AN: Hello everyone! Sorry about the delayed update.
I've been in a little bit of a funk lately, trying to write for a few weeks with little to no result. So, I was pleasantly surprised when this chapter suddenly started piecing itself together.
I've made a page on Facebook called Irene da Silva's Space which I'm going to try to post some teasers etc on, so please come on over and follow.
My Date Part 2
For the rest of the evening, time ceases to exist. Conversation flows effortlessly between us as though we've known each other for years and the meal is incredible. When we reluctantly get up to leave our table, I feel my body object slightly, physical evidence that I've stayed in the same position for a lot longer than I realize. Edward shoots me a knowing smile as he too winces once he rises to his feet. Walking over to his side, I feel how grateful my body is to actually move around a little and excitement builds for the remainder of our date. I've always loved going to the fair and can't wait to see what it has in store for us.
Edward places his hand on the small of my back and our bond hums with pleasure at his touch. Together, we make our way towards the exit, the staff smiling politely in our direction as we leave. The delicious food and wine heats my stomach and I imagine that I could quite easily curl up like a cat somewhere and promptly fall asleep. That action would put an end to our date, which is something I definitely don't want, so I push it quickly from my mind.
Stepping out onto the docks, I'm immediately hit by a cool and refreshing wind. It washes over me, successfully wiping away any hint of drowsiness that I might have had. It's a beautiful late summer evening, so it isn't very cold, but because of the temperature difference I feel a chill run through me and immediately regret not bringing a jacket. I'm still not used to the weather here in Washington.
Crossing my arms tightly over my chest to stay warm, I take a few steps to get my blood flowing, before I can get very far, though, my shoulders are suddenly covered by a protective blanket of heat. Stopping, I quickly turn around in surprise, a few butterflies taking flight in my stomach when I see that Edward has removed his jacket and is carefully wrapping it tightly around my body to ensure I stay warm. His brows are pinched together in an obvious look of concern and his hands instantly begin rubbing down my arms for good measure. The way he selflessly takes care of me makes me feel like the luckiest girl on earth, so just because I can, I wrap my arms around his waist and step closer, hugging him to me.
I can feel his surprise through our bond, which is quickly followed by a powerful wave of pleasure. Edward appears to truly appreciate it when I initiate some form of physical contact between us and realizing this, I make a promise to myself to do it more often. He deserves everything I can give him. Edward's strong arms instantly tighten around me and we both take a moment to simply enjoy being together. Our bodies melt into one another, as though they are two pieces of a puzzle and I can't stop a satisfied sigh that falls from my lips. His radiating warmth heats my body to the very core and his smell… Jesus, his smell is like the most exquisite perfume. I never want to leave his embrace.
"Thank you," I whisper and feel his chest rumble against my skin as that sensual chuckle of his rises to the surface. I tighten my hold on him and soon his chuckle dies down and a sense of complete and utter satisfaction flows through him, mirroring my own emotions.
Reluctantly, Edward pulls back ever so slightly, making it possible for him to gaze down at me with such a tender expression that my heart physically leaps in my chest. Because of our height difference and proximity, I'm forced to tilt my head back quite a lot, but I don't mind. They way those familiar emerald eyes trail across every inch of my face as though I'm something so incredibly precious to him, makes the rest of the world and every single insecurity I might have, completely fade away.
This time there aren't any red sparks at the edge of my vision. No, in this special moment between us, it surrounds us completely, as though we've both been engulfed by this amazing and protective shield of a deep shade of red. It's everywhere. My heartbeat accelerates at the sight of it, a part of me realizing its importance, but at the same time, I still feel a little reluctant to delve into what it really means. Luckily, I don't have to as Edward's eyes flicker down to my lips, drawing every ounce of my focus with him. I suddenly crave his lips on mine with a desperation I'm learning belongs to him and him alone.
Closing my eyes, I allow my senses to guide me as his satiny lips gently brush against mine. This isn't like the wild and passionate kiss we shared earlier, but it feels more intimate. His movements are soft and languid as though he has all the time in the world. In a strange way, it feels as though he is using this kiss to prove to me that there is more between us than sex and the demands of the mating bond. So much more that it makes my heart race in my chest.
