Something had shifted in Bella and Irina's relationship. They seem to glow recently around each other. Their small touches linger longer than usual. There's a bit of shyness in their eyes. And it appears they seem to be more in tune with each other. Bella only needs to hold out her hand and Irina will be there to intertwine their fingers together, all without Bella's needing to utter a word or glance at the blonde.
Everyone notices the bracelet. Bella wears it everywhere. And Irina's grin stays permanent on her face. Jasper could feel their happiness a mile away. It's strong, pleasant and if he could describe it in colour, he'd say it's soft pink; almost pastel-like.
Like when it's dusk and hues of pink adorn the sky and it bounces off the clouds.
The same couldn't be said about Bella and Rosalie's relationship. The stronger Bella and Irina's bond gets, the more distant Rosalie becomes. She is much too hesitant to allow her emotions to take over. Last time she did that, she hurt Bella. Even when they both forgave her, it's still an ongoing battle for her.
She literally cannot picture how it will be like in the future. They can't divide Bella in half. And she doesn't believe herself to be as generous and empathetic as her cousin. Just the thought triggers her possessive side. She'd want Bella all to herself. But seeing as they've progressed so much in their relationship, she knows enough that Bella would hurt without Irina. And Irina Bella.
So where does that leave her? Do they split the seven days a week into two; first with her and then with Irina? Bella isn't a child who has to travel to two homes as dictated by the court due to a messy divorce.
Or does she settle into becoming the mistress? That's really fucked up and she feels grossed out just by the mere thought of it.
She considers getting some hints or guidance from Alice but it's been frustrating and she regrets asking her in the first place.
"Everything will work out, Rose!" She said excitedly.
She gritted her teeth, "That wasn'twhat I asked.I asked if you'd always seen the three of us together."
"Not at first. I still can't see everything but what I see is enough to tell you that everyone will be happy in the end."
She groaned and left the house before she ended up strangling the seer. Rosalie loved her sister but she forgot how irritating the little pixie can be.
There's a longing in her chest as she stares at how Irina's fingertips sneakily reach for Bella's soft ones while they're conversing with Tanya. Bella sensing her girlfriend's request for affection opens up her palm and smoothly link her fingers with Irina's. A shy grin appears on both of their faces and they steal a glance at each other before diverting back their attention to their coven leader.
It pains Rosalie to learn that Bella has reaffirmed her decision to become a vampire but it pains her more to know that Bella will most probably take up Denali's name instead of Cullen's. Or even Bella Hale. She gets excited at that prospect.
Isabella Hale.
It has a nice ring, doesn't it?
Images of Bella walking down the aisle, escorted by Chief Swan, who has tears in his eyes, biting her lips in shyness, surges a giddiness and joy that Rosalie could not describe. Looking down at the beautiful human, the blushes overpowering the makeup Alice puts on her, pushes Rosalie to an edge. She'd want to kiss the fuck out of her human bride infront all of her families and Bella's immature friends.
The thought of further rubbing it in Edward and Jacob's face makes it all the more worth it.
And later on, as she whisks Bella away to somewhere private, someone isolated, she'd get to unleash all of her desires for the human. She'd have to hunt a lot and even practise self control but it will be worth it. She'd want to tease and please Bella like a deserving Queen, but not before making the human beg for it. Especially if Bella's maidenhead is still intact on their wedding night.
Then she remembers what Irina had told her; Bella's desire to lose her maidenhead soon. Unlike Edward, Rosalie won't make her wait. Infact, Rosalie would welcome it and very much anticipate it.
Rosalie is shaken out of her daydream as she sees Irina's hand has travelled near the brim of her butt and Bella doesn't show any sign of discomfort. Infact, Bella seems to be squeezing her thighs too tightly for it to be innocent.
She had suspected it. Bella hasn't told her and Irina's not the type to boast but she understands now that something sexual transpired between the two and she feels angry all of a sudden. How could they left her out of it! Where exactly did Irina get to touch her precious human?
"Bella and I are headed that way. She had expressed in wanting to lose her virginity before she is turned. And I intend to give it to her if she asks me. So you better catch up to us fast if you'd like to be a part of it."
Catch up to them? She knows what her cousin meant but admitting it means there's no going back. There's only moving forward. She is terrified at that prospect.
This whole thing is fucking messy.
Why couldn't she be mated to Emmett? Could she just ignore this calling and pull? But then again, the daydream of her marrying Bella swells something up in her chest. Sweet old Bella. Would she be opposed to getting married at such a young age?
"She won't be yours either!" a voice suddenly roared and Rosalie finds herself being tackled from the back.
Her instincts kick in and she quickly rolls herself away to loosen the tight grip on her waist and kick herself against the ground so she could jump and stand on her two feet, successfully escaping Edward's grasp.
What is he doing here? Did Carlisle not banish him from Forks for six months?
Edward stands his ground and hissed, "Keep your disgusting thoughts to yourself. Bella will never marry you!"
