Geez, I hope there are still people following this!
I know, it's been forever since my last update. I don't have any good excuse - just real life getting in the way. Hopefully, both of my lives will be on track again soon.
To refresh your memory, thanks to James looking for lunch, Bella's truck almost crashed into Edward's shiny Volvo on a highway in the Cascades. She managed to avoid hitting Edward, but went down the embankment instead. Edward rescued her,taking her to the hospital and then to her apartment, where he discovered that she already knew he was a vampire, and met her vampire friend Alice (in this story, not his sister yet). At the end of the last chapter, he was staying overnight in Bella and Angela's apartment, and Bella was having a nightmare. OK, all caught up? :-)
As always, many, MANY thanks to my wonderful and speedy validation beta nowforruin! I'm relieved to find that she hasn't given up on me yet.
Disclaimer: All characters here are the property of their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended.
CHAPTER 5: Domestication
Edward flew to Bella's room as soon as he heard the screams. He didn't sense another vampire there, but there was such a thing as shielding. He pulled up short when he saw Bella writhing in her bed, her body twisted up in her blanket. What was happening?
"No, Edward!" she cried out suddenly. Her hands futilely grasped at the air, as if she were trying to cling to something. Ah, it was a nightmare. By the looks of it, he was in it, although it wasn't clear if he was the villain or not. What was he thinking? He was a vampire. Of course he was the villain!
Edward couldn't allow her to continue screaming. Hoping that he wouldn't make matters worse, he reached down to her and gently brushed her face with his cold hands.
"Shh Bella, everything is alright. Shh." Damn, she wasn't stopping. If she continued like this, she'd damage her ribs further. With a sigh, he laid down on the bed behind her and carefully gathered her to his chest. Oddly enough, she seemed to find this calming. Soon he felt the tension leave her and her breathing even out.
Even more oddly, he was reluctant to let her go. In spite of the burning in his throat, he was comfortable here with Bella's warm body against him. It somehow felt right.
Come on, Cullen, his logical self intervened. It's not like she's a hot water bottle or something.
True, he thought grimly. She isn't a hot water bottle, she's a hot blood bottle. Better get yourself away from her before you puncture the container. Making sure that Bella was truly asleep, he slipped away from her, carefully replacing his body with the blanket.
Ten minutes later, Edward gave up all pretense of reading about pediatric neurology, allowing his thoughts to return to the woman in the next room. For some reason he wanted to go back into that room, just to watch her sleep. If someone had told him that he would arrive in Seattle and immediately become wrapped up in the life of a human female, he would have told them they were crazy. Now, listening to the sounds of Bella's slow breathing and steady heartbeat, he wondered if he was the crazy one. He had to admit that, for the first time in his long existence, he found someone outside of his family whom he cared about more than himself.
Then there was the unprecedented attraction of her blood, not to mention her silent mind. He vaguely recalled a legend about humans whose blood called to individual vampires. He glanced at his wristwatch. Two o'clock. Carlisle would just be getting off his shift at the hospital. Edward felt the sudden urge to call him.
"Hello, Son," Carlisle's voice answered after the first ring. "How did your first day in Seattle go? Quiet?"
Edward had to stifle his derisive laugh for fear of waking Bella. "Not exactly, Carlisle."
"Oh?" He could hear amusement in his father's tone. "What happened?"
In a voice too low for Bella to hear, he quickly related the events of the day, not missing a single detail. Carlisle listened patiently, uttering only a thoughtful hum here and there.
"I don't understand it," murmured Edward. "I can't hear her mind, and her blood…now I can fully sympathize with Odysseus when he had his crew bind him to his ship's mast so that he could hear the sirens' song but not succumb to it."
Carlisle drew a quick, unnecessary breath. "Edward, that's your answer!"
"What is?"
"The sirens' song. Lei è la tuo cantante."
"Lei è la mia cantante? She is my singer? I thought singers were just a myth."
His father hurumphed. "Apparently not. Actually, I know of a few cases when a vampire met his singer. None of them ended well. You have astonishing control, son."
