Chapter 5

DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns twilight and you all know it!!

It's time for a special shout out to my reviewers...again! I'm hoping that this will make some of you not-reviewers review so you can get your name put up here. It's cool, trust me.

Anyway, the obviously most special fans are the two super fastest reviewers: tabby-tiger-demon and Kikisdestiny. Getting your reviews so soon after publishing a chapter makes me very happy.

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People you have got to review or I won't post. It's that simple... really... I love your reviews... So REVIEW!!! Thanks to Krugness for giving me my 21st review and for making exactly 960 reviews for Bella's Talent! We need more reviewers like you!

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Edward's POV

"So back to your house then?" Bella asked as I took the driver's seat in my car. I looked at her and grinned. Her brown hair was drenched and soaking both the back of her shirt and the interior of the Volvo. She was wringing out the mass of dripping hair onto the floor and glanced at me apologetically. I shook my head as a sign she needn't worry and also proceeded to send spastic drops of water throughout the car.

Bella held up her hands to protect herself from the projectile water droplets. She laughed, a sound I soon realized I had been waiting to hear. I grabbed one of her hands in mine and brought it up to my lips. Pressing them gently against her warm, wet skin, I let my lips linger on the velvety softness of her hand. A heated blush colored her cheeks and she sighed with delight.

I reluctantly released her delicate hand and went to turn the key in the ignition. "What about Carlisle and Esme?" Bella asked sweetly. She glanced over my shoulder for a fraction of a second before her eyes rested on my face again. I watched her taking me in and saw her eyes light up with some emotion and her slender fingers fiddled anxiously with the hem of her soaked shirt. It was times like this when I wished I could read her thoughts.

"What are you thinking?" I asked, as always. The question snapped Bella's eyes directly to mine and she bit her lip. My eyes were drawn to this gesture and I imagined her teeth drawing blood, bringing that alarmingly delicious liquid to the surface. Of course, I instantly regretted the thoughts. In fact, it had been such a long time since I had even thought about Bella's singing blood that I felt worse than guilty and so much less like myself, just for thinking it.

I brought my eyes away from hers and instead looked down at the emergency brake of the car to distract my self. I refused to let myself even look at my beautiful Bella until I was in control of my thoughts and actions completely. Bella, however, was making this increasingly difficult.

She leaned forward so her head was blocking my view. Bella's soulful brown eyes were wide with question and her lips were drawn in a frown.

"What are you thinking?" She asked cautiously, using my own words against me.

"I asked first." I stated while still trying not to meet her eyes until my thoughts were controlled. I vaguely saw the corner of Bella's mouth twitch as if to smile but the feeling was quickly quenched. Instead, Bella's perfect features clouded over with confusion and sadness. That sight alone broke my undead heart. What she said next sent a wave of agony throughout my body.

"Is this my fault? I mean, all of this. I just can't see any way in which I'm helping so I must be hurt—" I couldn't hear anymore of her blaming herself so I pressed my fingers to her heated lips. I guided her face so her gaze met mine.

"Bella, listen to me. None of this is your fault. I don't know how else to say it. It just isn't your fault." I urged her to believe me with my whole being. I stared into her eyes as her hand reached to move mine.

I could tell from the sorrow still swimming in her eyes that she didn't fully believe me. Nevertheless, I let her remove my hand from its place over her lips.

"So you don't think that you'd be better off," she paused, "without me?" Bella's chocolate colored eyes filled with tears. I grabbed one of her delicate hand with both of mine and squeezed gently.

"Bella, I couldn't live without you. I couldn't care about you more if I tried. So you have got to believe me when I say that there is no way that this mess is your fault. No one had any idea that this vampire would come. There is no one to blame for her presence. Plus, she seems like the type who goes around picking fights so you can't blame yourself for her being out to expose us. You aren't the reason; she would have done it anyway. Please understand, Bella. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I would fight off an entire army before I would ever even think about being without you. I love you so much, Bella." I responded. Had I still been human, I think I would have been extremely overcome with emotion with the truth of my words.

"I love you too, Edward." Bella's voice cracked adorably. She used her free hand to wipe at the tears that were streaking down her already wet face. I smiled warmly at my Bella, my angel. I leaned towards her to plant an icy kiss on her forehead.

Bella's hand freed itself of mine and twined itself in my hair, before I could pull back. Her warm lips met my cold ones for a brief moment and the familiar spark surged between us. Bella sighed contentedly. I felt her other hand caressing my face, gently examining every feature. I allowed my hand that wasn't holding her face to mine to trail down her side until it rested on her hip.

I felt the burn of thirst flare up in the back of my throat; however, even more fiery and prominent was the burning desire to hold my love, to kiss her more passionately and to explore her in a way I haven't ever done. Bella moved herself closer to me. The hand that was tangled in my hair found its way to the back of my neck, sending a rush of pleasant heat coursing through my body.

