Hell Hath No Fury

Same disclaimer, no I have no rights when it comes to Twilight and the characters.

EPOV

Her reaction upon waking stopped me cold as only Bella could do. Esme was right, it didn't matter what speech I had prepared to deliver if Bella was the person who would be the audience. She always managed to surprise me by her actions and words; this occasion was no exception. My cold dead heart had ceased beating over a century ago, yet when being beside her I could swear I felt it swelling inside my chest.

As soon as she regained some control over her tears, she pulled away slowly and studied my face. I sat still watching as her small hand touched my cheek and glided slowly down to my lips tracing it with her fingers. It was the most amazing feeling...her tiny fingers left a warm feeling as they trailed around my lips. Reaching up and taking her hand in mine, I kissed each fingertip slowly continuing across the top of her hand until I reached her wrist. Inhaling deeply, I luxuriated in the scent of my love. Not being able to control my dormant human emotions I closed my eyes and briefly flicked my tongue on her wrist before lightly kissing it. I heard her gasp as my tongue touched her soft skin, her heart rate increased dramatically and I smiled. Although this was a struggle for me, it was a painful pleasure entirely worth the outcome. The taste of her skin on my tongue was causing my venom to flow, but I swallowed it down. My tongue was still tingling from the warmth.

She still had not said a word since asking for my explanation but she didn't seem impatient to have my response. Looking into my eyes she cleared her throat and whispered, "You look thirsty…maybe you should go."

The words stung, it felt as if my heart had stopped beating once again. "Do you want me to leave?" my voice was barely audible but I knew she heard me. Her eyes briefly flashed something I'm not sure what new emotion this was; it was one I hadn't seen before. But she didn't say a word; she just shook her head no slowly.

Relaxing slightly I said, "I'm not as thirsty as you may believe, you're just tempting my desires my love. My eyes are conveying the yearning I hold for you." I smiled at her desperately hoping for a return smile.

Lowering her head to break the trance we had fallen into she sighed, "Edward you still haven't answered my question, why are you here?"

My anxiety started to build again, the frustration of not being able to hear her thoughts was building. If only I knew what her question intended to answer for her. "Bella, I will answer your question but before I do so, may I ask one of my own?"

She glanced up warily, "You can ask any question you want…"

I knew by the way she answered she intended to hold back. "Please Bella, I will answer all your questions, but I need an answer to this question." I urged. She had to be completely truthful with her answers there was no way for me to get through this without knowing she wouldn't edit her answers.

She sat back against the headboard as she continued to look down, "I'll try…" she whispered.

Analyzing her body language wasn't helping me determine what was happening behind that beautiful face. So I asked my question, this would be the first step towards either mending our future or resolving my future without her. "Have you found happiness without me?"

Her head came up quickly searching my face and the pained look in her eyes startled me. "Edward, I've been happy – it's not a question of being happy. Being without you is…has been torture. I told you, my love for you has never wavered but I've struggled to put our brief time together in perspective. Doing this was necessary in order for me to get out of bed in the morning. Happy?" she asked looking up at the ceiling. "There are various levels of happiness Edward and you brought so much more than happiness to my life. So if I answer your question simply, yes I've been happy. But complete," she shook her head, "a whole person moving forward in life? No."

Relief flooded through me, I reached over and held her face in my hand preparing to kiss her when I saw her hand come up blocking my attempt. I pulled myself back, "What is it? Is there something you want to add?" I asked perplexed.

Her eyes flashed as her features hardened, "You haven't answered my question. I'm waiting," she said crossing her arms across her chest again.

"Ahh, I apologize how very rude of me," I chuckled. Biting back my humor as I saw her face twist further in anger I answered, "I would have thought the answer was obvious. My return is solely based on my selfish desires…I want you Bella." I smiled at her.

Confusion clouded her face and she asked hesitantly, "What…how?"

"How, how what?" I asked confused myself now.

Sighing with frustration she said, "What desires Edward," shaking her head she corrected herself, "no, which desires? Your vampire desires?" she asked as her voice rose slightly.

