Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight

Chapter 12

We went up the long and winding driveway that led to what I now thought of as home. Home. The thought made me smile. Charlie's house wasn't really home. This was where I belonged. When we pulled into the meadow with the beautiful white house in it we saw Esme on the front porch with her arms crossed and a light smile playing around on her lips. Edward parked in front of the porch and as he was shutting off the car Rosalie's BMW came around the corner and into sight, closely followed by the black truck.

Esme began to lightly tap her foot on the floor and I almost cracked up because of it. It reminded me of something a mother would do to a kid when the kid got home late with a lame explination.

Oh, wait. I told Esme I'd be home before the rest of the family. Oops. She was probably wondering where I was.

Before Esme could scold me for that or anyone else for whatever they did, I apologized first. "I'm sorry mom, I forgot I was supposed to be home first. I went to check on them and ended up riding home with them. I'm sorry." I told her whole-heartedly. She looked like she might've been upset by it, or punished me for it, but she merely grinned and came foward to give me a hug.

"I just always worry when I don't know where one of my children are; you know that." She said, hugging me tightly. She pulled back to look me in the eye and said "Just keep in touch with me when you're gone so I don't go out of my mind with worry, okay?" she asked softly.

"Okay, I love you mom." I told her. She smiled and hugged me again.

"I love you too baby." She patted my back and then said "Now all of you go off and do whatever, just don't leave without telling me first." She warned, looking each one of us in the eye. Then she smiled in satisfaction and went inside and probably up to her study for a while as we all filed in.

"What was all that about?" Edward asked me, curiously raising an eyebrow.

I shrugged. "I told her I would be home before you guys got here, so she was just worried." I told him.

He shook his head. "Not that, I understood that part. Why did you call her mom though?" he asked me. Realization dawned on me and I laughed.

Edward didn't seem to see what was so funny, so I explained. "Earlier today I asked Esme if she could be my mom; the one I never had. Apparently she took it more to heart than I thought she would." I told him, glancing up at the ceiling in the direction of Esme's study with a serene expression on my face.

After a moment of intense thought over Esme and I's conversation from earlier, I sighed and grabbed Edward's hand, leading him upstairs. We could hear what sounded like the boys playing X-Box in Emmett's room and yelling at the TV,and we could here lots of giggling and talking coming from Alice's room as we went by. Right now I just needed some peace and quiet with my soul mate, away from all the yelling and giggling of the rest of the family. As soon as we entered Edward's room I could feel a wave of calm wash over me.

I dropped his hand and ran over to the bed, jumping up and flopping down into it. I made a huffing sound when I hit the bed, but that didn't matter. The bed was very soft, and I could feel myself relaxing instantly. I felt the presence of Edward before I could feel the difference in the bed from him climbing onto it.

He crawled across the bed and laid down at my side, arms and legs spread out and relaxing, just like me. We stayed that way for a while, neither of us talking or moving. The only sounds to be heard from this room was our near-silent breathing and steady heartbeats.

As I laid there I was in deep thought about Edward. I felt a need to be closer to him today. He seemed to love my animal side, the side of me that turned into the kitten and the wolf. That's when the idea struck me. I could take Edward for a ride into the forest. It would be a perfect way to bond with eachother, and it would be really fun. I knew Edward liked speed anyways, so he should like this too.

I rolled over so I was laying on my side with my head propped up on my hand facing Edward, who had closed his eyes with a light smile on his lips. He has the cutest smile in the world, I thought. I rolled over again, slowly this time, so that I was laying on top of him, simply resting on top of his strong, warm body.

I slowly but surely wrapped my arms around his neck, tangling them lightly in his soft hair and playing with the ends of it; twisting it round and round my forefinger. Edward slowly opened his eyes, as if just waking up, though I knew he was never asleep. That cute little smile stayed put on his sweet lips, and I couldn't resist any longer. I slowly leaned myself in, closing my eyes as I did so.

His soft lips met mine halfway and I kissed him with the sweetest of kisses. He lightly kissed me back, and put his arms around my waist loosely. I kissed him a few times like that before I leaned up and kissed his nose, before pulling back and smiling at him. He smiled back lightly and sat up.

"Would you like to go for a run with me in the woods? Meet the real animal side of Bella?" I asked him, half-teasing and smirking. His eyes lit up and he nodded his head once at me before jumping up off the bed and pulling me off with him.

Mom, Edward and I are going for a run in the woods for a while; I want to show him some of my animal forms. We'll be back later, if that's okay? I informed and asked her, just to be on the safe side. She agreed saying we could come back when we felt like it. I grabbed Edward's large hand in my tiny one and pulled him to his balcony doors, which I opened quickly.

We stepped out onto the balcony, hand in hand. I leaned against the railing for a moment, smelling the sweet air. This would be the last sunny day for a while now. Tomorrow morning all the clouds would move back in. I was glad I would get to spend this time with my soul mate.

I released Edward's hand for a moment and stepped back from him, before clutching my stone of the Earth between my fingertips and thinking to it The wings of the most beautiful bird, to fly and carry my soul mate with me. As I thought this, I felt wings spread out from my back.

I spread my wings out as far as they would go so I could see them. They were wings of every color in the world, In various patterns and shapes and sizes, making it seem random, yet they all fit together harmoniously. The same wings, I noticed, I had yesterday. I guess there were my supposed Soul Wings.

