Well, my dear readers, this is the final full chapter. It is mostly tying up loose ends, but this chapter is also where this story earns its "M" rating.

WARNING: This chapter contains a rape trigger. If this is something you wish to avoid, read until the trigger warning. Skip down to the warning end. I'm sorry if this causes any inconvenience, but I do want to be sensitive to all my readers.

Chapter Seventeen

Edward and Brady- Hunt You Down- Saliva

Bella – Close Your Eyes – Michael Bublé

EPOV

The call dropped, and I pushed myself even further. Sam Uley's memory of his scarred mate was all I could think about. A shifting wolf, and an angry one at that, could be deadly. Brady's presence in Rochester could only mean one thing, and without my protection, Bella could be seriously hurt, or worse.

I ran around the outskirts of town staying as close within the tree line as I could. The cloud cover was thicker than when I left, but I still had to dodge pools of afternoon sunlight. I was taking huge risks, but I couldn't afford a second to spare.

I threw out my mental abilities as far as I could. All I could catch were fleeting thoughts of what appeared to be Mandy Skinner. The wolf stench intensified as I drew closer and culminated within a tent that had been erected mere yards from Bella's back door. Brady had slept outside?

The tent had deflated my sense of urgency, and as I slowly stepped into Bella's backyard, I finally noticed the strong thumping heartbeat of the wolf himself, relaxing on Bella's back porch. He watched as I walked closer and nodded his head in greeting.

"Cullen."

His calm demeanor confused me. This scenario was certainly not what I had expected.

"Brady. Where is Bella?"

"She and Jason made a grocery run. They should be back in a few. Can we talk?"

Talk? This certainly wasn't the volatile and enraged shifter that threatened me back in Forks a few months ago. Suspicious, I narrowed my eyes.

"What's going on, Brady? Why are you here?" I suddenly had crystal clear technicolor images of Brady and Mandy Skinner in what appeared to be a heated make-out situation. I blanched.

"What the hell was that?" I took a second dip in Brady's mind, and recognized the deeper underlying cause. Brady had imprinted on Mandy. The revelation caught me off guard. The bond was unbreakable and true, and he now would forever only live for her. The strength of his rooted need reminded me of the bond I shared with Bella. Fate was certainly not only after me, it would seem.

"I'll admit that when I got here a few days ago, I was ready to rip you to shreds over my feelings for Bella, but as you can see, the situation has changed."

Did it ever. Mandy of all people. Brady had only known her for a few days at most. I leaned against the nearest pine tree and started to laugh. I couldn't help it. Brady had no idea what he was in for.

Brady stood up and slowly started to walk towards me.

"You laughing at me, Cullen?"

My mirth was born more of relief, but I still couldn't help myself. Brady was incredulous, and I couldn't blame him. I straightened and held up my hands.

"No offense, wolf. You and I have no dispute."

"Says you, leech. I may not be interested in Bella the same way, but you better believe I have a good reason to stay. Because I have imprinted doesn't change the fact that Bella is still my friend, still under the pack's protection, and that you are still no better for her now than you ever were." Brady, now only a few feet away, started to vibrate. "I don't like that you're near her, much less touching her." He sneered, "Listen good, bloodsucker. You bite her, you still break the treaty, and I will destroy you."

I tensed. This young shapeshifter was still very unpredictable. "And I wouldn't expect anything less, wolf. But you need to understand. Bella is mine now, and not you or anyone will take her from me."

That did it. Brady leaped toward me, and mid-jump, his clothes exploded into tatters, and he exploded into fur and teeth. I found myself under him, his fangs snapping inches from my face.

I pushed him off, and launching myself off of the large oak, propelled the both of us past the tree line. It wouldn't do for Bella's neighbors to witness the commotion. We flew past the outskirts of Rochester, Brady nipping at my heels. He was certainly fast, but nowhere near as fast as me. Pulling ahead, I found a large sycamore near the river and launched myself up high. I only had a few seconds to wait, until Brady came to a sudden stop right below me.

"I know you're here, coward. You can't hide from me forever."

