Chapter 8

Previously

It suddenly occurs to me that Bella's been through a lot in the past 5 days, and she hasn't broken down about any of it…not once.

Jasper obviously has the same thought because he steps towards her, shooting me a worried look.

'Bella, it's okay darlin'.' He soothes.

Bella's body starts vibrating, and her eyes flicker around the room, crimson darkening to a black.

I don't know whether she's goin' to run or attack but either way it ain't gonna be pretty.

'Everyone, move back slowly.' Jasper says in a deadly calm voice.

I step towards her.

Everything goes to shit.

Peter

Bella snarls savagely, moving forward just before I can wrap my arms around her.

Shit.

Jasper tries to grab her too and she sinks her teeth into his shoulder, hard.

He grimaces but doesn't make a noise, he's used to being bitten. He holds Bella to him, and I relax. He's got her.

Then Alice snarls loudly at Bella.

It's instinctual but so is Bella's reaction to it. She throws Jasper away from her and growls menacingly at Alice, her body coiling to pounce.

I'm closer to Alice than Bella so I grab her and pull her out the way but this enrages Bella, her eyes zeroing in to where my arm is touchin' Alice.

Fuck. Idiot. I know better.

I hurriedly let go of Alice and step towards Bella but before I get close I'm thrown backwards, hitting the wall with a slam.

I try to move but I feel like there's a weight pressin' against me.

I look around and see everyone is in a similar position except Alice who's standing in front of Bella with a terrified expression.

'Bella,' I say softly.

She whirls to look at me for a moment then turns back on Alice, snarling.

'Mine.' She growls ferociously.

'That's right sugar, I'm yours.' I soothe. 'I'm sorry I touched her, but it didn't mean anything. That's Alice baby. You know Alice.'

Bella circles her, a steady growl coming out of her throat.

I lock eyes with Jasper, against the wall opposite me and he's gritting his teeth, trying not to snarl. He knows as well as I do it'll make things worse.

'Baby, look at me.' I plead.

Bella whimpers, unwilling to turn her back on Alice but desperately wanting to look at me.

She's operating purely on instinct, but she knows she's mine. I just have to try to calm her down.

The weight pushin' down on me increases and I wince.

Bella turns to me with a worried snarl. I stare into her black eyes.

'I'm okay.' I reassure her. 'But I'd really appreciate it if you could let me down darlin'. I just want to be with you, don't you want that?'

She gulps, starting to move towards me but then whirls around with a growl.

'Alice no!' Jasper shouts.

Alice is sprinting away from Bella towards the front door.

She comes to a sudden stop by the doorway and I frown in confusion for a moment until she drops to her knees, whimpering, her head slamming into the floor in front of her.

She tries to get up but can't.

Bella makes a satisfied noise.

I stare at my mate for a moment, she's so goddamn powerful, it's fuckin' breathtaking.

Alice whimpers again and Jasper makes an anguished noise.

'Bella.' I admonish. 'Stop it.'

My girl turns to me with a growl and I raise an eyebrow at her.

'Come here baby.'

Bella frowns, toying with her hands and then glancing back at Alice.

I smile encouragingly, 'You've got her baby, she ain't going nowhere. Please come here,' I smirk at her, tilting my head to the side, 'Come here sugar, I want you.'

It's not a lie. Watchin' Bella force Alice into submission on the floor with nothin' but her mind was fuckin' sexy.

Bella bites her lip, her eyes darkening.

I feel the hold on me relax slightly and force my face to stay composed and not show any relief.

Bella starts slinkin' towards me, her hips swaying and my mouth fills with venom.

Fuck, I want her.

I want to be buried balls fuckin' deep inside her.

Her eyes suddenly drift to my left and anger crosses her face again.

Shit. What now?

I follow her gaze. There's nothin' there but the piano.

I watch, confused as she flits over to it, shrieking a growl as she tears the thing to pieces, making a discordant melody as her hands tear out the keys.

When it's sitting there in a pile of dust she makes a content sound and turns to me again.

'Bella.' I breathe.

The longing rushing through my body is so intense it hurts.

The weight holding me against the wall disappears and I run to her, gathering her in my arms tightly.

She kisses me with so much force I fall backwards with her on top of me.

Fuck yeah.

Her mouth moves over mine savagely, her tongue sliding against mine as her hands run down my torso, ripping my T-shirt to shreds.

Her hands are all over me and it feels so fuckin' good.

'Fuck.' I groan.

I tangle my hand in her hair tightly, biting at her mouth, my other hand gripping her hip and driving my hard dick up against the heat between her legs.

The sweet scent of her arousal permeates the air and I shove my tongue into her mouth, wantin' to taste every part of her.

I'm vaguely aware of the other's leavin' the room but I barely notice because she's panting and rubbing herself all over my cock and it feels like fuckin' heaven.

Bella bites at my bottom lip, sucking it into her mouth hard.

I growl, the hand in her hair moving to her jaw and opening it wider so I can slide my tongue further into her mouth, the taste of her venom making my dick throb.

She lets out a heady moan, her nails digging into my shoulders as she grinds herself over me. I remove my hand from her jaw and grip her other hip so I can pull her onto me.

Bella cries out my name and I shudder.

I'm so fuckin' hard, my balls ache.

I want to fuck her. I want to bite her. I want to fill her with my cum.