I stepped up onto the railing of the balcony and stretched my wings to catch the sun for a moment, and noticing it made them sparkle slightly and appear shiny. I then coiled my legs in preperation to spring and saw Edward wore a worried expression. I winked at him before launching myself off of the balcony and into the open air. It felt great to fly, to be free of most of the gravity the ground held.

I looked down at Edward and saw he was leaning on the balcony railing and smiling brightly. He was watching me with the most lovely expression on his face. I turned my face away and flew upwards to the top of a tall tree at the edge of the forest and perched on the top branch with my wings folded behind me; watching him.

He seemed to sense my stare and glanced up. I smiled at him. I loved how my ability gave me the option to zoom my eyesight in and out, like a camera. One moment I see him oh so far away, the next he looks like he's right in front of me. I loved it.

I swooped down from the top of my tree and landed on the balcony right in front of him. I smiled lightly at him.

I jumped back up into the bright sunshine and did some flips and spins, just because I felt like it. I felt so free, full of the bright sunshine that shone on my face. I laughed loudly and yelled "Weee!" As I flew through the air.

Of coarse my shouts of glee caught the attention of the girls. They, once again, came rushing out on the balcony and pointed at my flying form with awe. Alice called the boys up from their room so they could see my wings as well. The boys, being so mature hooted and hollered.

I laughed again, swooping around and diving down in a spiral towards the ground. I pulled up just early enough to make the slide and fly parralel to the ground, an inch above.

I went back up into the air and stopped in front of everyone standing on Alice's balcony. I stood in mid-air as if it were solid ground. I then dramatically bowed deeply, waving my arm as I did. They all started cracking up. I smiled in victory and flew over to Edward's balcony.

I offered him my hand. He didn't seem unsure at all; he trusted me with his life. He grasped my hand firmly in his and stepped onto the railing. I released his hand and flew behind him, easily picking him up under his shouldrs and carrying him. He didn't weigh hardly anything. Not to me anyways.

I swooped over the tops of the first trees and then much deeper into the woods. Edward seemed to be enjoying the flight as much as I was. I could feel his heartbeat surging through my fingertips. I coasted over the treetops for a while, enjoying the flight and sunshine playing in Edward's hair with the breeze. After a few minutes I saw a cleared patch of trees where a meadow stood.

I drifted slowly downward until Edward's feet touched the ground. I allowed my wings to recede back into my shoulder blades and Edward turned around to face me. I gazed deeply into his eyes and unknowingly wound my arms around his neck. It was automatic now.

He in return wound his arms around me and buried his nose into my hair, breathing in my scent. I kept my arms around him as he kept his around me, simply breathing in the sweet smell of my hair. He pulled back slightly and I saw his eyes darken visibly. Not by much, but it was enough for me to notice. I knew what he was thinking, and I didn't hesitate.

I crashed my lips roughly onto his and he kissed me back with a new fervor; one I hadn't seen in Edward before. I kissed back equally, and soon we were in the grass with Edward on top. He kept kissing and kissing me. I made sure my arms were tight around his neck and I had by legs wrapped around his. He kept me pinned down and kept his arms securely around my waist. He kissed me deeply and fervishly.

I could feel the heat forming between us, the need for one another. But we wouldn't do that now. Though that doesn't mean we wouldn't kiss for a while... like an hour.

After a while our fervers were extinguished and he peppered my face softly with light kisses, trailing down my face and neck.

He finally got up and held out his hand for me to take. He helped me up and didn't release my hand. We set out into the trees, not very dark since the sunlight found patcheds of open treetops to stream down through. We walked hand-in-hand peacefully through the woods. I began to hear with my extra-sensitive ears the sound of far-off heavy footfalls, coming our way. I listened hard and sighed in relief. It was just some members off the pack, out on their daily patrols. I could hear Seth, Jacob, and Sarah running nearer to us. I dropped Edward's hand with a gentle squeeze and stepped back.

As quick as a flash I grabbed my stone between my fingertips and was thinking about my wolf form, and in no time at all I was the gorgeous white and russet colored wolf I had been once before. Edward's eyes went over my wolf form, taking in all the details that he hadn't seen in the dark last night. He came over to stand beside my and scratch me behind my russet-tipped ears and I hummed contentedly. That was, of coarse, before I remembered that Seth, Jacob, and Sarah were close by. I quickly told Edward this but he shrugged it off. It lit me up inside suddenly; he trusted me with his life so easily.

When I could hear Seth coming up with Jacob and Sarah right behind him I said aloud "Hey guys" and I heard Seth skitter to a stop in surprise. I guess he hadn't expected to find something out here that could hear him so easily, when a human wouldn't notice him.

I could feel his hesitation, but in his mind I heard him say Is that you Bella?

Yuppers I answered, the one and only. I said, smirking slightly. Seth came walking around the corner, only to stop when he saw Edward there. I could here him call to Jacob, who came around the corner a second later with Sarah on his tail. He curiously glanced back and forth between Edward and I before realization struck and he told the others about Edward being my imprintee. How he figured that one out I'm not sure, but he hit right on the dot. Maybe it's a pack leader thing...

What's up Bells? Any problems? Jacob asked me concernedly. I shook my head at his worries. Not every day had to be full of problems.

