{Chapter}
~Edward Point of View~
'Are you ready for this?' Emmett thought staring at the house in the distance
I nodded listening closely to our surrounding. Emmett smirked scaling the house to enter the girl's room. I scaled the house after him entering the room careful not to take a breath until Jasper was outside the window on guard. Emmett looked at me with a nod as I took a deep breath allow the new scent to fill my lungs.
I immediately tensed recalling the last time I smelled a singer for the first time. This time was completely different. I felt the slight burn of thirst that created venom at the new scent. It didn't cause me to control immediately or my mouth to fill with venom. I took another breath feeling the enhanced allure the scent creates, but absolutely nothing like the blinding need that my mate's scent caused when I first scented her.
'You don't seem to be ready to go insane again' Emmett thought obviously keeping a close eye on me
"It definitely the scent of a singer" I whispered with a frown breathing in again "But it won't any problem"
'Cool, let's get out of here' He thought practically shoving me out of the window
'Everything, okay?' Jasper thought looking tense the moment I hit the ground
"Yes" I confirmed as Emmett landing next to us
'Let's go before Emmett's movements gives us away' Jasper thought narrowing his eyes at the least graceful and quiet of us
I knew they were being careful as we ran back through the forest. I was being careful to take deep breaths of the fresh air to clear me of her scent. The girl was definitely smelled sweeter than a normal human girl. But in comparison to Liberty, she paled on all fronts. Liberty's scent was to identify her as my greatest desire. So, everything would pale to the blinding and all-consuming need that her scent created the first time I scented her.
'Is everything okay?' Carlisle questioned the moment we entered the house
"Yeah, he didn't even growl" Emmett said in amusement as Carlisle nodded glancing at me
"Liberty's scent was do much stronger, it was clear that while stronger than an average human that she is just a normal singer" I confirmed as Carlisle smiled at my confirmation "This girl won't be a problem to handle, I can get used to it"
"That is because Liberty is your true mate" Jasper explained causing me to smile slightly "I don't believe any other scent will ever cause that severe thirst that makes you lose control after being able to get use to her scent"
"That was only because of Alice giving me her clothes and the rest of your spending those couple of weeks watching me very closely, ensuring I didn't go after her" I replied softly knowing how close I had come to harming Liberty
"This human definitely has a normal singer's scent" Jasper confirmed to Carlisle "She even smelt stronger to me as well and I didn't even enter the room"
"Yeah, if she was to cut herself none of us would be able to really control the thirst" Emmett stated honestly as I flinch knowing that was true
"Then we will need to be careful to ensure that doesn't occur" Carlisle confirmed glancing at me 'It is a good thing that Liberty appeared first'
"I agreed if she hadn't then this girl's scent would have definitely been a problem. I don't believe I would have lost control over her scent, but it would have been a more severe reaction" I stated honestly knowing that being blindsided is a big reason behind that
"And we wouldn't have expected it" Carlisle said with a nod "I am thankful that Liberty was able to provide a warning"
~Time Lapse
I smiled pulling Liberty into a hug when she approached in the parking lot. She sighed relaxing into my hold, and I knew that she was tired. She mumbled a barely recognizable good morning into my chest. Allice came bouncing over with a cup of coffee for her.
"Good morning" I whispered as she nodded mumbling something that I couldn't understand
"Coffee" Alice stated happily as Liberty flinched at how loud she was as I chuckled grabbing the cup holding it to her lips
"Drink" I said softly seeing that she wasn't releasing me, but seemingly falling asleep against me.
"Yummy" She stated after a few sips sighing happily as she pulled away taking the cup "Mine"
I chuckled in amusement as she leaned against me drinking her coffee quickly. Emmett never even thought of trying to get her to share. I had quickly learned that she had an adorable addiction to the substance. I relished in the feeling of her being close, she was adorably affectionate when she was tired. I looked across the parking lot when a horrible sound grated at my ears.
'What the hell is that horrible contraption' Rosalie through as I noticed the horrible orange truck coming into the parking lot, the source of the horrible sound 'that has to be the ugliest thing I have ever seen'
"I can't believe that is really her truck" Liberty mumbled "I can't imagine driving that thing"
"Like you would, you have taste" Rosalie said with a snort as I smirked at Liberty chuckle.
"True" She said whimpering at she looked at the empty cup "It's always over too soon"
"You're crazy" Emmett joked taking the empty cup.
I could help but chuckle when Emmett flinched. I looked down to see Liberty glaring harshly at him for taking the cup. I couldn't help the great amusement knowing that only Liberty could have such a frightening glare to scare a vampire. There was no doubt that Liberty could find a way to hurt him for taking away her coffee, even if empty.
