Friday, Charlie's house: Bella

"I'm not crazy about that bike you were riding." Charlie said, "I don't care if Jacob and his friends ride but you should stay off it."

"Dad it was bad turn." I said, "I won't happen again."

"I don't like it Bells." He said, "I hate to say it but I'm glad Edward was there. Why on earth didn't Jacob take you to a hospital? "

I drank my tea quietly. My leg rested on the chair next to me. Thankfully my leg was still walkable, I was wobbly but still able to get around.

"Bells, did something happen with Jacob? Was there a reason he wasn't there?" He furrowed his brow, "I know that's one of his bikes."

I sighed, "I caught him at a bad time. We were talking about college and he flipped."

"So you left...on his bike?"

I frowned, "Edward found me when I hit the pavement."

"How lucky."

I shrugged, "It is what it is."

Charlie shook his head, "Will you talk to Jacob? Make things right?"

"I'll try but he just isn't handling change well." I grimaced, "I mentioned that I got into UCLA and he lost his mind."

He cringed. "He didn't take it well huh?"

I shook my head.

Charlie shook his head in dismay, "Jacobs a good kid, I'm sure he'll come around. Maybe give him some time?"

I nodded, but not in a rush to text

Later that night...

Rewatching Pride and Prejudice I started drafting my text to Jacob when my phone buzzed

'Hey Isabella,' it was Edward 'How are you feeling?'

I bit my lip and automatically typed back. 'Sore but recovering, thanks.'

The phone was quiet. I watched Colin Firth make eye contact with Elizabeth Bennet at Pemberley.

'Glad to hear it.' I could practically hear his smooth voice

'Wooden stakes won't work easily on a vampire.' He texted. 'But there are other ways to protect yourself.'

'Is it garlic or crosses? I really wanted to go full Dracula on Victoria.' I joked back.

'Very funny. But no none of those will work. I doubt you could kill one on your own but hopefully you would at least be able to defend yourself. If you would like, I can show you.'

I frowned. I didn't really want to spend more time with Edward but I knew I needed a way to protect myself.

'Let me think about it.' I wrote back.

Friday Night, The Woods: Alice

"So you see here." Edward walked us through the path with Emmet, the rest of our coven following behind. "There is a moment we catch Victoria's scent….but then here." He led us to another split in the road. "Here her scent and another cross in the middle."

Emmet revealed a shredded cotton square of blue fabric, "This wasn't far from the trail either, it's Bella's alright."

Jasper touched the clothing, "So there is another vampire working with Victoria? Someone else tracking Bella?"

Edward led us down toward where Bella's accident happened. "After I lose Victoria's scent, this new Vampire emerges stronger along this path. He must have been the one trailing Bella..he is the one who she saw emerging in the woods.

I frowned, shaking my head, "That explains why I can't get a good read on Victoria. A completely different vampire is actively pursuing Bella. That's why we couldn't trace Victoria in Bella's room months ago."

There was silence among our group.

"Who could Victoria be working with?" Rosalie asked, "Laurent is dead, did she have any other connections?"

"If it was the Volturi I would have probably picked up on it." I said, "If they aren't getting involved, I think we should avoid connecting with them or they'll notice Bella is still human."

"Maybe the vampire is a new mate for Victoria?" Esme suggested, "Could be someone new if you haven't sensed them yet, Alice-"

"It doesn't matter. Either way, they are more actively moving in on Bella." Edward said sharply, "We need to get ahead of this before they catch up to her again."

"Easy Edward," Carlisle said, "We have a few leads here. Let's start with what we know. Some of us can take the graveyards in the Tri-state and see if there's anything connected to Alice's vision. Edward, you and Emmet need to track down this new vampire, maybe we can reason with it...or see who it is. The rest of us can continue patrolling Bella and keep her safe."

"We should go to the cemeteries," Rosalie said to me, "Alice, you'll be more likely to track the graveyards and we can knock them out together."

"I'll join the tracking party." Jasper said, "I have more experience with newborns. Maybe I can help calm them down to listen to us."

"I can spend more time with Bella," Esme said smiling, "It'll help if we give the wolves a break. Sounds like Jacob is wearing thin lately."

I watched Edward, his eyes locked in frustration, "He's a good kid." I said quietly, "Its possible that he is getting more push from the pack."

"He's still a young wolf." Edward said with grit, "Who knows what he did to set Bella off-"

"He's helped us." Carlisle cut Edward off. "The least we can do is lighten his load a little. We know he cares about Bella's safety. It's not up to us to go against him and we need to uphold the treaty."

