Author's note: It's update time!

Chapter twenty one

It was safe to say that the myth about vampires needing to be invited into a home to enter was just that. I discovered this whilst dancing around the kitchen to the music coming from the iPod, sitting in its docking station. With the housework all done, I had started preparing the evening's meal, accompanied by the funky beats of Roxy Music's More than This-a band I got into thanks to my mom's undying love for Bryan Ferry. I hummed, warbled and waltzed my way through the process of grabbing all the ingredients and implements needed, turning to retrieve a knife, just as a figure came rushing into the room at breakneck speed. I screamed in shock and fell back against the counter. My hands flying to my mouth as the intruder held up his apologetically.

"Holy shit!" I gasped, my heart hammering against my chest.

"Bella, I am so sorry," Carlisle said, standing in the kitchen doorway.

I inhaled deeply several times to calm my racing pulse, before speaking. "No, it's alright, I just wasn't expecting...God, you're fast!"

"Forgive me," he appealed, advancing a step. "I did not mean to frighten you."

"Well, you failed on that account!" I chuckled, a palm resting on my chest, willing the violent thuds to relent.

"I..." he faltered, and his features morphed into an expression I had never previously witnessed on his incredible face. He looked embarrassed. "I thought...you were in danger."

I frowned in confusion, my eyes darting from side to side, wondering what he was talking about. "Um...why?"

"Your door was ajar," he explained.

My frown deepened. "It was?" I could have sworn I shut it when I got home. Clearly not.

"Yes. I was about to knock when I noticed and, like the worrywart I am, several terrible scenarios came to mind. I can see, now, that I may have been a little hasty."

I absorbed the words, before a grin slowly spread across my face. "Worrywart?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Sorry, am I being old again?"

My grin grew wider. "It's okay, I forgive you. For that and knocking about ten years off my life," I teased.

"I really am sorry," he apologised again, moving forward until there were only a few feet between us.

"Is it my turn to banish you from apologising, now?" I leaned over the counter, towards the iPod to switch it off.

He didn't answer, but let a small smile creep across his lips. He gestured towards the docking station. "Interesting choice of music."

"Are you a Roxy Music fan?" I asked.

"I like the occasional song," he replied. "But my tastes favour classical music more."

"Any particular favourites?"

"Far too many to mention," he said, moving to lean his back against the counter beside me, his hands going into his trouser pockets. "Although, I have a soft spot for Debussy. Clair de Lune has always been a favourite of mine."

"Mine, too," I revealed, feeling a thrill of joy at our mutual appreciation. "In fact," I went over to the iPod again, flicking through the playlist. "I might have that on here."

After a quick search, I found it and pressed play, turning the volume down a little. Blaringly loud was perfectly acceptable for pop, but classical required a little more subtlety and respect. I remained where I was, listening to the first few bars, before turning to face my unexpected guest once more.

Carlisle's eyes were distant and fixed straight ahead, as he enjoyed the music and I took advantage of the distraction to let my eyes wander over him. Judging by the slightly dishevelled smart clothing, he must have been on the way back from the hospital. The tie had been loosened, hanging a little askew and I wondered if that was an aesthetic feature. With everything I had learnt about vampires over the past few months, I was sure they never suffered from the weariness and fatigue so common for humans after a full day's work. I, myself was feeling pretty exhausted after a full week at the bookstore. A few rebellious strands of hair hung forward, brushing against his lashes and it was remarkable how strongly my senses reacted to that small detail.

As the tinkling notes continued to filter through the air, I sensed a subtle change in him. It was nothing visible and I couldn't quite explain it, but there was definitely something going on. It worried me, as it was similar to what I'd sensed in Port Angeles a few days ago. He'd looked so...sad. I had asked what was wrong when he came into the bookstore straight after I spotted him, but he'd brushed it off as exhaustion after a bad week at the hospital. I didn't believe him, but hadn't pushed the topic. I'd spent a great deal of time wondering since, though and wished so badly that there was something I could do to help. I'd do anything to eradicate the melancholy in those beautiful eyes. Currently, they were near enough burning a hole in the linoleum floor.

Eventually, I couldn't bear it any longer and had to say something.

"Carlisle, what's wrong?"

