{Chapter}

~Edward Point of View~

I tensed the moment the door shutting automatically feeling the urge to follow. She would be fine; she didn't need me following to ensure she would make it home okay. I breathed in deeply as her scent filled my lungs. To everyone else, it was completely normal. To me, her scent had spread throughout the house calling to me in ways I still couldn't describe. I tensed feeling to urge to release a pleased growl at being near it.

'Edward' Carlisle said softly once my Liberty left the house 'Are you okay son?'

"No" I said honesty, my mind was a jumbled mess thinking about everything I had learned today.

'What is on your mind son?' He questioned as I sighed not knowing where to begin to explain

"I need to run" I said as her scent was clinging to the air stubbornly, it made it hard to think through anything

'I will come with you, and we can speak of this' He thought to me as I nodded knowing that if anyone could help me see reason, it would be Carlisle

I pushed myself forward allowing the rush of it to calm me as I put some much-needed distance between me and the house. I slowed to ensure Carlisle could stay near me. I could hear his concern, his questions, his wondering at the state of my mind in the moment. I did not even know where to begin.

'Edward' He called gaining my attention 'Just start where you feel comfortable'

"I don't know where to start" I said honestly after a few moments "I don't know what I am feeling"

'Overwhelmed?' He asked glancing at me, and I nodded 'A varying degrees of emotion including worry, anger, happiness?'

"I would say that describes it" I agreed with a nod as he nodded for me to continue "I worry about her all the time, what she is doing and how she is. I am angry for feeling that, for the need to be need her when she is human. I am context to watch her at night, happy to know she is here. I don't understand it though. Then there is the fact that she knows, Carlisle. She knows what I am and doesn't think I am a monster"

'And how does that affect you? What are your thoughts on it?' He thought in concern

"I always thought I was supposed to live forever in darkness alone, she has me doubting things I have believed for years. I can't understand the effect she has on me" I said honestly

'What do you mean?' Carlisle questioned touching my shoulder

"I know she is not a monster if anything she is an angel. I know she is good and kind. She is respectful and thoughtful of others, willing to put her fragile life in danger for others. She is right, that she is not a monster. She believes me to not be a monster as well, she sees us as one in the same. She sees me. She really sees me without thinking me a soulless monster. Does that mean that I am not one?" I questioned in confusion feeling torn over the views from her side

'Belief is a powerful thing, do you doubt her belief in you having a soul and being good?' He thought in response

"No, I know she doesn't speak things that she doesn't mean. I just don't believe I am worthy of such things" I said honestly taking an unneeded breath to center myself

'For a long time, I have thought you to be many things. I have never thought you to be a monster, unworthy of love. Quite the opposite in fact, I believe that you deserve the same happiness afforded to the rest of us. You need only to accept it when it comes. It seems that Liberty also believes that you are worthy of it' My father thought causing me to nod not ready to believe it

"I don't know how to accept it" I whispered grateful for his help, his reassurance

'I believe that will come with time. You are changing, she has been changing you. I do not believe that is a bad thing. You will find in time that it is easier, you need only accept it. She was right when she said you are stronger than you believe yourself to be' He explained causing me to frown

"Change? Aren't we incapable of such things?" I questioned in confusion, wasn't that what being frozen to look perfect meant?

'It is rare to for our kind to find something that changes us, but when it occurs it changes us forever. Let me ask you this if you take away the situations and confusion. What do you think of when you think of her?' He thought as I frowned looking towards the moon pondering that question

"I feel the need to know her, to be near her, and to protect her. She makes me want to believe the things she believes, she makes me question my perspectives, and want to be better for her" I explained with a sad smile "I feel like I am complete"

'Do you know why?' He inquired as I shook my head 'I cannot offer you that answer, you must figure out what she means to you on your own. I can only point of that Liberty is one of a kind, she has suffered more than she tells, and has been brought into this world by means we can't understand. Offer her friendship and perhaps in time, you will know exactly the name to what you are feeling'

"Isn't it dangerous for us to become friends with a human?" I pointed out as he actually chuckled lightly

'There are always dangers in this world. However, Liberty is a rather unique human and can be an exception to the standard concerns. You wish for her to be around, as does Alice. The others will learn to understand that. I already do' He explained in amusement

"What if she leaves?" I examined in concern, the fear that was there since learning of her origins

'Liberty seems sure that is not a possibility, if that changes you can discuss it with her. Who's to say at that point that she would wish to return to her realm' Carlisle expressed as I nodded trying to push the fear from my mind 'Focus on the present Edward, get to know her better and go from there. You might find that the fears settle the more you learn about her'

"I will try" I said in agreement before glancing off "I am going to hunt"

'I wish you luck my son' Carlisle said before leaving me alone to my own thoughts.

