{Chapter}

~Liberty Point of View~

"Oh" Alice said practically skipping in happiness towards the pyramid structure before us "This is beautiful"

I looked around the old structure that formed Huaca Pucllana, or Huaca Juliana. It was hard to believe that this place had been standing since around 500 D.C. It had somehow managed to survive so many things that should have torn it down, lord knows that there are plenty of other places that were lost to time and the power of human destruction. I felt Edward's arm wrap around me in order to pull me securely against his chest.

"It is amazing to think how many people have walked here before. There were people that enjoyed this structure and were gone long before I was born." I whispered as he kissed my neck humming in agreement.

"I never thought of it that way. I normally don't really think of anything in a place like this." He murmured causing me to glance at him "When I look back on the places that I have visited and the things that I have seen, there is nothing memorable. I never genuinely appreciated any of it. But in this moment and being here now seeing the look of awe on your face, I doubt that there will ever be a time that I forget taking you here."

"Then I am glad that we are both here and can enjoy it together" I said kissing him gently when I turned in his arms.

"We will have an eternity to explore together" He said softly brushing my hair out of my face that was getting a little wild thanks to the wind.

"I hope so. I have really enjoyed this and going to Chicago with you." I replied pausing tilting my head to the side "We should make a list of the places each of us want to see, just to make sure we don't overlook any of them."

"I would like that." Edward commented before continuing to walk squeezing my hand in comfort.

I smiled at him before turning my attention to Jasper and Carlisle. I immediately understood that Jasper was sharing the history of this place. I knew that I wanted to listen as well because I knew from experience that Jasper was someone that enjoyed history just as much as I did. Edward looked at me in amusement as I leaned forward tapping Jasper's shoulder. He looked at me surprised for just a moment before smiling at me as he relaxed once more.

"I only really know how old this place is." I instructed him, biting back a laugh as the statement caused his eyes to light up knowing that I was asking for a history lesson.

Carlisle did chuckle in amusement as Jasper began to tell me everything he had learned about this place. I didn't know anything about what we were planning on doing in Lima. Virginia slowed to join us as well, clearly just as fascinated by Jasper's ability to teach. I honestly believed that while he was an excellent fighter, that Jasper was suited better for a teacher. It was easy to be fascinated with a place that Jasper spoke of as intently as he did.

Alice just giggled, following along with us while the others kept ahead of us a little bit. Emmett was the only one that showed no interest in learning anything about this place. I rolled my eyes when I had to throw up a barrier when he tripped almost knocking out a wall when he was joking around. Emmett was easily the clumsiest vampire simply because he never paid attention. Edward just kissed my cheek in thanks for saving them the trouble of having to pay for Emmett's mistake.

~Time Lapse

I tensed while feeling my fingers twitch with an instinct to check my weapon. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. I knew that it was irrational, but I felt that someone was watching me. I knew that it was just hyperawareness that came from being in the city surrounded by people that I didn't know. It was like my senses were screaming at me to be on the lookout.

But no one else was showing any signs that they sensed anything wrong. Alice was giggling as Jasper was twirling her around. Rosalie was rolling her eyes at Emmett chasing the chickens. Virginia was smiling looking at the paintings in the market. Esme was at her side discussing the painting with the artist and Carlisle was holding her. I could feel Edward's hand, gentle and soft, as he led me slowly through the area. I tried to focus on that instead of the overwhelming need to keep my eyes on the people around me that I didn't know. Years of training demanded that I keep my attention 360 to my surroundings and be aware of the potential for danger.

"What do you think of this?" Edward questioned glancing back at me with a bright smile showing me the soft handmade bracelet he was holding.

I fought the urge to flinch as I gave him a smile in return. He paused immediately, looking at me in concern. I took a shaky breath trying to reassure him that I was okay and there wasn't anything wrong. He had been so excited by this trip, and he shouldn't have to worry about my stupid problems.

"What is wrong?" He asked wrapping an arm around me as I tensed feeling my body restricted.

"There isn't anything wrong. I like it, it is really beautiful" I stated as confidently as I could.

"Liberty" He whispered looking at me with the serious look that let me know that he doesn't believe a single word out of my mouth.

"It is stupid and not something that you need to worry about" I said softly biting my lip "I will adjust."

"You don't like it here?" He queried looking a little surprised.

"I like it. It is really beautiful" I stated honestly because it was definitely one of the most beautiful places that I have ever been.

