"No, but the bloodlust is strong. He is now her mate. Good call, Bella. Maybe one of your powers will be vampire/human matchmaker." Alice said jokingly. I laughed. After me and my dad, Mike made the third match that I was directly involved with. I could have advised my dad to stay away from the Cullens during the Denali's visit but I didn't and now my dad has a mate. At least now, Mike will understand everything now. Hopefully, this will save Tanya from death, now that she understands what it means to have a mate. I don't particularly care for her, but I do care for Kate and my dad. I was anxious to get to the end of the day and see what Aro thought of what he'd seen and heard. For now, I left Tanya with Alice and went back to the cafeteria. Mike looked weird and didn't seem to be hearing everything that Edward was saying.

"What's going on?" I whispered in Edward's ear.

"She's…she's…she's so…beautiful!" I smiled.

"Would you like to get to know her better?" Edward asked. Mike nodded and I pushed my food away, feeling slightly nauseous. I knew that Edward would take notice, but thankfully he didn't call any attention to me. I leaned against him and he threw his arm around me. I breathed in his scent.

"Yeah, yeah, I think I would."

"I'm taking Bella out for dinner tonight, would you like to join us and I'll bring Tanya?" I was shocked, unaware that we were going out until thirty seconds ago. I was thinking that maybe someone should call Eleazar to bring Irina and Carmen down and let them know what is going on and that Tanya has now mated. Just at the end of lunch, Alice and Tanya returned. Mike stood for her to be seated.

"Tanya, I'm taking Bella out for dinner, would you like to join us? Mike is wants to get to know you." He spoke his last sentence quietly for only her to hear.

"Yes, thank you that would be lovely."

"Be prepared to actually eat the food." I warned them. They both fought to keep their faces neutral. My phone vibrated at my hip.

-she wants to talk to you both after school…Alice-

I nodded and put my phone away. I knew that Mike would be finding out soon enough and would have a lot of questions for me. I was mentally preparing myself for that. In the mean time, I really wasn't feeling too well and wanted to go home. I excused myself and went to the nurse.

"I'm not feeling well and I have a major headache. Would it be alright for Edward to drive me home?"

"Sure thing dear, I'll page him right away." Three minutes later, he walked in with my bag and walked me to the car. I curled up as best I could within the confines of the seat and my snug clothes. He took me to the Cullen house and carried me at vampire speed up to our room. I reacted to the motion by going into the bathroom and throwing up. He helped me change into sweats and one of his shirts before tucking me into bed.

"What's wrong?"

"I feel pretty crappy. I have a headache and I was nauseous at lunch. I'm sure it's nothing that a little rest won't cure." He put his hand on my head and I relished the cool touch.

"You do feel a little warmer than usual. If you still feel like this in a few hours, I want Carlisle to check you out." I nodded.

"You have to go back to school. Can Emmet come and lay with me? I feel safest with him when you aren't around."

"Someone call my name?" I smiled and Edward explained the situation.

"Awesome, I get to go to bed with Bella." I chuckled and Edward growled.

"Relax dude, Rosie is downstairs and I don't dig brunettes like you do. She's my little sister and I'm only teasing." He crawled on the bed and I rested against him with my forehead on his arm. I was feeling better already. Edward kissed the top of my head and left me there.

"Thank you Emmet. My head is throbbing and the cool temperature feels wonderful."

"No problem little sister. Get some sleep, I won't leave until you say so or Eddie gets back." I laughed softly. Edward hated that nickname and only allowed me to use it when we were completely alone, though I never did. Emmet turned on the television and watched some cartoons as I slept using him as a pillow.

When I woke, I was curled up against a stone body. I knew it must be Edward because I know that I fell asleep in a half-sitting position and now I was lying down. Noticing the change in my breathing, he kissed my cheek.

"Are you feeling better, love?"

"A little. My head doesn't hurt as bad."

"Tanya wants to talk to us, are you ready for that?"

"What time are we going to dinner?"

"I rescheduled for tomorrow seeing as you went home sick from school today."

"Oh, ok, good." I snuggled in to his chest, but he moved to lift me.

"I don't want her in my room, it should only be us." he whispered so quietly I barely heard him. He set me on the couch where Tanya was waiting with Kate and my dad.

"How are you feeling Bella?" Kate asked me.

