Chapter 8

Obviously I'm not Stephenie Meyer. All things in the Twilight Universe still belong to her and I'm stuck here, smacking my head, wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" Ha, ha, but in all seriousness no infringement is intended on my part.

Yesterday, after reading chapter 1, a new guest reader commented concerned that perhaps Edward and Bella were being selfish and asked if they'd rather have a child die than just sleep together. I'd like to think my later chapters answered that question, but just in case, I didn't want anyone to think that I was ignoring them by not responding. I can see the reader's point. They did come off as a little selfish in that chapter. So my answer is this: Yeah, two teenagers forced to deal with an impossible situation, I don't think it's too much of a stretch to think they could have a selfish moment or two. I think most people would freak out a little under similar circumstances. Edward and Bella are basically good kids, hopefully that reader continued to read and found out that it didn't take them long to change their minds. I appreciate your review as I do everyone else's. Thank you.

Without farther ado, my story continues. Happy Reading.

Before July 11, 2010, 3:10am

Red lips, cold and sweet as a cherry popsicle, are pressed against mine. Soft but equally cold fingers dancing, tapping, stroking, across my lower back as if splaying across the keys on a piano, causing a shiver to rush deliciously up my spine. I gasped, needing air. This kind of kissing is like nothing I've ever felt.

I'm panting, breathless, as those lips slide down to my throat, one cold hand dances up the back of my shirt, swiftly unclasping my bra. Before I can object those lips come crashing back to mine swallowing my protest.

I'm insanely frightened but equally turned on as the other set of magical fingers find their way to my navel, softly tracing a circle around my navel ring.

"Edward," I moan into his mouth. His index finger lightly flicks my navel ring a few times causing the most incredible ache between my thighs

He pulls away slightly, gazing longingly into my eyes. His eyes have me paralyzed as his hand gently begins to undo the buttons on my blouse. I try again to reach out to him, but I can't move my arms. Edward smirks.

"Bella," Edward softly murmurs my name. I can feel his cold fingers caress my skin as he slowly continues to unbutton my shirt. I begin to breath erratically, my chest heaving as Edward reaches the last button.

"I want to touch you too," I whimper.

"Oh no, we can't have that." Edward quirks an eyebrow and nudges his head slightly to indicate one of my hands. I glance over to find my hand tied to a tent stake. I can't budge it. My head whips over to find my other hand in the same predicament.

Edward chuckles as he rips my blouse and bra from my body.

"What are you doing?"

Edward only smirks, hovering over me, kissing me senseless again. By now I'm terrified, but strangely wanting. His hands are caressing my breasts. He's licking behind my ear. My eyes roll back into my head, but somewhere in my lust hazed mind I'm able to hear two songbirds chirping to each other in the trees over our heads.

Edward's lips leave a trail of kisses down to my breasts. If only I could touch him. I'm going mad, my head shaking from side to side. I see the blur of color pass before my eyes, purple, yellow, white, orange, red, white, yellow, purple, from the movement. I stop, staring up at the Edward's white face. He's grinning mischievously. My eyes flare out to focus on our surroundings finding that I'm lying in a meadow of wildflowers. It's so beautiful. I smile up at Edward.

"Would you fuck her already?" A menacing voice growls from the tree line.

"If you insist." Edward reaches down to rip my skirt and panties off my body.

He stands between my legs and starts unbuckling his belt. Tears are streaming down my cheeks.

"Edward?"

He laughs as Aro, Jacob, Emmet and Jasper come to stand around me. I can hear the hurried retreat of the frightened songbirds as their wings flutter up and away.

"No!"

"It's okay, Beautiful," Aro laughs. The four men get on their knees around me. They begin to paw my flesh sliding their hands up my arms over my breasts and stomach and up and down my thighs.

I scream.

I clinch my eyes shut, thrashing, trying to get loose. Hands hold me down.

"No, Edward! Please don't hurt me!"

"Bella, Bella. You're okay. I won't hurt you."

"Get your hands off me! Stop! Make them stop!"

"Bella. Wake up, Sweet Girl. You're safe. It's only a dream."

I blink my eyes open to find Edward holding me down, sheer terror gleaming in his eyes. I sob as a realize he's telling me the truth.

Edward pulls me close holding me tight against his chest. He begins to rock me as I continue to cry hysterically.

"Shhh, Sweetheart. It was only a dream... Only a dream. I will never hurt you."