Edward looks at me seriously as if trying to read my mind. I tensed when the quick movement to my right gained my attention. My powers were surging to tell me something but all I could see was a child running in excitement. I try to fight against the urge to command others to take cover. I am tense with the need to ready a weapon. I try to force slow and steady breaths as I take notice of the others looking at us in confusion now. This was my first family vacation, and I was already fucking it up. Then I felt Edward placing his hands on my face forcing me to look at him, effectively blocking my sight from the things around me.

"Focus on me" He commands gently as I shallow feeling a little lightheaded "This is reminding you of your service?"

"A little" I confirm in a shaky voice as he rubs his fingers down my face in an attempt to comfort me.

"What can I do to make you more comfortable? Do you wish to return to the villa?" He questioned as my heart swelled at his non-judgement at my inability to be normal in a place like this.

"I can just go back to the Villa for you all to enjoy your first day here. It is just a little crowded and overwhelming. I should okay in a day or two." I suggested causing Edward to frown clearing not likely the idea of leaving me alone "It's okay, I don't mind, and I want you to enjoy your vacation"

"I should have thought of your reaction to a place like this" He said shaking his head "Would you be more comfortable in a place less crowded?"

"Everyone is so excited to explore the city. I don't want to get in the way." I responded as he smiled pulling me close kissing my forehead.

"You are never in the way. We can adjust our plans to you and explore the city when you are more comfortable." Edward stated as I opened my mouth to protest.

"You are hiding something." Jasper said raising an eyebrow as I tensed more as Edward looked at me seriously.

"I just feel like someone is following me" I explained knowing that I couldn't hide that information.

"Explain." Edward hissed as he immediately jumped to this overprotective mode.

"I am sure that it is nothing serious. I think it is just some me feeling a little freaked out from being in a new place." I stated softly knowing that it wasn't a big deal and was most likely in my own mind.

"Perhaps we should return to the villa to discussed this." Carlisle said seriously as I went to protest "Just because we are unaware of something doesn't mean that you are not aware of something that could be a real danger to you. We will discuss it and decide if this threat needs to be taken seriously."

"But everyone was looking forward to this." I whispered not liking being the reason for everyone needing to leave.

"Perhaps, but these old bones need a break from walking anyway." Virginia stated giving me a knowing look and a soft smile.

"Come on." Edward said seriously wrapping his arm around me to lead me to the car in a clear attempt to block me from outside forces. "Do you still feel it?"

"Not really" I replied honestly knowing that the feeling seemed more distant but still there.

"Whether or not someone is watching you, you still feel uncomfortable. Your well-being and happiness are important, Liberty. You are more important than seeing the stores when it can wait" Edward whispered as we got into the car.

Edward kissed my forehead causing me to smile at him. I was thankful that he understood my problems. I was grateful that he hadn't judged me and instead just came up with a resolution. They all just simply thought of something else and changed the plans simply for my comfort. I still wasn't used to having people around me that truly supported me. They were my family, and I knew that I still had a lot to learn about what it meant to be part of this family.

~Time Lapse

~Edward Point of View~

I sighed when she shifted at the sight of all of us looking to her for answers. I looked at my family knowing that surrounding her wasn't going to help in keeping her calm. I pushed against my own guilt over not noticing that something was bothering her for hours. It had taken her hours to reveal that she felt that something was wrong.

It didn't really matter if it was hyperawareness from her service or if someone was watching her, she still should have been able to lean on me for support. I missed the signs of her distress and that was unforgivable. I approached her as my family moved away to give me a moment with my mate. I pulled her into my arms breathing in her scent as she took a few moments to relax.

"Are you feeling better?" I questioned softly as she nodded against my chest "I am glad. I never wish for you to be uncomfortable, especially when I can solve the problem. You do not need to ever feel reluctant to request things from any of us."

"I just didn't want anyone to have to make sacrifices for me. I would have found a way to be okay with being there." She said seriously as I smiled sadly knowing what caused her to think like that.

"Oh, Liberty, I love you" I responded holding her a little more securely "Anything that ensures your happiness is not considered a sacrifice. We are in a committed and equal relationship, ensuring your well-being is part of that. You have proven repeatedly that you understand my needs. That you understand all of our needs. We want to be able to do the same. I need to be able to do the same."

"But it isn't anything serious, it is just a reaction from years in service" She mumbled as I kissed her forehead before forcing her to look at me.