Edward groaned quietly, bending his head and running a hand through his hair. "Great. Even if I can protect her from James and Victoria, how do I protect her from myself?"
"You already have, Edward. She's right there with you, isn't she?" Carlisle was silent for a moment, allowing his son's thoughts to wander back to the woman in the other room. His father's next words brought him out of his reverie.
"The more important questions are, one, is it wise to stay close to Bella, knowing that you could slip and reveal to the world what you are, and two, how do you propose to guard her when you are on a pediatric R1's schedule? You could be at the hospital for days at a time." He then added warily, "And three, even knowing how you and I feel about protecting human life, is this really all worth it? Son, there's no need to growl at me."
Edward hadn't even realized that he was doing it. "Sorry, Carlisle," he apologized sheepishly. What on earth possessed him to growl at his father? "Actually, Bella asked me the same question. She was trying to convince me that she wasn't worth the effort. I guess I overreacted."
"Forgiven. Have you given any thought as to why you're so protective of this human woman?"
He sighed. "Yes. I don't know why. I just know that I am. Perhaps it's because I find her intriguing. Her mind is a mystery to me."
"Something else is at work here," mused Carlisle. "I'm going to ask you a question, and I want you to think about your answer carefully. A vampire's self-preservation instinct is especially strong, and human life is frail. All humans die sometime. If you were in a situation where either Bella would be killed, or you would, which would you choose? Remember that she will die eventually anyway."
Edward didn't even have to think about it. "Assuming that she could live her mortal life through to a ripe old age, with a normal marriage, perhaps even children and grandchildren? I would die. No question." His own response startled him. Why would he say that? Normally he would have chosen that the human die, as it would clearly be their time.
Carlisle's voice was very soft. "I fell in love with Esme when she was human, you know. The same with Rosalie and Emmett. She saved him after a bear attack."
"But that's ridiculous! I barely know the woman!"
"Is it?" his father responded gently. "So you're saying that if James and Victoria were out of the picture tomorrow, you could just walk away from Bella? Mission accomplished?"
"Yes. No! It should be yes. Oh God, I don't know anymore." Edward, who was lying on the sofa, slammed his head back against the armrest in frustration. A slight wooden cracking sound announced that he probably hit it too hard. Damn, now he was breaking her furniture.
"Carlisle, Esme and Emmet were dying when you changed them. Bella still has a full life ahead of her. Even if she were my mate, there is no way I could take her humanity from her." For the umpteenth time since he met her, his exceptionally sharp mind was reeling. She couldn't possibly be his mate. What sort of sick scheme of fate...? Of course, she was the only person, human or vampire, whose mind he couldn't read. Vampires were already a regular part of her life.
And let's not forget the singing blood thing, his inner voice mocked. It's like she was made just for you. Heck, she was right behind you on a highway. What are the chances?
Yup, fate had one hell of a sense of humour. As Alice pointed out, whenever a vampire showed up to kill Bella, another one was there to save her.
Carlisle was patiently waiting at the other end of the phone line. "Well," sighed Edward, "at least I can be her friend...and current guardian vampire."
"So how do you propose to keep an eye on her while you performing your R1 duties?"
Just then a text message beeped in.
Jasper and I would be happy to help. Emmett too.
Nosy little pixie. "Carlisle, Alice is offering to help, and she says to tell Emmett to come." Come to think of it, his big bear of a brother would relish the chance at James.
His father chuckled. "I can see that your humdrum life is a thing of the past. It's about time."
Carlisle laughed again at his son's defeated groan. "Good night Edward. Bring Bella, Alice and Jasper to visit soon."
Another text arrived as he hung up, this time from Jasper.
Now you've done it. Alice is hoppin up n down like a bunny on speed.
Edward grinned and texted him back.
Have fun with that.
By the time Bella woke up some six hours later, Edward had worked out some semblance of a schedule with Alice and Jasper. He'd also managed to grind some coffee beans and boil them with a couple spoonfuls of sugar, and was just allowing the coffee to settle.
