Chapter 10

" My angel, my Bella... How I wish Thomas was right."

Behind me I felt something, a presence.

Lifting my head from my hands, I was just about to turn around when a musical soft voice filled my room.

"Thomas is right."

BPOV

I didn't mean to make myself known, or to speak out loud... confronting Edward with myself. But I did and as he slowly turned to look at me, I couldn't bring myself to regret what I had done.

Slowly he rubbed his eyes before letting his hands fall down at the side of his body. Staring at me with his mouth open.

"Hello Edward."

Deciding to speak first, I tried to smile at him. He just closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes, he looked straight at me. The vibrant green connecting with my golden brown eyes, as they did, I gasped for air. Involuntary and unneeded but in desperate need for some release.

"Please tell me I'm not dreaming and I'm not insane."

His voice sounded broken and full of doubt, I moved a step forward slowly. He moved also, closing the distance between is in a few long strides.

"This is real." Placing my hand on his chest. I felt how unsteady his breathing and heartbeat was.

Shaking he placed his hand over mine and placed his other hand on my cheek. Cupping my face gently and tilting my chin up so our eyes could meet again. He was tall, taller than Carlisle and for a moment I felt like the fragile human girl again. My mind flashed back 25 years and caused my body to feel like I had the day he returned. The day I had been just a girl, sitting in her own garden. Greeting her childhood friend and recognising in his eyes, her soulmate.

I had forgotten how tall he was. Somehow in my mind, the only thing that really had been remembered with clarity was his face. And now it was up close and within reach. Mirroring his action, I put my hand on his cheek also. The warmth immediately burned my skin.

Looking at his face, I could see how his eyebrows pulled together as he frowned.

"You're cold. But so much more beautiful than I remember."

Running the back of his hand along my cheek, tracing the line of my jaw and finding his way to the back of my neck. He leaned even closer to me, too close.

Stepping back, I pulled away from him. Swallowing the venom that had started to pool in my mouth at the scent of Edward's body close to mine. I stopped breathing and focussed on cutting of sense to smell. As I did, I could feel the mask slip from my eyes.

Edward gasped... alarming me that my eyes had come visible for him. A rich gold from my hunt with Esme, inhuman and clear to see for him. Even with the limited light surrounding us. Closing my eyes, I thought about what to do. Run and never return, or stay and trust myself to be around Edward.

"Please stay."

Without knowing Edward had guessed what I was thinking about and made my choice for me.

"Only if you want me."

"I want you to stay, I need you to stay with me." Moving closer, I could feel Edward cup my face again, both his large hands wrapping around me face as he tried to make me look up. I allowed him to move my chin up and opened my eyes to his. There was no fear or doubt in his eyes, just warmth.

" I want to stay also." My voice sounded so small, I wasn't sure he could hear it. But he did because next thing I knew, I could feel him take my hand and lead me towards his bed. Pulling the covers straight and sitting on the far edge of the bed. I sat down also, keeping some distance between us.

" For the past 25 years, this moment.. has been on my mind. Over and over again, imagining what I would do when I finally could see you again."

Leaning back on his elbows, Edward studied my face. "I never dreamed you would return to me as an angel."

His words caused my heart to sink. How could I explain to him, I was no angel. In fact if he would know my true nature, he'd probably run and hide. Taking his wife and child away from, trying to keep them safe.

"When Thomas told me about an angel saving him from Pion, I listened to his stories. Blaming myself for telling him about you, thinking I had filled his little head with dreams and fantasy. Little did I know, I was the one who's head needed to be filled with dreams and fantasy."

Sitting back up again, he now moved closer to me. The look in his eyes slowly changing from the calm warm expression I had found there before. Instead something else showed in the vibrant green of his eyes. Something that excited me.

" I know this is a dream..."

Holding still, I allowed him to come even closer until his face was right in front of mine.

"What if this isn't a dream?"

Pleading I leaned back so I could see his eyes when he answered me. Waiting for his answer I watched him, but instead of answering me he was silent for a moment. Licking his lips shortly before leaning in closer. My inside felt like it would explode when I felt his lips hover above mine and the warm sweet scent of his breath brush past my lips.

" Then I wouldn't be able to do this."

Closing the final gap, he pressed his lips on mine. Soft and tender, tracing my bottom lip before sucking on it ever so slowly for a moment. Letting go, I could feel him smile against my lips.

"Or do this."

Pressing his lips against mine again, this time he applied more pressure. For a moment I panicked, not understanding what he was asking until his tongue gently traced the outline of my mouth. Opening my mouth slightly, he entered and breathed into my mouth.

Gripping the blanket on the bed, as tight as I dared without ripping the fabric, I groaned. His touch causing foreign feelings to crash through my body and overwhelm my senses. Making me feel like I was on fire but could never burn bright enough. For a moment I considered if I had lost my mind. Perhaps I had because without thinking I eagerly kissed him back, meeting his tongue with mine. Tasting him and feeling him against my lips.

