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 the rest of their date. Will it be smooth sailing or will Bella have some issues?

Chapter Twenty-Three

EPOV

"Keep the change," I said, handing the employee who delivered our food. I carried the tray into room, listening to Bella's mind. I didn't like how she was perceiving herself. She'd rode me, using my cock to come. It was beautiful and while we were kissing, touching, moving, she was fine. However, now? She was berating herself, calling herself a whore.

She was anything but that.

Placing the tray on the table, I knocked on the bathroom door. "Bella?" I asked, leaning against the door jamb. I heard quiet sniffles and the rustle of her shirt. "Pretty Bella, please, can I come in?"

"How can you stand me?" she asked, her voice so broken. "I'm disgusting. A whore. I used you."

"God damn it," I snarled under my breath. "Bella, please, open the door? I want to hold you." Her sniffles morphed into louder crying. Shaking my head, I used my powers to unlock the door and seeing Bella curled up on the floor in front of the bath tub. I sat down in front of her, but kept my distance. Her mind was a jumble, but she made it mentally clear that she did not want to be touched.

"Why are you comforting me?" she whispered, her eyes wide and brimming with tears. "I'm …"

"Don't finish that statement, Bella," I said warningly. "Look at me, please?"

"So, I can see how you think of me?" she asked. She was distraught and not thinking clearly. I pushed my mind open, showing her how much enjoyed what we had done. How proud I was that she was mine. I loved feeling her in my arms, losing control and feeling pleasure, not pain or shame from what we'd done. She blinked up at me, her thoughts still wary and her eyes filled with trepidation. "Why can't I get over this?"

"Bella, you were exposed to horrific abuse from an early age. Your view of sex is skewed and rightfully so. Not all intimate physical contact is bad. When it's with someone you love, it's so beautiful," I murmured. "I'm sorry if I pushed you."

"You didn't. This is all me," she said, waving to her head and scowling. "I'm such a mess."

"Do. Not. Put. Yourself. Down," I snapped. Bella's eyes widened and I took a breath. "Bella, my pretty Bella, I wish I could help you, take all of the ugliness away. Working with Olivia, you're doing well, but it's going to take time. But, do not put yourself down. You are far from a mess. Jasper was a mess. You, my love, are not. You're working on getting better." Arching a brow at her, I made a face. "Now, can I hold you? Comfort you?"

"You don't think I'm a whore?" she whispered.

"The farthest thing from my mind, Bella," I whispered back. "In fact, seeing you come was the most beautiful thing I've seen in my life and you know I've been around a long fucking time." She giggled, hiding her face behind her hands. I gently lifted her into my lap, holding her close to me. She slid her arms around my neck and slowly, her body melted against me. The darkness in her mind was lingering, but moving to the recesses of her subconscious. "Are you okay?"

"I'm getting there," she said. "Thank you for …" for dealing with my crazy, she finished mentally, ducking into my shoulder.

"The whole don't put yourself down thing? That includes mentally, woman," I chided, holding her closer and nuzzling her neck. I stood up, still holding Bella in my arms. She squeaked, gripping me tighter. "I won't let you fall, Bella."

"I know, but it startled me," she said, blushing and relaxing slightly.

I carried her into the room, sitting down at the table, but keeping her in my lap. I removed the lids to our dinner and we nibbled at it. Bella was calming down, but I could tell she was still unsettled by the picking at her food and not really eating it. "Are you finished?" I asked, gesturing to her meal.

"Yeah. I'm sorry about wasting …"

"Don't worry about it, Bella." I kissed her temple and lifted her, placing her in the chair. Cleaning up our plates, I placed them outside so we wouldn't smell the food in our room all night. She was still in the chair, sitting ramrod straight and glaring at the bed as if it was going to attack. "Why are you giving the bed a death glare, Bella?"

"I'm afraid to sleep," she whispered. Her face crumpled and new tears fell down her cheeks. I knelt in front of her, wiping those tears away. "I'm sorry, Edward. I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have someone broken like me." My heart shattered for her and I took her into my arms. There was a quiet knock on the door and I scowled.

Edward, it's Esme. I felt your pain and the pain of your mate. I think she needs a mother right now, Esme said to me mentally.

I pulled back, tugging on a Henley and walking to the door, opening it. Carlisle's mate and the woman who became to a mother to us all was standing outside my hotel suite. She looked very elegant with a pair of slacks and a soft sweater, her hair twisted into an elegant up-do. She hugged me, pressing her hand to my chest. My heart warmed. "You'll feel that when we're ready for you," she whispered. "I've missed you, sweetie."

"Me, too," I said, nodding reverently. She was still a Lordship in the hierarchy of angels. I turned to Bella and she was watching our interaction with curiosity and a touch of fear. She thought she was going to lose me because of this, but she was wondering who the woman was that I was speaking with. "Bella, I want to introduce you to Carlisle's mate, Esme. She's a Dominion, just like him, but she acts like a mother to all of us up there."

"It's such a pleasure to meet you, Bella," Esme said, moving past me and into the room. I'll call for you, Edward. There may be some problems near the piers that you can address … They were once Jasper's charges and they're … well, you know.

