Chapter Six revelations
A/N: SM wrote twilight and I wrote this.
Just a reminder that this is a reimagining using SM's characters as inspiration - things won't be the same as they are in SM's work. It is a fan fiction, after all.
Esme was in the kitchen helping Bella prepare her dinner while Edward settled in at the dining table with the rest of the Cullens.
He quietly listened to their minds as they expressed various levels of curiosity about their new family members. Edward was pleased to realise that their minds were very open and their thoughts were consistent, in tone and intention, with their words. Alice's mind was the most complex to understand which didn't really surprise him, given her gift to see the future. He considered the difficulties she must experience knowing the outcomes of the decisions of others, sensing that she tried not to interfere with their choices despite knowing how they would turn out, which must've been a challenge.
Jasper's thoughts were logical and clear, not emotional in any way except when he looked to Alice. It was then that his thoughts took a softer and gentler tone. Jasper seemed pleased to have a mind reader in the family as he hoped it would take the pressure from his mate in terms of protecting the family's vampiric identity. He was also most curious to hear Edward's information on Police Chief Black.
Rosalie's thoughts surprised Edward the most. She seemed to be quite concerned for Isabella's safety, not unlike the feelings Chief Black had expressed. Rosalie did not believe anyone in the family would harm Isabella, she was, however, morbidly curious about how he and Isabella could possibly be intimate as mates should be, since Bella was human. Edward turned from her thoughts when she started to imagine what sexual positions might be safest for a vampire and human.
Thankfully Carlisle joined them followed by Esme and Isabella who seemed a little uncomfortable as she entered the room with her plate. Edward stood quickly to pull out her chair for her.
Isabella apologised as she raised her fork and knife to begin her meal: "Please excuse me for eating in front of you."
"Please Isabella, we are pleased to finally put the kitchen to its proper use," Carlisle said attempting to put Bella at her ease.
She gave him a small smile in thanks before looking to Edward, hoping that he would change the subject of the conversation. Edward, of course, understood her desire to avoid being the centre of attention so he immediately turned the conversation away from Bella and her meal.
Turning to Carlisle he asked: "Tell me sir, what do you know about Police Chief Black?"
Carlisle articulated a true reflection of his thoughts out loud for the benefit of Isabella: "He is a member of the local Quileute tribe and is the son of their Chief. He is married to Leah and they have two children: Sam and Seth. They do not live on the reservation but they visit there often. We have had very little to do with other members of the tribe other than Emily who is a nurse at the hospital. Jacob became Police Chief for the region five years ago. He appears much younger than his 32 years. He has always been very polite and friendly with our family; his behaviour today was quite unusual."
Bella had a confused look on her face: "He seemed to react badly to me in particular."
"What did spook him Edward, because he's never behaved that way before with us," asked Esme, genuinely concerned at the Chief's reaction.
Edward looked to Carlisle as the head of the family to share his observations. "Chief Black became upset when he met my Bella because he is a good man who has vowed to protect the community. Until now he has not considered your family to be a threat to this community but now you have a human living in your house, he has concerns for her safety."
"Why would he be upset because I am a human?"
"Dearest, he is concerned because you are a human living in a house full of vampires," Edward added.
"He knows?" Jasper shouted.
"Yes. He knows," Edward stated flatly.
"Edward?" Carlisle asked. "Please tell us all you know about Chief Black."
Edward nodded. "Of course, sir. First of all. Police Chief Black means you no harm. He, his wife and the elders of their tribe know that you... well we... are vampires. They know we are vegetarians or 'golden eyes' as they call us."
Emmett went to speak but Carlisle held up his hand, "Please everyone, let's just hear what Edward has to tell us and then we can discuss and ask questions." Everyone nodded.
However, Edward didn't continue as he noticed that Bella had stopped eating. "Have I upset you my Bella? Why have you stopped eating? I don't claim to be an expert on human nutrition but surely you have not consumed enough."
"Edward," Bella said, mustering all her patience. "I am not a big eater and prefer to eat small amounts frequently. I appreciate your concern but please allow me to take care of my own needs. Now I think we'd all be more interested in hearing your insights on the Police Chief than whether or not I have eaten my vegetables, which were delicious by the way Esme."
Esme smiled at the compliment.
Edward frowned slightly at being admonished in front of the others, again. Bella knew she had to be patient with him. This was after all her job now, to help Edward adjust to life outside of SPAM. He couldn't help his manners and she had to help him understand that his behaviour wasn't appropriate in modern society. A man shouldn't try and make decisions for a woman, even if she was his 'mate'.
She gave a small sigh and squeezed his hand in comfort, regretting her rebuke. He squeezed her hand gently and returned his attention to the group: "My apologies, being part of a mated pair is very new for us and we are still finding our way. Now as I was saying, the Quileute tribal elders have definitely known about you all along and are quite comfortable with your presence. Jacob, that is to say Chief Black, gave considerable thought to your positive contribution to the Hospital Carlisle and to your charity work Esme. It is his tribal responsibility to check in on you just as much as it is for him to check on any potential threats to their harmony within the community.
