Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, and well … this is fan fiction, and you know how the saying goes. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery … but if that's the case, then what is cloning?
Songlines Ch15
It had been a long day for Bella and she had been all but asleep on her feet when I finally coaxed Bella into agreeing to go home to get some sleep.
She's trying to keep us with us, Edward, Carlisle cautioned. Don't let her get too tired.
When she had tripped on the top step I had scooped her into my arms and carried her to the car ignoring her protests. Her insistence that she was perfectly fine, thank you very much, were all for naught. As I pulled the car out onto the road she had fumbled for my hand, clasping it all the way home even when she had fallen into a light doze. She had woken up enough to stumble inside her apartment building while I waited outside and by the time I eased myself over her windowsill she had changed into her favourite old t-shirt and crawled into bed. She had lifted her head off the pillow at the sound of my entrance and given me smile that drew me inexorably towards her.
"How many times has this scene happened?" Bella asked as I stood beside the bed gazing down at her.
"More times than I care to admit," I answered as I sat down on the bed. "But this is new," I continued as I ran my hand up and over the curve of her hip before leaning down for a kiss. I felt Bella's lips smile against my own before she reached up to pull me towards her, encouraging me closer and closer until I was all but lying on top of her. The gentle rotation of her hips against mine brought me back to my senses. I broke away from the kiss with considerable regret. Bella was in bed beneath the covers and I was pressed up against her, her warm hands on my neck as she kissed me,
"Perhaps it's better if I leave," I suggested in a gentle voice.
"No," Bella made a drowsy grab for my shirt as I made to get off the bed. "Please stay."
"Bella, this can't possibly end well, it's too dangerous."
"You can't leave without giving me some answers." Bella struggled out of the covers enough to hook a leg over my hips. Her strength was nothing compared to mine but the way she smiled at me was enough to still my half-hearted gesture.
"Mmm," I leaned and ran my nose along her neck inhaling her scent, "ask away then, I'm all yours."
"If only," Bella blinked at me and pursed her lips as she considered her next move. I leaned forward and gave her a kiss, smiling against her lips as she instinctively moved closer. Her eyes fluttered closed and she subsided from our kiss with a quiet sigh. I tucked the covers in around her as carefully as I could and lay waiting for her to speak. There was a long silence and when I looked at her I saw that she had gone to sleep. I settled myself more comfortably and watched as her eyelids began to flicker, chasing dreams.
I looked down again as Bella shifted uneasily beside me. Her eyes flew open as she clutched convulsively at my shirt.
"Hey," I whispered as I brushed my knuckles across her cheek.
"I thought you were gone," she said in a broken whisper as she struggled to wake up.
"I'm here," I soothed, "go back to sleep."
"You left," she said, and this time her tone was accusatory as she fought against the sleep that was pulling her back under.
"No I didn't, I'm here," I kissed her forehead and sighed against her skin. My breath puffed over her face and she smiled as her eyes fluttered closed. She slept and I watched her all night as she chased invisible dreams.
* * * * *
The next afternoon I watched as Bella yawned discretely behind her hand as we walked towards her next lecture. My schedule was done for the day but I had no desire to leave campus just yet.
"What are you going to do for the next couple of hours?" Bella asked, "It's not like you have to study."
"I'll wait for you," I replied as I glanced down at her shoes. I found myself taking an absurd pleasure in matching my pace to hers, wondering if she knew that her walking pace matched her heartbeat. What had seemed a cripplingly slow human pace a few weeks ago now felt meaningful; being with Bella in public was a way to somehow prolong the pleasure I took in her company.
"You'll wait?" Bella pulled a face at this.
"You don't want me to?"
"It's not that I don't want you to, but won't you get bored?" Bella waved a hand to indicate her surroundings as we entered the building where her next lecture was located. "You don't need to study, it's not like you need to eat, or at least," she amended, "you can't eat what's on offer."
"Perhaps, but the most important thing to me is here," I said as we paused at the door to her lecture, "which is you." I gave her what I intended to be a quick kiss which changed as soon as our lips came into contact. Bella stepped closer to press herself against my chest as she offered herself up for more.
Get a room …
So the Ice Princess can melt after all, I bet she …
I ignored the contemptuous thoughts I could hear from Jessica but my head snapped up as the next person approached. Mike gave Bella a welcome smile as he approached which belied the near-pornographic thoughts he was having about the woman in my arms.
"Hey, Bella," he offered me a nod by way of greeting as he kept his attention on the object of my affection.