"Everything that regards your emotional well-being is serious to me. You are my mate. You are my entire world. I am aware that I cannot fix everything for you, but something like this and situations like this are something that I can resolve. I know that you can adjust, but you don't have to do that alone. I want to be there to support you." I assured her knowing that my mate was stubborn about leaning on others.

"Thank you." Liberty responded taking a breath "I will try to remember that. I just didn't think about it because it didn't seem like something that I should bother you with it."

"It was not a bother, and it never would be." I said honestly "I know that you are learning to open up more and share these things with me. I am still learning as well. We will figure it all out together."

"Together" She stated with a smile kissing me quickly "I like that."

"Now, as much as I hate the thought of someone watching you, we need to discuss that possibility" I said softly as she bit her lip making me sigh "I have learned to trust your instincts, as have the others. Just because you felt it doesn't mean that you are in danger. We just need to know what to be on the lookout for if there is a problem."

"I don't really know how to describe it. It was just a feeling, like when you see something from the corner of your eyes but when you look in that direction it is gone" She attempts to explain making me frown.

"Does it seem like the presence was moving around attempting to avoid you finding them?" I questioned softly as she nodded "When did you start feeling it?"

"At the pyramid, right before we left for the city. I honestly thought that I was going insane. Like I was feeling or seeing things, I just chalked it up to hyperawareness from the unknown area and so many people being around me" She explained as Virginia reached forward to touch her arm.

"Your aura detects things differently than any of us have the ability to do so. Did this person feel like they meant you harm?" Virginia questioned as my mate furrowed her brows in an adorably thoughtful face.

"No, at least I don't think so. It seems, watchful?" She stated as I released a breath at that information "It didn't really feel like it wanted to harm me, just observe. I think if it was real that it was just being cautious"

"Did it feel human?" Virginia asked and I was thankful that she was here since none of us really understood how my mate's abilities worked. 'It is unlikely that she would have this reaction to a human. There are so many supernatural beings, so many that could want to harm her simply sensing her power'

"I wouldn't say just human, it kind of felt like us just slightly darker" She offered as Virginia tensed making me tense as well.

"This is very important, how dark did it feel?" She queried as Liberty shrugged looking confusion "Liberty, you have to think and identify it for me. How dark was the aura you sensed?"

"I don't know how to describe it. It didn't feel evil, not like James or Victoria. It feels like the amount of weight that Sam carries, if that makes sense" She explained further as Victoria released a breath looking at the rest of us.

"I don't think this person is a threat. Sam isn't as light as most due to the guilt he carries. Whoever is watching Liberty is some supernatural being with spiritual ability and just feels guilty from their own past. It is someone that most likely protects this area and sensed someone of Liberty's strength and just was investigating." She directs us as I shallow not liking the information, but it was better than having another being like James after my mate.

"So, there is no threat?" I asked, needing clarification, if my mate was not in danger once again.

"Honestly, it is unlikely" Virginia stated taking a breath "However, the statement of it feeling like us but darker should be the cause of some concern. There are spiritual beings that turn dark, a dark priestess if you will. These beings should never be taken likely and can be highly dangerous, especially considering that the amount of purity that Liberty wields would draw their attention"

"Why?" Liberty questioned as I tightened my arms on her.

"There are rituals that a dark priestess can do with your blood and power to strengthen themselves" Virginia explained causing me to growl of the thought of my mate being harmed for such reasons "You have not trained to take on such a being and that would make you more vulnerable if you were to be attacked"

"What do you think we should do to ensure that Liberty is safe?" Carlisle asked softly 'We have already come so close to losing her and none of us want that to happen again.'

"I don't believe that any extreme measures are needed at the moment. We should just continue the vacation as planned and trust Liberty to explain things as she discovers them. I believe they will approach when they feel comfortable enough to do so." Virginia said giving Liberty a smile "I would suggest that you remain close to Edward and try not to be alone. Just until we know more it will be better to ensure that we stick to groups to ensure that none of us are caught alone."

"Like he would let me out of his sight with the potential danger out there" Liberty said honestly as I glanced at her happy to see that she was looking amused instead of angry.

"I never want to let you out of my sight, with or without danger" I whispered in her ear kissing her cheek "I always feel more alive with you at my side."

"I know" She stated taking a breath giving me a smirk "I guess it is a good thing that I love you too."