"His wife Leah is less comfortable with our presence and most especially the necessity for her husband's proximity to us when he visits. That is why she comes with him so she can keep a watchful eye on him."
"But Leah never comes with him, Edward. She wasn't here today," Rosalie said.
Edward smiled, "Oh but she was here, my new sister. Did you not hear the eagle's call? That was Leah."
Carlisle gave Edward a slightly confused look: "Are you saying what I think you are saying Edward?"
"Yes sir, I am." Edward confirmed Carlisle's unspoken theory.
"Well, I never." Carlisle said sitting back in his chair with a large grin.
Jasper was frustrated and became agitated: "For the non mind readers in the room could everyone please articulate your thoughts verbally and Edward could you please explain what it going on?"
The others around the table nodded and looked to Edward to explain his comments.
Edward did not wish to obfuscate the facts but he was concerned at sharing such information all in one lump so he was deliberately attempting to drip feed the information. He realised this was unnecessary and frankly annoying for his new family so he determined to order the information and provide it quickly.
"Apologies. Here are the facts which you seem to be unaware of from your comments and thoughts. The Quileutes know that we are vampires. They also know we are vegetarian vampires and pose no threat to the community, although they seem to have charged Jacob Black with the responsibility to keep an eye on you ... well us.
"The Quileutes also appear to be shape-shifters, well that is, some members of the tribe have the ability to take the form of their spirit animals. Leah, for example, is capable of shifting to her spirit animal which is an Eagle. She was perched in the trees outside and flew above the house while Jacob was here, she considers him to be her mate and she was concerned for his safety. I am pleased to say that I was able to read her mind in her shifted state and she has no animosity towards this family, she just has natural and reasonable fear of vampires."
Emmett was leaning forward listening to Edward's explanation. He loved the idea of shape-shifters and was immediately planning to take on a new research project to study the traditions and legends of the Quileute tribe.
Edward nodded. "That is actually an excellent idea Emmett. I am sure my Isabella would enjoy working with you on that project as I know she has a love of research."
"What project?" Isabella asked, amazed to witness Edward's mind-reading ability in action while at the same time struggling to keep up with the speed of information. Edward was speaking a little faster than usual but she didn't want to ask him to slow down, especially after rebuking him for pandering to her humanness.
"Emmett would like to research the history of the local Quileute tribe and learn more about their legends, especially their abilities and history with vampires, my love." Edward explained.
"Well then Emmett, Edward is quite right, I would certainly like to work with you on that project. I enjoy research and also enjoy a good mystery," Bella declared.
Emmett reached across the table offering Bella his fist to bump which she did with a giggle and then a small whimper.
"Oops, sorry little sis. I forgot how fragile you are... Don't tell me off, you are fragile compared to a vampire," said Emmett.
Edward immediately checked her hand and realising it would bruise he scowled at Emmett before placing a small cold kiss on her hand. "Here love, let me hold you hand in mine and the cold of my skin will serve as an ice pack and keep the swelling down."
She touched his cheek with her other hand and thanked him softly.
Jasper interrupted their moment with an enquiry about Jacob. "You say that Leah is a shifter and can take the form of an Eagle. What of Jacob? I've often thought he had an odd scent but I didn't think much of it until now. Does he shift as well?"
Edward shook his head. "Apparently not. I noticed his odd scent too Jasper, it's almost like a wet dog smell, but from his and Leah's thoughts it appears that Jacob cannot shift. He actually wished he could change to a wolf and run home when he was panicking to leave the house, so perhaps his spirit animal is a wolf?"
"Isabella and I may discover something about him when we research the tribe. It could be his lineage?" Emmett mused. Edward was pleased to find that Emmett's outward playfulness hid a more serious intelligence. He would enjoy getting to know his new brother in their time with the Cullens.
Carlisle nodded: "Is there anything else we should know Edward?"
"Well sir, Jacob may not shift but he does have heightened abilities. He is exceptionally strong, and you noted yourself that he appears younger than his actual age. His hearing and his sense of smell are well above a normal human ability. He also finds our scent repugnant which is the opposite to a normal human reaction.
"What concerns me more than any of this though Carlisle, is that he now has serious concerns regarding this family because of my Isabella. His intentions towards her are protective but he intends to report to the tribal elders that there is now a human residing here and that he cannot guarantee her safety. That was why he asked Isabella to leave with him, he wanted to remove her from danger."
Carlisle considered Edward's words and understood his warning. He looked to all the members of his family and landed on Alice who had been conspicuously quiet. "Alice, you have not said very much today. Do you have some thoughts?"