"A little better; the nap helped along with a cool body to rest my head against." Edward left and returned with some ginger ale and crackers for my stomach.

"Just nibble and sip, it should help." I smiled gratefully.

"What's it like for Mike right now?" Tanya asked.

"He's in love and confused that it happened so fast; at least that's how it was for me." I said.

"Me too." My dad added, looking at Kate with a smile. I was jealous that they had been able to progress further in their relationship, physically at least, than Edward and I had. It helped that neither one of them was adverse to the idea of sex before marriage like Edward was, but I thought that we had a deeper, more emotional connection than they did. Still, it was something I avoided talking with my dad and Kate about like the plague.

"We'll talk to him about what he's feeling." I offered.

"Keep coming to school and sit with him at lunch; get to know him. Don't jump in bed with him right away either. He's not all that experienced and won't last long." Edward whispered. I excused myself and left the house. I'm sure Alice would tell everyone where I was going. I was also sure that Edward could run and beat me there. I parked in front of Newton's wilderness store and walked inside. Mrs. Newton was at the register.

"Hello Bella, how are you my dear?"

"I'm good, thank you. Is Mike around? I need to talk to him."

"Sure, he's in the back; go on ahead. Is everything alright?"

"Yes, it is, but I am busy for the rest of the night and I didn't want to talk to him at school where other kids could overhear; that's all."

"Ok dear, go on back. He's checking the inventory." I had worked there last summer so I knew the place well. I walked in and he was all the way in the back; just starting his inventory on the fall stock that must have just come in.

"Hey Mike."

"Oh, hey Bella. What's up?"

"I wanted to make sure that you are ok. I know exactly how you're feeling right now and I think I'm the best person to talk to."

"I'm mostly overwhelmed. I know that I only just met her and haven't even talked to her, but I think I'm in love."

"I know the feeling; it's how I felt the day I met Edward. She likes you too." His face lit up.

"Really?"

"Yes." I wanted to warn him about the big secret, but it wasn't my place to tell. Though, there was no law that said I couldn't say anything because I wasn't a vampire yet, I knew without a doubt that if I opened my mouth, I would not see my wedding. I truthfully had no idea where Aro and his gang of vampires were currently at. I called Edward.

"Hello?"

"I'm with Mike; is there a place that we can chat?" I knew that he knew what I wanted and if he didn't then Alice surely did.

"Alice said to bring him over here after his shift. Aro knows what happened at school and wants to be sure that he won't say anything. Tanya will not be punished for now. Her fate rests on Mike's shoulders and his ability to keep quiet." That meant that at the Cullen house, the human charade must go on until Mike knew the truth and sealed his fate. Until then, both he and Tanya were safe. I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

"Ok, I'll see what I can do. I love you."

"I love you too. See you later." I hung up and turned back to Mike.

"Are you able to come to the Cullen house with me after work?"

"Let's go check." He walked me back out in the min part of the store where his mother was waiting.

"Mom, Bella invited me back to the Cullen's house after I finish here. May I go?"

"What's going on?" She demanded. I looked at him and nodded.

"I met a girl at school today and I want to get to know her. She's so beautiful. She's the cousin of the Cullens and today was her first day. I don't have any classes with her and the lunchroom isn't the best place to get to know someone." He begged her with his eyes. She looked at me.

"It looks like you just got over your crush on Bella. You must really like this girl."

"So far, she seems really great. Can I go?"

"Go on; the inventory check isn't going anywhere. You can get it done tomorrow."

"Thanks mom, you're the best." He ushered me out the front door and got in his car. It was assumed that he would follow me there. I looked into the woods across the street and saw Edward standing there with a smile. I only saw him because he allowed it and I knew where to look. I blew him a quick kiss and got in my truck. Mike was on the other side and hadn't seen a thing. He waited until I looked back at him before he took off like a shot; cheater. Ten minutes later, Edward was standing on the front porch looking smug. He walked down the steps to meet me at my door and kissed me quickly before helping me down. With his arm around my waist, he greeted Mike, standing there ogling the house. Other than me, he was the first student of the high school to ever visit. I knew how he felt.