I run my hands up the sides of her tight little body, cupping her full, heaving tits in my hands. My hands rip away the material of her t-shirt without thought, leaving her chest bare. I palm her heavy breasts, groaning at the feel of her naked skin under my fingertips, her nipples hard as they press into my palm. She cries out as I rub my thumb over them.

I press my cock between her legs, throwing my head back and clenching my jaw as pleasure rocks through me. Bella whimpers and the sound makes my dick twitch.

She bites down my jaw to my throat, forcing my head back as she licks over the bite in my neck. I groan, my hands reachin' to grip her ass so I can increase the friction between our bodies.

I growl in pleasure.

It feels so goddammed good when she licks there, fuck.

She lets out a growl and then sinks her teeth into my skin, marking me again.

The sharp nip of her teeth mixed with the slight sting of her venom and the sound she makes as she tastes me…

Oh fuck.

'Bella.' I purr.

I grip her ass firmly as I hold her against me, a guttural groan falling from my lips as pleasure shoots through my body.

I kiss her fiercely and she tangles her fingers in my hair, sucking my tongue into her mouth. I flick my tongue against hers, fucking her mouth the way I want to be fucking her.

Bella cries out and my hand slides down her tight stomach to grip her hip, rolling on top of her. She's so fuckin' wet it's all over her jeans and a predatory growl tears from my throat. My naked torso is pressing into hers and everywhere her skin touches mine feels fuckin' electrified. I can feel her hard nipples brushing against my skin and I let out a deep groan into her mouth.

Her legs wrap around my waist and she whimpers, rubbing herself against me, I slam her arms above her head as I kiss her deeply, holding her wrists with one hand while the other hitches her leg over my hip.

'Fuck.' I growl. Now I'm pressed right against her fuckin' pussy and she's so goddamn wet.

She arches her back, panting and I shudder as her hard nipples brush against my chest.

I make my way down her neck, lickin' and kissin', all the while fightin' the urge to sink my teeth into her.

God she tastes so fuckin' good.

I know if I bite her I won't be able to stop myself fuckin' her. That's why I haven't done it yet. The second my teeth sink into her pretty little neck I'll lose all control and animal instinct will take over.

I look up and her eyes meet mine, the usual crimson a deep black.

Bella lets out a keening moan as I nip at her neck and I shudder.

Fuck I want her. I want to bite her so fuckin' badly. I want to feel her cum all over my cock, screamin' my name. And then I'll fuck her again, and again.

I groan, venom filling my mouth, my teeth scraping her skin.

'Peter.' She cries out, 'Fuck.'

That's it darlin' say my fuckin' name.

My mouth moves further down, taking one of her dusty pink nipples into my mouth. I suck it hard and release her wrists so I can palm both of her perfect tits, cupping them in my hands, licking and nipping at her straining peaks.

She cries out, writhing underneath me, her hands tangling in my hair.

All fuckin' mine.

The predator in me growls possessively.

I start to undo her jeans and then give up, rippin' them off her.

I'll buy her new goddamn jeans I just want to fuckin' feel her.

Bella cries out as I cup her soakin' sex in my hand, rubbing herself into my palm.

Fuck... the scent of her. I want my head between her legs.

My hands tear her underwear to shreds and then my finger slides into her tight wet pussy.

'Fuck.' I groan, 'Fuck, Bella. Goddamn you feel so fuckin' good baby.'

Bella mewls, gripping the back of my head and pulling my mouth to hers.

I shudder as she clenches around my finger. I add another, stretching her out and she cries out.

God she's so fuckin' tight. I shudder at the thought of how good it's gonna feel when I slide my cock into her.

I groan low in my throat as her tongue finds mine, wrapping around it and sucking it into her mouth.

I fuck her with my fingers, using the heel of my hand to rub against her clit.

'Mmm Peter.' She pants. 'Feels so… good.'

I groan, grinding my dick into her thigh.

'Ugh, I want…' She pulls her head back from mine, her red eyes heavy lidded as they gaze up at me. 'More. I want you inside of me. I want you to fuck me.'

'Fuck.' I growl.

It's so fuckin' hot when she says shit like that.

She clenches down on my fingers, a breathy moan falling from her lips. 'Mm Peter, please…I need you.'

'I need you too darlin',' I murmur throatily, 'You feel so fuckin' good.'

Her hands are running all over the bare skin of my back and gripping my ass through my jeans. I move my fingers faster and she cries out, her nails digging into my shoulders.

She's gonna cum. Her body is shakin'.

'That's it darlin',' I purr.

She's fuckin' gorgeous.

My mouth falls open as I watch her, her tits heaving, eyes rollin' back into her head.

Fuck.

She's grippin' my biceps as she writhes underneath me, nothin' but cries of pleasure pourin' out her mouth as she hits her peak.

Fuck she's so goddam hot when she's lost in pleasure. I feel my cock twitch in my jeans as she opens her eyes and looks at me, lickin' her pouty lips.

I crash my mouth to hers, kissin' her fiercely, my tongue gliding against hers.

I want to rip my fuckin' jeans off and slide into her wet heat, fuck her.

Feel her cum all over my cock with my fuckin' name at her lips.

Watch her ride me, her full tits bouncin'.

Fill her with my cum, watch it drip down her beautiful thighs.

She's mine.

'Ugh, fuck.' I groan into her mouth. 'Bella, I'm gonna fuckin' cum.'

She cries out, her heavy lidded eyes opening and staring into mine.

I throw my head back and snarl as pleasure shoots through me, my body shuddering.