"Mike," Bella made as if to disentangle herself from me and paused as she registered the fact that my arms were completely immobile around her waist.
I gave Mike a wide smile that displayed my teeth to their best advantage and watched as he hesitated before picking up his pace and disappearing through the door into the lecture hall.
Freak.
I was congratulating myself as I looked down to see Bella giving me a measuring gaze.
"What?"
"What did you just do?" She wriggled again and this time although I was still reluctant I let her go.
"Nothing," I could hear the tone of protest in my voice and wondered how someone so young, so human could call me out on my behaviour. "Just smiled is all."
"Right," she muttered, "and I've seen what that can do."
"Really? And what's that?" I was intrigued now, watching as Bella hauled the strap of her satchel into a more comfortable position on her shoulder.
"Dazzle women, stare six types of shit out of Mike," Bella indicated where Mike had gone with a jerk of her head. "I don't know how you dial up the wattage on that smile of yours but it's very effective."
"Mm-hmm," I considered this and stepped closer as I smiled at in what I hoped was a winning fashion, "and is it working now?"
"You tell me," Bella whispered as she gave a reluctant smile of her own. I lifted my hand to feel the pulse at her throat, my smile widening as I felt the rapid tattoo.
More students filed past us and into the hall. Bella exchanged greetings with some of them and I admired the way the tendons of her neck moved beneath her skin shifting and pulling the veins; it was a symphony of warmth.
"I should go," she admitted and I nodded. I didn't want to be the one to move away and so it was Bella who turned with considerable reluctance and pushed the door open.
"I'll be waiting," I promised.
* * * * *
"I've got bad news," Alice frowned and Jasper and I exchanged a mystified look before looking at her. I had ended up at a remote table in the library where Alice and Jasper had sought me out when their classes had finished. "Sunny skies ahead," Alice explained as she blinked and came back to us.
"Good hunting weather," Jasper smiled and I had to admit he had a point. When the weather was temperate more animals were inclined to come out to forage, and we were no exception.
"For how long?" I frowned at this. Bella's schedule for the week was heavy on campus.
"Most of the week," Alice shook her head and gave me a chagrined look. "Sorry, for but for what it's worth Bella will be okay."
"Right," I accepted the information Alice offered but still felt unhappy about it. I hadn't known about Bella's existence for the last twenty-two years but somehow the thought of not being around her for a few short days seemed untenable.
"You'd better get going," Alice went on, "her class is nearly over and your little display earlier got your girl some attention."
"What?" I glared at Alice as she gave a jaunty nod.
"Do tell," Jasper urged with a sly grin. Never thought I'd see him getting hot and bothered. It's about time he-
"Enough, Jasper," I gritted. "Alice, explain yourself."
Alice opened her mouth to speak and then subsided. "Talk is cheap, I'll give you some show and tell."
"Why do I have to miss out on the fun?" Jasper objected. "We're not all mind-readers."
"Fun for who? Alice," I warned her, "come on."
"Fine," Alice pouted as she leaned against Jasper. "Bella has been able to avoid male interest for most of the year but now your little display before her lecture has gotten a few of the guys thinking about her now."
"Tell me around it," I growled as I remembered Mike's fantasies from earlier.
"How bad are we talking here?" Jasper shifted in his seat as he leaned forward to Alice. How bad could it be?
Alice shot him an amused look. "I seem to recall someone here thought Bella was quite the threat to us when Edward first discovered here."
"Well," Jasper shrugged, "that was before we knew her."
"Ah," Alice nodded, "and snack-wise?"
"She's a friend," Jasper looked wounded, "and you're watching out for me, right?"
"Definitely," Alice assured him, "and we're being really careful. I don't want to even risk a paper cut on our girl."
"Good to know," I muttered, but my attention was still on the matter of Bella's classmates. Perhaps I could hold off on leaving town with the family.
"Edward," Alice reached over to gently touch my arm, "you have to feed. You're no good to Bella if you don't."
"I know," I rubbed my face and huffed out an impatient breath. "Fine," I put my hands on the desk with a little more force than necessary and stood up ignoring the way the table creaked and groaned. "I'll see you later."
"Tell Bella we said hi," Alice grinned.
I arrived at the lecture hall moments before the doors opened and students began to spill out. Looking through the doorway I could see Bella standing by her seat as she gathered her books, Mike and Eric lingering nearby exchanging small talk with her.