Nor did I want to. I dropped silently onto his back and flipped him over. He hardly had time to growl before I had him against the tree and his throat in my fist. I slowly began to squeeze.

"You're way out of line here, pup. You're trespassing and threatening me in my territory. Last I heard, Bella didn't want anything to do with you, and you're trespassing on her and her home as well." I gave him a few growls and snaps of my own. I could feel his windpipe beginning to give way and heard in his mind what he was going to do a fraction of a second before he could do it.

Before he could kick out at me, I jumped, grabbed his head under my arm, and flung him hard to the ground. Between his bruised windpipe and the force of the blow, he lay there, gasping. Picking him up, I flung him out and heard the satisfying crunch as his body hit a moss-covered boulder.

I really didn't want to hurt him, and even though he had given Bella a hard time, I knew she really didn't want him hurt either. I didn't think she would be too pleased with me, but Brady seriously needed to learn boundaries.

Brady was knocked out cold. I could tell he had some broken ribs, and his breathing was labored but he would heal. I grabbed my phone and dialed Carlisle. He arrived quickly, and after a cursory examination, agreed that Brady would be fine after a day or two. We watched as his deep scratches and gouges were already beginning to knit together.

I called Emmett and Jasper to help us get Brady back to our house. I didn't want him near Bella's home again. His tent had been destroyed in the scuffle, regardless. Emmett pulled up in a large pickup truck, and we heaved Brady into the back, making sure no fur peeked up from underneath the tarp.

Carlisle made his own call on the way back, and by the time we arrived, Esme and Rosalie had set up a canvas Army tent a few hundred feet back onto our wooded property. This particular tent had the capacity to sleep thirty men. It was palatial compared to the pup tent Brady had been sleeping in. Alice made a quick trip to the outdoorsman supply store, and soon the tent also housed an extra-large cot, soft wool blankets and the best quality goose-down sleeping bag. Hopefully, Brady would be so comfortable here he wouldn't want to return to Bella's backyard.

Emmett and Jasper hauled him onto the cot, and they promised to wait on the back deck for him to regain consciousness. Knowing Brady was secure, I took a quick shower and changed my clothes. I had desperately missed Bella, and couldn't wait to see her again, but knew that matters needed to be settled here first. I quickly shot her a text and smiled at her frowny face reply.

Carlisle caught me in the hall and motioned me into his office. We both stood by the large floor-to-ceiling windows. We could view the entire back yard, including the tent pitched out behind the tree line.

Carlisle's face was set like stone. "Brady's presence here is risky. He is impulsive and volatile. It was sheer luck that no one saw you two fighting. Without his alpha here to keep him under control, it is only a matter of time before we will be forced to employ damage control measures." I nodded my head. "And, I know you don't want to have to leave before Bella is ready." Certainly not.

"Edward, why he is here?" I had told my family of the rogue vampire in Forks, and the brief partnership between myself and the wolf pack to neutralize him, but I had left out the bit about Brady threatening me. I didn't think it important at the time, but I had been wrong.

"He had feelings for Bella, and was, at the time, unaware of our presence here in Rochester."

"I take it, then, that he was only recently informed of that fact?" I slowly nodded my head. "So, he feels that he is here to protect her." He was always good at putting two and two together. "Edward, you said he had feelings for Bella. Has that changed?"

I couldn't help but smile. "He still cares for her, but not in the same way. He still feels he must do his duty to the tribe, and to Bella as a friend, but now he will stay for other reasons as well. He imprinted on someone very recently." Carlisle's eyebrows went up.

"Interesting. Anyone we know?"

My smile widened. "Mandy Skinner."

Carlisle couldn't hide his smile. He then began to guffaw. Soon he had his head back and was laughing along with me.

"Brady has his hands full." My thoughts exactly.

"Regardless, I feel we must call the alpha. The current treaty only covers our presence in Forks. We need an addendum to cover wolves on our territory." I couldn't have agreed more.

