Chapter Eighteen

Alice dragged him far enough away that they wouldn't be overheard, though she knew Edward already knew. She hoped he was smart enough not to tell the others what was going on, or she'd have to cause some serious damage. Dropping his hand when she was sure he wouldn't bolt she looked up at him and gave him her best Alice grin. "Jesse, Jesse, Jesse. I see what you're planning."

Jesse just gave her a blank stare. Then he blinked and nodded. Right, she was the psychic. Wow that would get annoying. You couldn't hide anything from this woman. "Yes, so why then did you drag me out of there? Since you already know what's going to happen."

"I just wanted to assure you that she will accept. Her feelings for you are so much more powerful than any I've ever seen her have before, even for Edward."

Jesse unconsciously took a step back from Alice. "Edward? She and Edward were together? Your brother Edward? I think I need to go," he said quietly. Before Alice could say another word he had disappeared into the forest beyond the house.

Alice watched him go. He was fast, nearly as fast as Edward. There was no way she would catch him. She let her eyes glaze over, searching the future, and let out a sigh of relief. She hadn't altered it irrevocably with her slip. As she turned around to head back in the house, she tried to figure out what to tell Tanya. That was going to be a difficult thing to explain.

-

Jesse knew he didn't have a reason to be upset. But at the same time, it was like Amanda showing up all over again, except this time he was in Tanya's shoes. It certainly made him appreciate what she had gone through, and the effort it had cost her to control her temper while dealing with his ex.

The difference was that he and Amanda were not on good terms, while Tanya seemed to be on excellent terms with her ex. So much so that she had dragged him to his family's home. Was he giving Tanya the credit she deserved? He hadn't noticed her look at Edward any differently than if she'd been looking at Emmett or the scary looking one, Jasper. She had been glued to his side, trying to make him feel comfortable with a coven that they considered extended family.

He sighed and stopped running, slowing to a walk. He ran a slim, pale hand through his usually messy, and now windblown dark hair as he thought it all over. He was jumping to conclusions without giving Tanya a chance to explain. He was running away again, not allowing her to say her piece. Giving up on his hopeless mop of hair, he turned and started running back toward the Cullen house. They would talk, and then he would go to Seattle, as planned.

-

Alice danced back inside and Edward started laughing when she came into view. If looks could kill, Edward would have dropped dead where he sat with his wife. He stopped laughing when he saw her face. Giving her a small nod, he tugged on Bella's hand.

"Come on, Love, lets take Nessie back to the cottage for a nap," he said quietly.

Bella looked confused but seeing Alice's face she nodded and gathered up Nessie. The others seemed to take the hint, except Emmett who steadfastly refused to move until Rosalie spoke up.

"Emmett if you don't get off your butt and come help me in the garage, so help me god, I will literally rip out all of those fancy upgrades I just put into your jeep," she said in her sweetest voice. Somehow that made it even more threatening.

Tanya looked up at Alice, bewilderment crossing her features and everyone seemed to clear out. "Alice?"

"Tanya, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you hadn't told him..."

"Hadn't told him what?" Tanya asked. There was no beating around the bush as to who Alice was talking about.

"About you and Edward," she replied.

Tanya closed her eyes for a moment and let out a sigh. "What did you tell him Alice?" She opened her eyes and looked up at the small woman.

"Only that I knew that you cared for him more than I've ever seen you care for anyone else, and that included Edward."

"I was going to tell him, but I hadn't gotten around to it. Truth is, I was afraid he'd refuse to come if he knew that I had once had feelings for Edward, even if Edward and Bella are together now," she sighed.

Alice smiled slightly. "The good news is, he was upset but he's on his way here right now. After all you two have already been through, he's willing to let you explain. I'm afraid I left him with the impression that you and Edward had been an item."

Tanya opened her mouth to protest but Alice cut her off. "I didn't mean to give that impression, but he was understandably upset when I mentioned Edward and he took off before I could explain. He moves [i]fast."[/i]

Tanya laughed a bit. "I've only ever seen Edward run faster."

"I'll leave you here to discuss your past with Jesse. He should be walking in the door as soon as I walk out the back. Jazz wants to hunt so we'll be out in the forest." Alice winked and blew Tanya a kiss before disappearing.

True to Alice's word, as soon as she walked out the back door, Tanya heard Jesse's footsteps on the porch and then the door opening. Tanya rose gracefully from her spot on the floor and waited for him to appear.

Jesse walked to the edge of the room and stood there, looking at her. "I want to believe you didn't mean not to tell me, Tanya."

She sighed and shook her head. "I was going to tell you, but Jess, it's not what you think. Edward and I were never together. I had been alone for a long time, and he had as well. I asked him to be my mate. He turned me down. He was infatuated with a human... with Bella. It all happened awhile ago." The words tumbled out quickly. "But I have only ever really loved one person, and that is you. I was afraid to tell you, because I wanted you to meet the Cullens. No matter what happened or didn't happen between Edward and I, Carlisle's family is our family as well. I was afraid if I told you before we got here, you wouldn't come. I'm sorry."

He was silent a long moment, soaking in her hasty explanation. Without a word he strode across the room and enfolded her in his arms. He kissed the top of her head before speaking softly in her ear. "I'm sorry too. Apparently we both have a lot to learn still. I love you Tanya, and nothing can change that."

Tanya lifted her head to meet his eyes. She smiled and he lowered his head to meet her lips, kissing her softly, then more demanding. When he pulled away, it was with effort but he was grinning. "You have no idea what you do to me, doll."

Reaching up to thread her fingers through his hair she pulled his face back down to hers. "Oh don't I?" she breathed before kissing him again.

Moments later, or was it hours? He wasn't sure, but he heard someone clearing their throat, and he tore himself away from Tanya to look up. Blinking once he focused on the intruder. Emmett, who had a huge grin on his face. "Sorry to interrupt," he said, not looking sorry at all, "but are we allowed back in? The game is on."

Tanya shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Emmett you are such an ass," she said taking one step away from Jesse.

Emmett just laughed and flung himself into his favorite chair, facing the TV. He flipped it on and slid a glance back to Tanya. "You could always go upstairs," he said with a laugh.

Jesse gave Tanya a look. "You claim these people as family?" he said teasingly as the others started filing in.

Tanya shrugged. "You can choose your friends, not your family, isn't that right Jess?"

He growled playfully. "Touche." He leaned down and kissed her lightly on lips, lingering just a second longer than appropriate before straightening up. He grinned. "And now, I have something I need to do my dear. So you enjoy your time with your family," he glanced at Emmett and then back at Tanya. "And I will return later."

Tanya looked confused. "Where are you going?"

"No where important. Just business to take care of, that's all." He grinned and kissed her again. "Do me a favor, and give Emmett hell. I bet his wife would help." He winked and with that he was out the door before anyone could say anything else.

"Damn, he moves almost as fast as Edward!" Emmett said.