"So, this girl is the other singer mentioned in those books?" Rosalie questioned drawing my attention to the girl exiting the truck
"Yep, that is Bella Swan" Liberty confirmed softly before shoving her face in my chest to smother a yawn. I couldn't help but be amused at her antics when she was tired.
'This human can barely walk' Jasper thought with clear annoyance 'It would be easy for her to fall and cut herself at this rate'
I reluctantly glance away from Liberty snuggling into my chest to glance at the human. The pale girl was slipping with every single step she took. It was extremely easy to understand Jasper's concerns. This human has the worse ability to balance that I had ever seen.
'This singer is a walking disaster' Emmett thought watching the girl.
I flinched at the thought knowing that she couldn't easily spill her blood. I knew that would end up being a situation none of us wanted to deal with. I sighed knowing that there was nothing that could be done. We would stay as far away from her as possible and take extra precautions to ensure that when she got injured that none of us would be affected.
I smiled looking down at Liberty as she yawned again. I saw that she was looking up at me clearly tired, more tired than I had seen her. She was normally up early and out for a run long before the sun rose. I should go hunt her down some more coffee. I am sure she would appreciate the additional caffeine. I didn't understand why she was so tired due to knowing that she hasn't had a nightmare these last few nights.
"What are your thoughts?" Liberty whispered turning to me as I smiled looking into her sapphire eyes, I loved her eyes.
"You are beautiful" I stated honestly as she blushed shaking her head with a light laugh of amusement.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I actually meant about Bella" She said seriously as I frowned in confusion.
"Who?" I questioned before I could stop myself completely focus on the enchanting woman in my arms.
"The new girl?" She confirmed glancing to the side at the human girl "She is pretty"
"I didn't really notice" I said honestly knowing that there was only one that gained my attention, and she was in my arms being extra cuddly this morning.
"That human is pale, skinny, and can barely walk despite have two legs" Rosalie said rolling her eyes as Liberty laughed in shock at the bold statement from her mouth.
"And will her scent be a problem today?" She questioned me in a whispered as I shook my head in clear denial.
"The girl's scent is nothing compared to yours" I whispered in her ear as she pulled back raising an eyebrow in question "We went to her house yesterday when they were gone from the house. I will admit that her scent while stronger than most is nothing compared to what yours means to me. It didn't cause anything like that day at the hospital and is almost normal after becoming used to your scent."
"Okay. I am crazy for asking this, but what do I smell like?" She questioned softly as I smiled leaning forward to breath in her scent causing it to send shivers of delight through my body.
"The most amazing scents and unique combination" I whispered still taking in all the highlights of her unique scent "You smelled like honeysuckle, raspberry, and coconut. That is the best way I can think of to describe it"
"But you said that is your favorite scent" She stated with wide eyes as I smiled nodding in confirmation.
"Everything pales to the allure of your scent, Liberty. There is nothing that enticing me so completely, although I enjoy it much more today than when I first met you" I whispered softly as she shook her head in amusement.
"As long as you remember that friends don't eat friends" She joked tapping my nose as Emmett laughed loudly at her joking statement.
"I should remember that" He boomed putting an arm around Rosalie who rolled her eyes before he led her towards the school.
"I hope you know that I could never harm you" I stated a little offended at the notion and praying that she didn't believe that I would ever attack her due to her scent now.
"I know Edward, I trust you. I was just making a joke. I promise I did not mean anything by it." She said grabbing my hand squeezing it gently causing me to relax again.
"As long as you know that" I whispered in her ear as she nodded squeezing my hand as Alice reappeared in front of Liberty.
"Come on, let's get to class" Alice chirped grabbing Liberty's arm.
"See you soon" Liberty said to the rest of us as Alice dragged her away from me.
I frowned hating being away from her for even a moment. I would see her later or more like she would see me later. If she only knew how much I tracked her throughout the day through the eyes of the others in the school. I always felt the need to know she was okay.
~Time Lapse
"A little help here" Emmett comments the moment Liberty sat down next to me at the table
"You really don't want to, trust me on this" Liberty stated looking at her plate in disgust
"I am going to take you word on that" Jasper said giving his plate the same look causing me to chuckle
"I will chance it" Emmett said with a smirk as Liberty shook her head in amusement
"You are a garbage can" She stated looking around before placing her hand on the table
"You are getting alone better at that" Rosalie said not noticing anything even go across the table making Liberty smile
I tensed as Jess began saying our names. I could hear her providing an explanation to the new girl. The human was listening with interest and clearly had her attention on us. I wrapped an arm around Liberty leaning forward.
