A/N Hey everyone, Okay I guess I'm spoiling you this week but I had some great news and it seems I've got the new job I want and start next week. I'm pretty excited but I still wanted to get some time aside for all of you and you've all been so great with my updating and letting me know what you all think so I've got this chapter to you early. Once again this chapter isn't Beta read so any and all mistakes are my fault and I do hope it doesn't spoil my writing for you guys. While I can't promise I really will try over the next few days to get another chapter up, don't worry though while I'm sure starting a new job is going to kick my ass I'll be sure to still get a chapter a week to you all. So I hope you all enjoy Chapter Eleven, I know a few of you have made comments about the storm that is coming. While I don't want to spoil anything for you I think it be a wise choice to invest in some raincoats guys, the weatherman has predicted storms coming our way ;)
Once again make sure you all Check out TrillionSchiffer's stories some of his readers are already finding my work and its great hearing from them. So welcome to any newcomers and all my regulars I'm so happy your still with me. Anyway I'll leave you to your reading.
RED DAWN
SUMMARY: Edward had always warned Bella that the pack were dangerous. Hostile, volatile and aggressive in nature. She ignored him, testing even Edward's own vampire instinct by staying friends with his enemy, Jacob. One event will change them all, Bella never truly understood the supernatural world. Didn't understand the aggression that lay dormant even in her controlled mate until it was too late. Warning: Violence and Character death.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns Twilight and all the Characters.
Chapter Eleven
"Alice I am not going to change" Bella said a little past her own patients for Alice's normal high energy and exuberance when it came to clothes and trying to style Bella. Bella certainly didn't like being treated like she was some life sized doll for Alice's amusement.
"I'm comfortable in these. I doubt anything you try and put me in will improve how I look anyway" Bella said honestly, her face and neck covered in the dried stitched wounds now.
They looked awful. Bella had seen when she'd left the room this morning in the light of day just how her injuries were healing. She'd believed the injuries had looked bad but when she'd looked them over even closely after breakfast this morning she'd felt like she'd been hit in the gut with just how horrible they looked in the light of day. It hadn't helped Renee's constant pushing to talk about surgery, while Bella understood her mother meant well it had dampened her once giddy mood.
As soon as Bella had finally joined, both Charlie and Renee at the small kitchen table to grab herself some breakfast, Renee never one to be subtle about her opinion had lunged right into it. She'd commented on it bluntly and while Bella knew it wasn't in any way supposed to be seen as hurtful towards her, it had done that all the same. Having Renee comment on her poor beautiful face made Bella's stomach twist it had been the reason she'd left her half eaten bowl of cereal to go upstairs once she found a good enough excuse to leave. Bella hadn't had much of an appetite after that anyway, while she loved her mother she have much preferred Charlie's approach to the entire thing. She'd been thankful to his attempts to silence Renee about any issues with what the next steps were.
Bella understood that to Renee this was something that needed to be fixed. She knew that her mother wanted her to be happy and Bella was surprised to learn that her mother was slightly snobbish about appearance. She'd never noticed before. To Renee, Bella could only have a happy and normal life if she had the surgery to remove the scarring that would be on her body. Charlie had done his best to try and play interference but while he'd been openly more affectionate and talkative about those harder issues, he was still very much her silent none hovering father. It hadn't helped with her already growing insecurities about it. The thought of seeing more flawlessly beautiful woman who weren't paired off like those she knew, being around her and Edward she couldn't help that little thought that came to mind. The little voice that told her that Edward having Bella standing beside these unknown immortal beauties would finally see the truth.
She knew she couldn't let her fears get to her, not when Edward seemed to be moving forward in his own fears for her so they could be together. She'd need to talk to him. Bella knew that they'd need to talk about so much. They'd both made it clear the night before that they were together no matter what.
It wasn't going to excuse those feelings though, that they'd both felt before everything had blown up around them. They weren't essentially avoiding it but while they had both needed to simply be happy in the reunion she was at least mature enough to see they'd have to talk. That while they had touched on some of the issues that had been created from not communicating and making assumptions they'd still need to talk. She'd needed to understand how Edward had felt, and she'd finally needed to explain how she'd felt. It all just tied her stomach in knots and made her want to hide away from the world with Edward in her bedroom like they had last night. She didn't think it was the solution though. She'd tried not to think about his anger in the hospital and while they'd both apologised his anger was still in there somewhere just as she knew the hurt was inside her. Edward had opened the door to be more honest and have truthful communication last night when he'd revealed so much about the inner workings of the pack and the council. She hoped now that she'd be able to be just as brave as him and open up too. Bella had finally had her eyes opened to some of the deep hurt that she'd not allowed herself to see Edward carrying. She wouldn't let herself do that to them again over her injuries, she could trust him.
It was time for them to have a more adult and mature healthy relationship.
"Bella that's silly you look great I just think with the right style you could look amazing" Alice waved her hand over her shoulder as she continued looking through Bella's wardrobe. While Alice was honest in her opinion she knew she wouldn't really force Bella to change. She was playing her part for now while he brother spoke with Charlie and Renee.
"Alice, just stop okay. I have a mirror, I've seen how I look" Bella said the frustration getting to her and even feeling upset now as her eyes watered and she sat down on the end of her bed looking at Alice.