Reacting on instinct and perhaps a little by fear, I tentatively run the tip of my tongue over his top lip, trying to awaken that familiar fire between us. I know how to deal with that. His responding groan sends a jolt of ecstasy through me so powerful that my toes curl and I desperately cling to him so I don't lose my balance. When he opens his mouth, filling mine with his hot tongue, I feel a small sense of victory as our kiss quickly escalates as it always does between us. However, every time I try to entice Edward to take things further, he slows our pace, taking complete control of our intimate embrace. I reinforce my efforts, moving my hands boldly across his body, but he meets me at every turn, gently holding my hands captive as he continues to charm me with his kiss.
When his lips finally pull away from mine, I can scarcely breathe. The way his eyes pierce into me as though he can see into the depths of my soul, makes me feel more naked and fragile than I've ever felt in my entire life.
"Bella," he whispers my name reverently as he traces the side of my face lovingly with a finger.
His expression is determined and sure. I can physically feel how much he wants to tell me something, almost as though he's bursting with it. My mouth goes dry and my heartbeats begin to pound in my ears. I don't know if I'm ready to hear what he has to say. Jesus, how am I supposed to react to his words? How do I respond?
"Bella, I-," he begins, but is forced to stop when a sudden and strange vibration comes from the inside of the front pocket of his pants, successfully breaking the moment between us.
I can feel his deep annoyance as he takes a step back to reach for his phone and I do my best to ignore the conflicting emotions I feel building up inside of me. I'm disappointed, but also relieved. I do my best to get a firm hold on my emotions, not wanting to confuse him with everything that is brewing inside of me, but it's difficult. Thankfully, he looks sufficiently distracted by the phone call. His brows furrow as he checks the caller-id, pausing as though he's considering whether to let it go to voice mail. Exhaling deeply in obvious frustration, he changes his mind and raises the phone to his ear.
"Carlisle," he greets coldly, his green eyes flashing to mine. What could Carlisle want this late?
Although I can't hear Carlisle's response, I make sure to keep all of my attention fixed on my mate. The way all of Edward's muscles suddenly tighten with tension and his expression turns to one of extreme rage, makes my stomach drop. Something is very wrong.
"When?" he bites out and I can feel how he is struggling to keep his wolf at bay. I hear Carlisle's voice answer.
"How the fuck did-?!" Edward's voice rises.
I quickly take his hand in mine and squeeze it reassuringly as I attempt to make my own emotions as calm as possible. Although I'm still trying to wrap my head around this blood bond thing, I can feel how strong it is between us and hopefully I can use it to calm him. It works immediately, but I can feel that his anger is brimming just below the surface. His hand tightens in mine showing his appreciation, before he tugs me to him, clearly needing me closer to him. I hear Carlisle's voice speak quickly and steadily in Edward's ear, but am unable to understand what he's saying. Instead I continue my efforts in keeping my mate calm as he listens to his father.
"We'll be there as soon as we can," Edward answers abruptly before hanging up the phone.
The rage I feel simmering inside of him rises, but suddenly I recognize a second emotion that causes even more concern. Fear. Edward cradles my face with both of his large hands and gently touches his forehead against mine, closing his eyes tightly. I desperately want to ask him about what the hell is going on, but I know that I need to have patience. After a few moments of complete silence, he finally opens his eyes and locks onto mine. A chill runs down my spine.
"We need to get back to Forks."
I nod my acceptance, but Edward's fingers clench slightly.
"James escaped."
Unwillingly, a memory of James holding me down flashes in my mind and I feel my entire body tremble with fear. Before I can even react, Edward moves his forehead away from mine and tilts my head so that he can look me straight in the eye.
"He won't touch you."
The promise in his voice and the ardent expression on his face dispels some of my fear, but not all of it.
"Bella, I swear to you-," Edward begins, but I interrupt him.
"Let's just go."
I can feel that Edward wants to talk more about this, but the news has truly shaken me to the core and I need a moment to deal with it. Edward studies me closely and doesn't move.