I laughed loudly. Only Bella could confuse the two desires, her sweet innocence was a refreshing salve. Looking at her face I saw my laughter only increased her anger. I needed to reign in my joy; she was confused thinking my reaction was based on humor not absurdity. "Bella, I assure you my desire to be by your side is based solely on the need to share your life. Yes, your heartbeat and blood sing to me but those are just added benefits. The desire is more human than even I can fathom."

There was a knock on the door, a knock I knew was coming. My laughter had alerted everyone that Bella was awake. "We'll need to postpone this conversation for the time being my love. There are several people who need to see you." I said as I kissed her forehead and went to answer the door.

"Wait, I'm not ready to talk to anyone yet, I have a few more questions," she said pouting slightly.

"I'm sure you do. But the sooner we allow everyone to see you, particularly Carlisle, the sooner we will be able to discuss whatever your heart desires." I said chuckling and smiling happily.

Opening the door was like allowing a tidal wave into the room; Roxanne was the first one through the door practically throwing it open with Alice immediately behind her. Both of them went directly to Bella's side anxiously asking her if she was okay. Carlisle, Esme and Jasper followed on their heels. Jasper remained in the doorway smiling knowingly at me, while Esme went up to Bella and gave her a brief hug and kiss.

Standing at the foot of the bed Carlisle looked at Bella and said, "Well, you certainly gave us all a scare. I'm glad to see that you came back to us and it appears that you are feeling better. I do need to check you whenever you are done being smothered," he chuckled lightly.

Watching the scene unfold from the doorway with Jasper I couldn't help but smile. Bella was smiling from ear to ear as both Roxanne and Alice fussed over her. Her face was beautiful as she watched both girls tell her how happy they were she was safe and how scared they were while she was missing. She looked over at me and gave me a shy smile, a smile that melted me to the core.

"Okay, it's time for Carlisle to examine Bella you can talk to her later." I said taking charge. If I left it up to Bella or the girls we would be here for a while.

'Edward the police were here and so was the Dean, they've taken Derrick into custody. I was able to convince them that Bella wouldn't be able to provide them with anything until tomorrow. But we do need to discuss this with her.' Carlisle cautioned me.

Walking to her side, I nodded slightly so as not to alert Bella, kissing her on the forehead and promising to return after Carlisle's examination. I didn't want to leave but needed to find out more about the police and the college administration's next steps.

"Promise?" she whispered.

"Wild horses couldn't keep me away." Jasper helped me to get the girls out of the room and downstairs.

We headed to the common room once downstairs and the only people around were Anne, Sam, Ian and Drake. Their faces expressed concern and not for the first time I felt the strain of being a vampire amongst humans. Even though her new friends couldn't understand it, there was a discomfort that was apparent to everyone in the room as my family members took chairs across the room from the humans.

My family's outlook was joyous due to my reconciliation and Bella's safety, but the others were despondent. Although they were happy Bella was safe, their thoughts centered around my return and the impact that had on Bella and Ian's relationship.

Knowing this would be difficult for Bella in addition to the query from the police and the college administration, I decided to express my gratitude to all of them. "Well, as you already know Bella has recovered from her black out and is feeling well. She'll most likely come down shortly so all of you can see for yourselves. Once my father is through with his examination and gives her permission that is."

Roxanne had taken Drake's hand in her own and was attempting to silently reassure him of mine and my family's positive influence on Bella. "She looks great, wait you'll see. Ian, I know she wants to thank you for saving her from that jerk."

Ian just looked at her for a moment and then his eyes returned to his lap. 'I'm not ready for that…I can't believe I'm stuck here until this is all cleared up. The last thing I need to watch is their reunion.' He didn't sound bitter, he just sounded uncomfortable.

"Ian, I thanked you once already…but now I can thank you properly." I said walking towards him extending my hand for him to shake. "It's because of you my family and I have something to be happy about this evening. I know for a fact had you not been in that park our evening would have ended on a much more dire note."