I want to run screaming and cling to him at the same time. I'm panicked. I'm terrified that I can't go through with this marriage, but if I don't the consequences would be unbearable to live with.

I miss my dad. I miss my baby brother. And even though I'm mad at her, I miss my mom too. Hell, I'd be happy to see Leah at this point.

Edward's rubbing soothing circles on my back and I finally feel myself relaxing.

"I'm sorry," I whisper.

"Why are you apologizing?"

Because my stupid subconscious can't see what an amazing person you are. That I keep having these horrid nightmares that will never happen because whether you love me or not you're essentially a good person and would never hurt me like that. But I can't tell him that. I don't want him to know about my dreams. I'm afraid I'll hurt him. He doesn't deserve that.

"Bella. These nightmares are getting worse. I wish you would talk to me."

"It doesn't matter."

"How can you say that? Of course it matters. You matter."

"It doesn't matter because my dreams are irrational."

"You were dreaming about me hurting you. You were screaming, frantic that I was going to hurt you. You we're begging me to make them stop. Who were the others in your dream?"

"Edward, none of it matters," I insisted with a sigh, turning away from him. Somehow I needed to reassure him that I'd be fine. I closed my eyes trying to will the tears away. "We'll get married, have our child. We're going to live our lives. I'll get over this."

"You, having these nightmares is not acceptable. You're terrified of me, this situation, the Volturi. I don't know, all of the above. If I were human I could take you to counseling. But there's no one that I can take you to. Vampires don't have a lot of need for psychologists. You have me, so talk to me. Let me help you work through this."

He grabbed my face, gently brushing the tears from my cheeks. I opened my eyes to a man on fire. The seventh circle of Hell raged in the depths of his black eyes. His eyes bored into mine as if they could consume my nightmares by sheer will power alone. I flinched. Those were the eyes of a killer.

"Bella…" His eyes softened, instantly lightening when he saw the reaction I was having to him. "Please, Sweet Girl. How am I suppose to help calm your fears if you won't tell me what you're afraid of?"

"I'm sorry. I don't want to be afraid. You've never done anything but be nice to me. I don't know why I'm like this."

"It's completely understandable. I think you would be afraid even if we were both normal humans. It's not right that you have to go through this especially at your age. You may be of legal age, but that doesn't mean you're ready to be a wife and a mother."

"Ar…are you ready; I mean, to be a husband and father?"

"Yes and no. I never had any reason to believed that I would ever have the opportunity to become a father. There has never been a vampire couple that could produce a child together. I thought that I was sterile. When I was human I was only seventeen, but times were different then. It was common place for people to get married at a young age. My parents raised me to be prepared to support a family. My parents, my mother especially, expected me to give her grandchildren. You and our child will never want for anything. I'm don't need to maintain a job, so I'm able spend most of my time with my family. And I'm certainly mature enough to give the patience and affection a growing child needs. In all those ways I'm ready.

"But?"

"I'm not going to lie to you, Bella. I've had to stand by and watch as the rest of my family found their mates. First Carlisle with Esme, then Rosalie with Emmett. Jasper and Alice were already a couple when they joined our family."

"So you've been alone all that time?"

"Yes. I've been a very lonely man. I've waited a long time to find that special someone I could spend my eternity with."

"And now you're stuck with me."

"That's the other thing. Not that I view it as a bad thing, being stuck with you." He smiled slightly. "I find you very special. In fact I've grown rather fond of you. I guess I'm not ready in the sense that you, my other half, are not ready for this. It's wrong to force this on you. I can't tell you how sorry I am that I have no other choice. I don't want to traumatize you."

"I'm not that fragile. I think I'll survive." I don't know who I'm trying to convince, certainly not myself because I'm terrified and certainly not Edward because it's obvious from the expression on his face he's not buying it either.

"I'm sure you will, but still…"

"I may be a virgin, but I'm not a total prude. I don't like the circumstances, but it's not like you're going to cause me undue mental anguish. In fact we should just fuck right now and get it over with. Then everything will be fine and…"

"No. Absolutely not!" Edward roars, interrupting me. Thank God! I start to tear up again. I don't know why I can't stop from running my mouth sometimes.

"It's just sex, big deal, right?" It is just sex, so why can't my brain see it that way?

"No, it's not just sex, and it is a big deal. The fact that you could say something like that to me just proves to me that you're not ready."

"What makes you think I'll be any more ready after we're married?"

"You probably won't be, but at least if we're married you'll can be assured that I'm truly committed to you. That's important to me. And I'd like to attempt to make our first time together special."