"I'm sorry we have to cut our date short," he whispers and I feel my lips curl ever so slightly into a small smile.
"Me too."
Then he takes my hand in his and we both quickly walk towards his truck. As we walk, memories of that horrible night continue to flash in my mind. They take me by surprise and affect me more than I could have imagined. My wolf alternates between whimpering and snapping her teeth, reacting to my emotions. Edward appears to be lost in his own thoughts. The drive back to Forks is a blur. Edward holds my hand the entire ride and tries to engage me in light conversation, but it always quickly dies down because we're pretty preoccupied in our own heads. When we pull off the road and stop in front of what looks like a prison of sorts just on the outskirts of town, my mind and body feel completely numb and I'm freezing.
There is an ambulance and two police cruisers flashing their lights in front of the building, as though they've been left there in a hurry. I'm so caught up in my surroundings that I physically startle when Edward suddenly moves to face me.
"Baby," he begins, his expression filled with concern.
I shake my head, embarrassed about my reaction, and try to control my chattering teeth. Edward's brows immediately draw together in concern.
"I-l'm okay," I stutter a reply.
The look Edward gives me, reminds me that he can feel my emotions through our bond and that he is currently taking stock. I inhale and try to focus on the comfort he's trying to send my way. Unfortunately, his expression also reveals that there is something that he hasn't told me. I silently raise my eyebrows in question and Edward releases a tired sigh.
"My Dad told me that there's a body."
I feel sick.
"Officer Waylon Forge was on duty when James escaped," Edward pauses. "He's a human."
Nausea surges inside of me and I quickly inhale through my nose to keep from emptying my stomach. There's a thump of a car door opening and closing outside which grabs my attention. Looking out my window, I see Esme facing us, a somber and serious expression on her face. It's hard to believe that this is the same woman I spent hours with earlier in the day. I'm surprised to see her, but then come to the conclusion that as Alpha female she's probably expected to be here, just as I am in my role as Beta. What I am supposed to be doing here, I don't know. But it is now that I need to assume my position as my Beta's mate.
Edward squeezes my hand reassuringly, before he opens his door. I try to do the same, but for some reason every movement feels slow and clumsy. When I finally get my door open, Edward is already there to help me out. Esme moves towards us and takes my arm to steady me as she motions for Edward to open his tailgate. Then he lifts me up like a child and Esme quickly jumps up next to me. I almost don't notice the kiss he leaves on my cheek before he hurries into the building. A small wave of panic rises within me at the sight of him leaving, but then a strong and warm hand on mine distracts me.
"He'll be fine, Bella. They need him inside."
Of course they do.
"I-is there," I pause, but am forced to stop and clear my voice. "Is there anything I should be doing? I want to help."
My voice sounds strange. Esme moves closer and wraps an arm around my shoulders. Her motherly affection feels nice. She exhales tiredly through her nose and shakes her head.
"There isn't much we can do right now. The Pack will help arrange a funeral for Waylon in a few days after the autopsy, but-," she pauses. "Right now we wait. The best trackers our pack has are searching the area now, looking for clues, questioning the other inmates, checking the security cameras... Our job is to assist where we can, but also step back and let the experts do what they were trained to do."
My only response is to nod.
"We will figure this out, Bella."
We sit together in silence and wait, the flashing red and blue lights from the ambulance and police vehicles create a strange atmosphere. I feel like I'm in some kind of bad dream.
"What is this place?"
Esme inhales deeply before responding.
"It's a high security prison. There aren't many inmates, so it's quite small, but the cells are specially made to house shifters, humans and witches," she pauses. "We've never had an inmate escape before."
There's movement at the door and Esme and I watch as a paramedics crew slowly moves towards their vehicle, pushing a heavy stretcher with a black body bag. My vision blurs as they walk past us and I realize that I'm holding my breath. Esme rubs a comforting hand up and down my arm. When the doors of the ambulance closes, I notice that she uses her other hand to wipe away a few tears that are streaming down her face. Compassion rises within me and I carefully touch her knee.
"Did you know him well?"
