Bella POV
I was thrilled the next day when Madison was told to resume his regular duties. It wasn't that I didn't like him it was that I felt I could see to my own safety when Alec wasn't around. Besides, all my enemies were dead. Who was there left to guard me against? I was strong now. A vampire, if only a newborn one. I didn't need a protector and I was excited that Alec agreed. We almost reentered our room with me telling him thank you, but Alec resisted. He's a strong man.
Today was the day that we would venture out into the town square to expose me to the scent of humans. I was sure I was ready. I could converse and spend time with Gianna without the least temptation to kill her.
We went about our days in the normal way before our outing tonight and I was right. My visit with humans was a rousing success.
There was nothing left for me to learn, Alec told me one evening. It would just take time to grow into being comfortable around humans. As long as I continued working hard in combat practice I would be ready to join him on missions soon.
When I last spoke to Emmett they were traveling the world with Esme and said they would stop in if they got close to Italy.
Demetri POV
Time passed as it will do for vampires and humans alike. Angela was growing up day by day. She was so proud when I was able to give her cell phone back so that she was able to reach me. Her tantrums hardly ever happened anymore and she was finally able to understand that I had to work, as well as spend time with her. She beamed at me the first time she was able to read a book without me turning the pages for her as I had become accustomed to doing.
I still had to teach her about being around humans but that would come when she was ready for it, and she wasn't yet. She was, however, ready to join us in our group feedings, and anywhere else control was an issue. Even with her negative outlook, I had always known she'd get there with a little love, guidance, and patience.
Angela POV
I was so happy with my Demetri. How glad I was that I had gone to Bella's house that day to work on my graduation announcements. If I hadn't I would have never found him. I still couldn't think about that day, though, without mourning the family that I had lost. I was proud of myself too. I could manage all those little things like books and telephones that had seemed such a challenge a few months ago. How patient Demetri had been with me, taking off the rest of my newborn year so that he could teach me all that I needed to know. I could even feed myself neatly now, a feat that I never thought I would accomplish a few short months ago.
I was finally far enough along that he could return to his duties while I entertained myself in the castle. I was thinking that I might attend college online next semester and begin working on a degree. Demetri encouraged me in this as he encouraged me in everything else. I was truly and completely happy.
Alec POV
It was a little more than a year from the day that I had first seen my Bella that I had to go on my next mission. There was a nomad that could bend time causing problems in California. Bella was so proud when Demetri asked her to join me and Jane and a tracker named Jamison to fetch him.
"Your physical shield could be priceless on this mission my daughter," Aro had told her. She of course agreed to go. I was proud and a little in awe of my mate.
"You know," She told me as the plane was lifting off, "I'm feeling very grateful to Edward recently."
I almost swallowed my tongue in my urge to answer her. "Why ever for?"
"Because if he'd never run here to get the Volturi to kill him I would have never met you." She answered slyly.
It took me a few seconds to think about it and I couldn't help silently agreeing with her. I kissed her lips gently.
When we arrived home a few days later the surprise I prepared was all set up in my room. We followed a trail of rose petals to the couch and coffee table. On the coffee table there was a letter.
Dear Bella,
You are mine and I am yours in every way. I love you more than I thought it was possible for two people to love.
Be mine in every way and agree to become my wife.
Yours Eternally,
Alec
I knelt beside her and offered her my mother's ring.
"Oh yes Alec, of course, I'll marry you. She exclaimed.
I placed the ring on her finger where it would now rest for our eternity.
.
.
.
I would like to thank the writers of:
Il Mio Amore by Perfect Chaotic Life
It is a Bella and Alec story and a good one
And
You Will be Mine by Speklez
A Demetri and Bella story unlike any other I have read.
Both of these stories unintentionally influenced my work and I thought I would give them the credit they deserved.