Disclaimer: None of this is mine, nor will it ever be (sigh). I like to play with the characters that Stephenie Meyers created and make them do pervy things or become angels with a bad attitude.

Up next will be Edward's meeting with Carlisle and preparations for the first date, along with some of the first date. We'll start with Edward and end with Bella. Thanks for sticking with me, folks! Love you all!

Chapter Twenty-One

EPOV

I flew back to the summit of Mount Rainier. It was cold as balls and it was snowing. Again. "Carlisle, couldn't you pick a warmer climate?" I asked, landing in front of him. "It's freezing."

"I don't feel a thing," Carlisle said. He was wearing his armor, with his blade strapped to his hip. This was the Carlisle I was used to seeing. Not the man who was wearing Calvin Klein chinos and a Ralph Lauren sweater. "You must be used to living the human lifestyle, Edward."

"The wind temperature is below freezing and it's windy as fuck," I grumbled, stuffing my hands into my pockets.

"Language, son," Carlisle chided, arching a brow.

"Sorry," I said, looking down abashed. "What's up?"

"It would appear that Riley has disappeared from our radar. He was in and around Port Angeles for most of the weekend, but he blinked away. We think he's gone into hiding underground, gathering strength for whatever he's got planned. Also, Rosalie, Bella's former boss, has a great deal of hatred in her heart, making her ripe for the picking to join Riley's army. Her hatred is spilling over to her boyfriend, Emmett. I know you know both of them," Carlisle said.

"I worked for Emmett on a rehab job before taking the long-term sub position at Bella's school," I said, shivering and using my wings to warm me. "Emmett is a good guy."

"But, he's being corrupted by Rosalie. His guardian angel, Seth, is trying to sway him back to our side, but he's enamored with that woman," Carlisle frowned. He moved, standing on a snow-capped rock, looking out over the dreary landscape. "I'm also concerned about Jasper. He's been growing despondent, hatred growing inside him."

"No," I frowned. "He can't … I know that …"

"He can't look past what you did and he hates you, Edward," Carlisle murmured.

"When will it happen?" I asked.

"Once you return to Bella, I'm calling Alice and giving her one more night with him before he's recycled. He has the chance to be redeemed, but he needs to learn from his mistakes. If he is able to forgive and forget in his next life, he will be granted another chance. However, if the hatred remains, he will die and not live an eternal life with Alice."

"I'm so sorry," I whispered. "It's my fault."

"No, Edward. It was always Jasper's undoing," Carlisle said, taking my face and forcing me to look at him. "You felt remorse for what you did and continue to feel remorse. Jasper is quick to cast blame and that blame has festered into something more."

"Okay," I nodded. "Anything else?"

"I'll be in touch. I know that Esme wants to meet her," Carlisle replied. "Perhaps, after your date, we can come down and spend some time with you."

"I'd like that and I'm certain Bella will, too," I smirked. "Now, can I go? I think my wings are about to fall off."

"Such a wuss," Carlisle laughed. He rolled his eyes, spreading his wings and taking off like a rocket. He disappeared into a sunbeam.

I walked a little bit before leaving the summit, flying back to my house. Alice was prattling with Bella and they were doing girly things. When I walked into the door, Bella had some green goop on her face and her toes were separated by some foam things. "What are you wearing?"

"I have no fucking clue," Bella snorted. "Alice slapped this crap on my face saying it'll minimize my pores or something like that. And she attacked my toes with some blood-red color called Vamp."

"Your feet needed some loving. And don't deny it. That massage did wonders for your disposition," Alice giggled, but her face fell. Her hand went to her heart. She looked at me, tears gathering. "I need to go. Bella, I'll help you get ready for your date on Friday." She hugged her and hugged me before taking off like a shot from the back patio.

"What just happened?" Bella asked, looking out the window. "Why did Alice look like someone ran over her dog?"

"Bad news," I said, wrapping my arms and wings around her. "Very bad news."