He looked up at me and I heard his thoughts, 'I wish I didn't like him, but I do. It would be so much easier to hate him.' He extended his hand and said, "No thanks necessary. Bella means a lot to all of us, so we understand how you feel. 'I need to get out of here before Bella comes down.' I don't want to be rude, but I think I'll go to my room." He stood and walked towards the door.

Drake's thoughts weren't as magnanimous, 'Who does this guy think he is, like he's the only one who cares about Bella…like we're all supposed to be taken in by his charms. Ian and Bella were doing great until he came along.' "Yeah, I'm gonna head up too, it's been a long night." He said glaring at me. Turning to Roxanne he said, "We'll talk tomorrow."

She sat back rather dramatically on the couch and sighed heavily after he was out of the room. "He's right, it's been a long night but something tells me tomorrow morning isn't going to be much better."

Anne looked over at her and said, "Rox don't worry about it. You know he's protective of Ian…" glancing at me she stopped in mid sentence. 'Wow, this is really uncomfortable. I'm sure he's a nice guy and Bella really did miss him, but Ian is having a tough time…this is going to challenging.'

Sam spoke then, this was the first time I heard him say anything. "Edward, that's your name right?" he asked pausing waiting for me to concede and I nodded. "I apologize for my friends…it's unfortunate what happened tonight and it's a little odd right now. They aren't really that impolite, but I'm sure you know Ian had feelings for Bella other than just as friend. Once Bella and Ian have a chance to talk properly I'm sure it will get a little easier for everyone." He said looking over at Roxanne assuring her as well as me.

"Thanks, I do understand. She'll definitely want to talk to Ian if I know her as well as I think I do. That's just how she is," I said shrugging. "I'm sure it will all work out."

"What will work out?" I heard coming from the doorway.

My smile was immediate as I turned to see Bella and Carlisle entering the room. She managed to brighten up the darkest corners of the room just by entering it. Glancing at Carlisle as I went to her side, he silently communicated her medical status, 'Edward she's fine some minor scrapes on her knees and some bruising on her arms and shoulders, but all in all she's healthy. I am a bit concerned with her emotional state…she hasn't said a word about the incident. Even when I questioned her pointedly.'

Glancing down at her I draped my arm over her shoulder and walked her to a chair, I said confidently…"Everything – everything will work out."

Smiling shyly at me she turned and looked around at everyone, "Don't tell me you've all been waiting here for me?"

Roxanne looked at her confused, "Bella…we just barely got rid of the police. What did you expect?"

"Police…why were the police here? What did I miss?" she asked looking around for someone to enlighten her. I felt myself tense as I looked down at her, could she really not understand why the police were here. Looking up at Carlisle his expression confirmed this was why he was concerned. Jasper's look wasn't making me feel any better as his expression conveyed his confusion.

"Bella honey, the police would like to question you on what happened tonight." Esme said. "We've managed to have them postpone the interview until tomorrow. Carlisle let them know you weren't in any shape."

Bella's face twisted in confusion, "Why would the police want to question me? I fell! People fall all the time, is it a crime now." She said giggling. "If that's the case, then I'm going to be questioned pretty often…" she let her statement trail off as she looked around at everyone's face. "What happened tonight?" she asked quietly as she realized by looking at everyone's expressions that something more serious had occurred.

"Bella, you don't need to worry about that now." Carlisle instructed. "Everyone should call it an evening and let you rest and relax." His tone was firm subtly letting everyone know not to push her.

Roxanne leaned forward and said, "Bella…what do you remember about tonight?" Anne reached over to Roxanne and touched her arm lightly, but she just shot her a glare. 'What's going on with her? I don't care what that doctor thinks…she's my best friend, she's not acting right.'

I watched Bella's expression drift off as she reflected on the evening, a slight blush appeared on her face and I quickly spoke up. "Roxanne, Carlisle is right…Bella needs some time. We should all get some rest." I pulled Bella closer to me and kissed her hair lightly. She leaned into me as her facial expressions conveyed her confusion. She was still trying to sort out all the missing pieces in her mind.