Suddenly, a high keening sound emitted from the tent. Carlisle and I whipped our heads to the window and listened as it slowly morphed into deep groaning. Brady was regaining consciousness, and Carlisle and I zipped to the yard as Brady began to phase back into his human form.

Carlisle, Jasper, Emmett and I all walked together to the tent, presenting a united front. We would be laying down some rules. Brady's muddled mind was a confused mess, then as he caught a whiff of what he termed "vampire stench," began a loud and long litany of profanity.

I arrived at Bella's house later that night after she had put Jason to bed. I immediately swept her up and zipped up to her room to make up for lost time. Much later, as I held her, we talked about the misunderstanding regarding Brady's presence. I told her the events that had happened immediately upon my return and explained the reasoning behind my behavior.

"I'm sorry if you felt that I was being dismissive of your feelings, Bella, and our shaky phone connection was happening at the worst time, but I was worried and panicked. Not because I thought you would do anything foolish, but because Brady had threatened me before. He doesn't have much self-control, and without his alpha here to keep him in check, he is more or less a loose cannon."

Bella nodded her head. Both of our shirts were on the floor, and I gently rubbed the soft skin below her bra strap around her back. Her heated flesh had warmed my hands up nicely.

"So, where is he now?"

I moved my hand up to her neck and to cup her face. "He is currently residing in a large tent on our property and is recovering very quickly."

Bella's eyebrow raised, then shook her head. "Licking his wounds in the back yard of his sworn enemy. I'll bet he's just loving that."

"He isn't happy to be there, but he is liking the extra room, even though he won't admit it. He should be at full capacity within another day, and he is just itching to get to Mandy as soon as possible."

Bella looked concerned. "What did he tell her about all of this?"

"Nothing yet. I don't know what Jacob will allow him to tell her outside of the reservation. At some point she will have questions about Brady's intense attraction to her, and his deep need to protect the tribe. I'm sure secrets will have to come out as some point, but this is why we need to negotiate an addendum to the treaty. It will protect us and the tribe."

"Makes sense. Do I need to be involved in this?"

"I don't think so, but your future change will definitely be brought up and added in."

"I don't think Jake will have an issue with my change, but it probably should be spelled out on paper regardless. By the way, how exactly is something like this legal?" She gave me a small smile. "I don't suppose you bring someone in to notarize it or anything, do you?"

I chuckled. "Obviously not, but the stakes are too high for both sides to not take it seriously."

Her teasing question reminded me that we would need to add her and Jason onto our family and property records soon. But paperwork of another kind would need to be filed first: a marriage license. I smiled at the idea and began to imagine the many ways I would love to propose to Bella. Most she would consider way over-the-top, but perhaps a fall wedding the next year wouldn't be out of the question.

Surprisingly, Brady and most of my family tolerated each other with a tentative acceptance. He wanted to be anywhere than on our property, but he grudgingly admitted (mentally, at least) that the accommodations we provided were more than comfortable. Seeing how he was in too much pain to move, he was resigned to stay where he was. Alice had set up a small battery pack so he could charge his phone and communicate with Mandy. Esme took his meals out to him and made sure he didn't need anything. Welcome or not, she would never allow a guest to do without.

After Jasper, Emmett, Carlisle and myself made a show of unity, Brady knew his options were limited. He had attacked me unprovoked on our territory, and that this mistake would carry repercussions if we decided to seek rectification. For the sake of his tribe, pack and pride, he wisely decided not to make a fuss. His resignation was working well for me, since I would not allow him to stay anywhere near Bella's house regardless. I informed him that as soon as he recovered completely, we would be negotiating a new treaty, and he slowly nodded his head. I decided not to say anything about his dramatic eye roll as I turned to leave.

Most everyone was content to allow Brady to convalesce in our backyard, except for Rosalie. She staunchly refused to go anywhere near him, but the only real problem was with Alice. She spent the first few days in a near panic as she desperately tried to understand why her visions had suddenly stopped. She recovered her bearings after a long-range hunt and was relieved to realize that it was Brady's presence that had caused her mental blindness. The holes in Bella's future that had alarmed her when she was in Forks finally made sense.