"So," Mike ventured after a few lame comments about the lecture, "you and that guy, what's his name?"
"Cullen," Bella supplied helpfully, "he's Edward Cullen."
"Right, so you two are dating?"
"Looks that way," Bella nodded as she hugged her textbooks to her chest and turned to make her way down the stairs.
"I've gotta say, Bella, I don't like it," Mike shook his head as he followed, seeming oblivious to the daggers Jessica was shooting him as she walked as close as she was able. Her thoughts were frustrated and I had no doubt that had she been able she would have stamped 'Taken' in large red letters across Mike's forehead. Not that any of that mattered. As soon as Bella made it to the foot of the stairs she looked across to the door and smiled when she saw me.
"What's not to like?" Bella asked Mike as she held my gaze knowing full well I could hear their conversation.
"I dunno," Mike shrugged as he admired Bella's hair that fell in loose waves around her shoulders, "he just looks at you like you're something to eat."
I grinned at this and watched as Bella laughed and shook her head at Mike.
"Seriously, Bella," Eric spoke up, "we hardly see you any more. Is everything okay?" Eric's thoughts were just as covetous as Mike's but at least he kept things within socially acceptable boundaries. He wanted her, there was no doubt of that, but I had to grudgingly appreciate the fact that at least he wasn't standing there visualising a clumsy teenage attempt at the karma sutra. If anything Eric seemed a little wistful that a woman he had thought was perhaps just within reach was now well beyond his grasp.
"I'm fine," Bella assured him with a grateful smile, "thanks for your concern guys, but everything's great. I can look after myself."
I felt my smile slip just a fraction at this. Like hell she could. Just when I thought she might be starting to appreciate the dangers in her life she had to go and say something like that.
"Stop it," Bella scolded in an undertone as she reached my side and took my hand.
"Stop what?"
"You're looking at me like you just want to roll me up in bubble wrap or something. I was fine before you came along and I'm fine now."
"But you don't know how-," I began and stopped in amazement as she shushed me.
"So I'll find out. You can't just hover over me all the time and expect me to be okay with that. You might know more than me, but you've got to give me a chance to find out for myself."
"Very well," I was grumbling now and very mindful that I was regressing to what Esme called my 'seventeen year old boy' behaviour but was apparently unable to help myself, "but it doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Listen," Bella stopped and put her hand on my chest, "I'm not cotton candy, I won't melt," and with that she lifted herself up onto tiptoe to kiss me and the sweetness of her lips belied her words. Bella smiled at me again and we resumed walking with lighter hearts.
"What do you want to do tonight?" I asked Bella.
"I should study," Bella said after a moment's consideration, "what about you?"
"Keep you company," I said replied.
"Another thrilling evening of you watching me eat and then spend the best part of the evening asleep. I had no idea you vampires were such adrenaline junkies," Bella teased. "Don't you get bored?"
"With you? Not at all; I never know just what you're going to do next and it's … intriguing."
"Mmph," Bella snorted under her breath. "Will I see you at class tomorrow?"
"Ah and now we get to the bad news, the forecast is for sunny weather most of the week."
"Oh," that stopped her in her tracks. "So what will you do?"
"The official line is that we'll be camping," I said as she resumed walking.
"Ah," she nodded at this, "and unofficially?"
I flashed a brilliant smile at her that showed enough of my teeth to give her my answer.
"Right, hunting," Bella nodded again. "Makes sense, your eyes are getting darker."
"You noticed?" I was the one that slowed down now as I looked at her.
"Sure, they're more golden when you've, uh, eaten," she replied, exchanging a nod and a smile with a passing student. The campus was its usual hive of activity and I found it curiously unsettling to have other students greeting me by name. Used to maintaining a low profile and having people avoid me, it seemed that Bella was making me more visible.
"That's one way of putting it," I murmured.
"Gotta love a good euphemism," Bella agreed. "So you'll be away all week?"
"Yes," I sighed at this as I realised we had barely been apart over the last few weeks.
"I'll miss you," she said with a wistful smile.
"It's entirely mutual," I nodded and then looked at her again as a thought occurred to me. "Actually while I'm away I'd recommend you don't walk anywhere alone at night."
"Okay."
I paused to consider the situation. "Or go out by yourself."
"What aren't you telling me?" Bella frowned.
"Let's just say I'm not the most dangerous thing out there," I suggested.
"Well I'm a big girl now, I can look after myself."
