Chapter 22

"Jesus, you grow bigger every time I see you!" Harry exclaimed, shocked when Jacob stepped up to hug him brightly.

Rather than stopping by the Cullen's right after school, Harry had figured it would probably be best to run home quickly just to see if his father was home and needed anything. As expected, he was gone and in his place were two all-too familiar figures.

"Are you sure you're not taking steroids?" Harry said doubtfully as he took a few steps back and tilted his head to examine the other boy more closely.

"No, I'm just naturally this good looking," Jacob winked.

Harry rolled his eyes and turned to face the elder tribal member, greeting him with a smile and a nod. "Any news?"

"None so far," Sirius said solemnly and Harry felt cornered by the almost silver-like eyes of the elder. "Any news with you?"

Harry couldn't quite pin it down, but every time he talked to Sirius Black he had a feeling that he was missing a part of the conversation. He tried not to let that nagging feeling bother him, though he did take a second to collect his thoughts.

"James has been spending some long hours at the station," Sirius noted after a lack of response from the raven haired boy, "Is there any word on that new deputy? I remember there being some curious talk around town about him."

Harry realized with some surprise that he had nearly forgotten about this new deputy, but he could somewhat recall seeing him around town these last few days. No specific memories, just the tail end of a police cruiser parked around town. Still though, it was definitely something he was going to ask James about. "To be honest, I've not heard much about him. I have seen his cruiser a few times around town this week though," he answered, trying to keep his tone neutral to hide whatever trepidation he was feeling.

"Hmm," Sirius murmured in a thoughtful tone that matched his frown. "Perhaps it isn't such a wise idea for you to spend so much time alone at home," he surveyed Harry for a few seconds, then as an afterthought mumbled something that suspiciously sounded like, "…or at the Cullen's."

Harry ignored the second comment, choosing instead to throw out an "I'm sure I'll be fine," in response to the concern.

Instead of Sirius, Harry was surprised when Jacob stepped in to argue. "I agree, it can be dangerous to stay at home alone. Especially if they want to target to police chief for any reason," Jacob added before offered Harry a small grin. "I'm sure it wouldn't be a problem to stay the night at the reservation. For your safety, of course," he winked.

Harry flushed at the wink and just stared speechless for the few milliseconds it took him to catch his thoughts. "That's…uh very kind of you to offer, but I'll be fine here." He debated telling Jacob he had a boyfriend too, but knowing Sirius, that would just lead to more under-the-breath comments about the Cullens. He had no idea why the elder was so opposed to that family, but he wasn't going to open up the conversation for any more negative comments.

"Anyways," Harry began awkwardly in the following silence. "I just came here real quick to check in on the house. I see that it's fine here, so I'll just take my leave. Lock up on your way out if you're staying a bit longer to wait for James."

"See you later!" Jacob called out brightly, and Harry took a few seconds to be thankful the kid didn't hug him again. He couldn't be mad at the lad though, so he just gave him a smile in return and waved goodbye as he turned to walk out the door, closing it just in time to see Sirius nod his head at him.

"I swear…" Harry mumbled under his breath as he climbed inside his truck and started the engine. Those two were nice, but they were nosy, especially regarding his personal life. Still though, he supposed he ought to be thankful that James had someone in his life who are enough to check up on them and their house.

He fiddled with the radio, finally finding a classic country station to listen to as he drove the rest of the way to the Cullen's house. He found the music helped him relax when driving, especially since he really hadn't had much practice behind the wheel since Edward liked to drive everywhere.

He pulled into the Cullen's driveway and turned off the engine, grinning brightly when Edward opened up his drivers door as soon as the engine cut off. "Well hello there," he greeted warmly.

Edward held out a hand to help his human out of his car, smiling himself when Harry immediately nestled himself to his side.

"I would've been here earlier but Sirius Black wanted to talk a bit," Harry said vaguely as Edward lead him to the front door. "Is the rest of your family home?"

"They just left before you pulled up," Edward tugged him through the door and lead him to the empty living room. "And I'm well aware of the Black's invasiveness into your life. Next time they stop by, feel free to tell Jacob Black that his concern is appreciated, but I will handle any threats to your wellbeing."

Edward' tone was pleasant enough but Harry could see the swirling of aggression and annoyance just under the surface.

