TWENTY-NINE

I was not sure why my mate had invited my human friend to dinner, but by the end of it, I was incredibly glad that he did. It meant I had an ally in explaining to Charlie just why Jessica deserved to have her nose squashed.

By the time we had made it downstairs, Rosalie and Emmett had left and Esme and Charlie had arrived, the latter looking less than thrilled. He informed me that he had received a call from the school saying that I was suspended for two weeks for punching one Jessica Stanley. He was in no way pleased when I just grinned at the reminder of how I'd squashed her turned-up nose, and when he had loudly proclaimed from his spot at the dining room table that it was not in any way funny, I agreed. I then went onto explain how it had been well deserved and that she had it coming for over a year.

Carlisle had prepared Italian, grinning like a devil the entire time, which let me know that he had done so on purpose — the purpose being to aggravate the hell out of me, which he had succeeded at in leaps and bounds. I had practically fumed when I took one look at the cooked manicotti shells that overflowed with various cheeses, the euphemism not lost on me at all. But aside from the innuendo-laden dishes, dinner was rather pleasant, though I did have to wonder if Angela noticed that the Cullens looked absolutely disgusted every time they had to force down the few bites they actually took.

My normally shy friend had conversed with the family quite easily, which really was not that hard with Esme and Carlisle's gentle natures, Alice's bubbliness, and Jasper's Southern charm flooding the room. And it had been at that moment that I realized perhaps Edward just had a noxious presence all of his own because not only was I more comfortable with my immortal family now but Angela had seemed very comfortable around them. She was even comfortable around Jasper, with whom she had gotten into a serious discussion about various battles of the Civil War. She and Alice had joked about my previous lacking desire when it came to fashion and had me blushing as they teased me about now having a much better reason for caring than I had before. Of course, Carlisle enjoyed this bit of the evening far more than I personally thought he should have, and I swore to myself that he was going to pay for his flamboyant public displays of affection.

I was just thankful he had not started purring in front of my human friend.

Throughout dinner and the time we spent in the den discussing all sorts of random bits of knowledge, I felt my muscles begin to protest loudly about my previous exertions and found myself wondering just how bruised I really was. Thankfully, Angela did not stay much longer after that, and when she left, Esme and Charlie accompanied her, saying they would make sure she got out of the now-dark labyrinth that was the Cullens' driveway. That left me alone with my mate, as Jasper and Alice had gone hunting.

Carlisle's first instinct was to try to snuggle with me on the couch, but I slowly got up, wincing at the movement, and limped my way upstairs to our bathroom, his eyes following me like a hawk.

The bruising did not look as bad as it felt, but it did cover more of my body than I realized. My hips had a defined purple handprint on each one and there was a pale bluish stripe that went across my abdomen from where his arm had locked around me while he had humped me. To my surprise, the inside of my thighs and the lower part of my ass were bruised as well, though the bluish color was very light and splotchy. Most people would have probably been disturbed by the sight, would have become angry or scared, but I just found myself shaking my head and smiling slightly.

I had just settled into the rolling hot water of the Jacuzzi when the lights went off and I groaned when I realized that I would probably break my neck trying to get out of this damn tub in the dark. But just as I made to stand, two cold hands settled on my shoulders and pushed me back into the water. I sighed heavily because I was sore, probably would be for a few days, and those thoughts alone made me regret starting our bet so soon. Then again, it was because of my sore and bruised body that we started it in the first place. Still, I was briefly considering protesting any activity, when his hands left my shoulders and he whispered in my ear for me not to move. Considering that it was pitch black in the bathroom and that I did not want to break anything, I decided that was probably a good suggestion to follow.

I was surprised to see a flicker of light and watched as about six candles were suddenly lit, and almost immediately felt Carlisle slip into the water behind me. When I opened my mouth to speak, he cooed into my ear, "Do not fret, mia passerotta. This is not about the bet. Relax and let me take care of you."

I was about to argue that him 'taking care of me' was exactly what I was worried about when I felt him cup water over the back of my neck before his fingers began to gently work at the knots in my neck. "Thank you," I murmured as his magical hands slowly kneaded my muscles, carefully seeking out the lumps and easing them into oblivion.

He ever-so-tenderly nuzzled his nose behind my ear, purring softly like a contented cat. "You need not thank me, cara mia. I know that the past few days have only brought more stress to both your mind and your body, and as your mate, it is my responsibility to take care of you, to heal your body and spirit, to love you. It pleases me to do so. While you might not understand it, I am not happy to care for you simply because it is my nature. It is quite the other way around." His arms encircled me and drew me closer to his cool body. "Because I love you so very much and because you are so precious to me, it makes me incredibly happy to care for you. It is because I desire to do so that makes it my instinct, and for that, you should not thank me."

I hummed quietly and let my eyes drift closed as his hands massaged my body, taking care as he very carefully worked out the knots in my lower back and thighs. "Carlisle?" When he murmured for me to continue, I hesitantly inquired, "Why did you ask me that first?"