"You're beautiful Bella. I wish you could see that. I'd kill to look like you, to have long hair like yours that slightly rosy colour to your cheeks. It's no surprise Edward's so taken with you. Let's not forget you've actually got curves" Alice arched an eyebrow as Bella scoffed at her shaking her head and looking towards the door wishing that Edward had come up to get her instead of Alice. But she doubted Charlie would have left them up here all that long, or perhaps his shift in opinion on Edward might have allowed them to be here. She needed to give Edward his wallet, she knew that Renee had more than likely either mentioned it subtly by now or Edward had seen her thoughts instantly and known. She hoped it didn't make him change his mind on holding her beneath the sheets at night.
"You're crazy Alice, you are beautiful. Alice I'm plain I know that. Now with these..." Bella waved towards her face and neck, then even tugging on her shirt a little outwards and grimacing at the thought of anyone seeing her body beneath the shirt and its marks.
"I'm just glad that Edward doesn't seem to be completely disgusted by them and is still willing to be seen with me" Bella huffed moving her hand covered sleeve up to her face to wipe at the beginning of tears escaping her eyes. Alice moved to Bella then, and sitting beside her on her bed slipping an arm around her shoulders nudging her a little with her side.
"Of course Edward doesn't see them like that. He loves you Bella. You could have an extra limb, horrible overbite and a hunchback and he'd love you the same. These marks are still healing, and even then when they scar they won't be forever Bella. One day you'll be one of us, the change will make these fade and then you'll be beautiful if not more than the rest of us" Alice said trying to reassure her friend.
Alice hated Bella's lack of self esteem and often found it hard to understand where a pretty young girl had gained such a lack of self esteem from. She always compared herself and found herself lacking against anyone she decided to measure herself too but her view was highly skewered and biased against herself. Alice found it very upsetting in all reality of Bella's view on herself worth, it had been one of the reasons behind Alice's attempts to change the style of clothing Bella wore. In an attempt to somehow make her feel more comfortable and fashionable she'd hoped to give Bella a boost her own opinion of herself. Alice wondered if that would simply be a battle she'd have to entrust solely to Edward however. It seemed Bella only even remotely felt beautiful when it was Edward telling her so.
"In the last year you've matured so much. You may not see it but we all do. Edward especially, you've become more womanly in your figure and we've all enjoyed how it's tormented my brother. I was changed before I had that chance. I'm thankful everyday for Jasper and that he sees me as beautiful even though I'm not nearly as womanly as other's of our kind. Also my burden of having short hair, though I've certainly made it work for me" Alice said with a smile and face that made Bella grin back at her, the thought of her body tormenting Edward it pleased her knowing that the other Cullen's would know in ways she'd never understand what Edward felt. Especially with Jasper who could feel the emotions someone had.
"I'd kill to have the body that you do. Hips and boobs, could you imagine all the types of clothes I could add to my collection with assets like yours" Alice wiggled her eyes earning a peel of a giggle from Bella at that as she shook her head.
"Don't you mean Rosalie's assets?" Bella said teasingly knowing all too well that Rosalie was a blonde bombshell. It still shocked her that Rosalie the most beautiful woman Bella had ever seen was originally created intended with the purpose of being Edward's mate, the fact Edward had rejected her still amazed Bella.
"Oh please I wouldn't know where to even begin with a body like that" Alice laughed with a slight shake of her head as she pursued her lips.
"Just, please Bella don't let this get you down. You are a beautiful woman, Edward is lucky to have you and the scars. They aren't forever and even if they were it wouldn't change anything. You'd still be beautiful, that hasn't gone away because of these injuries" Alice said seriously then kissing her best friend on the cheek softly as Bella leant her head down to rest it slightly on Alice's small shoulder sighing gently.
"Thank you Alice. I guess I'm nervous about meeting Kate and Tanya. Two, single beautiful succubus's who want Edward" Bella said a little too harshly at the end. Bella had heard in the past all the teasing from Emmet about the Denali sister's and their sexually aggressive nature and the way in which they'd once pursued the man who Bella knew belonged to her.
"Please Bella don't even worry about it. Kate and Tanya are family. Yes they wanted him but don't for a second think they still do. Mating to our kind is sacred Bella. Tanya was always the more aggressive when it came to Edward, she didn't like the idea that a man could turn her down. It was more about the chase than anything else. She was thrilled when we told her Edward had found you." Alice explained as best she could to make Bella see that the two remaining sisters were in no way a threat to her or that they desired in any way to come between Bella and Edward.
"You made your claim on Edward all too clear anyway" Alice giggled as Bella turned her head away from Alice's shoulder to look at her confused, the question clear in her expressive chocolate brown eyes.
"We were all awaiting Edward's arrival back home this morning. Let's just say our sense of smell gives us a little idea of what took place here last night. While it was clear you didn't have sex, it was also very clear there had been a lot of lust between you too. We could smell you all over him, could smell the lust pouring away from Edward still. When you're like us, you'll see I'm surprised Edward could even pull himself away from you. When the scents of two mated vampires are merged like that they're normally insatiable and can't help but want one another. So when Edward came home this morning rumpled clothing, smiling and covered in your scent it was clear to any person in our family that he belonged to you" Alice told Bella watching as her cheeks heated slightly as she blushed that pretty shade of pink that was completely Bella from the embarrassment of Edward's family all knowing she'd been aroused. It made her feel good too though because it was more proof of Edward's needs too, more proof behind the very experience she'd shared with him the night before.