Alice, Jasper, Carlisle and Esme stood preparing to leave. This was the time of the evening I didn't want to come…I was going to have to leave as well. I couldn't very well join Bella in her room since she shared it with Roxanne. My apprehension began to mount as I thought about that little obstacle…I didn't want Roxanne to question and push her into remembering anything before her mind was ready. I needed to make sure everyone let her come to the memories on her own.

Slowly I stood as I took Bella's hands in mine pulling her to a standing position. "Why don't you walk them to the door," I said gesturing with my head towards my family. "I'll be there in a moment." Bella looked at me concerned, whether it was her fear of my leaving or interest in why I was lagging behind, I wasn't sure. After a brief moment she sighed and led them towards the door.

Turning to the three of them, "It appears Bella has blocked this evening's events. Please don't push her, I believe that's what my father was trying to say." I told them quietly.

"But what's going to happen…she can't just go on like nothing happened, people are bound to say something. Everyone in the house knows." Roxanne whispered harshly.

"We'll need to protect her until she recalls it, if we push before she's ready she could shut down and that would be much worse. When she does remember, we'll need to be prepared to help her deal with it. Apparently it's too much for her right now." I stated firmly. Roxanne loved her, but didn't understand what could happen if she pushed. "Please Roxanne, let her deal with this in her own way." I stressed.

Glancing at Anne and Sam before looking back at me she relented, "Okay, we'll make sure everyone is careful if your dad thinks that's what's necessary." Her thoughts conveyed her concern, she didn't want to let this go but was willing to wait…for this evening at least.

Bella came walking back into the room and smiled at us innocently. "Well now that everyone has met one another…can someone please fill me in?" She asked determinedly.

Anne, Sam and Roxanne took this as their cue to leave. "Bella, it's time to call it a night. We can talk about it tomorrow…I'm bushed," Sam said leading Roxanne and Anne towards the doorway.

I began following them, but she reached out and grabbed my arm, "You aren't going anywhere. We still need to finish our conversation." She said firmly looking into my eyes.

Expecting that Bella and I would have followed, Roxanne stopped in the doorway, "Oh, you two need some time to talk. Well, don't stay up too long." 'Wow, he's got some explaining to do, looks like Bella is going to give him a piece of her mind.'

Smiling at her I said, "We won't, don't worry. I'm sure Bella will be too tired to keep me here much longer." Bella's head turned to me quickly, she must have just thought about the complications with having a roommate, but she quickly recovered and turned to Roxanne.

"I'll be up shortly, Edward needs to explain a few things to me first." She stated resolutely letting both Roxanne and I know she wasn't letting me off the hook easily.

"Good night Roxanne." Turning to Bella and smiling, I sat down on the couch.

"Uh huh, good luck Edward." She waved good night and left.

Turning to face me Bella stood directly in front of me attempting to give me a steady glare, but I kept the smile on my face. She quickly looked away and said, "that's not fair…stop doing that."

Patting the couch next to me inviting her to sit, "What am I doing, love?" I teased.

"Cheating and you know it." She sat down next to me squeezing her eyes closed and continued, "I'm not going to look at you unless you promise you won't dazzle me. I need answers Edward and you're going to provide them…even if I have to keep my eyes closed the whole time."

Taking her hand in mine I brought it to my lips, "Whatever you want as long as you're here." I began kissing her hand while breathing in her scent. It didn't matter to me…whatever she wanted to know I would answer willingly. Her power over me was astounding. I heard her heartbeat racing as she released a low moan and smiled, this was what I missed most her reaction to my touch and kisses. "So what would you like to know?" I asked as I continued kissing her hand and wrist.

Her eyes were still closed and she didn't respond right away, "Um…I…want to…ugh that feels…" Abruptly she pulled her hand away and sat up straighter, "Stop that, you know I can't concentrate when you do that."

I chuckled, her eyes remained closed so I leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Don't you want to open your eyes Bella? I know I would love to see your eyes…they were closed all evening, please?" I pleaded as I kissed the spot just below her ear and began trailing more kisses to her chin. As much as I started out teasing her, my actions were selfish. Now that she was sitting next to me and was aware of my presence I didn't want to miss a minute of time that could be spent luxuriating in her wonderful scent and warmth.