"No, I'm just spending the rest of the day with Edward before the cloud and rain sets in." I told him. I could feel the shock in their heads at my speaking aloud but they quickly covered it up. Edward didn't notice any change in them; he hardly even glanced at them. He only had eyes for me. I could see Sarah noticing this at the same time I did. I could see the smirk on her lips before she caught my glance. I nodded to her, knowing what she was thinking and she told Jacob that they needed to get on with their patrols. He agreed and they set off with a faint farewell; except Seth. He was loud and jumpy. I actually laughed at him for that.

Funny kid.

I turned my large head towards Edward, who was staring at me. He didn't looked shocked, scared, suprised; none of it. He simply looked happy, and by that look in his eye I knew he was thinking he loved me. And sure enough, two seconds later, he said "I love you." I smiled my wolfy smile and told him aloud "As I love you."

I got down on my knees to give him a chance to climb up and set out through the woods at a steady pace; though it wasn't as fast as I would like. I jumped over fallen trees and around boulders; up and down hills. Edward seemed to be enjoying himself as much as I was.

He laughed and said "Is this all you've got? C'mon Bells, let's see some real speed!" he challenged. Apparently he wanted to see my limits. This oughta be fun.

I laughed as well and said "You want speed? Hang on tight Edward!" And I zoomed off. Edward was having difficulty hanging on at first,then he relaxed and enjoyed it.

I loved the speed of it; the wind ruffling through my fur, Edward on my back, laughing and holding onto me. I didn't know where exactly I was running to; I just was. After a good ten minutes of running, my sharp nose picked up a new smell. Blood. Uh-oh.

My muscles tensed up, and apparently Edward noticed because the laughing stopped and he went quiet. He bent low on me to give me more speed and flexibility in case I needed it.

We jumped through the brackens and over the rocks and past the trees; whizzing by at dangerous speeds. This was about my fastest in the woods with all this stuff slowing me down. Edward himself was no burden, but I was worried for his safety. I kept all my senses open and searched out at every lifeform. I could hear all the animals around me; perfectly at ease. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all. Then I could sense something different.

I sniffed in deeply, and what I smelled wasn't animal at all; it was human. Human and blood mixed together is never a good sign. I leaped foward at great distances; one leap after another. This sped me up, though with my sharp ears I could hear the faint thump every time I did. Up ahead I could see some light filtering through the trees. There was a huge concentration of it not too far ahead. The closer I got to the concentrated light, the more I could smell the blood. I could sense the animals' worry. Animals really were quite intelligent; just shy and secretive to humans.

I crept silently to the edge of the clearing and saw a beautiful meadow, full of wildflowers of every color, shape, and size. The grass sawyed softly in the warm breeze and the sun cast a glow around the whole place. It was quite a sight. It would've been perfect, except for the object sitting in the middle of the meadow. Or should I say person.

In the dead center of the meadow was a little girl; she looked about 6 years old. She had brown hair up into a pony-tail high on her head; it went all the way to the middle of her back. She was wearing some light blue capris and a light brown t-shirt. She looked so innocent, and so young. She was sitting with her knees in her chest. Her arms were wrapped around her legs with her head bowed down. She was crying, I realized. Thats when I noticed that she had bruises everywhere on her; bruises and cuts.

I bent down low and told Edward mentally Climb off and stay here; don't let her see you until I tell you,okay? I'm going to try and gain her trust first. I told him. He nodded his head and clambored off.

I put my large paw to my neck where the stone was imbedded into me now and turned into a small white rabbit. I looked a bit like lecio, except for the russet tipped ears and paws I had. I turned my head back towards Edward; a final warning to stay put. He nodded and motioned toward the little girl in the meadow. I sighed quietly and hopped out to see her.

I had no hesitaion; I went straight up to her. When I first touched her with one of my whiskers she shreiked a bit and turned to me in alarm, before she calmed down.

"Oh you're just as little bunny. Hi there." she said to me, reaching her hand out to stroke me. I remembered how all little kids talked to animals like they were another person; as if they would listen and understand and try to help. And in truth; they did. Adults just didn't believe it. The little girl put her legs down and folded them so she was sitting cross-legged. She gently picked me up and sat me in her lap carefully. She then continued to stroke me. We sat that way for a while, and I was thankful to find Edward's mind very patient as he secretly watched us from between the bushes.

After a while, the little girl began to hum. It was a very simple song, but it seemed to mean something to her. She seemed... content. There was no other word for it.

"You know," she said, stopping her humming," I've never had a pet before; daddy won't allow it. He says pets are bad for me, just like I am for him. That's why he punishes me. Says I look too much like my mom. But I don't know what I keep doing wrong. Do you?" she asked me curiously. I liked her voice; it was so innocent and pure. At the moment it held nothing but curiousity, as if she expected me to answer her. I would; but not yet.

She waited a moment, as if waiting for me to talk. After that short moment she sighed and said "Yeah, I don't get it either. He always says I'm bad and keep doing the wrong thing, but I only do what he tells me to do. I always try not to scream or cry when he hits me and stuff; that only makes it worse. I know he's probably out looking for me with that knife of his again. I sure hope he never finds me. It's much better in here than back there." she told me matter-of-factly, jerking her thumb to the left of her, on the opposite side of the meadow Edward was sitting in.

I felt so sorry and sad for the child; she was going through the same thing I had been. Edward was sitting and listening to the whole thing, and his sorrow mingled with my own. I wanted to know about her, but I couldn't ask her without her freaking out. I told Edward to come out slowly and to act a little lost;or at least to say he become friends with her so she'll talk and not be frightened. I truly cared for this little girl. Motherly instinct again I thought ruefully.