I wasn't sure if he had heard me at first, as he didn't immediately respond. After a moment or two, his face slowly turned towards me, a neutral expression plastered upon it. He didn't speak, however, just simply watched me with that distant look still in his eyes.

"Carlisle?" I called, really starting to worry, now.

It was like the music had cast a spell upon him, leaving his mind unable to focus on anything but the piano notes. I turned and paused the track, which had the desired effect. When my eyes returned to him, he was blinking furiously, as though his senses had finally come back.

"Bella...what-"

"I wanna know what's going on," I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest. "And don't give me any of that exhaustion crap, because we both know that's a lie."

For a brief moment, the sadness in his eyes was overrun by surprise and I would have regretted my harsh words, were it not for the relief I felt at finally seeing a different emotion within those golden irises. As they stared at me, I saw that surprise slowly melt away, to let another feeling reside. It wasn't the gloom like before that had worried me so much, but it still wasn't anything good. Eventually, his head swivelled to face forwards, again, his lids lowering as the beautiful eyes returned to the floor. He let out a slow, quiet sigh.

"I need to talk to you," he said, quietly.

My heart, that had regained its steady rhythm, began speeding up again, as I panicked, trying to figure out what I had done wrong. My characteristically open face allowed him an insight into my thoughts and he removed a hand from his trouser pocket, to rest it on my arm.

"It is nothing you have done," he reassured, but my anxiety did not relent. Carlisle had been weird the moment he entered the house, which meant something big was going on. His hand travelled from my bicep, to my shoulder blade as he gestured with his free hand towards the kitchen table. "Can we sit?"

I nodded and watched, as he grabbed the two chairs nearest us and positioned them so they were facing one another, before we both took our seats. His elbows rested on his knees, as he clasped his hands together. He took a moment, before speaking, presumably to decide on the best way to begin.

"As I said, Bella," he began. "This is not about anything you have done. However, it is something we have been meaning to talk to you about for a little while, now. I was unsure exactly how to go about it, which is why we delayed, but recent events mean we are left without a choice."

He paused, allowing me a moment to take it in, before continuing.

"You are aware of the fact that our existence is a secret from the human race. This is a rule that was created millennia ago, mainly to ensure our kind a peaceful and safe existence. However, circumstances have meant you are an exception to that rule. To begin with, although I admittedly worried a little, I was confident that, if we were careful, no harm would come of it and, so far, everything has followed accordingly. Sadly, that is no longer the case."

He paused again, as I acknowledged the second chunk of information with a slow nod of understanding.

"Do you remember me talking about the Volturi?"

I nodded.

"Well, they are a little like the police force of our kind, ensuring the small amount of rules, created for our safety, are adhered to. Most of them all come back to one key point: maintaining our secrecy. Any breach of those rules is dealt with swiftly and severely. The recent serial murders that began in Seattle have caught their attention, as much of the evidence points to the culprit being a vampire. Given the amount of media attention the killings have attained, there is a real risk of exposure and the Volturi have been forced to act. In these cases, they send out a small number of coven members to investigate and eliminate the threat, and this instance is no different."

My apprehension grew as the words continued to leave Carlisle's mouth. I was no genius, but, it was clear where he was going with this. I pulled my left leg up, resting the ball of my foot on the seat as my arms wrapped around it. The action hadn't distracted me from any of the worry.

"They have only sent one vampire for this assignment, but, he is well known to my coven." At this, the sorrow in his eyes, which had been shunted aside during his explanation, returned a little. My fear only intensified as it mingled with concern for him. "In fact," he continued. "He approached Esme and I when we were in Port Angeles a few days ago, departing only minutes before you saw us. As an-" The briefest of hesitations. "-old friend, he mentioned the possibility of visiting us, once his business is concluded and this is where you come in." The sorrow withdrew, allowing seriousness to come into the foreground, as he leaned a little closer. "Yes, he is an old friend, but, he is also a Volturi member, bound to enforce the laws they uphold. Your knowledge of the existence of vampires is a serious breach of their secrecy laws, meaning he must remain ignorant of the situation. Under no circumstances can he know what you know."

My hands must have been clenched extremely tightly around my leg, as, when his icy fingers pried them away, I felt a relief of the immense tension I hadn't even realised was present. Both my hands were cradled in his, as his eyes gazed straight into mine.

