Chapter 11

After the last few huge chapters, I decided to break up the next few to make them more manageable.

Edward and the Wolves – Like A Dog Chasing Cars – Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, The Dark Knight

Edward – The Reason – Hoobastank

EPOV

The rogue vampire's demise set me on edge. His mind was chaotic and disturbed. Most vampires feed and move on instinctually. This behavior allows them a wider variety of prey and lowers the chance of being noticed. This particular individual seemed to be missing vital components of overall base makeup. He was fairly new to this life, that much was clear, and missing important knowledge a sire would have provided. "Street smarts" would have been an accurate term. I surmised that he had been the victim of a "bite and run," meaning that after the attacking vampire had begun feeding, there had been an interruption of some sort and he was forced to abandon his meal. It was highly unfortunate, but not unheard of.

Most of my kind would have avoided the reservation based on the werewolf stench permeating through and around the area, but this one had no such inhibitions. I was right to guess that he was mentally disturbed in his human life. I normally had no desire to destroy another vampire but based on the fact that he had confronted the alpha's mate and drained an elder's relative within the borders of their land meant that he had to go. Plus, he was in close proximity to Bella which made me anxious. She was a danger magnet, and I knew it was only a matter of time.

I pulled myself up from the prone position I had been laboring under and reached behind me to pull out a smaller tuning fork. Tuning my piano had become a priority because I had wanted to work on my new composition. Twanging the fork against my finger, I twisted the B-sharp string slightly as I adjusted the sound to perfectly match the pitch.

I was grateful for the repetitious task. It allowed me to think back on the details of the capture. I couldn't help but shake my head at yet another's infatuation with my Bella: the alpha's second. Brady, I believed he was called. His thoughts were of unadulterated rage and all his ire was directed toward me. It was interesting to see some of the same scenes involving Bella reflected from both his and his elder companion's mind. His hatred stemmed from the hurt I had inflicted on her years ago, and really, how could I blame him? If I were being truthful, I hated myself for those same reasons.

Brady didn't seem too pleased when I suggested to Sam that we work together and proposed a plan to do so. If given the choice, Brady would have preferred to tear me to pieces and call it a day. It would have been impossible, of course, seeing as how I had many more years of practice, experience and speed on my side, but I understood.

He scoffed when Sam was amenable to my suggestions and gave him and the confused pups their orders. They couldn't understand why they weren't attacking me, but after an impatient eye roll from Brady and a quick explanation from Sam, we moved into action. Working together within a wide circumference, the plan was to methodically herd the rogue, so he was surrounded.

We were able to accomplish the task within a few hours. I couldn't deprive the pack of their vengeance. I had heard from several of them that they had been after him for a few weeks and were in the throes of their own brand of bloodlust. After getting a thorough reading and confirmation of the vampire's mental instability, I stepped back and watched the shocked look on his face as the wolves descended. The loud cracking and screeching sounds of dismemberment echoed through the canyon and riverbed.

After a few minutes, I produced a lighter from my pocket and offered it to Sam. He and the others phased back to their human forms and laid the pale chunks of stone flesh into a pile and watched with satisfaction as the purple smoke ascended.

We didn't say anything beyond that, but Sam offered me a nod in parting, the new pups jumping and whooping, riding their adrenaline high. Brady stood stoically to the side blasting thoughts of hatred directly at me.

Yeah, we may have worked together to end this one, but don't think I won't come after you, treaty or not, if you come anywhere near Bella. You've caused her enough pain, bloodsucker, and don't think that I won't rip you to shreds in a heartbeat.

His black eyes narrowed. I won't be as kind to you as we were to this one, either. I had no doubt. With a neutral nod to the pack, and keeping to the treetops, I took off toward home. I was surprised to know that the wolves knew of my gift, but I shouldn't have been. Bella was close to all of them; I'm sure it felt natural for her to have said something at some point.

