Chapter 22: Stubborn Love

Alice POV:

The rest of the evening was pleasantly spent with the family conversing with Liam and Bella. Well mostly Liam, Bella doesn't like to speak much. Liam said that will go away with time when she becomes more comfortable around everyone. Sometimes I am a little jealous of how he knows her so well, but then I realize how that came to be and feel instantly guilty. He is an amazing person and I'm so glad that Bella had and has him. I told him that when he took me aside later while Esme was fussing over how Bella needed to eat more.

"Alice, I'm going to warn you now that it won't be easy. So if you're not in this for the long haul you better say something to Bella now. I won't stand and let her be hurt ever again." His voice was as serious as I had ever heard it. I can only imagine how much pain he's seen my Bella in, and it pains me to even do that.

"I promise Liam. I swear I will never hurt her again. I would rather die." It all sounded very dramatic but it was true and I wanted him to know that. He was all Bella had left and was her only family you could say. Liam nodded at my words and we continued to talk until he decided it was time for them to get going. I really wanted to follow Bella home, but that was much too soon for her. Everyone jumped on me as soon as they left for the scoop. I told them the truth, how we kissed and now the ball was completely in her court. I was just going along for the ride.

"Alice I'm really proud of you." Rosalie has been my biggest supporter ever since I told her I was in love with Bella. "But, what are still doing here?"

"Rose come on! I'm not trying to be clingy or anything. She needs time."

"I agree with that. But this stage is very important. Now is the time you should be talking about your lives! Getting to know each other. You need to set a foundation. What's stopping you? Liam left for Virginia when she went home." Rose did have a point. How would she react if I just showed up though? I have never been so nervous about my every move.

"Ok ok I'm going. But I'm blaming you if it's a bad move."

"Fair enough. Good luck." She gave me a push out the door to my car. Well Bella, here I come.

Bella POV:

It had been a long day. I was relaxing with a drink on the couch when the doorbell rang. Jake would just call if he was worried about me so I was curious about who it was.

"Alice? What are you doing here?" I sincerely hoped she wasn't trying to stay the night or anything. Liam told me that he gave her the intimacy and sex talk before he left. While most people would kill their best friends for telling their crush about that, I was very grateful. I was definitely not comfortable enough with Alice yet to bring it up and I had some hard lines that I was embarrassed about.

"Don't worry." She said as though she sensed what was on my mind. "I just came to talk. While this afternoon was lovely to spend with you, we didn't really converse much. I would like to get to know you better."

"Ok…" I was still unsure. Talking meant talking about feelings, and feelings made me itch. I'm really not sure I am ready for a normal relationship.

"Bella I swear I meant what I said earlier. I'm not going to push you towards anything. I really just want to know you. Your likes, your dislikes. And you can ask me anything too if you want." She said as she was still detecting my unrest. "And if I say or do anything that makes you uncomfortable just tell me right away."

"Alright." I said while letting her in. It didn't sound too bad, and I did like having her near me. We sat down on the couch, where we were not too long ago kissing. That seemed like it was forever ago now.

"So what's it like being a wolf?" I laughed at her eagerness. She was damn adorable.

"Um, I don't know I guess." That answer sucks Bella! She wants to know you, let her in a little. "Well it's fun with the whole freedom of it all, but a little scary with the inner animal stuff. Sometimes I'm worried I might lose control or something." Her eyes fell downcast slightly at my admission. But she looked at me sincerely and took my hand for a few seconds.

"Thank you." She whispered and gave my hand a small squeeze before dropping it again. After that little moment, her eyes lit up again. "Alright next question."

We continued talking for hours. Nothing really as personal as the first question had come up again. But it was really pleasant, I enjoyed how her eyes glowed every time I answered a question of hers. It was now very late and we had shifted closer together throughout the night. I felt very much like kissing her at the moment, so I did.

I leaned in close so she knew what I was doing, her breath caught up in surprise and excitement. My lips pressed against hers slowly and sensually. It was an intimate kiss and it was getting more and more heated with each passing second. Her scent was once again intoxicating my head and I was craving much more. She moaned as I pushed her back on the couch so I was on top of her. I kissed my way down her neck, nipping lightly at her cool skin. Now she was moaning louder and I was losing control. She forcibly grabbed my neck and pushed my lips back down on to hers in a frenzy. Her tongue was absolutely marvelous. I felt her hips jerk up against mine and almost lost it. My head cleared long enough for me to jump back away from her and catch my breath. We were both panting hard and I could smell her arousal thick in the air.

"Sorry. I shouldn't have lost control like that." I said while still trying to regain my composure. That was dangerous territory there. If I wasn't careful, I could have let the vampire side take control of me, and then all hell would have broken loose.

"Well I didn't exactly stop you. There are two parties responsible." Alice seemed to be almost back to normal. Her face was a cross between giddy and remorseful. I can't say I blame her. While as incredible as that was, it was too soon for me. "I should probably go." She got up to leave but I reached for her arm and stopped her.

"You don't have to. I mean, you can stay here if you want." Her eyes widened in surprise.

"Are you sure?" I could tell she wanted to spend time with me but was always careful about boundaries.

"Yeah. But I'm just sleeping ok? No incidents like that." I said emphasizing what had just happened.

"Of course. Thank you."

She waited on my bed while I took a shower and changed into sweats and a tank top. I knew she liked watching me sleep when I was human, and to be honest her presence soothed me. Sleep was always a scary thing now, with her there it felt better. Just as I was about to turn off the bedside light, she stopped me.

"Wait Bella, do you mind taking that off?" She motioned to the binding covering my tattoo. I had put it on after my shower out of instinct. "It's just, I like seeing you as you are. And I know you can't take that off outside of here but I thought maybe with just us you could?" She startled rambling nervously.

"Sure Alice." I took it off and she gazed at my arm silently. I worried that she would always have that sad expression on her face when she looked at it. But she looked up and smiled at me warmly.

"Thank you Bella. Goodnight." I turned off the light and whispered back to her.

"Goodnight Alice."

A/N: Awwwww. I really do love these two. Alright, fair warning of possible lemon coming up in a chapter or two. Hint hint. I mean this story is rated M. Now I will bid you all goodnight, I have a long week ahead of me. Argh school. THANK YOU FOR READING AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT