Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

A/N: This story is rated M for "Many people will receive Valentine's Day cards this week, but Jane never gets one, which could be why she's always so mean. Anyway, if you're not over 18, skedaddle."

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Chapter 17: Love Is So Confusing

Walking into Edward's lab, Bella could smell him everywhere. The scent, maybe a few days stale, permeated everything. As much as it twisted her stomach into knots, Bella refused to show any discomfort.

Emmett's hand rested on the small of her back, and she recalled the thrill his touch once sent through her. No more, not since Edward appeared at her window. Now it was simply the protective touch of an old friend.

"May I help you?" The meek voice did not do justice to the beautiful, dark-haired woman. Her porcelain skin was smooth, her long hair falling around her face in gentle ringlets. Even her glasses and her lab coat could not hide the voluptuous curves of her soft, full body. Emmett audibly gasped, while Bella immediately thought about draining the girl after playing with her for a while.

"Yes, I'm looking for Edward Cullen," Bella said, moving toward the girl. "We're old... acquaintances."

"Um," the girl stammered, nervously adjusting her glasses and licking her lips as she stared at Emmett. "He should be here any minute. Would you like to wait?"

"We'd love to," Emmett said huskily, moving to stand at the girl's side opposite Bella. "What's your name, beautiful?"

Bella smiled proudly. As she and Emmett waited the previous night to replace her cell phone, she explained how to influence prey, make them give themselves to over despite their survival instincts. He was employing the voice perfectly now. The girl was putty in his hands, which had moved to slowly stroke the curves of her ass.

The girl moaned softly. "Angela," she squeaked, blushing wildly. "What's yours?"

"I'm Emmett, and this is Bella." He brushed his nose along Angela's jaw. "Fuck, you smell good."

When he mentioned smell, Bella realized another scent was mixed with Angela's overpowering arousal. Edward was approaching, and she certainly didn't want to seem to just be waiting for him.

Closing the distance between herself and the moaning girl, Bella winked at Emmett over Angela's shoulder. "My, aren't you a pretty little thing?" Bella cooed, threading her fingers through Angela's silky hair. "I bet you taste so sweet."

"What the hell are you doing here? Get your hands off her!"

Bella turned her head and looked straight into Edward's blazing eyes. Smirking, she tugged Angela's hair, giving Emmett access to kiss her exposed neck. "Well, hello there, Edward. Emmett and I were just playing with your little toy." She laughed as she watched his jaw tighten. "So, how did your grudge fuck go?"

Edward's eyes widened then narrowed into angry slits. "You two...my office...now!"

Bella and Emmett shrugged as they pulled away from a panting Angela and followed Edward into his office. Once they were seated in the guest chairs, Edward slammed the door soundly.

"I don't know why you and your mate..."

Bella held up her hand to stop his diatribe. "He's not my mate."

"Come on," Edward said, his voice mocking.

She repeated the words deliberately as if speaking to a child. "Not. My. Mate."

Edward sneered, and he seemed so unnaturally ugly doing it. "Then what the fuck is the big ape then?"

Emmett jumped from his chair, flinging it backward, and, in an instant, was chest-to-chest with and towering over Edward. "Well, one thing I'm not is deaf, so watch your mouth. My name," he said, pausing to pound his chest, "is Emmett."

Reaching out, Bella lightly touched Emmett's arm with her fingertips, and he instantly relaxed. Edward looked down at the point of contact, and his eyes turned pitch black. She watched intrigued as his eyes returned to their abominable amber shade when she retracted her hand.

"He's my protector. My own personal Volturi guard, so to speak." The lie formulated in her brain and escaped her lips before she could stop it. "So I'd back off if I were you, because he'll do anything to protect me. Including rip your pretty little head off."

She shrugged when Emmett looked back at her, confused. She silently prayed he'd go along with her lie, knowing it might be the only way to keep Edward's obvious rage in check.

The lie didn't stop the venom from creeping into Edward's voice. "Whatever Emmett is, it's obvious he's a newborn..."

"Why, 'cause I'm stronger than you?" Emmett looked Edward up and down dismissively. "Trust me, that doesn't take much."

Putting her hand over her mouth, Bella snickered quietly. "Yes, he's a newborn. What of it?"

"It's irresponsible to bring him around humans when he has so little control. Angela is my friend, and I have given her my protection. You will not kill her."