"We only kissed" Bella said a little defensively while not knowing why she needed to defend anything that Edward and she decided to do within the privacy of her own bedroom.
"I'm sure you did. I had a vision of the two of you" Alice caught the shocked and disturbed face on Bella, quickly realising what she may have interpreted what Alice had said in another way.
"No, nothing like that. I saw you both lying together. Edward looked like he was sleeping. Relaxed it was nice to see. You both looked so peaceful and content. You deserve that the both of you" Alice said then standing up from Bella's bed and offering her a hand.
"I have worried over the both of you for so long. And I know I've interfered many times when I shouldn't have. Or even when I didn't and I should have stepped in. For a long time I've lived in what I have seen coming instead of living in the now. While I hate struggling to see anything it's giving me the chance to stop living in, what should be and start living in, what is. I'm happy though, that you two have come together. I can't promise to know what the future holds for us Bella but I have to believe there is happiness for us somewhere in it. Trials are intended to test us. To push us harder then we believe we can handle. You and Edward have been tested so harshly, I can only believe that it'll make you both strong enough to have all the happiness you deserve" Alice said even then while believing it there was fear and Bella could see it in her friends eyes, Alice with her visions failing her for the first time in her existence. The thing that had once given her all the hope to find not only Jasper but the diet and family she'd learn to love unconditionally. It seemed Alice believed even now that there was reason behind her being tested, behind why now when her family needed her most her gift was failing her.
"Thank you Alice" Bella whispered smiling at her, feeling a great comfort in being able to spend some time with Alice to just talk and not feel worried about what she'd think of what she said. Alice would always be the best of friend Bella could have found, a sister in most respects.
"Let's not leave Edward with your parents for too long shall we. Plus it's time for you to meet our extended family. I know they are all very much looking forward to meeting you finally" Alice finished as Bella took Alice's hand nodding a little more confidently. She was still nervous and was worried about meeting these other animal drinking vampires, but she'd trusted what Alice said. And Bella knew that if Alice said that the others were no threat to the relationship she had with Edward, her insecurities would just have to step aside. Edward was hers.
"Let's go then" Bella said grabbing her jacket and making sure to take Edward's wallet to give back to him.
An awkward silence had surrounded Edward, Charlie and Renee after they'd spoken about his desire to ask Bella to marry him. While Edward had been grateful for them both being accepting of his intention to ask for Bella's hand in marriage. He could still see that Renee was a little bit concerned about the age. Renee didn't want Bella making the same mistakes she had and yet she could tell that both Bella and Edward really did love each other. She'd been excited about what type of wedding her daughter would want but Edward knew Bella well enough that if she was to agree to be his wife that she'd not want anything large. He could give her anything she wanted but he knew Bella and knew that she'd want something small and simple. Which would be perfect considering the situation they found themselves in, there was no possible way they could hope to have the wedding in Forks. Edward truly hoped that all would work out but he knew the likelihood of Bella being married in Forks wasn't a likely possibility, which he wasn't sure would upset her or not. Too many threats and he knew they couldn't even begin to think about setting up a wedding until after everything was dealt with. They'd have to leave soon after they'd dealt with both the pack and Victoria.
Edward had been thankful when Alice had finally come back down the stairs with Bella behind her as he'd moved quickly to join them, smiling at Alice as she rolled her eyes knowingly at him and Edward took Bella into his arms.
"I missed you" Edward whispered against her ear as he kissed her cheek with Bella's arms tighten around his neck. They lingered there for a moment holding each other when Edward could hear the excited thoughts of Renee behind him. Even with her concern about marrying too young Renee a wistful romantic at heart couldn't deny the effortless beautiful love that seemed to surround them both. Especially when they were so free with their affection towards each other, it made her miss home and her husband, Phil.
"He's definitely already asked her. They're so head over heels I really hope they know what they're both doing. Hopefully she'll have the surgery before they set a date, wouldn't want her day to be remembered with those scars on her face..." Edward found himself growing slightly aggravated with the way Renee thought about Bella's injuries. He hoped Renee, not usually known for her tact hadn't said things like that to Bella directly. While he knew she wasn't being cruel it was easy to see how her saying something like that around Bella would harm Bella's already fragile self esteem.
"I missed you too. My mom found your wallet. Must have dropped it, she doesn't seem too bothered though" Bella said in a whisper. Slipping one arm around from around Edward's neck and reaching into her jacket pocket to take out Edward's wallet, and trying to hand it off to him without anyone noticing.
"Yes I saw" Edward said knowingly his eyes while a little humoured by it now but also sorry he'd put her in the position to explain it away. He knew things may have gone a little differently in the kitchen moments ago had it been Charlie who had found it.
"I'm sorry love. I'll be sure to not forget it next time" Edward told her as he slipped his wallet into his jeans after taking it from Bella, pressing his lips once more to her cheek smiling down at her.
"Next time?" Bella asked a little breathy.
