knew that the bike road trip would give us an opportunity to bond on a deeper level. And that would be nice because Rose was an amazing person once you got past her frosty protective outer shell and I longed to truly connect with her.

I felt like we were off to a good start so far, as she rocked her hips, moving inside of me. Again, it wasn't long before the sensations overwhelmed me. Rosalie really was a sex goddess. There was no disputing that it was yet another thing she was amazing at. I was starting to think that being good at everything was her vampire gift.

We made love until the sun came up the next morning. Then we packed our bags and got ready to hit the open road.

I ended up learning so much about Rose over our time together. I found out she still kept track of her younger brothers' families over the years and that anytime one of their descendants went to college, they received an anonymous scholarship from something called The Hale Collective.

I learned that she used to have a dog after she was a vampire if you can believe it. Its name was Kirby and just like me when I was human, Kirby had no self-preservation instinct. But that same lack of self-preservation was how Kirby ended up getting hit by a car one day. Rosalie witnessed the whole thing but wasn't able to stop it without exposing herself.

She didn't say so, but it made me think that was part of why she got so furious when Edward saved me. Because when she'd been in the same position, she'd made the painful choice to protect the family at the expense of her friend.

I also wondered if it was why she had been so extra frosty to the wolves in the beginning, more so even than the rest of the family. Because she had long ago vowed never to form an attachment to anything on four legs.

Anyway, it explained a lot.

I also learned that she still had some leftover fears due to her traumatic past. City streets after dark. The movie King Kong, because it was playing in the theatre next to where she was assaulted and the noises from the movie kept any passersby from hearing her plight. Pigeons, because one landed right next to her in the alley after she was attacked.

Rose was such a brave and wonderful person. To go through something like that and overcome her trauma to the extent that she had was astounding. It wasn't surprising that there would be some residual effects.

I was so grateful for the time with her, to get to just be and talk and not have the rest of the family around. I felt like, in addition to a very enjoyable sexual experience, we had strengthened our bond as sisters as well. I'm pretty sure she felt the same.

And we took tons of pictures of the beautiful places we visited. I had forgotten we both had an interest in photography. Well, not forgotten, but I just hadn't thought about it. Anyway, it was super cool to have the opportunity to share in a hobby we both enjoyed.

By the time we returned home, we were both really satisfied with our time together, in every sense of the word.

"Thank you, Bella. I had a wonderful time." Rose smiled, holding my hands in hers on our last day together.

"So did I, Rose. So did I." I smiled, kissing her one last time.

Edward's POV

I was very pleased that Jasper had requested to spend this time with me. I agreed with him wholeheartedly that it would be a good idea to test our chemistry.

We went back to my room after the mini-meeting and I knew from reading his thoughts that there wouldn't be much preamble. He confirmed my assumptions as soon as we had closed the door.

I was in his arms with his lips crashing into mine before you could even say 'Hello, Jasper'.

I thought kissing Jasper might be awkward. I had always carried a lot of guilt about never telling him that Bella was meant to be both of ours. And sure, I knew better than to bet against Alice. I knew it needed to happen the way that it did. But that certainly didn't mean I felt any less awful about it.

But between the enthusiasm of Jasper's kisses and the thoughts in his head since finding out, I knew he bore no resentment about it. And that alleviated a lot of the guilt I had about it.

He must've sensed my emotions because he spoke in my head then.

I'd say this out loud, but then I'd have to stop kissing you. You know we're good, right? I've been married to Alice long enough to know not to fuck with her visions. Like, when she said we needed to go to South America while the family was preparing to fight the Volturi? That went against every single instinct I had as a military man. I felt like we were abandoning the family when y'all needed us most.

But I knew, if Alice had seen that it was what we needed to do, then I had to go along with it, even though I knew how everyone would feel.

So I understand what it must have been like for you, to want to tell us and not be able to. I know you weren't being malicious. And if it hadn't worked out this way, there'd be no Nessie. And that girl of yers is definitely worth having had to wait to be with Bella. Also, I'm pretty sure we'd all be dead right now if we hadn't gotten the wolves on board back then, which was pretty much all Renesmee's doing.