"Mmmm…" Bella sniffed appreciatively as she padded into the kitchen. "That smells heavenly."
"Good! I hope you like it strong."
"The stronger the better," she declared with a grin.
Edward's still heart constricted at the sight of her. With her old Forks High long-sleeved t-shirt, too-big plaid flannel pants, and pink toes peeping out, she looked adorable. He didn't notice he was staring until she self-consciously glanced down at herself.
"Sorry. I should have realized that I wasn't dressed for company. I'll be right back."
"No, no, stay. You look…cute."
Bella grimaced, but moved closer to him and peered over his shoulder. The acrid smell of the coffee only partially masked her scent, and Edward quickly swallowed the venom that pooled in this mouth. She was so close that he could feel the warmth of her body radiating toward him.
"I've never seen anyone boil coffee grounds before. Where did you learn to do that?"
"My…er…cousin taught me to make it this way. She is Russian." He deftly poured steaming coffee into Bella's mug. "Milk?"
She nodded. "Your cousin is a vampire? Who does she make coffee for?"
If Edward were able to blush, he would have. "Her…men. Tanya and her two sisters have several human lovers."
"Oh." Bella stepped away from him, her face reddening. "I didn't even know that was possible."
Damn, why did Carlisle have to plant the idea of mating into his head? After almost half a century, Little Edward wanted to come out to play now? Seriously? Edward hastily placed Bella's mug on the other side of the counter, thereby requiring her to walk to the other side and view him from the waist up only. Thank goodness she actually did it.
"It's easier for female vampires than for males," he explained uncomfortably. "Males would need to exercise an enormous amount of control to keep from accidently killing their partner."
Bella was holding her mug and gently blowing into her steaming coffee, her face impossibly redder than before. How on earth had he got himself into this conversation? He wished he knew what was going through Bella's head right now.
"I see," she murmured, taking a tentative sip of her drink while she pulled herself together. Then she smiled at him. "This is great coffee, Edward. Thank you."
"I'm glad you like it." Think non-arousing thoughts, Cullen, he coached himself. Acoustic neuromas. The Krebs Cycle. Emmett in a yellow polka-dot Speedo. Ah, that's better. "So, what are we doing today?"
Uh-oh, that blush was returning. Now he really wanted to know what she was thinking. The Krebs Cycle…tricarboxylic acid…
"Well, I'd need to check on my truck, and this evening Angela and I are holding a grad student potluck here. You know, a celebration before the quarter starts. There will be six of us. Why don't you join us?"
The lovely chestnut-haired woman before him had so much hope in her warm, dark eyes. How could he refuse her?
"I would like that," he agreed. "I suppose I should also find some furniture for my apartment today."
Bella was deep in thought. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head.
"I wish I could offer you my truck to move furniture," she mused. "My friend is very good at body work, but that door will have to be replaced, and ordering the parts will take some time." She shot him a mischievous smile. "Somehow it got ripped off its hinges."
Edward shrugged nonchalantly. "It happens," he deadpanned. He wasn't concerned about moving furniture. He planned to have it delivered anyway. As for Bella's truck, he rather liked to idea of chauffeuring her. With any luck, the parts would take weeks to arrive.
"So," he asked, attempting to distract himself. "What's for breakfast? Pancakes? Eggs? Breton crepes with salted butter caramel?"
"Pop-Tarts!" she grinned, jumping up and making a beeline for one of the cupboards.
"Nuh-uh. You tell me which one, and I'll get them. No straining those bruised ribs of yours." She grimaced, but obediently pointed.
Curious, Edward rapidly read the ingredients on the box and frowned. "How can you eat these things?"
Bella snatched the box from his grasp. "I like them. Your diet doesn't sound too appetizing either, you know. Don't knock the Pop-Tarts."
He rolled his eyes, making a mental note to provide her with more nutritious food in future. Thankfully, she returned to the other side of the counter, and they discussed the strategy for the day. Part of Edward's mind was absorbed by watching her bite into her Pop-Tart and lick the excess strawberry jam off the side.