"We have our assignments." Carlisle watched us nod, "Let's get started."

Saturday Morning: Bella

Jacob came by Saturday morning for a hiking date...his suggestion to find a quiet walkable area. I knew it was his way of trying to make it up to me after my fall. He promised it would be a light walk, so I agreed.

"You should have called me." Jacob groaned as he passed me my bike. "I could have helped?"

I adjusted my helmet. "It happened so fast, and my phone was dying." I shrugged, "I called when I got home."

"I know it's just-" He sighed, "I would have been there for you. And instead the Cullen's got to take care of it."

I looked at him warily, "I was lucky they were there."

"Yes." He agreed, "just next time please keep your phone charged?"

I nodded, I wanted to be done talking about this. "So where are we riding to?"

Jacob relaxed and pulled out a map to show me where the trail led. There was this view he was dying to show me and brought supplies for a picnic.

As we mounted our bikes and Jacob led the way I tried to clear my head. This was fun, we were going for a ride and it was a beautiful day. Jacob wasn't overly coddling me and we got along great...

He gets a bit jealous though doesn't he? I thought.

I dismissed it, I understood there was a rivalry there. Jake was always competitive. And Edward was his opposite.

I sighed, thinking about Edwards words "I'll wait for you." How easy it was for those words to complicate things. Did I want him to wait? Did I want him to move on?

The sky grew cloudier. I hoped it wouldn't rain. A chill filed the air. I missed having a truck on days like this. The air was misty and I felt my clothes starting to dampen in the Seattle mist. This was why I hated jeans, they clung the worst.

My mind began to wander. I wondered how nomadic vampires could stand the rain. Where did they go? Their victims' homes? Where did Victoria go when she wasn't hunting me?

I laughed lightly to myself, to think I was sympathizing with them about getting wet...when they ate human blood for sport. Who cares how inconvenienced they were?

I wondered why killing me was still so appealing to Victoria. I was pretty ordinary, and I no longer was with Edward. If she really was watching me couldn't she see we separated? And why hasn't she caught me already? I often did things on my own. Wouldn't she have had her chance?

We soon made it to the start of a path. We parked our bikes and Jacob took my hand. I was awoken from my internal tangent and smiled at him absently.

"What's on your mind?" He asked as we stepped into the woods. "You seem distracted."

"Thinking about Victoria." I mused, "wondering why I'm so important to her."

Jacob shrugged, "Maybe she's just stubborn? Whatever, the pack has been tracking her down. It's only a matter of time before we find her."

I nodded, "At least for now anyway."

"What does that mean?" Jacob asked. The trail was getting rockier and we had to release our hands.

"Well I might not be here in the fall." I explained, "there's a chance I might go away for school to Seattle or California." I shrugged, "I was serious about UCLA."

"You're kidding."

I smiled lightly, "I could go some place that would have good internship opportunities. Maybe find a few research projects to volunteer on for experience."

"So you'd just leave?"

I looked up to see Jacob's hands balled into fists, his face angry. "Well it wouldn't be forever. I'd be home for breaks. And the holidays. Plus the whole summer!"

He pursed his lips and crossed his arms. We stopped walking.

"I thought you were going to stay with me." He said quietly. "We're finally together and you're just going to leave?"

I shook my head, "Jacob I care about you. I don't want to break up. I just am thinking about my future. The jobs around here are limited. If I want to go into research I'd have to go somewhere where I can get experience."

"You've never cared about that before." Jacob said roughly, "You always wanted to be here."

I shook my head, "I came here to be with Charlie and finish high school. I don't know what I want yet. This is my chance to figure it out."

Jacob shook his head, "No you just are going away because you aren't waiting for HIM." He began shaking, his breathing rugged. "Now that it's over you won't stay for me, you'll just go."

That hurt. I winced at his words and tried to stay calm. "Not everything is about him. I'm with you, not him." I took his hands, "Please don't be sad. I still love you. This has nothing to do with that."

"Why Bells." He gasped. "It doesn't make any sense."

I hugged him and leant my face into his warm chest. "I don't know. I just know it's the right thing. I need to try."

He was silent. "You've always been so supportive." I murmured, "We could leave this place. Just us. Just get out of here. You could go away to school too."

"I can't leave Bella." He said softly, he touched my hair and sighed. "I'm second in command. The guys are counting on me."