So please, stop worrying, Brother. I felt that guilt from you over the years. At the time, I thought it was your guilt about bringing Bella into the supernatural world. And then when it didn't go away, I just thought maybe you felt guilty about keeping the lifestyle a secret from her or something.

If I'd known what you were so stressed about, I would have reassured you. Obviously, that wasn't an option, which is why I'm doing it now.

He smirked, pulling back just enough for me to reply.

"Thank you, Jasper. That means so much to me to know that you feel that way." I smiled looking into his eyes. "I would never intentionally hurt you."

"I know. I feel that." He nodded, resting his hand over my heart for a moment before pulling me back toward the bed.

We kissed a while longer, gradually disrobing, and then he asked the fateful question. "Top or bottom?"

"Thank you, for not assuming." I smiled.

My last union with Carlisle was great, but it hadn't really given me the opportunity to try it both ways.

"No worries, I'm super versatile, I'm sure you understand why, being a mind-reader. So yeah, I have no problem receiving if you want to try it that way?" He offered.

I knew what he meant. With the newborns in Maria's army, she expected him to dominate them. Even Peter, because Jasper was his sire, had expected him to take charge in the bedroom. But then, there was Carlisle. As coven leader, Carlisle was a top, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. There was a power dynamic to established covens. If Jasper had tried to top with Carlisle, it would have been seen as a challenge to his authority. Vampire males were very primitive in that regard.

So, Jasper's offer meant a lot to me, because it meant he truly viewed us as equals.

"I do want to try it, yes. But I'm happy to switch anytime you want to," I assured him.

"Perfect." He smiled. "I'm ready whenever you are."

Boy, was I ready! Just talking about sex with Jasper and picking the fantasies out of his mind had me so eager that it was all I could do to be slow and careful about it as I entered him. Not that I needed to be, vampires were not fragile by any means, but I didn't want him to think I was a selfish lover.

"You might have to teach me how to do that hip flicking thing for hitting the prostate," I confessed. "I have no idea how to do that."

Jasper reached for me and put his hands on my hips, illustrating the movement that would do the trick. "Yeah, just like that." He groaned as I began to get the hang of it.

I must have been doing alright because by the time I realized I probably should have thought to stroke him to increase his pleasure, it wasn't necessary and he succumbed, projecting his emotions which made me follow right after him.

It was pretty incredible. And obviously, it awakened very different things in me than my time with Carlisle had, being totally different experiences with entirely different people. But I guess I hadn't realized that it could be that different. My time with Carlisle had felt taboo and it made me feel like the boy I had been back when he'd first met me. Timid and unsure, but also very eager to please him.

But with Jasper...it felt more like what I expected it must be like for human men getting together. Like there was no way of knowing how it would turn out in the long run but it was certainly off to a great start.

"Can I show you something?" He whispered as we curled up afterward.

"Of course." I nodded.

"Don't be alarmed," he cautioned as a feeling of happiness, calm, and lethargy, overwhelmed me.

"What is this, Jasper?" I yawned.

"It's what humans feel when they sleep," he explained.

I knew it felt familiar. From long, long ago. "It feels nice, I like it." I sighed contentedly.

"I thought you might." He grinned, snuggling closer.

We stayed like that for several hours. It was blissful. It gave me the chance to recharge my batteries in a way that other things seldom ever did.

"Thank you, Jasper." I beamed, kissing him passionately the next morning.

"You're quite welcome, Edward." He smirked.

"I think we're going to have a lot of fun together," I mused.

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

Carlisle's POV

Being with Ceit and Arthur was wonderful. Personally, I had always found group relationships the way I preferred to do them to be very thrilling indeed. With no desire for group sex, it meant that there was always a spectator. And frankly, I had just as much fun watching Arthur and Ceit make love as I did whenever I was actively with either of them.

They had been together long enough that they knew each other's bodies and turn-ons backwards and forwards. As such, they moved together so beautifully, it was like watching the most intimate type of dance.