'Fuck.' I groan, gripping her hard as I ride out the last of my orgasm.

I open my eyes and my stomach clenches as I see the look on her face.

'Peter.' Bella gasps. 'Please, I need you.'

I feel my dick swell against the seam of my jeans.

The thought of sliding my cum soaked head into her tight, wet pussy.

'Fuck.' I spit, unable to help myself as I kiss her deeply, fucking her mouth with my tongue.

I move to kiss down her neck, licking and bitin' at her skin.

'Peter, please. Fuck me.' Bella moans, her eyes rollin' back in her head.

Oh god, I want to darlin'.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

My hands tear into the floor next to me as I fight back the instinct telling me to claim her.

Fuck her.

I'm kissin' her again and she's moanin' into my mouth and rubbing her bare tits all over my chest.

'Fuck.' I pant into her mouth.

Calm down, calm down, calm down. I repeat in my head like a mantra.

I don't want to fuck her on the floor in the Cullen's fuckin' open plan lounge.

I want to fuck her somewhere where it's just me and her.

When I can take my time, be gentle.

Also… she just had a breakdown of magnificent proportions.

With difficulty I slow down the kiss, my hand cupping her cheek.

'I can't.' I manage to say. 'I can't baby. We have to stop.'

She shivers underneath me.

I kiss my way up her neck and along her jaw, 'I love you.' I murmur, 'I love you so fuckin' much and I can't wait to be with you sugar. But not like this.'

She tightens her arms around me and then tenses suddenly, burying her face into my neck.

Small whimpers tear from her throat makin' my fuckin' heart break.

'Shh.' I soothe, gripping her head tightly.

Good call to stop. That would have been a colossal fuck up.

'What's wrong with me.' She cries into my neck.

I stroke her hair, 'Nothin'. Baby what just happened is the most normal thing you could have done. Why do you think Jasper called me down to help sugar?'

'Did I hurt Alice?' She asks me, trembling.

'No baby.' I soothe. 'Alice is fine.'

I assume so anyway. It's not like Bella actually hurt her and it was the fuckin' idiot's fault for running away.

I hold her tightly as she sobs, my chest constricting painfully.

It takes me a good half an hour to calm Bella down and then another half hour before I can coax her into new clothes to go and hunt in.

I run through the woods just behind her, close enough to grab her if I need to, but I don't think there'll be any humans around at this time of day.

Her mood seems okay as she tears through the trees but I'm prepared for another melt down.

Animal blood tastes…unnatural.

Sure, when she had it before she was fine, hell, she didn't know any better.

Now…she does.

I watch as she pounces on an elk and tears off the head, blood gushin' from the open wound all over her face.

The other animals flee with cries of terror.

I snort at her. Such a messy eater.

Bella presses her mouth to the stream, swallowing down some of the blood. After a few mouthfuls she shrieks and throws the animal away.

I sigh empathetically.

Yep, that was expected.

She snarls loudly in frustration and then crumples to her knees, staring blankly at the forest floor.

Oh baby.

I step towards her tentatively and she growls warningly at me.

'Don't Peter.' She states shakily. 'Please, just…don't.'

I sigh, stepping back and leaning against the tree, trying to ignore the painful wrench in my gut at her dismissal.

She looks up at me, her eyes full of despair. 'I feel…lost. I was so caught up in you I didn't…I've lost so much.'

My eyes close at the pain in her voice. 'I know sugar.'

She laughs humorlessly. 'Do you know, all I wanted was to be a vampire. I saw Edward and the rest of the Cullen's and I wanted to be like them, be a part of them.'

I open my eyes, keeping silent. I know she needs to process this away from me but it physically hurts to not be holdin' her.

'Edward didn't…' Her eyes narrow in fury, 'He didn't mean to bite me. I know that. But I feel so much…anger. He took away my choice Peter. I was supposed to choose this. If I did, I would have said goodbye properly to my old life. What happens to Charlie and Renee, now that I'm gone? What about Jake, Billy, my friends from school… I even think I miss Jessica, just for the stupid monotony of it all.'

I take a few steps forward and she watches me carefully but allows the action.

I stop just before her and drop to my knees too, staring into her red eyes.

God she's the most beautiful thing I've ever fuckin' seen.

'I don't want to leave.' She says brokenly, looking down, her hands diggin' into the soil. 'It's all my fault everyone has to uproot their lives. It's because I killed the humans, isn't it?'

I shake my head. 'Nah. They would have left anyway sugar. It's too risky for you to be here, like Emmett said, you're supposed to be dead.'

'Where will we go?' She looks up at me, panic flashing in her crimson orbs. 'You're going to come aren't you?'

I scoff at her, fightin' the urge to roll my eyes. 'You know the answer to that.'

Her eyes narrow at me, then flash with concern. 'You're not…scared of me now? After what I did?'

'I thought it was fuckin' hot.' I tell her, unable to hide the pride in my voice. 'You're incredible.'

'I'm a monster.' She says shakily. 'Why would you want me?'

I growl in frustration. 'You know I've done exactly what you have and worse, do you still want me?'

Her eyes flash with surprise, her hand reachin' out to touch my chest. 'Of course I do.'

I shiver at the feel of her hand on my body.

'Then you know the answer sugar.' I state, my hands twitchin'.

I want her in my arms.

Bella acknowledges my words with a small nod but then falls silent, her body an ivory statue.