"What if you just left for a little while and came back?" I asked

"It doesn't work like that Bella." Jacob said with an edge of frustration in his voice. "Even if I wanted to walk away from it, my leaving would mean more werewolves would transform. More vampires to be dealt with. I can't leave that with the pack to take care of."

"For how long?" I asked pulling away to look at him. "How long will this run your life?"

He pulled away. "Not until the vampires are gone. Until then I'm stuck." He looked deep into my eyes, "Won't you stay for me? We could be happy here."

I looked back and he looked so sad, "I'll think about it." I said quietly.

I knew deep down I was saying it to make him feel better. But I'm that moment, I knew I had to go away. The darkness was returning to his eyes. I needed to calm him down. I took his hand and gestures to continue walking. We quietly continued our path to the beach.

We made it to the water at the end of the path. It was nice to feel the beach air on my face. It was warm out and the wind was light.

"Think the water is cold?' I asked looking at the waves at the edge of the beach. Jacob's eyes were mischievous.

"You're up to no good Miss Swan." He grinned widely I laughed as we raced to the water kicking off our shoes. I laughed pushing him towards the water running away. Jacob dragged me in with him as the water splashed around us. I ignored the stinging in my leg as we splashed.

"This brings your age down a bit?" Jacobs pointed, "you're down to 15." He kissed my lips.

I laughed lightly back, "Then you're younger because you pulled me in."

"Nuh-uh" we dragged ourselves back to the sand and sat catching our breaths.

"I'm sorry about before." Jacob said quietly taking my hand, "Sometimes I just can't help it, I get so frustrated."

I was quiet. Listening to the waves.

"I want you to be happy." He said earnestly, "But I really wish you'd stay with me, long distance sucks."

I smelled the sea water and sunk my toes into the sand.

"Bells?"

I looked back at him. He looked like my Jacob, soft eyes, young and calm.

"I know you didn't mean to get so upset, but Jacob, I am older than you. I need to get my life together. Things will change one way or another even if I stay here. And it's not because I don't love you."

I bit my lip and squeezed his hand, "I want to be honest with you, but sometimes I don't feel safe around you." I looked at him with fearful eyes. "I know you don't mean to get upset but when you're angry you lose control."

He put his head in his hands, "I know."

"Sometimes I think you need help and I'm not sure what to do." I touched his back, "I want to help you but I don't know how."

Jacob shook his head, "It's just part of the wolf. Sometimes it just takes over, ya know?"

I bit my lip nervously. "But Jacob maybe there are ways to help control it? Ways to make it easier-"

"You just don't get it." Jacob said, he was dark again, back to being closed off. "This is who I am. There's no controlling it."

"Jacob I-"

"What's the big deal, the bloodsuckers still do there thing and you never asked them to control it-"

I double blinked, "Why so you always compare yourself to them?"

"You know why."

I closed my eyes and shook my head, "Let's go home, it's getting cold."

Saturday Night, Charlie's House: Bella

That night when Jacob said goodbye I pulled out my phone and relooked at my text with Edward.

It wasn't just about feeling safe around vampires anymore. I realized as I typed a response. I needed to feel safe around werewolves too, or whatever creatures were out there. Jacob kept slipping between himself and the wolf, and I needed to be able to avoid putting myself in danger.

'Ok.' I texted. I paused before I hit send. Rethinking if I should say more. I sighed and sent it. Rolling over in my bed.

As I expected, he texted back quickly.

'Morning at dawn. I'll pick you up.'

I closed my phone and rolled over to sleep. My heart thudding, hoping I made the right choice.

I was back in the clearing. I was alone and the sky was sunny.

'Bells' Jacob called to me. 'Come to me Bells.' The wolves were howling, circling me.

'Jacob it's not safe.' I whispered he kept moving towards em, he was my Jacob, he was confused 'what's wrong Bells?'

'Help me.' I begged as the wolves growled at me coming closer

Jacob was in my face, 'What? Are you afraid of the big bad wolf?' His eyes darker his teeth were sharp and dangerous. I felt his claws pierce into my arms-his teeth drawing near...

I woke sweaty and confused. It was still quite dark. I looked for my Jekyle and Hyde copy and skimmed. There was a chapter that I kept thinking about...

It was on the moral side, and in my own person that I learned to recognise the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the filed of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both; and from an early date...I had learned to dwell with pleasure, as a beloved daydream, on the though of separation of these elements.