"Well I thought we could make last night a more permanent part of your nightly routine" Edward crookedly grinned at his mate. His one hand still rested on her hip almost possessively now, as he moved some of Bella's hair behind her ear. Leaning down to press his lips firm and smooth against her soft and plump lips, sighing as Bella melted into his touch and kiss.
While the kiss was passionate and promised for much more as Edward's fingers smoothly caressed behind Bella's ear and moved into her hair. While Bella gripped at the front of his shirt, it wasn't as filled with heat as the kisses of the previous night had contained, but still much more then the chaste kisses they had shared in the past. While they had openly been more affectionate now in front of people then they had ever been before, it was clear that something had shifted in the dynamic of the relationship. Public displays of affection had never been either of them and added with the constant worry about his control he'd never dared getting carried away as to be caught acting more like a teenager. The sound of a throat being cleared pulled both Edward and Bella away from each other then. While Edward could see who it was he couldn't help the slight nervousness as he turned, Edward and Bella slightly embarrassed to see the slightly perturbed Charlie. Bella ducked her head into Edward's chest blushing and worried how her father would react to seeing them kiss. She didn't believe that Charlie had ever seen Edward and her do anything more than hug or hold hands so she wasn't sure how he'd react. Renee and Alice however had no problem giggling between themselves at both Bella and Edward getting a little carried away in their kiss and Charlie's disturbed reaction and annoyance at seeing it.
"Real glad you two have worked out whatever was up" Charlie's moustache twitched slightly as he furrowed his brow pointing between the two.
"I'm not a big fan of this though. Keep it to yourselves please" Charlie said but there was a humour there and Bella smiled at her father. Seeing that while he'd admitted to not wanting to see them kiss he'd at least not reacted in a way that she believed in the past he would have done by likely forbidding them from kissing anywhere. She was starting to see that her dad was beginning to see her as more of an adult and the relationship she was in as a more mature one then simply being two teenagers fooling around.
"We should be heading out anyway" Alice said inserting herself into the conversation and situation, to bring about getting them back to the Cullen home. She'd been a little on edge more so then usual with being away from her own mate Jasper. Ever since her visions had been so unpredictable, she rarely saw anything and hadn't taken the attack on the Denali's well she'd been sticking close to Jasper's side ever since not wanting him alone.
"That's right, we shouldn't keep them waiting. I'll see you both later?" Bella said slipping her hand into Edward's as he smiled down at her, Bella addressing both her parents it was strange to her still seeing Renee in this house. The house they'd once lived in all together when she'd been a newborn baby pretty much, she wondered if her mother had noticed how little had changed over the years or even how this was effecting her father who she still believed wasn't completely over Renee.
"I've gotta head into the station for a couple hours but I'll be back before you get home, I'm sure" Charlie said with a firm nod then turning to Edward.
"You take care of my girl. I don't want any more accidents. I'd say forever but we both know how prone Bella is to them so let's keep them to a minimum for now" Charlie said as Bella shook her head at him Edward grinned nodding his head in agreement. If he could he'd make sure Bella never came to any type of harm ever again for the rest of their lives together. Soon enough she'd no longer be so fragile, though he couldn't tell Charlie that.
"Yeah real funny Dad thanks" Bella said sarcastically glaring at him slightly.
"I might see what Forks has to offer" Renee said with clear enough tone that stated to everyone she doubted very much that Forks had changed in any way at all that would make it more appealing to her.
"I don't like the idea of leaving you Bella, but I'll need to make arrangements for getting back home too" Renee said now a little more concerned. Edward could see from Renee's thoughts that she worried Bella may begin to resent her not being around for her when she might need her still. Especially now knowing that soon enough her daughter may be someone's fiancée and planning a wedding, in Renee's mind a girl needed her mother in those moments in her life.
"I understand mom. I'm sure Phil really misses you" Bella said understanding she'd not expected Renee to stay long, she'd been surprised that she'd stayed for so long already. There was no secret for her disdain for Forks.
"Well you should be heading out. I hope you have a good day with Edward's family. Don't let yourself get too tired. Take pain medication if anything acts up too. Your dad and I will be here when you come home. Maybe Edward can stay a little if you come home early enough this evening" Renee offered knowing that if they came home sooner she'd get more time to spend with Bella before she left, Edward seeing that she planned to be leaving at least in the next couple of days if she could.
Edward released Bella's hand as Renee pulled her into a hug, kissing her on the cheek and then even Charlie seemed to want to hug Bella, while it was very different then she was used to she allowed it. They'd barely been away from each other since she'd woken up in the hospital and had gotten used to them being around at all hours. Bella knew needed to get back in the swing of things and that included leaving the house though. While she may be in a house of vampires it was most likely the safest place in the world right now especially with Edward at her side. She'd not realised until she'd been about to leave how much trepidation she'd feel by leaving the house to go somewhere other than the hospital. She wasn't sure if it was because of everything she knew that was going on or if this was some type of fear from the attack she'd suffered. It probably didn't help that she honestly didn't know how safe she was by those who she'd considered friends. Edward had made it clear that certain members of the tribe were very much placing threats not only against Edward and his family but her also.
