Previously…

"Do I scare you?" He asked softly. I met his eyes and leaned closer, "No." His eyes fell to my lips and soon he was against me. His hands tangled in my hair holding me tightly. I gripped his shoulders allowing him to lead. Not that I am a frequent kisser or anything but one word. Wow!

I think my saying I wasn't afraid of him flipped a switch, because he was suddenly pulling me onto him. His hands were holding my legs tightly too tightly in fact, and I moaned grabbing them to loosen his hold. He realized what I was trying to do and was out from under me before I could blink. I was laying flat on my butt trying to catch my breath and assimilate what just happened.

He stayed away for a few minutes then returned extending his hand, "I am sorry, I got away from myself. I must learn to be more careful." He lifted me easily and cupped my face in his palms. "Are you ok? Did I hurt you?"

"No, it's fine. Just a little too tight." He glared at me in disbelief and I smiled, "Really I am fine."

He sighed turning, "Want to go for a ride?"

"A ride?"

He chuckled grabbing my arm and slinging me onto his back. My eyes widened as he ran like lightening through the woods, what was he? More importantly what was this between us?

I found myself looking over a beautiful view of the mountains within minutes. He smiled, "Isn't it surreal." Here I was thinking he was surreal and he is asking me about the view? He must have known because he slid his hands nervously into his pockets.

"You look alarmed." He said suddenly.

"I do? I'm not, well I mean sort of. I can't get out what I am trying to say here." He chuckled, "I have that problem quite frequently around you." I bit my lip slowly looking at him from head to toe. He looked so normal with a few exceptions he was perfect in every way. Who would have thought he was more than human?

He stepped closer to me stroking my chin, "You look deep in thought." I met his eyes reaching up to run my fingers over his sparkling face. He didn't move away, he simply closed his eyes. I allowed my eyes to roam down his body again. He was the most perfect male I had ever seen. As if he could feel my gaze he opened his eyes.

"Bella, please you are killing me here." I wasn't sure if he meant the touch or the looking, so I moved back nervously shifting my eyes to the ground. I felt his arm around my shoulders, "Walk with me."

I did as he asked slipping my left arm around his waist. I felt like a normal girl with a normal guy, only he wasn't. He kissed my head, "You smell lovely."

"My shampoo?" I asked confused. He smirked, "No, your scent. It's nice." I am so lost, what is he talking about? He stopped by a large tree his hands pinning me against it. I didn't move as he leaned to my neck inhaling deeply then nuzzled my ear. "Yes love, your scent is so sweet."

I was rigid and I know he felt it. He leaned back to meet my eyes.

"Scared?"

"No, I just…what are you?"

"You tell me…you know this one." I thought he was teasing, but he didn't laugh. He looked serious. Closing his eyes for a moment he spoke, "I'm the thing that goes bump in the night, I'm the evil that doesn't die, I'm the monster who unleashes himself of unsuspecting victims in hopes of one day feeing alive again."

"Do you?" I asked and by the look on his face I confused him.

"Do I what?"

"Do you hope to feel alive?"

He looked irritated and pushed away from me, "I tell you I am a monster, and you're worried about if I want to feel alive or not?"

"You aren't a monster. You seem troubled, but when I look into your eyes I don't see a monster."

"Look again then." He said as he knelt picking up a stick and tossing it. "My entire family should be ashamed for putting you at risk, and me…I keep diving in deeper. It's as if my body has a mind of its own."

"You don't want to be around me?" I asked waiting for a reaction. He met my eyes with a sad smile, "I want nothing more, I will accept nothing less even though, I know in the end I am a true monster for not walking away from you."

"I don't want you to walk away. I need you. You make me feel things, and I'm comfortable around you. It's like I don't have to try it just flows naturally."

His arms slipped around my waist as he pulled me tightly to him. "I can't walk away now. It's too late for me. I tried but I am not strong enough."

"What are you Edward? Tell me." I asked gripping his hair. He sighed leaning to my lips and brushing them gently. I arched into him as his lips descended down my neck, his breath causing me to shiver. He stopped at my ear and whispered almost so softly I couldn't hear.

"Will you still want me when I tell you?"

"Always." I breathed back. He sighed brushing the hair from my neck. His face was tortured again, as if he was struggling with the right words. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his chin, "I am not afraid of you, if you wanted to hurt me you would have already." He must have seen the truth in my words and nodded, "Maybe, I still could nothing is certain."

"Do you want to?"

"I want to love you Bella. I…" He sighed, "I want to be able to hold you like a human male, to show you how beautiful you are and how I feel."

"Why can't you?" I asked curious. He looked frightened suddenly and then pulled away, "I can't tempt either of us that way."

"We've come close before, you seemed fine."

"You have no idea what I was struggling with. It was never easy, it was never fine. If I lost control…if I didn't pull back Bella it would be very painful for both of us. I couldn't live with myself if I ever hurt you."

"You brought me here for a reason Edward, to tell me what you are. What am I getting involved in? I want to know who I am falling for."

