Previous chapter: Demetri - DPOV

I frown as I try to figure out what she's trying to tell me. She is talking so quietly I'm glad I'm a vampire, or I wouldn't have heard half the things she was mumbling. She had never done what? Oh, wait a minute… no way. I gently stroke Bella's cheek as I say, "Bella, amore mio, are you untouched? Is that what you're trying to tell me? Are you a virgin?"

Demetri - DPOV

The selfish monster inside me roars in excitement as Bella nods almost invisibly. No man before me successfully made her his. I'll be her first lover and her last. There are no words to describe this gorgeous woman that was brought into this world to complete me and only me. I fight back the urge to make her mine right here and now knowing my Bella is nowhere near ready for that. I simply smile as I brush a loose strand of hair out of her face and say, "Cara mia, you have no idea how pleased I'm to hear that. I told you before: a vampire is a selfish creature and knowing I will be the only man you will share your mind, body, and soul with, is overly satisfying. It feels like you were created just for me."

Bella still looks worried as she links her fingers with mine and whispers, "So you don't mind that I'm inexperienced... that I don't know how to… please you?"

I immediately shake my head as I carefully pull her closer and say, "Tesoro, I won't deny that I'm looking forward to making love to you one day, but that's not what's most important right now. We're just getting to know each other. Our bond is strong, but there is still so much to learn.

We're not in a rush. We have all the time in the world to explore this wonderful connection in every way. I mean it when I say I'll never pressure you into something you aren't ready for. You will set the pace. I want your first time to be magical and worth remembering. You deserve nothing less from your mate. Now, let's pack, get you something to eat, and then we'll leave for the Alps."

I slowly lean forward to give Bella all the time she needs to pull away before kissing her softly on the lips. I smile as she kisses me back without hesitation. How someone could ever decide not to love this woman with all their heart is a complete mystery to me. Bella smiles as I place another quick peck on her lips before making my way to my closet to pick out clothes for our trip. I look over to where Bella is rearranging her bag and quickly realize her clothes are not suited for the coming season. It would probably be a good idea to stop in Milan and buy some. She will need warmer clothes and a jacket. I nod decisively while I zip up my bag and smile as I say, "I'm going to get you some breakfast, cara mia. You can get dressed in the meanwhile."

Bella gives me one of her sweet smiles, and I can't help but smile even wider as I rush out to this small bakery in town that the locals are always raving about. I put on my sunglasses as I walk up to the counter to buy Bella two authentic Italian breakfast rolls and a latte. They smell horrible to me but the humans sitting at the tables in the back are commenting on the perfect taste and structures of the damned things, so I can only hope Bella likes them too. I quickly make my way back to the castle where I cross Felix in the hallway. I shake my head as he pulls up his nose and says, "Demetri, what is the god-awful smell? Oh man, you went out and got breakfast for the little human! That's so cute. I didn't know you were such a pussy, tracker!"

I roll my eyes as I stop for a second and say, "Want me to kick your ass, Felix. It would be my pleasure but come to think of it: I have a mission to fulfill. So, see you next year! That should give you enough time to train."

Felix groans as he leans against the wall and says, "Oh man, a year, I'm going to miss our sparing sessions, D. You know how I hate to train with Jane or Alec. They don't fight fair."

I snort as I shake my head and say, "A true vampire never does, Felix. You would know because you cheat more than they do, so stop whining. Bella and I will be back before you know it. Make sure you're ready to have your ass kicked when we do."

Felix chuckles as he pats my shoulder and says, "I can't wait to see you try, brother. Take care of our new sister and be happy. You deserve it."

I smile as I nod and say, "Thanks, big man. See you soon."

Bella – BPOV (in the meanwhile)

How is this guy for real? He wasn't fazed at all by my confession. God, he even looked happy about it. I don't think I'll ever understand men, but I love that Demetri keeps surprising me. He says all the perfect words and turns an awkward situation around without blinking an eye. I can't help but feel like the luckiest woman in the whole world simply because he is mine for eternity.

I smile as Demetri rushes off to find me breakfast, and I quickly pull some clothes from my duffel bag. I can't believe I slept in nothing but a towel last night and didn't feel embarrassed about it at all. It's like I turned into this less self-conscious version of myself overnight. I shake my head at the thought of me being self-confident, but even I can't deny that I like this new version of myself. Demetri might turn out to be the best thing that has ever happened to me.