Pushing her shoulder against me she shifted her position again as she cleared her throat, "As much as I'm enjoying this, and believe me I am as you can probably tell by my heart…we need to talk Edward. I'm serious…please, I don't want to get swept away in your charms before I have answers."

Sitting up and folding my hands in my lap, I sighed. "Okay you're right, I'm sorry. What can I answer for you?" Even though I couldn't read her mind, I knew some of the questions she most likely had and she did deserve answers. It would be a challenge though to keep my hands to myself, there was only so much self-restraint I was capable of. Between the struggle of my 'human' desires and my other desires I would need to concentrate fully, so I prepared myself.

She sat silently for a minute or two and I felt my frustration mounting. I watched her face as she was lost in thought and tried to control my irritation at not being able to hear her thoughts.

"You said you wanted me, and the desire was not…the desire was human. What does that mean exactly?" she asked timidly while biting her lower lip. "You always said your other instincts were…that I should never forget…" she was struggling with finding the right words to remind me I was a monster.

"That I crave more than your company?" I said finishing her sentence. She glanced up at me from under her dark lashes and nodded. "In order to answer this question, I'll need to address why I left in the first place." I sighed.

Watching her expression to see if this would be a problem I saw only curiosity on her face so I continued. "Bella, my struggle to find a balance between your world and mine was another issue that conflicted me everyday we were together. But once I realized how much I loved you, there was no turning back. So I stayed…enjoying our time together, like an adolescent playing with matches. I knew that by introducing you to my world would be placing you in danger, yet childishly I believed I could control any threat that may arise. I never anticipated it coming from my own family,"

She tried to interrupt, but I put my finger to her mouth to allow me to finish.

"When that happened I knew we had crossed over into territory that was beyond my control. There were only two choices left to me, leave or continue to place your life in danger. Many months prior I had vowed I would never hurt you; my intent was to keep you from harm in spite of who I am. So I chose to hurt you in a different manner, one with which I believed you would eventually heal. If I left, you would feel the pain of loss, but you would be alive – this was something I could live with. Had something happened to you, the other hurt I spoke of, you would be dead. I was not prepared to risk that…you had to remain safe no matter what the cost to myself." I smiled slightly examining her features to see if she understood.

Her face was one of neutral curiosity, but I could see the underlying anger. Her eyes were burning with a low boiling ferocity and I knew it would come out any moment, so I continued with my explanation. "When Alice explained to me that you were here…in the same town, I was shocked."

"Wait, what do you mean 'When Alice explained…you didn't know I was here? How did you find me?" she asked clearly confused.

"Bella we did not come to Vermont to follow you, this was a coincidence, or destiny as I like to believe." I smiled broadly as her expression went to one of shock and then confusion. "I didn't know what to do, for the past year I did nothing of consequence but wallow in self pity berating myself for destroying the only thing of importance to me in all my years of existence."

"It took so much self-control during the past year to stay away, to not return and beg your forgiveness. Now here I was thousands of miles from Forks and our paths were intersecting once again. When I found out, I fought the desire to return to you Bella; I watched while you attended classes and work. My desire, my human desires – longing to hear your laughter, to hold your hand, to see you smile at me grew everyday. The strain was mounting as days passed knowing you were only a few miles down the road…"

Putting up her hand palm facing me she said, "Are you telling me you've been following me?" she asked slowly while glaring at me.

I nodded my head and waited for her response…conscious that she would be angry. I was prepared to bare her wrath; it was worth it just being in her presence.

"For how long…" she whispered as I saw her reflecting back on things.

"Several weeks now, you need to understand why though. I was prepared to leave when I found out you were here, I didn't want to torture myself any longer…but then Alice had a vision of you," I shook my head as I remembered the vision Alice had provided and recalled that Bella's memory of this evening's events were blocked.

Cautiously I continued, "her vision showed that you were in danger and I couldn't allow anything to happen to you, so I had my family watch over you…to protect you. It would have shattered me to discover that something had happened to you after I had made a vow to keep you safe."