His beautiful face was a mask as he looked at me then the woods. I moved closer taking his hand, "I want you Edward, all of you. I don't care what you are. I just need to know." His hand squeezed mine as he leaned towards my face again. I felt my breathing hitch. He grabbed me in a swift motion as if he were scared I might run away and looked me straight into my eyes.

"Are you sure?" He questioned. I smiled kissing his neck, "I've never been more certain of anything." He stiffened uncertain and spoke one word, "Vampire."

I knew what he said. I knew it before he said it. I just didn't want to think it was possible. He couldn't be right could he? Vampires didn't exist they were some made up fantasy to scare kids or so I thought. Yet, here he stood. He was real, he was sparkling and it was obvious he was no mere mortal.

I could see the uncertain look on his face. He was waiting for me to panic. I didn't. I was serious when I told him I wasn't scared. Amazed maybe, but not scared even though it was probably best for me if I were afraid, after all he could snap my neck like a twig at any time. I mentally calmed myself and pulled his head down.

"I still want you." I repeated again kissing him gently. He was so stiff at first, probably still in shock of my confession. I suppose he would figure I would take a hike, what would a normal person do? Yet, I was never what one would consider normal. He soon relaxed and kissed me deeper. His hand held my head where he wanted it. I wonder what it is like for him, what he feels when he kisses me. Is it the same?

He released my lips with a sigh, "You are so perfect. I thought I would never find you." He spoke as if he had been looking forever, I'm young how can he have been….he must have sensed what I was feeling. He smirked that sexy little way he does. "A long time love."

"How long?"

"Let's just suffice it to say I am old enough to be your grandfather and then maybe some." I frowned, "You know that reference is not doing much for the turn on factor. It's kind of icky."

He laughed, "Yeah well, I look young for my age."

"Good skin cream."

"Exactly." He teased. I rested my face on his chest, "You'll protect me won't you?"

"Yes, I feel to strong urge to do so."

"You won't age and I will." I added already knowing the answer. He leaned back to see my face, "Bella, what are you saying?"

"What if I want to be like you?"

He looked at me a moment then pulled me back to his chest, "Let's just leave this subject for now."

"Would you change me?" I asked again wondering what he would say. He sighed, "Bella, not now ok." I decided I would leave it alone for now, let him think he has the advantage at least until I quiz Alice. If I know what I am working with I stand a better change of success right?

"Does it bother you to kiss me?" I asked. He stroked my hair, "I have been around human's a while. It was difficult, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Now it is only when it gets more involved that it bothers me."

"So if I kiss you then…"

"Then nothing, you kiss me." He replied with a smile. I smiled kissing him. He was just too cute not to have my lips on him somewhere. He responded immediately and I knew this whole getting more involved thing was going to be an issue. I can't stay away from him as it is. I hardly manage to control my hormones with him in the room.

Oh boy, I see trouble brewing.

He released my lips and I frowned hearing my stomach rumble. He laughed, "Someone needs to eat."

"Yeah, I guess I do." I admitted. I moved closer stroking his cheek and looking deep into his eyes, "I think you will too, soon." He shook his head, "Very observant of you."

"Vegetarian huh?" I remembered him saying. He slipped me onto his back, "Yes."

We were at the car before I knew it. He opened the door for me, "What are you in the mood for?" He can't be serious knowing I am thinking him, him and more him. I watched him cross behind the car and get in before I answered.

"The diner is fine."

"Bella…"

"No seriously, I like their apple pie. Me and my dad…" I drifted off and he took my hand, "The diner it is."

I ate a hamburger while he watched me curious.

"What?" I asked wiping my mouth, "Something on my face?" His handsome face lit up, "No, I was just wondering how it taste, you seem to be enjoying it."

"It is good, it tastes like a burger…well did you have those back then?"

"Not exactly."

"Do you remember the taste of food?" I asked wondering what he would say, did he remember his human life? He shook his head no, "Not really. I know now it tastes like dirt."

"Wow." I managed pushing my plate away, "I can't imagine a burger tasting like dirt."

"It happens." He said with a wink. I shrugged, "I guess it's one way to save on groceries." He laughed loudly at that.

"Speaking of which, I picked you something up." He handed me a phone and I looked at it curious, "What is this?"

"You needed one, I hope it's ok."

"It's fine, I just didn't expect it. Thank you." I ran my thumb over the smooth glass. He smiled, "I'll show you how to use it later."

"Is it difficult?"

"Not really, you finished?"

I nodded and stood as he tossed some money on the table. I waved to my usual waitress as we left. She was so sweet, always treated Charlie extra special since he came in all of the time. I appreciated that. We arrived home and Alice and Jasper were in the living room playing scrabble. It was cute, the way they looked at each other. So full of love and devotion. She looked up and ran over hugging me, "Are you ok?"

"I'm fine."

She glanced from Edward to me and grinned wider, "How are you with us? I mean I saw you taking it well, I thought…"

"Alice." Edward interrupted her. She smiled, "It's ok Bella doesn't mind."

"I do." He groaned.

I nodded, "It's fine. It will take some getting used to." I turned to take his hand, "I think I can manage." She giggled and with a squeal and ran back to her previous spot.

