A/N: Hey guys, I know it's been a while, I had to go a college registration with one of my friend to the University of Illinois. So this is the next chapter and I hope you like it. Oh and by the way, I was looking through the reviews for this story the other day and noticed that these last couple chapters have gotten a good number of reviews, except for chapter 16. It only has six compared to the eleven and fifteens around it. I was wondering if there's something wrong with the chapter that I need to fix, maybe people read something and didn't like it…I don't know. Let me know what you think. As always, Read and Review!!

CHAPTER 22

Edward was the one who answered the questions I hadn't intentionally let the whole family hear, "it's because of us Bella. We don't really know why, but it seems like vampires are just drawn to each other, especially those that drink human blood, they seem attracted to those of us who drink animal blood like bees to honey. Because you've been associated with us for so long, and Victoria knows this, you've become a natural entity to us, thus adding you to our coven and to our realm of danger. I tried to warn you, all that time ago, that being near us was dangerous, it's your own fault if you didn't listen."

I glared at him as he said this last part. "Well if you'll recall, I had some help in "not listening". I personally would say that more than half of reason I was "near" you was because I thought we were in love. If you hadn't led me on maybe I wouldn't have hung around you so much and you could have gone on doing whatever the hell you were all doing before you met me!"

Carlisle could smell another argument ensuing and so interrupted swiftly. "Bella, Edward, stop this right now. It's not helping anything and whatever problems you two are having, get over them on your own time. This is about the whole family now, and Jake and the others. We'll just have to be on watch for her and this other vampire she's with now. I think we should split the day into shifts, to patrol the area, Forks and the reservation included. Bella, you will not have a patrol. Do you understand me?" he asked with firm authority.

I nodded, "but, why Carlisle?" I asked.

"Victoria is after you Bella. No matter what she's trying to make us believe, it's you she wants. If you're on patrol it'll be harder for the rest of us to protect you. Here, it's easier, because more of us will be here at one time…"

I sighed deeply and Emmett wasn't the only one who could tell that this was a depressed, upset sound. "What's wrong Bella?" Charlie asked.

"It's just…with Victoria on the loose…everything else…when will we find time for the wedding?" I asked to no one in particular.

"Wedding?" Jake asked.

"Oh Jake, I forgot you didn't know. Emmett asked me to marry him, and I said yes. But now…there won't be time…" I was slightly surprised at how much this made me sad and upset.

"We'll have the wedding this weekend," Emmett replied. "We'll do it as soon as possible, so that after all we have to worry about is Victoria and getting her away from Forks."

I looked at him, "thank you so much Emmett. Oh, Alice will that be enough time for you?" I asked, looking at the tiny pixie vampire.

"Sure, I mean, I already got your dress and his tux, because I knew that the occasion would come someday and I knew you wouldn't be changing dress sizes so... All we have to do is call up some friends, put the decorations up, and have the wedding…it's no big deal."

"Thank you Alice, you're amazing."

She shrugged and grinned as I stood in a flash and hugged her, "I know."

"Alright, back to business. Jake, do you think the pack will be willing to work with us in protecting everyone from this threat?" Carlisle asked.

Jake nodded, "this isn't just about you, this is about everyone in the area. If this Victoria is going to be around for any length of time, she'll be a danger to the community. It's the job of the pack to protect the humans. We will work with you and do whatever we can to get rid of this enemy."

"Thank you. Bella, Edward, I know it might be hard for you, but I want you to stay away from each other. There are obviously still issues between you and none of us can deal with them until we have time. You can do this the easy way, or my way. Just stay away from each other and try to be helpful to the rest of the family," Carlisle instructed, giving Edward and me a look that clearly said there would be severe consequences if we disobeyed.

"Yes sir," I said quietly. "I'll try to be productive, not destructive."

Edward didn't reply, he glowered at Carlisle and stalked from the room, clearly mad that Carlisle hadn't immediately taken his side over mine. Stupid self-centered pig. I thought as I sighed again and rolled my eyes, even when I tried, I ended up making someone mad.

"Alright then, Esme and I will take Charlie hunting now, I'm sure that even if he is immune to human blood, he still needs to feed. Jasper, Alice, Rose, go downstairs with Jake and talk to the pack, explain things. Bella, Emmett, I don't really care what you do as long as you stay clear of Edward and you don't leave the house. Oh, and I suppose Esme and I will explain about the pack to Charlie while we're out…" Carlisle said.

