Chapter 7
The morning sunlight filtered through a pair of burgundy sheer curtains, reflecting off of the face of young Bella Swan. Bella stifled back a yawn, and her eyes fluttered open as she stretched out on the luxurious bed. Bella looked around her in awe, looking at the immaculate room. The room was fully furnished with books, and cherry wood bookcases standing from the floor to the ceiling. Bella sat up, leaning against the headboard and looked at the emerald colored comforter and white satin sheets. It took several minutes before Bella could register where she was, or what had happened. Suddenly, the past 24 hours came flooding back to Bella, like a tidal wave.
' I phased… I imprinted. For God's sake, I'm in the Cullen's house!' Bella thought to herself, as eyes suddenly filled with tears. Charlie, he was dead, and she had hurt Alice in her emotional outburst.
It was at that moment then that Alice opened the bedroom door, and walked in with a tray of pancakes, bacon and a cup of coffee.
"Good morning Bella. I brought you some breakfast, courtesy of Chief Esme" Alice smiled, her eyebrows furrowing as her eyes made contact with Bella's tear exhausted ones.
"Thank you, but I'm not very hungry" Bella murmured, suddenly very interested in her hands and the comforter. Alice sighed and sat the food down on the adjacent bedside table and then sat on the bed, facing Bella. Alice placed a gentle hand on Bella's leg, on the cover.
"Bella, honey. I know, but you need to eat. You haven't had anything in over 24 hours now. Please try?" Alice murmured, her soft gaze locked on Bella.
"Alice, I am so sorry about yesterday. I think I now have a much better understanding as to why you left with everyone. Last night, you got hurt, because of me. I'm no good for you. You aren't safe… with me. I really should go." Bella finally murmured, feeling the tightness in her chest and her eyes burning with tears that she would not allow to fall.
" Bella, I am okay now. This is all an adjustment, and I have to learn how you work and how I do when I'm with you. You had to take it life changing, devastating news and had no time to adjust. Plus, as a new shifter, your emotions were already heightened. You reacted like any vampire, shapeshifter or human would give the situation. Also, just for the record, you were hurt on your birthday by us. I got hurt by you, so now I guess we are even." Alice attempted to joke, earning a slight smile from Bella.
"Alice, you don't understand. I don't want to hurt you. You don't deserve this. I'm not just talking about me hurting you physically. I mean all of it. My life is a mess. A hot mess. If you don't believe me, you should ask Renee. You shouldn't have to stick around to deal with it. No one should have to." Bella murmured, still unable to look up to Alice. Alice sighed , and gently lifted Bella's face to meet her gaze with her fingertips. Without thinking, without hesitating, Alice leaned in and gently cupped Bella's face before she kissed Bella tenderly on the lips before pulling just inches away.
"Bella, we both agreed that this would not be easy. No relationship is. But Bella, you lost everything. Your father, your newly planned out life, and all control over everything. If anything, you need me more than ever. I'm not leaving you, not now, not ever. I have waited for you for over one hundred years. I'm not giving up that easily." Alice murmured, her fingers gently running down Bella's face to her jawline, then running her cool thumbs against Bella's lips.
Bella did not say anything, she didn't know what to say. Instead, Bella leaned in and affectionally rested her forehead against Alice's, as Alice ran a gentle hand up and down Bella's back.
They stayed like this for a few moments, before Bella's growling stomach broke them apart.
"Looks like you need some food!" Alice finally chirped, with a laugh at Bella's slight blush.
Bella nodded and took the tray before placing it on her lap. Bella took one bite of the pancakes and swore she was in heaven. There was no better cook in the world compared to Esme. Bella could not help but moan slightly as the delicious taste ran over her taste buds, causing Alice to giggle.
"Do you want any creamer or sugar for your coffee? I wasn't sure how you take it" Alice smiled watching Bella demolish the food.
"Black is honestly fine. That's usually how I take it. Sometimes with a little sugar, but I only take cream when the coffee is iced. Honestly though, I tend to prefer tea." Bella smiled as she sipped on the coffee.
"Noted!" Alice chirped, still satisfied as Bella drained the cup, finishing her breakfast.
"So, uh. I suppose I need to head downstairs soon, huh?" Bella mused as Alice took the platter from Bella's lap.