Bella knew that Charlie hadn't heard from any of them, Billy had been refusing his calls ever since the incident and Sue had supposedly visited the hospital while Bella had been asleep. But since then, Charlie hadn't heard from her either. It bothered Bella that people who Charlie cared about may cut him out of their lives and turn against him because of who his daughter was with. Even though she didn't want them to abandon her father like that she recognised how hypocritical it be to hold it against them. People they loved were dead because of the man she loved, she couldn't even hold onto the anger that she knew she would have felt was it anyone else. She knew that they'd blame her too. She couldn't expect them to be so forgiving while still mourning around Charlie. He was so naive to what was happening he'd likely say something without knowing or meaning to upset them. Bella didn't even know if Charlie was aware that Leah was dead, the woman he was in a relationship with had lost her daughter and she didn't believe Charlie had been even told yet. She felt ashamed that she'd not tell him, felt like she was betraying Charlie by keeping silent in her knowledge that he hadn't been told. She was also grateful though that she wouldn't be the one to have to explain this all to Charlie. Bella was beginning to see though that there was a clear divide on how she viewed things, while still human. Now she saw Charlie and Renee as the humans unaware and ignorant to the world she was truly part of. It didn't remove her guilt though that they'd never understand much of what was coming in their future.
Edward guided Bella to the car opening her door and offering his hand to help her climb in. His need to care for her always present in his mind and seeing her out in the open, where anything could happen made him slightly uneasy. He knew how ridiculous his worries may have appeared to anyone else but his instincts recognised two things and that was his mate and that she while healing was still injured. He was aware though of both Charlie and Renee watching the two of them closely, could see how intently they were watching the two of them interacting between each other.
"I think he's already asked her" Charlie said, mentally the more silent of the two parents of his mate, Edward had missed Charlie's suspicions though while Renee's had been loud and clear.
"I do too. I just hope they won't make the same mistakes as us. We were far too young, I was far too hungry to see the world and you were comfortable here" Renee said from within the house doorway as Charlie turned to her. as Edward moved around the front of the car to climb into the driver's seat, still listening in on the conversation they were sharing together unaware he was present for it all in both hearing range and of their minds.
"They won't. Bella is the best of both of us. Edward, he loves her enough that anywhere she'd go he'd follow. Smarter kid then I was anyway" Charlie said his mind thinking on the regret that he'd not followed after Renee when she'd left, to prove he could be more than just a small town cop. Believing if he'd followed and moved away from the small town he'd have been able to fix their marriage and he'd not have missed out on so much of Bella's life. Edward moved his focus away from Charlie and Renee's conversation seeing that it may go to more intimate areas of the past that they shared and no longer wanting to intrude on them as he closed the door behind him and started up his Volvo and peeling away from the Swan home.
Edward slipped his hand back into Bella's as they drove, he listened as Alice and Bella talked and was content to simply enjoy the closeness he had to her. He'd always enjoyed that silly side that Alice seemed to be able to pull from most people, it reminded Edward how young Bella was and that things were good. He listened as Alice tried to convince Bella about staying over, though Edward would have been happy to have her stay the night he had to agree, that while Bella could it was best she spend time with her parents. Bella didn't give the reason that came to Edward's mind for reason of spending time with them, he'd not remind her of it either. He didn't need to sour the tone of their giggling and laughing between each other by reminding her that her time with the humans she cared for was running out. Edward felt the weight of the ring in his pocket like it was more than the small piece of jewellery was, he had the permission of her parents and now he'd only have to but utter that all too famous line. Edward thought about their meadow where they had shared so many moments together but recognised how unlikely using that location for asking her wasn't a viable possibility. Too close to the treaty line , Sam had proved also he'd go out of his own land to set a well aimed strike. Edward didn't know how well the pack knew of the meadow. He knew enough though that they'd been there at some point when they'd destroyed Laurent when he'd almost gotten to Bella.
"Are you okay?" Bella asked squeezing Edward's hand between her own on her lap as she looked at him. Edward hadn't spoken much, barely said a few words as they drove towards his family home and she was concerned something had upset him. Edward turned his eyes away from the road smiling down to Bella his thumb brushing along her palm to try and reassure her, there was much on his mind but nothing she had to worry about.
"I'm fine love. There are just a few things that are on my mind. I'm looking forward to you meeting the Denali's, I think you'll like Carmen she's very much like Esme. Eleazer her mate he's a very intriguing man spent a time with the Volturi. He's gifted, sees the gifts of other's and the potential they hold" Edward explained knowing that Eleazer meeting Bella may finally give some true proof behind many theories about Bella's silent mind. Edward knew she had to be a shield and a powerful one too considering it was in effect while human. While he'd not been happy about Eleazer's reading on his own gift the idea of solving some kind of mystery regarding Bella's silence was very interesting. He wasn't blind to his own hypocrisy that while he'd resented having his gift known by Eleazer's talent he had no issue him seeing if Bella did in fact posses a latent ability.
"Doesn't seem all that helpful to him being able to see what other people can do" Bella said and he could understand her opinion and view on it, it wasn't a defensive or even an offensive ability in any way really but it certainly was helpful to him. Had placed him in a very firmly held position within the Volturi guard for many decades, as he aided in helping Aro create what they knew now to be the guard of the Volturi and the main power behind Aro's leadership of the supernatural world.