"Is that even possible? Do you really think it will be special?"

"I don't know, Sweetheart. I can only try to make this special for you. Besides, what could be more special than waiting till our honeymoon?"

"What about you? You've waited all this time for your one and now you have to settle for me. Do you really think this can be special for you?"

"Right now, you're the only woman I care about. You're a beautiful, caring, special girl. Being with you will be very special. I'm sure of it."

"Yes, and at least someday when I'm no longer around you'll be able to resume your search for your true soul mate. Hopefully that will make up for all this."

Edward looked horrified. "What do you mean? Are you planning to leave me?"

"No, not in that way, but one day I will die."

"Why? I thought…"

"You thought that I'd choice to not give up my wolf so I could stay with you, making you miserable for all eternity?"

"You wouldn't… I didn't think… I don't want you to die… I want to be… Oh, Bella. God, Bella. Please. Stay."

His eyes were black, glittering in their anguish. I could tell that I truly crushed him. I never really believed that I had that kind of power over him.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you. It has never been my intention to live forever. I've never had anyone but myself to consider before."

"You do now. I'm immortal, Bella. Our child will be immortal. If not for me, please stay for our child."

"You do realize I'm not exactly as sturdy as you. I mean I'm pretty tuff, no doubt, but given the life that we have, something could happen to me."

Edward growled. "Nothing. And I mean nothing is going to happen to you. I won't allow it. You are safe with me and my family. And as for finding someone after you. That would never happen. If you choice to end your life by giving up your wolf then know that I will be joining you in death shortly there after. Like it or not, Sweet Girl, you are my mate. There'll be no one else."

I sighed, cupping his cheek in my hand. I hated that I'd upset him so much. "There's no point in you worrying about this now. We have time to talk about these things and it's not like I'm giving up my wolf anytime soon."

"Just stay for your family," he pleaded.

"I'll think about it."

After September 15, 2010, 6:42 am

The morning light often casts shadows in unsuspecting places. I'm remembering our lovemaking with perfect clarity. I've went from scared and nervous to lusty and wanton. I'm feeling embarrassed by my behavior, even if it was with Edward, my husband. I expected to find some pleasure in the arms of Edward Cullen, after all he is a god amongst men and vampires alike. He's beautiful, kind, and perfect. I had no doubt he would be an attentive lover. I'm appalled that I had lost all control of myself, that he was able to play me like a well tuned instrument. He got me to admit things that I didn't even know I desired. And the fact that I'm pretty sure that I'm knocked up after only one night with him. It's just my luck that I just happen to be ovulating the night we consummate our marriage. It's these thoughts that are casting shadows over my joy.

I've been laying naked across Edward's chest all night. His frigid body is the only oasis from the sweltering heat here on this island.

"You're finally awake, my love."

"Yes, I can never fool you. You always know." My voice sounding a little more sour than I intended.

"Bella, is there something wrong?"

"I'd rather talk about it later, if you don't mind." After all, I don't want to hurt him. I'm just confused, anyway. Besides the leech squad was due anytime now.

"I'm sorry about my comment of you being in heat. I hope I didn't upset you."

Of course, he's picking right up on my exact thoughts. He says he can't read my mind, but sometimes I think he's only placating me. "I'm not upset with you."

"But you are upset," it isn't a question.

"I'm not ready to talk about it, yet. It's not really that big of a deal anyway. I just need time to process everything that's happened."

"You're not having regrets?"

"I don't regret you."

I'm looking up at him, seeing the hurt in his eyes, wishing I was a better actress.

I'm reaching up to caress his cheek. "I'm going to get dressed for our visitors."

"Okay." He's laying back against his pillow, clenching his eyes shut.

I'm hurrying to get my clothes, running to the bathroom, knowing my husband won't open his eyes until I'm out of his sight.

"Bella?" I'd only been there for 30 seconds. I'm only half dressed. I've only managed to put on my bra and panties. "They're almost here."

I'm beginning to shake uncontrollably. I'm trying to step into my shorts but my shaken state is causing me to lose my balance and I'm toppling over, banging my elbow on the counter. "Ow!"

"Bella?" Edward's shaking the locked door. "Open this door, now!"

"Ugh!" I'm shouting, rubbing my injured arm.

"Are you hurt? Do I need to break down the door?"

"No, give me a sec."

I'm opening the door, stepping back, continuing to rub my sore spot.

"You're not dressed," he's complaining.

"Sorrrry," I'm whining sarcastically.

