Chapter Twenty-Seven

Bella

Two years ago almost to the day, I started writing the first page of what I expected to be the most exciting chapter of an interesting and fulfilling life story. That second Thursday in September 2018 was the day I walked away from my childhood and onto a plane that would take me to the city of my dreams. New York, where I could study among like-minded people, and where I planned to have the time of my life. I was sick with nerves about what lay ahead, but the rush I felt when the wheels left the SeaTac runway I imagined could never be topped.

How do I feel now? Edward's declaration that he loves me is mind-blowing. When he kissed me, the feeling was indescribable. The knowledge that a gift that lies within me that has remained dormant for the first twenty years of my life and which could help Edward and his family to defend themselves, quite terrifying.

Is my life more exciting now than that Thursday two years ago? Immeasurably.

Am I scared about my future and Edward's? Undoubtedly.

What happens next? I have absolutely no idea.

Edward asked to come over after we communicated about James being spotted in New Mexico. I told him no. He should be discussing what to do next with his family and friends before involving me. I'll do whatever it takes to aid him and his extended family – he knows that. I just hope my strength and what lies within me will be enough.

I'm slowly getting used to being able to access Edward's thoughts, which I can only do when he's stressed, or he's purposely focussed on me. At other times the only way to describe what I can decipher from a distance is to imagine a TV or radio turned down so low that you can only hear a whisper. Carlisle and Esme are silent to me which in some respects is a good thing. I can't imagine what they think of me now, over and above curiosity, on a physiological or vampiric level.

What am I though? That is the question I've been asking myself since I proved without any doubt that my long-held feeling that I wasn't 'normal' in the usual sense of the word had been validated. I effectively killed this Tanya person/vampire, and could easily have killed Edward, just by some sort of force that radiates from my body. How awesome is that? Looking back, I wish I could've used my powers on Berty. I would have blasted him through the wall of his office and into the parking lot the second he got his dick out. Bleurgh! Maybe this force only shows itself when my life is in danger which is a good thing otherwise I'd be reducing to a pulp anyone who forced me to get out their way on the sidewalk or didn't wait their turn in a line.

According to Kaure, I have my ancestors to thank for my ability/gift/talent. I prefer those descriptions to 'power.' The P-word implies you have it all the time. I don't believe I have. I'm not powerful. I'm just gifted in the presence of vampires ... I think.

Lying on my bed, I don't physically feel different than my usual self. I'm just Bella Swan, a student at Baruch. Socially awkward, slightly immature in some respects, really mature in others, and occasionally stubborn. Put me close to a vampire though, I become more like The Incredible Hulk than She-ra. If Edward told me I'd turned green when I pinned him against the kitchen sink, I'd believe him.

James. Hmmm. He'll become a replacement for Berty in my nightmares, not that I've slept at all since seeing him in Edward's thoughts. An evil-looking fucker who I dearly hope I'll have the pleasure of blasting to Kingdom Come sometime soon. Jesus, Bella. What's happening to you? Aggression is not a good thing. I'm hungry. That's probably why I'm tetchy.

My clock says seven-thirty. I need a shower, and breakfast. Something more sustaining than peanut butter on a bagel this time, in case I'm inclined to smite a few vampires before lunch. Hahahaha!

I take a leisurely hour to get clean and full of scrambled eggs on toast. While I'm choosing what to wear, I spot a message from Emmett on my cell. Rosie's baby is due any day so I hope this is good news.

Hey Bella,

No baby yet. Rosie is fed up and feeling rough though. Her mom isn't well – we think she might have the 'flu bug so we're having to stay away from her, which is sad.

Anyhow, I said I'd look out for a camera for you. The local photographic store is closing down tomorrow. I've been using them since I first met Rosie. The owner is totally trustworthy. He has an amazing second-hand lightweight digital Nikon for sale which has every attachment you could need. Telescopic and wide-angle lenses, that sort of thing. You need to try it out first to see if the balance of the camera suits you. He can do you a deal if you get here fast. Can you jump on a train to Albany today? I'll meet you at the station and take you there. Call me back if you're interested.

If the baby decides to make an appearance I'll have to bail. I'll send you the address so you can get a cab from the station.

E.