"Got it," I chuckled, swiping some pants and quickly changing in the bathroom. I put on my leather jacket, kissing Bella's forehead. "I love you, pretty Bella." She gave me a watery smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. I kissed her forehead again and ducked out of the room. I went to the stairs, heading to the rooftop. Once up there, I opened my mind and let the minds of the innocents of Seattle fill my thoughts. I could still hear Bella, loud and clear, but the rest of the city was now tuned into my head as well. Rolling my shoulders, my wings were freed. I listened to my temporary charges.

Why doesn't my boyfriend love me?

If my neighbor's dog shits on my lawn again … I'm gonna …

I think I want to ask Harper to marry me. Will she say yes?

There's this rave at the piers. It should be fun … Crap, Micah brought drugs. We're going to get busted.

"Bingo," I whispered into the wind. I spread my wings, taking off and honing into that mind. I flew over the sound and landed in the shadows of the pier where the rave was being held. I tucked my wings back inside and I slipped inside, listening to the mind.

The girl was focused on her friend, Micah, who was a troublemaker and rolled with a bad crowd. But, she had a huge crush on him and was with him, wanting to protect him. From her mind, I saw what Micah looked like. He was tall, gangly and the typical teenager. He had scraggly black hair with piercing blue eyes. The toll of regular drug use was apparent in him, but he could turn his life around.

I had two souls to save tonight – the nameless girl and this Micah.

"Come on, Phoebe, have some fun. At least try a joint," said Micah. "You'll feel great."

"Phoebe, just say no," I whispered, making my way through the crowd, looking for Micah and Phoebe. It was packed to the gills. The smell of teenage hormones, sweat and sex made my stomach turn. Phoebe's mind was just as disgusted as I felt. She shoved the joint away from her face. "Good girl."

"I thought you wanted to be my girlfriend, Phoebs. You have a reputation to uphold, as do I," Micah snapped, his hand moving toward her face and it was in a fist. I saw them and made my way through the swarm of people. Phoebe darted away, just before Micah's fist connected to her jaw. He threw up his hands, walking in the opposite direction, quickly making a sale of some E. I turned and followed Phoebe, but lost her in the crowd. Her mind was a jumble of anger, betrayal and hurt.

"Hey, aren't you a little old to be at a rave?" asked some pimply-faced teenage boy. "You're like ancient."

"You have no idea," I said, smelling the drugs coursing through his system and damage they were causing to his brain. "Aren't you little too smart to be here? Shouldn't you be home?"

"Fuck no, man. I want to find me some pussy and get high," he said, wiping his nose. "Go home, old man."

"Thanks, but no thanks," I deadpanned, capturing his arm and removing his high, absorbing it into my system. I pulled him closer, staring into his eyes. "You're better and smarter than this. Don't throw away your future for an easy score." I tightened my hand, forcing that thought into his mind. "Go. Home."

"I think I'm going to go home," he said, his eyes blank. "Yeah, home. I should work on my calculus." I released his arm, watching him leave the room.

Once he was gone, I focused on Phoebe. She was outside, talking to someone on the phone. As she was talking, someone approached her. "Shit," I spat, pushing my way outside. I found her easily, trying to keep some creep from stealing her purse. I ran over to her, maneuvering my body in between Phoebe and her assailant. "Pick on someone your own size, asshole."

"Like you, gramps?" he sneered, pulling out knife and charging me.

"You're the second person to bitch about my age," I snapped, dodging his drunken attack easily. I danced my way from Phoebe, who was hiding behind a large box on the pier. "I'm not old! I'm seasoned." My attacker lunged again, clipping my arm with his blade. I hissed, but it healed quickly. I twisted around, capturing him and pushing him against the wall. Easily, I lifted him off the ground. "You like stealing from young girls?" I asked. His mind was so loud and vulgar. In addition to stealing, he also liked to take without permission. It reminded me so much of Bella; it broke my heart. Using my powers, I knocked him out and whipped out my cell phone, dialing 911. I prattled off the information and I ended my call.

"I can't be here," Phoebe hissed. "I'm going to get busted."

I turned to her, crouching in front of her. I could see old bruises on her arms and on her face. Micah was beating her, but she was in love with him. She looked at me, wary at first but trust quickly appearing in her eyes. "You saved me. You must be a guardian angel," she breathed.

"You caught me," I smirked. "Are you hurt?"

"Um, not really," she lied.

I arched a brow, holding out my hand and allowing my healing powers to take away her pain. "Phoebe, you deserve so much more than Micah."

"How do you know my name?" she whispered.

"I am your guardian angel," I whispered back. I cupped her head, grimacing as I felt the mild concussion she had. I took that away and stared into her eyes. "You deserve better than Micah. You are worthy of someone who loves you for you." I searched her memories. I smiled when I came across a kind boy, Cole, who was always friendly with her. She smiled briefly. "Trust in Cole." With a subtle jolt, I knocked her unconscious and swept her in my arms. As the cops arrived, I took off and flew us to her home in Tacoma. I placed her into her bed, leaving behind a feather. "Be safe, Phoebe."

