I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
Cheryl, Noles, and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.
Ch. 6
"Come back here." I chased after my hat as it blew across the park, heading toward the pond.
I desperately wanted to use my magic but there were too many humans around. Although I was probably already attracting attention, as a lady wasn't supposed to run. Suddenly a young man raced past me. I watched as he stretched out his hand and caught my hat before it became a small boat on the water. He turned around then headed back toward me.
He held out the hat. "I believe this belongs..."
At that moment, my eyes locked with his deep green ones and there was a tug on my heart pulling me to him. I was momentarily speechless before I blinked my eyes a few times to clear my head.
"Thank you." I reached out for it, our fingers brushed, and I felt as if I was shocked.
He pulled back his hand sharply in surprise. "You are welcome. That gust of wind seemed to come out of nowhere." He chuckled nervously.
"Yes, I agree." Although I suspected my mother had something to do with it. I glanced around for her and saw her walking our way.
"Dear, you know better. A lady should never run." She smiled and had a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Yes, ma'am, I was afraid my hat would be floating away if I did not. Thankfully, this young man was gallant enough to catch it for me," I told her.
"Edward, there you are." Another woman approached. Her coloring was similar to his but was more my height than his.
"I beg your pardon, Mother," he apologized to her.
"Your son was very chivalrous and rescued my daughter's bonnet. You have raised a wonderful young man," Mother told her.
"Words I loves to hear. Allow me to introduce myself and son. I am Mrs. Masen, and my son, Edward," Mrs. Masen announced.
"Pleased to meet you. I am Mrs. Higginbotham and this is my daughter, Isabella. I suspect the two of you are about the same age," Mother said pleasantly.
"Which high school do you attend, Isabella?" Mrs. Masen asked, looking at me.
"I do not attend school. My mother is training me to be a midwife," I answered.
"And your father allows this?" Edward asked.
"Edward, that was rude and none of your business," Mrs. Masen admonished.
"Isabella and I come from a long line of midwives. My husband knew this, however, he's no longer with us. We lost him to this foolish war about a year ago," Mother said, her eyes saddened.
"My condolences. This war is a terrible thing with all the young lives lost." Mrs. Masen gave her son a sharp glance.
"I beg your pardon for losing my manners," Edward apologized, giving me a bashful smile that caused my heart to skip a beat.
"I have heard of you, Mrs. Higginbotham, around my sewing circle. The women speak highly of you. I would love to have you and your daughter to tea or even a meal sometime soon."
"We will happily accept." Mother grinned.
Mother and Mrs. Masen continued to make plans as Edward I exchanged shy glances. My insides fluttered, and I felt myself blush like I never had before. I wished I had my full powers so I could read his mind to know if he felt this way too.
After they walked away, I turned to my mother. "Mother, why did you create a gust of wind?"
"I thought it was obvious, dear. It was a romantic way to meet your soulmate." She was always a dreamer.
"My…he's a witch?" I asked in a whisper.
"Not a full one mind you. In fact, he and his mother may not even know they have witch's blood running through their veins. But I have seen it, he's yours." My mother looked happier than I could remember in a long time.
I opened my eyes, yawned, and stretched. I looked up and noticed I was in my room at my uncle's house. The last thing I remembered was being in Edward's car. It had been warm and the soft music he had playing lulled me to sleep.
"Did you have a good nap, beautiful?" Edward asked.
I found him sitting on a rocking chair by the window. "I'm sorry I fell asleep on you," I apologized.
"You were exhausted, and besides, I have found it very interesting." He tilted his head.
"How so?" I asked curiously.
"I could read your mind when you were asleep." He grinned.
"You could?" I frowned.
His smile dropped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be intrusive. I couldn't help myself."
I shook my head. "I don't mind so much you read my mind as much as it proves I cannot protect myself when I am asleep."
He rushed to my side and wrapped his arms around me. "Then I'll always watch over you as you sleep." He kissed me lightly.
"At least you were privy to a good dream," I said. And not the one I continuously had of losing him.
"I was a prick," he scoffed.
"A gallant one," I argued.
"A gallant prick." He snorted. "That's an oxymoron if I ever heard one."
"You weren't a prick." I shook my head.
"I have some questions," he claimed in a more serious tone.
"I have one or two myself," I admitted, then my stomach rumbled in protest.
"Shall we talk as you eat? Esme went food shopping for you. As the chief of police and a witch, I do have to say I'm surprised how unprotected the house is." He frowned.
"Trust me if you were a threat, you'd be thinking differently about it." I smirked.
We went to the kitchen and I found fresh vegetables and chicken in the refrigerator. I always preferred to cook the traditional way without my magic. I glanced at Edward who was watching me.