Alice's relief quickly turned to annoyance as she had to leave the house for longer periods of time. Her visions were not only important for the safety of the family, but also provided Alice a sense of normality. She just didn't feel right without them.

Brady was out of the tent and on his way to Mandy's house the moment his wounds had healed just enough for him to get out of his cot. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief as he staggered off grumbling about needing to wash the "bloodsucker stench" off of him, but I left that particular problem to him.

BPOV

Soon the weekend was over, and Edward had to return to Buffalo. I hated that he had to leave so soon after the hunting trip.

Jase's physical therapy equipment arrived later that day and was installed just in time for his cast to come off. The first session was tentative, but soon he and Emmett were working together. I honestly don't think Jase realized they were actually having "therapy." To him, he and Emmett were having fun like always, and I was grateful that Emmett could make the work seem so effortless. I was also impressed with his competency. For all the world he seemed like a carefree jokester, but he made it a point to walk me through Jase's progress, and his professionalism also greatly impressed me.

Of course, having a "superhero" therapist played a huge part in Jase's enthusiasm and willingness to do the work. He was quickly making progress, and having a blast doing it. He continued to heal, spend time with the guys, and was more serious than ever to keep the Cullen Secret now that he felt he was part of the gang.

I did get a brief text from Brady that afternoon thanking me for my brief hospitality. His landlord was allowing him to move into his apartment a few days early, and he would be starting his new job the next day. I was betting that between the job and time with Mandy, I would be seeing very little of him from then on.

I reached out to touch base with Jake, and thankfully, he had talked to Brady and had everything worked out with the pack. Not that Jake had much say in the matter. As long as Mandy remained in New York, Brady would, too.

TRIGGER WARNING

Too soon, Friday night arrived, and everyone seemed to be occupied. Brady would be coming over later, on Jake's orders, to work on hashing out a new treaty. He wasn't happy about it, but since Jake was planning on participating via Skype, and all parties wanted it done as soon as possible, he didn't have a choice. Brady would be in a bad mood, and I really didn't want to be around when he arrived. Since Emmett was busy with Jase in the basement, I decided this was a good time for me to get some work done at the school.

I had been meaning to clean out my office for a while. The dust had begun to pile on the bookshelves, and I needed to bring home some books and notes I had planned to use in my curriculum. I arrived and cringed at the full parking lot. I hadn't realized there would be a basketball game going on in the gym. The screaming and cheering rang out all the way to the back of the lot. As I made my way, I could hear the buzzer and cheerleaders' rhythmic chanting up through the second-floor hallway. The deserted, darkened corridor stretched out in front of me, punctuated with accent lighting along the ceiling. I reached my office door and fumbled with my keys. I wished I had remembered to bring my penlight. I hadn't realized how dark the corridors were after hours. Thank goodness I would only be here for a short time. I tried to mentally work out the reading schedule as I pulled the books from my shelf.

Lost in my own thoughts, I barely heard the door click closed. I hadn't expected Edward to follow me up here. My smile fell as I turned around. I watched in horror as Jeffrey turned the lock on the doorknob and, without breaking eye contact, slowly stalked the three steps separating us. His jeans were ripped and filthy, and his black leather jacket was deeply scuffed. I finally broke out of my shocked stupor.

"Jeffrey, what are you doing here?" I tried to infuse my voice with authority. "You know all halls and classrooms are off limits on game nights. You need to leave now!"

As he worked himself closer into my personal space, I noticed his hair was a rumpled mess, and his face was rough with scruff. His bloodshot eyes were ringed with deep purple bags, and he reeked of weed and alcohol. He slowly ogled me from my shoes on up, his lustful gaze lingering on strategic areas. I managed to suppress a shudder.

"Imagine my surprise when I saw your car in the lot, Bella. I couldn't let you leave without saying a proper hello." The malicious glare in his eyes made me cringe. Maybe I could talk him down.

"Jeffrey, I'm only here to get a few things, then I'm heading out." If I could keep talking, maybe I could buy some time. "Perhaps you wouldn't mind helping me carry some books?"