"Jess is explaining us to the new girl" I whispered to my family as Liberty tensed at the statement
"Anything interesting?" Emmett questioned shoving more food in his mouth as I shook my head "And what does the new girl think?"
'They are beautiful, it almost hurts to look at them. Look at him, I don't like I have ever seen anyone look so perfect' Her thoughts were a little harder to hear than the normal human
"That we are perfect" I stated as Liberty inhaled sharply at my answer
"You can hear her" She whispered with wide eyes as I nodded looking at her feeling confused "You weren't able to in the book"
"It's not as clear, but I can hear her simply fine. There was only one mind that managed to block me" I whispered smiling at her "And such a shame that is, I am sure it is the most fascinating mind I would ever hear"
"Another difference" Rosalie said in a whisper as Liberty nodded giving her a soft smile
"It seems like there are quite a lot of differences" Liberty confirmed as I smiled pulling her a little closer
'I wonder how she did it, she isn't even that pretty. She doesn't even fit in with them' The girl's thoughts were clear causing me to growl in anger, my angel was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen
"Edward?" Liberty whispered nudging me "What is wrong?"
"They are talking bad about you" I whispered angrily as she just shrugged
"Let them, it's not like their thoughts or opinions matter to me" She whispered placing a hand on my shoulder "I know who I am and all of you know, that is what matters"
"You are amazing" Alice stated as Liberty chuckled
"You really are" I confirmed pulled her closer "You are the most amazing person I have ever met"
"Thanks" She stated blushing slightly "You ready for our next class?"
"Yeah" I stated softly as the bell rang "Shall we get to class?"
"We shall" She joked but took my arm to allow me to escort her
I took my seat by the window as Liberty sat next to me. I noticed quickly that there were a lot of free seats in the class, in fact there were no other free seats. The teacher came over placing a chair on the other side of Liberty. I couldn't complain, as she just shifted closer to me. I tensed when the other girl's scent reached me making me look up at her.
It was easy to clear the scent from my lungs being so close to Liberty, but the walking disaster approached her scent. I took noticed that she tripped on the way to the desk. Then she blushed in clear embarrassment. I could hear her heartbeat increase as she sat down, this was going to be hell. While her scent wasn't that bad to adjust to, she acted like the perfect prey.
"Relax" Liberty whispered grabbing my hand under the table before turning to Bella "Hello, I am Liberty, and this is Edward. You must be Bella"
"Yeah" The girl replied looking at Liberty 'I was wrong, she is actually very pretty. I really like her eyes. They say the eyes are the window to the soul, she has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.'
I relaxed staring at the front knowing that as long as she wasn't thinking about Liberty in a negative way, I would have a problem with the girl. I knew it was ridiculous, trying to protect my mate from the thoughts of another person. I could read thoughts, not control them.
"Your father let me know you were moving here; he really cares about you" Liberty stated softly as Bella seemed tense
"Yeah" She mumbled shyly as I fought to ignore her thoughts
I just sat there not wanting to know the girl. Liberty interacted with her throughout the assignment with ease. I tried my best to block out her thoughts, most of them were about her life or general observations. I disliked the idolization that was forming in her mind for my mate. She seemed to sway between the two of us, which made it more uncomfortable than anything else. Even if it were amusing that Liberty could cause the same reactions that the presence of a vampire could, Carlisle would find that information useful.
"Aren't you a junior?" Bella questioned as Liberty laughed nodding 'Her laugh is amazing; I wish I had a laugh that nice'
"My old school has a different system, so I messed this class last year. They just added me in to this one since most of my class actually have mixed grades" Liberty explained lightly as I smirked at her statement squeezing her hand causing her to flash me a smirk.
"Oh" Bella said looking between the two of us 'They do kind of look like they suite each other. I don't really get what Jess was saying, Liberty seems genuinely nice to me. Sure, he doesn't talk, but he seems to just focus on her. I wish someone would pay that much attention to me'
I rolled my eyes as the bell rang. Bella gave us an awkward wave before packing up. I just pulled Liberty close breathing in her scent. I could tell there were certain hints in her thoughts that she enjoyed being near Liberty. I knew that Liberty wasn't one for actively socializing outside our family, but she was pleasant to those around her. The new girl was not just enchanted by us.
"She likes you" I whispered to her as she chuckled as I pulled away touching her face "But who wouldn't like you?"