"Welcome Mike, we're glad you could stop by." Edward said cordially. Mike numbly nodded and followed us inside. I was getting hungry and Edward knew it when my stomach growled. He playfully swung me up in his arms and carried me to the kitchen. Mike still followed, in awe and it didn't occur to him to stop in the family room where everyone else was sitting; including Tanya.

"Mike, are you hungry?" Edward asked.

"Um yeah, I mean yes, please." Edward smiled and proceeded to cook for me and Mike. He was probably too stunned to notice that the Cullens and guests weren't eating. Alice had provided yellow contacts for the Volturi members to wear while Mike was visiting with Tanya. They were respectful of Carlisle's wish that they not hunt their dinner anywhere within the state unless they wished to try a different diet. Aro was brave enough to give it a try. He figured that since he was living with the Cullens for a short time, he could eat like them too. Edward made me fettuccini alrefedo and garlic bread. I devoured it, moaning at the taste. Mike was starting to come around as he ate the dinner.

"Thank you, this is delicious."

"You're welcome."

"Aren't you going to have any?" He asked.

"No, I've eaten already. My family ate while Bella was talking to you at the store." He easily explained that one. I hid my smile while biting my bread. I knew Edward had seen it though.

"Mike, Tanya is in the next room waiting for you to join her when you finish." Edward had said. Everyone in the house, though thoroughly grossed out b the smell of human food, had gotten used to it for me; yet another reason why I love them so much. Mike and I finished soon after and the three of us went into the living room. Tanya was sitting alone and Mike joined her. They kept a respectful distance and we stayed on the other side of the room to give them a little privacy. I engaged in a game of chess with Edward since I was the only who he couldn't cheat with. The rest of the Cullens had given me lessons over the last few months and I had actually turned out to be a decent competitor for him. I looked at him staring at me.

"Are you still trying to get in my head?" I asked with a smile.

"Bella, I'm always trying." I smiled; totally smug.

"You're stalling; make your move." I had the advantage right now and I didn't want to lose it by letting him distract me. I had noticed when the Cullens slowly started to drift in and took it to pride. They never bothered us when we were playing and I was suspicious of two things; one, that the game was almost over and two, that I was going to win. I tuned them out and kept my focus on the game. Five minutes later, my suspicions came to fruition and I beat Edward for the first time ever.

"YES! I won!" I did a little victory dance and that's when Edward noticed everyone there to witness his downfall. Emmet picked me up and swung me around in a circle.

"Careful; Mike is in the room." I whispered. I was congratulated from everyone and Edward hung is head in defeat. I sat sideways in his lap and hugged him.

"Take me upstairs; there's perks to being the loser too." I had to rub it in his face. He carried me bridal style up the three flights of stairs at a human pace because of Mike.

He laid me on the bed and automatically shed his shirt for me. I pulled him down and rolled on top of him. I was fully aware that I could only accomplish this task because he let me. I scooted down his legs and placed a kiss on his belly button. I heard Edward gasp and I slowly moved my kisses up his body, paying attention to each and every inch of skin exposed to me. He was purring for me by the time I got to his neck. When I licked his scar, his purring grew louder; I was so turned on. I leaned forward to attack his mouth and he surprised me by sticking his tongue in mine. I made my way to his ear.

"Have you ever pleasured yourself?"

"If I had as a human, then I don't remember; but since then, no. I've not had a reason to until I met you." I licked his scar for that. I shed my shirt for him and sat on his hips. I could tell that my attentions had brought his body to life. I took his hands and tucked them under his head.

"Don't move." I ordered. I looked to make sure the door was locked; though it would only stop Mike or my dad if someone wanted to come in. I looked to his wall of windows.

"Is there anyone out there watching or listening?" He looked intently before shaking his head. I smiled. I ran my hands over my neck and down my body; cupping my enlarged breasts for him. He moaned.

"I wanted to do something nice for you; to show you how good I feel from my win and get you purring for me." I licked his scar again and added a little nip of my own.

"Bella, be careful." He warned me; I knew he feared for my safety.

"Just don't move right now. I remember the rules, and I also remember our deal." I reinforced that this was also another test of his self control. I shimmied my hips on his and he moaned, bucking me in the air a little.

"I said don't move; if you want the consolation prize, then you will keep still."

"Don't do that kind of move again. I'm on the edge, Bella." He warned me again and I heeded his warning. I leaned forward, enjoying the sensation of my heated skin against his cool skin.

