Disclaimer: I don't own them. If I did though, I would never leave my room. Imagination alone could sustain me.
Mattybabe: With this, I shall pull you back from the brink of death. Hope it answers some of your questions.
Kersicca: wow, you are ridiculously perceptive...it's like your watching me...looks around suspiciously...
Rocknfire12345: thanks oodles and kaboodles.
Deepcutfighter: Hope this makes you happy
INVX: you know, i found myself wondering the same thing. Why is it that in this great nation, we do not have a place that delivers turkey?
Chapter 5
Everyone stiffened.
You could cut the tension in the air with a knife.
Edward emitted a low growl before turning to gaze at me with an unfathomable expression in his topaz orbs.
Suddenly, I could see why Alice found the ficus so captivating. In that moment, it was the most fascinating plant species I had ever encountered.
Thank God for Emmet, "Well, not everybody get up at once," he said, lightening the mood a little.
Carlisle cleared his throat, "I'll get it," he said, walking towards the door.
The vampires standing in the kitchen began to relocate to the living room. Edward came last. I gratefully noted that his expression had softened, but mine was still hesitant.
He knelt down in front of my chair, taking my face in his hands.
"I'm so sorry love," he said, pushing the hair back from my face, "it's just..."
He looked down and sighed, "Well, I guess it can't be helped now," he stated before standing and offering me his hand.
"You're forgiven," I assured, then paused before adding, "under one condition."
He squeezed my hand, "Anything," said Edward earnestly.
I poked him in the shoulder, completely useless, but it made me feel better, "You tell me what's really going on."
His eyes closed and he breathed deeply.
"You said anything," I reminded.
A ghost of a smile touched his face. "Yes I did. I suppose I should learn to think before I speak."
Oh, I don't know," I replied, "I think you're perfect just the way you are."
He snickered and led me towards my nemesis. I mean lovely guests.
The living room resembled an episode of "Family Feud": Cullens vs. Denalis. They were just staring at one another.
I finally brought myself to actually look at the new guests, and when I did, my mouth fell open.
Having so many beautiful people in one room should be a crime. I felt like the ugly duckling, surrounded by swans.
My mind recognized Tanya immediately. Strawberry blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders in waves. Her face was perfect in every way. Every angle, every smooth plane, every curve: the essence of perfection.
Super model legs held this creature upright. She was wearing a crimson dress that was quite a bit more flattering than I deemed appropriate.
My plain brown eyes took her in with horror. I was doomed.
"Edward," she called in a honey voice when she caught sight of us, "How lovely of you to join us."
I couldn't believe it. The woman was actually purring.
I moved my fingers around till I could touch my engagement ring, savoring the cold feel of the metal – while it lasted.
"Tanya," came Edward's brief acknowledgment.
"Why don't we adjourn to the sitting area?" Carlisle suggested.
So they did, the Denalis on the couch to the left of the coffee table and the Cullens to the right. Edward sat in a chair closer to his family's side and pulled me into his lap.
Strangely, I felt calm all of a sudden. I smiled at Jasper.
"How was your trip?" Esme asked.
A large male vampire with chocolate, shoulder length locks answered in a Spanish accent, "Longer than it should have been," before shooting a strange glance at the man sitting to the left of Tanya.
He had platinum hair and piercing, hawk-like features.
"Eleazar," he said, "do you want to find Irina?"
"Irina's missing?" Rosalie asked. Was that genuine concern?
"Not a trace left," answered the raven haired beauty seated beside Hawkman. Judging by the hateful glare Alice perpetually fixed upon her, I figured this was Kate.
"That doesn't mean that we had to include the Volturri," Eleazor grumbled, rolling the "R's" in Volturri.
Great. Just great. Tanya and the Volturri in one evening.
Tanya hushed Eleazor though. "We're being rude. We haven't all been," she glanced at me with a forced smile, "introduced."
"She's just a human," Kate said.
Carlisle forced a smile as well. "I thought we were all here because we had a certain respect for humans."
Kate started to retort something but Tanya interrupted, "I think she was just surprised by your – friendship..."
"Engagement," Edward corrected fiercely.