Geez. Have I got time to get to Albany before James gets here? Where did Edward say he is? New Mexico. That's about as far away as you can get in the United States. Okay, Arizona and California are just a bit further from New York, but still a long distance. The Cold Ones' description on the internet said they could (allegedly) run incredibly fast. I've experienced that speed for myself when Edward flew up the stairs to Carlisle's apartment. Could they maintain that level of acceleration over long distances though? I'd have to ask Edward first.

But hang on, is it worth me spending my savings on a camera? If James is out to get Edward, he'll have to get past me first. But what if he can get past me? What if he has grown more powerful since Edward locked eyes with him. He's not going to let me get away knowing what I know.

I recall Edward's words when we were in the kitchen. You are who you are, Bella. He's right. I'm Bella Swan, and I have the ambition to be a photojournalist, whether or not I have awesome abilities. Becoming a werewolf hasn't stopped Jake from continuing as a car mechanic, or Sam being a builder. As long as I don't come across any pissed vampires in my professional career, I should be able to pass as a regular human.

My mind's made up. I'm an independent woman. As long as James isn't closing in on the city in the next few hours, I'm traveling to Albany.

I'd best check with Edward first though.

Edward

Carlisle remains in the room when I answer the call from Alice. I put her on speaker even though this isn't necessary.

"You've seen him, I guess," I say before she has a chance to say hello.

"Yes. How do you know."

"Eleazar beat you to it this time. One of The Guard called him. What do you know?"

"Not a lot, yet. There are five of them. He's picked up a guy and a girl on his travels. They both look very young in human years. I've no idea how long they've been vampires, but I'd guess they are Newborns. I do know they've been feasting on migrants crossing the border. Easy pickings. Their victims won't be missed by anyone apart from the people they left behind."

"Is that where they were spotted."

"Yep, close to Las Cruces, early yesterday morning. There's a coven not far away which is where they were heading. The Guard warned the guys there that James was in the vicinity. They've cleared out and headed north."

"So what can you see? When are they getting to New York?"

"I can't tell. James has created a fog around himself that is difficult to penetrate. The others are easy to spot now but they are following his orders. Not thinking for themselves in other words. The earliest they could get to you would be early tomorrow morning I'd estimate. The land he's crossing is not exactly built up, so until they reach Ohio heading east, they'll be crossing farmland or wilderness ninety-nine percent of the time.

"What do you suggest I do?"

"Well, that depends on whether you want him to confront you in the city. I'm telling Carlisle and Esme that they must close the clinic and get out. There's no point either of them being in the line of fire."

Carlisle responds to Alice's last comment.

"I'm not leaving Edward, Alice."

We both hear Alice huff before she lays into him.

"Carlisle! There is absolutely no point in you playing the hero. If Edward is able to put up some sort of resistance to James's ability, the last thing he'll want is you nearby as he'll end up protecting you instead of just protecting himself. Do Edward a favor and disappear. If James prevails and takes possession of Edward's mind, then you'll have your chance to fight James at a later date. For once, listen to me."

"She's right, Carlisle," I cut in. "I'll be able to focus more on defending myself against James with you two out the way."

Carlisle groans and puts his head in his hands. He knows we're right. He is also imagining what his future would be without me, or Alice, or Esme. He nods his head in agreement.

"Good," Alice says, even though she can't see either of us. "So what about Bella?" she says next.

"Bella has agreed to help," I reply. "I haven't told her much about James. She's still coming to terms with what she can do, which I wouldn't have believed if I hadn't felt it myself. I don't know what she is, Alice. The force within her is phenomenal.

"I don't know either. Believe me, I'm doing my best to find out. The only person who might know is Aro. He may have heard about humans like Bella before, but I would be wary of alerting him as he may regard her as a threat to his superiority. He's still under the illusion that he's the most powerful being in the world. I don't think this is the right time to burst that bubble."

I laugh at that. I've never met Aro, but from what I've heard from others, he's also the vainest person on the planet.

"I agree, but Alice, you mentioned seeing a farm when you've had visions about James. The leaves are starting to change color. Has this any relevance now?"

"I'm not sure. I'll keep you updated on that. Have you any plans to go out of town?"

"No."

"Would you prefer to face James in the city or out in the open?"