"Let me see." He's gently grabbing my arm. "You're getting a bruise. I'll get some ice."

"Some help first?"

He's looking around to spot the shirt I'd dropped on the floor, picking it up and pushing it over my head, then pulling my arms through.

"There." He's tilting my chin giving me a chaste kiss. "Hurry, but be careful. Meet me in the kitchen."

Before I have a chance to nod he's gone. I'm rolling my eyes. "Edward, I don't need the ice." I'm feeling my bruised skin healing already. I'm getting no answer. Stubborn vampire. I'm looking at myself in the mirror. My hair's a total disaster. Serves the leeches right. Why should I bother getting dolled up for them? I'm walking back into the bedroom to pick up my carry on, finding my father's beloved high school baseball cap I brought with me in case my hair got out of control on the plane. I'm shoving my hair up inside. "Good enough," I saying aloud to no one in particular. I head to the kitchen.

"Edward, I know you heard me."

"Ahhhhrrr!" Instead of a reply I'm hearing a cry of anguish. I'm running now, shaking, on the verge of wolfing out.

I tiny blonde vampire girl is in our house, standing over Edward who's writhing in pain.

"Leave him alone!" I'm shouting, my voice is being carried on a wave of some invisible energy. The force of my anger is shooting out of me like a tidal wave slamming the girl against the cherry wood cabinetry, splinters of wood flying everywhere.

"Well, well. Very impressive, my dear."

I'm rounding on the voice that would normally send shivers down my spine.

Aro's a arrogant crotchety old ass. I'm not about to let him hurt my husband.

"Why is your scrawny little runt attacking my husband?"

Blondie is hissing. I'm growling back at her.

"Bella don't," Edward's warning me.

"It's quite alright, friend Edward. Your wife is not use to my curious nature."

Edwards at my side in an instant, wrapping his arms around my waist. "Calm, my love," he's murmuring close to my ear.

"Bella, dear. I am very curious to know why you have been holding out on me."

"What are you talking about, Aro?"

"Surely my pet, Jane didn't throw herself against those cabinets."

"It's new to me. I didn't even know that I was special at all until I started hanging with vampires. The other wolves have never been able to hear my thoughts the way I can hear theirs. I didn't really think anything of it. I just figured it was because I'm only part Quileute. But it appears that none of your vampire voodoo works on me either."

"We'll see. Felix, Demetri, perhaps a little demonstration is in order to show this petulant child who's in charge here. Take him." Aro was flicking his eyes towards my husband.

"No!" I'm roaring. Vampires are flying backwards, away from us, crashing through the sliding glass door.

"We've done what you've asked, now leave us alone!"

Aro is laughing evilly. Felix and Demetri are brushing off their slacks. Jane is hissing like a scared kitten.

"Well dear, that's quite a punch you pack. When did you discover this talent?"

"Just now when your little bitch over there started attacking my husband."

"Well, well. I see that you've grown rather fond of him."

"Of course I have. He's a good and decent man."

I'm standing protectively in front of my mate. No one's going to hurt him. I'll rip the heads from their bodies if they try.

"Edward, it's so endearing to see your little female protect you so fiercely. Tell me, do you feel safe in her presence?"

"Don't speak to him like that! He's every bit the man you'll ever be. And he's stronger than both Twiddle Dee and Twiddle Dumb over there put together. He would have no trouble protecting me if not for your bitchy witch over there."

"Bella," Edward is voicing in a anxious warning.

"As much as I'm enjoying your little performance, I've come here for a reason. Don't make me call in reinforcements."

"Bring it…" Edward's clamping a hand over my mouth.

"It's okay, Bella." Edward's stopping my tirade. I want to tell Aro just were he can stick his reinforcements, but Edward is ever the voice of reason. "Let's just get this over with."

Did everyone catch my reference to 'Dante's Inferno'? The seventh circle of Hell, as depicted by Dante Alighieri in his poem 'Divine Comedy', houses the violent. It's instinctive for Edward to have violent tendencies in this story. After all, he is a vampire. In this instance, however, the violence that Bella saw in Edward's eyes is in no way directed towards Bella. Bella's dreams are leaving Edward with a helpless feeling, especially sense she refuses to talk about them. If only he could reach inside her mind to squash her nightmares before they happened without harming her.

As for Bella's extra powers... Well, it surprised me too. Sometimes things just come out in my writing. I can't explain it. In the mean time if you have any questions, I'll be more than happy to reply.