A/N: Sorry for the late update, we've been having a bit of difficulty with the Internet. There seems to be a bit of confusion about Bella being aware of her "future". While I haven't gone into detail about what happened; the way she finds out is hinted at in Chapter 1(the prologue).

Disclaimer: I do not own this franchise or any rights associated with it.

Chapter 4

Two weeks before…

The Cullen residence was quiet; atleast to the human ear. In actuality, the abode was bustling with activity that could be heard from miles away by the well-honed training of the vampire ear. Alice Cullen sat quietly on the edge of the white sofa that spanned the length of their living room, her gaze glazed and vacant as she was overcome with a series of unending, earth-rocking visions. Her family surrounded her, their faces filled with concern. Her mate and husband, Jasper, was soothing the tense muscles of her rigid back with a gentle but steady palm, his supernatural empathic abilities attempting to regulate the chaotic emotions permeating from the inhabitants of the room. Her brother Edward agitatedly paced back and forth before her vacant stare, his steps frantic and angry. He followed each vision to completion within her mind, before the process begun again…and again. His anguish grew with each passing second. No. NO! What was happening!? She was his. HIS! She was his mate, only his mate! That soon-to-be-dead mutt was touching what was his. His family looked on with growing horror as his control began to crack, gradually starting to shatter.

He was drawn out of his inner torment by Alice's bell-like voice, "Edward! Breathe! I have a plan, it won't happen. Edward, it won't happen! I promise!"

His eyes met hers as she re-played her thoughts again, broadcasting her recently created battle plan. The visions disappeared before his eyes, dissipating like mist from this reality. Yes, that would work. She would tell Isabella, and everything would be different. His mood soured further as he came across her inner monologue to him.

"Edward, you cannot be there. You know as well as I do that the second you lay your eyes on her, your mating connection will activate. The situation has to be explained to her slowly; we can't have you trying to mate the poor girl before she even knows who you are. You have to be reasonable in this. You will see her soon, and then you can have her all to yourself so that you can claim her. But let Carlisle and I…no?...Esme and I then, go and explain everything to her."

He was irked to know that she was right. The situation would not turn out in his favour if he was impatient and enforced his presence on his beautiful mate before she was ready to accept his claim on her, and hers on him. He would wait until she was ready, and then she would finally be his.

His mother and sister left that night, their destination Arizona, racing towards his Isabella.

His patience was partially rewarded two days later, by a short text from Alice, followed by one from Esme.

~ She took it fantastically well brother. She already adores you. Your perfect match in every way. – A

~ Oh Edward, she's gorgeous! She'll make a wonderful addition to our family. So loving and understanding. I see the love already in her eyes at every mention of your name. Be patient my son, you will meet her soon. –Mom

His anxiety subsided some after viewing their text messages. He was beyond delighted that she had not run for the hills, as he thought she might. Soon…so very soon.

He was surprised to discover one of his biggest supporters in this roller-coaster of a situation was his only other sister, Rosalie. She had come to his room only minutes after he had divulged the contents of the messages to the rest of his family, her head bowed in thought. When her topaz eyes had eventually met his own equally golden gaze, he had been astonished to view happiness within their depths. Happiness for him, he knew. She was brief with her speech.

"I know I can be difficult Edward, but I promise that I will treat her as my own sister. She will not know cruelty from me. She was made for you, your mate for the rest of eternity. Even I cannot argue against that and begrudge you this happiness. You deserve to have finally found your mate, as we all have. Protect her Edward."

His grateful whisper of "Thank you Rose, this means more to me than you could ever know", was met with a trademark smirk. Her gleeful comment met his ears as she glided down the corridor outside his bedroom.

"Don't forget to buy a bed brother dearest. You're going to need it unless you're planning on losing your virginity on the floor."

His brother's roars of laughter vibrated the window panes throughout the house. Even his father's chuckles could be heard from within the confines of his private office.

Wait…fuck. The bed!

A/N: A short explanation on what transpired before Bella's arrival. At this stage I will not be dedicating a chapter towards the conversation that occurred in Arizona. It might be present in an outtake at the end of the story, depending on how I feel about it.