"True," I smiled at her statement, "but a couple of weeks ago you didn't know that vampires existed. It's a different world for you now."
"I know," Bella wrinkled her nose affectionately at me, "I love it."
"You love what could get you killed," I said in disbelief.
Bella leaned closer to me, nudging me with her shoulder as we walked hand in hand. "You know what I mean."
Now I stopped and looked at her.
"I think I do," I began slowly, watching as Bella stepped closer to me.
"Just so we're clear," Bella tugged at my shirt front and I automatically dipped my head towards hers, "I love you." Her lips were warm and soft and we only parted for the barest instance before going back for more.
"Check out the love bunnies," a voice called, and we broke apart to see Angela approaching us with a grin. "Hey stranger," she said to Bella.
"Like you can talk," scoffed Bella, "how's Ben?"
I looked on as Bella delighted in the slow flush that suffused Angela's face.
"He's fine," she nodded "really good, uh-," Angela shot me a glance and I gave her an encouraging nod. "We're going out for dinner tonight and then back to his place for a movie."
Angela's thoughts were an open book to me and so I was a beat ahead of her before she could speak.
"Why don't you join us?" Angela enthused, "I know Ben would like to spend time with you guys, it'll be fun."
"Actually-," Bella began temporising, "Edward just told me he's going away for a few days so maybe we'll stay in."
"Oh," Angela subsided a little at this, "well maybe next time." She's looking pale.
I glanced at Bella as Angela considered her friend. Bella had always been on the pale side but I could see the subtle signs that my being in her life had made on her. Her skin was milky translucent and I could see telltale blue crescents beneath her eyes. Carlisle was right, she was trying to keep up with our lifestyle and it was starting to show to her detriment. Something was going to have to be done about that.
"For sure," Bella was agreeing as I slid my arm around Bella's waist.
"Why don't you guys do something while I'm out of town, the four of us can arrange something when I get back. It'd be nice to hang out with you guys," I suggested and watched as Angela's expression cleared.
Has she lost weight? She looks happy but …
"In the meantime," I went on smoothly "maybe you two need a girl's night in, and while you're at it see if you can get her to eat plenty of something."
"Excuse me? I'm standing right here," Bella objected as Angela burst into giggles.
"Sorry, Bella, but I'm with Edward on this one. Besides," she went on in a confiding tone as if pretending I wasn't there, "any boyfriend that recommends Ben & Jerry is okay by me."
"Well," Bella gave a grudging smile, "when you put it that way."
"With hot fudge," Angela continued.
"Sold, I'm there," Bella agreed immediately and then winked at me, "when did you say you were leaving?"
"Oh it's like that now, huh?" I raised my eyebrows at her, playing along the three of us set off across campus towards the parking lot.
By the time we escorted Angela to her car her thoughts were that of happy anticipation. She was looking forward to spending time with Ben and was already planning a night at home that involved copies amounts of movies, ice cream and chocolate. Simple human activities of course but ones that Bella had been missing out on of late, and it would be good for her. We stood waving Angela off before turning towards where I had parked my car.
"She's a good friend," I commented as I opened Bella's door for her.
"The best," Bella agreed, "she has a good heart."
"Like attracts like," I commented and then paused as I considered the contrast between Bella and myself. A young human and a decades old vampire; what good could possibly come of that?
"So you're going to be away for how many days?" Bella asked as I got into the car and started the engine.
"Four," I replied, feeling glum at the prospect myself.
"Maybe I could come to the house at night if you're going to be there?"
I shook my head. "We won't be. We'll be going across state lines so that we don't hunt out the local game." I pulled out into traffic and glanced across at Bella who was looking surprised. "It's an alternate diet but we have to make sure it's sustainable without arousing suspicion with some of the local wildlife groups."
"Sure," Bella nodded and leaned into her seat again, "I can understand that but it's going to be strange."
"I agree."
"Is this even healthy?" Bella thought aloud, "we're only just dating and suddenly I can't imagine a day without you."
"Perhaps the others had a point," I said gently, "you need to do more things, human things."
"They're not as interesting," Bella argued.
"Perhaps, but they're what's right for you," I continued, "eating, sleeping, socialising. It's what any young woman your age should be doing, not-," I broke off with a grimace, "spending your evenings with a family that doesn't sleep, doesn't eat-,"
"Hey," Bella reached over to gently touch my arm, "I'm not doing anything I don't want to be doing."
"Sometimes I wonder," I muttered to myself.