I thought of the woman with Sapphire eyes and the truth was that I didn't know much about her. Maybe Carlisle was right, maybe I should get to know her better. There was so much I wanted to know about her and there was no other way than to ask her. But could I be friends with her? Would she be friends with a monster?

Yes, she had already made it clear that she would welcome a friendship. She didn't think that I was a monster and didn't blame me for wanting her blood. The more I thought about it the more I realized that she thought of us just as she did everyone. She didn't show reactions to us like normal people did because to her she didn't see us as creatures that stood out. She saw me for who I was.

I still couldn't wrap my head around the information that she was from another reality but with the information she provided it was impossible to not believe. I had even more questions for her since I learned that information. I wanted to know everything she had been through in her life. What had happened to cause her to be so guarded? What had she been through to make wisdom shine so brightly in her eyes? How did she see me if not by the normal perfection of the monster I had become? What made her think she wasn't a normal human?

I looked at her bedroom window with a soft smile as I realized where my thoughts had led me once again. I scaled the side of the house before slipping in through the slightly open window, she loved the colder weather. I looked at her sleeping figure relaxing seeing her, the more times past the more it hurt to be away from her. I breathed in her scent deeply wondering how after a month her scent become more pleasing to me than making me thirst to drain her. What did this mean in a singer? I should have asked Carlisle what that meant.

I breathed in her scent as a certain warmth spread through me like fire. I didn't know what this feeling was, but it drew me to her. The sound of her soft breathing and rhythmic heartbeat brought me peace knowing that she was real. I stood there a creature of darkness watching what could only be described as a piece of heaven on Earth. The moonlight shined off her pale skin making her appear to glow and if I had a heartbeat, I am sure it would stop beating at the image before me.

"Edward" She whispered, and I jumped as panic set in as my eyes looked at her eyes relaxing as I found them closed.

Was she dreaming of me? Could this beautiful creature really dream of this monster? What did she dream of me? I saw a soft smile find its way on her face, what did that smile mean? What could this dream be about to give her a smile when a smile rarely was on her lips?

I was at the side of the bed before I could top myself and slowly, I reached my hand out touching her face. I was shocked at the warmth of her skin in comparison to my skin and the silkiness to of her skin. My thumb gently moved across her lips wondering how her warm soft lips would feel against my cold hard one.

That thought shocked me across the room, those were dangerous thoughts. I would harm her if I were to think like that, I was too strong, and she was fragile. I had never in my undead life ever felt the want or interest in anyone, yet this human had completely turned my dark world upside down. I couldn't go down this path, there was no way I could be with a human. I was not human; I was a vampire made to kill humans.

I left her room, but I still couldn't clear my mind of my sleeping beauty. I walked into the house and was ambushed by Alice.

'You wouldn't have hurt her Edward; you don't have to worry. I can see it Edward' Alice thought with a bright smile as she pulled up a vision.

Suddenly I was viewing something I never thought possible. There in her mind, I was smiling as I sat at the piano while Liberty leaned down kissing me. I saw my hands brace on her hips and pull her closer to me. I could almost feel her smile against my lips, and I ached to feel it. The vision ended too quick for my liking as I stared at Alice in shock, could I really do this? Could I show Liberty how I feel the way my body longed to do?

'Yes, you can. Just don't rush things' Alice warned and I nodded in understanding, she was guarded, and I already knew that it would take time for her to trust me.

I watched as Alice skipped away and went to the piano room. I sat down allowing my mind to turn the images of my sleeping beauty be turned into soft music. I was distantly aware of Esme coming into the room and taking a seat next to me.

'This is a beautiful song' She thought honestly, and I smiled 'You really like her, don't you?'

I nodded slightly not breaking my concentration on the images that caused the soft music that reminded me of her. There was no use denying what I knew that I couldn't fight.

'I believe that she may be the one for you' She thought happily and relieved at the possibility of me finally finding my mate.

"I don't know how to tell her how I feel; I don't even know how I feel" I whispered softly as I stopped playing.

"Just become friends with her and show her the real you, don't push her away. Get to know the girl behind the scent that changed your world." Esme explained softly kissing my forehead

"I understand, thank you " I said softly hearing her mind wonder to how happy she was that I was no longer stuck in depression, had I been depressed before Liberty?

"Anytime Edward" She said squeezing my shoulder before leaving the room and leaving me to my thoughts.

~Time Lapse

The sun had barely begun to raise when Alice skipped into my room gaining my attention. She was happy and from the horrendous pop songs in her mind, clearly hiding something from me. It seemed to be all too common these days.