"That is the best thing" I murmured kissing her quickly before chuckling when she yawned against my lips "Tired?"

"Very tired. I am so jealous right now that you don't have to rest and don't get tired from all the travel" She stated as I smiled standing with her hand in mine.

"I think it is time for my little human to take a nap." I joked to the rest who rolled their eyes in amusement.

Liberty hit my shoulder as I chuckled, leading her towards our room in the Villa. She shook her head as I got her a one of my button up shirts. I adored seeing her in my clothing and she always preferred them, stating they were more comfortable. While she stepped into the bathroom to change, I stepped over to the balcony doors to open them to let in the fresh air. I paused staring out at the sight wondering if the thing that my mate was sensing was out there waiting to ambush her. I wouldn't allow them near her. I would protect her this time.

"Edward?" Liberty said softly as I turned, smiling at the enchanting sight immediately put at ease seeing her happy and ready to relax.

"I love you" I replied moving to lay on the bed relishing in the time I would be spending with her in my arms.

"I love you too" She said yawning as she crawled into the bed laying out on my chest.

"Sleep mate" I whispered kissing the top of her head gently as she hummed in response seeming to immediately fall asleep much to my own amusement.

~Time Lapse

~Liberty's Point of View~

I sighed as I took a sip of the wine relaxing into Edward's chest as he tightened his hold. I watched slightly enchanted by the lights showing off the fountain of the Circuito Magico del Agua. Carlisle's recommendation to try the square at night with a little bit of wine to take off the edge was working well enough. It could be the gentle comfort that I always felt within Edward's hold that made me feel safer despite the unknown surroundings.

"So, this is the magic water circuit?" Emmett said looking unimpressed by the whole laser show.

"I like it" I replied flashing him a smile "It's pretty"

"Of course, you are a girl" He stated rolling his eyes causing me to shrug.

"You don't like pretty things?" I asked as he shook his head "You don't like Rose then? Because she is very pretty too"

"She is the sexiest female alive" He replied without hesitation as Rose rolled her eyes in fondness as I shook my head in amusement.

"Do you think you will be okay with going to the National Museum of the Archaeology, Anthropology, and History of Peru tomorrow?" Jasper questioned softly as I smiled immediately excited again at the prospect of it.

"Of course, that would be amazing" I said as Carlisle smiled brightly as well confirming that it would be a good experience.

"Count me out" Emmett replied shaking his head "Can't we do something more interesting?"

"You could always head out to Circuito de Playas tomorrow and we can meet you there" I offered making him smile "It has a lot of water sports and paragliding that you could do. In fact, I know that Edward wanted to try some of that. We could always split up for part of the day tomorrow"

"So, Eddie will come with me?" Emmett questioned as I gave Edward a sharp look nodding in agreement.

"I will come too; the museums aren't really my style" Rose said as Alice giggled lightly at the statement.

"That is perfect because Esme, Virginia, and I wanted to check out the Textile Museum." Alice stated with a twirl "We can all do separate things tomorrow and then meet up later at the Villa."

"Sounds perfect" I replied brightly smiling up at Edward who smile softly back with his worry fading at my own happiness.

"Promise me that you will remain with Carlisle and Jasper" Edward pleaded as I sighed knowing that he was still worried about me being followed despite me not feeling anything since we arrived here.

"We won't let her out of our sight" Jasper vowed softly as Edward relaxed kissing my forehead gently.

"I love you" He whispered as I leaned up to kiss him quickly.

"I love you, too. Don't worry so much, I will be okay. I can protect myself and you know that they would never let anything happen to me" I said seriously as he just tightened his arms for a moment before I turned back to the fountain to finish enjoying the light show and the rest of my wine.

~Time Lapse

I smiled watching Jasper and Carlisle looking at the artifacts in the Fortaleza del Real Felipe. The fort was a place that Jasper really wanted to see and what was supposed to be just one museum had quickly turned into several since this morning. We just left the Navel Museum of Peru, and I was honestly exhausted from all the movement. It was fascinating and entertaining, but I couldn't bring myself to point out that I am only human when they were so excited at sharing their joy over history with me.

I sat down in a safe place remaining close enough to me to rest my feet. I was just about to take a drink from my water bottle when a woman sat down next to me. I tensed when I recognized the aura clearly, the one that had been following me. I opened my mouth to warn Carlisle and Jasper when the softness in her expression made me pause.