Her eyes well up again and she bobs her head in confirmation.
"We went to school together."
Her voice is thick with tears, but I can see that she's trying to calm herself so I wait, trying to show my support.
"Waylon was a good man."
I wrap an arm around her waist. Then we sit in complete silence and wait. It doesn't take very long before the next person exits the building. Jacob. He sends us both a sad smile as he slowly walks towards us. He looks tired.
"They're ready for you now."
I'm confused, but luckily Esme quickly explains.
"We may not be the best trackers in the Pack, but as Alpha and Beta female our wolves have strong senses that might help in the investigation."
She takes my hand and takes Jacob's outstretched hand before jumping down, motioning for me to do the same. Doing my best to ignore the fact that I in many ways feel like a novice shifter, I quickly follow Esme into the building. My wolf is pacing back and forth inside of me, she understands that we have a job to do even though I don't. People stop and study us as we enter, but I do my best to ignore them and blindly follow Esme. As we walk, I inhale deeply through my nose trying to get a sense of what I might find. The smells that hit my nostrils reveal the presence of wolf-shifters, humans and witches, each with their own particular scent. It's a little overwhelming, but I can see that my wolf is logging everything to memory.
We enter a small cell and I gasp as James's heavy scent hits me like a brick wall. All of a sudden, it's like I'm transported back to the dark forest and his wolf is dragging me out from my hiding place. My body trembles with fear and I literally can't breathe. I can see James shift into his human form and physically feel him hold me down. I'm trapped. I can't get away!
Something warm and familiar wraps tightly around my body and I'm finally able to inhale a shaky breath. The vivid memory slowly fades away and soon I remember where I am and realize that my face is currently buried in Edward's strong chest and he is holding me tightly to him.
"I'm taking Bella home."
The harsh bite in his voice takes me a little by surprise and I struggle slightly to see who he is talking to. My wolf immediately senses Carlisle's presence however and she responds by baring her teeth ever so slightly. She too is a little taken aback by the memories of our attack, but she appears to be in better shape than I am.
"Edward, as Beta-," Carlisle begins.
"I don't give a flying fuck about her position as Beta right now!" Edward's shouts, his rage wide open, my mate is at the very edge of his control.
Automatically, I wrap my arms around his waist and send him a wave of calm. It's strange how natural this feels. Edward inhales through his nose, clearly reacting to my efforts.
"James attacked her, Carlisle," he continues, his voice much calmer.
Glancing around the room, I'm surprised when I see Carlisle is joined by Esme and my father. Carlisle's cool blue eyes flicker down to mine, revealing a hint of concern.
"I know that, Edward," Carlisle exhales tiredly. "But as Beta she needs to allow her wolf to take in the scene of the crime."
I can feel how much Edward disagrees, but decide that although I have no idea what I'm doing, I need to try. Giving my mate a final hug, I move a little away from him, but he quickly takes my hand as though he too needs me close. His reaction makes me smile. My father sends me a short nod, showing his support. Deciding that the best thing for me to do is use my wolf's sense of smell, I close my eyes and focus, allowing my wolf to rise to the front of my mind without physically phasing. She lifts our nose and inhales deeply, doing her best to keep the memories of that night at a distance.
James's scent is dominant and it doesn't take long for me to also recognize the scent of human blood which causes my stomach to roll. Waylon's death had been brutal. The rising nausea almost distracts me from picking up another male scent and it takes me a moment to realize that it's one that I recognize. Those black eyes completely void of emotion… my skin crawls.
"Laurent," I whisper, but keep my eyes closed. Edward squeezes my hand in silent confirmation. I can feel a wave of pride flow through our bond.
Tilting my head, I realize that there is another scent lingering at the entrance of the cell. It's sweet, female, but there's something very strange about it. My brows pinch together. The person tried to disguise their scent, because there is a mix of fragrances that makes it difficult to determine. I open my eyes.
"A female?"
Esme nods her head, her expression mirroring mine.
"I don't recognize the scent, it's a shifter, but-."
I nod and the men share a strange look.