"What did Alice see?" she asked studying my face.

"That's unimportant Bella, no harm will come to you. I promise." I reached out to pull her close but she held out her arm to keep me at a distance as she stared at the floor. My stomach clenched, I knew she would be angry but could I have come this far only to ruin it? "Bella please, my concern was for your well-being allow me to explain." I pleaded with her.

"Edward give me a moment, I'm trying to process everything you're telling me." She sat back on the couch and crossed her arms across her chest while contemplating all I had just said. I wanted to continue to explain, to make her see reason and understand my intent, but I saw the determination in her face and bit back my words.

"So basically you're telling me we wound up in the same place by accident. You didn't try to find me, it was just an odd coincidence that out of all the places you could go…we wound up in the same place." It was a rhetorical question; she didn't require a response so I sat waiting and watching her face for a sign that she had accepted my explanation.

"You had your family follow me for several weeks to ensure my safety because of a vision Alice had…a vision you are holding back on." She stood up and began pacing; she wouldn't look at me and I felt my anxiety growing.

Clearly she was angry and I needed to calm her down. Jumping up, I stopped her by placing my hands on both sides of her face forcing her to look at me. "Bella, we meant no harm, our only intent was to keep you safe. Surely even you can understand this."

Her anger flashed in her eyes, evidently I said something to trigger the fury. Pulling back slightly I was surprised by her expression.

"Yes Edward, even I…a mere human can understand your motives. What I can't understand is why you have this constant need to protect me from myself. You owe me nothing, so what debt are you repaying that requires you to halt your life to look after me."

"Answer this for me Edward, this vision Alice had, did it involve mythical creatures or was it merely human factors that were endangering me this time?" she spit her words out. Her face was red but it wasn't from the beautiful blushes I savored in my memory…this was anger. I'd never seen Bella this angry before and I was shocked at her reaction…didn't she understand this was for her protection.

"It doesn't matter what the danger was Bella, the important point is we needed to protect you. The most critical issue was to ensure no harm could come to you, mythical or human." I stated trying to get her to understand how much she meant to me, to us…everyone in her life.

Her eyes were searching my face; for what, I'm not sure and then she stopped. Her face became pale and she pulled away suddenly backing up a few steps. "How long did you say you were following me?"

"A couple of weeks, just before your accident," I said innocently pointing to her cast.

Her face went red and she glared at me, "Tell me Edward…were you at the hospital?" she asked as she crossed her arms across her chest.

As much as her fury startled me, the stance she held was captivating. Even angry Bella was enticing, her beauty enhanced by the intensity of her eyes and the coloring in her cheeks. I felt my smile growing as I nodded my head. The memory of that evening clearly imprinted in my memory…the night I discovered she still dreamed of me.

She spun around putting her back to me, "Is there anything else you should be telling me?" Her voice was controlled, emotionless. My mind went blank, what was she trying to ask…there was so much I wanted to tell her. Why would she be pondering this?

Stepping up lightly behind her I placed my hands on her shoulders and felt her jump slightly, forgetting it had been a year since she had experienced my stealth. I put my face to her neck and whispered, "There are chapters of things I'd like to tell you and I intend to spend your entire life by your side providing as much information about everything you'd like to discuss." Pulling her into me I wrapped my arms around her holding her close and breathing in her aroma.

Her fingers pulled on my arms trying to unlock my hold on her. "Don't." I released my hold on her – hurt. She turned to face me, "I've been struggling for weeks trying to understand how it was that your scent was in the air…" she said quietly and then stopped mid-sentence as shock registered on her face. She brushed past me and stomped out of the room. Unable to move I listened to hear where she was headed, her footsteps stopped in the entryway.

Going to the doorway I saw what she was doing, she had approached the coat rack and was pulling coats away frantically. Realizing what her goal was, I halted…becoming distracted with protecting her I neglected the details.

She pulled my jacket from the rack and turned walking towards me slowly. "Is this yours Edward?" she asked as she held out the jacket.

I sighed and walked back into the common room preparing to face the wrath of Bella.