My heart warmed and I recognized Esme's call. I finished healing Phoebe, leaving her home and flying back to the hotel. When I arrived back in the hotel, Esme was lying next to a slumbering Bella. "Is she okay?" I asked.

Esme nodded, running her fingers through Bella's hair. "This poor child has been through hell and back."

"You cursed," I chuckled.

"There is no other way to describe it," Esme sighed, kissing Bella's forehead and getting out of the bed. "She knows I'm leaving and that you are returning. If I had to guess, she will have nightmares. Watch them so we can put those monsters to justice."

"I will," I muttered.

"After you shower," Esme said, wrinkling her nose delicately. "You went into the rave?"

"In order to find my innocent, yes," I sighed. "Thank you for the tip. I think I saved two." Esme closed her eyes, looking to the future. She had that gift, but it was only accurate in the immediate future. "Well?"

"Phoebe, she will turn her life around. The other boy? Jason? He's questionable," Esme said. "I'll stay here while you shower." I darted into the bathroom, quickly hosing myself off and putting on some fresh cologne. I walked back out, in a pair of sleep pants and my chest bare. "Oh, my. Those are some markings."

"They're called tattoos," I said. "And Bella likes them."

"They are, um, decorative," Esme snickered. She blushed, getting up and walking to the door.

"Thank you for coming, Esme. I can't thank you for your help," I whispered. "Your power of precognition, it's helpful."

"Alice would have come, but she's a bit distraught at the moment," Esme said. "She also said that you'd need some help tonight." She caressed my cheek. Pressing her hand to my chest, my heart warmed once again. "She's good for you, Edward. Be kind to her. Love her and she will heal." Esme smiled softly, ducking out of the room.

I watched as she left through the stairs, heading up the roof. I went back inside, rolling out my wings and sliding into the bed. I curled Bella to my side, enfolding her into the safety of my embrace and wings. "I love you, my pretty Bella," I whispered against her hair. "I'll protect you from your demons. I promise."

xx OOTD xx

The nightmares were awful. Bella fought them all night and ended up getting a few swipes at me. It didn't matter to me, I watched them with rapt attention, trying to see the monster's faces who had violated my own personal angel. Her memories, however, were mainly of sounds, smells. Bella kept her eyes closed while she endured her attacks.

The next morning, when she woke up, Bella was exhausted. Her sleep was not restful and she felt guilty sending me away. I did all I could to assuage her guilt, fear and exhaustion, but there was little that could be done. Only time would heal this issue. The one thing Bella didn't do was push me away. She was distant, but let me hold her when she cried and comforted her when she raged.

I rented us a car to go back to Forks. I couldn't carry Bella, the luggage and myself while I flew.

I was an angel. Not a pack mule.

Loading up the midsized sedan that was delivered to the hotel, we left shortly after noon. Bella was quiet, staring out the window. "Can we take the long way? Not the ferry?"

"Sure, Bella," I said. "Not ready to go back?"

"Kind of," she shrugged. "I'm just afraid that my bad luck is going to invade our sanctuary. It's like a cancer."

"You're safe, pretty Bella," I murmured.

"Am I?" she asked, her voice bleak. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be so … I'm ruining everything."

"Stop, Bella," I whispered. "You're not. I get it. In retrospect, we went too far last night. Yes, you initiated it and I was following your lead, but I should have …"

"It's not you, Edward. You did everything right. I wasn't afraid when I was in your arms, when you were touching me," she argued. "It was my self-doubt and fear that got me. I was afraid you'd see me differently."

"Never, baby," I said, reaching across the console and threading our fingers together. I reached to her right hand, running my thumb over the profile of the stone. "This … this is a representation of the love I have for you. It's a tangible, real thing, Bella. Do you know the power it took to create this stone?" She blushed, shaking her head. "It moved a mountain, Bella. A mountain." I pulled over the car and parked it in a remote spot.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

I helped her to her feet and picked her up. Taking off, I hovered us just above Mount Saint Helens. "I would move this to get to you. To protect you, Bella. The love that I have for you? It's all-encompassing. I would do anything to ensure your safety, your happiness and your love." I dipped us down, landing softly by the car. I cupped her cheek as my wings disappeared, "My opinion will never change, Bella. You are beautiful, strong, courageous, kind, brilliant and loving. Trust in this." I pressed my hand to heart, warming my hand. I hoped she felt what I was doing. "Trust in us."

With a jerky movement, her own hand pressed above my heart. I felt it burst against my chest, fluttering excitedly. Leaning forward, I pressed my forehead to hers. I do trust in us, she whispered in my mind.

"Thank you," I said, kissing her hair and helping her back into the car. I jogged to the driver's seat. When I slid into the car, I noticed Bella just crashed. I chuckled, covering her with my jacket and taking off, driving us back home.

A/N: So, Bella had a bit of a meltdown. Was it expected? Probably. She's finally moving forward and letting someone into her life, into her heart. She's going to have some flashbacks. We also saw Edward in action as a guardian angel, protecting the innocent. And we met Esme, a fellow Dominion Lordship.

Up next will be Bella and her dealing with her emotions. Plus, going back to work and some drama with a blast from the past. Who will it be?

Leave me some loving. Thank you for reading! MWAH!