Something about his words strikes up a nerve in her. She's about to retaliate and prove him wrong when there's a hand gripping her shoulder, effectively stopping her. She almost snarls at the interruption but stops herself when she sees it's none other than Irina.
"Edward, turn around and walk away," her voice was low but there was no mistaking it sounded dangerous.
"It's wrong for two women to be together, let alone three!"
Irina doesn't even flinch but her hold on Rosalie's shoulder tightens, "Isabella wants to end this once and for all."
Rosalie panics as she sees the human approaches Edward with Tanya and Kate by her sides. She thinks Irina must have been crazy to allow Bella to be around the Dickward without her protection.
"Don't worry. She can handle this. She needs to do this."
Edward straightens himself up noticing the human approaching him but he tenses at the sight of Kate, who cracks her knuckles and gives him a preview of her static power. There's no doubt she's threatening him in her mind.
"We can do this here or we could do this somewhere private. Your choice," Bella offered Edward, too generously according to Rosalie.
His jaws tense and he looks at his surrounding. He knows he's outnumbered just by the way Tanya and Kate are standing next to Bella.
"Fine."
He makes his way to leave but Bella holds up her hand to stop him.
"First, apologise to Rose for that cheap attack," Bella demanded.
His eyes widen at Bella's tone. She has never sounded so furious for the length that he knew her. He's also pissed at having to apologise to one Rosalie Hale.
Rosalie is also shocked by Bella's backbone. It wasn't a request. Bella just gave Edward a fucking order. She wonders if Bella could make him submit.
She sees her brother's eyes harden and he looks away stubbornly.
"I know you're not deaf or stupid. Even you have to admit that was a low blow, especially for you, Edward. I'm this close to let Kate have her way with you," Bella showed the small inch of her fingers to prove her point.
Kate smirks and crouches, "I told you he won't Bella. Now let me have some fun, will you?" She kicks up her power a few notch and a ball of statics appear in her palms.
Edward turns to Rosalie quickly and apologises, staring at the ground while at it, "I'm sorry. I lost control."
There's no word that comes out of Rosalie's mouth. In all of their coven lives together, Edward had never apologised to her, not even when Esme chastised him. And it surprises her how good it makes her feel but she's nowhere ready to forgive him. It's all uncalled for.
"She's not obligated to actually forgive you, Edward. That's her choice," Bella interjected when it was clear what Edward expected out of Rosalie.
Bella throws Rosalie and Irina a smile before she leads Tanya, Kate and Edward deep into the forest. Stunned Rosalie narrows her eyes at their trail, wondering if she could tag along.
"Isabella had called for him to come. She wants a truce and closure," Irina explained.
"And you agreed to not follow her?" Rosalie asked bewildered.
"It's something she needs to do. Plus, she's got two best warriors accompanying her."
Right, Rosalie thought. As if nothing could go wrong when it involves Edward. The whole thing is weird but she feels slightly turned on by how Bella took charge of the situation. But it also makes her feel guilty because here Bella was still looking out for her when she's been trying to avoid the human.
"Are you completely sure of this, Bella?" Edward asked with a strained voice.
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I'm sorry it turned this way. Edward, I did love you but you and I aren't fated to be in that way."
The calm voice makes Edward a little freaked out. Bella was always unsure, hesitant and sometimes indecisive. But this Bella is different. He feels like he knows her but at the same time she's not her. At least not like the Bella he knew.
"I love her. It's nothing like I've ever felt before."
If he could scream, he would. He feels his last hope of ever getting back together with Bella destroyed by this conversation.
"But you once felt the same way for me. Why can't we try again? After you get turned, I won't have any problems with your blood anymore."
"Because I felt what Irina felt for Laurent and what she feels for me. The bond she shared with Laurent was similar to what we had, Edward. It felt hollow, wrong and toxic."
Edward winces at the last adjective she used. Emmett had once told him off his stalkish and manipulative behaviours around Bella. But she never told him this. And hearing this now just shatters his belief. He wonders if he truly imposed his feelings and principles on Bella disregarding her emotions in the process. But wasn't it all done for her own good?
"You had told me you'd want to marry me. Do you know how I felt about it?" Bella asked.
He nods, hoping she'd say something he wishes to hear.
"I felt pressured and stuck. But when Irina mentioned the word marriage to me while we were still in the process of getting to know each other, somewhere deep inside, I felt like it would be right. She feels right to me."
Venom pools in his eyes at her confession. It's such a heartbreak to see his Bella happy with his cousin.
"I want to marry her one day, Edward. But I don't want this to break your coven. I don't want you to break Esme and Carlisle's heart. So I need you to be the man that I know you could be and accept the truth. Please, respect my choices and be happy for me."
That really does it. When Edward first got the call, he thought there was a chance of reconciliation for them. And when she started speaking, he felt her slipping through his fingers. He wanted to object, had plans to, but the way she was pleading, the way she mentioned Esme and Carlisle and the way she looked at him, how could he not give in?