This was nothing like the timid kisses he had given me when I had last seen him all these years ago. Edward had changed and no longer held back, claiming me with his mouth as one hand slipped into my hair. Holding me in place, pulling me closer and telling me with his body. He did not plan on letting go of me again.

Getting on my knee's I sat in front of him, placing my hands on his shoulders as we continued to kiss. Afraid for my lips to loose the hot wet comfort his lips brought me.

This time it was Edward that groaned, a low and primal sound that made me shiver. Finally he let go of me and leaned back, taking a deep breath and trying to steady his breathing. In his eyes were tears.

"Don't cry love." The words slipped out effortlessly as I reached up and wiped away the tears.

"I can't help it. For the past 25 years I have been dreaming about pulling you in my arms, touching your skin, kissing your lips." While talking he proceeded to do just that very briefly as he continued stroking my hair with one hand and hold my other against his chest.

"The day Charlie told me of your death, my life stopped. From that day forward, not a day went by without me wanting you back in my life, regretting each and every decision I have made. And now you are here, an angel in my arms."

Placing another kiss, this time on my forehead. He held me close to his body.

Tell him the truth My subconscious yelled at me.

But no matter how much I needed to tell him I was a vampire, not an angel. The harder I tried to force the words from my mouth, it seemed the less I was able to say the words out loud. So instead I snuggled into his chest and carefully held him, afraid to hurt him.

As I buried my head in his chest, the now familiar scent of his body caused my throat to burn. A burn that rivalled with the other hunger I felt, a fiery hunger that needed Edward to kiss me again.

Pulling away from his body, I could feel how he tried to keep me in place with all his strength but he was no match for me and I managed to sit up. Pushing him back against the headboard and leaning closer to his face while resting my hands on his shoulders again. For a moment I could see a small frown on his forehead as he thought about what happened. Kissing his lips very carefully, making sure to wait for him to respond.

And he did, by wrapping one arm around my body and dragging my body up over his. The heath of his human body burning against mine, all soft and hard in all the right places. To find my balance I placed one knee at either side of his body, straddling his hips.

Edward looked down and smiled a lazy smile. "This sure is the best dream I ever had."

The words hurt me, reminding me, Edward couldn't believe I was real. His hands however made me forget that immediately as they somehow found their way up under the skirt of my dress. Running up and down my calves, from my ankle to my knee. Resting for a moment in the hollow of knee, it tickled. Something I would have never expected ever feeling again. The knowledge Edward could do that to me, made me feel all soft and warm on the inside. Almost like a human.

Trying to get closer without using too much force, I moved over Edwards hips.. only to feel something hot and hard twitch up in response. A soft hiss escaped my mouth as I realised he was aroused, very aroused.

"That's what you do to me, my angel Bella." Pressing his hips up again, even through the fabric of his pants and my skirt I could feel him press against my centre. Right at the exact spot it should be.

It was enough to help me come undone and without thinking I pushed him down harder and crashed my lips on his. Devouring his sweet scent, taking it in as I kissed him and tasted his tongue in my mouth. He groaned at the pleasure, fuelling my actions.

Sliding my hands down, I let my fingers pull apart the fabric from his shirt. Allowing my hands to disappear under the fabric and run along his chest. The skin felt so different from my own, soft and warm. Without thinking I let my nails drag a path up from his shoulders to the middle of his chest.

Edward bucked up and shouted out at the pain. Pressing against my body and grabbing hold of my waist with all his strength in response. The pressure of his hands on mine felt like heaven and I repeated my action. Smiling as his fingers pressed down upon my backside in response.

Deepening my kiss, I was treated to a new flavour. It was stronger, sweeter and so enticing. It took control of me and it was impossible to pull away now. Underneath me I felt Edward move, adding to my excitement.

Suddenly I felt a hand in my hair, pulling my head back rough and without warning. I was so surprised my head snapped back and as I did, I could see Edwards eyes.

"Bella."

Gone was all the love, warmth and lust that had been there earlier, all the things that had sparked me to straddle him and kiss him like my life depended on it. All that was left now in his eyes was fear... fear for me.

Glancing down I realised what I had done, Edward had not been moving against me out of excitement or grabbed my waist to pull me closer. No he had been trying to move me away from him.

The worst however were his lips, tracing them with my finger I understood the sweet enticing taste of him on my tongue. There was blood on his lips, on my finger and on my mouth. In my desperate need to get closer I had hurt him.

"I'm sorry... please Edward don't hate me.."

Grabbing hold of his hands, I stopped him from trying to push away. The look on his face turning frantic as he realised for the second time tonight, I was much stronger than him. He struggled more and screamed in pain when I didn't let go, his hand yielding under the pressure of my touch.

"What are you and what have you done to Bella?"