"I know this sounds scary and it was beyond irresponsible for me not to inform you of the situation earlier. I can only beg for your forgiveness, on that part. We are lucky that, so far, no damage has been done. From now on, however, a great deal of caution must be used."

"I," I squeaked, before clearing my throat of the fear-induced lump hindering my speech. "I haven't-and wouldn't-tell anyone, I swear."

"I know, I know," he soothed, sensing my growing distress. The customary back and forth motion of his thumb caressing my knuckles, meant that distress didn't plague me as much as it should have. "Again, you've done nothing wrong. We are the ones at fault, here. It simply means that, until our friend finally moves on from this area, you will not be able to visit us as often as before."

My eyes widened in true distress and no amount of thumb rubbing could ease it. I wouldn't be able to see them? No, that wasn't true; I just couldn't see them as much. That was still a hard blow, though. But why should it be? He wasn't saying I'd never see them, after all. It didn't matter, as I suddenly realised just how much I had relied on them to occupy my free time over the more recent months. After a moment of consideration, I almost gasped at the discovery that this was the first evening I'd planned to spend at home, alone, in over a week. Usually, I was either at the Cullen household, heading out somewhere for the evening with them, or, occasionally, Alice would come here.

A cloud of gloom threatened to hang over me, as I contemplated all the lonely nights I was about to face. Then, an even more depressing thought crossed my mind. If I couldn't go to their house, I wouldn't see Carlisle. It would be a lie to say my eagerness to spend time round theirs had nothing to do with seeing him. How would I spend time with him now? His days were occupied with work at the hospital and, without sparking a series of pathetic or disturbing rumours, which would undoubtedly make things awkward between us, he couldn't exactly keep coming round here. Alice and Jasper could get away with it, as they pretended to be a similar age to me. Carlisle, however, had everyone under the illusion that he was in his early thirties. It was just a little too old to be close buddies with us, yet a little too young to begin a budding friendship with Charlie.

"Bella."

I looked up, not even bothering to keep my face neutral, as he would see right through it in a flash. True to form, he set about relieving my woes.

"This does not mean we will never see each other again," he said. "It just means that our house is not the safest place for you to be on a regular basis, right now. There are plenty of other things we can do and places we can go, so do not be downhearted. Trust me, there is not a thing on this Earth that could keep Alice from her best friend."

Those words were truly touching and made my heart smile, as I shared her feelings with equal enthusiasm. But, as true and wonderful as that may be, there was a tiny part of me that couldn't help wishing he had included himself in that last sentence. I knew the idea that he would reciprocate my romantic feelings was taking the term 'delusions of grandeur' to new extremes, but, I would be happy living with him as a close friend. He'd hinted at such a thing in the past and undoubtedly been there when I needed someone most, but, was the idea of distance between us as troubling for him as it was for me? Carlisle spoke again and a twinkle of humour glinted in his eyes.

"If all else fails, we can always sneak onto the reservation. No Volturi would think of looking for us, there."

The adorable smirk on his face made me burst into chuckles and his left arm moved up mine to rest on my shoulder, leaving a trail of tingles in its wake. Did he know the effect he was having on me? The look on his face suggested he didn't and my dignity was very thankful of that.

"Jacob would have a heart attack," I remarked, still giggling.

"I think they all would," he agreed, his own laughter mingling with mine. "But, it could be fun to watch."

His countenance was so wonderfully mischievous, it was enough to make me weak at the knees and I was more thankful than ever to be sitting down. In that moment, with him so close to me, looking directly into my eyes, I was almost able to believe he was no longer talking about all five of us, but simply he and I. I was so desperate to believe it, that I almost lost the sensible part of me, usually there to keep my feet firmly rooted to the ground. Why did I have to fall for someone so ridiculously far out of my league? Because, I was Isabella Swan, that's why!

"Are you alright?" Carlisle asked and I had a very difficult time bringing my thoughts back from dreamland.

"I am," I replied. "It sucks a teeny, weeny little bit, but it's for a good reason."

"That it is," he agreed, his grip on my hands and shoulder tightening.

For the life of me, I absolutely couldn't break my gaze away from his. It was like a tractor beam, forbidding me to face any direction other than forward. I may have just complained about falling for him, but, right then, I didn't care if my feelings were unrequited. The delicious way my insides fluttered every time I looked at him, was a feeling far too exquisite to ever let go. His chilly palm burnt right through the fabric of my shirt, causing goose bumps of excitement to arise all over my skin. The luminescence of his eyes made everything around them fade to grey, as I attempted to differentiate all the various shades of gold blending together in the irises, encircled by a ring of dark umber. I could stare into those orbs all day long, if given the chance and I began to wonder how I had ever managed to pass the days, before meeting him and his coven. As his scent overwhelmed me, I wished there was a way to bottle it. If I could, then I would always be able to inhale its beautiful and calming aroma.

Everything around him was drawing me in and that was when another part of my mind alerted me to our physical closeness. Either that part of my mind was playing tricks on the rest, or he had moved closer. I didn't remember the space between our knees being quite so small, before and I could have sworn his face was further away a few minutes ago. A sudden want to reach out and touch the enviably smooth skin overtook me and it was only his cool grip keeping my arm where it was.

A gentle tingle of cold brushed my neck and I realised it was the fingers of his other hand. I was tempted to look down and see what they were doing, but didn't want to disrupt this moment-whatever it was. It may have all been me, overanalysing, overreacting and generally getting so wrapped up in the twenty-first century Adonis sat opposite, that all sense of reason began to vanish. My nonsensical side was relishing the feel of those fingers, wanting them to do nothing more than wrap in my hair and close the distance between us.

He's so close, it was telling me. All you have to do is lean forward and...

A car door slammed.

The moment was gone. His hand left my shoulder and the space between us grew at an alarming rate. Before I knew it, he was standing and tucking his chair in, as I sat there, blinking like a brain dead idiot.

"I think your father is home," Carlisle stated, his sensuous voice doing little to help my disorientation. My lack of response must have worried him, as he called my name, which finally snapped me out of my trance. "Are you alright?" he asked.

"Fine," I mumbled, feeling my cheeks grow hot as I pushed my own chair back into its previous position.

The front door opened and shut and heard Charlie whistling as he hung up his coat. Carlisle began to make his way to the hall, when Dad spotted him.

"Carlisle?" he greeted, surprise on his face. "What's Bella done to herself, this time?" he joked. "When she and a doctor are in the same room, it's usually a result of clumsiness."

"Thanks, Dad," I called from the kitchen, earning a chuckle. I followed Carlisle and saw a smirk on his face.

"It is absent-mindedness, rather than clumsiness, this time," he said. "She left her purse in the diner at lunch, which Alice forgot to give back when she dropped her home. I popped over to return it."

Charlie gave me a weary look. "Really, Bells? I thought I taught you to be smarter than that."

"Sorry," I mumbled, wishing the temperature of my face would drop. "I'm tired, I guess."

"Well, thanks for dropping it off," Charlie said and, it may have just been me, but I swear he was giving the vampire a subtle once over. Why, was completely beyond me, but I wasn't certain enough of what I'd seen to consider asking.

If Carlisle had noticed, he gave no sign, simply smiling and nodding his head in acknowledgement. "It's no trouble," he assured, before turning to me. "I'll see you soon, Bella."

I raised a hand in farewell. "Tell Alice I said thanks," I requested and he promised to do so, before letting himself out.

000

The room was dark and the sheets beneath me were soft and cool. A gentle breeze blew in through the open window, brushing against my skin as rays of moonlight bathed all it touched in haunting silver. I was close to dozing, my brain drifting in that bizarre state, between sleeping and wakefulness, when a sound made my eyes open.

Issssabellllaaaaa...

I rolled over and looked towards the window. My vision was blurred, but I saw nothing out of the ordinary there. As my eyes moved across, they paused on a figure stood by the opposing wall, nothing more than a blur of yellow, white and blue. In contrast to the surrounding gloom, it seemed to be encased in a mesmerising glow and I sat up, drawn like a moth to a star. Had it made the noise? It took a step closer, its shape starting to solidify into a humanoid form, although no features were yet distinguishable. I wanted to speak, to ask who or what it was, but was unable to form a coherent sentence. It advanced further, and my vision began to clear, allowing me to see the face of a man looking back at me. He was the most beautiful creature ever to grace my existence. The moonlight caressed him, but did nothing to detract from the burning gold of his eyes. The moment my pupils connected with his, I was lost.

