Another week, another post. I need to spend some quality time with these two this week, because I've been working on my contribution for the Babies at the Border compilation. It is a mobward, my first of those, and I'm excited. Here's the summary to get you all excited. It was a bunny I adopted, so my goal is to complete it by March 1st, when I can post it after the compilation is done, and then bring you weekly updates. Check out the facebook page for the group if you want more information on this wonderful cause.

Man of Omerta: Silence. Honor. Humility. This was the world as I knew it. Isabella didn't change this for me, she made it clearer. She became a part of that oath as I spoke the words, because a man who couldn't protect his family, couldn't be trusted to protect the organization. "We settle things like men, amongst men, we don't run to cops like cowards."

Also, random question. If I created a facebook group about my writing, would anyone follow it? I have an oft-neglected blog, but since I'm on facebook daily I feel like it would be a better way to get info out there, but not sure anyone would actually follow it. If you're interested in updates and such, let me know and I might take the plunge! Okay, enough yammering, here's the chapter!

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 7

"Nothing would make me happier," I told her.

I stared at her, amazed that after one beautiful day she was choosing me. There were so many things I wanted to say and do, but one was far more urgent than the rest.

"I need you to be very still," I whispered.

I cradled her head in my hands and moved slowly, capturing her lips with mine. She was warm and inviting, her hands running over my torso and arms. The heat of her body consumed me, drawing me closer still. I was in paradise when the door to my room flew open and I felt a wave of calm hit me. I tore my lips from Bella's long enough to growl at Jasper for interrupting.

"Edward, stop, she couldn't breathe," Alice hissed.

I looked below me, shocked that Bella was pinned beneath me on my bed.

"Bella, I'm so sorry. Are you hurt?"

She shook her head. "I am well."

"Little Queen, we should return to the capitol building. There is a lot that needs to be prepared," Jasper urged.

"When will I see Edward again?"

"Tomorrow morning will be the day you make your choice and then that evening you will be changed," Jasper answered.

"Come here, Bella," I whispered.

She walked into my waiting arms and I smiled as her warmth enveloped me. "All will be well. I will see you in the morning."

Bella walked away from me and I tried to relax. Alice laughed at my pout and I glared at her.

"You were the same when Jasper was looking for Bella, so don't laugh at me."

"And in five days I will have him back and we can have our mating ceremony," she confided.

"I'm surprised you waited," I admitted.

"Father wouldn't let us have our ceremony until the new queen was found. But now my brother and his mate will be the ones to join us."

"I will be honored," I told her.

Alice kept me occupied for the night as we spoke of her and Jasper's plans as a mated couple. Jasper had a small townhome in the city center, near the Royal Residence and they would start their life together there.

"I don't understand why we moved from there? Garrett barely remembers it," Alice wondered.

"It was mom, she didn't like raising us in a place that felt more like a fortress than a home."

"I'm sure you'll enjoy the privacy," Alice winked.

"As will you, you frightening little monster," I teased.

"It is sad to think this is the last night we will all be under the same roof."

I looked to Alice and sighed. "We aren't scattering to the four corners."

"What about Garrett? Will you send him to oversee our territory in the Pacific Northwest?" Alice asked.

"If he wants to explore, but Marcus enjoys the occupation, so as long as he wants to continue, it gives him purpose," I said.

"To survive so long without his mate, I don't know how he has done it. I wouldn't have the strength," Alice whispered.

"Me either."