"Yes, well Emmett has...um...other appetites that demand his attention much more than blood, it seems. He has absolutely no problem controlling his bloodlust," she said, slightly offended that Edward believed she would risk their secret by parading a uncontrollable newborn through a world full of prey. "Now, his cock is another problem."

Fisting Emmett's shirt in one hand and pointing emphatically with the other, Edward was livid. "She's pure! Don't you dare defile her!"

Bella's entire body stiffened, and she barely noticed Emmett moving to stand at her side, placing his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. Her heart ached, and she struggled to keep her voice calm and detached. "She's your mate, then?"

Edward's eyes darted repeatedly between Bella and Emmett, confusion clouding his features. "No, but she's my only human friend. I don't want her hurt." Turning his back to them, Edward sighed, running his hand through his unkempt hair. "Why are you here?"

For a moment, Edward's voice was so vulnerable, so much like the beautiful boy she remembered. Bella's anger melted away, and she didn't want to lie anymore.

"I don't know," she said softly. "Maybe to prove to myself...to you...that you didn't crush me when you left me in the middle of the street. Mostly, I think it was to see if, in the light of day, you're still the man I've loved and mourned all these years."

Edward turned, and his cocky expression floored her. "And am I?" His voice was again cold, the same voice that said she was a monster worse than her maker.

Looking away from his bitter, amber eyes, Bella winced. "No, no you're not." She stood slowly, taking Emmett's hand. "Come Emmett, let's go."

As she passed Edward, she raised her sorrowful eyes to meet his gaze. His cockiness was replaced by shock, his jaw beginning to drop as she looked away. She led Emmett out of the office, and she barely heard him mutter "fucking idiot" before he shut the door behind them.

Instead of exiting the building to the street, Bella continued to lead Emmett up the stairs until they reached the door to the roof. It was another cloudy, Chicago day, and Bella needed space and time to think. Once on the roof, she sat perched on the ledge, watching people enter and exit the building below. Emmett sat next to her in silence.

She closed her eyes and saw Edward's hateful, icy stare boring holes into her. He was justified in his anger. He'd been turned without knowing what she was or what their existence entailed. Still, she'd always imagined he'd at least allow her to explain. If he loved her, wouldn't he give her a chance? Had Aro's lies had made that impossible?

"Why didn't you tell him the rest?"

Bella looked up to see Emmett looking at her expectantly. "Tell him what, Emmett?"

"That you still love him."

"Because it doesn't matter anymore," she whispered, looking down at the tiny people marching along the sidewalk.

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he hugged her tightly. "It always matters, baby."

Sitting, their legs dangling freely over the edge, they kept silent. Bella rested her head on Emmett's solid shoulder, content in the knowledge that he would always be by her side. She began to wonder if they belonged in Italy with the rest of the Volturi. Aro had lied to her, but he was her otherworldly father. As misguided as he'd been, he believed he was protecting her. He'd done it out of love, not maliciousness, and she would not turn her back on him.

After a few hours, she crinkled her nose. Peering over the ledge, she spied the dark-haired ant walking below. "You ready?"

Emmett followed her gaze then snapped his head back to her crouched body. "We can't eat her. She's Edward's friend."

"We're not going to eat her, silly. You're going to show the little girl a good time." Bella smiled wickedly. "She's a grown woman. Why should Edward get to decide who beds her? She wanted you before the voice. Why not practice on a willing subject?"

Emmett crouched next to her. "Damn, woman, if you weren't mated, I'd take you right now."

Bella shook her head and laughed. "Whatever. Go get her, big boy."

She watched as his hulking body gracefully glided through the air, landing soundlessly ten feet behind Angela. Waiting until they walked away together, she leapt to the ground and followed.

~*~

Returning to the loft, Bella took Angela's hand and led her to the bedroom as she motioned Emmett to wait on the couch. While Angela sat on the edge of the bed, nibbling her lip, Bella rummaged through the chiffarobe and threw a deep purple lace bra and panty set to Angela.

Bella stood over Angela, cupping Angela's breasts in her hands. "I think we're the same size, so these things should fit you."

"Um, okay," Angela nervously fingered the fine lace. "This is kinda weird, you know?"

"I know," Bella whispered, employing the voice to help Angela relax. "But Emmett will be very good to you, I promise."

Helping Angela to her feet, Bella slowly undressed her. As more and more soft flesh was uncovered, the scent of arousal increased, as did the volume of Emmett's impatient grumbling. Finally, Angela was barely concealed in lace, but Bella knew she needed one more thing.