"I'll be sure to relay the message," Harry said in response, flushing a bit at the knowledge that Edward had listened to their whole interaction. "Just how long exactly were you hiding in my front yard then?"

Edward's lips twitched as he pulled Harry to sit next to him on the piano bench. "Just a bit," he admitted as his hands start to play a few soft chords on the piano.

"Hmm," Harry responded dubiously, though Edward successfully managed to divert his attention. "I didn't know you could play."

"I wrote this song for you," Edward admitted as the tempo of the song picked up. HIs hands were moving gracefully across the keys, so quickly and gracefully that Harry was mesmerized by the movement.

"It's beautiful…" he murmured quickly, eyes so trained on Edward's hands that he missed the loving gaze that was sent his way as the song slowly began to trickle to an end.

"Esme loves to hear me play too," Edward shared, smiling as Harry blinked a few times then turned to face him with an expression that was still somewhat awestruck. "I learned to play a few decades ago and haven't stopped playing since."

Harry giggled a bit. "How many keyboards did you accidentally break while learning?"

"A lot," Edward answered a bit sheepishly as he helped Harry up and began to lead him upstairs. Harry's giggling was like music to his ears, enough so that he couldn't even find it in himself to be embarrassed at his lack of control. "I've gotten much better at controlling my strength," he added as the ascended the steps.

"Hmm," Harry hummed then turned to smirk at him suggestively. "You do have good control, I wonder what it would take to make some of that control crack?"

Edward groaned silently and shook his head, glaring half heartedly at the little minx. "I've come close to losing control a few times," he admitted as he stopped them in front of his door. "Most notably when that child comes a bit too close to you," he eyes darkened and flashed in annoyance, but Harry soothed the irritation with a quick kiss.

"Jacob or Cedric?"

"Now that I think about it, both," Edward shook his head and took a breath to steady his growing anger. "Thought Cedric has backed off a bit. Jacob, however, has become increasingly more bothersome."

Edward had nearly come inside today when Harry had been talking to the Black's, and only the knowledge of their weakening relations had stopped him. Harry was his territory, and while Jacob might not have understood that, Sirius Black certainly would have understood that he had claimed the human. There was no excuse for their continuous intervention in Harry's life, and if it continued much longer he was going to bring the issue to Carlisle and the reservation.

Harry watched Edward for a few silent seconds, curious at what the Vampire was thinking so deeply about. After a few more seconds of watching those dark, unreadable eyes Harry playfully poked the vampire on the forehead. "Are we going to go inside your room at any point, partner?" He asked cheekily once Edward blinked and refocused on him.

"Yes…" Edward said hesitantly, wondering what Harry's reaction was going to be when they stepped inside the the bed was revealed.

"Okay?" Harry tilted his head and stared inquisitively, but obligingly stepped forward once Edward opened the door for him and urged him through with a hand to the back. He took a step inside and Edward could feel his reaction in the tensing of his muscles.

"It's not what you think," Edward claimed as he stepped inside behind the human and wrapped his arms around his waist. "In fact, it was Alice and Esme's idea."

Harry stared at the large bed for a few seconds then turned in Edward's arms to face him. "Oh, really?"

"Really," Edward promised, leaning down to press a brief kiss to Harry's nose. "Not that I argued much," he admitted after with a bit of embarrassment.

"Why?" Harry questioned as he stepped backwards out of their embrace and walked over to examine the bed.

"We just figured that with you father spending so much time in the office you might want to spend the night here. As much as I…dislike Jacob's suggestion, he was correct in thinking that it might be dangerous for you to spend so much time alone in your home. It would also make us all feel a bit more comfortable knowing that you're protected at night."

Harry could agree that Edward did have some valid points, but his main concern wasn't that. "James is going to kill you, inhuman strength or not," he chuckled before hopping on the bed and patting the spot next to him, grinning when Edward obligingly prowled closer to him and left up on the bed with catlike grace.

"Showoff," he teased.

"Only for you." Edward grasped the back of Harry's neck gently and used it to pull the raven haired boy closer to he could kiss the smirk off his lips, laughing into the kiss when Harry tried to take control.

"This is much better than Jacob's suggestion," Harry grinned into the kiss, breaking away with a gasp when Edward growled at that and pushed Harry down onto the bed, making to metal frame squeak slightly.

"Mine," Edward growled as he pressed a last, firm kiss against the soft lips then moved down to nuzzle the pale throat. He placed a possessive kiss near his vulnerable jugular and smirked when the action made Harry's breath hitch and his body squirm in a delectable way.