"Yes, but please. Shower first and get cleaned up. Have some human time. I brought over a change of outfit for you from your room. I am going to do the dishes, I'll be back up in a bit" Alice nodded, as Bella got out of bed and made her way to the attached bathroom. Bella made note of the clothes that Alice had picked out and smiled. It was a pair of her favorite dark colored jeans, a white V-neck and a dark green, white, and tan colored long sleeve plaid shirt. Bella took off her clothes that she had been wearing for two days now and turned on the shower. It did not take long for the water to turn hot and Bella got into the shower. Bella moaned lightly as she felt the warm water seemingly melting off all the stress from her body.
Bella turned her attention to the bottle of shampoo and washed her hair, feeling all the loose dirt and vegetation coming loose from her hair. All the dirt and grime were finally off, but Bella was not ready to get out of the shower. She leaned against the smooth marble wall deep in thought as the hot water continued to fall onto her. She knew that once she got out of the shower, she would have to get dressed. She would then have to go downstairs and finally confront the Cullens and answer all their questions. Bella finally turned off the shower and got out, wrapping herself in a soft black towel. Bella got dressed and was happy to see her toothbrush, deodorant, and make up had been laid out on the marble countertop. Bella dried her hair, and let it dry naturally. Bella did put on a bit of eyeliner, and brushed her teeth before walking out of the bathroom, smiling as she saw Alice on the bed waiting for her.
"Thank you for bringing some of my stuff over. I appreciate it. I will have to go get the rest of the stuff eventually, that is, if I am going to be staying here with you." Bella mused, looking at Alice, who simply smiled.
"You're welcome. It was quite the surprise to see that you own and use makeup. You have changed quite a bit." Alice smiled as Bella made some adjustments to her damp hair.
"Do you like the changes?" Bella asked, her nervous eyes shooting to Alice who smiled reassuringly.
"Bella, you've always been incredibly beautiful, at least to me. You never needed to change. However, I would be lying if I said that I did not… appreciate the changes" Alice smiled, definitely taken back by Bella's new look. Bella smiled slightly, and moved forward to straddle Alice's waist who was still sitting on the bed.
"How much do you appreciate it?" Bella murmured against Alice's neck, earning a slight shiver from Alice. Bella smirked to herself and gently ran her lips against Alice's neck, and up to her earlobe, before sucking gently. Alice gently breathed Bella's name and moved her hands to Bella's slim waist, pushing Bella gently against herself, careful not to hurt her. Alice was hit suddenly with a wave of the sweetest aroma she had ever smelt. Stronger than Bella's blood, stronger than anyone's blood for that matter. Alice's eyes shot open as she realized that it was Bella's arousal. Alice smiled to herself, happy to know that she was able to meet Bella's most basic needs, as Bella was able to do for her.
"Bella, please. We have to…talk to the family." Alice murmured, as Bella moved away from Alice's neck to face her.
" You are right, my bad." Bella nervously chuckled, running an anxious hand through her long hair. Alice's eyebrows furrowed as she leaned forward, and passionately kissed Bella, earning a slight gasp of surprise. Alice quickly swallowed her buildup of venom, and then slid her tongue against Bella's teeth, earning a moan. Alice kept her actions up, as she ran her hands up and down Bella's slim body before pulling back. Bella was gasping for breath, her eyes glossed over with lust.
"Never apologize for doing exactly what you just did. I just… I don't want to hurt you. I need to talk with Sam or Emily before we can, you know…" Alice mused, her eyes locked onto Bella's, who blushed fervently.
"Well, um… No matter what, it is likely to hurt, at least a bit..." Bella stammered, her cheeks flushed.
"Bella," Alice paused, her eyes wide, "Are you inferring that you have not had yet had sex?"
If possible, Bella's shade turned even redder. "That is correct. I haven't had sex yet. What's worse is I haven't even tried to pleasure myself"
Alice was touched and amazed. Bella was stunning, beautiful, and now to top it off, she was a virgin, and was more than willing to give that her? This was unheard of when it came to vampires and their mates.
"Bella, I had no idea. I thought for sure that… well, given Edward that it had already happened." Alice murmured.
"Edward… was a good kisser. I will give him that. But he never could do to me what you do. I have never been so turned on by a simple touch or kiss by anyone, in my life. Being with you now has shown me just how starving I was for affection and for this type of connection. But I understand your reservations, and I appreciate you not wanting to hurt me. I will be patient. If I push too far, please just let me know and I will back off. It's hard to control myself. All I want to do is please you. Make you happy. Must be an imprint thing." Bella lightly laughed, as she kissed Alice's forehead before sliding off Alice.