"I feel like I should be getting you something," I told him. "I could get you a deer...or bear; whatever your preference is."
"No, thank you, Mía Bella. The best part is the hunt." He grinned.
"Perhaps, you can show me some time," I said, setting the food on the counter.
"Maybe." He frowned, concerned for my safety.
"Where shall we start?" I asked as I started slicing vegetables.
"How about your father," he suggested.
"My father?" I was surprised since he was low on my list.
"Yes. If he were immortal, how could he die in the war?" Edward asked.
"To be truthful, I don't know how or even when he died. I know I was very young. The war was a story my mother made up. But I know my mother grieved for him. She only stayed on this Earth until she thought I had met my mate and would be okay without her," I explained.
I examined the stove for a few minutes to figure how to turn it on. Uncle Charlie, however, didn't have any cookware so I had to make some materialize. I started to cook the chicken in the pan.
"I'm a witch?" Edward asked, sounding so surprised I giggled.
I glanced over my shoulder at him. "Not anymore. But yes, you had witch's blood in you when you were human. That is actually why you have a power, unlike most vampires."
"How do you know this? Carlisle thought we took our attributes over during the change," he questioned.
"He's not entirely wrong. I learned it from the vampire who had visited me. His job was to find witches for Aro. When a witch is changed, they take the strongest part of their magic."
"You learned that from Eleazar." He furrowed his brows.
"You know the vampire who told Aro about me?" I demanded, turning around.
I saw the answer for myself. Not only was that vampire there, but so was the one Rosalie kept picturing Edward with.
Edward hesitated. "I do. He's a good family friend. He left Aro when he realized Aro's join or die policy."
"Then how did he leave?" I asked.
"He was able to leave after he mated. Doing favors for Aro occasionally, keeps Aro happy and off his back."
"I see. And how often do you see them?"
Edward shrugged. "Every few years or so. We lived with them for a while. All he wants is to live in peace. I'm sure he didn't mean to send the Volturi after you."
"Perhaps," I admitted. "Aro isn't much different than you. He can read minds, only he must touch you, but once he does you can hide nothing from him. Every thought you ever had becomes his."
"So more like a combo of the two of ours," Edward pointed out.
"Yes," I agreed.
"Were Jasper and Alice witches, too?" Edward pondered.
"Yes, like you they might not have known. Many families hid so they would not be destroyed. They also choose to marry humans, without finding their soulmates. So, while they have traces of magical blood, their children may never know they have a power or two. Also, only full-blood witches and their mates are immortal," I explained.
"Jasper certainly won't believe this. Alice…I think she'd be extremely interested. She doesn't remember anything from her human life. Can you bring back her memory like you did mine?" Edward asked.
"Possibly. Vampire minds aren't easily changeable; if they were, I would have deleted myself from Aro's mind long ago. I'm not sure if I was only able to recall yours since I'm your mate or if it will work on her. I also would never try without her permission." I focused on the food.
"My next question—"
"I think it's my turn." I wanted my answer to a delicate topic before my uncle arrived home.
"Of course, Mía Bella, ask away," he said politely.
I grew nervous, it may not be my business but still, the not knowing was killing me. What was the term the show worded it as?
"Bella, you can ask me anything." Edward picked up on my nerves.
"I know what we can be on what can be considered a break, since you didn't remember me, and it may not be my business, but have there been others?" I couldn't look at him directly.
"Others?" There was a long pause. "As in have I been intimate with anyone else? No, love." He didn't seem offended.
"Rosalie seemed to think you and this other blonde vampire—"
He stopped me by turning me to face him and cupping my cheek. "Rosalie was wrong. Tanya is merely a friend. Tanya expressed interest; however, I never returned the feelings. After seeing the mating bonds between my family members, I wanted someone like that for myself. Plus... I think in a subconscious way I knew I belonged to you, so there could be no other."
I sighed in relief and began to smile. "I belong to you too, you know."
He broke out into a breathtaking grin. "Oh, I know."
We kissed, and everything felt right in the world. Edward's hand rubbed down my side, then cupped my bottom. I was reminded of the roughness of the material of the jeans and changed myself back into a flowy skirt. Edward seemed to notice right away with his grumble of approval and his tighter grip. Suddenly, he pulled away and snatched the pan off the grill. He had caught it just before it started to burn.
"Whoops. Thank you." I blushed, embarrassed. I hadn't burned food since I was a small child.
"My fault for distracting you." He set the pan on the burner after I lowered the setting.
I stirred the chicken, then added sliced vegetables. He leaned on the counter, staying close to me. He kept his hand on the small of my back and occasionally peppered the side of my face with kisses. I had to fight to concentrate on the dinner.
"Was that why you got so upset earlier in Biology when you asked about Mike being intimate with several girls? You could have looked into my mind and gotten the answer rather than worry yourself," he said softly.