"Plenty of people" She said in amusement as I started walking her to the next class "You handled that well"
"It was easily enough to ignore" I said honestly knowing that her touch was a great assistance in that "You were there, she didn't seem to pay any attention to me"
"Good, I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable. I will see you after school" She whispered wrapping her arms around her
"Be safe" I whispered glancing at Jasper who nodded
I watched as Liberty smiled at Jasper taking the seat at his side. Satisfied that I could watch after her through my brother's eyes, I went to my next class. It was always interesting to watch the slight differences in her personality she had with each of us. Even if Emmett was easily the most amusing, Liberty and him commonly had little competition with throwing things at each other or at the teacher.
~Time Lapse
I leaned on the car waiting for my family and mate to exit the school. I was frustrated by the thoughts of those around me. Due to the overwhelming focus, they had on the new girl, I was trying hard to block everything out for the last few periods. That is why I didn't notice the object of my affection approach me.
"Hey, everything okay?" She questioned in concern as I opened my eyes smiling looking at her as I nodded "Good, looks like you don't need me to drive the getaway vehicle"
"I will keep you in mind for next time I need a fast getaway" I joked going to pull her close making me notice that her black jacket hair stained with flour on it
"What happened to you?" I questioned before I could stop myself touching a piece of her white dusted hair
"If you think I am bad, you should see the other guy" She said motioning to Emmett
The moment I looked at him I immediately burst out laughing. Emmett was covered in flour and egg, from head to toe. I wished that I had a camera to remember this sight and hold it against him forever. Alice was giggling taking pictures, so she had that handled.
"Emmett, you aren't supposed to include yourself in the ingredients for cake" I joked in amusement Liberty laughed lightly
"Shove it, it was your girl that did this to me" Emmett said pouting as I smiled at the statement
Liberty just smirked with her eyes shining with amusement looking over at him. I loved that look on her face. I adored that she didn't seem upset by what Emmett referred to her as.
"You are just mad that I was quicker than you" She taunted with a smirk as I chuckled wanting to pull her close, but she was seriously covered, and Alice would kill me
"I will get you back for this" Emmett vowed thinking of many ways to prank her 'don't you dare tell her what I plan'
"Wouldn't dream of it" I said with a smirk knowing that my angel would retaliate in a creative way
"Ah, is Teddy thinking of revenge already?" She questioned as I smirked nodding in confirmation "Bring it on, Teddy"
"I will get you back" He vowed as she just rolled her eyes looking at me
"You aren't getting in my car like that" I stated to him looking at the mess
'You are leaving me out in the cold?' He thought as Liberty chuckled at my smirk
"You can come with me; I was heading over to pick Jasper's brain about the Civil War for an assignment since Virginia is working late" Liberty stated as Emmett nodded before flashing me a smirk
'Looks like I am the one getting alone time with Liberty today' He thought causing me to growl
"I will rescind the offer if you mess with him" Liberty taunted making Emmett freeze
'It's like she can read minds too' He thought pouting as She chuckled kissing my cheek
"I will see you soon" She whispered as I smiled at her
"Be safe" I stated as she opened her car door Emmett getting in the other side
"Always" She said winking at me before getting in the car
I hated it the most when she was away from me. I watched closely as her car pulled away noticing my siblings had already entered my car.
'The sooner we leave, the sooner you can see her' Alice thought as I chuckled getting in the car
~Time Lapse
I smiled as she leaned into me as I adjusted the blanket to make sure she was covered properly. I always adored the look of innocence in these moments when she stared at the sky so full of hope and awe. I wondered if she understood that is what I saw in her and what she was to me.
"Today has been a long day" She commented softly
"You seemed more tired today" I stated honestly as she sighed
"I get moments, periods of times where my energy drops" She explained taking a breath "The doctors explained them as trigger points, it is where my mind is battling something from my past. It has been a while since I felt quite like this"
"Do you want to tell me about it?" I questioned in concerned as she looked up at me
"I don't really understand what is causing it yet, I only recognize the effects of it" She explained as I pulled her a little closely in a sad attempt to comfort her
"I am here to talk to when you need to talk about it" I whispered kissing her forehead as she sighed snuggling into me
"I appreciate it" She stated closing her eyes breathing in my scent "It should pass soon"
"I hope it does" I said softly running my fingers through her hair "You seem happy and able to handle it, I just don't like that it can't be helped"
"I know, I can push it away pretty easily. I am okay, really" She said smiling softly not opening her eyes content to remain cuddled up to me
"Just as long as you are aware that you are not alone" I whispered seriously "That I am here for you, that we are all here for you"
"I know" She said sighing deeply "How are handing it? Being near two singers?"