Her eyes narrow all of a sudden and she moves her hand off me.

I feel the loss acutely in my gut and shift uncomfortably.

'It makes me so…mad that Edward has been to see Charlie.' She growls, a slight tremor going through her body. 'Pretending that he's cut out about my death, but I didn't die.'

She jumps to her feet, pacing. 'This thing with Victoria too. I know you all say she's not a threat but we don't know that! Charlie…if she hurts him.'

'I told you darlin' I will never let that happen.' I state firmly. 'You know he's okay because like Emmett said, Alice and Edward went to see him. She would have told us if he wasn't okay. In any case, I'll run down there later tonight okay?'

'No.' She cuts in, her eyes widening as she looks at me. 'It's too dangerous Peter. I've been thinking about what Jasper said about the wolves, about how the treaty is only valid if they don't bite humans. They must know what red eyes mean, what if they see you and attack you.'

A smile plays at my lips, her worry was cute but unfounded.

As if the overgrown dogs would be a real threat to me.

I meet her gaze, raising an eyebrow, 'If those…mongrels attempted to attack me, it would be the last thing they ever did.'

Her eyes flicker with lust and anger at my words and I fight back a smirk.

Her soul is so good, so pure. She doesn't want to hurt people. But though I don't doubt that I am a good man, at least on some level, I'm not like her.

Killin' doesn't bother me.

I've made that clear to her. The only two lives I regret taking out of the thousands are the children. Everyone else…good or bad, innocent or not, I feel nothing for.

'Just…don't go.' She states, irritation dancing in her red orbs as they lock with mine as she stops to stare at me.

I sigh and nod. 'Fine. But I think you're bein' ridiculous.'

She growls at me and I smirk at her. 'Hey now sugar, my visitin' Charlie will make you feel better. That's all I want.'

Her pacing resumes and I sit back on my feet, content to watch her.

'Ugh, I hate him. I hate him.' She screeches, flying to a nearby tree and slamming her fists into it. There's a groan as the tree crumples under her strength and I watch bemused as thick branches rain down and bounce off her.

'Selfish fucking vampire. How dare he tell me I'm not good enough for him.'

She pauses in her attack and a sob tears from her throat. 'That he can do better than me, a child killer…murderer, no self-control…'

Her words tempt me to interrupt but I stop myself. The blow out happened because she was keeping things inside.

I need to let her get it all out.

Another sob, then a deep growl and the sound of wood splintering.

'Stuck…forever…no chance to say goodbye. How dare he go see Charlie…lie to my dad. Fucking agh.' Her words break off into an unintelligible growl.

I hide a smile as another two trees go crashing down.

By the time she gets to the seventh tree she even starts upending the roots, dirt flyin' everywhere and creatin' a brown haze.

When she moves to the next one, I rethink my strategy of leaving her to it. After all, a few broken trees could be explained, this many might arouse suspicion.

'What did the trees ever do to you baby?' I drawl, raisin' an eyebrow at her.

She spins, a growl bubbling in her throat but it dies when she locks eyes with me.

I watch anger and then lust dance in her eyes before her body coils itself and she pounces on me.

I catch her easily, tangling a hand in her thick hair as I pull her mouth to mine.

A groan escapes my mouth as her tongue slides across my lower lip, opening my mouth and tightening the hand in her hair.

She's covered in blood and dirt and there's twigs and splinters in her hair, but I love her and she's all mine.

She pulls back from my kiss with a grimace, clutching her throat.

'It burns.'

I make a humming sound and kiss her jaw.

'You need to hunt.'

'I know but it tastes disgusting.' She hisses, her eyes conflicted.

'Well, I wouldn't go that far.' I correct, winking at her. 'It's…tolerable.'

She shakes her head at me, an accusatory look in her eye. 'Peter you're such a liar, you hate animal blood.'

I wrinkle my nose, 'I don't hate it. It tasted fine when I licked it off you.' The corner of my mouth curves up.

Bella shivers, her eyes darkening.

'Did you want to lick the human blood off me?'

I study her.

'Yes.' I admit.

She groans softly and I raise an eyebrow at her.

'Thinking of you…covered in human blood and licking it off.' Her voice trembles, her eyes going black.

I stroke my thumb along her jaw. 'We can hunt humans together if you want. Go for the criminals, rapists, the ones who hurt people.'

She pulls back from me, a mix of revulsion and desire glimmering in her eyes. 'Peter, I can't.'

'Okay sugar.' I kiss her jaw again.

She purrs, her hands drifting down my back.

I'll never pressure her to pick up my diet but I'm not going to start eatin' bunnies anytime soon either.

'Well you still need to eat. Let's get you a predator, I'm sure they taste better. Shall we look for a bear?'

X

I lounge in the water, my eyes the only thing sittin' above the surface. Like a crocodile. Waitin', watchin'.

Bella frolics in the water happily, excited by her ability to see underwater.

The last time we went in she was too out of it to notice.

Her clothes are in tatters again, partly from the bear. Partly from me when she jumped on me, soaked in blood and I devoured her.

I smirk under the water.

My self-control was definitely at breaking point.

It just wasn't the right time.

We'd only have a few hours on our own anyway, definitely not enough time to enjoy each other properly.

She swims over to me underwater, her crimson eyes beaming through the stream of water and debris.

I duck my head fully underwater too and grab her hips as she swims in front of me.

She looks fuckin' gorgeous, long hair streamin' behind her.