"What makes you say that?" Bella pushed her hair off her face and twisted in her seat so that she could face me a little better. Her movement sent a puff of her scent wafting across my face and I closed my eyes to luxuriate in its complexity: vanilla and musk from her body wash, the mocha she had enjoyed between classes, all underpinned with the exquisite scent of her blood.
"Your own curiosity may be getting the better of you," I answered as I increased the speed of the car as soon as I had ascertained that there were no police in the vicinity.
Bella subsided in her seat at this and said nothing for the rest of the drive. I glanced at her on occasion and tried to engage her in conversation but she would not be drawn. Now her silence became oppressive rather than restful. I had no way of knowing that was going on in that head of hers but given the way in which she had resolutely turned her face away to stare out the window told me it wasn't anything good.
Arriving back at her apartment Bella was out of the car and at the door of the building without a word, leaving me speechless in the car as I watched her go inside without looking back. I got out of the car and leaned against it as I pondered my next move, looking up when Bella appeared at the front door. She leaned against the doorway and regarded me for a moment before nodding once and turning away to walk inside leaving the door ajar. I pushed myself away from the car and followed her silent invitation indoors.
The living room of the apartment was small but functional: the furniture seemed mostly Ikea standard which seemed popular with students these days. Bella's room revealed the most of her personality and so I found it unsettling to be in an environment where she seemed so diluted. I stood and watched in silence as she shucked off her coat and hung it by the door before turning to me with an unfathomable expression.
"Come on," she said and with that simply turned and walked towards her room. When I appeared in the doorway she was sitting on the edge of the bed. Silently I approached and sank to my knees in front of her so that we were at eye level with each other.
"Bella-," I began but stopped when she shook her head.
"Edward, you can't protect me from everything. No-one can, so it's foolish for you to try."
"But I want to," I argued and watched as she reached out to cup my face in her hands.
"I know," she soothed, rubbing her thumb over my lower lip, "and I know why, but I can't be stifled like that. It's not fair to either of us."
I lowered my gaze to the floor as I considered her words.
"I guess," Bella ventured after a long pause, "we could chalk this up to the generation gap." She offered a tremulous smile, "I suppose back in your day women were treated differently."
"You could say that," I sighed, "and no matter how much time goes by those values are still at my core. It's difficult for me to change my ways after so long."
"Well we'll have to see what we can do about that," Bella replied. She ran her hands through my hair and I sighed as I leaned into her touch. It was such a simple gesture but one that I didn't realise I had missed until now. Using slight pressure Bella urged me forward until my head was resting in her lap. She kept combing my hair with her fingers and drawing lazy spirals on my shoulders. I sighed again and put my arms around her hips, anchoring myself to her even more. The room still felt sad but the silence was no longer oppressive. The two of us had reached a plateau although I had no idea if we had yet to scale another peak or leap off the cliff to whatever lay below. I closed my eyes and gave myself over to her ministrations and if I had been able I believe I would have fallen asleep in her arms.
"Hey," Bella whispered at last and I lifted my head to look at her. "How about we get more comfortable?"
"You need to eat," I murmured as my gaze flickered to the window. It was getting dark outside and I wondered how long we had been sitting silently in each other's arms.
"Not hungry," Bella shook her head and I frowned at this. Angela's assessment had been right, she wasn't eating enough. "Seriously, I don't feel hungry right now. I'll make up for it at breakfast, I promise." She gave me a quick grin, "Now that I know you and Angela are both going to be on my case about it, I promise to eat enough to make a lumberjack blush."
"If you're sure," I said doubtfully.
"Edward, I just want to get into bed."
"Shall I go?" I asked and was reassured when she gave a firm shake of her head.
"No, but you can do me a favour and look the other way while I change, or I could go to the bathroom."
"I can wait outside," I offered as I stood up, and watched her smile.
"Always the gentleman," she murmured. "Stay here, I'll change in the bathroom." She gathered a few items and disappeared from the room.
Not knowing what to do I took a seat in my chair and waited. Bella performed her ablutions and reappeared where the soft cotton camisole and pants she favoured for sleep. She was brushing her hair as she walked back into the room and she set the brush down on her bedside table with a soft click before she pulled back the covers and crawled into bed.
"Could you get the light?" Bella called in a soft voice.
I got up and switched off the overhead, watching as Bella blinked against the darkness to adjust her vision and then held out a hand to gesture me to her knowing full well I could see her clearly. Cross the room I stood beside her as she fumbled for my hand, and allowed me to draw her down onto the bed beside her.