"Jasper is …" Bella frowned, causing the green goop to crack.

"Okay, I can't have a serious conversation with you wearing that stuff," I said, arching a brow. Bella rolled her eyes, hobbling into our bedroom. I heard her scrub her face and she returned, her pale skin a warm pink and incredibly smooth. "Much better. It doesn't look like you're facing breaking."

"They're recycling Jasper, aren't they?" Bella asked. I nodded, lifting her onto the kitchen counter. "I'm not a doll."

"I want to look into your eyes, pretty Bella," I sighed. "You're perfect, but very short. If you haven't noticed, I'm very tall." I ran my fingers over her cheeks. "Carlisle is giving them tonight to say goodbye, but yes, he's going to be recycled. Carlisle said that his feelings were turning into something dark and easily corruptible."

"And he could be turned against us?" she muttered.

"Yeah. I mean, Lucifer was one of His angels and his heart turned black," I explained. "We don't want a repeat of that. You know? One Lucifer is more than enough." Her stomach rumbled. "Didn't Alice feed you?"

"She was more inclined to cover me with the goop and attack my feet," Bella said. I scowled, pulling out some food for some stir fry. "Edward, I can just eat a sandwich."

"Nonsense," I chuckled. "Give me twenty minutes and we'll eat." She rolled her eyes and hopped off the counter, helping me cut the vegetables. I made rice and some beef teriyaki. Plating our meal, we sat down at the table, sharing the meal I'd improvised.

"I'm really sorry about Jasper, Edward. I feel like it's my fault," Bella murmured, pushing her empty plate away from her.

"It's not your fault, baby," I said. "It's not. Jasper … his actions and his hatred for me … that's what caused his recycling. Not you. Never you."

"But, by default, his hatred of you was extended to me," Bella sniffled. "I feel so badly for Alice. She doesn't deserve to lose her love."

"Carlisle said that if he's able to learn from his mistakes, to forgive and forget, he'll be granted an eternity with Alice, but it will be in his recycled form," I explained. Bella bit her lip, still reeling from the news. "Please, don't blame yourself, Bella."

"I'll try," she sighed.

And she did, but she felt awful when Alice had taken a 'sick' day the following day at work. Another one of our undercover angels stepped in for Alice, but Bella blamed herself for what happened to Jasper. When Alice did come back, she wasn't her usual chipper self, which was understandable. I hugged her, offering her my condolences. She sobbed against my shoulder, but pulled herself together and put on a brave face for Bella.

When Bella went to apologize, Alice told her that it was a part of life, being an angel. She accepted Bella's hug, but didn't dwell on it. Though, I could feel Alice's sadness, the emptiness within her. Jasper, however, was not trustworthy and his recycling was an acceptable loss in the long-run, even if it broke my mentor's heart.

The rest of the week dragged. I wanted to hit fast-forward to Friday. When it finally arrived, I was so grateful. However, I was banished from my house. "How am I supposed to get ready, Alice?" I grumbled. "I can't exactly wear this on my date." I gestured to my casual Friday-wear.

"Do you have another bathroom than the one in your bedroom?" Alice asked, arching a brow.

"Yeah," I replied. She made a face. "Can I stay in my home, Alice?"

"Yes, you can. But, you can't peak in my head, nor Bella's. I want her outfit to be a surprise," Alice said.

I nodded and we drove back to my house. I grabbed my clothes, kissing Bella's temple before disappearing into the guest bathroom. I showered, shaved and put my black dress pants, a black dress shirt and sleek black loafers. I looked more devilish than an angel, wearing all black, but it was appropriate for where I was taking her. Even if our means of getting there was going to be a little unconventional. Spraying on some cologne and swiping my leather jacket, making sure the holes for my wings were there, I went into the living room. Felix's tail wagged. I fed him and watched some television.