Neither of them mentioned last night's dream. Perhaps she'd forgotten it, Edward mused. Good. He wasn't sure how she'd react if she knew that he'd curled up with her whilst she slept. Most likely she'd stare at him in horror for a few moments, then promptly kick him out. He had to admit that his actions were creepy, even for a vampire.
Well, if he was going to accomplish any furniture shopping today, he's better do a little research. He didn't need much – just enough to keep up a façade if any humans came to visit.
"Bella, would you mind if I borrowed your laptop?"
"Go for it. I'll phone the body shop and then get a quick shower. OK?"
After a lengthy call to her friend at the garage, Bella hastily grabbed her clothes and headed to the bathroom. Edward could hear every sound she made. The rustle of cotton as she removed her top and flannel pants, her sharp intake of breath as she ducked under the water that was still too cold, the swishing of her shampooing her hair…
Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptors…Emmet in a yellow polka-dot Speedo…Bella in a yellow polka-dot Speedo…damn, not helping.
The humidity from the shower enhanced her scent. It hit him hard when she came near him, dressed in a blue blouse and jeans. He swallowed several times, then took an experimental breath.
"Are you OK?" she asked him, concerned. "Your eyes are darker again."
Edward nodded. He had to get used to this if he wanted to be around Bella for any length of time. He also needed to be honest with her.
"Yes. It's just that you smell so good coming out of the shower."
Her eyes widened. "As in 'I like your shampoo' or 'mmmm…lunchtime'?"
He groaned. "Both."
Bella hesitated, clearly not sure how to react. "Would it help if you stepped outside for a while? I can make a few more phone calls while you're gone."
"It probably would, but I prefer to stay here with you." At Bella's frown, he added with a small smile, "Don't worry, it's manageable. I won't eat you."
"I just hate it that you're in pain." She was biting her lower lip again. "I'm sure Alice would be willing to babysit me. There's no need to torture yourself."
Edward shook his head, his eyes already lightening. "You are so absurd." When he saw that she was about to protest, he added with a grin, "Alice will just have to wait in line. I'm laying claim to your company now."
He grabbed his jacket from the sofa. "So the garage first?"
Bella glanced behind her in surprise. Edward was helping her with her own jacket. Clearly she wasn't expecting that.
"No, my friend quoted me a price and I told him to just go ahead. But you must have heard that, right?"
He had the grace to look embarrassed. She truly missed nothing. "Only part of it. I was trying not to listen. When did he say it would be ready?"
"In about a week. They need to order the part from a recovery shop."
Edward planned to pay for the repairs, but he wasn't about to start that argument with her until absolutely necessary. On the way downstairs, Bella texted Angela, letting her know that they'd be out for a while.
Normally furniture shopping was boring, a necessary task every few years to keep up the human façade. Bella, however, made it fun. She kept him laughing with a running commentary on what she thought should go in his apartment. One time he almost made a dive to catch her when she fell backwards onto a pillow-top mattress, realizing just in time that she was "testing it out." He hoped she wasn't injuring her ribs again.
"Come on, try it!" she encouraged him as he stood looking down at her, smiling and shaking his head in amazement. She scooted over and patted the spot next to her. "You know that you have to test drive these things, right? Just think how good it would look with that flaming red glass-block bed over there."
He groaned, forcing back the images invoked by "test driving" the bed. This woman would be the death of him.
"Edward, come here." Bella sat up and tugged as his hand. He reluctantly perched next to her. "Good! Now, on the count of three, flop back. One, two, three!"
He obediently fell carefully backward, wary of breaking the springs. Looking over at her as she plopped next to him, he couldn't help grinning at her enthusiasm. Honestly, she was like a little kid.
"Ah, soooo comfy. See? That wasn't so bad, was it?"
No, it wasn't. "You like this one?" he asked.
Bella turned on her side and curled up with a sigh. "I'll let you know when I wake up from my nap."