"OH," Tanya said, letting the sugarcoated tone drop, "how...sweet." Her eyelashes batted.
"Bella," Carlisle turned to me, "this is Kate,..." he looked at Hawkman. Apparently he was new.
Before he could answer, Edward did. "Josius."
"Ah," Carlisle continued, "Kate, Josius, Tanya, Eleazar, and Carmen," he introduced the characters on the couch from left to right.
I hadn't even noticed Carmen. She hadn't said a word through this entire fiasco. She had the same hair color and skin tone as Eleazar. I also noticed that the two were holding hands.
"This is Bella," Carlisle continued, gesturing to me. "Edward, shouldn't you..."
"Yes," Edward replied, "I have to take Bella home now."
"Oh, is it her bed time?" Kate smirked, mocking me.
Where was a good rocket launcher when you needed one?
Edward and Alice snarled simultaneously.
"It was only a joke." She didn't sound convincing in the least.
Tanya giggled, "Oh, don't mind her," she said, "It was so very nice to meet you."
I plastered a big, fat smile on my face and forced my voice to say something nice, "You, too," before walking to the door, Edward on my heels.
Outside, I didn't wait for Edward to help me into his car. I got into the Volvo and slammed the door.
Edward got into the driver's seat and started the engine, with irritating cucumber coolness.
I, on the other hand, was fuming.
It was twilight now, and the dim scenery flew by around us, enclosing us into a green and gray bubble. Edward's speed had reached 110 before he broke the silence. "For God's sake Bella, please tell me what you're thinking." He sounded desperate.
I looked over. "Just wondering something..."
"Yes, I can see that. Hence, why I'm going crazy," he said anxiously.
I remained silent.
He glanced back and forth between the road and me before brushing his hand along the side of his face. "Mercy?" he asked quietly.
I smiled. How could I resist? "I was just wondering if you would break me out of prison if I ever committed murder."
Different emotions flitted across his face. First, horror. Then, concern. And finally, amusement. "Depends on who you killed," he finally replied with a smile. "Weapon of choice?"
I grinned. "Rocket launcher."
He was laughing as we pulled into my driveway. Charlie's car was gone. He must be out on patrol. "I thought you might feel that way."
Edward helped me out of the car this time.
As soon as I was inside the house, I hurled myself at the couch. It sank in some as Edward seated himself next to me.
I turned on my back to face him, and he leaned down to kiss the tip of my nose.
"She's like Rosalie the sequel," I cried.
His brows furrowed. "Who?"
"Tanya of course."
Lopsided and adorable, his smile returned, "Bella, I don't know how to tell you..."
"You don't have to," I cut him off, turning my face into the cushions.
A gentle pressure grabbed my chin and turned my face to look back up at him. "Let me finish," he said, "I don't know how to tell you that there is no comparison. I love you."
His butterscotch eyes hypnotized me into believing him.
I smiled and blushed furiously.
"Let's go," he said, picking me up.
"Where to?"
Edward looked down and grinned. "To bed," he simply said.
God help us all.
My heart was beating so fast, I thought it would burst right out of my chest. August 13, the date of my wedding to this god-like creature, was only three weeks away, but right now it felt like an eternity.
His laughter snapped me out of my trance, and I glared. "That was mean," I said when we reached my room.
"That is what I feel like every moment I'm with you," he countered, setting me down.
I stuck out my tongue at him before going to the bathroom to change into my pj's.
Coming out, I saw him sprawled out on my bed with his eyes closed. I took this opportunity to throw myself at him.
He caught me before I collided though.
I frowned, "One day..." I promised, "One day."
We were laying down facing each other now.
Propping myself up on my elbow, I demanded, "Spill."
"Hmmm?" he asked innocently.
"Our deal?"
He flinched a bit, "Can't we make an exception just this once?"
I stared incredulously, "There are no exceptions to deals. Now talk."
He sighed. "Where do you want me to begin?" he asked.
Victory was mine. "Well..." I started, "who is Irina, for one thing?"
Edward began, "Irina, Tanya, and Katrina were the original Denali coven. They've lived for centuries. Seen the world change countless times."
I nodded, "Have they always been – you know – vegetarians?"