"Whoever it was must have known Waylon," my father shoots in, somehow coming to a conclusion about our mystery assistant, but no one replies. I don't really understand his reasoning, but decide not to question him about it right now.
Edward tucks me to his side and moves us towards the exit. I shoot Carlisle a glance, but he nods his acceptance. Apparently, I've done my part. For now at least.
We are almost at the truck, when someone calls out Edward's name. Turning around I see Jasper running towards us.
"Can I have a moment?"
There's an urgency to his tone that worries me and when he motions for Edward to follow him for a private conversation that worry increases ten-fold. I am so focused on Edward that I don't even realize that my father is suddenly standing right next to me. I jump almost ten feet when his large hand touches my shoulder.
"Jesus Christ, Dad!" I exclaim, to which he simply chuckles.
I lift my hand to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart as adrenaline continues to pump through me.
"You scared me!"
"Sorry, kiddo."
His moustache bobs as he tries to wipe away his smile. His dark eyes go soft as he gently tucks some of my hair behind my ear.
"Listen, I just wanted to tell you that I'm proud of you. You did good back there."
He points in the direction of the facility and I feel my stomach warm at his words. Before I can respond, Edward is suddenly by my side opening the door of his truck for me. My father simply nods his goodbye before turning back. The short drive home is quiet and tense. I can feel a distinct change in Edward's emotions, but decide not to ask about it before we get home. Something Jasper said is bothering him and although our evening has suddenly made a sharp left turn at the news of James's escape, I know we need to address whatever this is so that we can move forward.
There is no kiss on the front porch to end our official first date, but in all honesty it's the last thing on my mind. As we enter, I quickly make my way to the kitchen and start boiling some water for a cup of tea. When I lift a cup in a silent question towards Edward he simply nods before he makes himself comfortable on the couch, turning the television on as though he needs a distraction. I make a quick tray with our tea and some cookies I have in the cupboard and take it with me over to where he is seated. He's blindly watching the screen, but I can feel that his mind is elsewhere. I join him and we both drink our tea and nibble on cookies in complete silence. After a while though, I know I need to do what I can for him to open up to me.
"You okay?" I ask, trailing my fingers across his wide back.
He exhales deeply and relaxes against my touch.
"Yeah," he begins, before releasing a short huff. "Not exactly pleased with the way our date ended."
I smile sadly in agreement as he takes one of my hands in his and lifts my knuckles to his lips, holding it there for a moment.
"What did Jasper have to say?" I ask, deciding to go straight to the point.
Edward pauses and I can see that he's trying to decide how he should answer. When he finally does, my heart sinks in my chest.
"He had some questions about the lumber yard."
For anyone else, Edward's response would be perfectly adequate and one would probably not think anything of it. His answer is vague, but his tone of voice unconcerned and his body language is calm. However, when he answers, there is a hint of something I really can't put my finger on evident only through our connection. It gives me the distinct feeling that there is something Edward deliberately isn't telling me. This immediately puts me on edge.
"Like what?" I press carefully, keeping my voice steady. This time I swear I see a wince cross Edward's face as his mood subtly changes.
"Well, some work stuff and-," he stops, inhaling deeply as though he is trying to decide how or if he should broach the subject.
A jolt of unease expands in the pit of my stomach when his expression turns to one of turmoil and something that looks surprisingly like shame. His reaction automatically triggers the "flight-instinct" within me and all of a sudden running away from this situation is all I can think about, even though I know I need to give Edward a chance to explain.
"Shit. Okay. Uh-," Edward rambles, clearly he is able to feel the change in me just as I felt the change in him. His grip on my hand tightens as though he realizes that it is taking everything in me to not bolt.
He quickly grabs the remote for the television and turns it off. Then he takes both of my hands determinedly in his and for the first time, I really don't feel particularly calmed by his touch. Inhaling shakily, I try to remind myself that I need to trust him and give him the benefit of the doubt.
"Jesus, Bella, I'm sorry. I'll explain, I swear," he promises, tightly holding my hands as he forces me to meet his gaze.
His vibrant green eyes are pleading with mine to stay calm and listen. Biting the inside of my cheek, I do what I can to push away my unstable and overpowering insecurities and give Edward my complete attention.