Quickly unzipping and removing her boots, Bella handed them to Angela. "Put these on, sweetie."

"Why are you doing this for me?" Angela's voice was curious but calm. She sat on the bed, slipping her feet into the heeled leather.

"Having you will make Emmett happy," Bella explained, brushing Angela's hair over her shoulder. "And it's my job to make sure Emmett's happy." Leaning down, she kissed Angela's neck tenderly. "Come now. He's waiting for you."

Following Angela into the living area, Bella stood back and watched Emmett's reaction to his gift. His eyes, a bright burgundy, widened then darkened in lust. She didn't have to see Angela's face to know she was blushing; she could smell the blood coming to the surface.

Emmett came to Angela's side silently, wrapping his large hands around her waist. "You are so beautiful." He kissed her softly before releasing her to walk to Bella.

"Thank you," he said, brushing Bella's cheek with his fingers. Leaning forward, he kissed her earlobe and whispered. "No one will ever be as beautiful as you, sweet Bella."

Neither of them noticed Angela move to Bella's side. Her face a sheer pink, she placed her lips tentatively against Bella's. Smiling, Bella moved her lips slowly until she felt Angela's soft tongue. They opened their warm mouths to each other, tasting deeply, until Bella finally grabbed Angela's hair and yanked her head away. Angela stared back, a satisfied grin spreading across her face.

"Damn," Emmett laughed, "it looks like Eddie was all wrong about little Miss Pure and Undefiled."

Bella ran her free hand over Angela's shoulder and down her side, trying to remind herself that she was a non-participant tonight. "Little girl, are you a virgin?"

"Yes," Angela answered meekly.

"So, not pure but definitely not defiled." Bella released Angela, pushing her gently toward Emmett. "Em, be careful when you enter her. The scent of the blood will try to overwhelm you, but I know you won't hurt her. I'll stay...make sure everything is okay."

Emmett eyes grew wary. "Yes, but what about you? I don't want to..."

"Not my first experience with deflowering, and let's just leave it at that." Bella walked to the wall facing the couch and sat on the floor. "Schnell, schnell. I want my show," she said, winking.

Emmett began to slowly undress as he walked back to the couch. Tossing his shirt to the side, he ordered Angela to remove the rest. Falling to her knees, she unbuttoned the fly of his jeans, pulling them slowly over his hips and down his legs. Her shoulders began to rise and fall with her quickened breath, and she peeled his boxer briefs off his body. She couldn't take her eyes off his hard cock, and her hands shook as she wrapped them around him. Emmett's head fell back, and he growled.

Bella continued to watch as Emmett and Angela explored each other. As she did, her mind did not revisit similar moments with Emmett. It tortured her with images of the single time Edward made love to her. Her vampire memory was so painfully exact. She could feel his trembling hands travel her body, taste him in her mouth. She could recall with perfect clarity the fullness she felt when he was inside her. No other touch had ever mattered, only his. She was sure, no matter what Emmett said, that Edward was lost to her forever.

Drowning in her memories, Bella suddenly detected the sweet scent of human blood. Snapping her gaze back to Emmett, she saw him on the couch, Angela straddling him. He was staring at his fingers in horror, tiny drops of blood smeared on them. He'd broken Angela's barrier. Bella sped behind the couch and leaned to whisper in his ear.

"Emmett, it's okay. Just put them in her mouth, and let her clean them off."

Every muscle in his body tensed, he tentatively entered Angela's mouth, his fingers slick with her arousal and her blood. Bella ran her hands through his hair and soothingly massaged his scalp. Finally, as Angela sucked his fingers clean and the smell of blood dissipated, Emmett relaxed.

"Little girl," Emmett cooed to Angela, "why don't you see how I taste?"

Giggling, Angela feel to her knees and took him in her mouth.

Emmett's head fell back, and he gazed gratefully into Bella's eyes. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Are you sure you don't want to share?" He clenched a handful of Angela's hair and began to guide her. "She's quite the little freak, and she has the sweetest taste."

Bella rolled her eyes. "What happened to all that love matters talk?"

"It does, but this..." He paused to moan as Angela took him in deeper. "This isn't love. And you don't owe him any fidelity at this point. He certainly hasn't given you his."