"Isabella."

I looked at the window and there was Edward carefully hovering over the glass. He was still as a statue, barely hunched under the window pane. He observed me quietly.

I quietly moved to open the window and leaned out.

"Thank you." I said quietly.

Edward gestured for me to climb onto his back. It felt natural holding his shoulders as he shut the window and carried me through the trees. I felt the wind hit my face and tried not to get swept up in how nice it felt hold Edward. I kept my eyes open as he raced through the forest trees. He ran fast through the woods till we were in a clearing.

Edward gently helped me off his back. His fingers lingered against mine and I tried to brush it off as my imagination.

"Vampires are very difficult to kill." He said to me quietly. "The only way to do it is to tear them apart and burn the body."

I groaned, "So stakes won't cut through vampires, what will?"

"It's limited." He explained, "werewolf and vampire teeth can cut through but most human weapons won't work." He paused, "Fire will slow them down or explosives can pack a mean punch."

"Well that's great." I said hollowly. "So I either need to carry a torch or find explosives...great."

"It's not all hopeless." Edward said. He took his backpack and unloaded some gear "I hope you'll never need these." He said begrudgingly, "But hopefully they are small enough to defend yourself without raising too much attention. "

The first item he pulled out was a small button attached to a chain. It was so small it almost looked like a charm.

"This is a panic button." Edward said. "It has GPS tracker. If you are in danger just click the button and we'll find you." He paused, "Hopefully one of us will be able to find you within 10-20 minutes, and from there I am hoping you can hold off a vampire until we can relieve you.

I nodded taking the button and wrapping the tie around my wrist.

"If you are being pursued you should first try to camouflage your smell." He took out a container that reminded me of the mud masks Alice shared once. "This will hopefully help offset your scent, I would recommend wearing it whenever you can so you don't stand out." I cracked the lid and smelled, it smelled of sandalwood.

"It doesn't smell too bad." I observed, "Will this really help?"

Edward nodded, his face all seriousness. "It's not about making you smell bad, it's about camouflaging you to blend into other smells around you." He shrugged, "Make sure it's on your pulse points. Similar to perfume."

Edward turned back to his bag and had a curious expression on his face.

"If a vampire finds you, it will be hard to outrun them." He explained. "Best thing to do is hide and set traps. Save your energy."

"Traps?" I frowned, "You make it sound like I'm hunting them.

Edward nodded, "The worst thing you can do is let them get close to you. You want to create a perimeter, a fortress, that will hold them off."

Edward pulled a vial out of his bag. He poured a circle 8 feet around me.

"This is your circle. " he explained. "Keep it locked and connected. It contains a chemical that will burn for a while if lit." He smelled it and cringed. "it also contains some pretty strong herbs that will disgust most vampires from coming too close."

Edward pulled out looked like a gun with a strange attachment to the end.

"This is a flame thrower." Edward explained, "I hope you won't need it, but it hopefully will create more distance between you and a vampire." He handed it to me and stood behind me, his cold breath was near my ear as he helped place my hands on the trigger. "When you use this you need to keep it tilted more upright then a gun."

I flicked the trigger and saw a spark.

"Hold it down," Edward instructed. I pulled the trigger and saw flames shoot out against the base. A foots worth of flames began to flood out the top.

"This won't do much if a vampire gets behind you." Edward warned as he took back the device. "But it'll send a message."

"This all only works if I can keep Victoria outside a barrier." I said frowning. "This doesn't account for close contact or being taken by surprise."

Edward nodded. "I've thought of that."

He went into a lunge position facing me. "Fighting a vampire as a human will be very difficult. Vampires are fast, hard to hit, and hard to maime. But you have a few advantages on your side."

"Like what? How tasty I smell?" I joked mirroring Edwards pose.

Edward laughed lightly. "Actually, yes." He put up his arms into open fists. "You know they are after your skin, you know they will try to seek you out alone without help, and you know they don't expect you to win on your own."

"Oh great." I said sarcastically.

"If a vampire attacks you, they will try to go for your neck." Edward moved in. I felt butterflies in my stomach. "They will try to catch you from behind since you won't see them coming."

He moved behind me, hands at my collarbone. I felt my heart race. I tried to keep my breathing calm.

"This close." He said quietly "This is where most will go for the kill." I felt Edwards cold breath on my neck. For a moment I wondered if he would bite me or kiss me. Instead he reached for my arms and placed them angled so my elbows were near his chest.