Edward came out of the dense cover of the trees; looking around as if in awe for a moment before his eyes rested on the little girl. She stiffened and tensed; holding me to her a little tightly for a normal rabbit's comfort. Luckily I had overly strong bones as well.

Edward walked over to her at a normal pace and sat down in front of her carefully, looking at her with curious eyes for a moment before he smiled crookedly and said "Hello, what's your name?" I almost laughed at the simplicity of the sentence; how childlike it sounded. But it was all he could say right now.

The little girl looked a little shy before saying "Lizzy"

Edward stuck out his hand and said "I'm Edward." Lizzy shook his hand with her tiny one. She looked less nervous, but she still seemed unsure.

"That's a cool bunny you've got there; is she yours?" he asked her pleasantly, mingling curiosity and awe into his voice. He was a very good actor if need-be.

"No, she's not. She came hopping over to me earlier and I picked her up." she stated, grinning. Edward grinned back.

"I heard you talking earlier, that's why I waited to come out here. I didn't want to intrude." he sounded apologetic, like he was to blame.

"It's okay, I was just talking to this bunny here. You know they listen to what you say? They're like fairy godmothers if you find the right one. I don't think this one is, but I wanted to talk to her all the same. She's a pretty bunny. You wanna pet her?" she asked. She was a random and fast-thinking little child; switching from one subject to the next.

"Sure." Edward said, smiling at her. She smiled back with her milky-white teeth and he scratched my ears gently. "Pretty bunny" he muttered quietly, though he knew I'd hear it. I layed my ears foward so he knew I heard and he smiled a little. He then sat back and stared at the little girl, who scratched my ears in his place.

"So you heard what I was telling this here bunny then?" she asked quietly. I perked my ears up a little. That's when I noticed how she didn't talk like her age. She sounded more like she was 12 than 6 with her vocabulary skills. I began to wonder, but I knew the answer was no. Only one on Earth at a time. I continued to listen to their conversation,still a seemingly helpless bunny.

"Yes...yes I did. Do you want to talk about it? I know it helps to say things to people." he said quietly. Tears sprang into her eys and began to roll down her cheeks, yet she nodded her head at him; not yet speaking. After a moment or two she began to talk.

"I live with my dad in an old house off on Maple Road. A long way away from here. Ever since my mom left me as a toddler my dad has hated me, but he never gave me up. Always said I was too good of an anger tool. I hated when he'd hit me and kick me and cut me and hurt me... but I couldn't do anything about it. Who beilieves little kids anymore? So I suffered until up to now. I'm half-afraid he'll come walking out of those trees over there with his knife in his hand; looking for me.

"Today though, I'd had enough, and I got the chance to run. Dad had just gotten through with hitting me, when he told me to go to my room. I got halfway up the stairs before the doorbell rang. It was some friend of his. Of coarse whenever someone else was around he would be the coolest guy ever. The best dad. But as soon as that door closed with them gone it was horrible. I knew this would be my only chance, so I went back down the steps and out the back door and into the woods."

As I listened to her story I recalled how familiar it sounded. She was a lot like me, or how I am when Charlie's around.

"I've been running in the woods since about nine this morning, so a long time. I'm tired and hungry and lost, but I know I'm not alone with him, so this isn't so terrible." she said. She seemed done, or as done as a person can be. Edward reached out to hug the crying little girl. She was shaking; truly terrified. I leaned in close to her stomach, trying to give her calm and hope so she'd feel better.

After a few minutes she'd calmed down and was whiping her tears away. Edward waited for her, and she looked almost embarrased for breaking down like that in front of him. I could tell it didn't bother him. I wondered if I should allow my appearance to be known. I liked this Lizzy girl, she was so sweet and innocent and honest. I knew I couldn't let her go back to that wicked man. I knew I had to let my presence be known. So I hopped off of her lap and stood a slight distance away from her,staring at her with my intelligent eyes. She stared right back for a moment.

I then spoke to her aloud. "You know Lizzy, life isn't always fair, but I understand what you're going through, and it's not right. I will give you the option now rather than later, and I'm sure Esme would love to have her," I said in aside to Edward who nodded his head," so answer me this Lizzy. Do you want to go back to him, or do you want to come live with me and my new family? I had the same thing as you only a few days ago, but now I don't. It's your choice of coarse, but would you like to?" I asked her. I needed a dedicated answer. I had explained again and again to get my point through carefully.

She looked at me with bright and shining eyes before smiling widely and saying "Yes! Yes! Oh thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you sooooo much!" she said. She seemed over-joyed. I touched my tiny, furry little paw to my rabbit's neck and turned back into the teenager I truly was. Lizzy's mouth fell open for a moment before she recovered and bounded up, running over to me and hugging me nonstop. I hugged her back and smiled at her joy.

"I'm Bella by the way Lizzy." I told her. I told her that she wouldn't really have to worry about anything else anymore.

That statement might've been true, until I heard the sound of running footsteps coming nearer. I released Lizzy quickly and handed her to Edward so he could guard her as well. I touched my necklace again and this time transformed into a large white bear with russet tipped ears and paws.

I don't know exactly why I chose this, it just seemed fitting I guess. I listened as I heard that someone coming closer; it sounded like a man. He ran into the clearing, knife in hand, and spotted Lizzy hiding behind Edward. I was standing more off to the side, so he ignored me. He then spoke to Edward.

