Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 4

Here, today, as I stand beside Rosalie for her 7th wedding to Emmett, I think back over my first few years as a vampire.

I couldn't tell Carlisle that the morphine didn't work, but I vowed that I would if ever Carlisle changed anyone else.

He was astounded, not only by my control, but also to my adaptation to the lifestyle. Alice, of course, knew exactly what was in store for me. Jasper loved being around me most of the time. I still had my fair share of grief over my family, but I was mostly happy because of my new one. We stayed in Denali for a few months but it was not as necessary as we first thought.

Eleazar's ability was to detect and classify the abilities of others and he surprised us all by telling me that I had an ability. Apparently, I was a shield. The only abilities that I had encountered were ones like Alice's and Jasper's. Eleazar explained that they were physical abilities, but that mine would block any mental powers. This was only the first of many new discoveries that came with my new self.

I discovered that I loved large cats, mainly lynx and mountain lions, and for me, hunting was a kind of peace. Since my transformation I had about 90% more brain capacity and so my mind could be a busy place.

Although Jasper had usually handled the public aspects of the family business, he ruled through supernatural fear. After I got my first degree through a correspondence course, in business, I took over. I found it fun to lure in potential clients or partners and though they thought that I was too young, or inexperienced, I always went for the kill. The fear I bestowed in anyone attempting to do business with our company found a formidable opponent in me. Between Alice's future-telling and the complacency I lulled any opponent into, we were unstoppable. Carlisle and Esme were very proud of me, and when we moved to New Hampshire, ironically, the place I was going to leave Charlie to go to anyway, they let me be the public face of the company, although this did not mean much in the way of public appearances, thank God!

I found that with my newfound grace, came an appreciation for clothes that I had never had before, which pleased Alice to no end. I still refused to go shopping with her, or to be her Barbie doll, but I cleaned up nice and sometimes even listened to her.

Today, I'm wearing something she designed. Really, though, I don't care what I'm wearing, I'm just staring across; past Alice and Rosalie and Emmett and Jasper to him. It is for him that my immortality finally has meaning.

Oh, Edward.

Many accounting firms hire interns and he was one such a man. Working for free on his spring break, he was trying to make a good impression so that they would offer him a job when he graduated, but it was hard for him. They didn't take him seriously and for a while I only knew him as 'gopher'.

Although we have a huge secret, our business dealings are all completely legitimate. Many vampires are involved in our many businesses, but we deemed it safe to have our accounts done by humans.

Alice had just set up a new business, a new fashion house out of New York, and we wished to have it run as if it was a new company with silent partner capital. This meant getting a new accounting firm for the job. We went to a preliminary meeting with the partners of the firm, as it was still a lot of money. I was being my cool, calm, deadly self and Alice was playing her part of distracted socialite/ fashion designer to a tee when I saw him. I was nodding to the senior partner's request before I registered what he was asking.

Oh shit. Now I'm going to have to drink it. Bloody coffee...

But when I realized that the green eyed, bronze haired angel would be bringing it to me, I wasn't so upset.

Alice was quite discreet about her visions, but I could always tell. Her eyes glazed over. When it was done, she spoke in a low, quick voice. "Ask him out, Bella."

My eyes bugged. "What?" I hissed at her.

All throughout the meeting, I was distracted. I drank my coffee, knowing that I would have to vomit it later, but knowing that if the plan that was hatching in my head was to work, I would have to order more.

We dragged out the meeting to allow me to execute my plan. When I felt that I was able, I motioned to get another coffee and quickly wrote a note.

Great coffee. Like to come make coffee for me? Will you come to talk to me after?

I was not used to being this forward; I was worried about being rejected. I never had any kind of relationship when I was human. What if this never worked?

He came to pour me more coffee and I made sure he saw my note.

I exuded calmness and coolness, but under my stone faced interior, I was as nervous as a schoolgirl.

I looked at Alice, who just smirked at me mysteriously. A logical part of my brain was saying that she wouldn't be doing that if the answer was no or maybe, but the rest was panicking.

I looked up.

EPOV

I think I could be happy with this beautiful woman. I don't know how I know, but it's almost as if I can see it before my eyes.

And here she was before my eyes. Asking me to speak to her. I nodded my assent.

AN: so, failing dismally when it comes to posting at 1030am (local time) every day. For reference, it's now 8pm. But I did get it out today :D Sorry it's short. Busy day.

Just a shout out to anyone who wants to beta... I don't really care if you meet the criteria, but you'll have to meet mine... a pm would be great if you're interested.

Thanks to everyone who has reviewed or added me to any kind of alerts or favourites list.