He sighed heavily and shifted so he could rest his chin on my head as he stroked my arms. "Quite honestly, la mia, I am not wholly sure. Normally, I would not presume to ask you such a thing, but I so strongly desire to have every part of you, every single part of you in every way possible. I suppose I was hoping that by that time, you would be open to the idea."

I tipped my head back and smirked at him. "You'd be surprised the things you've opened me up to." I smiled when he chuckled, glad that I could help put him at ease. "Carlisle, I trust you completely, and that's why I'm not only willing to do it but would be happy to do it. Although, I would prefer it if you waited until I'm not so…"

He nuzzled my neck and nibbled on my ear, the smile in his slight accent glaringly obvious. "I would never even dream of it. And since we are on the subject, I want you to be entirely healed and prepared for when you provide me with the other part of my prize, so I shall wait until you are quite ready to begin our little game. You can choose when to start."

I gaped but felt the amusement flooding into my eyes. "The other part of your prize? What makes you think that your prize comes with two parts?"

He grinned wickedly. "Because we both know that in the highly unlikely event that you win, there will be a not-so-unexpected bonus to your watching me hunt unclothed." When I blushed brightly, he chortled in delight. "And if you are wet now, just imagine how wet you will be then, m'uzzola."

I stuck my tongue out at him childishly, earning a much deeper laugh, before settling back against him and enjoying the tranquility, joy, and love that flowed between us. A dreamy and contented sigh slipped past my lips as the water and his talented hands continued to relax me into a state of near-perfect bliss.

"Mia streghetta," he purred to me softly, "would you permit the pleasure of taking you to dinner tomorrow evening?"

I blinked in surprise, though when I stopped to actually think about it, I really shouldn't be. Despite having base animal instincts, the qualities of a respectable, aristocratic gentleman were still infused into his immortal soul. It stood to reason that along with his feral mating habits, he would have every intention of treating me in a manner befitting his refined humanity.

"Cara mia?"

I flushed, knowing that I had been caught in my short reverie. "Yes. Sorry. I was thinking." When he softly chortled 'obviously', I rolled my eyes. "I would love to, Carlisle. Thank you."

He buried his lips in my hair and inhaled my scent deeply, his purr of contentment echoing through the marble bathroom. "It is my pleasure, bella mia. T'amo tanto, mi cara cuore."

.

I woke up and instantly, for the briefest second in time, wish I had not, because I felt like I had been hit by a truck. When I opened my eyes for the second time, I found myself staring directly into the brightest citrine I had ever seen and smiled. I had been so very wrong: Waking up was definitely the best option because this gorgeous creature was definitely worth it.

I was pleased when Carlisle peeled back the covers and tenderly began exploring my body. I was moved by the care he showed me, that his touches were not exceedingly sexual but were reverent and gentle as he took his time showing me his loving appreciation. I kept waiting for him to initiate lovemaking, but it seemed he had other ideas as he delicately traced his fingertips over every inch of skin he could without moving from his stretched-out position beside me. "Morning," I mumbled as I stretched, wincing at the slight burning of my strained muscles.

The edges of his mouth curled into a slight smirk as he tossed my words from only a few days ago back at me. "I noticed you left out the word good."

"I would tell you to bite me, but you would do it." I grinned when he murmured a retort about how much I would enjoy it if he did and shifted on to my side. I hissed at the pain I felt in my hip at the initial pressure. I saw his remorseful look and rolled my eyes before I shook a finger in front of his face. "Carlisle Cullen, I swear that if you start apologizing, you will regret it."

He gave me a small smile and reached up to stroke my hair. "While I am discontent in the knowledge that you have been hurt, I cannot apologize for having claimed my mate in such a manner. Though, if I am to be completely honest, I truly did not believe that I would have been capable of inflicting such injuries."

I shrugged. "It didn't hurt at the time. Plus, I did ask for more. And the brief moment that it started to hurt, I told you and you backed off…" I let my words drift off as I thought about what Carlisle said. "When you say that you are unable to hurt me, is that a conscious choice or subconscious?"

"It is both," he answered immediately. "In this state of mind, it is a conscious instinct. As I am now, I can more easily sense the line between pleasure and pain, so if I were to grab your arm, of course, I would immediately know your threshold of pain and stop. When the bestial part of a vampire's nature takes over, it is as if the conscious becomes unconscious and vice-versa, and we then rely on our subconscious instincts. The problem, though, is that what they say is true: there is a thin line between pleasure and pain, and to our subconscious instincts, that already thin line can quickly blur. However, if something is said or done that gains the attention of the conscious mind, then…" He sighed, realizing that he had not only answered my questions but had pretty much put holes in his own pointless worry. He stared at me, trying to suppress a small smirk, failing as the corners of his mouth twitched. "That was incredibly cunning, cara mia."

I smiled brightly and snuggled closer to his firm, cool body. "Actually, I was genuinely asking." I ran my palms over his broad shoulders, stroking the bare marble skin slowly and worshiping him with my touch. "Carlisle, you are beautiful." I watched as his eyes drifted shut like a lazy jungle cat and enjoyed his quiet purr, whispering, "Thank you."