"Liberty agreed to come over today" She said happily as I smiled at the thought of seeing her "I asked her to start helping Jasper today. I was hoping that you could go hunting with him before, to make it easier"

"That would be wise" I said hating the thought of either of us losing control, I never wanted to cause her pain.

"Great" She is smiling "You can leave soon; she will be here by the time you both get back"

I nodded as Jasper looked tense thinking over the concerns of being near her scent today. I could understand his worries, but the thought of making his mate happy alone made him want to try. It was strange now that Liberty was here how different it looked through my eyes, their relationship. Alice had changed Jasper, made him want to give anything for him. Is that what I truly wished for with Liberty?

The relation between the others always caused me grief for various reasons. Most the time it was their thoughts that caused me pain, believing that I was undeserving of such things. I still had my doubts that had changed. Jasper was as torn over his past as I was, but he found faith in Alice's faith. Perhaps, I should have been paying attention to them to begin with. I sighed as Alice kissed her mate deeply, I hate hearing private thoughts. Notions from when I was human made me uncomfortable knowing such personal information that should be private.

"Let's get this over with" I said breaking up the couple when Jasper's powers were beginning to make me feel how he was feeling, with his thoughts it was too much to handle.

I didn't wait to see if he was following, if he wanted to continue those actions then all I wished for was to be far away from them.

~Time Lapse

'Edward' Jasper pleaded cutting me from my thoughts, the need and want to just go to her.

"Sorry" I whispered trying to control the quickly shifting emotions.

'I don't think I have ever sense so many emotions from you at once, it is overwhelming' He explained his discomfort with his own abilities.

"I can't control it" I said quickly in defense knowing that the storm of emotions was caused by my own quickly changing thoughts and needs when it comes to Liberty.

'It is not a bad thing' Jasper thought as I frown deeply 'I am not unaware of what has been causing you such distress. I may not understand why it is her, but you can't control it. I know what it is like to feel like you are seeing the sun for the first time, having someone come into your life, and give you reason. Alice had done the same for me, through my emotions and struggles she was becoming my being beyond my control'

Jasper's thoughts completely stunned me as he named everything so easily. It was there at the back of my own mind, as I struggled to understand the truth behind the confusion. I was feeling like I was being graced with the sight of the sun after so many years in darkness. I felt my whole body relax understanding what she was becoming to me, the woman that was becoming the center of my world.

"Thank you" I said in gratitude of him being opened with me, it was a rarity for Jasper to feel comfortable enough to speak of such things.

'No problem, now are you ready to head back? They are waiting for us' He thought with a fond smile thinking of Alice.

I nodded allowing myself to believe that Liberty was waiting for me as well. I glanced at Jasper seeing the calmness of his mood and thoughts over his mate. I didn't realize when I met Jasper that one day, I would understand those thoughts and reasons surrounding Alice. Alice was his cause for change, the one to bring the everlasting change that Carlisle spoke of. I didn't expect to understand him better because I was beginning to feel many of the same things.

~Time Lapse

"So, instead of just sitting here and staring at each other. Let's play a game or something, because I really don't like sitting still" Liberty said after several moments of Jasper looking tense and me staring at her wondering how to get to know her better.

"Oh, I always wanted to play those games the humans are playing in school at parties" Alice said jumping up as Liberty blinked up at her "What is your favorite? I mean you were a cheerleader, so you had to go to plenty of parties"

"You are confusing me with her" She said in a deadpanned voice that made me flinch "I never went to parties; I was busy trying to survive and I sure as hell wasn't a cheerleader"

"Oh" Alice said before smiling "I know, let's just ask questions then. Let us get to know you better"

"Alice" I warned seriously knowing that she was not an open person, forcing her would not be the way to do it.

"No, it's fine. As long as I can ask some questions in return" She said flashing me a smile "I can't really say I know that much about each of you on a personal level"

"If, you are sure?" I questioned offering her the chance to change her mind, only relaxing when she nodded in confirmation.

"Great!" Alice said clapping her hands together loudly causing Liberty to flinch at the sound and me to growl in warning "So since the background we got on you is useless, let's start with what your favorite hobbies are?"

"That really depends on my mood" She said in amusement "I tend to try to stay active but do enjoying reading and listening to music to settle my mind. I haven't always had a lot of down time, so it was mainly those two for years now."

"When you are upset, what would you choose to do?" Alice questioned quickly.

"I like running" She explained softly pausing to look at me and Jasper "Their turn"

"Why running?" I questioned wanting to know if she found the same comfort in it that I did.