"I don't mean you harm" She explained softly "I sensed you near my home and I had to investigate it. Afterall, it isn't every day that I find someone in this area stronger than I am."

"Who are you?" I asked still on guard despite not sensing anything other than honesty from her.

"My name is Xiana. I live in the woods outside of the city, a short ways from a small village" She offered freely "I act as a medicine woman for them and have for many years"

"You are a priestess then?" I questioned as she nodded in confirmation "Why approach now?"

"You are quite heavily protected" She replied with a chuckle "I didn't wish to place myself in harms way. I am grateful that you don't have the same prejudices as some our kind, there are many supernatural beings that take refuge in this country."

"You don't have to worry about me threatening that, I am not really in the place to judge them" I explained honestly wishing for nothing more than a world where everyone could just have peace for once.

"I am well aware of that" She said flashing me a smile "Imagine my surprise when I found out you were in a relationship with a vampire. It isn't too common to see a vampire and a priestess as mates."

"But you have seen it?" I asked before I could stop myself as she nodded in confirmation.

I looked at her wondering if this was my chance to ask the important questions that have weighed on my mind. There were so many things about our situation that were left to chance. It wasn't like I could head to a library and check out a book on relationships between supernatural beings.

"You can ask, I am sure that you have plenty of questions. I won't take offense" She said in an accent that was thick with amusement.

"Did any of the priestesses turn for their mates?" I questioned as she smiled, getting a look in her eyes that I couldn't understand.

"Of course, it has happened before. It is in our nature to remain with our soulmates and for them to wish to keep us at their side. However, our kind are the embodiment of change" She stated causing me to feel confused "The transition is always different depending on the strength of the priestess and the bond between the two beings involved. The change is never quite what is expected when a human turns. The one thing I can assure you will always occur is the lifespans of you and your mate will match. However, I cannot tell you what your experience will be in comparison to the others of our kind that have faced the transition."

"So, basically you are telling me that it depends on the power we hold that affects the change?" I asked for clarification causing her to nod again "I am constantly told of my own strength. I don't have a lot of training though. Will that make it worse?"

"You shouldn't attempt the change until you are fully aware of your own power and how to control it" She said looking confused "How is it that you have remained untrained this long?"

"I didn't know about being a priestess until recently. My grandmother has been trying to train me when she could." I explained pausing taking a breath "I have been playing with my abilities more than anything"

"There is nothing wrong with that, after all our powers are largely used through instinct and desire. I imagine that you will be capable of achieving many things that the rest of us would not simply by not being held by the old customs and traditions that all too often dictate what can and cannot be done" She stated with a chuckle "The freedom from that will make for an interesting transition as well"

"Is it painful? I know that the change is painful for humans, but do our abilities lessen that pain at all?" I queried as she chuckled at my concern.

"No matter the change that your bond will bring, it will be unsettling. But it shouldn't be as painful as humans find it. It may even occur more quickly than three days, but it could last much longer than that as well. I have seen it take hours and I have seen it take two weeks." She explained as I took a breath in relief knowing I felt enough pain for a lifetime, at least it wouldn't be what the others described.

"Will I lose my abilities?" I queried as she chuckled shaking her head.

"No, you shouldn't lose your abilities. Vampire venom is meant to enhance things, even for our kind. Your abilities may change but you will still have them" She offered as I shallowed glancing at Carlisle again.

"Will my blood harm my mate or the others if they were to turn me?" I whispered out as she looked surprised at my question.

"No" She replied shaking her head "As long as you trust them and are making the choice, then they wouldn't be harmed. If a vampire or any supernatural creature tried to bite us against our will, then they would be purified from the inside out"

"There are other beings that drink blood?" I questioned with wide eyes as she laughed lightly.

"Yes, there are a few that would be more dangerous than a vampire when it comes to our blood. There is power in it and some species find it to be impossible to resist the urge" She explained gently pausing "Your grandmother should be teaching you all of this"

"I don't think that she has access to a lot of this information. She chose a normal life and as far as I am aware, it wasn't something that my family line embraced as a lifestyle in many centuries" I offered as she frowned touching my hand.

"You are different and should ensure that you gain as much knowledge as possible" She said seriously "Whether you like it or not, until you learn to hide your aura supernatural creatures will be able to detect you from miles away"

"Then I guess I will have to learn to hide it" I replied shallowing thickly at the information.