Alice smiled and took Bella's hand in her own, ready to walk down to the family.
"If Emily was right, then you being a newborn at least to being a shapeshifter is no different than being a newborn vampire. We too struggle with our hormones when we first change. I would be concerned if you did not act on them. But trust me, you make me happier than I ever have been." Alice smiled and the two walked out the door and headed down the wooden staircase, to where all of the Cullens and Jake were all waiting patiently. Bella felt the familiar of tightness in her throat, she had missed them all so much, and it was hard to be standing in front of them again. Carlisle smiled and motioned for Bella and Alice to sit down on the nearby couch, and they obliged.
"Bella, I know we have to discuss some things but before we began, I just wanted to make sure that you are okay. There has been a lot of information for you to process within just 24 hours." Carlisle murmured, his gentle eyes locked onto Bella.
"I have to be honest. I think it would be insane if I was. I mean, what could honestly be expected? Three months ago, my life was turned upside down. I recovered. I got my shit together, then everything was derailed and my father was killed in one day. But if you are asking if I am feeling like I'm going to lose control and violently phase, the answer is no." Bella responded with a light shrug.
"I kinda like this new Bella" Emmett finally grinned, earning a light chuckle from everyone, and causing Bella to sigh in relief.
"That's good to hear. First and foremost, we all want to express our sympathy for the loss of Charlie. We understand that the body will be brought back to Forks some time today. I think it will be best to have the funeral as soon as possible." Carlisle gently murmured his soft gaze locked onto Bella.
"I think you are right. Charlie… he would want that. I'm positive of it. He never was one for letting things wait." Bella murmured, her eyes falling to the floor. Alice gently took Bella's hand in her own and interlaced her fingers with Bella's.
"We will work on all of that. All I think is expected from you is a speech. If you are comfortable in handling the speech, we all can work on everything else. It seems like it's the least that we can do." Esme lightly smiled.
"I will. I already have a good idea of what I would like to say." Bella nodded, " Thank you. That means a lot. I appreciate it. I'm not honestly sure if I could handle that, at least right now."
"You're welcome, it's the least that we can do. I guess now, we should move to the next topic. What are you planning on doing, after the funeral? Have you given much thought to your living arrangements?" Esme inquired, moving to sit down on a chair nearby Alice and Bella.
" Well… I think that is something that Alice and I have to discuss. I feel like she's been away from you all for long enough. I don't want to pull her away from you any longer" Bella paused as she felt Alice shift uneasily next to her, " But at the same time, we can't really be apart"
"Do you mind explaining why?" Esme inquired, her eyebrows raising. She had a good idea, but she wanted Bella to confirm her thoughts.
Bella looked at Alice and then to Jasper, who both nodded in agreement. Bella waited and then took a deep breath, " Because. I imprinted on Alice and Alice has said that I am her mate." Bella finally confirmed, sighing at the feeling like a weight had been lifted from her chest.
"Thank you for trusting us enough to confide that information. Can you please explain what you mean? What would happen if you were apart, based off the imprint side? I understand what would happen between mates with our kind, but I am not familiar with the imprinting process." Esme replied.
Jake cleared his throat, causing the Cullens to look over at him. " I apologize but I am probably the best to answer that question. When one of our kind imprints, an extremely strong and unique bond is created. The shapeshifter, in this case Bella, feels a gravitational pull of sorts. The center of Bella's universe will be Alice. Bella will always feel a strong desire to keep Alice safe, happy, protected, and well, satisfied. If the two were to be separated, the pain that it would cause to Bella would be…overwhelming to say the least. Bella could deal with minor distances, healthy distances for a relationship but to be separated from Alice physically or emotionally… it would be the most painful situation Bella would ever experience, mentally, physically and emotionally. No one has ever been able to survive after the loss of their mate," Jake paused to cast a concerned look to Bella and then back to the Cullens, " The reason for imprinting is not always clear but one thing is for sure. Bella did not ask for this. She could not control it. If you all leave again, there will be no second chances to fix things. If you leave again, Bella will die."
"We are not planning on leaving again. You have every right to be upset with us. We acted based off of Edward's desires. We didn't stop to consider all possibilities. Bella, for that we are truly sorry. We ask for your forgiveness" Esme frowned slightly.