An hour later, Alice walked out. She was smiling, but it wasn't touching her eyes. I'm okay, Edward. I know you're worried. Just let me grieve in my own way, she thought to me. "Bella, come on, sweetie. You're Angelward is waiting for you."

"Angelward?" Bella laughed, walking out and smoothing her black dress. It was mainly black with accents of blue and purple, cut to her knees. She was wearing a pair of tights with black knee-high boots. Her makeup was subtle, with a touch of sparkle and she held a leather jacket in her arms.

"Well, he looks more like Devilward at the moment," Alice quipped, poking my arm.

"Hey, be nice," I snorted, walking over to her. I took her hands and smiled crookedly at her. "You look exquisite. So, beautiful, my love."

"You look …" she stammered. "Wow … dangerous, but sexy, but sweet. That makes absolutely no sense."

"It does to me," I smiled, leaning my forehead to hers. "Now, let's get out of here. We've got some distance to cover." I pulled on her coat and buttoned it. I blinked over to Alice. Is everything set up at the Edgewater? Alice nodded. We'll be back on Sunday evening.

Carlisle and Esme are coming down to your place to stay with me, Edward. I'll be fine, she said. "Have fun, kids. Don't do anything I wouldn't do."

I took Bella's hand and led her out the back door. "Um, baby, normally people get in cars to go on dates. Unless, we're going to the pool house?" she giggled nervously.

"Nope," I snickered, picking her up and holding her in my arms. I spread my wings and looked at her. "We're going to Seattle. It's faster to fly."

"What?!" Bella squeaked. "It'll be cold and I'm wearing a skirt."

"Do you trust me?" I asked. She bit her lip, nodding. I held her closer to my body and crouched down, shooting off the ground like a bullet. Bella buried her face into my neck and I moved through the clouds. My speeds were fast, almost as fast as a jet and hidden from the airplanes and other aircraft in the sky. Bella was protected in my arms. "Bella, look around," I said.

"I don't think so," she whimpered.

"Please? It's beautiful up here," I said. She pulled her head away from my neck and looked around. We were approaching Seattle. The lights were twinkling from beneath the clouds and I slowed down, coming to a stop about a mile over Puget Sound. I used my wings to keep us hovering. "Look, pretty Bella."

"How can you do that?" she asked.

"It's like breathing," I chuckled. "Don't look at me. Look there." She kissed my cheek, looking out over the city and biting her lip. "What do you think?"

"I think that you're amazing and that you sharing this moment with me is …" she trailed off. "Best first date. Ever." She beamed at me, kissing me sweetly. "Thank you, Edward."

"We're not done yet, Bella," I snickered, flying us to the shore. I checked and saw that the Space Needle observation deck was abandoned and that worked out perfectly since we were eating at Sky City. I landed, quickly retracting my wings on the observation deck of the Space Needle. I twined my fingers with Bella's and tugged inside, walking down one level to the restaurant. I smiled at the hostess. "Reservation for Cullen."

"Oh, yes," she tittered. "This way, sir." She swiped some menus and sat us by a window. "Enjoy your meal, sir."

"Thank you," I smiled, helping Bella into the seat. The server arrived and took our drink orders. Bella, after much prodding, ordered some white wine while I got a scotch.

"You can drink?" Bella asked, sipping her wine.

"I can, but I can't get drunk," I shrugged. "I like the flavor of scotch." Bella nodded, looking out the window and watched the city of Seattle slowly drift by. "Are you okay, pretty Bella? Your mind is closed to me and you seem distant."

"I'm fine, but I'm worried about Alice," she answered. "She shouldn't be alone."

"Carlisle and Esme are down with her," I responded. "She's okay."

"Have you heard anything?" Bella asked. "About Jasper?"

"His soul has been recycled. He was placed into a baby boy born in Texas early this morning," I replied. "His new name is Colton Hughes, son of Maureen and Daniel Hughes."

"Who's watching over him?" Bella questioned.