"I haven't really thought about that. I suppose in the open would be better. Less chance of being observed."

"So how have you left it with Bella?"

"I haven't had a chance to talk to her. She's in her apartment. I'll go over when she calls me."

"Okay. I'll be in touch, and Carlisle," Alice shouts

"Yes," Carlisle replies.

"Get out … now!"

Alice hangs up. Carlisle shrugs his shoulders. I look towards Bella's window for inspiration. Nothing. I can't break into her thoughts. I actually miss her glow. Not the arrows.

"You'd better go," I tell Carlisle. "Put a note on the clinic door. 'Closed for deep cleaning,' something like that. I'd prefer it if you left, and I don't want you to tell me which way you go. James won't be able to force that out of me if he takes control."

Carlisle stands and comes towards me. I stand and we hug. Reality hits me like a hammer. This could be the last time Carlisle sees me. I could be dead by this time tomorrow. Selfishly, I'm relieved that I won't know Carlisle and Esme's ends if the worst happens to me first.

Not long after Carlisle goes downstairs, I hear Esme arguing with him. She doesn't want to walk away from New York or me. Carlisle is insisting. I'm tempted to intervene but I don't. Parting with Carlisle was bad enough. Saying goodbye to Esme would just about finish me. Instead, I jump down both sets of stairs and head out the door onto the street, without my coat again. I need to get away, just for a couple of hours. The imminent confrontation with James, falling in love with Bella, and parting with my adoptive parents, have all happened too fast for me to get my head around. I need to wallow in a sparkling pool again, but not to protect me from Bella this time.

I head for Central Park. New Yorkers are waking up to another Thursday in Covid Land. Thankfully for me, the sky is covered by a thin layer of cloud. No beautiful dawn this morning to expose my sparkling skin. Five-twenty-five. Thirty-five minutes to the park opening. I'm not going to wait. When no one is around, I vault over the high railings onto soft ground where I stop and listen for the thoughts of the Park Rangers. No one is close by so I step onto the footpath and run towards the pond close to the nature sanctuary. Soon the joggers and dog walkers will swarm in and tranquillity will be lost. I find a spot where I can sit with my back against a tree where I sink into wonderland.

Bella

I try calling Edward's cell. No reply. Weird. I go over to the window. There are people on the sidewalk outside the clinic but the lights haven't come on yet. I realize then that they are reading a sign fixed to the door after which they either shrug their shoulders and walk away or yell abuse at the building. I can't read what the sign says from up here but I'm guessing Carlisle has closed up for the day because of the news about James.

I'm just about to turn away when I spot Edward on foot turning the corner with Lexington. When he sees what's happening on the sidewalk he crosses to my side of the street, but instead of heading for my door, he disappears down the alley no doubt to avoid being spotted by an irate patient. I rush to the back of the apartment to open the kitchen window for him. I don't have to wait long before he dives headfirst onto the counter before flipping in the air to land at my feet.

"What's for breakfast, honey," he says and takes me in his arms. "Mmmmm, you smell good," he whispers before kissing me on my neck, and then my jaw, before resting on my lips. He brushes my hair away from my face and looks into my eyes.

"I'm totally in control now," he says. "No more Mr. Bad Guy."

"Shame," I reply as I slide my hands across his chest. "I quite liked Mr. Bad Guy, until he growled at me."

"Really? So tell me, Miss Swan, what did you like best about Mr. Bad Guy?"

"His kisses, and …"

Edward doesn't let me finish. His mouth closes over mine and I melt into his arms. His right hand grips the back of my head while his left works its way down to just below my waist. He's thinking whether he dare go any further. I want him to. Maybe if I think that …

"Miss Swan!"

Yeah! It's working.

Edward lifts me off my feet. I presume I'm going on the counter again but no. He carries me into my room where he places me on the bed.

How far, Miss Swan, he thinks.

We might be dead tomorrow, Mr. Bad Guy. Take a guess.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

I'll try not to hurt you.

You … hurt me? I think it's the other way around now.

Edward laughs as he pulls his shirt over his head, revealing his pale, hairless torso. He slides on the bed next to me and kisses me on the mouth, and then on the neck. I feel him tense for a brief second as his lips rest on my skin. My heart pounds in my chest. This must be torture for him. He continues downward onto my shoulders before he pulls my t-shirt off my head. I'm not wearing anything underneath. He looks at me and whispers, 'beautiful.'

