" Esme will be up shortly with something to eat and drink, okay?" Carlisle said sitting on the edge of the bed, he had just tucked me in.

Nodding he got up and walked out of the room shutting the door behind him, I could only assume he was going back downstairs. I slowly turned my head towards the window, moving too fast caused everything to spin and tilt, whether it was courtesy of the drowsiness, I wasn't certain.

It was dark out, clouds blocked out the stars, only letting the brightness of the moon too dimly shine through. It gave a crude estimate of how late, or rather early it was. I would've guessed somewhere between 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning.

The longer I stared at the slow-moving clouds and silhouetted tree branches gently swaying in the wind, the heavier my eyelids became. I didn't try to fight and keep them open, instead, I observed as much as my sluggish mind could process before blackness engulfed my vision.

I don't know how long I was sleeping before I was awoken by a soft thud. Opening my eyes to see the darkness of my room, to which my vision had long since adjusted to the lack of lighting. Looking over I saw the contour of who I knew was Esme, putting something on the nightstand beside the bed.

The rustling of my blankets must've gotten her attention as she quickly sat on the edge of the bed, closer than Carlisle had been, and gently brushed my hair, which I just realized was sticking with sweat, out of my face. Pressing her hand carefully against my forehead.

The light that filtered in through the door she left opened highlighted the concerned expression on her face.

" I'm sorry I woke you, sweetheart, are you feeling well enough to eat? I'm sure having something in your belly will make you feel better." Esme asked, pulling her hand away as I moved to lean further up against the headrest. I was disappointed at the loss of that cool touch.

" I don't feel as drowsy as I did earlier, but still drained," I answered, I can tell I'm not yet 100 percent, the reason being I didn't fully answer her.

" And yes, I think I'm well enough to eat," I answered completely, feeling slightly more flush around the face at not having answered entirely in one go.

Esme just smiled gently before reaching over towards the nightstand, retrieving the bowl of food as well as turning on the lamp that sat on the desk, that I just now realized was there, how blind had I become to not have noticed that much?

Sighing through my nose I thanked Esme as she placed the bowl on my waiting lap, it was soup, I would be at a loss if I had to describe what kind. It smelled amazing nonetheless.

Bringing the bowl up to hold between my chest and hand, the warmth of the bowl somehow not uncomfortable against my already heated skin. Putting a spoon full of the slightly viscous soup in my mouth, letting it gently hit my tongue, I was immediately welcomed by wonderous flavors practically exploding in my mouth.

I saw Esme's expression soften to one of amusement as she gauged my reaction, I again wasn't ashamed of the moan that slipped past my lips as I took another bite of this amazing food.

Why the Gods decided to let their best chef down here, I'll never know. I am thankful regardless.

I hadn't realized I was muttering aloud until I heard Emse giggling beside me, as well as chuckling by the door. Glancing over I saw it was Carlisle, accompanied by Jasper standing near the door. Jasper was smirking my way while Carlisle continued to softly chuckle.

I felt my lips curl up slightly as I continued eating, Esme brought a hand up to her mouth to help muffle her giggles, which after but a moment she had under control, Carlisle had already settled with a soft smile, while Jasper kept grinning.

Finishing that last of my soup, I thanked Esme, who upon grasping the bowl handed me the glass of water, I drank it all in one gulp. Carlisle and Jasper sat on either side of my bed while Esme took the dishes back downstairs. I was about to get up to do just that but was shut down almost immediately by all three of them.

" What time is it?" I asked curiously.

Carlisle, after checking his watch answered, " It's 4:29 A.M."

Something similar to a sinking feeling started in my stomach, thinking it to be the illness I tried my best to just ignore it. I've already caused them enough trouble, making them stay up so late into the night, all the way into the early morning, on top of making them worry.

The sinking feeling seemed to have widened, spreading up to my chest, making my heart feel the same type of sinking. Jasper had turned more towards me, staring blankly in my direction. I stayed neutral, hoping to have not done something stupid that I didn't notice while I was distracted.