She pulled me closer still. I let myself be brought up against her, enjoying her company while still trying to ease my ever present thirst-ridden thoughts. Bella's hands were roaming my chest and my hands held her tightly by the waist. I wanted nothing more than to just let all restraints go, but I knew this couldn't happen.

Feeling in control of my thirst, I allowed my tongue to slide out and pressed it against Bella's lower lip. She broke away for air and let out an audible gasp. I assumed this was because I was being a lot less careful. Her gasp faded into a sensual moan and she responded with renewed excitement and passion. Her lips met mine greedily and my body reacted on instinct alone.

I moved towards her so she was leaning backwards as far as she could and I was basically on top of her. I felt my self-control beginning to slip as Bella's warm tongue trailed against my mouth. I responded with vigor. It wasn't just me who wanted Bella, the monster inside me wanted her equally.

It wanted her blood more than anything and was fighting for control over my actions. Bella pulled back for another gasp of air and I should have ended the fiery kiss there.

But I couldn't stop. I needed more. I needed Bella. Bella and her tantalizing blood. My throat seared and ached with thirst and it took every ounce of reason not to sink my teeth into her soft lips or ever her tongue.

I couldn't break free. I was in a sort of trance. All I could see, think and do revolved around my Bella. I moved my lips to her jaw line. I traced a path with them down her neck leaving ragged, hungry kisses in its line. I stopped my lips on the vein that ran along Bella's neck. My teeth grazed along her skin and I heard Bella's breath catch. She flinched back automatically.

Instead of letting her be, I let out a breath knowing that the sweet smell would sooth Bella. As expected, Bella's tense muscles relaxed and she whispered dazedly, "Oh, Edward..."

I kissed the pulsing artery and felt her hot blood beneath my lips. I was crazed with the desire for that sacred thirst-quenching liquid. I moaned in pleasure and expectation.

Then, several things happened at once. There was a particularly loud clap of thunder, a large branch crashed to the ground not far from my Volvo and I heard an urgent rapping on my locked door. All those added up to a horrifically loud noise, especially for my sensitive hearing. I felt Bella's hands leave my icy skin to cover her ears against the disturbance.

With the absence of her warmth I snapped out of my trance. My willpower returned to me and I pulled myself as far away from my precious Bella as my small car's interior allowed. Realizing what had almost happened, I tore open the door, carelessly letting in a burst of rain and chilled winds. Carlisle was standing there. His eyes were cold with anger and his features were alarmed. He grabbed my shoulder strongly.

"Edward, what were you thinking?!" Carlisle cast a concerned glance in Bella's direction. I didn't answer for a moment, feeling nothing even as the rain pelted down on us. I looked straight ahead; not at Carlisle or anything in particular, just ahead.

"I wasn't thinking..." I answered. My voice was harsh with self-hatred. Carlisle moved so he was in my line of vision. His face was concerned, wary and angry all at once. I looked away sharply and shook his hand off of my shoulder.

"I don't know what got into me, Carlisle." I said, turning back to look into his honey colored eyes. I continued, as calmly as I could "I need to go. I have to get away." Carlisle nodded. I spared a glance at Bella who had leaned over to the driver's seat. Her eyes were wide with shock and beginning to well with tears. Even from the distance between us I could see her pulse jumping crazily. Her breathing was uneven as she whispered my name sadly.

"Edward...?" Bella's tone was questioning and undeniably sad and confused. I looked away quickly. Carlisle nodded again solemnly in understanding.

"Be careful, my son. And don't be too long." He said quietly. Carlisle brought his hand to my shoulder reassuringly for a fraction of a second. I nodded disconnectedly and took off for the second time that day, this time feeling like a true monster.

As I fled, I heard Bella call out my name with a voice filled with desperation and sorrow. I tried to shake away the pain that the desolate sound had caused, only to fail miserably.

When I had sprinted even farther away I heard a sound that made me stop dead in my tracks: a bone chillingly beautiful, hauntingly familiar, taunting and echoing laugh. It was her.

Bella's POV

Edward was gone. He left just when I thought things were going so perfectly. I closed my eyes and felt the intense kiss lingering on my lips. That feeling alone should have been a sign that things were going too far. Edward never let our kisses get that passionate or even last nearly that long.

My eyes snapped open as I heard Carlisle get into the car. I moved over so I was back upright in the passenger's seat. I blinked back some of the tears that had formed as I watched Edward run off and looked at Carlisle.

His dark caramel-colored eyes were concerned and cautious as he looked me over. I saw them travel from my messed hair to my rumpled clothing. A small blush heated my cheeks. I watched as his eyes widened when they noticed the tender spot on my neck where Edward had rested his mouth.