The strange man had short, brown hair and brown eyes. He had a skinny build to him and a bit of a mustache. He had a seemingly friendly face, yet there was something wrong with it. With a jolt I realized how much he looked like Charlie. This must be Lizzy's father. Crap. I thought.

"Hello there, thank you for finding my daughter for me. I've been looking everywhere for her." he said, trying to sound like a normal, worried parent. I kept a sharp tie to his mind to hear every thought that he had and saw the wickedness through my very eyes of what he'd done to her and was going to do. I was mad. I take it back, I wasn't just mad. I was livid. How dare he treat her that way? I began to shake slightly; my anger was too much already.

"This is your daughter? Then you must be the man who's been abusing her." Edward replied, a slight iciness to his tone. The other man's friendly face suddenly turned to one of anger and hate. Like an apple that looked yummy, then you suddenly noticed the little worm in it, making it sour. Yuck.

"You give me my daughter, boy, or you're going to regret for the last two minutes of your life." He threatened. Edward merely pushed Lizzy further behind him in response. The man known to be Lizzy's father began walking foward, step by step. Suddenly he broke into a quick run at Edward. I roared, enraged that he would dare go near my soul mate, and charged there as well. I got there within seconds; pleanty of time.

I put my back to Edward and Lizzy and roared ferociously at the man, who immediately stopped. I took one sure step towards him, and he took a frightened step back. I took another one foward. Another step back. Fowards. Back. Foward. Back. This went on and on until the man was near the edge of the meadow. I stopped and growled at him; showing him my teeth. He seemed a little shaken at this alone.

I roared one more time; right in his face as I swept up in front of him in the blink of an eye. He nearly had a heart attack and sprinted off as fast as his legs would carry him. I'd never allow harm to come to my family.

I turned back around to look at Lizzy and Edward, in the middle of the meadow. Edward looked worried about Lizzy, glancing down at her. Lizzy looked shaken for a moment before our eyes connected and she began to smile. Her smile grew, as did Edward's, and she began to laugh. I ran back over to them and laughed too. I then touched my bear paw to my neck and changed into my spirit wolf; pure white again with the usual russet tipped ears and paws, along with the tail. I bent down and allowed Edward to lift Lizzy onto my back and then for him to climb on behind her.

Edward sat high up on my back with Lizzy in front of him. She was clutching my fur tightly with excitement; eyes shining and heart pounding. I stood back up before I changed my mind. I needed to get home fast, and to go fast would mean I needed to fly. Luckily, Edward and Lizzy were in just the right spot for this, so I transformed yet again.

I became a snow-white pegasis, with russet tipped ears, legs, tail, and wings. I leaned back on my haunches and told Edward to hang on to Lizzy, before I launched myself into the air like a rocket. We easily cleared the tops of the trees. When the launch speed began to slow I opened my gorgeous wings and took flight.

I was very swift and watchful; being careful of anything esle in the sky or of getting to close to any neighborhoods with an occassional passerby accidentally seeing me. That'd be bad. So I stayed over the forest, flying high and low and doing an occasional spin. I soared smoothly through the air and tried not to jostle Lizzy too much.

I flew as fast as my great wings would carry Edward, Lizzy, and me. In the distance I was vaguely able to make out the Quileute reservasion. I was close then. Good. I swung to the left, and as I did I glanced below me through the trees. I saw three wolves trying to keep up with me. I laughed and spoke to them telepathically so they wouldn't worry.

It's just me you guys; no need to get excited I said, rolling my eyes mentally. I could hear Quil's silent relief and Clair's excitement about me being a pagasis flying over their heads. I laughed and told them farewell since I had pressing matters at hand, and started streaking through the sky at impossible speeds.

Edward was holding onto my back tightly while keeping an excited and gleeful Lizzy between his arms. Thats when he too could smell the blood. He leaned back slightly and glanced at her back before telling me Her back is bleeding a little badly. The blood is going through her shirt. Looks like her dad got her with that knife. It's in a line down her back like yours. He informed me.

This worried me. If she had that on her back too then she'd need to get it wrapped up as soon as possible and to be checked over for other injuries. I went as fast as I could towards the Cullen household, and before too much time had passed it was in sight. I pushed myself even faster towards it; anxious to get there. I let out a long, powerful call so the others would know of my arrival and help out. As predicted, Alice and the other teens were on her balcony, watching me get closer. Carlisle, Esme, Eleazer, and Carmen were all on the main floor in the kitchen, looking out the back door. One we cleared the trees I dived down towards the backyard and stopped just in front of the stone back porch.

I came to a complete stop and Edward climbed down quickly, pulling Lizzy with him, while I changed back to my human form. I picked Lizzy up (who now looked like her scars and bruises were really starting to take effect) and sprinted into the kitchen and living room and laid her on the couch in lightning speed. It was so fast the others hadn't seen me. Edward had though, and he pointed towards the living room and their eyes followed. Carlisle ran towards me at once.

He looked over her with his doctor's face on and a worried expression creasing his brows.

"We found her in a meadow; she ran from her father, who's a lot like Charlie. Carlisle, she's lost a lot of blood assuming the cut on her back and she's covered in bruises. We couldn't leave her. We were hoping she could stay with us." I told him in a rush as he inspected her. He gently rolled her over so he could see the blood oozing through her shirt.