"Hit me." Edward urged. "Elbow me

In the ribs." Distracted, I jerked my elbows back. It was a feeble move and I knew it wouldn't hurt Edward one bit.

"Again." Edward instructed me. "Put some force into it."

I tried again and made better contact but felt no reaction or satisfaction.

Edward stepped next to me in sparing mode. "Pivot your hips, try to channel your core..."

For a while I shadow boxed beside Edward. He moved me, focused my arms and elbows and tried to channel my hits. I didn't bother asking what difference my attacks would make to a vampire. I tried to only focus on keeping track of every move Edward taught. He worked on focusing my stances and carrying through my hits.

"Now if a vampire gets close to you." Edward showed me again, "The only ways to weaken them enough to get away is to distract them at the pressure points. The last thing anyone would expect is for you to attack back." He moved around me from behind. "Don't hesitate, attack me."

He was right behind my ear, immediately I jerked my hips back, made contact with Edwards ribs and spun away. Bewildered by my handiwork I let out a smile and gasped.

Edward lunged back to me and grabbed my arms. "Don't our your guard down." He locked his eyes close to mine. "I'm faster than you. You'll barely have time to get away." I felt the air get stuck in my throat. His eyes poured into mine.

"Again."

Hours passed and the sun was coming up. "I better get you back home." Edward said as I wiped the sweat from my brow. "I don't want to get you into more trouble with Charlie."

"I'm not even close to being ready yet, am I." I said helping collect Edwards gear. "I know you're going easy on me."

Edward zipped up his pack "It is only a start. You made progress today."

"I want to get better at it" I said quietly.

Edward nodded, "Keep practicing and you'll get there. Who knows? Maybe you'll never need to defend yourself. You have a wolf pack watching you plus we're watching out for Victoria."

I looked away. "Right." I wrung out my fingers. I tried to look distracted to avert my gaze.

Edward surveyed me, moving in closer. "Unless you don't feel safe."

I debated whether or not to get into how things were going with Jacob. I knew any doubt I created in the relationship could give Edward false hope. Being around Edward felt way too natural even after all we had been through.

"Well." Edward said lightly, "I won't be hunting till the weekend if you want to practice again tomorrow morning."

My cheeks flushed, "Oh no, Edward I'm sure you have plenty of things you'd rather be doing, plus I'm sure Jessica would be mad if she knew we were practicing self defense behind her back."

Edward stepped a little closer. "You don't have to lie to me Bella, I can hear your heart race and see you clearly." I felt my cheeks flush darker, my heart fluttered and his eyes smoldered. "Just tell me what's really going on." His hand touched mine. "We both know better than to not be direct. After all we've gone through."

I looked at our hands and looked back up at his eyes. I felt mesmerized.

"I'm thinking of the future." I said honestly. "And I'm not sure what that means yet. But I might not always have the protection of wolves or vampires when I need it."

Edward tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and I repressed the urge to shutter. "Why's that." He said softly.

"You are dazzling me." I said in protest but I didn't stop him.

"Tell me why." He insisted, his face so close to mine. I hesitated. His eyes stared deep into mine. I fought the urge to tell him everything. I wanted to melt into his body. But no, I needed to keep it together.

"School." I admitted finally, "And Jacob."

He stayed close to me, "How?" His fingertips touching mine. I was paralyzed. I shouldn't have started this.

"I might not stay in Forks." I said quietly, "I got some college acceptances outside of town-and it would change the circumstances."

"That doesn't seem like a big deal." Edward said softly, "If anything, going away to school might be a nice change for you and make it harder for Victoria to get you alone. Alice could always go with you if you want someone near." I swallowed,

"And Jacob?" He continued,

I sighed, "It's complicated, I'm not getting into it." I could feel Edward searching my face for a sign

"It's times like this I wish I could read your mind." Edward said sadly. "Is he hurting you?" He kept his voice even but I could see his eyes harden.

I tried to think of a quick response that wouldn't put Edward on high alert. "No! Nothing to worry about...just you know, a new relationship...that's all..."

I could tell Edward was skeptical. He watched me, as if hoping I'd give more detail. But I gave none.

"You know, I was a little surprised you wanted help from me and not Jacob."He commented casually. "As a werewolf he must have his own ideas about self defense."

I stayed quiet, "You have more experience than Jacob. And Jacob would rather protect me himself."