His words hit me, like an invisible blow to the head. Letting go of him I backed away,flinging myself away. In a second I had moved from the bed and to the wall. Watching him watch me, from across the room. Recognising the fear and horror in his eyes.

"I'm Bella, please you have to see."

Crying at him, I pulled out the long silver chain that had belonged to my father. Showing it to him, trying to prove that I was telling the truth. He got up from the bed, his feet unsteady as he took a step towards me.

"That belonged to Charlie. How did you get it?"

Straightening his back, he towered over me as he addressed me with authority. I looked up and could only find a cold hard mask, hiding his real emotions. This was a side of him I had never before seen in my life and part of me was grateful that as a human girl I had never experienced this. He looked terrifying.

"Carlisle and Esme, took me to say good bye from my father. I took it, as a memory to him."

Hooking a finger from his undamaged hand through the chain, he examined it for a moment before pulling it away from my neck. The snap of the chain breaking caused me to flinch and I pushed myself back against the wall.

"This belongs to a good man."

Turning his back from me, he walked to the table across the room. As I watched him walk, I could see he slightly swayed. Remembering me, I had hurt him. When he reached the table, he placed his hand on the table and leaned down.

"Leave."

The cold word came out with such authority. I froze, afraid to move. Knowing that if I would leave now, there would never be a second chance. Edward however, did not have as much patience. Turning around he threw his hands up in the air.

"I said leave."

At that moment, the door to his bedroom flew open. Standing in the doorway was his wife. Her long blond hair, was pulled together with a ribbon, strands had fallen out and fell forward, framing her face. From her clothes, it was obvious she had not yet gone to bed either.

"What is going on here?"

Her voice was harsh and accusing. As she laid eyes on me, she stared and her mouth fell open. Then she looked to my right and back to me again. All color disappeared from her face before suddenly she flung herself forward and attacked me.

" I hate you. You are the one, the one that has ruined my life." Slapping me in the face she continued to yell at me, grabbing a handful of my hair. " The witch that has kept his heart cold and closed from me, making it impossible to ever feel loved. I hate you."

Spitting in my face she continued to try and attack me but her clawing fingers could not harm me. When she realised she turned away from me and took two steps towards Edward. Pointing at him as she reached under her gown.

"How long have you kept her a secret... how long have you been keeping her as your mistress, here in our home? Did it excite you to watch her painting during the day and feel her flesh during the night?"

Raising her arm, I could see what she had reached out to grab from under her gown.

"I had planned to come here tonight, to take revenge and destroy that painting. But this.." Turning around she looked at me. "This is so much better. You can watch her die and know that forever you are lost without her, leaving you with me.. only me... to love."

Raising the dagger she jumped forward, rage in her eyes as she did. Bringing her arm down but instead I moved to my feet. Standing up and stepping forward in a second. Without a second thought gripping her by the throat as the hate for this women filled my mind.

"You will never have his love." Throwing her aside, I heard the soft thud of her head hitting against the wall. Followed by a short gasp and sudden cry from Edward. Looking at the women, she had landed on her own dagger. There she was, her hands clasped around it as it stuck out of her chest. She smiled at me and slowly pulled it out.

I watched her in fear, frozen and unable to stop her. The moment the dagger left her body she let out one final breath but with that the blood flowed from her body. It was the first time ever, I had been around so much human blood. My entire body went rigid and hurt with the burning hunger that lashed at my own boundaries. Struggling to stay in control I looked at the window. The only thing between me and the way out was Edward.

Edward, who already had his blood on his lips, who's blood I had on my lips. Edward who's blood was tainted with my venom. From across the room, I could hear his heartbeat was already accelerating. In a second I stood in front of him.

"I'm so sorry."

Wishing I could cry as I realised what I had done.

Unable to control myself as I kissed his lips, tasting the blood on his lips. He tried to fight me and push me away but it was no use, he was right.

I was no longer Bella, I needed to save him and become... something else to do that.

Taking one last deep look at his green vibrant eyes, I placed one hand on his shoulder and the other in his hair. Take him My inner voice demanded. Skimming my nose from his ear to his shoulder and back up again, I inhaled deep. In no way had the little piece of fabric I held secret in the sleeve of my gown done him justice.

Dropping my shield completely, his scent completely overwhelmed me. In no way could the amount of blood in this room distract me from his scent. It was glorious.

" I loved you."

Edwards accusing words, did not slow me down.

Sinking my teeth in his skin, filling my mouth with his blood I can already taste the hint of venom in his blood. My entire body rejoices and takes control. Draining him completely, making sure no blood is left because no matter how much I will always love Edward, this is not the life I would ever want for him.

Collecting the silver chain from the table, I stepped over his body and to the window. Swinging my legs out and dropping down to the ground, afraid to look back at what I destroyed. Knowing that not only had I destroyed the man I love and his wife. My own actions had also caused the last part of Isabella Swan to come undone and I did not know, how to fix myself.