I tighten my hands on her hips and pull her to me but she gives me a playful grin and pulls out of my grip.

I raise my eyebrows at her and she hums, darting away with a wink.

Bella manages to evade me for a little while, but then I catch her from behind, slammin' her body into a boulder, my teeth at her neck.

She wriggles and I nip her sharply, indicatin' my success.

She growls low in her throat and spins in my grip, her mouth crashing to mine.

Our heads break the surface as I run my hands down her body, her hand gripping the back of my head tightly as she wraps her long legs around my waist.

She pulls back suddenly, her eyes full of concern.

'Alice.'

'Peter.' I correct, raising an eyebrow at her. 'You want to tell me somethin' 'bout your sexuality sugar?'

She scoffs, shovin' me but I don't miss the light of amusement that dances in her eyes.

'I need to apologise.' She says nervously, lookin' down.

I hum thoughtfully, 'I don't think you do darlin'.'

Her eyes flick up to mine with shock. 'Why not?'

I tuck her wet hair behind her ear and kiss her head. 'You're just actin' like a normal newborn. Honestly the fact it took you that long to explode was amazin'. Of course…' I grin, tappin' her on the nose, 'Your gift certainly makes things a little more….'

'Problematic?' Bella offers, bitin' her lip.

My eyes watch the action hungrily but I fight down my desire for her.

'Excitin'.' I state, my eyes locking with hers.

She rolls her eyes at me.

I pull her into me and hug her, breathing in her scent.

'I love you.' I murmur into her hair.

She makes a contented sigh and snuggles into me further.

'I'm still going to apologise.' Her voice is muffled in my neck.

I smile against her.

Of-course she is.

X

Bella

I shift nervously at the front door to the Cullen house.

I can smell Esme and Carlisle, but Edward's scent is old.

That means he hasn't come back.

And it's because of me.

Peter stands patiently next to me.

I want to go inside, but I'm scared that Alice won't want to talk to me.

And I'm scared Carlisle and Esme are mad at me.

'It'll be okay sugar.' Peter murmurs quietly, placing a hand on my lower back.

Desire rushes through my body so fast I feel electrocuted.

I shudder and glance at him in the corner of my eye. He removes his hand, a smirk playing at his gorgeous mouth.

'Sorry.' He murmurs.

I take a deep breath, more out of instinct that anything else because I certainly don't need the oxygen.

'For god's sake.' I hear on the inside of the door.

It flies open and I flinch.

Alice stands in the open doorway, her hands on her hips.

'Bella, stop stressing!' Alice commands, a fiery look in her eyes.

She looks quite menacing despite her stature and I fight back a smile.

'Alice I'm so sorry.' I say hurriedly, biting my lip. 'I didn't mean to h-'

I'm interrupted by her flinging herself at me and hugging me so tightly that if I was human I think every bone in my body would have broken.

'Don't be silly.' She states, her voice muffled from where her head is pressing into my shoulder.

I hug her back just as tight, breathing in her scent.

Alice smells like honey-suckle and lemon. It suits her.

'Well now I'm really startin' to feel jealous.' Peter comments, next to us. 'Callin' out her name in the throes of passion…now huggin' her like this.'

I pull back Alice to scowl at him. 'It wasn't in the throes of passion.' I snap.

Jasper appears behind Alice, a wicked smile at his lips.

'You can't blame her Pete, my wife is delicious.' He wraps Alice up in his arms and places a kiss on her neck.

I roll my eyes at Jasper as he winks at me and I shove Peter playfully.

He smirks in response, his hand catching my fist and tugging me to stand next to him.

Heat rushes across my skin at the sensation and I shiver as lust catapults through me.

I want him so badly.

No matter how many times he makes me…finish. It's not enough.

I need him…inside of me.

I duck my head shyly at the thought and Jasper chuckles.

'You may not be able to blush anymore darlin', but I can still tell.' He taps his head with a smirk. 'Are those thoughts for my wife or Petey.'

'You'll never know.' I quip, meeting his gaze with a smirk.

He laughs, his eyes flicking to Peter.

'You're already rubbin' off on her.'

Peter grins proudly, sliding his hand up my arm, 'Rubbin' all over her.'

I dart to stand behind him and then wrap my arms around his waist, resting my cheek on the back of his shoulder and he purrs.

Contentment seeps through me.

Alice and Jasper laugh, exchanging a sweet look between them.

I close my eyes against Peter, breathing in his scent.

'Edward didn't come back.' I state softly.

I feel Peter tense where my arms rest across his stomach.

'No.' He answers, his hand stroking across my arm gently.

'He'll come around Bella.' Alice announces. 'Not that I can see anything relating to you…it's so annoying.' She huffs. 'The only reason I saw Victoria was because she made a decision that doesn't involve the present you.'

'Do you think we could be missin' something then?' Jasper murmurs, more to Alice than to us but it still makes me tense.

'I think, we should be careful. Like we've planned to be anyway.' Alice states firmly.

I sigh against Peter's neck and the muscles in his stomach tense again, a soft groan falling from his lips.

The sound makes me shiver with desire and my hands start slipping down his torso.

Peter groans again, a deep, wanting sound.

My hands slide lower and I whimper as I feel him thicken and harden in his jeans.

I need him.

'For god's sake.' I hear Jasper drawl and then Peter is being pulled out of my arms.

I snarl viciously at Jasper and Peter growls at him too.