"It's not something to underestimate. Eleazer see in a way I find myself not understanding, even when I share his thoughts. It allows him to see a gift how it works and the strength of it. The Volturi used him to find vampire's they could create or offer a place within the guard. Though he's been away from that life for a very long time now" Edward explained some of the basic of Eleazer's history, Eleazer was still very much loyal to the beliefs he knew the Volturi stood for but he wasn't nearly as blind to Aro's agenda as many others were.
"Have you not told her about what Eleazer saw from you?" Alice said her mind knowing that he'd not had the chance and wanting to bring it up on purpose to force the conversation. He'd not been hiding it from Bella, he'd simply not wanted to think it over too much while he was still getting used to the idea.
"What did he see Edward?" Bella asked her voice strained with concern that something might possibly be wrong, she knew that Edward struggled with the power he had. Knew that he hated seeing in the minds of those around him, she didn't envy him either but Bella also recognised it for how truly incredible a power it was for one to see so much from all the minds within distance.
"I mentioned it once to you very loosely when you first learnt of my mind reading. I've always resented the gift and tried my best while failing to shut out the voices I hear" Edward said as he took the turn into the Cullen driveway, pulling the car to an eventual stop in the garage parking beside Emmet's jeep.
"As the years have passed my ability has still seemed to grow with how far I can hear. How the more familiar I am with the mind, I can hear it even further. Eleazer took a reading of my ability and it's developing, it's rare among our kind for gifts to start to change. It seems mine is strengthening. Eleazer isn't sure how it will further develop only that it will and there isn't anything I can do to hinder it's heightening in power" Edward said softly as Bella looked at him worried now, she knew how he struggled and the thought that he'd only be able to hear even more made her scared of how he'd live with that. It also made her concerned that whatever it was keeping her mind silent to him might not always be there, would he soon be able to see her mind like everyone else. Bella wasn't sure she liked that, she enjoyed being the only one he couldn't hear.
"Not that you should try to stop it. Our gifts are special to us. They are what we were intended to have in this life. It's why no vampire ever has exactly the same ability. It's unique to the vampire" Alice said reaching to jab at Edward's shoulder roughly, seeing that he was being morose about his ability she'd hoped he'd been more accepting and she could see how it was worrying Bella too.
"There will never be a vampire who has the gift in the way Edward does. Aro can read minds but we all know it's completely different. You should be proud of what you have and can do. I'm very much excited to see how powerful your gift will become. Kate has already offered to help in training you to see it develop" Alice said a little more firmly then Edward would have wanted her to be with him.
"Why would Kate be the one to help Edward train?" Bella asked curiously.
"Kate is the only other vampire close to our family that has developed her talent further. Gifts are rare, developing ones even more so. She can shock someone with her touch. At first she could only do it with the palm of her hands. Now she can cover her entire body in an invisible current that can knock even a vampire off their feet from her power" Alice told Bella as she listened wide eyed. Bella had seen the awful ability of Jane in Volterra, when she'd tried to use it on her and Edward had gone to interfere. She'd seen how just looking at Edward had caused him horrific pain. It hadn't worked on her, just like Aro's mind reading touch hadn't and even like Edward. She'd never understand why her mind was so different from other humans but she had to be grateful when faced with that. Alice and Jasper's abilities did work with her though and she wondered why there was a certain difference with why some powers could have an effect on her but others didn't.
"Let's head inside they're waiting on us. Some more impatiently then other's" Edward said with a chuckle to his tone, shaking Bella from her internal musings as Edward blurred from his position beside her then opening her door and offering his hand.
Alice moved off ahead of Bella and Edward as they walked at her human pace into the house from the garage entrance, Bella was surprised at just how many people were in the living room. She'd never seen the Cullen home so full even with the complete seven members of the family living here, it always seemed they were never all present at the same time. Now though they were with the added four members of the Denali coven, even with them all there Bella couldn't help but recognise that there should have been another with them. She'd never known Irina other then when the members of the Cullen family referred to the sisters. It was how she'd always thought of them in her head, the three sisters her mind couldn't help but wonder on what Irina would have been like. Bella worried now, seeing all the vampires that she cared about and their friends who followed in the same lifestyle if anymore would be lost because of fights that had come because of her and Edward being together. She didn't want to dwell on it, which only made her feel more selfish for trying to push that guilt aside.
Edward then introduced her to all of the Denali members one at a time. Bella was instantly taken with Carmen and could see why Edward had said she was like Esme. The small curvy woman, was a Spanish version of the woman she'd grown to see as a second mother, Eleazer was tall and very regal it was easy to see he came from a long forgotten time. He'd offered her his fake hand and Bella had gasped at the feel of plastic instead of the cold marble, he'd apologised for his teasing even as Emmet had enjoyed the laugh at Bella's expense. Bella had fought the desire to ask why he had a prosthetic arm but decided against it. It seemed a strange addition to have for a vampire, even though she knew he'd lost his arm.
"This love is Kate and Tanya" Edward had finally directed her towards the two remaining females standing side by side. Bella had swallowed roughly at looking at them both, she'd always considered Rosalie the most beautiful female vampire she'd ever seen, but these women they were something more. While not more beautiful then Rose there was a certain something about them, that even lulled Bella into the two stunning blonde woman.
"It's a pleasure to meet you Bella" Kate said taking the young girls hand in her own and looking between Edward and the very pretty brunette in front of her even with her scars, she was still very pretty.
"I can certainly see what has Edward so enchanted. You certainly have an innocent beauty about you" Kate grinned at the blushing human as Edward had proudly slipped his arm around his mate tighter kissing the top of her hair.
"Yes an innocence I'm sure Edward desires to steal from you sweet Bella" Tanya said with a seductive grin, Bella couldn't help but stare at Tanya.
She had legs that seemed never ending and cleavage that was right in her face she was easily over six feet, an almost blonde Amazonian, with words that spilled from her lips with promises of carnal things. Bella found herself looking from Tanya then to her own beautiful man, for the first time finding herself completely flawed that Edward had ever refused this woman. Bella didn't believe for a second that there was a straight man on the planet that could deny her, she wasn't sure herself if she'd be able to say no if Tanya tried to seduce her and she was completely straight and in love with Edward. There was a definite aura about her that dragged you in and Bella couldn't shake the heavy headedness that seemed to wash over her as she looked at her. It was like everything was going out of focus from her vision and that Tanya was the focal point that pulled her eyes back to her. It was disorientating.
"I...erm. Yes?" Bella stuttered out like a fool and cringed when those around her laughed at her reaction as Edward had tightened his hold on his mate and hissed directly towards Tanya as she raised her hands in surrender.
"If you desire to be welcome in my home Tanya you'd reign it in before I find myself offended" Edward growled lowly at her knowing Tanya all too well and her personal brand of skill, while he'd argued it was an ability in itself. Tanya's gift, Eleazer had compared Tanya's natural seducing aura to that of Esme's welcoming one, Edward still believed Eleazer wrong this was a talent. Edward had always just been more adaptable with his mind reading to see behind the fake quality of it, it wasn't nearly like what Jasper could do but it worked for Tanya and was why she'd never been used to rejection.
"I was simply teasing Edward" Tanya said taking a large step back from the more aggressive Edward she was still getting used to, Bella slowly shaking her foggy head coming back around more as she looked between Edward and Tanya confused.
"I meant no harm Bella. I've always enjoyed trying to get under Edward's skin not that he ever made it easy, his ability always gave him fair warning of any tricks I may have tried to pull" Tanya said while still apologising in her mind to Edward as Bella blushed shrugging a little uncomfortably.
"Her shield is truly fascinating" Eleazer broke the tension as Edward caught on to what Eleazer was looking at as he watched Bella intently as she was coming back to herself realising that Tanya had some type of even heightened version of dazzling that she'd always accused Edward of.
"A shield?" Jasper said contemplating that as he moved closer to the interaction. Standing at Edward's side he'd refrained from being involved in the welcoming, but he couldn't help but listen in at what Bella may have as an ability, when she was too become a newborn. It would help them all in keeping her controlled if they understood as much as they could.
"It was what Carlisle and I assumed after we were in Volterra" Edward nodded seeing Eleazer coming to the same conclusion but with his ability as Bella tugged on Edward's hand to gain his attention.
"What do you mean?" Bella asked feeling that they were talking about her instead of allowing her to understand what they were really talking about and she knew that Eleazer was using his ability just from the way Edward and his siblings were reacting to what he'd said.
"I've assumed for some time now that you were gifted love" Edward said cupping Bella's cheek stroking his thumb over her cheek smiling gently.
"Your mind is silent to me. You blocked Aro and even Jane. That's unheard of even with vampires, so seeing you do that as a human I believed you had some type of latent power" Edward tried to tell Bella, though now he should have come to her with what he'd thought he'd discovered it just hadn't been important as other things around them when he'd realised.
"I'm gifted. Like you, Alice and Jasper" Bella said with a hint of pride suddenly feeling not so average and plain, she was human and would have a power when she became a vampire. Well technically already had one.
"A very powerful gift too. Even now when I try to take a reading you block parts of my gift" Eleazer spoke up finally stepping closer to look at Bella with a friendly nod and smile.
"I can see why Aro would have allowed you to live knowing you'd be changed. You are going to be unlike any shield I've ever seen before. The Volturi have a shield that can change the course of an oncoming attack by touch. You already block mental gifts as a human. I can't begin to imagine what you'll be capable of once changed" Eleazer said reaching out with his hand and tapping Bella's forearm gently, it was clear to Edward how truly impressed Eleazer was with Bella's ability. It worried Edward though seeing too what Eleazer was seeing that Aro would desire the both of them as a mated pair even more, Edward's developing power and Bella already powerful shield as a human.
"Damn we're going to be outnumbered babe, all these freaky powered cheaters. I'll never be able to figure out a way to beat them now" Emmet said sourly sitting beside Rose then pulling her onto his lap and pouted breaking the sudden growing tension around the room.