"The girl is easy enough to handle and I have been used to your scent for quite some time now, it is a comfort now" I responded honestly as she chuckled
"I am glad that you like my scent now, that I no longer make you uncomfortable" She said softly as I smiled kissing her forehead "How are the others handling my scent? And hers?"
"The others never had a problem with your scent. Jasper's ability is under better control with the assistance you gave him and our additional feeding." I explained as she chuckled "We will all need to make sure that the new girl does not bleed near us, she smells sweeter to all of us"
"Which will be hard since Bella is the biggest Klutz that I have ever seen, and I have seen quite a few soldiers shoot themselves in the foot on accident" She stated causing me to chuckle at the image
"Indeed, the girl definitely is a safety risk if I have ever seen one" I said in amusement as she chuckled nodding against my chest "Beside that it is easy to ignore her, the others will watch out for any problems"
"I am still a little surprised that you are able to hear her thoughts. I already was coming to terms that there are still plenty of differences between the story and this world" She explained as I furrowed my brow in confusion
"What difference?" I questioned as she sighed turning slightly to look up at me
"You are different, you are especially. You are more laid back, softer than the other version of you. You have a lightness to you" She explained as I smiled touching her face
"That is because of you" I said honestly watching as her eyes widened "Our kind do not change often; it is not in our nature to do so. But we all changed because of what you brought into our lives; you have changed me"
"Oh, so it isn't just the experience but the person that affects you?" She questioned softly in awe
"I am not sure how to explain it. I am sure that had it been someone else, someone without your key character traits it would have affected me different" I explained as she nodded looking throughfall
"You adapt based on the person" She whispered as I smiled in confirmation "that makes sense because a lot of the big differences I see would be due to the character differences between me and Bella. I have a strong character"
"Very strong in comparison to normal humans" I stated in amusement as she chuckled "You are strong willed and compassionate; you are understanding and have strong core values. All of the things that you are affect us, make us want to become better versions of ourselves. You have been making me desire to be the best version of myself, to be that male that you see when you look at me"
"That is actually amazing, that it is the person that causing you to adapt to the changes around you. It makes it so much easier to understand the differences that I am seeing" She said taking a clearly relieved breath "I was so worried that I was forcing the change without meaning to"
"No, your existence alone was all that was needed" I stated softly kissing her forehead "You are an incredible woman. One that had survived so much, everything that I know of and everything that you have yet to reveal. I am in awe of you, everyone knows your worth Liberty. It is impossible not to know you and know that there is light to be found in everything that you are"
"Thank you" She said with a soft smile "that is the nicest thing that anyone has ever told me"
"Then you have been around the wrong people, they didn't deserve you" I whispered immediately knowing that I said something wrong by the way she tensed "Liberty?"
"Can you take me home?" She questioned pulling away and my heart broke at the pained look on her face
"What is wrong?" I asked trying to pull her close stopping when she flinched "Okay, I will take you home"
"Thank you" She said distantly as pain sored through me
I approached her gently picking her up ensuring she was wrapped up in the blanket. I hated the distant look in her eyes. I hated that something I had said had caused it. I knew that she was getting lost in her mind, in her memories. I knew that in this moment that I had accidently mentioned doubt in her mind, due to how much I still didn't know about her.
"Liberty" I whispered as she went to enter her car causing her to pause "Just know that I will always be here for you"
The look she gave me pained me more than I thought I could be hurt. She didn't say anything just entered her car. I followed her home ensuring she didn't get in an accident. She was clearly in a daze, fighting a darkness that I couldn't understand. I hated that she was in pain, and I was unable to help her through it.
I climbed the side of the house entering her room when I heard her breathing even out. I took notice that she seemed more restless and pained in her sleep than I had ever seen before. I hated it, that for once my presence wasn't able to chase away what was haunting her. I knew that I had to give her time. I knew that it wasn't something that I could force, no one was able to force her to do anything.
I had to hide a few times when she bolted up with a silent scream. I wanted to go to her and hold her as she deserved but I knew she was ready. But I was shattering when she curled herself into a ball crying. I broke me to stand there in the shadows of darkness as she was lost in a darkness that I could not understand. I shattered at the sight of her alone in the darkness, that something was affecting her so greatly and I had no clue what was causing such a reaction.
I just hoped that she would learn that she wasn't alone. I wanted her to understand that I was waiting, had been waiting, to hold her close to me and love her as she deserved.