Thinking of Brady's mental vitriol now, I was torn. I refused to be insulted, because, as much as I hated to admit it, the dog was right. I had caused Bella pain, and the wolves were within their rights to dispatch me. I had no illusions that every one of those tribesmen thought of her as one of theirs, and rightfully so. They had cared for her after I left and gave her the peace, comfort and protection I hadn't. I was grateful that Bella had such good friends looking after her.

My smile widened at Brady's vehemence. That level of hate could only stem from a well of love just as strong. That boy was in love with Bella. I couldn't help but roll my eyes. He had no idea, really, the amount of competition he was up against. If he only knew how difficult it was for me, at 110, to garner her attentions. He couldn't know of her rebuffs toward the throngs of male admirers. If so, he had to realize he had no chance. I almost felt sorry for him. Almost.

I reached behind me for another tuning fork and heard the faint distant rumbling of a very distinct engine. Freezing in place, I heard, a few moments later, the familiar sound of a pounding heart. I wasted no time rushing to the bathroom to wash my hands. I didn't know what this could mean. Seeing how the hour was late, it couldn't be anything good, but I wasn't going to complain. I had needed to see her all day.

I heard Bella's rusty door slam shut, and the clear grumbling beneath her breath.

"I can't believe I'm doing this."

I peeked out the window and saw Bella pacing beside the truck's door. She continued to grumble to herself.

"Crap, Swan, just get it over with. You know you won't be able to sleep until you do."

That thought seemed to propel her toward the door, and her determined knock resonated throughout the quiet front room a moment later. Feeling unsure, I opened the door with a wide smile. She looked haunted. There was a look of trepidation on her face and a deep skepticism in her eyes. Her cheeks were spotty with color, like she had just been sprinting and her chest was heaving with her pounding heartbeat. She was breathtaking.

"Please come in, Bella." Belatedly, I remembered that she wasn't supposed to know I was here. I surmised that her knowing I had changed my plans to come to Forks to keep tabs on her whereabouts would have upset her. I couldn't have expected my participation in this afternoon's activities to escape her knowledge after the excited pups made it back home. Of course she knew, and realizing this made me apprehensive. Was she going to berate me? Was this it, the moment she ordered me from her life?

I looked down to her hand as she walked through the door and noticed the items she held. The same items I had laid beneath her floorboards six years ago. I could see the upcoming conversation was going to be difficult. She moved past me and into the living area. Resigned, she perched on the edge of the sofa and looked over to where I had been working on the piano.

"What is all this?"

"I'm tuning the piano."

She walked over and picked up the photo of us that was still displayed on the top edge. She gently ran her finger over the surface and sighed. Placing the frame back in its spot, she looked over to me.

"Edward, I have to say, I'm not exactly surprised, but you need to tell me why you're here."

I was sorely tempted to lie. There was a myriad of excuses I could come up with: legal meetings, property concerns, even the rogue vampire, and that one wouldn't even be untrue. However, I had taken a vow to not lie to her ever again. Plus, she was way too smart, and would see right through me. I couldn't chance destroying the very small concession she had blessed me with. I screwed up my courage and looking her straight in the eye, told her the absolute truth.

"I decided to come back for the break to keep you safe, Bella."

"I see. And exactly why did you think I needed protecting?"

This was going to get tricky. "The wolves can be very dangerous. I didn't know if you knew about the Quileute's nature or not. There are many young ones, and in an emotionally charged atmosphere, they can become volatile. I couldn't risk you becoming hurt."

"Why all this secrecy and sneaking around? Why not just tell me?"

"I didn't think you would have approved. I didn't want to upset you." Bella began to pace.

"Yes, you would've been right. There is absolutely no reason for you to be here, Edward, especially in regard to my safety." She suddenly stopped and stared straight at me.

"I know all about the tribe and their 'nature'. You do realize it was those dangerous and volatile young wolves that saved me more times than I care to admit, right?" I hung my head in shame. Yes, I had seen that in the minds of more than one today.

"And, you do realize that Jake, a young and volatile wolf at the time, saved my heart and soul when you decided to leave me, right?" I slowly nodded. It was true. I should have known I was the one she needed to be protected from.