"I guess it's because it helped me learn an escape from my own thoughts" She explained to my confusion "I started running when I enlisted, at basic training. I was always pretty fit but never much into cardio workouts. So, when I found out that when I ran that the world faded away and allowed me peace of mind, I clung to running every single morning and when I needed it"

"How are you handling everything so well?" Jasper questioned the moment she ended her explanation clearly taking her by surprise.

"I can't change it" She said with a shrug of her shoulders.

"What does that have to do with your emotions on it?" Jasper asked clearly trying to understand how a human had such control over her being in another world.

"At first, I didn't really understand what was going on, I mean I was pretty emotional that first day. I was in shock. But when I realized that it was beyond my control, I just focused on letting myself adjust to it" She said causing all of us to frown in confusion.

"I don't understand" I said after a moment as she sighed closing her eyes clearly thinking and I wondered what was going on in that beautiful mind.

"I learned pretty young that you have to adapt to life, let the things beyond your control not affect you until you are in a situation to understand it. That if you let your fear control you in those types of situations that it makes them so much worse. I spent most of my life feeling the effects of things beyond my control, because life is too unpredictable and the only thing that you can hold on to is your own mind and emotions" She stated seriously as I smile hearing Jasper's awe over her explanation

"Did being a soldier teach you that?" Alice questioned her leaning forward as Liberty tensed shaking her head.

"No, it helped make me better suited for being a soldier" She whispered with a faraway look.

'She needs a change of topic' Jasper thought to me reading her emotion 'She is not prepared to talk about why she learned this'

I nodded in thanks at the tip from him not taking my eyes off the woman. I wished I could read her mind to find out how to assure her. There was this haunted look in her eyes, she had suffered a lot of pain in her life. It was clear to me even without Jasper's ability. Just because she accepted it, didn't mean she was comfortable enough to explain it.

"Why made you enlist?" I questioned knowing her pride at being a soldier as she blinked pulling herself from her memories giving me a relieved look.

"I actually had someone talk me into it" She said in a wistful way "He was someone that become extremely important to me. He had met me when I was actually much younger and when I graduated high school, he came to see it. I guess he saw something in me that day and the passion he had, made me want that for myself"

Jealously coursed through me at the words. The fondness in her voice as she spoke of this male. I wondered about there relationship. I tensed at the unexpected reaction.

"Oh, did you two love each other? Did you two ends up married then?" Alice jumped in quickly as I bit back the growl.

"No, I haven't put any focus into romantic relationships" She said with a laugh as I felt nothing by relief at the assurance "He was my best friend though. He was the one person I could depend on above all others. I hadn't had a lot of people like that in my life. My sister, Kelly, and I were close as well but in comparison to the way he understood me there was no contest between the two"

"I can't wait until we are that close" Alice said in excitement moving to hug her as she stilled clearly trying not to move away.

"Alice" Jasper warned picking up on the uncomfortable feelings from Liberty.

Alice immediately pulled away at least having the awareness to give Liberty an apologetic look. She just gave her a small smile that had me relaxing seeing that she was okay with it. It was one of the many things about Liberty, she seemed to push her past her limits for those that seemed to care about her. I knew that Alice cared for her almost as much I did.

"Okay, lets move on" She said looking at Jasper and I in concern "I don't want to push it too much in one day, are you both still handling my scent well enough?"

"It is fine" I said as Jasper nodded in agreement to assure her that it was manageable for now.

"Okay, so I have some questions you each of you as well" She said as I was taken back the shine in her eyes that I see from time to time in Carlisle's eyes as well "Alice, how does your visions actually work? I know it is based on decisions but how do you narrow the focus?"

"My visions are based of my instinct to watch out for those close to me. The closest I am to the person and the surer they are of their decisions, the clearer the visions are. But they are always changing based of things that would affect it that I can't actually see, like a person that I don't know becoming involved. I wouldn't be able to see how that would affect the future" She explained as Liberty blinked before nodding.

"Like me?" She said to confirm as Alice nodded with a smile.

"Yes, because I didn't know you before I couldn't see the effect you would have on Edward the day he decided to go to the hospital." Alice explained further as Liberty chuckled lightly.

"You can't see things beyond your control" She said shaking her head "It make sense that your powers were also have the limit of the unknown"

"Yeah, it is frustrating. But not as frustrating as the zoning out, becoming unable to control my body in those moments" Alice said taking me by surprise, I didn't know she felt like that.

"I guess I can see that being a problem, for many reasons" She said before turning to Jasper with a soft smile "My understanding is that you were a soldier as well before you turned?"

"I was" He confirmed relieved at the easier topic than his own abilities.