Several more steps closed the distance between us and he stopped beside me, looking down. He placed a long, pale finger to his lips, before leaning down, his exquisite countenance slowly getting nearer and nearer, until the bed dipped where his knee rested and a hand came up to cup my cheek. Had they the willpower, my eyes would have closed to truly savour the feel of that cool skin against mine, sending sparks of electricity through my entire body. But, they were bound to his will and he refused to relinquish his hold on them. The other hand gently snaked around my waist, before resting at the middle of my back and pulling my torso up towards his.

Our eyes were still locked and I marvelled at the golden fire blazing in the gaze that enthralled me so. It held such power, such danger and I knew it would consume me the moment I touched it, but, I was too far gone to care. This entity had permeated my dreams for so long and I was glad to finally discover its identity.

The beautiful face grew nearer, the fire growing more intense with each millimetre. It would hurt and it would scar, but, it would be worth it, so I clutched at his shoulders and endeavoured to close the distance even quicker. He allowed me this one luxury and, once his eyes were close enough for our lashes to touch, I finally had to close mine, unable to withstand the fire anymore. Our bodies sank together, back onto the bed and his breath danced across my face, lips hovering teasingly above mine. I wanted to touch them, to know if he tasted as delicious as he looked and smelt. I felt him shift and my insides fluttered with excitement, but my sense of taste was denied, as those lips ghosted over my jaw line, towards my ear. They halted right above the canal, the icy breath tickling as it brushed past. The lips inched nearer, brushing against the skin as he spoke.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his whisper like a balm for the soul.

"Yes," I replied, in breathless desperation.

The soft lips pressed against my earlobe, before travelling reverently down my neck. That fire scalded me, but, I loved every moment. Shuddering breaths escaped me, as my insides squirmed with delight. His right hand moved to grip my hip as the left clutched a handful of my hair, pulling my head back to expose my throat all the better. His tongue started making lazy circles over my jugular and I ran my fingers through his silken locks, before fisting the hair and pushing him even closer. His tongue stopped its ministrations and I felt his lips curve into a smile against my skin. His body shifted once more, as his right hand travelled down my body and encircled the back of the knee, before hooking my leg up, pressing our abdomens tightly together.

His tongue caressed me once more, before I felt his lips part and his teeth graze across my flesh. His fire was invading me now, making my body burn and I moaned in torturous pleasure. Then, he stopped and lifted his head to ensnare me with those eyes again. The seemed to be asking a question and I didn't care what it might be, the answer would be yes. It was his, he could have it all; my mind, body and soul belonged to this creature. Satisfied with the response, he leaned over and placed a tender kiss on my forehead, before moving back and studying me one last time.

Then he lunged and, in one swift movement, the fire consumed me.

000

I startled awake, my heart pumping and breathing heavy. My mind was mess, plagued by vivid flashbacks, as it tried to make its way back the world of the wakeful. Eventually, reality reigned supreme and I fumbled for the switch to my bedside lamp. The room was bathed in amber, but I had to shield my eyes from the brightness for a few minutes, before they adjusted. When they were able to see properly, my chocolate orbs immediately flew to the window. It was closed.

My head fell back to the pillow with a sigh. The heartbeats slowed and I took in several deep, calming breaths. As my palm rested on my clammy forehead, I kicked the tangled covers off me to cool down.

What.

The.

Hell.

Just...what the Hell?

Did my subconscious mean to tell me that the recurrent dream harassing me for Christ-knew-how-long was about Carlisle all along? Deep down, I had always known, but it had never been like that before! I didn't need to put a hand down my underwear to know the effect it had had on me. My face flushed and I thought I might explode with embarrassment. Good God, how was I ever going to look him in the eye again? A surge of uncontrollable giggles overwhelmed me and I ended up rolling over to bury my face in the pillow, as a means of silencing them. Once they had been subdued, I reached for my phone to check the time. Four am. I groaned as it was returned to the table and switched the light out. Rolling back over to stare at the ceiling, I knew there was no chance of getting any more sleep. The time passed slowly as I gazed into the darkness, one question turning over and over in my mind.

Carlisle Cullen, what on Earth have you done to me?

A/N: Due to the light smuttiness at the end, I decided to up the rating on this fanfic. I hope this won't have any negative effect on it :/

Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed. If all goes well, the next update shouldn't be too far away, as it is already half-written. See y'all soon :)