They'd all calmed from the original introductions Edward had still seemed slightly annoyed at Tanya, and that had been pretty clear not only to Bella but all of the family. Many had believed she'd been rather foolish in her need to stir the boat a little, with using her natural seductive presence around Bella knowing how much it affected humans. Rose had even made a blunt comment about her being lucky Edward hadn't decided to rip the arm off he'd helped reattach that had made Tanya a little sour in her mood. Kate had been wonderful though, and Edward had found himself sending thanks towards her often as Kate told Bella stories about her life. While Edward wasn't sure how Bella would take to listening to the ever filled with sexual content stories that the sisters often shared he'd been pleasantly surprised as Bella had giggled and asked questions of Kate about what she'd done through the years. Even when Edward had found himself wanting to tune out of the conversation and Kate's thoughts as she went into great detail of some of her past conquests, Bella sat still very much intrigued by her.
Bella had been completely amused and intrigued by Kate, she'd never in her life met anyone like her and even though much of her history was filled with different men and even some woman. Bella couldn't help but see that Kate wasn't ashamed of her status as a succubus. Kate had been a feminist long before the term was even around, her centuries of life making her one of the oldest and most independent women on the planet Bella saw. Even though she'd realised what Tanya had tried and not been interested she had to respect that Tanya, Kate and even Irina while aggressively sexual in nature were powerful woman who had influenced moments in history that the world would never know.
"While he certainly seemed confident in his royal divinity as king his royal septa didn't nearly measure up to his own grandeur. Poor man while an eager one he'd lacked technique and equipment" Kate had cackled along with Tanya as Bella had found herself unattractively snorting at the tale about Kate bedding a former king of England during the late 1500's. They'd claimed men from all walks of life from kings, to emperors, to even men of the church. They'd seduced men from all kinds of walks of life and Bella found herself even more intrigued at hearing the story of Edward's rejecting them. It made her feel oddly powerful and beautiful in her own right. Where these experienced beautiful woman had failed she was succeeding, Edward would be hers. Bella found herself cuddling more into Edward's side with a shy mischievous grin on her face, all but looking like the cat that ate the canary.
"Awfully smug there Bella" Jasper spoke up from the love seat with Alice resting with her back against his chest, his chin resting atop her pixie friends head. She'd completely forgotten about his ability to sense the feelings around him, which made her feel stupid of course he'd sense everything she'd felt. It was his own knowing look that made her believe though that he knew just where that smugness was coming from.
"Don't tease the girl I'm positive we all know why she's smug" Kate had waved off Jasper's comment looking at Bella and offering a wink to her.
"You will forever have us beaten Bella. For all the men we have desired and taken you will always be the winner of the one who would turn us away" Kate said with no resentment or bitterness which made Bella believe she'd really found a friend in Kate. Bella was still very much unsure of Tanya even though Alice had said she had nothing to worry about from her. She certainly hadn't appreciated whatever it had been that Tanya had done to send her in a tail spin, it had angered Edward thoroughly though.
"I always did prefer brunettes" Edward said leaning down to capture Bella's lips against his own grinning at the smile that Bella gave him against his kiss. He'd used the exact same line when he'd explained that Rosalie had been created with the intention of being a companion to Edward. They received cat calls from Emmet and even Kate then as Edward continued to kiss, Bella leaning more into the kiss as Esme tried to silence them from teasing them both, thrilled to see her son so happy and in love.
"Will you two get a room?" Alice huffed a little exasperated finally while even in her huff she was still secretly thrilled with the new more open version of Edward that was being shown to the entire family.
"First you make Charlie endure seeing you suck face with Bella and now us" Alice said playfully as Bella and Edward finally broke apart from each other, Edward smirking as he turned his head to Alice sticking his tongue out towards his sister.
"Wait you made out in front of the Chief and he didn't pull a gun on you?" Emmet said impressed he'd never thought Edward the type he'd always believed there was a bit of fire in Bella but Edward was always too reserved and rigged in the past to ever do that. Edward simply chuckled and moved to stand from the sofa reaching his hand towards Bella for her to take.
"While it's certainly been a pleasure I think I'll take Alice's advice. Love would you join me in finding a room. I've got something I'd like to show you" Edward smirked as Bella stood taking his hand quickly, if his intention was for more uninterrupted kissing she was completely for it and wouldn't find her denying him or refusing ever.
"Oh I bet he's got something to show you Bella" Kate snorted as Tanya laughed loudly, Bella's face heating instantly at the very thought of what Kate was implying Edward wanted to show her.
"Jealous" Bella sang back finding that confidence again as she giggled as Edward wrapped his arms around Bella and lifted her.
Moving from the room quickly with only the sound of the family's laughter fading behind them as he chuckled, kissing Bella's hairline as she laughed. It was good to enjoy their time together, to be a family and enjoy spending time together without the constant fear of what was to come. Edward was even more pleased to see how well Bella interacted with the Denali's. He knew Tanya hadn't meant to cause problems and that eventually Bella and she would get to know each other, but it was clear to see already the budding friendship she was building with Kate. Edward was pleased to see how welcoming the Denali's were of Bella also, especially under their grief which they had done their best to not show. Unfortunately for Tanya and Kate this hadn't been the first time they had lost a family member in a confrontation.
Edward did however have something he wanted to show Bella, he had something he wanted to ask her too. There would never be a perfect time or place he knew that from seeing thousands of minds contemplating the same thing he was now. Today had been a happy day though. Those were rare to find when everything you loved was in danger. It was time to ask her, to finally make Isabella Swan his fiancée. He was going to ask her to marry him.