I moved carefully, wanting to make sure she was comfortable enough as I lay alongside her, one hand behind my head as she moved around before resting her head on my shoulder.
"I wasn't sure you'd want this," I ventured after a careful pause.
Bella gave a soft huff and put her hands on my chest to push herself into a half sitting, half leaning position over me.
"Edward I'm not mad at you, frustrated maybe but we're both finding our way through this," she dipped her head to kiss me. "We'll get there," she whispered as she dipped back for more. I wound my fingers in her hair to hold her to me.
Eventually we broke apart and lay wrapped in each other's arms. It had been over 80 years since I'd experienced what it was like to spend a night in bed. I had no need for sleep, but being in bed with Bella, cocooned in warmth and softness had me never wanting to leave.
"How long will you be gone?" Bella's question came out of nowhere and I brushed a kiss against her forehead as I considered my answer.
"Two days at most," I replied at last.
"You said four days earlier," Bella replied, her voice burred with sleep.
"And now I'm saying two days is the most I can stay away," I admitted, and felt Bella's shoulders shake with silent amusement.
"Good," she said in a satisfied tone as she closed her eyes and snuggled closer to me.
* * * * *
Esme was glowing. She and Carlisle had just returned to the clearing where we had all agreed to meet and it was immediately apparent that she had hunted well. Her eyes were sparkling and she moved with a carefree confidence that we rarely saw back at the house where she was constrained by more human obligations. Here there were no plates to shatter; it was just us and the great outdoors. Outdoors that is, until we retired to the cabin for some respite.
"Edward," she smiled when she saw me and gave me a hug that I smilingly returned. Esme loved family time, especially when we could 'be ourselves' as she liked to put it. "I'm glad you could make it, how's Bella?"
"As if you need to ask," Emmett scoffed as he appeared with Rosalie who was plucking some stray twigs and leaves out of her hair with a very satisfied expression, "just look at him."
As if on cue everyone looked at me and I sighed and pushed myself away from the group and look the path that led back to the cabin, shaking my head as the family bombarded me with their thoughts. I had gotten used to being able to lower my guard when I was with Bella but now that I was away from her restful silence I would have to distance myself to regain a measure of control. Even Rosalie's thoughts seemed curiously well disposed towards Bella, and I suspect that was in part to the fact that someone – a human at that – had stood their ground in the face of her aloofness.
He's so happy now that … sorry, Edward. Esme's thoughts were tinged with regret as she saw that I was becoming overwhelmed.
It'd be more fun with Bella here, Emmett commented.
"Is Bella coming?" Emmett called after me.
"No, she has to study," I commented as I kept walking. I had delayed leaving as long as possible and had driven Bella to campus, lamenting that I had been unable to get out of the car to walk her to class.
Pity, was Emmett's swift reply. I smiled at this. Emmett had definitely taken a liking to Bella and this was all the more welcome as it meant Rosalie would not be far behind.
"Maybe next time," Rosalie commented, and then "What? I'm just saying," she went on in the face of Alice's surprise.
Score one to the big guy, Jasper's thoughts were coloured with amusement.
"Edward," Carlisle pitched his voice so that everyone could hear it, making for a more democratic conversation when everyone could hear both parties, "have you fed?"
"Not yet," I admitted.
"Perhaps now's the time," Carlisle urged in a gentle voice.
I stopped in my tracks and cast a glance at him over my shoulder before turning around slowly. My family paused in the act of following me: Rosalie holding Emmett's hand, Alice peering over Jasper's shoulders having clambered up onto his back for a ride, and Esme with her arm around Carlisle's waist.
Son, you must feed, for Bella's safety if not for yourself.
It was enough. I nodded once and then stepped off the track.
You know, Carlisle went on. If your hunt goes well perhaps you don't need to stay away as long.
I looked at Carlisle who gave me a slight smile. As a rule we hunted when it became absolutely necessary but lately it seemed that the family was hunting more often. I could only conclude it was because of Bella's presence in my life. I was touched at the thought of my family doing everything they could to minimise the risk of having a human in our midst. Moving into the forest I broke into a run, my gaze tracking left and right as I tasted the air. Four miles away from the house I caught the scent I was seeking and let it pull me forward.
By the time I returned to the cabin a few hours later I felt almost satisfied. Perhaps Carlisle had a point. The forests we were in were well populated with game; I could drink my fill and hunt at another one of our preferred locations for the next few months while nature re-established the balance.