I succeeded in not giggling when his eyes immediately popped open, filled with curiosity as he cocked his head slightly in questioning. It was a rather adorable sight, but I decided not to tell the deliciously dominant male that. Instead, I calmly explained, "Thank you for choosing me as your mate."

It was the first time since he attacked Emmett, the third time since the night he told me we were bound, that I saw venomous tears that would never spill glistening in his eyes. Both of his hands cupped my face tenderly as he pressed the gentlest kiss to my lips. He rubbed his cheek against mine and nuzzled his way to my neck, where he buried his face against my skin.

"M'Isabella," he cooed, "there are no words that I can say to express the joy that I felt when you accepted my bond to you. Despite how stressful things have become in the past few days, I am still the happiest I have been in all my centuries." He caressed his hand down my side, his cool touch barely grazing the bruise on my hip, the temperature of his skin on my flesh exquisite on my aching body.

"While I know that it lies cold and unbeating in my chest, you have made my heart come to life, mia Bella," he continued to whisper to me. "You have shown me, over and over again, that I am not damned as I once believed, and that even I am worthy of life. You have given me a purpose to live, mia passerotta. You have filled my once lonely existence not only with your comforting presence but with your humor, the warmth of your compassion, your strength, and determination." His fingers tangled gently in my hair as he tipped my head back to stare into my eyes. "Oh, la mia, do you not realize that with you I am born again. You are taming the monster inside me."

I opened my mouth to protest his choice of words when his fingers suddenly covered my lips. "Shh… Please, bella mia, hear me out." When I huffed and nodded, he smiled and released my lips. "With every hour of every passing day, I am becoming more and more aware of what I truly am. On the outside, I look like a man — unearthly attractive, yes, but still human in form — and threaded into my immortal fibers are the mannerisms of a genteel aristocrat. But under all of that in an animal, a wild animal that has been caged for so long."

He gazed at me intently as he reached up to run his fingers through my hair. "If I am to be honest, Isabella Swan, at the first scent of your blood, I became afraid. And when I first laid eyes on you, when my soul first reached out for you in that hospital room, I was terrified. I had managed to lock the animal that I am inside in a cage. I had him trapped and unable to escape for centuries. And with one look, I knew that if I ever claimed you that he would break free from his prison sooner or later. That terrified me because I did not want you to know the beast inside. I felt that if he were free, you would be unable to handle the monster that he — that I —could so easily become."

He rolled me onto my back and stretched himself out beside me, studying my face carefully. His eyes were filled with wonder. "But I swear, mia streghetta, that you must truly be a witch… or an angel… for you have accomplished the impossible." He placed one hand near my cheek, just a breath away from my skin, so close that I could feel cool like a breeze, yet our skin never met. "No matter how untamed my rage could become, no matter how wild my lust might blaze, you have the beast I am tamed so completely."

The topaz of his eyes was gone, replaced by the animalistic black. But despite their color and the intensity in his voice, his features and emotions were completely serene. It was almost as if the animal and the man were slowly beginning to intertwine. I somehow doubted that they would ever entirely fuse into one entity, but they were steadily twisting themselves around and through each other, and the emerging creation was just as beautiful as I had ever seen him.

"Cara mia," he purred, "I truly am a beast. In the deepest parts of my now-living heart and thriving soul, I will for all eternity be an animal. But that savage creature stills at just the touch of your hand, is calmed with only the sound of your voice." His fingers began stroking the platinum band around my neck. "You, mia passerotta, may wear my collar, but it is you who truly controls me, now more than ever."

I blushed under his strong gaze and the weight of his powerful words. I knew that he would never allow me to dominate him, not in the way he did me, but to hear him speak those words so firmly, so ardently, knowing their meaning, was absolutely breath-taking. To be told in such a firm yet reverent way of the command that I held over this beautiful beast was both empowering and humbling all at once.

As I stared into his black eyes, it was as if I could physically feel my spirit stretching out to his. I could feel the joy and rapture swirl around us and I trembled slightly against him as the darkness and the light of both of our souls bled into the other. I could feel my own heart beating within him as the overwhelming feelings that surged through him filled me to the core. My body shook as my soul rode its release with his, and I could hear and sense his growl of ecstasy as though it were my own.

When we came down from our emotional high, I smiled contentedly at him and said somewhat shyly, "I know that with you being my dominant, you express aloud more than I, but… I do love you, Carlisle. I love you with everything I am and I am so lucky to have you as my mate."

He beamed at me, his dark eyes gleaming with adoration and pride, his pale lips curled into the most joyful smile as he bowed his face to mine. He nuzzled his nose against my temple. "M'amore, m'uzzola… I love you… T'amo. T'amo tanto, cara mia. Forever. Ti amerò ora e per sempre."

.

TBC

Today's Latin Proverb: Tempus volat, hora fugit. (Time flies, the hour flees.)