He chuckled, getting off the mattress and holding out his hand to help her up. "Fine, we'll get it."
Suddenly his phone beeped. He glanced at the message and grimaced.
"What?" asked Bella.
"Alice." He showed her the screen.
Good choice. Just get the bed, sofa, lighting and electronics today. You'll find out why later.
Bella grinned. "So she's got you on speed dial too. I'd do what she says. Never bet against Alice. How about that sofa over there?" She pointed to a giant pair of red lips.
"Not my shade," he responded seriously. "How about that set in the corner?"
She looked around and spotted the matching black quarter-note-shaped chair and sofa. Wandering over, she pretended to consider them. "Hmmm…too expensive. $6000 for the set."
"You always pay for style," Edward deadpanned. "Money is no object."
"Apparently neither is taste," retorted Bella.
They browsed for another fifteen minutes, selecting a few more items. Bella meandered around the store while Edward went with the salesman to pay and arrange for delivery. He'd just finished signing the paperwork when he noticed a young blond man talking to Bella. She didn't look happy to see him.
"Yeah, well, I've moved on. You obviously weren't ready to handle a normal relationship with all your issues, and now I have Jess, so it's all good. What about you?"
Edward was at Bella's side as quickly as a human pace would allow him. Based on the man's condescending thoughts, he must be an ex-boyfriend of hers. The jerk was mentally comparing Bella to his current girlfriend, and congratulating himself for dumping her. Edward desperately wanted to strangle the idiot, but instead he stood behind Bella and wrapped a casual arm around her waist. She stiffened briefly, then relaxed against him, covering his cold hand with her warm one.
"Done?" she asked, smiling up at him. With a wink, he grinned back.
"All set. Our bed will be delivered tomorrow morning, and the rest on Monday." Take that, asshat.
Asshat's thoughts registered astonishment. He was assessing him, wondering what the hell a man like Edward saw in this boring, scrawny woman. Images of himself with a naked Bella bent forward over a table flashed though his head, along with some muddled disdainful thoughts about her being a bad lay. Edward growled, too quietly for Asshat to hear. Bella, however, must have felt his chest rumble, and squeezed his hand gently.
"Bells, aren't you going to introduce us?" demanded Asshat. He stuck out his hand, which Edward ignored. "I'm Mike."
OK then. MIKE Asshat. Good to know.
"Edward," he responded shortly. "I take it you're a friend of Bella's?"
Mike smirked. "You could put it that way. Let's just say that…"
"Mike used to be my boyfriend," interrupted Bella, clearly feeling Edward's increasing tension. "It wasn't working out, so we broke up about four months ago."
"So now I have Jessica, and it looks like Bella's found you somehow."
Even without being able to read Bella's mind, he could feel her fury building. "Shh," he whispered in her ear. "If you get arrested for assault, you'll miss your party tonight."
"You wouldn't bail me out?" she murmured, too low for Mike to hear.
His soft chuckle in her ear made her shiver. "I'd have to have to provide bail for both of us."
"Well, nice to meet you. I'd better get going." Thank God. "See ya, Bells."
As he passed behind them, Asshat…Mike…commented in a hushed voice, "Hey Edward, don't get me wrong, I wish you both well. Man to man, though, she's frigid. She doesn't, you know…she fakes it."
Edward could feel Bella's body getting hot with embarrassment. He tightened his arm around her, remembering not to squeeze her injured ribs.
"Then obviously you were doing it wrong."
Mike scowled and turned to leave. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
So long, Asshat.
Bella relaxed, but Edward didn't let her go.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
She nodded, smiling uncertainly up at him. "Thanks for doing that."
"Any time." He released her reluctantly. "Let's go to get those groceries for the party tonight."
Neither spoke on the way to the Volvo. Once they were inside, Edward's good manners waged a losing battle with his curiosity. The more time he spent with Bella, the more he wanted to understand what drove her. What happened in her life to make her the way she was today? Well, he'd have her trapped in his car for the next twenty minutes, so that would at least give him an opportunity to ask her himself.