"I can help you with all sorts of things, Isabella." He was slowly walking me backwards across the floor, his lips curling up into a smirk. "Maybe we can help each other." My heel hit the wall, and his hands immediately came up on either side of my head. My breath was coming in short gasps. I tried to calm my breathing, but my heart was slamming hard against my ribs. He was drunk, stoned, and angry. I could feel the panic rising in my chest.

He was right in my face. I could feel his hot breath against my lips. "I know Cullen had something to do with me getting kicked off the team, so I figure he owes me, y'know?"

"O-owes you?" Fear was now pushing the panic.

"That self-righteous prick!" Jeffrey slammed his fists into the wall beside my head. I jumped and let out a yelp. Jeffrey's hands slowly worked their way into my hair. He angled my head and dipped down to stare into my eyes. "You told me no, Bella. You said it wouldn't work out between us, because you're my teacher. But then you choose him. Him! Why, Bella? I'm so much better than he is."

One of his hands worked its way down my neck, his finger tracing my collarbones. "I would have treated you right, Bella." He gently caressed my breast, his thumb slowly rubbing across my nipple. I couldn't help the terrified gasp. "Yeah, that's right, baby," His lips slid down my neck. "I would have treated you so very right."

Terrified or not, I couldn't just stand there and allow him to have his way with me. Gathering my courage, I tried to push against him, but it was useless. Even drunk and stoned, he was still a foot taller, and outweighed me by a good forty pounds. His chest and shoulders were solid. He wouldn't move unless he wanted to.

My resistance only seemed to turn him on more. He removed his hand from my hair and grabbed me around the waist, pulling our lower halves together. Pushing my legs apart, he began grinding himself into me. "Oh, yeah, baby. You know you want it. You know you want me. You don't know how long I've dreamed of this." His hands were becoming desperate and rough. He would be leaving bruises.

Taking a huge breath, I concentrated on pulling myself together and pushed out as hard as I could. "Jeffrey, you are drunk, and this is highly inappropriate. You need to leave now!" Shocked, he stumbled back a few inches. Unfortunately, my aim had not improved over the years, and he barely missed my knee shooting up his groin. Anger tore through him and he grabbed my upper arms, throwing me across the top of the desk. The edge bit into my back and made me hiss in pain. His face was distorted in rage.

"He owes me!" Jeffrey shouted into my face. My hands scrabbled onto his biceps, trying desperately to find purchase. I started screaming as he began to unbutton my jeans. I was beyond terrified.

Suddenly, Jeffrey was ripped off of me, and tossed through the glass window. I heard him hit the ground outside. My heart was still pounding, and I turned to see Edward radiating anger and looking very much like a vampire. He gently scooped me up into his arms. His wild eyes began to assess my injuries.

"Are you okay?" I numbly nodded my head. He began to croon in soft tones. "I'm taking you out to your car and driving you to the house so Carlisle can take a look. Is that alright?" I grabbed the front of his shirt.

"Edward, he almost…he almost…" and then I burst into tears. His face was stone.

"I know. You don't have to worry about him hurting you ever again, Bella." I didn't think anything more of Jeffrey right then. I felt the numbness take over, and I vaguely remembered Carlisle checking my arms, back, and abdomen sometime later.

"Thankfully, it looks like just superficial bruises," Carlisle said. "Nothing that can't heal within a few days. Keep her warm, and she should come around soon." I was coherent enough to recognize I was exhibiting signs of shock. I decided that was normal under the circumstances. I was enjoying the solid comfort of Edward's embrace, and I felt safe enough to drift off.

WARNING END

The next time I awoke, I was in Edward's huge bed and he was spooning me from behind. I groaned. My back hurt, and I had a splitting headache. Esme came into focus and was smiling as she held out some aspirin and water. Edward helped me sit up and I downed the entire bottle. I finally felt like my brain could focus.

"How did you know I needed help?"