"Go get my bag, please Bella." he calmly requested.

I was upstairs for his bag in a heartbeat and back down in equal time. He took out some of the things he needed and began to inspect her. He wrapped up her back and all her other cuts which he found on her legs and arms. She didn't have any fractures or breaks; merely bruises and cuts. She was lucky then.

After he was finished helping her he began to put his stuff back away. I helped her carefully sit up, but she seemed to feel better now that Carlisle had checked her over. I grabed her hand and led her into the vast kitchen, where Esme was already preparing a late lunch for her. And a large one by the looks of it. She sniffed the air appreciatively and smiled. She climbed up to sit in one of the tall island stools and sat there for a moment, looking around the brightly lit kitchen.

Whatever Esme was making her didn't take very long, because there was soon food sitting on a plate in front of Lizzy with a can of Pepsi. She munched it down quickly; apparently very hungry. She'd be well fed and well taken cared of around here. I smiled at the thought and felt another does of motherly instinct flow through me. I offered her my hand when she was done. She smiled, accepting mine in one of hers and Edward's in her other and allowing us to show her the house. We showed her every room except up to Alice's, since she'd probably spend time in there with the girls.

We knocked politely on Alice's door and heard the girls all slightly yell a 'come-in' as well as the guys who had apparently stayed in there. I opened the door to Alice's pink room and lead Lizzy inside. All the girls got up immediately and came over to greet Lizzy and talk to her. They loved her immediately.

I asked Lizzy if she'd be okay with staying in here with the others for a little while. She agreed happily; for she'd never had so many new friends before. I told her she could come into our room as soon as she wanted to and she said she'd come back in after a while.

Edward and I closed Alice's door and walked hand-in-hand down the nice hallway to Edward's room. We now had no real reason to hurry. He opened the door for me and we walked in slowly. He silently closed the door and came up behind me,wrapping his arms snugly around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder. I put my arms over his and leaned into him slightly. He turned me around in his arms and I automatically wound my arms around his neck.

We stared into eachother's eyes for what seemed like eternity. Then, very slowly, he leaned into me; his forehead on mine. His eyes and mine slipped closed at the same exact time,and he leaned into me, kissing me softly on the lips. The kiss was sweet and soft at first, but soon our needs began to make themselves known. We began to kiss more fervantly and deepened the kiss. Edward backed me up as we kissed,until my legs hit the bed and he pushed me back onto it, crawling so that he was hovering over me.

He continued to kiss me and massage my tongue with his own. As he did I began to feel heat from the tips of my toes and spreading up my legs and past my knees. It felt like I was sitting next to a nice warm fire, and as the heat continued to consume me, the more I needed Edward. It was like I seriously couldn't get enough of him. It was pure bliss, no one to disturb us; nothing but me and Edward.

As suddenly as the fire had appeared, it receded. Slowly, but softly. Soon all that was left of it was a soft whisper of heat at the edge of my toes.

As the fire had receded, my need for Edward dimmed, and he kissed me much slower and softer, as if cherishing the feeling. I was too, every moment of the day that I saw him, I would cherish his beauty.

Edward kissing slowed and he began to pepper my face with them, ending on my nose as always. He knew that always made me smile. And I didn't dissapoint. I grinned at him and he grinned back. Edward rolled over so that he was next to me instead of on top of me, wrapping his arms around me and burying his face in my hair. I could tell he was smelling me, taking my scent in like I so often took in his. He was trying to be sneaky about it, but I still noticed.

We stayed laying on that bed, watching the light dance over the trees outside for some time as the sun sank lower in the sky. About an hour later, Lizzy came in looking a little bit flustered but extremely happy. When she saw me she grinned and skipped over to the bed, hopping up and sitting on the end of it with a cheerful "Hi Bella! Hi Edward!" I opened up my other arm to her and she crawled over and sat on my other side, leaning into my arm. Suddenly that motherly feeling took hold again and I held her close, rubbing her hair for a while as we all sat there in comfortable silence.

"Did you have fun with Alice and the girls?" I asked her, starting a conversation to break any tension she might have. I could feel her happiness though, and she smiled up at me.

"You bet! They're all so pretty and nice. I've never met girls as nice as them before, except for you Bella." she told me excitedly, and I laughed. She could be such an energetic child when she wanted to.

She stiffled a yawn, and apparently it was contagious, since Edward yawned too. I knew they were both tired. I wordlessly handed Edward some pajamas and pointed to the bathroom. He grinned a little at me, since he knew that I knew he was tired. I got some pajamas of mine out and pulled the fabric to tighten it just right so it would fit little Lizzy.

Lizzy changed as did I and we crawled into bed. Edward came out a moment later. He turned off the lights, and crawled into bed to sleep on the side that didn't have Lizzy. I cuddled into his arms and put my free arm around Lizzy. Sleep consumed us all quickly.

After a nice, relaxing sleep, I awoke as the sun was just coming above the tree tops. Edward began to stir too. Lizzy was already awake, watching the birds outside the windows. I stretched up luxuriously and sighed in contentment.

Breakfast is ready darling! Esme told me mentally. I smiled and told her we'd be right down.

I turned to Lizzy. "You hungry for breakfast Lizzy? Esme has some ready downstairs for you." I told her. Her eyes lit up and she jumped right out of bed and ran out the door. I giggled and layed back down in Edward's arms, since he hadn't really moved. I stared into his gorgeous green eyes and got lost in the completely. He leaned foward to kiss me softly. I kissed him back and grinned.