"Edward, the tribe is part of my family. They've done nothing but love and support me since I arrived in Forks seven years ago." As a sudden realization hit, she slowly looked around the room.

"Speaking of families, where is yours?"

"They're in Africa." She seemed momentarily taken aback.

"Africa?"

"Yes, they've gone hunting for bigger game."

"Ok, Edward, I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that you were originally supposed to go with them but decided to come here to protect me instead. Am I right?" I felt like a scolded three-year-old. I slowly nodded. She was always way too perceptive for her own good.

"Then yes, Edward, I would have been very upset had I known." She then glanced down to the table where she had placed the items she brought. "I don't think I need to tell you what any of this is. What I do need to know is why were they stuffed under my floorboards."

"I'm so sorry, Bella. I know I promised you no reminders, but I couldn't bring myself to take them. I needed to know I had left something of myself there with you." I chanced a look up to her face and was shocked to see that she had her head resting on the back of the sofa. Hot tears had begun to leak from her eyes and stream down the sides of her cheeks. I couldn't stand the distance between us. I quickly moved to her side and swiped the tears away. She began to rub the old bite scar on her wrist, which I began to realize was a coping mechanism.

"All this time they were right there." Bella looked at me with a watery smile. "Had I known, I may not have so easily believed that you were over and done with the bothersome human."

My dead heart ached with yet another mistake. "Oh, Bella, if I could only tell you how deeply I've regretted my failures. How deeply I regret hurting you. Leaving you." I shook my head. Being an incredible liar certainly wasn't a skill I was proud of. "But mostly, I regret having lost your trust." I sat down next to her on the sofa.

"Edward, we are two completely different people than we were before, but our situations are the same. I will always be subject to sickness, injury and death. You will always be fighting your thirst and will have to be ever diligent to keep me out of harm's way." She sighed. "And now, on top of that, there's another person in the mix. Jase is even more vulnerable than I am. How can you be sure this is what you want?"

"Bella, I think that the separation we both endured has driven home the fact that I can't be without you. It's just that simple. Yes, we've both changed, but I think that can only improve our relationship."

Bella nodded. "I can see how you may think that. Thank you, by the way, for the lovely flowers and all the work you've been doing around my house and yard. I do appreciate it, but may I ask if there is a reason?"

I smiled. "Because I want to make your life a bit easier in any way I can."

"The flowers?"

I would be blushing if I could, but I gave her a smirk instead. "I like to think they will help to keep me on your mind."

"So, insurance?"

The smirk stretched into a grin. "I suppose you could call it that."

Bella sat up and pulled her feet under her. "Edward, as long as we are clearing the air here, there is something that has been bothering me for the last few weeks. What was up with your Wuthering Heights essay assignment? Your thesis seemed way too intent for a high schooler trying to get through a book and paper."

I knew my smart girl would get the message. She correctly surmised my grin.

"So, I wasn't reading into your essay. You weren't just waxing poetic about Heathcliff's tragic flaw, were you?"

"No. Bella, I needed to try to explain my regret to you. I feel badly that you felt you needed to avoid me for all the wrong reasons. That assignment, and as wretched as the book and subject were, was an opportunity for me to communicate in one of the very few ways you would allow. I had to take it."

"Well, regardless of the catalyst, it did grab my attention." Bella smiled. "You were quite heavy with the subtext. Your intent practically hit me over the head."

"Heavy or not, I recall that I did earn an 'A' on that assignment."

Bella gave me a small grin. It didn't reach her eyes, though. "What happens, Edward, if despite everything, there could only ever be friendship between us?"

If there was a deity willing to listen to my soulless plea, I prayed right then that would never happen.

"What else can I do, Bella? I will still love you for eternity, and there will never be anyone else for me. I suppose I would have to respect your wishes and not be directly involved in your life," she really had no idea of the power she had over me, "but I would still keep my promise to you. I would still watch over you and Jason and make sure you remained safe."

"Even if there was no hope we would be together? You would be content to live on the edges of my life, maybe even watching me with someone else?" the "V" was back between her eyes. "Edward, that is the saddest thing I ever heard."

"I told you a few weeks ago, Bella. I love you. I always have, and I always will. I will gladly follow you around the globe for the rest of your life if I thought you were in danger, and I'm not about to apologize for it." I slowly cupped her face, "You are the most important thing in my world, and I could not stay in this world if you weren't in it."

I looked deep into her eyes. "I will spend the rest of your life trying to make my mistakes up to you. Truthfully, I wouldn't want to live on the edges as you said, but if it was what you wanted, I would respect your choice." It was now or never, and I went for broke. "But I would much prefer sharing your life with you."

"Edward, logistics aside, a relationship between you and I wouldn't be easy. The problems that plagued us before are still there." I reached over to hold her hand. I wanted to touch her, but I also felt I needed a bit of support as well. "I truly believe that our relationship may have failed eventually because there were problems that we simply ignored."

"We don't communicate well," she continued. "Successful relationships only work if both parties share themselves on every level." She looked down at our hands. "Edward, you kept secrets from me. If we were to get back together, and you continue to keep secrets from me, or refuse to keep me in the loop regarding any situation that concerns our family, it won't work."

A tiny thrill shot through me as the phrase "our family" passed her lips. I wanted a family with Bella, and I would do what was necessary to make it happen.

"This means that people in successful relationships talk and work together. This also means, Edward, that you deciding what is good for me, and making unilateral decisions that involve both of us must end. Partners who do this aren't doing 'what's best.' They are doing it for control." I nodded my head. I could see that. "I realize that physically, I am the weak partner in our relationship, but I don't like to be treated that way. You may have more experience than me in many ways, but I also have life experience you don't. Treating me like a child is dismissive of my feelings, and deeply disrespectful. I won't put up with it, Edward."

I had to admire and respect Bella for her confidence. I could completely understand what she was talking about. I had made decisions unilaterally in our relationship and both of us had spent years paying for it. But this beautiful, confident woman wasn't the shy, unsure girl of the past. She was demanding the respect she deserved. If I had only realized her strength before, we could have been spared six years of crippling heartache. For all the "insider knowledge" I was privy to, I had much to learn about relationships.

"And I would be a fool to expect you to, Bella. It has occurred to me that a sincere apology is long overdue. You are right about everything, and I apologize for underestimating you. Even back then, you had different life experiences and perspectives that were valuable, but I dismissed them. And for that, I am sorry."

Bella nodded and smiled. "Apology accepted." This time, the smile did reach her eyes.

"I'm glad I decided to come over tonight. Reconciling our past is good. I feel lighter than I have in years, and I've finally been able to put so much restlessness at ease." I was glad. If she had been as tortured as I had, she deserved her peace.

Her lips moved down, and her bright smile was suddenly gone. "Edward, as much as I appreciate this conversation, I still can't commit to you." She looked up into my eyes. "I am in a relationship with David." I should have known that Dr. Sutton would make an appearance.

"Despite everything, I'm not yet sure what I want, or what is right for Jase. I've learned over the years that regret is tough to live with, and I don't want to make any rash decisions." I had to agree with her logic.

I didn't like it, but I realized that if there was any hope for us to have more, I needed to allow her time to reconcile her feelings. I would not mess up any hint of a chance she would give me.

"Bella, I will give you all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere."

"You're okay with being just friends?" No, not really, but I could bide my time.

"Yes, for now." I pulled her to her feet and scooped up her belongings and her keys. "It is late. Would you be comfortable, if as a friend, I drove you home?"

She gave me a huge smile. "I would like that."

A/N: So, Bella and Edward are now friends. It's a start.

The rogue vampire isn't anyone we know. I like to believe that not just the Cullens are attracted to the PNW. The climate and dense urban population would be attractive to other vampires as well.

There will be convos between Bella and Edward in upcoming chapters. One thing that bothered me about canon is that these two rarely talked in ways that allowed them to work out their differences and serious problems in their relationship. Ed returned, Bella (despite the emotional damage) took him back, they married, and bam. All their problems vanished. Not realistic at all.