Edward's eyes softened. "It was an incredible stroke of luck, Bella. Brady, Carlisle, Jasper and I were working on some of the finer points of the treaty, and Alice and Esme decided to go out for a quick hunt. As soon as they were out of range, Alice had a vision of what Jeffrey was doing. She knew you only had minutes, so she called and alerted me right away. Brady and I ran as fast as we could to get there. Thankfully, we arrived without a second to spare."

"Brady was there? I didn't see him."

"You wouldn't have. He was outside in his wolf form." I remembered Jeffrey crashing through the window.

"What happened to Jeffrey?" Edward had a tentative look, and he glanced over to Esme.

"Holy crow. You killed him, didn't you?" I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

"Of course not, love."

Esme was quick to interject, "You know we avoid killing, Bella. It isn't who we are."

"But I heard him hit the ground. And he went through a window! How did he survive that?"

Edward's stone face was back. "I don't know. I wasn't in the right frame of mind to modulate my strength, but I could definitely hear his heart still beating." His melting gold eyes held me in place. "We don't kill, Bella, but I can't say the same for the wolves. Brady was angry and dragged Jeffrey off. He was unconscious, and had so many drugs in his system, I'm sure he didn't feel anything. All I can say is that no one will find what's left of him any time soon, if ever."

Part of me was horrified that a student had been killed because of me, but another part that remembered the terror was relieved.

Edward looked concerned. "You're not angry, are you?"

I didn't think so. I wasn't sure how to feel. I thought about how I was saved from a possible trauma, and how dispatching Jeffrey could save another woman the same trauma. I decided to be grateful for the loving, overprotective supernatural creatures in my life. I looked into Edward's eyes and gave him a soft smile.

"No. Definitely not. Thank you all for looking out for me. And thank you for being honest with me." I could feel Edward's relief as he kissed my forehead. I still had questions, though.

"What about the window, and the speculation that will come when Jeffrey's family and friends realize he is missing?"

"Alice already took care of the window and the broken lock. We doubt there is any way we or Brady can be implicated. Jeffrey left his friend's house last night and was headed home. After seeing your car in the lot, he came into the school on impulse, and no one saw him come in. The noise in the gym was loud, so no one heard anything, and Brady was careful to be discreet as he carried him off. It will be unfortunate that he will become a missing person, but it's the best we can do."

It was unfortunate. Jeffrey, in some ways, may have deserved his fate, but I felt sorry for his parents and friends who would never know what had happened.

"So, this is what it feels like to have to lie and keep heavy secrets." Both Edward and Esme somberly nodded their heads. "Well, if this is what it takes to keep my family safe, then I guess I better get used to it."

I sighed and took Edward's hand. "Edward, you were right. I should have taken Jeffrey's behavior more seriously, and," I looked into his eyes, "I should have filed that report. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you." And I was sorry. My reticence had possibly cost Jeffrey his life. If he had been stopped sooner, he could have received help and would still be alive.

Edward didn't say anything but gathered me in and kissed the top of my head. I knew that Jeffrey's choices were his own, but it was still a regret I would live with for a long while.

In some ways, reconciling my conscience with my sense of justice was difficult. It became a challenge to feign shock and worry when Jeffrey did become a missing person. I worked to maintain an appropriate façade but knew I would be relieved when the time was right to finally leave Rochester.

I had to also reconcile the idea that the differences between humans and the supernatural weren't mutually exclusive. I remembered Edward telling me years ago that he wasn't "the most dangerous thing out there"; people could be much more dangerous than anything supernatural. I had always known it was true. My close scrape with a murderer in Port Angeles years ago taught me that, but having the concept demonstrated with someone I knew, someone I had taught, and thought was harmless, shook me. I was grateful that the "monsters" in my life were watching out for me.

After the treaty negotiations were complete, I got a call from Brady. He explained that he and I probably wouldn't see much of each other from then on. The thought that my interaction with the pack was already waning saddened me, but I understood. Though not strictly mandatory, keeping out of the Cullen's territory would be for the best. Both factions had come to an understanding, but even so, Edward and Brady would never be friends.

I unblocked Brady, and he took the time to keep in touch. I asked him what Mandy thought of him texting another woman, and he said he had told her I was a close family friend he had originally come to town to help. It wasn't a lie, but I suspected he was keeping tabs on me, or specifically, my humanity. Edward said as much, but respected my friendship with him nonetheless, which I greatly appreciated.

Brady continued to work and was mainly waiting for Mandy to graduate. She had plans to attend a university and spent her time between him and filling out college applications.

I had learned through Edward that Mandy's parents were a bit strict and I laughed as he recounted his hilarious date with her earlier that year.

I received an angry rant from Brady through a string of texts not long after:

Your bloodsucker is making my life difficult.

I showed Edward the text and he shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't seen him or Mandy in months. I honestly don't know what he's talking about."

You need to give more info. What are you talking about?

Just found out why Mandy's parents hate me. Date from hell with the leech sound familiar? Because of his rude behavior, I'm having to jump through all kinds of ridiculous hoops to get her family to like me. They don't want her out of their sight! I should pummel him for treating her that way.

Edward looked at the text and chuckled. "You should warn Brady not to let her drink. She's a bit of a lightweight." No way I was going to stoke that fire. Apparently, Mandy's parents were still freaked out, and any guy she was interested in was going to have a tough time earning her very strait-laced parents' trust. Brady blamed the whole situation on Edward.

Mandy decided she needed to get far away from New York, and Brady had suggested she apply to the University of Washington. When we learned, however, that she couldn't afford the out-of-state tuition, Edward quietly made some arrangements. Even Mandy's parents couldn't turn down a full ride scholarship from the Pacific Northwest Trust. Brady figured the windfall was due to the Cullen's generosity, and a tentative truce was born.

At the end of April, I gave my notice, claiming that a girl's school in the Midwest was looking to hire me as their English department chair. With the shock of Jeffrey's disappearance still on everyone's minds, my colleagues were happy for me, but didn't ask too many questions.

The entire family was preparing for the big move at the end of the school year. Edward and I flew out during spring break for a job interview in Cincinnati. Alice saw that the high school would hire me within the week, so we took a few days to look at various properties right outside of town. The home we loved had been abandoned for the past twenty years, but the location was perfect. Edward assured me Esme would be thrilled for such a project and had brought structures in much worse condition back to life.

The best part was that the Cullens purchased their home only a few miles from ours. Carlisle had already been accepted into a private practice in town, and everything seemed to be coming together.

Edward was more than pleased. He decided he was done with high school permanently. He felt that his life had turned a corner, and he was committed to learning to be a full-time husband and father. In fact, he was excited at the prospect of becoming a stay-at-home dad. Not having to worry about Jase's childcare was a huge relief. Although Trevor's mom was a wonderful after school caregiver, Jase and I both welcomed the idea of Edward being at home for him after school.

I began to use my free time sorting and donating items. I was surprised when Esme and Rosalie dropped off a truckload of new cardboard boxes and packing supplies, but they just smiled and began to help me pack the things I wanted to move. I felt a twinge of wistfulness when I decided to put the red motorcycle in the "donate" pile, but I also felt a weight lifted. My past had been put to rest. Edward breathed a sigh of relief and gathered me into his arms.

"Thank you, love. I was hoping you wouldn't want to keep that death trap." I looked up sharply. He smiled down into my frowning face. "If you want to ride, Bella, I will look into a safer model, and," he bent down and softly kissed my lips, "I want to ride with you." Well, then. I guessed that would work out nicely.

The day before my house was to go on the market, Esme pulled up in a rental van, and shooed me out of the house. Edward announced that she had arranged a spa day for me, and as Jase was at the Cullen house playing with Emmett, I realized I had no excuses. Edward gently took my hand, led me to his Volvo, and said something about "spoiling his girl." We decided to spend the rest of the day in Buffalo.

After a lovely lunch at a trendy upscale bistro, Edward escorted me into a hotel spa in the historic district where I was massaged, wrapped, plucked and buffed. He left but arrived just as the manicurist was putting the finishing coat on my toenails. I was too relaxed to move, and he chuckled as he paid the bill, and then directed me to the car. The ride to his condo was short, and he seemed a bit excited as he led me upstairs to his door.