"Yours," Harry agreed, face flushed pink. Perhaps teasing his vampire hadn't been the wisest choice…

"No one else," Edward continued and Harry giggled at that, finding it amusing how focused Edward was on proving his claim. He playfully tugged the vampire's brown trusses and tugged him up for another kiss.

"Of course," he soothed.

"You're mine, not Jacob's" Edward said firmly, punctuating each sentence with a possessive kiss.

Harry was left flushed and panting after Edward finally pulled away, a self satisfied smirk planted firmly on his face as he watched the human try to get control of his breathing. Harry glared at him halfheartedly and leaned up on his elbows. "I was just teasing, you know Jacob didn't mean anything by his suggestion," Harry said with a fond smile once he had finally caught control again.

"On the contrary, I know exactly what he meant by it and it's not as innocent as you'd like to believe."

Harry tried to argue, but when he opened his mouth Edward cut him off by capturing his lips again and pressing Harry back down.

"Regardless of your beliefs, I'm not leaving it up to debate. He will know you're mine."

Harry giggled and allowed Edward to pin him down again by his wrists, moaning appreciatively when his neck was tilted to the side and a line of kisses was trained downwards. "And just how are you going to do that?" He asked teasingly.

His answer came in the form of a particularly firm bite to the tender skin of his neck, though Harry noticed that Edward still took care not to break his skin. A few seconds later, Harry knew exactly what the vampire had in mind. "Edward, no!" he moaned out, face flushing bright red in realization.

Edward smirked and worried at another spot, growling deeply in satisfaction as he watched the mark slowly blossom under his ministrations. "Mine," he echoed again, though this time his tone held less frustration and more satisfaction.

"You are…incorrigible," Harry signed but obligingly allowed Edward to continue, not wanting to admit that even while embarrassing, he was enjoying this too much to put a stop to it.

"I know," Edward smiled and rolled over, pulling Harry on top of him.

"You're family is going to be back soon," Harry commented as he nestled closer and rested his head on Edward's chest.

"Don't tell me you're a seer now," Edward said playfully.

Harry sat up at that, remembering something that had been bugging him the other day. "Speaking of seers, remember the night that Alice said she showed you some visions she was having?"

Edward frowned and also sat up, body terse as he nodded.

"Well, what was she seeing? You never answered me when I asked before," Harry crossed his arms and stared demandingly at Edward who was doing everything in his power to avoid his gaze.

"It's nothing really, she didn't see anything specific," Edward tried to pacify.

"What did she really see, be honest, Edward."

Edward sighed and leaned back against the headboard, "She saw some concerning images that were centered around you hiding or looking at something."

Harry grimaced and tried not to let his fear show on his face, knowing that it would only make Edward shut down. "She didn't see anything or anyone else?"

"She can only see people who she knows or is looking for, therefore all of her visions are centered around you and she couldn't see who you were hiding from," Edward confessed, looking at Harry closely to make sure his human was fine after hearing that.

Harry hummed thoughtfully then shook his head to clear out his dark thoughts. "And she can't tell when these events will happen?"

"No, though her visions aren't a guarantee. She can only see the future based off current decisions. Every time someone makes a choice or changes their mind, the future changes."

Edward pulled Harry closer and placed a comforting kiss on the crown of his head. "I wouldn't let anyone hurt you," he promised after a few moments of silence. "I don't want you to worry about this."

Harry shook his head with a wry laugh, "Sure thing, partner." There was absolutely no way he wasn't going to be thinking about this, but he figured that wasn't something he had to tell Edward. Harry snuggled closer to Edward and hummed sleepily, closing his eyes briefly just to rest them a bit. He was so content that he almost didn't hear Edward's question.

"So how's your father been? Any news at all?"

"He's busy, but not with any new information. I think they're going back into old cases still to see if this might be a serial killer," Harry answered sleepily.

"Interesting," Edward said thoughtfully. He needed to talk with Carlisle more about this case. Something wasn't adding up, and while he wasn't the type to claim supernatural origin so quickly, there was definitely more at play here than a simple serial killer that had wandered into town. Especially not with Alice's concerning visions…

He reached down to card his fingers through Harry's soft hair, grinning to himself despite his thoughts when he heard an almost purring noise coming from his little human. "Comfortable?" He smirked.