I paused biting my lip taking notice that Carlisle and Jasper were standing off clearly paying attention to my encounter with the woman. They were giving me the space to handle the situation on my own. I glanced back at her seeing green eyes. I immediately thought of another thing that I wanted answers to. The image of a small child that would have his green eyes. I paused knowing that it wasn't something I should be asking about.

"You may ask me anything" Xiana said softly sensing my reluctance.

"I heard that it is possible for male vampires to produce children with a female human" I explained making her draw a sharp breath of surprise. "We have been looking for answers but haven't been able to confirm or deny that it is a possibility"

"It is not possible" She stated with a look on confirmation that had my heart breaking a little bit "I have known male vampires that have had relations with humans, none have ever become pregnant"

"Maybe it takes more than once" I whispered clinching my hands into fists.

"Many of those were relationship that lasted years." She continued pausing when tears formed in my eyes against my will "I am sorry but there is no possibility that such a child could exist, even if conceived the child's vampire side would consume it before it could be born. A vampire's core ability is to remain unchanged to time through the venom and a child cannot be formed from a being incapable of physically changing"

"So, it wouldn't be possible" I said discouraged at the information flinching when she touched my shoulder.

"It is not possible as you both are now, and I am sorry to be the one to provide that confirmation. However, you are the very definition of change and perhaps that would be enough to make it different for you." She offered in an attempt to comfort me, but my heart was breaking and all I wanted was Edward in this moment.

"Thank you" I stated shallowing back the hurt and pain.

"Perhaps you could repay me by providing your name" She said in amusement again as I chuckled realizing that I never did introduce myself.

"My name is Liberty" I replied as she smiled gently tilting her head as she looked at me.

"It is a fitting name" She stated before standing brushing off her skirt "I must return to my home; I have an appointment that I must keep. I live in the Andes near the Ticlio, you are always welcome there if you wish to join me or have any other questions that I could assist in answering. For what it is worth, if you come then I believe I have some journals that can assist you in the future."

"Thank you, I appreciate it. It was nice to meet you, Xiana" I replied as she flared her aura brightly making it easier to identify her.

"The pleasure was mine, Liberty" She said turning away from me.

I stared after her as she disappeared into a crowd. I took a breath feeling like there was something I overlooked about the woman that barely looked older than me. She felt so much older than she looked, and I couldn't explain that. I shallowed when Carlisle approached opening his arms to wrap me into a gently hug. I blinked away the tears trying not to be saddened over the confirmation that having a child with Edward was impossible.

"Can we go to the others now?" I questioned against his chest wanting nothing more than to be in Edward's arms at the moment.

"Of course, we can" Carlisle said pulling away from me looking concerned "Are you okay?"

"I will be. I just need to come to terms with this information" I explained taking a shaky breath "At least now we know that I could be turned"

"You were worried over that?" Jasper asked in surprised as I nodded "Then I am thankful that you gained at least one positive answer. Alice and I will continue to look into the possibility of a vampire siring a child with a human."

"It should not be this upsetting, I never even wanted children before this" I said slightly disappointed in myself as Jasper pulled me into his arms.

"We will look until we run out of leads." Jasper stated softly as I smiled at him in thanks.

I tried to push away the interaction with the strange woman knowing that I would be pestered a lot about it when we met up with the others. Edward would most likely not like that she was able to get that close to me without Carlisle and Jasper intervening. He would be worried over my acceptance to just sit there and have a conversation with her when she clearly had been following me for day. I shook my head, still feeling like I was overlooking something important from our conversation.

~Time Lapse

~Edward Point of View~

I frowned and listened to Carlisle, Jasper, and Liberty finishing explaining meeting Xiana. I was truly angry that Carlisle and Jasper let this woman near my mate. They even admitted to not even noticing her approach until they heard Liberty speaking to someone. I understood why they stood by and let Liberty handle it. I trusted Liberty's instincts and if she didn't feel like she was in danger then she most likely wasn't. I just didn't like that I was promised her protection and then someone I didn't know that was also a priestess got so close to her without them noticing.

I took a breath digesting the information pulling Liberty closer while tightening my arms on her. I was relieved that she would be able to turn. I tried not to focus on the possibility of being forced to lose her to time or human weakness because she couldn't be turned into a vampire. It was a relief to have it confirmed that I didn't need to worry about that. There were still a lot of unknowns, and the veiled information didn't offer much to us, but at least we would spend forever together.