"For the confederate army?" She questioned causing Jasper to flinch "I can't help but wondering why someone would fight to keep human slaves. I can't help wonder how you supported that cause?"

I felt bad for Jasper's reaction to such a question. Liberty was clearly not one to pull punches when it comes to gaining answers. She was a soldier from a day and age much like our own. She clearly believed in the notion of equality for all. Jasper fighting for an army that was against that was something that clearly was weighing on her mind.

"I didn't" He said honestly causing her eyes to widen "I was a spy for the union soldiers, I was able to fit into the role easily considering I was from the south. I disliked the notions of slaves though and when I enlisted for the union soldiers, they gave me the mission of gain the trust and passing along information from the enemy"

"I couldn't imagine becoming a spy, working with the enemy to such a degree as having to pretend to have their beliefs" She said shallowing thickly "I know I would not have been able to do so when it come to the terrorists we were fighting during my service"

"From what I gathered of your honored, if it was also expected of you then you would not have had any problems with doing so" Jasper said softly as she smiled softly, in a sort of sad way at him, for the compliment.

"For what it is worth, I am glad that you didn't actually fight for them" She stated as Jasper gave her a rare grateful smile before she turned to me "I always wondered something about your abilities, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Go ahead" I said preparing myself for the worse.

"Can you read the minds of babies? I always wondered what the thoughts of children new to this world and untouched by anything think, if they think at all" She queried brightly taking me by surprise, causing a shocked laugh to escape my lips.

"It is hard to describe what I hear from young children" I explained as she leaned closer "Babies tend to think in colors, like I could see what they are seeing instead of the clear thoughts. Even children as young as five still have thoughts that are more visual that vocal"

"You mean you can see thoughts?" She questioned with wide eyes as I nodded thinking of a way to explain it.

"Most the time, there are just voices. But thoughts that include strong emotion or are thought in an imagination tend to be seen more than heard" I explained as she shook her head.

"God, I can't even begin to imagine that. I am more thankful that ever that you can't read my mind" She whispered causing me to frown once more.

"Why?" I asked needing to know why this would change her thoughts on my abilities.

"Because a lot of my memories have very strong emotional connections. I manage to control my body's reaction to them but there are still thoughts that will always have that tangible connection to the moment it happened. It comes from having an exceptional memory, that time doesn't feel like it passes between them" She explained in an attempt to clarify.

"What do you mean?" Jasper questioned with a frown "I haven't sensed anything from you like that"

"I don't think you would honestly. I spent years learning to control my physically reaction to the trauma I have face, but the mind is harder to control in many ways. You know how you see or hear something as it reminds you of something?" She asked him and he nodded "When that happens to me, I am here physically but my mind is back in that moment as if it was occurring all over again until I learn to control the trigger"

"I can't imagine" I said softly a little horrified at the notion, just thinking of how that must affect a human mind.

"That is why I am thankful you can't read my mind" She offered with a chuckle glancing at the clock "Unfortunately, I have to head home. Virginia will be home from work soon and she will be expecting me to be there"

"I will miss you" Alice said happily jumping on her to hug her.

"Alice" I growled seeing her flinch at the action, whether it was from Alice using too much strength or her being uncomfortable being touched, I didn't know.

"It's okay" She said as Alice released her with a sheepish look "I will just have to get used to it"

"I will walk you to the door" I said softly as she nodded throwing Jasper a smile.

"It was nice hanging out with you today, let me know the next time you want to do this" She said causing Jasper to nod as she gave him a small wave.

"You know you scent isn't the only reason" I whispered carefully watching her as I put a hand on her lower back as she tensed.

"Yeah" She said clearly forcing herself to relax "But I appreciate that you both are getting use to it, so we can be friends"

"Have a good night, Liberty" I whispered fighting the awe at the strength of this girl.

"You too, Edward" She said flashing me a smile before walking away.

I watched her get into her car knowing I would be seeing her soon enough. I would be there when Alice told me she had fallen asleep. I didn't expect to find such comfort in watching her sleep. I never knew what to expect from this woman, because she was fascinating in almost every single way. I glanced at Alice as she had a vision seeing the changing to my future from my realization that I wanted her.

A simple brief imagine was shown, of us in the woods. We were walking hand in hand with rings on our fingers. I understood in that moment what had been happening to me. I had been falling for this woman, the sapphire eyes that hid a story from another world. This woman was my mate, there was no doubt about it anymore.

Everything I had been feeling and the draw I felt to be near her, point to her being the one for me. It was a frightening notion, that amazing and inspiring woman who challenged my views was destined for me. Liberty was my anchor. She represented my hope in the future, freedom from the darkness, and my very sense of purpose in this world.