"Definitely," Harry grinned in response, smiling against the cool stone of Edward's chest. "You know, for a vampire, you make a pretty good pillow."

"Unfortunately, this pillow is going to retire its use soon. You need dinner," Edward reminded, though he couldn't bring himself to move yet.

"No, thank you," Harry grinned cheekily, "I'm quite fine here."

Edward laughed at that and playfully flipped them over again soHarry was laying on the bed and he could get up, to which Harry mumbled out a "no fair!"

Edward seemed intent to ignore his complaints though, so with a big sigh, Harry struggled to roll off and stand from the bed, wincing when his wrist gave an interesting twinge. Curious at to what had caused his momentary pain, he looked down and found a small new bruise right next to the bone sticking out on his wrist. He frowned a bit, trying to think of when he would've gotten a bruise like that, before realizing that it must have been when Edward had pinned him by his wrists. For a brief second anxiety welled up inside him, but he managed to push those thoughts away rather quickly. Harry quickly pulled down his shirt to hide the small mark, knowing that Edward would be less than happy if he saw it, despite it being so small it was hardly worth a second glance.

"Are you ready?" Edward tilted his head and looked at Harry, who was still lingering by the bed.

"Hmm?" Harry looked up and met Edward's inquisitive eyes, "Oh yea, sorry!"

Edward stared at Harry for a few more seconds, finally tearing his eyes away as Harry started walking towards him.

It was only when Harry was reaching up to embrace him that Edward noticed a subtle flash of red on Harry's wrist.

"What was that?" He asked, motioning to Harry's arm.

"Nothing," Harry defended a bit too quickly for Edward's liking before looking down for a half second at his wrist. "There's nothing there."

Now that, Edward knew, was a bold-faced lie.

"Hey!" Harry yelped when Edward gently gripped his upper arm and pulled him closer so he could push up his sleeve, "You know, you're supposed to ask first," he grumbled.

Edward didn't response, too busy staring horrified at Harry's arm. "Did I do this?" He finally whispered.

Harry just rolled his eyes at that and halfheartedly tried to tug his arm away, which Edward allowed as soon as he registered Harry's light tugging.

"Don't be dramatic, Edward, it's just a small new bruise," Harry argued, exasperated with how horrified Edward looked. Oliver had put him in the hospital numerous times and didn't even look a fraction as worried when he did.

Seeing that his expression was still troubled, Harry finally sighed and wrapped his arms around Edward's neck, shuffling as close as the vampire would allow. "Edward, it's okay," he soothed, "it's just a little thing, and it's not your fault."

Edward refused to relax into the warm human embrace, feeling too disgusted with himself to accept the comfort. He had hurt his mate, bruised him…he was no better than the person Harry had left behind.

"I'm going to call Alice to beat some sense into you if you don't stop feeling guilty," Harry warned after a few more seconds of silence.

"I'm so sorry, Harry," Edward pulled away so he could meet his mate's eyes. "I truly never meant to hurt you."

"You didn't hurt me," Harry argued stubbornly.

In response to that, Edward carefully captured Harry's wrist and brought it to the middle of them so they could both see the bruise, in response to which Harry let out a noise that sounded suspiciously close to a growl. "You did not hurt me. This stuff happens, Edward, even with two humans. We bruise, and some people even like it. Besides, I don't get what the difference is between this and the hickies, and you seemed totally for those," Harry agued, voice rising in frustration as Edward refused to listen to his logic.

Despite the guilt still swirling around his head, Edward couldn't help but grin at Harry's vehement response. He looked adorable when he was angry, something which he would never admit to his little human. Still though, Harry had to understand… "It's still inexcusable able for me to have left a mark. I didn't mean to hold you down so fiercely."

Harry narrowed his eyes and glared stubbornly at his vampire. "You. didn't. hurt. me. Stop treating me like I'm broken," and this time, Harry was embarrassed to feel tears building in the corner of his eyes. He hated it when people treated him like he was broken, and it's why he hadn't told anyone except Edward about Oliver.

Edward felt panic rising within him at the sight of Harry's emerald green eyes filling with tears. "I'm sorry," he practically moaned, unsure of where to go from here. "I'm not meaning to treat you like you're broken. This has nothing to do with your past and everything to do with the fact that it wasn't very proper of me this hold you down in the first place."