'Calm down.' Jasper commands Peter, in a deep, authoritative tone I've only heard him use once.

Peter stiffens and twitches.

I frown at the display, snarling louder.

I don't like that he's controlling my mate.

'And you, relax.' Jasper turns to me and I find myself looking down submissively.

A whimper slips from my lips, I don't like this.

'Jasper.' Peter warns.

Jasper stands in front of me and places a finger under my chin, tilting it up so he can look into my eyes.

'Sorry darlin'.' He apologises, his honey eyes regretful. 'I'm Peter's sire so I have a little more authority over him than the normal sway I have over vampires, I didn't think it would affect you so strongly, being mated to him.'

'How do you do it?' I ask him, frowning.

Jasper sighs, removing his hand from under my chin. 'It's part of my gift. Even as a human I was charismatic and had a small ability to make people conform to my will. As a vampire it's much stronger. With Peter, it works differently, because I bit him. It shouldn't have worked on you as well as it just did, but I guess as Peter's mate, you recognise that I'm his sire? I'm not sure.'

'Well if only we realised this earlier, maybe Bella wouldn't have kicked Alice's ass quite so badly.' Emmett states from behind us.

I growl at him and he chuckles at me.

'Jasper won't be doing that to Bella again.' Peter states firmly, eyes narrowing as he stares at him.

'No.' Jasper confirms, offering me a small smile.

'You're such a fuckin' asshole.' Peter shakes his head.

'I know.' Jasper grins wickedly. 'What you gonna do 'bout it?'

I move out of the way just in time as they tackle each other, flying out the door and landing on the grass.

I watch nervously for a moment, but then relax when I realise they're just playing.

'They'll be at that for ages Bella.' Alice sighs wearily, turning to me with a smile. Her eyes flick down my body and she laughs softly.

'Let's go get you showered and dressed.'

I look down at myself and bite my lip.

I'm not dirty or bloody, the river fixed that, but my clothes are barely covering anything and my hair feels like a rats nest.

I turn to Emmett and he waggles his eyebrows. 'Don't worry Bella, I'm getting used to you being naked.'

'I hate you.' I scowl at him.

He laughs loudly, 'No you don't Belly-Bean.'

X

I sit patiently on one of the sofa's in a yellow sundress. Alice decided something with, 'easy access.' would be better, considering Peter and I keep ripping each other's clothes off.

The room has been tidied since earlier, but there's still splinters on the floor and of course the broken glass from where I tackled Emmett through the window.

I smile to myself.

Jasper and Peter burst through the door, laughing. Both of their clothes are ripped and Peter's hair is sticking up all over the place, pieces of grass and mud covering him.

My mouth falls open as I stare at him.

I can see the indentations of his abs, the smooth muscles in his chest. His thick black lashes brush over the tops of his cheeks as he throws his head back, showing the white column of his throat.

And the deep bite mark there, made from my teeth.

He's the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.

And he's mine.

Possessiveness rushes through me and I'm standing on my feet before I even realise.

Peter turns from Jasper to look at me and his eyes light up.

'You look beautiful.' He breathes, his hands twitching at his sides.

I smile widely and step towards him, only to have Alice block me, standing in front of me with her hands on her hips.

'Nope, no touching until he's showered. You're finally clean.' She turns to Peter with a raised eyebrow, 'Do you know how long it took me to get the bits of wood out of her hair?'

Peter rolls his eyes at her, 'That wasn't me! She tore down half the forest.'

'And the bits of grass?' Alice scowls.

Peter smirks, locking eyes with me.

I shiver as I replay turning to him when I'd killed the bear, fresh blood dripping down my skin. Needing to feel him, touch him. Pouncing on his body, our mouths meeting, the blood on my tongue in his mouth. His head between my legs at the same time I took him into my m-

'Bella.' Alice scolds.

Peter is looking at me, his eyes black, breathing heavily.

Jasper chuckles, 'Come on Peter. Shower, then my wife will let you touch Bella.'

'Let me? What could that little spitfire do to stop me.' Peter teases, winking at me.

I swallow the venom down that has built up in my mouth and Peter bites his lip.

'Later.' He mouths, his lips curving up suggestively.

Yes.

Later.

Alice spends time teaching me how to grip household objects without breaking them.

I'm not very good, especially when I remember that Edward's touched something.

Esme and Carlisle come down to help.

'I'm sorry he didn't come back.' I tell them, the book in my hands breaking at the spine.

Alice tugs it from my hands, tutting.

'It's not your fault Bella.' Esme smiles at me. She turns to Carlisle with a frown, 'We should be apologising to you, for his behavior.'

Carlise nods, his golden eyes fixing on mine. 'Edward has handled things poorly Bella. This has been a lot for him to process, and I sympathise with him, but I'm equally disappointed with his behavior towards you. You are just as much our daughter as he is our son.'

My lip trembles at his words and I crash into his chest, burying my head there.

Carlisle lets out an amused laugh and then returns my hug, stroking my back softly.

It makes me miss Charlie and I find myself crying, dry sobs tearing out of my throat.

'Shh.' Carlisle soothes, holding me tightly.

When I finally stop crying Esme wraps me in a tight hug and kisses my head before letting me go.

'Where is he?' I find myself asking.

'I don't know if we ever told you about our cousins in Denali? He's been staying with them. We found him hunting a few miles from their home. He'll come join us when he's ready.' Esme says to me gently.

I turn from her and start when I see Peter standing in the doorway.