He looked uncomfortable. "No..."
So that was the question of the night. I narrowed my eyes to slits. "What aren't you telling me?" I asked.
He looked away.
"Please," I added.
His gaze met mine before turning away again. "They were succubuses," he said at last, "temptresses..." he sighed again, "they used men and then..."
"What?" My voice was small.
"Then they disposed of them," he finished.
"That's terrible," I concluded.
While I did feel sorry for all those poor men who were lured to their deaths, I was more interested in, as the saying goes, knowing thine enemy. So, my competition was not only breathtakingly beautiful, but a master of seduction as well. Lovely.
"Yes," Edward said, "it was."
"Why did they quit?"
"Guilt caught up with them," he answered. "That's one good thing about Tanya. She's the one who keeps the other two in line."
Yes, let's just compliment the mass murdering mistress of darkness. I tried to control my jealousy though, and remember that I was the one Edward loved.
"Oh," I managed to say – "So, pretty much – she has been seducing guys since the beginning of time. Is that right?" I asked.
Edward chuckled, "Yes, I suppose."
"You're not making me feel any better, you know," I stated, my jealousy getting the better of me.
He stroked my cheek, "You have nothing to worry about – Nothing."
My lips turned up. "So, what about Carmen and Eleazar?" I questioned. It was high time to change the subject.
"Well, Eleazar was actually a calicadore in the Spanish Inquisition."
My countenance was puzzled, "A what?"
"A calicadore," he said, "He was a military man, the one who punished the Protestants. When we lived with them, he and Jasper were good friends. They talked about battle plans and battle scars and battle this and battle that for ages."
I nodded.
"Anyway," Edward continued, "he attacked the wrong people one day in 1543. They decided that the perfect punishment for someone as religious as him would be changing him. He still thinks about that a lot."
I pondered a moment. "Wow...he's ancient."
Edward smiled, and kept on trucking, "Carmen – well Carmen was Spanish royalty. Still thinks she is actually. Carmen was the one to make Eleazar turn vegetarian when they fell in love with each other. Her palace was attacked one night during the Messina Revolt, and she was on the point of death when Eleazar found and changed her." He looked at me and asked, "Sounds terribly romantic doesn't it?"
"Or romantically terrible," I offered.
"True," he laughed, "Are you satisfied yet?"
"Never!" I shouted. Edward grinned. "What about that Josius guy?"
His grin fell. A strange, curious expression fell over his features.
"What?" I asked.
"I don't know much about him – he's new." It sounded as if he was being defensive.
I was confused. "Well, couldn't you read his thoughts?"
Edward averted his gaze and stayed silent.
"You couldn't could you," I said. It was really more of a statement than a question.
"No," he said. "I'll have to talk to Carlisle about that... It's like having two of you." He made an expression of mock horror, "a truly terrifying concept."
"Ha. Ha," was all I said – while secretly giggling inside.
"What about now?" Edward teased.
"No actually," I started, "There was one more thing I wanted to ask you."
"Just one more?" He looked at me skeptically.
I crossed my hand over my chest. "Scout's honor."
"All right then," he said, "Ask away."
"Why doesn't Alice like Kate?"
He huffed, "Anything but that," he groaned.
"That was an awful answer...but I'll give you a redo," I taunted.
"Kate had a...a thing for Jasper," he started, "and he wasn't quite so adamant in his refusal of her as I was with Tanya."
Wow. Jasper was getting a good punch when I changed. "Did Alice kick his butt?" I asked.
"No actually – Emmet and I had a chat with him." He was smirking.
I was skeptical. "A chat?"
"If by chat, you mean fist fight," he corrected.
"Oh," I said. "Edward?"
"Yes?" he answered.
"You were really adamant in your refusal of Tanya right? I mean," I stumbled for words, "I'll still be your..."
He pulled me to him, pressing me to his chest before whispering into my ear, "You, Isabella Swan, will be by first and only."
I let out a breath of relief and smiled. Content again.
"Now," said Edward, "Sleepy time for the human."
"Nope," I said, even though my eyelids were heavy.
He pulled the covers over me and began humming my lullaby. I smiled as I drifted off in his arms.