The first time he saw her, he knew she was something special. All of his family knew. And they all love her.
"What about Rosalie?"
"That's something Irina, Rose and I need to figure out. I know when you said those things, it all came out of hurt and not from your belief. You have no problems with women loving each other or polyamorous relationships. Don't you?"
Bella's always been sharp, even before they started dating. It didn't take long for her to figure out what they are so he isn't all that surprised when she calls out his bullshit. It stings and scary but she's got all the merits. He leans against a tree, trying to soak it all in. Defeat slowly creeps into his mind.
He hates who he had become as of late. And he doesn't want to be that jerk. But the emotions are all overwhelming.
"Okay."
"Yeah?"
He nods. "But I'm going to need time."
Kate groans at the lost opportunity to kick his ass. Tanya elbows her to keep her sister in check.
"She makes you happy?" He asked one last time.
"The happiest," she smiles broadly.
"I have to see Rosalie, and then I'll be on my way."
He takes off, before Bella could warn him.
"You'd better call Rosalie, Bella. I don't trust that prick one bit," Kate warned. Bella tries to call Rosalie but no answer so she warns Irina instead.
"Edward's stopping by. Seeing as Bella is not here, I plan to finish our business. I need to know if you're joining me."
Irina turns to Rosalie. She smirks and changes into more appropriate clothes. There is no need to ruin designer's clothes for this occasion.
"You won't bitch about this to Bella, aren't you?" Rosalie challenged her cousin, all suited up.
"Kate's gonna give us a small window to do this. I already got out alibis prepared," Irina smirked.
"Good. Let's teach this son of a bitch a lesson he won't forget, shall we?"
Suffice to say by the time Irina and Rosalie are done with him, he definitely learned his lessons.
"So, Bella. You and Irina seem... close?" Charlie spoke during dinner.
Bella takes a sip of her water before answering. So much has happened she forgot to fill Charlie in.
"Look Dad, I didn't mean to keep it from you but it all sort of just happened. And I hadn't had the time to talk to you about it."
She's not sure what his reaction will be. But she has resigned herself that if Charlie couldn't accept her, she'd either move back to Phoenix or just move in with the Denalis. Graduation's just around the corner anyway.
"So... it's true?" He asked.
"You're going to have to be more specific, Dad."
"Err. Well, are you two... dating?"
"Yes."
"Okay."
"Okay?"
"Yeah, okay. I still love you Bells. That will never change. Just, becareful, alright?" he advised.
Feeling touched, Bella reaches out and squeezes Charlie's hand before letting go.
"I am, Dad."
"Good. Because the whole using protection advice should be reserved for your mum, I hope."
Bella flushes and she wishes Charlie hadn't breached that topic. Although, she is grateful of his positive response.
"And you know after what happened with that Edmund boy, I now have to butt in and make sure nobody treat you wrong, right?"
Bella groans and considers staging a breakup to avoid the whole Chief Swan interrogates and tries to intimidate her girlfriend routine. She shoots Irina warning text while cleaning up the kitchen.
My Dad wants to meet you soon. [Bella]
She wonders how that's gonna go. With Edward, there hadn't been such opportunity seeing as how he struggled to be in the same room as her and the fact that he's a vampire, she tried to be as evasive as she could.
Think I could use this avenue to ask for your hand in marriage? [Irina]
She rolls her eyes at her joke but the thought does give her butterflies.
Yeah, if you want him to hunt you out of Forks. [Bella]
It would appear that Charlie's protective instinct doubled up after what Edward had done to her. She wonders how Irina will fare dealing with Chief Swan in that mode.
Oh love, there can never been anything or anyone who could keep me away from you. Not even an angry father. [Irina]
Promise? [Bella]
Promise, my love. So, think he'd pull the bad cop routine? [Irina]
Oh you can count on it. [Bella]
What about us? [Irina]
What do you mean, babe? [Bella]
Should we also play the bad cop and sub prisoner routine? [Irina]
Bella notices since the pool incident, Irina has stepped up her flirting and seduction game. Every here and there, she feels as if Irina's testing and pushing her boundaries. Her touches venture into new territories while her words push through unchartered areas.
And she likes it. It makes her feel so wanted and it boosts her confidence. There's little doubt in Irina's feelings and desires for her. Bella especially loves the chase and the inadvertent effect of Irina'seyes darkening.
You wish. [Bella]
She brushes it away but then decides to tease her girlfriend a little.
Maybe, if you're a good girl. [Bella]
I can be more than good. I'll be so good I'm going to make your panties drop. [Irina]
Bella bites her lips and keeps her phone away. She can't be flirting with her girlfriend like this especially not when her dad is right in front of her.
She's never been more glad the universe chose Irina as her mate. She has a feeling once they start doing it, she will become insatiable but that Irina wouldn't mind it one tiny bit.