"I wanted to borrow a pair of your lounge pants and show you how I make myself feel good. Would you like that?"

"I would, but…" His arms held me tight to his chest and he grabbed his shirt from next to him to cover me. We didn't even have time to put it on me when Emmet picked the lock and opened the door.

"Alice told me to; sorry. I was rooting for you buddy." Damn vampire for ruining my mood. I literally growled at Emmet, but he only laughed. Edward shared my mood, but didn't express it.

"Be nice little kitten." Emmet chided me. Edward pushed him out the door and locked it one again.

"Bella, it's probably a good thing; I was barely hanging onto my control as it was. You could have been seriously hurt. I would feel horrible it that happened and Jasper…well you know, it would snowball around here." He smiled softly and I returned it.

"I'm so conflicted. If it weren't for this baby, we would be getting married in six weeks; now I have to wait eight more months! I just want to be able to show you how much I need you whenever I want."

"Bella, I know how you feel because I feel the same. I can't wait for the day when I don't have to restrain myself anymore around you. I don't want you to suffer the pain that goes along with the change and that has always been one of the reasons I've been stalling."

"I know. It just sucks." I rolled away from him and let the tears stream down my face. Although I kept my breathing even, I know that he knew I was crying. He could smell the tears. I was frustrated and this is how my hormones are choosing to express that frustration.

"Would you like me to leave you alone for a little while?"

"No."

"Do you want me to hold you?" He asked.

"Yes, but I don't think that's a good idea right now. I'm not in the right frame of mind."

"I understand."

"I'm sorry."

"Bella, you have nothing to be sorry about. It's ok to express your emotions. I'll be right back, ok?"

"Ok." I snuggled up into his shirt, forcing him to put on something else. I got up and found some of his boxers and slipped them on over my panties. I knew that I was going to fall asleep soon. Edward brought me some Tylenol, water and my backpack.

"Hey, Tanya and Mike are getting along just fine, though he needs to go home in a few minutes. Did you want to go and say goodnight?"

"Sure." I left the bed and held Edward's hand as we descended the stairs. Mike was at the door when I came into view.

"Hey Mike, did you enjoy your time with Tanya?" I asked.

"I did. Are you ok? You look like you've been crying."

"I was, but don't worry about it; I'll be fine. I'm just frustrated." I leaned into Edward's side for support.

"I'll see you at school tomorrow?"

"Yes, and remember, if you need to talk, just give me a call." I told him. He looked at the image I presented and I felt oddly exposed, so I tried to hide behind Edward. We waved goodbye and waited until he was in his car before joining the family. My dad and Kate joined us from the kitchen. He smiled at me on Edward's lap and wearing his clothes.

"How did it go, Tanya?" I asked.

"It went well. I really like him."

"Well, we all graduate in a few months and then he'll be a free man. You might also want to meet his parents. He told his mom about meeting you today. He said you were beautiful." I told her; no longer truly worried that she would try to take Edward from me again. She nodded thoughtfully.

"Carmen, Eleazar, and Irina will be here in the morning. Are you going to register Irina in high school too?" Alice laughed and looked at me. I shrugged and in walked the Volturi. Their eyes suggested that they had just come back from eating. Aro's were a nice toasty gold; I was proud of him for sticking to the Cullen's diet. It seemed like he'd gotten the rest of them to try it too since they all came back at the same time.

"That sucked; how can you stand to eat like that all the time?" Jane accused the Cullens.

"You get used to it and it makes me feel like less of a monster." Edward said.

"It allows us to form true bonds of love and be a family; not just a coven." Carlisle added.

"Hmm, yes, I have noticed that. I like it. I am starting to appreciate human life a little more. Tanya, congratulations on finding a mate." Aro had said.

"Thank you, Aro."

"Will you all excuse me; I'm tired and have some homework to do before going to bed." Edward carried me upstairs and set me on the bed to which I immediately got back up. I needed some human time in the bathroom. While I was indisposed, Edward had taken a few seconds to set up my books for me and was writing in his journal when I came out. I bit the bullet and asked him what had been in the back of my thoughts for months now.

A/N: So Bella saved Tanya's ass for now. Will Mike be able to keep his mouth shut? Stay tuned to find out. Reviews are wanted and appreciated. Have a great day! Kelly