Pushing the cabin door open I strolled inside and threw myself carelessly onto one of the sofas, shooting Esme an apologetic look as the frame gave an ominous creak.
Just once I'd like to have a sofa last more than a few months, Esme sighed to herself.
I squirmed lower in my seat and got a sympathetic grimace from Emmett: he'd had to replace the last four.
Still, it's nice to see him act like a boy, Esme went on and I rolled my eyes at her dotage, aware that I was merely reinforcing the stereotype but unable to help myself.
"How was it?" Emmett asked as he jerked his head towards the door.
"Good," I grunted as I put my feet up on the coffee table. Normally this sort of behaviour wouldn't be allowed at home, but the furniture here was a little … sturdier, or at least more disposable. Even so it didn't stop Esme from giving a quiet tsk that guilted me into putting my feet back on the floor. I got up and began to pace the room, shrugging off invitations to play Guitar Hero or watch a movie; nothing seemed to appeal, nothing held any interest. Crossing to the bookshelves I glanced at the books on offer. Esme had re-stocked the shelves since we had been here last and so the floor to ceiling bookshelves held a vast array of hundreds of new releases. I didn't feel like reading either.
Rosalie had taken a seat on one of the couches with a pile of fashion magazines. Alice had curled up behind her and was playing with Rosalie's hair, peering over her shoulder to give a running commentary on which trends would last.
"Yes … yes … definitely not, it wasn't even good the last three times, you've already got one of those," Alice leaned over to tap a page with a satisfied smile, "and yours is vintage."
I leaned back in my seat and watched my family; studying them carefully and noting the subtle differences that I would see manifesting in each of them. Esme was sitting near Carlisle as she perused some cookbooks, no doubt intending to prepare more human meals now that she had discovered her offerings had been accepted with such enthusiasm. Rosalie was submitting to Alice's attentions with more grace now that she was no longer the only release valve for Alice's creativity. I felt a surge of pride that it was Bella – my Bella – who had been the catalyst for such simple yet profound changes in the household.
Jasper cleared his throat as he shot me an amused look. He was sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table with a pile of history books and a laptop as he took notes. He had always avowed that he would never write a book and yet in light of his discussion with Bella he seemed to be reviewing his options. It made me miss her all the more, but I had committed to spending some time with the family and attending to my more easily satisfied biological needs.
After my fourth sigh Carlisle looked up from his book to regard me with an indulgent smile.
Edward, how are you feeling?
I glanced across at him and raised an eyebrow. Did he really need to ask? Carlisle nodded to concede the point and carefully rested the book on his lap. It was an original manuscript in his father's hand and was one of his most precious possessions. Carlisle could have recited the book by heart.
You're at least looking a lot better than you were, he ventured after a thoughtful pause. Do you feel you've eaten enough?
The question was voiced seriously enough and I sat for a moment to take stock of the situation. The ever-present burn at the back of my throat had dropped to tolerable levels and I knew that with some further judicious hunting it would dissipate even further. Of course the moment I caught Bella's scent again the burn would re-ignite but at least my hunger could be contained enough to keep her safe.
"I'll hunt again," I admitted and I could hear the reluctance in my voice. I had hoped to return to Bella sooner but with Carlisle advocating such caution it seemed prudent to accept his guidance.
My phone buzzed in my pocket and I dug it out immediately. A quick glance at my watch confirmed that Bella was in a lecture and should have been paying attention to the lesson. I smiled; it seemed that Bella was feeling the separation as much as I was. The day was nearly over and yet Bella and I had managed to keep up a running commentary with each other as often as we could.
Day is done am going home like the well behaved girl I am. Miss u x B
I smiled at the handset and looked away from her simple message only when Emmett chuckled.
"Man, you've got it bad."
"Like you can talk," I replied absently as I sent a return message.
Be safe. Miss you x E
"He has a point there, Emmett, your brother is a wise man," Rosalie commented without looking up from her magazine pages. She smiled seconds later as Emmett appeared at her side to nuzzle at her throat, making her giggle. Alice seemed likewise drawn to Jasper who accepted her attentions with a knowing grin. He caught my stare and a flicker of his eyelid told me that he was behind the sudden surge in bonhomie that was permeating the room. Even Carlisle and Esme were holding hands now, exchanging the type of smile that indicated they would be absenting themselves from the cabin sometime soon.
Sorry, Edward, Jasper sent to me, but when you're thinking about Bella the mood is too good not to share.