I hadn't known about her worries over my own safety. I had not thought about the effect her body would have, but it was a relief to learn of the natural defense there. Her blood could literally defend her and protect her from other supernatural beings. Virginia even seemed a little surprised by that information but simply stated that she didn't know everything. She knew that having another priestess as an ally that could teach my mate more in the future would be extremely helpful. Including assisting her in hiding her aura, I needed my mate to learn that line of defense.

I could tell that everyone was disheartened over the other information. I leaned down, breathing in Liberty's scent allowing it to reassure me that I would always have her, despite most likely never having a child with her. I wanted to give her that. I wanted that for us. I wanted for her to be able to be a mother and not carry the same sadness that Rosalie holds. I wanted to be there the moment a child was placed in her arms with our features. I ached for that possibility, just to have it ripped away from us.

"We will have everything else" I whispered to her in an attempt to comfort her "If I cannot give you a child, then I will give you everything else this world has to offer. I promise you that"

"I know" She said as my heart broke seeing the tears in her eyes "I don't regret choosing us, because I don't want just any child. I wanted your child, and I am sorry that you won't have that either"

"It may still be possible, just something she never knew about" Alice explained attempting to comfort us, but it did little against the pain I was feeling at the moment 'We won't stop looking. I promise that I will find a way to confirm it one way or another'

"Perhaps we should give them a moment" Carlisle said causing me to be extremely grateful knowing we needed to come to terms with this information by ourselves 'I understand the pain that she must be feeling. Take your mate to your room and try to find comfort in each other'

I nodded in thanks before taking her up into my arms before she could protest heading towards our room. I knew from experience that Esme and Rosalie both had moments like this. They would seclude themselves from their mates for an evening. I didn't want this for Liberty though. I didn't want her to have to deal with these emotions for an eternity for choosing me over a human. I tightened my grip on her before lowering her onto the bed. She clung to me as I adjusted to lay at her side keeping her as close as possible.

She didn't say anything, and I wouldn't force her to speak her thoughts. I knew what she was thinking about and what desire she was fighting against. I knew that she wanted children. It was something she didn't want to desire until she knew that it was possible for us. The trip to Chicago had changed something in her heart in that regard and finding out this information so soon after caving to that hope has hurt her in a way that I couldn't heal. All I could do was provide her with comfort and hope that she would never regret her choice.

"Edward?" She whispered glancing at me with such softness that it made my heart break "I still only need you. I think a child would have been nice but at the end of the day all I really need and want is you at my side."

"I will never leave your side. You are everything I want" I replied kissing her gently feeling her shuttering breath against my lips "We will still have an eternity together and I will never take you for granted"

"Promise?" She questioned getting the lost look in her eyes.

"I promise" I confirmed before kissing her again "Until then, how about I distract you?"

"Umm" She mumbled pretending to think about it before smiling threading her fingers through my hair pulling me closer.

I smiled against her lips pushing away the thoughts to relish in her soft lips. I felt her relaxed beneath my hands as they moved beneath her shirt. I groaned when she bit my lip in the command to deepen the kiss. I was helpless against the fire she set in my vines. I knew that this desire would never lessen or change. I pulled away as she took a deep breath and my hand moved to the top of her jeans. I paused glancing at her for permission. She smiled, nodding her consent as I unbuttoned the jeans quickly sliding them down her legs causing her to giggle in the way I adored.

Then I proceeded to worship my mate as she deserved, wanting her to get lost in the passion and feeling nothing but my love for her. I relished the sound of her pleasure. I glanced over her toned body watching the frantic rise and fall of her chest. I moved my fingers sharply as she began to tense clinging to my shirt with her fist. I leaned down to kiss her deeply as she moaned loudly against my lips. Then she pulled back my name falling from her lips as I threw her body over the edge. I couldn't help the swell of pride that I always got watching my mate come through my fingers working her body.

"I love you" I whispered against her lips as she smiled kissing her still a little breathless.

"I love you too, Edward" She replied tiredly as I wrapped my arms around her pulling her close to me.

"Sleep mate, I will be here" I promised gently as she smiled before snuggling into my chest.

I moved my fingers through her hair holding her close. I knew that rest would do her wonders when it came to controlling her emotions. I just hoped that she wouldn't attempt to become closed off to them. She had come a long way in the last year in opening up to me and allowing our relationship to strengthen. I hoped that this unsettling news wouldn't change that. I wanted, no need, to be there for her in every way that I could be.