We got up and got dressed for the day just as Lizzy came in. She got changed and I sat back on the bed, thinking about the week's events. I realized how quickly everything had gone by.

I don't know where my mind kept getting so many ideas, but suddenly I had the inspiration to spend the day with my family. Not just Edward and Lizzy, but everyone. Alice, Jasper, Rosalie, Emmett, Kate, Garrett, Irina, Laurent, Carmen, Eleazer, Tanya, Esme, Carlisle, Edward, and Lizzy. All of us. Then I suddenly got even more inspiration. We could take a nice long vacation for a couple weeks, the entire family. Somewhere with a lot of wildlife.

As well as my own personal excitement I could feel a looming danger, but I only sensed it when I thought of staying here for another week. That meant we probably needed to go somewhere far, and sometime in the next few days. With how completely rich the Cullen family is, I didn't see that as a problem. I thought of where a nice place to go would be, and the first thought that came to my mind for some reason was Spain.

As I thought this over I realized that was smart. Spain was full of wildlife, and we could go to a resort or beachhouse by the ocean and go swimming, we could horseback ride on the sand, we could go hiking, cliff diving, site-seeing. I thought of a place I'd once read about in Spain; private beach houses spread miles and miles apart next to the sandy waters of the ocean. And one of them was next to the ocean, but also next to some tall cliffs and surrounded by woods. It was perfect.

I thought out every part of my plan and told it all to Alice telepathically. Alice was ecstatic and agreed completely. I could hear her telling the girls about it through the wall with my sharp hearing and hear their approval. Next I told the boys downstairs, and they were excited immediately. Next I told Carlisle and Esme, and they said it was a splendid idea and that they would order tickets immediately. I told everyone to get packing so we could leave in two days. Plenty of time.

I told my plan telepathically to Edward and he nodded his head, traces of a smile beginning to grow on his face. I waved my hand in the air in front of me, shooing him off, and he got up to begin packing early and making sure nothing important was forgotten. I figured we could stay in Spain for a while, I just wasn't sure how long. Esme must've been calling into my mind and told me We could stay there for a full month, maybe two. I know I don't want the kids missing up on school, but I'm sure they'll be fine. I smiled internally at her motherly concern.

I told her in return Thanks mom!

Everyone began to commence packing, and Lizzy watched Edward pack with confusion written in his features.

"Esme says about a month, probably two there. Sound good hun?" I asked him. He turned around and I could see his smile had gotten bigger without him noticing.

"Sounds perfect. You had better get packing too. Though knowing Alice she'll probably just drag everyone out for an entire new wardrobe just for while we're there." he said, rolling his eyes a bit. Alice must have been just outside because she bounded in, her eyes shining, and begged "Can we? Can we? Please Please Please Bellaaa! She begged, jumping up and down in anticipation.

I sighed and said "Just don't go too overboard Alice." She squeeled very high pitchedly and ran out of the room, yelling at the girls to get ready to go shopping. Alice wanted everybody to go, and I couldn't argue, so I got up and Lizzy followed me looking confused.

"What are we doing?" she asked with the cutest look of confusion and concentration creasing her little brows. I smiled even bigger and told her as we began walking outside towards the cars.

"I've decided that we should all take a vacation together in Spain, starting in two days time. So Alice is taking everyone out shopping today and some time tomorrow for a new wardrobe for us to wear while we're there. We're going to be living in a huge beach house on the shores of the ocean and next to the woods, and some cliffs if you're interested in cliff diving." I told her smiling. I went on and explained.

"We're going to be there for about two months on an extended vacation and are going to do lots of fun things, like swimming, sand castles, surfing, cliff-diving, horseback riding, hiking, snorkeling, site-seeing, and we may occassionally go into the town nearby. It's going to be loads of fun, though in order to this we need a wardrobe that will suit our needs. Carlisle has already arranged our flights and is now calling Spain to set up preparations for our arrival at the beach house." I explained to her. Her face lit up everytime I said something and she continued to smile.

And I thought to myself, she is so cute.

We went downstairs where everybody was gathered as Alice divided up who was to be in what car. Emmett, Garrett, Laurent, Jasper, and Edward were going in Emmett's monstrous Jeep. Rosalie, Alice, Tanya, Kate, and Irina were going in Rosalie's BMW. Where as Carmen, Eleazer, Carlisle, Esme, and Lizzy were in the shiny silver Volvo. I didn't want to crowd anybody too much, so I told them I'd meet them there.

I waited until they had all pulled out.

I touched the stone around my neck and thought about me becoming an Eagle. Within moments I was flying up into the sky, Eagle wings and all. I soared over the trees and flew over our small little town. At a snap decision I decided to check on my old house, to see what happened to Charlie.

I veered to the right and flew down that familiar street towards my house, landing on a branch just behind the house. I could see Charlie in the kitchen with another girl about my age. They were just talking, but I could feel my feathers bristling. As I watched the girl said something and Charlie's expression turned to rage and he slapped her across the face. The slap was so strong that the girl fell to the floor with a red mark where Charlie's hand had connected with her face.