I pulled on his arm and he turned around to look at me. "Edward, I want to thank you for being willing to uproot your life in Rochester to move here." He looked at me questioningly.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

"I had expressed a concern that remaining my student after we got back together wouldn't sit well with me, and you didn't hesitate. You immediately bought this condo, left the high school, and moved as soon as you could." I took a deep breath. "All that trouble just to make me comfortable. I just wanted you to know I appreciate it."

Edward's eyes softened. "Bella, if moving to a nearby town is all it took to bring us together, I would do it a hundred times over." He hugged me and kissed the top of my head. "More than worth it." He unlocked the door and we stepped inside.

Edward had decided to keep the condo and turn it into a rental property. It was small with two bedrooms and bathrooms, but it was very modern with cathedral ceilings, full-length panoramic windows, and polished cement floors. The view of the downtown historic district and Lake Erie was breathtaking.

Edward tucked me into a dining chair, removed a domed dish from the oven, and with great flourish, lifted the top. He explained that as I was getting buffed and polished, he had shopped for groceries and put my dinner together.

"Bella, I wanted to surprise you and thought you and I could stay here for the night."

"That sounds great, but what about Jase?"

"He is excited to spend the next few days with Emmett and Rosalie while Esme conducts the open house. Rose has been practicing her cooking." Edward's crooked grin stretched into a brilliant smile. "Even she admits that it doesn't take much skill to put chicken nuggets in the oven. He was having a great time when we left, do you want to call him?"

Normally I would have been worried about leaving him overnight. I would have stressed myself over his meals, bath routine and bedtime. Possible nightmares and worrying over him missing me would have kept me up half the night. But looking into Edward's golden eyes put me at ease. The Cullens loved Jason and I knew he was in good hands. If there were any cause for concern, Emmett would call right away. There was no reason for me to be worried. For the first time in months, my mind relaxed. I could hear Emmett in my head saying, "Bella, baby, we got this!" Smiling, I forked a morsel of poached salmon and shook my head.

"No. I think I'm just going to finish my dinner, and then concentrate on spending the evening with you." Edward's smile was radiant.

We pulled up to my street the next morning, and after Edward helped me from the car, I stood on the sidewalk in front of my house and stared in shock. There was brilliant color exploding from the flower beds. Esme met me on the sidewalk and smiled as she escorted me through the front door. High-end furniture had transformed my home into a designer showroom. The fresh paint made my house look clean and airy. I didn't recognize anything.

"Esme, there are no words. Just – wow."

"Thank you, but I honestly didn't have to do much. Your home has been well-kept and is in a desirable neighborhood. We shouldn't have any problem selling it quickly. Don't worry, this last detail tying you here will be wrapped up in no time."

I had no doubt. Sure enough, by the end of the day, Esme had received three full price offers, and a small bidding war had pushed up the selling price to a figure I knew I would have never achieved on my own. Esme refused to take the difference, as she never charged family for her real estate services. I insisted, but wasn't surprised when a week after closing, I received a statement from my bank informing me that a fat deposit had been made into Jase's college account that was exactly the same amount. Shaking my head, I knew it was pointless to argue. The Cullens took care of each other, and because they considered me and Jase family, they took care of us as well. True, I wasn't used to being cared for in this way, but I had to admit it was nice. My new family's love gave me warm assurance.

I knew I was a strong, fulfilled woman. My years fighting through challenges had taught me that. Knowing I didn't have to prove it to myself anymore would take some getting used to, but it was a happy realization.

Move day arrived bright and early. I made sure Jase was buckled into his car seat and came around the car to where Edward was holding the door open. He had a huge smile and he pulled me into his arms.

"Ready to go?"

I was. I was truly ready for our lives to begin. Together.

A/N: I love that Bella has a bit of growth here, as well as a full realization of what being a Cullen will truly mean for her. She has full disclosure but is still in 100%. That, I think, is what love is all about: Good and bad, joy and heartache, warts and all. There is still an epi as well as some outtakes to come.