" I have spent a lot of time thinking about how I would feel if I were to ever see any of you again. I wasn't sure what I would feel or how I would react until it actually happened…" Bella began, taking a deep breath to slow her racing heart, " I understand your position. I understand why you did what you did. I truly do. Edward put you in a terrible position. I have no interest in holding a grudge. If things had worked out any differently, it's true that Charlie may still be alive. I may still be on the route for college. My plan for my life would still be in motion. But by the same token, I may not have learned about my lineage. I may not have phased. Most importantly, I may not have realized my true feelings for Alice or imprinted on her. I wouldn't change how it all worked out. It wouldn't be worth risking loosing what I have now." Bella finished, earning soft gazes from the Cullens. Esme smiled, knowing that Alice had truly found her mate and could finally be complete.
" Would you, would like to stay here with us then?" Esme finally asked, causing the family to shoot their glances to Bella in anticipation. Bella thought for a moment and looked over to Alice.
" Alice? What do you want?" Bella asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Bella, I would prefer to stay here. I've missed my family so. But I understand if you are not comfortable with it." Alice finally replied.
"
No, it's okay. I'm not sure if I would want to go back to my old home. Too much has happened. If you want to stay here, and if the offer is there, I will gladly stay here." Bella lightly smiled. She wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea as this was all happening so fast but she knew that at this point, it was her only true option.
" Then yes, it is settled. We are offering. You are welcome to move in with us." Esme beamed, happiness radiating off her eyes.
" Do any of you have any other questions?" Bella lightly smiled, looking around the family.
"What does the imprint and Bella's new ability mean for the treaty?" Carlisle asked, his eyes shooting to Jake.
" The treaty is still in effect. Of course now Alice is included in our protection, same as Bella. Alice is allowed on tribal lands, but only Alice. No exceptions. If you need to meet with us, I can schedule the meeting in a neutral zone. I have been appointed the ambassador between us all" Jake replied with a slight smirk.
"Understood, thank you for the information." Carlisle nodded, thankful that there were no major changes to worry about.
"How strong are you now Bella?" Emmett finally asked with a grin.
"And how will this impact your human state?" Jasper pipped in.
"I don't know yet. I have no idea what I can truly do, but I am willing to find out." Bella shrugged, looking over to Jake.
"Bella will need to train. The first two weeks are crucial. She has to learn control. Bella will need your help, all of you, but especially Alice's. Bella will find that if she can focus and reign in that power, she should find herself to be incredibly fast and agile, even in her human state. Her stamina will be much higher as well. She should also have heightened strength and healing abilities. Her body temperature will also be heightened. It's hard to know for sure, she's a very unique case, which should be no surprise to any of you. Time will have to tell. I would wait until after the funeral though, her emotions may not be quite ready to take on the training. I am also available if needed to help." Jake clarified, earning nods from the Cullens in understanding.
"I don't have a question, just a statement" Rosalie coolly stated, earning a concerned look from Bella and Alice, " I just want to say that I apologize for my behavior. I should have been more accepting of you. Looking back, it all makes sense. Your behavior was not because of Edward and wanting to throw away your mortality. It was because you needed to be close to Alice. I just want you to know that I am welcoming you to the family, and I am looking forward to getting to know the real you, the new you." Rosalie smiled, earning a sigh of relief from Bella.
"Thank you, Rosalie. I appreciate that, more than you can ever know." Bella smiled, looking at Alice as she cleared her throat.
"Thank you all, but I really to show Bella what we have been working on all night if we can." Alice smiled, causing Bella to smile as well, her energy was contagious.
" Of course, but first," Carlisle stood up and walked over the counter, and then grabbed a small velvet box and handed it to Bella, who looked at the box confused and then up to the Cullens. " Open it, Bella." Carlisle smiled as Esme moved to stand next to her husband, wrapping her arms around Carlisle's arm.
Bella looked down to the box and opened it slowly, gasping in surprise. Inside the box was a braided black leather necklace, with an emblem of the family crest hanging from the band.
"Bella, we would like to officially welcome you to the family. We all wear the crest to show our loyalty, and to make it known to others of our kind as well. If you accept, of course." Carlisle smiled, watching Bella's soft brown eyes begin to fill with tears.
"Of course I accept, and I am honored to do so." Bella finally smiled and stood up and ran over to embrace Carlisle and Esme. Jasper, Emmett, Rosalie, and Alice followed suit, and the family shared an embrace. Bella stepped back, and clasped the necklace around her neck, the pendent clearly visible against her chest. Esme smiled the largest of all, her family was finally one again.