I thought I'd be embarrassed, but I'm not. I feel totally comfortable in Edward's arms. Cold, silk-like skin on his unforgiving body is strange to touch but that doesn't stop me. I've never been in this position with a man before. I guess cold skin is preferable to caressing someone who is hot and sweaty.

He pulls the rest of our clothes off easily so now we're naked. I don't get the chance to take a look at more of his body before he's on top of me.

"Have you … before?" he says aloud rather than think.

"No," I reply. "Can you get me pregnant?" I ask.

"Shit!" he groans. "Highly unlikely but a possibility."

"Angie's room. Elliot keeps condoms in the top drawer of the nightstand."

"Thank Christ for that," he says and is out of the bedroom and back literally in a flash, but not too fast that I can't get a good look at him. Holy hell! I'm going to die a happy woman."

"Foreplay?" he asks.

"Life's too short," I respond and wrap my legs around his hips. As he pushes inside of me I shriek with pleasure, and then laugh at my 'life's too short' comment, as that doesn't apply to Edward if you take James out of the equation.

No more words are required. Our minds become one. I lose myself in him as we exult in each other's bodies. Edward takes me to a world I know nothing about. I'm overjoyed that he's the one who is teaching me. Even though I've had no one to compare him with, he's an expert, and I learn so much about intimacy. He towers over me as he moves. I run my hands across his chest and around his neck so I can bury my fingers in his hair, an action I imagined doing in the library yesterday when I stroked his picture. As he builds to a climax, I can tell he's fighting to stay in control, but this time he's winning the battle. The moment he releases in me he shreds my pillow with his grip before he collapses onto his side and pulls me close.

We lie quietly together for a while, listening to sounds coming from the street and the bumps, creaks and taps that emanate from inside the building, while feathers float in the light breeze that's found its way through my top window. Our thoughts are much the same. Where do we go from here? An immortal vampire and a debatably human girl. Even without the James problem, our future is limited. I feel like weeping at the tragedy as I've already read in Edward's head that he will not consider turning me into a vampire.

I love being close to Edward in the most intimate of ways, but after a while, I can't stop myself from shivering. Edward instantly moves away and apologizes.

"I'm sorry, I forgot," he says as he tries to cover me with the edge of the quilt.

"Easy mistake to make," I joke. "Have all your previous girlfriends been vampires?"

"Errr … yes."

"So I'm the first warm one."

"You're not warm, Bella. I would class you as exceedingly hot … and passionate … and wonderful. I can't believe how lucky I am to have found you."

"Likewise, but you and I know this isn't forever, Edward. I'm already over three years older than you. I can't stop my aging process and I know you're determined not to change me. Our relationship is not going to end well. You know that."

"Would you want to be a vampire, Bella?"

"I don't know. Certainly not while my father is alive. He's in his fifties. He could have another forty years ahead of him which would make me sixty when he passes. I'm not such an attractive option at that age."

"I'm a hundred and nineteen, Bella. Age is just a number. If we can get past James, something will work out. I know it."

I lean across the gap between us to stroke Edward's face. His confidence is admirable, but both he and I know they are empty words. I'm mortal, he isn't. End of story.

"So, what are your plans for today, Bella?" he asks, purposely breaking into my morbid thoughts.

I roll onto my back. What was I going to do today? There was something … shit.

"Emmett!"

"Who the hell is Emmett?"

"A guy I've got to know from college. He's found an ace camera for me at his local store that's closing down. He sent me a text this morning. It means going to Albany on the train where he'll pick me up. Do you think I've time to go before James shows up?"

"Albany? Does he live in the town?" Edward has rolled onto his side so he's looking down on me.

"No, he's lives close to his parents-in-law. They run a farm up there."

"A farm!" Edward exclaims like it's something unusual.

"What's so weird about running a farm? New York State is full of farms."

"There's something I haven't told you, but only because I haven't had the opportunity. I'm not going to hide anything from you anymore, Bella. Do you remember I told you I have a sister called Alice?"

"Yeeeeess."