Alice let out a sigh of frustration. "I feel that I should apologise to you all. I have not 'seen' anything of the Quileutes and their interest in our family in all the time we have lived here. In fact, I now realise that I have not had any visions whenever Jacob has been in the house. I hadn't put two and two together before as there are times when I do not have visions if there are no decisions being made which will affect us but I realise now that this is more than a coincidence."
Jasper looked to his mate with concern. "Do you mean Alice that you believe that Jacob or possibly Leah are blocking your abilities?"
She nodded.
Emmett's fascination with the newly discovered abilities of the Quileutes grew even more. "Well that is very interesting. They can block Alice but not Edward. We shall have to explore that further as we may have missed some important developments. No wonder we did not know they knew about us."
"It appears," said Carlisle. "That we may need to meet with the elders of the tribe and put them at ease about young Isabella's safety. Jacob planned to visit again tomorrow after your return from school, perhaps we can open the discussion with him before speaking to the tribal elders. I will need your assistance Edward, since you will be able to hear their thoughts."
Isabella leaned forward and cleared her throat. "Carlisle, I would appreciate attending the meeting also, given I am the subject of the conversation."
Edward wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and was about to argue against her suggestion. He feared for her safety but Carlisle agreed with Bella.
"Yes Isabella. I agree with you, both because as you rightly point out, you are the topic of interest but also as a show of truth to our statements to the tribe of your safety. I believe that your voluntary presence will attest to our inclusion of you in our family as an equal and not as a vampire pet."
"A pet?" Bella almost shouted.
Esme leaned over and patted her hand. "This is one of those vampire things I can explain for you, my dear. You see some vampires keep humans as pets, playthings... as a kind of entertainment. Unfortunately they usually end up eventually becoming dinner when their vampire owners no longer find them amusing. It is a disgusting practice which we of course neither condone nor participate in."
Bella was disgusted. She clearly still had a lot to learn about vampires.
Carlisle then called the meeting to a close: "For now we will continue as usual. I will be at the hospital all day as it is surgery day and you all have school tomorrow. Edward and Isabella, as it is your first day, Esme will travel with you and introduce you to the headmaster. I suggest we all retire to our rooms for the evening and take some time to absorb what we have learned today."
Everyone stood and within seconds all but Edward and Bella had flashed out of the room. Bella found their speed to be impressive and a little frightening. In one day her new 'family' had opened her eyes to just how vulnerable humans were compared to the speed and strength of vampires.
Bella looked to Edward and he saw immediately that she was exhausted, though he knew she'd never admit it. She lifted her dishes and went to the kitchen intent on cleaning up after herself but she found Esme there already loading the dishwasher excitedly.
"I have finally had the opportunity to use this machine," she giggled. "Have I loaded it correctly Bella? Have I put in sufficient powder?"
Bella was relieved not to have to clean the kitchen, and after placing her dish and cutlery in the machine with the pots and pans, she gave Esme's dishwasher loading skills the tick of approval.
"This is all so much fun," said Esme.
Bella squealed and slapped Edward's arms when he scooped her up into his arms. "Time to put the human to bed," he chuckled before he too flashed up the stairs effortlessly with her locked safely in his arms.
He leaned down so Bella could open the door to their rooms and then despite her half-hearted protests, continued to carry her through their suite before placing her gently on her bed.
He leaned down and placed a small kiss on her forehead. "My dearest, please allow me to thank you for all you are doing for me." He placed a small kiss on her cheek. "Thank you for coming to Forks with me and helping me to rejoin society." He then kissed her other cheek before kneeling on the floor so that his face was level with hers. "Thank you for accepting me, Isabella. Please love, may I kiss your sweet, soft lips?"
With his face so close to hers Bella was enthralled by his beauty, his gentleness and his affection. She nodded her head slowly and watched as he brought his face closer to hers. He cupped her cheek with one hand while with his other hand he softly traced his fingers up the back of her neck until he wove his fingers through her thick hair.
Just before his lips touched hers he whispered 'I love you' so softly she barely heard him. Then his lips met hers. Their touch was tentative at first but then he pressed his lips more firmly and she melted into him. She reached up and pushed her fingers through his glorious hair, she really loved his hair, and then she pulled herself against his body. He moaned and let his hand fall to the small of her back as he held her against him. This time she moaned and it was this sound that broke the spell for him. Realising they were getting over-excited he gently pulled back from her, giving her a shy smile.
Bella blushed and gave a small chuckle. "Well that escalated quickly."
He nodded and gave her another glorious smile: "You dazzle me Miss Swan." He sat back on his haunches and placed his hands on his knees: "Now my dearest we must get you ready for bed so you can rest and I can do some of my 'assimilate Edward' homework. We are off to high school tomorrow. Come on, off the bathroom with you for a nice hot shower."
A/N: I've written the next chapter already it just needs editing so you won't have to wait so long for the next chapter. I hope you enjoyed this update. I love Edward but I must admit I am kind of sweet on Esme too. See you soon.