Alice then pulled on Bella's hand and led her up the stairs. Bella noted that the family had stayed downstairs, likely to provide some privacy. Alice opened the nearby closed door, and then jumped onto Bella's back like a spider monkey, her hands covering Bella's eyes, causing Bella to laugh slightly.
"Alice, I can't see!" Bella chided.
"It's okay! Take four normal steps forward. Trust me." Alice purred in Bella's ear. Bella nodded with a smile and took four steps forward and then stopped.
"You ready?" Alice whispered, and Bella nodded.
With that, Alice jumped off of Bella's shoulders and Bella looked around with a gasp. She was in the most beautiful room she had ever seen. The floors were done in a dark walnut wood, with decorative white rugs at the entrance and on either side of the bed. Bella looked at the king size poster bed, fitted with a caramel colored comforter, and burnt orange pillows and satin sheets. Bella continued to move around the decorated room. It was quaint but also modern. It was the perfect combination of Alice and Bella. Bella opened a nearby door, leading into a walk in closest that was easily as large as her old bedroom. All of Alice's things were on one side, and the other only had a few items. Bella knew that this was clearly her side. Bella closed the door, and walked into the connected bathroom, taking in the beautiful marble and rose quartz accented countertops and bathtub. The tub was a soaking tub, separate from the shower. There were two sinks, clearly one for each. Bella left the bathroom and made her way to the Dutch doors, leading out to a secluded patio, overlooking the forest. There was a small stone fire pit, a padded birch wood accented bench with chairs located on either side along with a small fridge. Bella smiled to herself.
' Alice really does think of everything.'
Bella moved back inside, and noted that her small dreamcatcher from Jake was hanging on the headboard.
"Alice, stupid question but what is the bed for? You don't sleep?" Bella mused, causing Alice to chuckle lightly.
"You do though. Besides, I'm sure it will get plenty of use for other activities" Alice purred, causing Bella to blush.
' You are so stupid, Bella. Honestly.' Bella thought to herself with a light sigh.
" We don't have to share a bedroom if you are not comfortable in doing so. I just wanted to make the transition as easy as possible for you. I hope you are happy with it." Alice smiled, as she moved closer to Bella. Bella turned around and took Alice's hands in her own, " Nothing would make me happier. I will move my stuff in after the funereal, I promise." Bella smiled lightly before slightly frowning.
"Bella, what's wrong?" Alice mused, her head tilting to the side.
"Alice, you need to hunt. Your eyes are getting dark." Bella mused, causing Alice to look at the ground.
"I know I just wasn't sure if you would be okay by yourself. I didn't want to just leave" Alice replied softly causing Bella to sigh.
"Alice, just this morning you were worried about me not eating. The same goes to you. You're a vampire, I get it. You need to hunt. You need to take care of yourself too. I will be okay for a few hours. Maybe it would be good for me. I know you won't be far" Bella replied lightly, gently running her hands over Alice's arms.
"I guess you are right. We all have to go hunt if we are going to be around a large group of people tomorrow. I promise, we will be back in just a couple of hours." Alice nodded.
"Take the time you need, I'll be okay." Bella replied, gently kissing Alice's forehead. With that, Alice neatly jumped out the window to meet her family, who was waiting below.
"We'll be back soon, and then I want to see how good of a gamer you are!" Emmett laughed up to Bella, who playfully rolled her eyes.
With that, the Cullens took off into the forest, leaving Bella alone in the room. Bella sat down on the chair on the patio, realizing that Jake had left too. He obviously had to check in with the pack. Bella opened the fridge, and grabbed a can of Dr. Pepper, her personal favorite. She opened the can, and began to sip on it. Suddenly though, Bella experienced the feeling that she had been expecting to feel but had been missing the entire time. A horrible feeling. The feeling of danger. A disgustingly overly sweet smell filled her senses. Her sharp eyes caught a glimpse of a shimmer in the sunlight, followed by a nauseating feeling in her gut. Bella could not help but feel as if she was in danger. Bella distinctly heard a soft voice in her head say just one word
"Enemy"
Bella stood up and walked down the stairs, putting on her shoes and exited the house. Carefully she closed the door, and made her way to towards the woods. Bella could not help but feel she had to do this, even though everything inside was telling her to run. Bella moved a branch from a nearby pine tree, and advanced forward. Not too far from the house, Bella felt the presence become almost too strong to take. Her sharp brown eyes looked up, and there Edward sat with a menacing, threatening, cold glare.
" You should have continued sipping on your soda, Bella"