My hand went up to it self-consciously. I winced as my fingers brushed the raw skin. Carlisle's careful hand took my hand in his and patted it comfortingly.

"Bella, are you okay?" He paused. I nodded shakily and took my hand out of his. "Edward wasn't himself. None of us truly are. I'd completely understand if you are frightened and would rather leave and be brought home." Carlisle's eyes drifted away from mine and he looked in the direction that Edward had left.

I was about to answer but Carlisle continued. "This situation is dangerous and we don't know what to expect. We don't know how many vampires could be with this rebellious female. We don't know the extent of her power or the lengths she's willing to go to expose us to the humans. Things are difficult. I don't know if having to worry about you all the time is the best thing for anyone right now.

"Don't get me wrong, I love you Bella. You are like a daughter to me. I just don't want you hurt and staying as far from our family and this new vampire are probably better for your safety." Carlisle looked back into my eyes and I saw fear, worry and pleading there. It was the first time I had ever seen him so unsure and scared before.

"It'd be better if I left you?" I whispered. It was my turn to break his gaze and I looked out to the tree branches that Edward's quick departure had mangled.

"Not left us. Just stayed away for a while. Please don't take this the wrong way, Bella. I care for you as much as my family. I want to be assured that you are safe. And unlike Edward—," the sound his name made me shudder with the memory of his teeth on my neck, "—I feel that it would be more beneficial if you returned to Charlie. You should go to school and live a normal life. I'm sure Edward will be in contact but as long as it's in private she will never know."

There was a silence. He didn't even need to say who she was. We both knew.

"I don't know…" I responded quietly. I weighed my options mentally. If I left the Cullen's until this thing passes, I wouldn't know what was going on at all. I wouldn't be with Edward and that alone basically eliminated the choice.

Then again, having already thought about this decision once before, maybe it would be for the better. I would be safe from her and from whatever madness she was inflicting on the Cullens. They weren't acting like themselves and I knew she was to blame. Edward wouldn't have to worry about losing control with me if I wasn't here. And as long as he kept in contact somehow, I could manage to live without him until things pass over.

"He'll call?" I asked in a whisper for clarification.

"Every moment he can when we know it's safe." Carlisle replied with a nod. I could see a sort of hope in his eyes. A hope that I would choose the right thing and stay safe.

I bit my bottom lip in thought, a habit I was going to have to break, and glance once more in Edward's parting direction.

"Will Edward be okay with it?" I asked Carlisle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Carlisle lean forward and turn to look in the same direction I was.

"He'd have to be." Carlisle said solemnly. "If it's what you want then he'll get used to the idea." As Carlisle said this, I realized that that fact, right there, was the problem. I didn't want to go away. I didn't want to be separated from my love, my Edward, my godly angel. I just had to be, for my sake and for his.

How could I just abandon him! I let out a small cry as the realization hit me. I was a monster for putting Edward through this mess. I thought back to the scene at the house. Edward had argued and pleaded with Carlisle just to keep me near him, to keep me—no, us—happy. And for what? So I could turn against him and leave anyway? I couldn't do it.

In the midst of my internal struggle Carlisle had started to say something. I tuned in to him. "…so there's no need to be afraid. We won't let her get within a mile of you." He was saying. So he had mistaken my silence for fear. Well, I guess I was afraid just not of the new vampire. I was afraid of not knowing and of not being with Edward. I was afraid of being alone.

But it's for the better, a voice inside me reasoned. With you safely off to the side, there will be no stopping the Cullens in their plot to take down this vampire. You will have helped save many innocent lives. I closed my eyes and sighed softly.

"Fine." I said, already beginning to feel my mood slip into a sadness of being without Edward. "Take me home." A single tear slipped out of my tightly shut eyes. There has been so much crying in the past few days, hours even, I noted glumly.

Carlisle was quiet, as if carefully choosing his reply. "So school starts again this week?" I asked randomly to ease the silence. From what I can remember, though it seems so unimportant, we were on Spring Break.

"Yes, Bella." Carlisle said, his tone still grave and cautious. "You know, you don't have to do this." He said with a sigh. I almost wanted to laugh at this. A bitter laugh, but a laugh all the same. First he tells me it would be best if I leave and I have to leave and then he turns around an says I don't have to.

I shook my head and opened my eyes sleepily. "I'll do this." I responded wearily. Then, I took one last glance at the trees and my eyes flashed quickly back to meet Carlisle's.

"Where's Esme?" I asked. I was all about the random questions today, I guess.

"She ran and beat us home. Somehow she knew this conversation would take a while." Carlisle explained. "She'll be leaving for Denali soon." While his voice was calm and indifferent, his eyes told of the pain and worry he was experiencing.

"Let's go see Charlie." I whispered. With me safely at home, hopefully I'll be easing some of Carlisle's fears. I hope.

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