And I knew they each enjoyed watching me with the other just as much. We all had a very satisfying time together. And while I could never be glad that Ceit had gotten sick, I was certainly grateful that we had found them in time to save her and make them a part of our vampire family.

Fiona's POV

At first, I thought it might be weird to be with Esme since she was usually so motherly. I mean, I'd been with older women before and she was only eleven years older than me or thereabouts, but it was her demeanor that had me a little concerned. I had accepted her offer because I'm the kind of girl who will try anything once just to see if I like it.

I just wasn't convinced I would like it. But ach was I ever wrong!

When Esme came to my room after picking up her bag, the first thing I noticed was that she had changed clothing.

Typically, Esme's wardrobe went from mom jeans and blouses which she wore for casual work such as digging in the garden...to trousers with a silk top and blazer which she wore for her design work and going about town...to evening gowns which she would wear out on a date night.

So when she came in dressed in dark wash skinny jeans and a low cut white top with red stripes and cherries on it, complete with a red wrap-around headband and red ballet flats, I was absolutely gobsmacked!

She looked so youthful I couldn't believe my eyes.

"I hope it's okay?" She asked, spinning around slowly. "I wasn't sure what you might like but I thought this might be closer to the mark than some of my other things."

As I continued to appraise her look, I also noticed she had curled her hair in a way that looked natural and yet also flawless. She had even changed her make-up to be more playful as well with bright red lipstick, black mascara, and a bit more blush than usual.

I was fairly certain my jaw had not left the floor the entire time. "Yes, please," was all I could say without drooling.

"Oh good! I'm glad you like it!" She beamed.

"I do, Esme. I like it a lot," I assured her and proceeded to show her how much.

I learned so much from Esme about not judging a book by its cover. Not only was she capable of being quite sexy when she wanted to, but all the preconceived notions I'd had about what the sex would be like proved incorrect as well. I was surprised to learn that she could be fun and exciting in and out of the bedroom, in addition to her multitude of other great qualities.

Needless to say, I was very impressed!

Alice's POV

I hadn't had much opportunity for one-on-one time with Emmett in a long time. So I was certainly grateful for an opportunity to reconnect with him.

We'd had some pretty spectacular times together over the years and had built a good connection. In some ways, it was almost a homecoming of sorts.

"It's about time, that's all I can say." Emmett grinned when we got back to my room, scooping me up in his big bear arms.

"Yeah, I know, it's been a while, hey?" I pouted adorably.

"Yeah, I missed you, Pix. Try not to stay away so long next time." He huffed with exaggerated indignation.

"I won't. I promise. And now that Bella and Jasper are mated, I'll probably have more free time," I assured him as he carried me to the bed.

"Yeah, how are you doing with all that? I mean, you obviously knew it would happen but that's not quite the same as having it actually happen, right?" He worried. Em was such a sweetie.

"True. Actually, it was kind of interesting. I think I was so prepared for the possibility that I might have some negative feelings about it that when I didn't it was really odd. I thought I might have a hard time adjusting but Bella was so considerate of my feelings right from the start that I honestly had nothing but love and respect, and happiness for them both," I told him.

"Wow. That's really awesome, Ally. I dunno if I could be so cool about it if Rosie had another mate," he admitted with a shrug.

I could definitely see that being a problem for Em. Especially if it was another man. Emmett had always been very protective of Rose, even with the males in the family. In the beginning, he had insisted on being with each of them first, before she was, just to make sure he knew they would treat her respectfully.

"Yeah, I know, Em. We'll just have to hope that never happens," I said softly, ruffling his hair, bringing us both back to the moment.

He responded by giving his head a shake and fixing me with his dimpled grin. "I'm gonna kiss you now," he announced and then we were kissing and getting lost in one another.

AN: Okay, so I know I really abbreviated some of these, but I'm a little foggy, lol.

Also, if you want more of Alice and Emmett, you can head over to one of my other stories, True Mates, because they are mates in that one ;-*

And yes, I know, I'm posting too frequently to expect more than two reviews between updates, but hey, a girl can always dream, right?

Blessings,

-BMW