The truth of Emmett's words didn't lessen their pain. No matter what they'd felt and been to each other once...no matter how she felt about him now...he had not asked her to make promises and had made none himself. He'd sought out comfort in another, and, while it had hurt her, she didn't blame or hate him for it now. There was no reason for her to deny herself some comfort of her own.

"Maybe just a little taste."

Emmett beamed up at her. "Now that's my girl!"

Shedding her clothes as she walked around the couch, Bella stood as Emmett lifted Angela into his lap and turned her to straddle him facing Bella. Angela's eyes widened, and she slowly licked her lips and eyed Bella's naked body.

Kneeling between Emmett and Angela's entwined legs, Bella began to slowly stroke Angela's wet lips. Without a word, she lowered her mouth and began taking long, hard laps with her tongue. Emmett was right; Angela was the sweetest tasting woman Bella had ever had. Angela writhed under Bella's mouth until Emmett pinned her against him. Looking up only once, Bella saw him, his eyes filled with lust, watching her. She returned to her delicious task, licking and sucking Angela's swollen clit while entering her with three interlocked fingers. Bella often performed these actions leading up to a kill, and she was surprised at how much more arousing it was to simply do this for another's pleasure. She curved her fingers forward, hitting a spot inside Angela that drove her wild, and Angela almost instantly came, screaming and cursing.

"Now, now," Emmett teased, "what would Edward think of such a filthy mouth?"

Bella sat back on her heels and watched as Emmett lifted Angela and slowly lowered her onto his waiting cock. She'd forgotten how enjoyable it could be to just watch two people fuck. She was surprised at how easily Angela accepted whatever they'd wanted to do to her; Emmett had long ago stopped using the voice on her. Edward may have thought Angela was pure before, but she certainly would never seem pure again. Bella couldn't help but think what an amazing vampire Angela might make.

If Demetri ever sees Angela, she'll be one of us in no time.

Bella was still laughing to herself when Angela began to scream and curse again. She was riding Emmett hard, and her orgasm took him right over the edge. Grabbing her hips, he thrust into her deeply, groaning as he exploded inside her. Angela's head was thrown back onto Emmett's shoulder, and she was gasping for breath. When they both recovered, they looked at Bella hungrily.

"What?" Bella asked, knowing full well what the answer was.

"I think we're short one mind-blowing orgasm," Emmett said. "What do you think, baby?"

Angela dismounted Emmett and knelt in front of Bella. "I'd like to try."

Emmett threw a pillow from the couch onto the floor. "Lay back and enjoy for once. I myself think I'll watch."

Reclining on the floor, the pillow propping up her head, Bella waited for Angela's direction. Kissing her once on the lips, Angela made her way down Bella's body, settling in between her legs. Just as Angela's tongue began its hesitant exploration, Bella's cell phone rang.

"Fuck!" Bella cried. "Not now!"

Emmett was lazily stroking himself as Angela continued to lick. "Ignore it," he growled.

"I can't. You and Aro are the only ones that have that number." Bella reluctantly pulled Angela up by her hair. "Sorry, baby. Can I have a raincheck?"

Angela blushed, looking up through her thick lashes. "Sure."

Bella scrambled to her feet, mumbling to herself as she walked to the kitchen counter to retrieve her phone. She answered, irritated. "What do you want, Aro?"

"Dearest Bella, we have a problem." Usually singsong, Aro's voice was tight and clipped.

"What's wrong?"

"It's Jane. She's gone rogue. She's in Chicago."

Bella's fingers clawed into the marble counter. "Why? She has to know she can't hurt me."

"Bella," Aro sighed. "Jane does whatever it takes to win. If she can't hurt you..."

"She'll hurt who I love."

"Yes, go to Carlisle's. They'll need your shield. I'm on my way." The call disconnected.

Rushing into the living area, she heard Emmett groan, Angela kneeling between his legs. "Look, if you're done fucking her mouth, we've got to go." She quickly dressed, throwing Emmett's clothes to him.

Kissing Angela quickly, Emmett pulled on his pants. "What's going on? What did Aro say?"

"We've got to get to the Cullens. There's going to be trouble."

Angela gasped, horrified, and Emmett hugged her. "Don't worry. Everything will be fine. You just get cleaned up and go home, okay?"

As Angela began to walk to the bedroom, Bella called her back. "Angela?"

"Yes," Angela said, her voice meek again.

"I need my boots back. I can't kick some ass without my boots."