He smells like soap and his hair is still damp on his head. He's wearing a plain black T-shirt and some jeans that cling to his muscled thighs.

He looks gorgeous.

I think about being in his arms and I'm there, my nose pressing into his neck and breathing him in.

I grip him so tightly he winces, but he doesn't tell me to stop, just wraps his strong arms around me, his fingers stroking up my back.

'We're going to run a perimeter.' He tells me, pulling back and kissing my cheek softly. 'Alice is going to stay behind with you.'

'Why can't I come?' I frown at him.

He strokes my cheek with my thumb, 'Because where we're running, they'll probably be humans nearby. We can't risk you getting close, especially now you can use your gift like that, I'm not sure we would be able to stop you.'

I step closer to him again, 'I don't want to be away from you.' I whisper into his neck.

He sighs softly, gripping me tightly, 'I don't want to be away from you either baby, ever.'

He pulls back, cupping my jaw and places a gentle kiss on my mouth.

I kiss him back, taking his bottom lip between mine.

Peter groans softly into my mouth, his tongue brushing mine.

I shiver at the taste of him, moaning into his mouth and the kiss is suddenly not so gentle, my tongue entering his mouth and tangling with his.

'Fuck.' He murmurs, his hands sliding down to grip my ass under my sundress.

He squeezes and I whimper.

'Break it up bitches.' Emmett's voice booms behind us. 'Maybe I should whip out the dog whistle.'

'Emmett.' Rose sighs exasperatedly.

I pull back from Peter reluctantly and glare at Emmett. 'Use that whistle again and I will shove it up your fucking-

'Bella!' Esme admonishes, shooting me a look that's caught between amusement and chastisement.

'Sorry Esme.' I apologise, biting my lip.

Peter laughs, nipping at my collar bone. 'That's my girl.'

I purr, tilting my head back and Peter places a kiss on my skin before lifting his head and winking at me, his blood red eyes sparkling with amusement and lust.

'Are we ready?' Rose asks in a bored tone.

I turn to look at her and she smiles at me, a glint in her topaz eyes.

'Let's do it. I've never run a perimeter before.' Emmett grins. 'What exactly do we do?'

Peter's mouth curves into an amused smile and he kisses my head briefly.

'Essentially we start in smaller circles then go wider and wider, checking for any new scents in the area. We know Victoria's scent, except for Peter of course.' Jasper states. 'While we're doing that, Carlisle and Esme are going to talk to the Quilettes.'

'Another reason why you can't come with us darlin'.' Jasper says to me, smiling softly. 'We don't want them to know you're alive.'

'Let's go.' Emmett claps his hands, a grin across his face.

Peter laughs softly, 'It's not as fun as you think Emmett.'

'Don't spoil it for him.' Jasper smirks.

I clutch Peter tightly, knowing he's about to leave me.

He looks down at me, a smile on his face. 'I'll be back before you know it baby, I love you.' He kisses the side of my mouth.

With a rushing feeling in my gut I realise that I love him too.

I open my mouth with the intention to tell him but find myself saying 'I'll miss you,' instead.

I don't want to tell him with everyone watching like this.

He smiles, 'I'll miss you too beautiful.'

I love you.

Then there's a rush of movement and Alice and I are standing by ourselves.

'What shall we do?' Alice grins at me. 'Why don't we practice putting on clothes again.'

I groan and follow her up the stairs, rolling my eyes as she mutters to herself about avoiding the Valentino.

X

I manage to successfully pick up a T-shirt and get it around my neck, only to tear it to shreds when I try to get my arms through.

Alice lets out a sympathetic sigh.

'Well, we're getting there.' She says encouragingly.

I huff and lie back on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Alice's room is gigantic. A massive bed sits in the middle with silk red sheets and there's a vanity opposite it with more makeup than they even offer at Walmart.

It's a cosy room, but it smells strongly of her and Jasper, and old scents of their arousal.

I sit back up with a grimace.

'Will they be back soon?' I ask her, feeling antsy.

I want Peter.

You already have separation anxiety, you are so whipped…

'Bella it's only been like twenty minutes.' She rolls her eyes.

'I know.' I sigh pathetically.

Pull yourself together Bella, you are so not this pathetic, are you?

I think back to my behavior with Edward and bite my lip. Maybe I am.

Ugh.

Alice's phone starts ringing, and I stand up eagerly, wondering if it's them.

She looks at me, a small twist forming at her mouth, then tears out the room.

'What are you doing?' I call out to her.

'Stay there.' She urges, 'I need to answer this.'

I stand there for a moment, hearing the front door slam.

Who is on the phone?

I go to look out the window of Alice and Jasper's bedroom. Alice is at the end of the driveway, one hand on her hip, the other holding her phone to her ear. I can see her mouth moving, but I don't know what she's saying.

Why doesn't she want me to hear the conversation?

Is there something wrong? Did something happen to Peter?

I'm too curious to stand here so I make my way downstairs and go out the back door, sneaking around the house.

'I'm so sorry to hear that.' Alice is saying, her tone gentle.

I freeze as I hear the reply.

'Thank you Alice, it's bad enough with what happened to Bella.' My dad lets out a choked sound and I sink to my knees, feeling my throat close up.

Charlie.

He sounds…broken.

'When's the funeral?' Alice asks him.

What funeral?

'It was this morning.'

'Oh, that was quick.' Alice says, surprised.