After a few seconds of contemplating what Edward had said, Harry let out a big sigh and deflated. "Alright fine, I can understand how it might have freaked you out a bit. But I want you to understand that it isn't a bit deal. Humans gets bruised, sometimes for no good reason. Okay?" He pressed.

"Okay," Edward murmured, still not pleased but at least understanding when Harry was coming from. If it were up to him, Harry would never get another bruise. Unfortunately, even he could see how impossible of a task that would be…especially when his little one seemed so hell bent on putting himself in dangerous positions in the first place. Like wandering Seattle alone, or going on night runs…

"What'cha thinking about now?"

"I don't think you want to know," Edward said wryly.

"Fair enough," Harry smiled and rubbed his eyes to get rid of the last remnants of tears. He grabbed Edward's hand and brought it up to his mouth so he could kiss his knuckles. "I suppose I better drive myself home now."

"I could drive you and run home after."

Harry narrowed his eyes at the offer, seriously contemplating it. "…you won't make fun of my truck?"

"Why would I ever make fun of it? It's a fantastic car, sturdy build, and classic interior," Edward responded in a tone that, much as he tried, still sounded sarcastic. Harry didn't mind though, at least this was better than before when he had outright called it a death trap.

"Fine, fine," Harry agreed with a smirk, "You better get me home quick, Mr. Cullen, it isn't proper for me to be seen out so late!" He tried his luck at an old fashioned American accent, but judging by the crinkles around Edward's eyes, he wasn't quite successful.

"I'm not sure I can be trusted to protect your virtue," Edward hummed as he opened up the passenger door for Harry and helped him inside. "And if you were going for American, I think you might want to practice that accent, love."

"I think I'll stick with my own," Harry agreed as he hopped in and shut his own door while Edward climbed in the drivers seat and started the car. "I wonder if James will be home…"

"Another late night at the office you think?" Edward asked as he pulled out and started driving along the familiar road. He wouldn't even bother to look out the window if Harry weren't in the car, but he knew his mate was unnecessarily afraid when his attention wasn't on the road.

"Maybe, I don't know. Haven't really talked to him much." Now that Harry thought about it, he really did miss his dad's constant presence around the house. He hadn't been able to have a silly TV show and hot chocolate night in awhile. Stupid murders, ruining their family bonding.

"I'll check up on you in a few hours then? I don't want you alone tonight, if James is working late…"

"Sounds good," Harry agreed. "I'm probably just going to get some homework done for a bit."

Edward pulled into Harry's driveway and put the car into park. "Be safe, yes? Call me if you need anything."

Harry playfully rolled his eyes even as he stretched his body to give Edward a kiss. "As always."

Edward turned off the engine and climbed out of the car quickly so he could meet Harry on his side. "I love you," he murmured as he stepped forward and wrapped Harry in his arms, pressing one last kiss to his crown. He enjoyed their closeness for a few more seconds before regretfully stepping away, saying his goodbyes, and walking into the greenery that bordered his yard.

Harry watched Edward until his figure was all but swallowed up by the forest, and only then did he turn around and walk to his front door. Silence met him as he unlocked the door and stepped foot inside the house, only cementing the feeling of loneliness and loss that he had been feeling early when thinking about his father's late hours at the office. There wasn't much to be done about it, unfortunately, so instead of focusing on the negative, Harry simply dropped his jacket on the hook and walked the couch, only to freeze in shock and horror.

All across the room were pictures strewn across the floor and couches, the same one that had haunted his dream. He had the feeling that if he were to walk around and explore, he would see the same thing in every other room, but that thought was too terrifying to develop any further. Instead, he merely backed out of the room, and turned to the door, all but fleeing the scene, not even bothering to lock the door behind him.

Even his truck didn't feel too safe, but the faint smell of Edward still lingered on the seat leather and gave him confidence to use his frozen fingers to dial Edward's number.

"Harry?" His call went through and cut immediately to Edward's concerned voice answering the call. "Is everything okay?"

That question was enough to make Harry start to shake and tear up. There were dozens of pictures of dead girls all around his house, and nothing about that was okay. "No," he sniffled, half still terrified and half ashamed of how he was reacting.

"I'm on my way, okay? Don't move," Edward urged, and Harry sniffled out something that was supposed to be an agreement. It didn't matter anyways though, because as soon as Edward had said it, he had hung up the phone, leaving Harry alone.