Thankfully I didn't have to worry as Esme soon came into the room, book in hand, ushering both Jasper and Carlisle out. After saying goodnight, they both left. Esme asked if I need to go to the bathroom, after answering no, she told me to lay back and get comfortable.

" I couldn't find the first books until I remember I let a friend borrow them, So I hope you don't mind me starting at the end, I promise you'll still enjoy it," Esme explained, holding up said book.

" Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows? Never heard of it," I saw her eyes widened before quickly narrowing.

" That won't do, will fix that latter, for now, you just stay comfortable sweetheart," Esme said getting comfortable herself, before flipping to the first page, and began to read.

Her voice was so soft yet clear, keeping a steady rhythm throughout that I didn't remember closing my eyes, nor did I recall being tucked in.

Esme POV

" Harry looked over his shoulder as he felt-" I paused, listening. Smiling I looked over seeing he was already sleeping peacefully, his heart keeping a nice steady pace.

Closing the book, I sighed. It's been so long since I've been able to read to another, let alone a little angel, I got carried away. I haven't even noticed when he had fallen asleep. The poor dear looked exhausted, even now with him sleeping so soundly as he is, there seemed to be a part of him that just couldn't rest, that wouldn't allow itself to rest.

Huh, thinking it over I know it doesn't make much sense, but that seems to be the only way to describe it, I have yet to hear anyone else explain it better. I soundlessly get up, making sure to shut the lamp off, walking towards the door.

Before I closed it I couldn't help but look at him one more time.

" Rest well, sweetheart, " I muttered barely above a whisper, forcing myself to close the door, to let him rest even though I wished to stay near him constantly.

I didn't want him to wake up alone, but I know that I tend to be overbearing at times, he would most likely appreciate having room to breathe in peace when he woke instead of someone standing by like an ever-present shadow.

Sighing once again I made my way downstairs, finding Alice and Rosalie sitting on the couch, both turned as I descended the stairs.

" What's wrong?" Rosalie asked, of course, she'd notice something was amiss, granted I didn't really bother to hide it.

" I'm just worried is all," I replied, sitting on the other end of the couch.

" Why? He's practically better already, especially after your amazing cooking." Alice chimed in grinning widely.

A chuckle forced its way past my lips as I recalled that particular comment that sent a near-perfect replica of warmth to my heart, an illusion of course but still nice nonetheless.

'Why the Gods decided to let their best chef down here, I'll never know. I am thankful regardless.'

I believe that is by far the best compliment I've gotten about my cooking, at least it was my personal favorite. I won't deny the burst of pride it also brought forth, not that anyone needs to know that.

I'll just have to start humming a catchy tune on repeat by the time Edward gets home, a nifty trick I've learned courtesy of Alice. Just until my ego settles. Smirking to myself I catch the look Rosalie and Alice sent each other, grinning all the while.

" Hungry?" I hoped to have interrupted whatever plans they were coming up with.

" Starved," Alice said already hopping to her feet. Rosalie following suit at a more relaxed pace.

Getting up as well Rosalie asked, " Shouldn't one of us stay encase he wakes up?"

" I put a little NyQuil in his soup to help him sleep better and to, hopefully, help get rid of his cold, we should be back long before he wakes," I answered before Alice could having been the one to go retrieve said medicine, per my request.

Satisfied Rosalie nodded, as we made our way outside a thought came to mind.

" I do however want us to stay nearby, encase any more guests decide to visit," I say grimly.

Gaining serious expressions I knew my girls would be on high alert, not that they weren't before, it was unsettling how close he got, the fact that there was even an attempt, and on my youngest son no less.

The nerve he had to even try without his ever-present followers was infuriating. No matter, He won't touch a hair on my sweetheart's head while I walk the earth, this isn't a promise, but a fact.


A/N

Goodevening, night, or morning. Sorry for the wait, I was starting to fall behind on my chapters, I was able to catch up a bit. Hopefully, this chapter will satisfy you all until the next update, which shouldn't be too long, until then; I hope you enjoyed it and sorry for any mistakes you may find.