Suddenly I understood exactly what was going on. He adopted another teenager in my place, and she had to share the same fate as I once did. I could faintly see some bruises on her arms and legs. I turned myself into a small squirrel and ran into the back yard. The girl was going upstairs, probably to my old room. I scurried up the drainage pipe and into my old bedroom to hide underneath the bed. No sooner had I scurried under than she walked in and flopped down on the bed.

Being as quiet as I could, I transformed into a little white bunny rabbit. I hopped out from under the bed and hopped up next to the girl. I felt her shaking slightly, and I knew she was crying. I pressed myself up against her so she would notice me, so she picked me up and held me to her side, stroking my ears.

Very quietly I said to her "I'm sorry you have to go through this. It's my fault."

Her crying quieted as she glanced around her room saying "Who's there?" She actually sounded scared, but maybe that was just the tears.

Again, quietly, I said "I did. I used to be you, in a way. Though I ran where no one else was able to run. Do you want to be free of Charlie?" I asked her. She nodded her head and said yes, still stroking my ears. I realized she probably didn't know it was me, so I wriggled out of her arms and sat in front of her. She simply stared with red, puffy eyes.

While she stared, I mentally called to Esme.

Mom, I know I've already brought someone new into the family, but would you mind one more teenager who needs to see some fun and sunshine? Please mom; she's stuck here with Charlie like I was, except I think he hurts her more, since I left and made him mad. Please mom! I begged her. I heard her voice in my head almost immediately.

Of course sweety; anyone is welcome to the family. Will you bring her shopping with us? I'll tell Carlisle to get another ticket to Spain for her. Bring her with you to the Seattle South County Mall; that's where we're stopping first.

I sighed in relief and thanked her over and over, then I turned my attention back on the girl.

"Do you want another chance at a much better life with my family and I? I don't want you stuck here like I once was." I told her. As quiet as she was, I knew she'd make a great Cullen.

She stared at me in awe and then slowly nodded her head. "I'd love to get out of here. Please." she added.

I laughed quietly and hopped off the bed. I then turned back into my human self right in front of her. She looked utterly shocked and amazed. She also looked...relieved? I suppose I would've been too if I saw a bunny turn into a girl. She stood up from the bed to face me.

We were almost the exact same height, about the same age, except she had long blonde hair that shined, and had some dark gold highlights in them, but they looked good on her. She had a very nice form, maybe just a little too skinny, but Esme would fix that. I Leaned over and gave her a huge hug, whispering in her ear "Welcome to the Cullens."

She hugged me back, a little unsuringly, but she still hugged. I released her and climbed to the window which was already open. I jumped out and transformed into my white pegasis shape and hovered by her window.

"Get on, hurry!" I told her urgently. I could hear Charlie walking up the stairs. She apparently could too, because she hurried over and stepped onto the window sill. She swung one leg over my back and grabbed the thick, strong mane of shining white hair I had on my neck. "Hang on tight." I told her.

I zoomed into the air above the house just as Charlie came into my old room. I didn't hesitate to soar up into the clouds and out of sight. I flew top speed through the air towards Seattle. I knew it would take the others two hours to get there, so I headed towards the highway and followed the pull towards my family. Within ten minutes we were flying in the clouds above them, so I slowed down to match their speed.

So what's your name? Mine's Bella. I told her mentally. She responded in her mind as well, though she seemed unsure if I would hear her.

Kara. She told me. I'm seventeen and Charlie adopted me about a week ago. He's been so horrible ever since I showed up. I thought I would die soon.

I easily felt her pain. It was only all too familiar. I decided that she might feel better if she was in the back of Rose's convertable with the other girls than in the air. I asked her if she wanted to go down to sit in the cars with the girls in the family and she agreed quickly.

I lowered us down out of the clouds and landed gently on the very back of Rosalie's car. They had apparently gotten the memo because the immediately made room for Kara. I leaned so she could slide into the seat and took of again, receiving a gracious thank you from Kara. I turned into my human from, except I kept the wings on my back.

I flew up further to Emmett's jeep and flew next to the boys. No one else was on the highway, so I was safe. They all glanced at me and smiled. Edward's smile was the biggest, and I could see some releif on his face. He must have been worried about me. I shouted over the wind so the biys could hear me "Can I join you guys?"

Emmett and Edward nodded, so I landed on top of the Jeep's bars and got rid of my wings. I then hopped down gently into the seat and onto Edward's lap. He didn't seem to mind. He put his arms around me the moment I landed and turned my head so he could kiss me sweetly. I could tell he had not only been worried about me, but he had missed me in the short hour I had been away from him. I didn't blame him; I had missed him too.

I kissed him back just as sweetly for a minute, then we broke apart grinning. I leaned back into his shoulder and got comfy for the hour drive left to Seattle. Emmett had whistled while we were kissing, and then the boys got back to talking. I just sat there cuddling with Edward. I decided to peek through Alice's eyes to follow the girls conversation. They were all chatting happily with Kara, and already she was smiling. Suddenly Esme's voice was in my head.

Rosalie called to tell me Kara is fitting in good with the girls already. We're going to buy her wardrobe and Carlisle already has her plane ticket all set. Thank you for my new daughter Bella; I can't wait to meet her! I could feel Esme's excitement and anxiousness ready to bounce through the roof. I laughed aloud.

That's awesome mom! You'll love her, I promise. I'll see you guys at the mall; we should be there in like ten minutes anyways. She seemed reassured, so I let the link fade and curled up into Edward's chest, breathing in his intoxicating scent.