I zip up my duffel bag before walking into the bathroom to comb my hair and brush. I wonder how long Demetri will be gone. I sigh as I realize that I miss him already and quickly make my way back to the bedroom, searching for something to pass the time. I smile as I spot my copy of 'Wuthering Heights' next to my bag. Perfect! Just what I need while I wait for Demetri to return. I eagerly plop down in one of the comfy chairs in the living room, and it doesn't take long for me to get lost in the world of Emily Brontë.

Demetri - DPOV

I smile as I enter my quarters and find Bella in the living room, reading one of her books. She's so engrossed in the story she doesn't even notice my return as I put the breakfast on the table in front of her. I chuckle as I lean down to kiss her on her head to gather her attention and say, "It's good to see you didn't miss me too much, tesoro. Are you hungry? I bought you a typical Italian breakfast: coffee and overly sweet breakfast rolls. I hope you like it. The humans seem to love them, but it all smells terrible to me."

Fuck, the words keep pouring out of my mouth. Why am I so nervous about this dumb human food? Bella smiles as she stops my rambling with a kiss on my lips and says, "It smells delicious, Demetri. I'm sure it's very tasty. Thank you for getting it for me."

Bella's words calm me down instantly, and I sigh in relief as I say, "I would bring you the moon if you asked me to, amore mio. Ti amo."

Bella blushes at my words as she picks up one of the breakfast rolls, and I calm even more as she lets out an appreciative sound with the first bite. God, that's it. I was rambling because I wanted Bella to approve of the breakfast, I chose for her. Yep, maybe Felix is right. I am a pussy when it comes to Bella, and I don't mind it one bit.

I chuckle as I gather our bags from the bedroom while Bella enjoys the rest of her breakfast. Ten minutes later, we're already making our way down to the garage, and I smile as Bella lets out an appreciative 'wow' as I lead her to my black Range Rover. I quickly place our bags in the trunk before opening the passenger door and saying, "Your ride, amore mio. It will take us longer to get to the cabin in this car, but it is better suited for the terrain and the upcoming season. I hope you don't mind?"

Bella shakes her head as she moves toward the car and says, "I don't mind at all. It reminds me of my rusty old truck in a way. I loved that car."

A short flash of sadness is visible in Bella's eyes as she gets inside the car and makes herself comfortable in the passenger's seat. I close her door as I wonder if she would let me buy her a truck when her newborn year is over. Somehow, I doubt Bella would be thrilled if I spent a shit load of money on her without asking, so I'll just have to ask her when the time comes. I shake my head as I make my way to the driver's side and get behind the wheel. Felix was right. Whipped, that's what I am.

Bella – BPOV

Demetri smiles as he gets behind the wheel, I giggle as he eagerly starts the car. It looks like he can't wait to get us out of the city. The Italian countryside flashes by as Demetri speeds up the moment he exits the city, and I feel my eyelids getting heavier with each passing mile. We're not even halfway to Florence as I dose off.

I'm pulled from my slumber by Demetri's voice as he says, "Bella, wake up, tesoro. We need to do some quick shopping before we continue our trip to the cabin. You need clothes, and I could use some new things as well."

I growl as his words sink in. Yuck, shopping! That's the last thing I want people waking me up for. I shake my head as I cover my eyes with my arm and say, "No, I hate shopping. I'm sure the clothes I have will suffice. Let's just keep going. I don't want you to spend money on me for things I don't need."

Demetri chuckles as he gently pulls my arm away from my face and says, "I've never met a woman quite like you, tesoro. Most women would jump at the opportunity to shop for new clothes. I like that you're not afraid to tell me your likes and dislikes, but there's no way in hell I'm driving to the Alps without appropriate winter clothes for you. It's fall, and it will be winter before we know it. We'll be high up in the Alps where it's going to snow and freeze. You need winter clothes, so please let me buy them for you. You can pick anything you like. I won't push you to buy things you don't want. Just let me take care of you in every way."

I sigh as I realize that Demetri has a point. I don't have clothes suited for the winter season and I certainly don't have a warm enough jacket. I look at Demetri as I narrow my eyes and say, "Do you swear you won't make me wear dresses and heels?"

Demetri chuckles as he strokes a loose strand of hair behind my ear and says, "I won't lie and say that I wouldn't love to see your gorgeous body in a beautiful dress, but if you're not comfortable wearing one, I won't push you. Just buy sweaters, pants, T-shirts, and a jacket. Don't forget to buy some undergarments and shoes too."