"An angel working for Maria, one of our newer Dominion Lordships," I said. "An angel named Peter. He's been told that Colton is very important and needs extra care. Peter is the perfect man for the job."

"I'm surprised that they didn't ask you," Bella murmured, looking at me and smiling softly.

"You are my sole responsibility, pretty Bella," I grinned. "Once the danger has passed, I will get more responsibilities, but you are my one charge and I will be glued to your side. You may get sick of me."

"Doubtful," Bella giggled.

Over dinner, Bella shared the few pleasant memories from her time in foster care. I told her about the history I experienced and she was entranced. Our meals were delicious and it was a perfect date, romantic and quiet with just the two of us. When we were done, sufficiently stuffed to the gills, I paid for our meals and rode down the elevator to the lobby. While we were there, we browsed in the gift shop. "Wow," Bella breathed. "These rings are almost the exact shade of green as your eyes. What kind of stone is that? Not an emerald."

"It's Helenite," I explained. "Created from the ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helens." Bella nodded, her eyes gazing at a Helenite halo ring. She moved away, looking at some books and I quickly paid for the ring and pocketing it. Bella found a few books appropriate for her classroom. I paid for those as well, much to Bella's chagrin.

"I have money, Edward," she argued.

"First date," I argued back. "I'm allowed to spoil you, pretty Bella."

"We've been living together for almost a month, Edward," she snorted.

"Still, it's our first date," I said, taking the bag and smiling charmingly at the cashier. "Are you ready for the next part of our date?"

"There's more?" she giggled.

"I think I promised you dinner and a movie," I smirked. "Well, it's not a movie, per se. It's movie music." I tugged on her hand and hailed a cab. I gave the driver instructions to go to Benaroya Hall, the home to the Seattle Symphony. They were performing music by John Williams and James Horner. Picking up the tickets from will call, we were ushered to a private box. The performance was magical and Bella was in awe of the talent on the stage. I just watched her. When the concert was done, Bella shot to her feet applauding excitedly. I followed her lead, but I wanted to be with just her.

I wanted to hold her close, keep her safe and just relax with her in our private suite at the Edgewater. It was not about sex. That was the furthest thing from my mind. I just wanted to get her away, give her a brief respite from the drama in our lives. When she threw herself into my arms, hugging me, I could feel her happiness, her appreciation. "This was an amazing night, Edward." She kissed me so sweetly, her lips moving tenderly with mine. "Thank you, so much."

"It was my pleasure, Bella," I said, hugging her. She snuggled against me, but I felt her yawn. "Come on, let's head to our hotel."

"Hotel?" she squeaked.

"I don't want to fly back tonight. Now, it would be too cold for you and I wanted to get you away from the drama," I said. "I have a suite at the Edgewater."

"No funny business?" she asked, her eyelids drooping.

"Bella, never," I vowed. "You're about to drop and I want to get you to bed." She nodded. I guided her out of the concert hall and hailed another cab. We made it to the Edgewater, but Bella was down for the count. I paid the driver, carrying her into the hotel. Riding up to the top floor, I used the key and slipped inside. Our bags were already inside, thanks to Seth and him checking us in. Bella roused briefly and padded to the bathroom. I changed out of my clothes and put on a pair of sleep pants, allowing my wings to spread. Bella came out, wearing a pair of shorts and a long-sleeved Henley. Her face was free of all makeup. "Come on, love. You're exhausted."

"Yeah. The adrenaline wore off," she chuckled. I got into bed and she snuggled to my side, poking at my wings. I snickered, enfolding her with them and smiling as she sighed contentedly. "Best. First. Date. Ever," she mumbled.

"It was, pretty Bella. I love you," I whispered. She didn't reply as she was fast asleep, but her mind was content, happy. Just like I'd planned.

A/N: What did you think? Leave me some thoughts …

Up next will be back to Bella, the rest of their time in Seattle and Edward presenting the ring to her … Thank you for reading!