Edward cocked an eyebrow, "But you do know how to defend yourself in the event a werewolf lost control...right?" He casually leaned against a tree, "Not to say Jacob would ever...put you into danger intentionally, but, if maybe another werewolf crossed your path. Would you know what to do?"

I shrugged, "Run and hide? Somehow I don't think your vampire tactics would work very well."

"Similar to Vampires, the Wolves are also very hard to hurt or defend against." Edward warned, "They are fast, wild, and attack without notice. And they can be tough to reason with or fend off. Similar to vampires weapons won't easily work and you can't outrun them."

Edward handed me a small gun. "This is a tranquilizing gun. If you are ever in trouble they should slow down a wolf."

I frowned, "Will it kill them?"

Edward shook his head, "Only slow them down, hopefully enough so you could get away. It's just a point and shoot."

I hesitated taking the gun. "I don't-"

Edward pushed it into my hands. "You don't have to tell me anything, I hope you'll never need it. But keep it with you if you feel unsafe."

I bit my lips thinking about all the weapons Edward shared. "You know I'm anti gun right? I'm a pacifist."

"Normally I'd be happy to hear that," Edward said, hitching his backpack on "But these violent delights have violent ends. And you have made too many powerful friends to not be careful."

I stared at the tranq gun. "I'll hang on to it." I pocketed it, "But it's not for Jacob."

"Shame." I could hear Edward mutter under his breath

"Why? Did you give me silver bullets or something?" I joked, half serious.

"Just as I said, tranquilizers." Edward repeated, "Believe me, we aren't looking to kill the werewolves. This will be enough for you to stay safe."

I felt a blush creep across my face, "I am not looking to shoot a wolf."

"Just in case." Edward assured me. "We should be getting back." he squinted at the sun rising, "If I keep you too long the others may notice. He offered his hand to help me onto his back."

Our run back to my room felt like a complete blur. I kept my eyes open and watched the trees blur together. I felt the wind in my ears and the sweet smell of Edward filled my senses. There was a warmth that filled me holding him so close. I held him tighter than I needed to and missed his arms around mine. I resisted the urge to kiss his neck that was so close to my lips.

As we returned to my room the morning sun was higher in the sky. Edward gently helped me off his back. One again, I felt his hands linger against mine and I wished I could take his hand. I resisted, feeling shame for thinking about it.

"My offer still stands, Isabella." Edward said softly, "If you want more training, I can be of assistance."

I blushed and looked down, "I may take you up on that...though I am not sure how Jacob will take it...especially if you were the one training me."

"It doesn't have to be me." Edward said quickly, "I'm sure Jasper or Emmet would be happy to help. You are not alone, you know?"

I nodded, "Thank you, Edward. If its not too much trouble that would be helpful."

Edward nodded, "I'll talk to Jasper." If he was disappointed, he barely showed it, "Goodnight, Bella."

And with that he disappeared.

Up Next: The Prom

"I'm fine."

Edward said nothing as he walked me to my car.

"I said I'm fine." I repeated, "I don't need your help.." Edward put his hands in his pockets and kept following.

Frustrated I kept walking. We were almost at my car. I held my dress in my hands to keep from tripping in the hem. I should have shortened it.

I could see my car now. Edward was still beside me. I felt my shoe snag and gasped as I tripped. Edward rushed to my side to help. I felt the air catch in my throat. His hands were cold and strong at my elbows. His face was so close to mine. I looked up into his eyes and his amber eyes looked back, equally surprised.

"You alright?"

I nodded not knowing what to say.

I straightened up and Edward offered me his elbow. I hesitated before I took it.

"Don't you ever get tired of this?" I asked flustered

"I kind of like proms." Edward smiled as we both looked straight ahead. "In my time there were balls and dancing, now there's rarely a chance to do that."

Author's Note:

After consulting a wide range of Vampire and Twilight references, I carefully researched how realistically Bella could defend/protect herself. While sticking to the mythos that Vampires are fast, hard to kill, and good hunters, the methods that Edward shares are based on herbal remedies(though I stayed away from garlic), fire(Twilight vampires are killed by being burned to ash) and basic self defense(pressure points). As a human, Bella would not naturally be strong enough to kill a vampire on her own and it would go against the mythos of the Twilight Universe to give her that ability. Same for werewolves, they are also built up to pose a threat to vampires so should not be easily taken down(hence tranquilizers). Hope my logic here works within this universe-interpretation.

Thanks for the supportive and constructive reviews, its always kind and appreciated. Cheers!