"I was afraid of the answer. Also, I did not think it was my place to question you since you're the man," I admitted.
Lines creased his forehead as he furrowed his brows. "You do not have to be afraid to ask me about anything during our time apart. Also, I am sure you'd be pleased to know women's lib succeeded in many aspects. Today men and women are seen more as equals in relationships."
"I guess the human world has some improvements." I smirked. "This stove is another one. The food will be done soon. Then perhaps we can have some alone time before we meet with your coven."
"Good idea." He kissed my forehead. "It's even better than when you hit Mike with the ball in PE." He chuckled.
I laughed at the memory but shook my head. "I didn't hit Mike with the ball. I would never use my magic to harm a human—only for my protection. The girl who was showing me around earlier…Jessica I think her name was, threw the ball. She was upset with him for paying attention to me. Apparently, they had a date over the past weekend,
and she thought he liked her. Serves him right if you ask me, he shouldn't be playing with girls' emotions."
"I agree." He tilted his head. "Your uncle will be home in two minutes. Should I be here?"
"Why shouldn't you be? He knows you're my mate," I answered him. I plated up the food and set it on the table as the front door opened.
"Bella?" Uncle Charlie called.
"We are in the kitchen, Uncle," I told him.
He appeared moments later. "Smells good in here."
"Sit. I made plenty for both of us. Uncle, I would like you to meet my mate, Edward. Edward, this is my uncle, Charlie," I introduced.
"Nice to meet you, sir." Edward held out his hand.
"Pleased to meet you again." Uncle smirked and shook his hand.
"We've met before?" Edward appeared confused.
"When your family was here the last time. Back then I worked in the lumber yard as a foreman named Johnathan Garvey. I had a beard back then and blue eyes instead of brown," Uncle told him.
Edward must have recollected because he nodded. "Interesting. Bella told me you could age your appearance, but I didn't expect it to be so flawless. Could that spell work on vampires?"
"One way to find out." Uncle focused on Edward.
His hair lightened to a pale blonde, while his skin received a healthier glow. His eyes changed from amber to a light blue. I frowned as he reminded me of the human from earlier. I huffed and changed his hair back his normal color, only darker and his eyes to green.
Edward glanced at his mirrored reflection and seemed impressed with the results.
"Well, if you want to look more like a teenage boy, best add a few of these." Uncle snickered as a huge blemish appeared on the tip of Edward's nose.
"Uncle!" I protested.
However, Edward started laughing as he touched it. "I'm trying to figure out who would have the biggest conniption, Rosalie or Alice, if you did this to them."
I rolled my eyes and waved my hand, making his appearance go back to normal. I started to eat my meal, hoping to finish quickly. Edward gave me an amused grin as he took a seat next to me.
"Can a spell stop my skin from sparkling in the sun?" Edward asked.
"We can give it a go next time it is sunny. However, I think there are other pressing matters that need to be dealt with first." Uncle brought up before he took a bite of his chicken.
"You're concerned about the Volturi? Carlisle already had a plan for them. He was going to tell them they succeeded in destroying Bella but lost me in the process. This way Bella and I disappear and can live in peace." He gave me a gentle smile.
I gave him a sad one in return. "Uncle doesn't believe it will be that easy. He thinks they may cause trouble and hurt your cov…family. He said it's best for me to be here to protect everyone."
Edward scowled and turned to Uncle Charlie. "Absolutely not. I will not allow Bella to put herself in a position as protector of anyone. It is my job to protect her, not the other way around."
"Weren't you only saying moments ago, men and women were more equal? I can protect you." I glared at him.
However, he wasn't paying attention to me but glowering at my uncle. Edward's hand clenched around the table and a section snapped off. A loud growl erupted from his chest and his eyes changed to flint black. Uncle's eyes glowed and froze Edward in his spot, only angering my mate more.
"Stop!" I stood and released the spell, holding my mate, then put a protective barrier between the two of them. The two continued to glare at each other, but at least my uncle's eyes went back to normal.
"That is enough. We have to work together, not against each other," I stated. I took Edward's hand and tried to soothe him. "Edward, calm down, please."
His eyes never left my uncle. "You've been lied to for years, Mía Bella. The Volturi has been after you since you've been a baby."
"What?" I gasped.
A/N: So now you know what Bella was upset about. You can't blame a girl wondering. The 'on a break' comment was from the TV show Friends. One of the shows Charlie had her watch, lol. They did get to talk about a lot.
I hoped you like the small glimpse into their past. Also, Bella isn't pregnant. She's tired because she has been up for somewhere between 36-48 hours and the food aversion is because she is not used to eating greasy or processed foods. Ended in a bit of cliffy.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.