Demetri's comment about the dress makes me blush slightly while the rest of his words fill my heart with so much love, I can almost feel myself falling head over heels in love with him right there and then. I smile softly as I take his hand and intertwine my fingers with his as I say, "I'm going to wake up soon only to find out that you're just a dream. Men aren't supposed to be this perfect, you know?"

Demetri lets out another chuckle as he helps me out of the car before escorting me to the mall. I can't help but stare at the gorgeous iron-and-glass architecture as Demetri leads me toward one of the clothing stores in the center. He smiles as he notices the look on my face and says, "This is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy's oldest active shopping gallery. Tourists from all over the world come to Milan each year to admire the stunning architecture."

I nod as I take another look at the ceiling and say, "I'm not surprised. I've never seen a building like it. I love it. Thank you so much for showing me, Demetri."

Demetri smiles softly as we walk into the store and says, "My pleasure, amore mio."

The clothing store that Demetri chose is huge and has a men's as a ladies' department. Demetri gently directs me to the women's clothing before walking to the other side and picking out the stuff he needs. I immediately start doing the same. I like the style of clothes in this store, and Demetri seems to be true to his word and doesn't interfere when I pick pants, T-shirts, and sweaters that I like the most.

I hesitate a little when I come upon the undergarments section, but quickly decide to pick out some basic white and black bras, matching boy shorts, and a few other things, like a beautiful silk red nightgown and elegant silk teddy in a gorgeous deep blue color. You never know when I might need to impress a certain vampire. Demetri smiles as I place my items on the counter next to his and says, "Did you find everything you need, tesoro?"

I nod as the shopkeeper starts placing everything in bags and say: "Yes, I believe I did. Thank you so much for choosing this store. I enjoyed shopping for clothes for once."

Demetri smiles brightly as we leave the store. He then leads me to a quaint Italian bakery where we pick up lunch for me so that we can finish our journey to the cabin without making another stop. I start telling him stories about my mum and dad and my friends, and I can see that he is glad to see this more carefree side of me. I'm so focused on telling my stories I don't even notice that we've reached our final destination until Demetri stops the car and says: "We're here, tesoro. This will be our home at least for the next year or so. Do you like it?"

Demetri - DPOV

Bella rolls her eyes as she looks at the cabin and says, "You call this a cabin? It's larger than my father's house was. Do vampires use another dictionary than humans? Because this is not a cabin! But never mind that. Demetri, how can I not like it? It's gorgeous."

I snicker at her comment. She's right. It's not your average cabin in the woods. It's a two-story cabin with four bedrooms and a very large sundeck. It's positioned on the side of the mountain, and the materials that the architect used, were chosen to make the whole cabin look like a natural part of the surrounding forest. Humans would have to look very closely to see the cabin from further down the mountain, but usually, they make it this far up the mountain. We took a few turns on our drive up here that are almost invisible to the human eye. If all goes well, no one will bother us while we're here.

I smile as I help Bella out of the car and say, "Come, tesoro, let me show you around."

Bella nods as I lead her inside and give her the grand tour of the cabin while saving the best for the last, the secluded sundeck with a built-in hot tub and an amazing view of the Alps. Bella slowly walks to the lounge chairs and sits down to admire the view. I rush over to her side when I notice the tears running down her cheeks. I hug her close as I whisper, "What's wrong, cara mia? Is it not to your liking? Do you want me to take you somewhere else?"

She shakes her head as she pulls me closer to lay her head on my shoulder and says, "Silly vampire, it's perfect here. You spoil me. Don't worry; these are happy tears."

Oh, thank God! I sigh relieved as I kiss the top of her head before telling her I'm going to get the luggage from the car. She nods as I rush outside to gather all our stuff. I quickly unpack my bags and leave Bella's luggage in the master bedroom. I stop myself from unpacking her things. Something tells me she would rather do that herself. I stop to start a cozy fire in the fireplace in the living room before stepping outside to check on my mate.

I find her in exactly the same place as I left her. She didn't move an inch while I was gone. I notice she has this sad look on her face while her arms are clutching her body. It almost breaks my undeath heart to see her like this. I walk to her side and carefully pick her up before carrying her inside. Her face lights up as she notices the fire. I gently place her on the couch in front of the fireplace before dropping down on my knees in front of her and saying, "Talk to me, cara mia. What made you feel so sad?"

Thank you so much for reading my story!

Please review! I can't wait to read what you think of this rewrite.