'I know, it's something to do with his spirit needing to pass on to the next realm, I'm not really familiar with the reasons behind it all.' Charlie states emotionlessly. 'Billy and the rest of the reservation got everything prepared quickly. Sue isn't managing very well. She was a wreck this morning as you can imagine.'

Sue?

I frown, trying to shift through my human memories. A lot of it is blurry to me now, my poor human vision a pale imitation of my eyesight now.

Sue Clearwater? From the reservation?

If she's a wreck, who died? She has two children I think, I don't remember their names.

'Anyway, thanks again for dropping in the other day Alice, I really appreciate it. Bella loved you so much.' His voice chokes up again and my chest constricts as though several knives are being stabbed under my ribs.

Grief as a vampire is so much worse than anything I'd ever felt as a human.

'Bella loved you too Charlie.' Alice says softly.

I step around the corner and her eyes lock with mine, full of sadness.

'I just hope she's at peace.' Charlie says brokenly.

Alice smiles sadly at me and I close my eyes in agony.

'I'm sure she is Charlie and looking down on you right now.'

'Maybe.' He says gruffly. 'I should get back to Billy's, we're having a toast for Harry. I'll see you tomorrow evening.'

'See you then Charlie.'

I open my eyes and Alice comes to stand in front of me.

'I didn't want you to have to hear that.' She grabs my hand, squeezing it.

I swallow. 'Is he…okay?'

She nods. 'He's okay. I don't know how much you heard of the first part? He asked me if I could do him a favour and pick up your mum and Phil from the airport tomorrow. Harry Clearwater died yesterday and Charlie only has tomorrow to sort things out for your funeral. He went to Harry's this morning. Come on let's go back inside.'

We walk in and I sit on the sofa, bringing my knees up to my chest.

Hearing Charlie…so broken.

It's my fault. If I'd let Edward push me away...if I'd...

No.

I've been through this line of thinking before.

I know if I'd never pursued Edward, I might never have met Peter.

And Peter is…everything.

I love him.

Warmth spreads in my belly.

God I really love him.

The knowledge makes my undead heart feels like it's going to burst.

I've never felt like this, ever.

A smile starts to form on my face before it falls rapidly.

I'm so selfish.

I look down guiltily.

How can I feel happy like this when my family are so broken…when people are dying, grieving…

Poor Harry, and Sue.

I sigh out loud and Alice offers me a comforting look,

'Harry was a really good man,' I say, biting my lip. 'And he was one of Charlie's best friends. Alice, he's losing so much all at once and I'm sat here, feeling...happy? DOesn't that make me a horrible person.'

'No.' She says gently, gripping my shoulder. 'It hasn't been easy for you either Bella.'

'I just feel so awful for Charlie.' I rest my cheek on my knee. 'He has no one to help him through this.'

'I know.' Alice breathes, flitting over to the tv and fiddling around with the remote. 'Having to go to two funerals in a week... I wonder if-' Alice freezes.

'What?' I ask her worriedly, lifting my head up. 'Alice? Did you see something?'

'Oh fuck. Bella, I didn't…I mean I thought…'

'Alice. Spit it out.' I growl.

She turns around slowly, her golden eyes full of panic. 'Bella when I saw Victoria standing by a grave, I assumed it was yours. But…what if it wasn't? What if it was Harry's?'

Harry's?

'But that would mean…'

'She's already here.' Alice finishes, her eyes wide.

Panic fills me and I jump to my feet, my fingers shaking.

'We have to tell the others.' I say hurriedly.

Oh god. What if she sneaks up on them? What if she hurts them? What if she hurts Peter?

Alice takes out her phone quickly, typing in numbers. Suddenly her body tenses and her eyes stare up at the ceiling.

I watch them come back to focus and move in front of her, grabbing her arms.

'Alice!'

She looks at me with horror, the phone slipping from her hand. 'Shit! Bella, they're here! It's not just Victoria. We have to go, right now!'

'Oh no, no, no. Too late for that ma cherie.'

There's a deep laugh from the doorway and I spin in shock.

Laurent is standing there, his head tilted, red eyes gleaming.

'Hello Bella.' He purrs.

A/N

Duh duh duuuuh. Another juicy cliffhanger ;)

Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! I know it's been a while since the last update, but I've already mapped out the next chapter so it should (fingers crossed) be up soon. Been super busy with everything but I should have more time to write now!

If you're enjoying this story PLEASE leave me a review, letting me know your thoughts. :D I read them all and they make me so happy!

Thank you so much to everyone who has left a review so far!

I can't believe we've passed 100 reviews! I'm blown away by the reactions to this story and so glad you're loving it as much as I'm loving writing it. If you finish this chapter and you want to read more of my work, try reading 'Swing's and Roundabouts.' It's an AH fic but plenty of lemony goodness, and Jasper/Paul lovers will really enjoy ;)

Can anyone guess what's going to happen next?!

On another note...

The world is kind of in a weird place right now...as I'm sure you're all aware. Loads of craziness and panic going on. It's easy to let it get to you and make you feel anxious - hopefully while reading this you can forget about all of that for a little while, and get sucked up into the story instead.

Let's try to look at the silver lining - working from home means more time to read Fanfiction? And to write it...;)

My thoughts are with everyone affected by the virus. Please don't let the panic get you down, all we can do is band together, try to be decent human beings and look after those who need it, and remain as positive as we can.

lots of love,

Creaatingmadness xx