"Well, she has an ability, but different to mine. She can see the future. While I was in Alaska, she saw me facing up to James on a farm. I told you I have a friend who lives close to Albany. I mentioned him at the airport."

"You helped him with his tax return."

"Well, that was actually BS. He's a good friend. I went there to talk to him about you. That doesn't matter now. Alice said the farm she saw was not Liam's farm, so I'm guessing Emmett's farm is where this is all going to kick off."

"If you stay in New York, that will discount Alice's vision though, won't it?"

"I don't want to stay in New York. It would be better if I'm somewhere isolated when I face up to James. Ordinary folks shouldn't be anywhere close to where vampires are fighting. If power has gone to James's head, I doubt whether he'll care if he leaves a trail of destruction behind him."

"Okay, but would we be taking danger towards Emmett and his wife, Rosie. She's heavily pregnant. Her mother's ill, so I'm guessing her father is too. That's not fair."

"We won't go near any of the farm buildings. I promise you that. I'll call Liam and tell him what's happening. You text Emmett. Find out where the store is. I can get Liam to pick us up from the station. Emmett doesn't have to be involved if we handle this right."

"How will James know where you are though. You'd be easy to find here, but not upstate."

"I don't know, Bella. I just have to rely on Alice's vision that he does find me."

Edward picks his pants off the floor but knows straight away what he's done.

"Damn. I left my cell in the apartment. I'll have to go back. Give me fifteen minutes to have a shower. I'll come in through the door this time.

I watch him get dressed which is a pleasant experience. After he's gone I text Emmett.

Hey, Emmett, just send me the shop's address. I'd rather you stay with Rosie today. Can you tell the store owner I'm coming? Thanks for the tip. I'm really grateful. I'll text you to let you know how I get on. B.

Emmett texts back with the address when I'm having my second shower of the morning, adding ...

Rosie's not feeling too good. I've got a horrible feeling she's got the bug, and she's really uncomfortable – we think the baby could be coming too. Will keep you posted. E.

Talk about everything happening at once. You couldn't make this up.

Edward

Three patients accost me on the sidewalk before I can get into my apartment. The sign on the door says that the clinic is closed due to a family emergency. No other details. I tell them that they'll have to go to a hospital if they really feel sick as I'm unable to dispense medicines without Carlisle or Esme present. They go away grumbling.

I call Liam and tell him what's happening. He's heard from Alice about James so at least that isn't a surprise. He agrees to pick us up from Albany and says he's looking forward to meeting Bella. I decide now isn't the time to tell him about Bella's ability. I'll text him the bare details when we're on the train.

After a shower, I check the weather forecast on the TV. Cloudy morning, brighter later. Shit! I would not normally venture out the door on days like this. Too dangerous. There's no way I can get away with wearing my thick coat either. I'll have to be creative with my clothing choices and cover my face as much as possible with a mask, sunglasses, and a tinted shield, and keep my hands in my pockets. Do-able, but risky.

I wait by the window until the sidewalk is clear before leaping down the stairs and onto the street. Damn! Kaure is at the window. Ah well, there's nothing much I can do about that. My problem with her is just a pimple on the ass of my larger problem. I wave, blow her a kiss, and proceed over the street to press Bella's buzzer. When the door releases and I go in, Kaure is waiting to accost me in the lobby where she shakes her fists at me.

"Demonio!" she spits. I'm tempted to bare my teeth and growl back at her but I don't. I go over to her instead and speak in a calm voice.

"I know my kind are demons in your world, Kaure, but believe me, I'm not going to harm Bella. I'm in awe of her and will do everything I can to protect her. I'm not your enemy, Kaure. I only feast on the wicked."

"Huh!" she scoffs before she disappears behind her door, slamming it hard. I fly up the stairs, eager to be with Bella again. She opens the door wrapped in a towel. I have difficulty controlling myself until I notice finger marks on her arm where I gripped her in bed. I'm mortified.

"I bruise easily," Bella says as she whips off her towel to show me more marks on her thighs and her ass.

"Holy crap, Bella. I'm so sorry."

Bella laughs and heads for her room. I'm tempted to watch her getting dressed but instead head for the kitchen where I get under the sink to repair the damage from where I gripped it to stay this side of the window. When Bella says she's ready, we head out and keep to the shady side of the street until we get to Lexington where Bella hails a cab to the station. It's not far to walk, but already blue sky is peeping through the clouds so I daren't chance getting caught in the morning sun.

