Bred
By MoneyTunes10
Chapter Two
Bella only wanted to please her family, so their distraught faces as she proclaimed her purpose disturbed her to no end. She knew that she had recited the pledged that had been burned into her heart without fail, yet they seemed disappointed. She suddenly grew frantic and began wringing her hands.
Esme was still before her and pulled her into a hug but she was too disturbed by their features to return the gesture.
Before they decided to return her, she wanted to bind herself to the family. She never wanted to disappoint them, "did I do something wrong?"
Alice was the one to answer, "Oh no Bella, we're just don't understand why you've taken to us so quickly."
Well why wouldn't she love her family instantly? She had been taught how to love them from the beginning. Before she succumbed to her traitorous tears at her own disappointment, she decided to ask about their preferences on how to claim her.
Esme pulled back from her and gazed into her eyes, while Bella bit her bottom lip.
"Did you have another question?"
Esme's voice was kind.
"Well, I was wondering what method you plan on using to claim me."
"Claim you?"
"Yes, how would you like me to carry your crest…on a necklace or bracelet, tattooing or branding somewhere on my skin."
Bella knew that branding or tattooing would hurt immensely, but they were the most permanent methods used to claim a Substitute. Families who branded or tattooed their Substitutes were essentially promising to never give them up. She hoped to have the Cullen crest tattooed or branded on her…but alas her dreams were shattered.
"Oh dear God, no we are not going to brand or tattoo you. We would rather get you a necklace or a bracelet."
Bella fought to contain her disappointment as Alice's husband suddenly walked nearer and looked at her closely, "why are you disappointed?"
Bella looked into Jasper's eyes and told him the truth. She explained the different meanings associated with each type of method used to claim her. When she finished, he looked thoughtful. "So if we tattoo you then you would feel more secure with your place within the family?"
"Without a doubt"
Rosalie shot up from her seat, "Jasper you can not be serious! She is not a piece of cattle to be tattooed with the family crest."
"I understand Rose but she would feel like part of the family."
Tanya spoke next, "she is ours and she was very expensive. I can't think of any reason why we would ever want to give her back. I mean she could be a nanny for our children."
"Tanya please stop talking about her like that!" Edward looked visibly perturbed with Tanya; he was already concerned with the mental state of this human and she was not helping the situation. Although he had only studied humans in books, he doubted that it was healthy for anyone to be fixated on only pleasing their family. She was already giving herself to him on the first night.
"Why don't we get you something to eat and drink, then we can take you to your bedroom and you can get some sleep." Carlisle Cullen looked very thoughtful but he gave Bella a sincere smile.
Bella nodded at the request and followed him to the kitchen. Mrs. Cope, the human housekeeper smiled as Carlisle introduced the two women. He discreetly excused himself to give them some privacy, he understood that this was new for Bella and it may be more comfortable for her to speak to another human.
Bella made polite conversation with Mrs. Cope but her mind was occupied with the Cullens, they seemed odd. Her Mistress Tanya clearly wanted to keep her but they wanted to use a piece of jewelry to claim her. They were also delaying the implantation. She was not privy to their motives…maybe this was a test.
Well, she would not fail.
Alice walked into the kitchen when Bella finished her meal; the small vampire linked their arms like they were sisters and she lead Bella up a grand staircase to the second level of the home. Alice explained that Bella would stay near Edward and Tanya's suite as they ascended.
Bella's room and attached bathroom were extravagant and she nearly babbled nonsensical words at Alice when she tried to explain that this was too much. Alice shushed her and gave her a tour of the closet. Alice was beyond excited with the closet that she designed for Bella. It was only when a yawn escaped Bella's lips that Alice remembered that she had human needs. She apologized, much to Bella's dismay, and gave her a nightgown to prepare for bed.
After wishing Alice goodnight, Bella sank into the most luxurious bed of her life. She thought she was lucky to have a nice mattress in the Agency, but this was beyond her wildest dreams. She reminded herself that this could all be a test from the family and she would not fail. Soon she drifted off to sleep hopeful that Edward would impregnate her soon so that she would not have to leave them.
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Bella awoke early in the morning. She did not know what was required of her today but she still got herself ready. After showering and dressing she headed to the kitchen to make herself breakfast. She knew that it was important that she stay healthy to ensure the pregnancy was uneventful. She had memorized how much protein, fiber and nutrients she needed for her body. She also knew how much exercise she needed since she had to be fit but avoid losing weight.
Bella's mouth fell open at the sight that met her in the kitchen.
Edward dashed throughout the kitchen in a blur of movement. The oven was smoking and something was aflame on the stove while the blender seemed to be choking up whatever was in it, there were banana chunks flying in all directions. Mrs. Cope was standing near the pantry door wringing her hands and trying to instruct an apron-clad Edward on what to do.
Bella's eyes grew big as he stopped and stared at her. He looked like a drowning man and Bella's instincts took over.
She ran into the kitchen opening the oven to remove what looked like burnt toast, she dumped it into the sink and turned on the faucet and garbage disposal. Soon after, she was at the stove turning it off and grabbing a dishtowel to take the contents to dump into the sink; she was covered in pink smears by the time she unplugged the blender. She whirled around and braced herself on the kitchen sink as she took a good look at Edward; both hands were covered in oven mitts, his chin had a dab of flour and his apron was smeared with what looked like fruit, batter and eggs. Against what she had been taught, Bella giggled at the sight before her; vampires were always so poised and in control but he looked bewildered standing in the middle of the mess he created.
"I'm sorry Master Edward, I didn't mean to laugh or interrupt your…um cooking…I just came to make myself some breakfast."
"Bella, can you just call me Edward and I was trying to make you a 'welcome to the family' breakfast but it didn't turn out like I planned."
He was thoughtful for a moment while Bella regarded Edward with amused eyes, "so what were you making?"
"Well…I was making a fruit smoothie, but I don't understand why humans don't just eat the banana and strawberries, and an omelet and biscuits."
"You know that's too much food for me to eat in the morning but I appreciate the gesture Mast...I mean Sir"
"Don't call m Sir, call me Edward."
Maybe this was another test…Bella didn't want to argue so she simply acquiesced, "Edward."
"Ok, well why don't I teach you how to make human food…we can make an omelet" Her smile was infectious and Edward returned it without hesitation.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Cope; I promise I'll clean up when we're done."
The older woman who had been plastered to the pantry door during the kitchen massacre just shook her head at Edward and left the room with a smile on her face.
"Where is the rest of the family?"
"Oh they went hunting together, but I wanted to stay to make sure you had everything you needed."
Bella's smile was sad, her Mistress had been the last person who looked after her welfare; this small gesture from Edward was reminiscent of the woman she had known as a mother. She quickly shook her head, ridding herself of the memory and focusing on her new family. She had started a new chapter in her life and she was more than happy to be with her family. They were very kind to her thus far.
Under Bella's skilled hands, the two made a wonderful egg-white omelet; breakfast for Bella was complete with a slice of whole wheat toast and a glass of orange juice. They sat at the island in the kitchen while Edward told Bella about his family and his life.
It would be the first of many bonding experiences that Edward orchestrated to get to know this enchanting girl who would soon carry his child.
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