A couple of hours later my phone chimed again.
Going to bed now. Lonely without you B x
Despite my best efforts I sighed again, wishing that I could wrap myself around her warmth and watch her sleep the night away. I would miss listening to her sleepy whispers that she had no knowledge of the following morning; I had long appointed myself the guardian of her somnambulant offerings.
"That's it," Emmett announced as he stood up and tossed the game remote aside. "Come on, Bro, let's go for a run."
"A run?" I scoffed at his suggestion. It was a well-established fact that I was the fastest in the family, "You think you can keep up?"
"I might be able to slow you down with a few well-aimed trees," Emmett countered with an evil grin.
"Done," I said as I got to my feet. The run would do me good, and would help the hours go a little faster. "I'll hunt on the way back." The two of us headed towards the door. "How far do you want to go?"
"I don't care, as long as you stop with the sighing," Emmett said, cuffing the back of my head as I passed him.
"Hey," I objected, ducking my head and swatting his abs.
"Ohh," he followed me through the door, "that's right, don't touch the hair," he intoned.
"Bite me," I muttered as we stepped out onto the porch.
"Catch me," Emmett shot back as he took off at a lope that quickly became an all-out sprint.
I passed him in seconds, and we'd run through three counties before he managed to catch up.
By the time we returned to the cabin all but drunk on the euphoria of running and a successful hunt the sky was bright overhead. Stepping inside I saw that people had barely moved, although now Jasper sat typing in earnest at his laptop and Esme was getting a pedicure from Rosalie.
"Look at you," Alice said admiringly, "that must have been quite an outing you two had."
"Like you wouldn't know," I grinned at her. Alice wrinkled her nose at me and then poked out her tongue, squealing when I ducked down and blew a raspberry on her neck as I passed.
"Now, now," Jasper called after me without shifting his gaze from the screen, "don't go riling my gal, that's my job."
"Bet he hasn't done that to Bella yet," Rosalie commented with a sly smile.
"Give him time," Esme gave me a fond look, basking in the teasing banter.
Ignoring their jibes I got out my phone. Bella would be heading into lecture soon enough and I wasn't about to risk calling her and have her try to talk on the phone and drive at the same time. I didn't care how many times she pointed out all the other people that did it, I wanted her as safe as possible.
Good morning my Bella. Will be home soon. Miss you, hope you have a good day x E
I stood waiting for Bella's reply and sure enough it came through promptly enough.
Having a coffee b4 work. Miss u x B
"Hey, Alice," I said in a quiet voice, "are you-,"
"Looking out for your girl? Sure," Alice replied. "All good, no need to worry."
I was about to reply when Alice frowned and her gaze turned inward. She blinked a few times and then looked again, cocking her head as if to get a better angle on whatever it was that only she could see. Jasper hissed and his gaze snapped towards his mate as her mood spiked.
"Edward," Alice looked at me, her face blank with shock. "It's Bella-,"
"I know, she just said she'll be-,"
"Gone, she's gone, Edward."
"What?" I convulsively gripped the cell phone and didn't even notice it snap in my hand.
There goes another one, I just home the SIM card is … Jasper sighed in the back of my mind as he moved to inspect the shrapnel that had fallen to the floor. Alice got up from the table and began to pace, her movements jerky with disbelief.
"One minute I could see her and then next-," Alice waved a hand as she wheeled to look at Jasper who immediately moved to her side. "Edward," this time it sounded like a wail, "Bella's gone."
"Not possible," I ground out. "What did you see?"
"Not enough," Alice was wringing her hands as she fluttered between panic and guilt. "I barely had time to see her before he arrived."
That got everyone's attention.
"Who? James?" I was already moving towards the door before Alice could finish speaking. She and Jasper followed, Emmett bringing up the rear.
Someone I haven't seen before, Alice clarified. Speaking was meaningless noise now, all I could focus on was finding Bella. Alice knew that and spoke directly to my mind as we sprinted towards my car and got in. I started the car and wheeled it around to speed down the driveway towards the main road. Not one of us, and she was pleased to see him.
Alice had caught a brief glimpse of someone before Bella had disappeared. A man with russet hair, warm olive toned skin and a broad smile of welcome as he jogged towards Bella with his arms outstretched. Someone human.
* * * * *
I know I'm not a huge one for comments as I post this story, but I hope it's continuing to entertain you all so far. Thanks for joining me on the journey. S x