"You should come play with us Bella, it's fun."

"I am sure it is, but I'm kind of tired." I felt Edward began to lead me upstairs. I heard her invite me to play later but I was lost in his eyes that currently weren't leaving mine. He opened his door and led me in, shutting it with his foot as he pulled me close, "Want to watch television?"

"No."

He slid his hands down my arms, "How about internet surfing?"

"No."

"Well then, I am slowly running out of ideas. What did you have in mind?" He didn't need to ask, he already knew. Curling up in his strong arms is what I wanted more than anything. I removed my shoes and sat on his bed silently. He followed me jumping behind me and pulling the covers over me.

"Stay with me?" I asked. He kissed my neck, "You know the answer." I turned to rest my face on his chest, "I meant forever."

He ran his fingers through my hair, "What happened to taking it slow?"

"Umm…it got lost in translation." I teased. He bit his lip, god it was adorable.

"I will always be with you, as long as you want me." He finally said with reassurance. It was nice to hear, I had lost my father, never really got to know my mother and all I ever wanted was to be accepted. I never thought it would be in a family as loving as this. They were all so supportive and they weren't even human.

"Will this be weird?"

"What beautiful?"

"Me, I mean being with you?" I asked hesitantly. He chuckled, "It was the plan all along. Alice saw something that led her to believe this would happen."

"Saw something?"

"Ah, yes another little tidbit. Alice can see things. It depends on the person's decision of course. What I mean is if they change their mind the vision changes."

"What about you do you see things?"

"I read thoughts." He said as if it were an every day occurrence. I raised an eyebrow, "So you can read what I am thinking now?"

"Uh, no. Not exactly. You seem to be a mystery to me."

"Is that normal?" I asked wondering why his face looked do perplexed. He smiled, "No, but I kind of like having to guess. It makes life much more interesting." I accepted his answer. I wonder if he could read thoughts before he was changed?

"Probably a good thing, wait you can hear thoughts from how far?"

"Depends on how familiar I am with the voice. A few miles."

"How do you shut it off?" I was now very interested. He laughed kissing my nose, "It's not easy. I just tune it out." I liked that this was out in the open. You would think I am insane for not being nervous in a house full of vampires, but I'm not. Oddly enough I trust them. I trust him, and that could be a fatal mistake in the end.

His fingers brushed the furrow between my eyes. "What are you thinking?"

"About you."

"What about me?" He asked tilting his head. I bit my lip, "I wonder if you hurt me." I blushed red. I felt the heat throughout my entire body. He nodded, "It's a valid concern. I wonder that myself." His face was now marred with worry.

"You would never do it on purpose though."

He met my eyes, "No I wouldn't."

"Has a vampire been with a human before? I mean like us?"

"No, Bella you have to understand most vampires are not like us. It's not important though, what is important is you realize I am still a vampire and I can still lose control."

"You won't." I was reassuring him now. I don't know why I even thought he would, in my heart I knew he wouldn't. He buried his face in my hair, "I love that you trust me. I just wish I could trust myself."

"You'll learn."

"So says the human." He teased. I giggled, "The human that has no plans on being on the menu."

"Indeed, well I think I agree. No Bella on the menu." I moved up to rest my face in the crook of his neck.

"Thank you, for trusting me, for saving me." I said softly. He held me closer, "You don't have to thank me, just don't leave me." I was surprised at the crack in his voice, was this the same vampire who was talking to me earlier? I leaned up on my elbow to see his face. He looked so sad.

"I've been alone a long time Bella. I waited forever to find you. I don't want to be alone anymore. Not now."

"I had no plans on leaving."

"Good, I would hate to stalk you." He teased. I kissed his cool, smooth lips gently. "I would hate that too, promise?"

His lips pulled me close again and I was suddenly lost in his wake, passion, lust, love, seduction, I can think of so many things to call what I felt around me. It was as if all of my fantasies came to life in this one immortal being. I felt him gently pushing me back, his breathing harsh.

"Temptation Bella, I need to calm myself."

"Do I need to…" He held me close, "No, just rest you head on my chest and relax. I'll be ok in a minute." It made me feel better now that I knew it was nothing I did, but simply his need to keep from hurting me. I moved very slowly to his chest and lay still as he stroked my hair calmingly.

You can't imagine what it's like to be next to someone so perfect, someone who would never change from what he was now. The thought hit me. He would always be so beautiful. This handsome vampire would never change. The women would always swoon in his wake. It was in his blood. He couldn't stop it.

"You will always be so beautiful." I managed finally. I felt him stop breathing then he started again, "It doesn't matter."

"It doesn't? Why not?" I looked up at him. He smiled, "Because you are just as beautiful, even more so than I could ever be."

I felt my eyes tear up, he was so sweet. He smiled his beautiful, blindingly white smile, "Rest Bella, we'll talk tomorrow."

"Ok."

I closed my eyes and drifted to a place were there was a burning house, a crashing window and then his hard body carrying me to safety. A place where I lost my father and was broken once again.