"All of the bear-traps were transported to the lumber yard for storage and for further inspection. Jasper's been working on them and he had some news he wanted to share."
I keep my eyes on his as I anxiously wait for him to continue. He releases a deep sigh.
"Jasper is one of the best trackers in the Pack, however he hasn't been able to find any markers or clues on the physical traps themselves. So, he decided to ride up and check some of the areas where they were placed and he found something," he pauses again and I feel that he is getting closer to whatever it is that is causing him such turmoil.
I brace myself, somehow knowing that this undoubtedly will have something to do with me. Edward wouldn't have reacted this way if it didn't.
"The earth was wet," he reveals as though this should explain absolutely everything. I send him a look of utter cluelessness and he quickly clarifies.
"It hasn't rained around here in days, Bella."
His words combined with his reluctance and shame clicks into place as I suddenly understand why he tried to keep this from me.
"He thinks the witches were involved."
As I say the words, I feel as though I'm betraying an essential part of me and my stomach sinks to the floor. Edward grimaces and through our bond I can feel how I've just discovered the crux of the matter. A wave of complete and utter exhaustion flows through me as I yet again am faced with having one foot on each side of an ongoing battle. If the witches were found guilty for setting up the traps on Pack land… It would be viewed as an act of war, one that the Pack would undoubtedly feel the need to answer. Cold fear trickles down my spine as I imagine what consequences a fight between the witches and the wolves will have on Edward and I. Damn it! We already have James' escape to deal with and now this?
"I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want to worry you, but I realize that I shouldn't have tried to keep it from you. Bella, I'm sorry. I will do whatever I can to figure this out before it can escalate any further, I swear," Edward declares, his heartfelt apology and profound conviction causing a rush of compassion and deep gratitude from me, but I'm still upset.
Holding my mate's tormented gaze with mine, I realize that I desperately need to know what he thinks about the matter.
"What do you believe?" I pause and see how his eyebrows rise in question. "Do you think the witches were involved?"
I think we both know that there is more to this question than simply the obvious. Edward holds my gaze and I can scarcely breathe as I await his answer. Edward lifts a hand to cup my cheek and moves even closer, his green eyes drilling into mine.
"Do I think that a single witch might be involved? It's possible," he pauses and runs his thumb gently over my cheekbone.
"Do I think that the entire Coven is involved? No."
I exhale a sigh of relief at his answer, but soon realize that he isn't finished.
"Bella, I've changed a lot since I met you and so have several others in the Pack. You've shown us that being a witch can be something good and that it is possible for our kinds to live and work together in harmony. Aro and Seraphina are good people who I respect now and trust."
My throat grows thick with emotion at his heartfelt words.
"But there are a lot of people both in the Pack and in the Coven who are blinded by old hatred and who are still caught up in the past. Convincing them that this isn't an act of war will be extremely difficult."
A single tear runs down my cheek in response to his words and a fear much stronger than I've ever felt simmers in my stomach. All of our hopes and dreams for the future are suddenly at stake, making everything just feel so very hopeless. It is now, that I can completely understand why my parents decided to leave the Pack all those years ago. Leaning forward, I touch my forehead to Edward's and we simply take a moment to breathe and connect with one another through our bond, centering us and calming us both down. I try to reassure myself, this could all be just a coincidence. We don't know the facts yet, and we sure as hell aren't giving up hope just yet.
"Who else knows?" I whisper and Edward quickly shakes his head.
"Nobody, just Jasper."
"Not even Carlisle?"
Edward's jaw tightens.
"Not yet."
I study his handsome face for a moment. I can feel how much it's killing him not to tell his father and Alpha about this, but I realize why he is hesitant to do so
"My uncle invited us over for dinner tomorrow. Maybe we could talk with him about this?"
Edward closes his eyes, but then slowly nods his head.
"We will figure this out, Edward," I announce with conviction and Edward quickly responds by pulling me onto his lap. I straddle his thighs, wrapping my arms tightly around him as I hug him close.
We will figure this out. We have to. Our future depends on it.