We buy return tickets in the hope we'll have the opportunity to use them. To buy singles would be to admit defeat. We don't have long to wait for the train to Albany. When we're settled, I text Liam with a brief description of Bella's ability. I get a two-word response – 'Feck Off!'

We wait under the station's canopy until I spot Liam's Subaru heading in our direction. The sun is out fully now and I'm nervous. My hands and the back of my neck which is partially covered by a turned-up collar would give me away if I'm more than a few seconds in direct sunlight. Liam leans over to push the front passenger door open. I sprint across the sidewalk and dive in while Bella walks over at a more leisurely place before climbing in the back. The vehicle has tinted windows so once I'm inside I relax.

Liam puts his foot on the gas without waiting for introductions. Bella is flung back in her seat as the vehicle accelerates at G-Force velocity.

"Wait 'til I get my seat belt on," Bella yells at Liam. "I'm breakable, remember."

Liam takes his foot off the gas and apologizes. "Sorry, Ma'am. I forgot."

"Seems to be a habit with vampires," Bella responds in a joking way.

"I'll speed up when we're away from Albany. Cambridge is a fair distance but I promise I'll get you there in one piece. Where do your friends live?"

"I'm not sure. I don't even know Rosie's family name so can't tell you exactly where."

"Rosie? Is she tall and blonde? Absolutely fecking gorgeous?"

Bella laughs. "Yes, and very pregnant at the moment. I met her husband through college."

"Lucky guy. Every farmer's son would've given their right arm to marry Rosie. I remember hearing about the wedding. There were more guys crying in the congregation than girls. I know the farm. I borrowed a bull from her father to service my stock. He's a good guy."

"What's the name of the farm," I ask.

"Trinity, after the college, or the Holy Trinity. I've never asked.

We get to Cambridge after a quick but uneventful drive and find the music store easily. Bella tells me to stay in the car with Liam. The sun is blazing now so there is no other option. We drop her off outside and find somewhere shady to park legally. While Bella is gone, I tell Liam all I know about her ability and why she presumed her actions killed Tanya, and then I describe what she did to me in the kitchen. I've never seen Liam lost for words before. Being Irish, he'd definitely kissed the Blarney Stone before he left for America, so this is a first. A text from Alice interrupts our conversation. She wants to know what's going on. I text back that I'll be with Liam for the next few hours and I'd call her later. That leads me on to telling Liam about Alice's vision that James would catch up with me on a farm, but not his farm.

After half an hour, Bella texts me to say she's got the camera and to come back to pick her up. As Liam fires up the engine, it occurs to me that something momentous will have to happen in the next hour. Bella and I are meant to be here, so whatever is going to stop us from returning to New York City will have to happen soon. While I'm trying to imagine what it could be, Liam pulls up outside the shop and Bella jumps in. She's holding a large box and she's smiling.

"Happy?" I ask.

"Delirious," she replies. "The camera is the one I've always wanted at just over half the price. I can take awesome photos with this. I must call Emmett and thank him."

She pulls her cell from her pocket and hits the call button. I hold my breath as I sense this is it. What happens next is not what I expected though.

Hey Emmett, I've got the camera. Thanks so much, I …."

I can hear Emmett on the other end. It sounds like he's crying.

"Bella, I can't talk. Rosalie's gone downhill really fast. She's having difficulty breathing. The baby's coming and I can't get a doctor to come out to her, or an emergency ambulance because I stupidly said I suspected she's got the virus. She's too far gone for me to take her to the hospital in the car. I'm scared I'm going to lose her and the baby."

Bella looks at me. I nod in agreement.

"Emmett, I'm with a doctor right now. We're on our way. Give me directions to your house. If anyone can save Rosie, he can."

Liam slams the Subaru into drive when he hears the address, spins the car in the opposite direction, and floors the gas pedal.

"Ever delivered a baby, Edward," he asks.

"Nope! But there's a first time for everything."

I can almost hear you guys working out what's going to happen next, and I suspect most of you will be right. I'm hoping I've kept a few surprises up my sleeve though.

James is on his way. Eeeek!

Joan x