Everyone went their separate ways, but I just stood there for a moment, watching after Charlie. I was surprised that he looked to handsome now, though I knew I shouldn't have been. He was the only one besides myself that I'd actually seen before they were changed, and I'd never had good opinion of myself. His skin, weathered as a human, was now just as statuesque as the Cullens, the same marble white. His hair was a richer brown, much like my own, and looked healthy, with no patches to give away his age. His physic was well muscled, like the male Cullens. But his face was the most different from before. I had always thought he had kind of a plain face, but now, compared to what he used to be, I saw him as the most beautiful of the vampires. His brows were sculpted and his mouth was more defined. He was perfect. I was sure that to most people who didn't know him, he looked to be in his early to mid thirties.

And I knew that I was babbling in my thoughts and to anyone else I would probably sound like I was in love with my own father, but I knew different. I did love him, but I was just more happy and in awe that he was alive and I wouldn't have to leave him behind when we eventually had to leave. Besides, I knew this was all really new and probably really odd to him, I couldn't help watching him to see how he'd react. I thought he'd taken the whole subject in stride, something I definitely hadn't expected from him.

I finally turned to Emmett and smiled, "well, that's one way to get some alone time huh?" I asked.

He grinned back at me and leaned down to kiss me gently. "I've been dying for some time alone. It seems like we're always surrounded by the family, or those smelly dogs," he said, teasing me.

"Emm, don't call them that, please? I know it's hard for you, having hated them so long. But they're my friends, and they're trying to help us…" I pleaded.

"I know Bella, I was kidding, I know how much you hate when we do that." He paused and looked searchingly into my eyes. "Are you worried?" he asked softly.

I hesitated, trying to think about the question. Finally I nodded, "I just…I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me. I mean, Charlie almost died because of me…"

"That wasn't your fault Bella. You can't control what other people do. You know I'll never let anyone hurt you right?" he whispered.

I gave him a sad smile this time, "I'm not worried about myself Emmett. It's everyone else. There's such a small chance that anything will happen to me while I'm held hostage in this house. But everyone else…they'll be out there in the open where they could get hurt. What about you? What would I do if…I couldn't live if… I'm afraid for the family, Jake and the pack, and most of all you Emmett. My life wouldn't be worth living if something happened to you."

"Don't act like that Bella; everything is going to be fine. Can you imagine anyone hurting me?" he asked, stepping back from me and spreading his arms.

"Not really, but she's dangerous Emmett, don't underestimate her just because she's a female. Rose looks like a princess but mess with her and she can be nasty, Victoria is like that too. Promise me you'll be careful," I pleaded.

Emmett stopped his joking and became serious when he realized that I was genuinely worried about him. "Hey, I'll be fine. I promise that I'll be careful. I swear nothing will happen." He leaned down and kissed me, letting me wrap my arms around his neck to kiss him back with feeling. After a moment he broke away and cleared his throat. "So, this weekend huh? Are you ready to be Mrs. Emmett Cullen?" he asked with a grin.

"Hum, I don't know…Isabella Marie Cullen…it doesn't sound quite right…too many l's maybe?…I guess we'll have to break the wedding off."

Emmett gave a playful growl before lifting me up and throwing me over his shoulder. From around his back I could see that we were on our way to the bedroom and soon enough my back made contact with the bed. I lay there giggling a little as he flopped down on the bed next to me. "No really, I'm actually ecstatic. I'm always so happy with you Emmett, and to be married to you, it'll be the greatest gift in the world." I reached over to stroke his cheek with my hand and smiled softly when he covered my hand with his, slowly moving it to his mouth to kiss it. Soon we were locked in an intense make out session.

"Oh! Sorry to interrupt!" came a husky voice that was only too familiar to me. I let out a low groan and leaned my forehead against Emmett's.

"Do you think we'll ever be able to do this without someone interrupting?" I whispered.

He chuckled, "not while we're boyfriend and girlfriend. But once we're married I plan on having you all to myself for long stretches of time. Go, see what he wanted," he said, gently easing me away from him so I could stand. I quickly made myself presentable again and rushed after Jake. He was halfway down the stairs when I caught up to him.

"Wait, Jake, did you want something?" I asked.