*A/N: Thanks to my lovely beta and awbffe NessiesMomma for beta reading.*

*Disclaimer: I do not own twilight or its characters, SM does. I do however want Edward Cullen to spend eternity in my bedroom ;]*


Edward's emotions went from playful to furious the second the words slipped through my mouth. "Absolutely not, Bella!"

"This is my decision, Edward. I don't want what happened with James to happen ever again. I don't want to be weak."

"You're stronger than Emmett is! How can you say you're weak?"

I knew Edward would go there. "Not when I'm drugged."

His features softened but the anger in them didn't fully dissipate. Edward saw my fears and was trying to calm himself in order to get his point across. The fact was, I didn't want what happened with James to ever happen again. I didn't want that constant irrational fear that I always had to be on the lookout, be protected. I had a loving family when I grew up but I was fiercely independent. I was the more suffer in silence type. I was like my dad in that way.

"Bella, please. I'm begging you. Don't do this. Don't ask this of me."

I couldn't meet his eyes. I spoke in a low but firm voice. "This is what I want."

When I looked at Edward again, he seemed to be having a silent discussion with Carlisle. I knew better now, than to interrupt. Alice was staring off into space no doubt trying to view the future and Emmett fiddled with his hands not knowing what to do with himself.

Here were Alice and Emmett, without there mates, all because of my weakness to defend myself. The strength didn't mean much if I didn't know how to use it. And Edward, he had to sit and watch me sleep while his siblings were rewarded with more time with their mates. I wanted Edward and me to be equals.

"Can we try other means before jumping to this conclusion?"

"What other means?" My voice was weary.

"Such as teaching you to fight, learning more from this hybrid, and trying animal blood."

I thought over what he was asking and it seemed reasonable, but one thing still nagged me. "What about Victoria?"

"Damn it, Bella! This is a big decision. I don't want you doing this because you're afraid or you feel pushed into it. You should want to do it because this is something you've wanted more than anything." He paused and gripped my face. "Because we've tried every other option."

"And if it doesn't work?"

He turned his head from mine as if not even wanting to contemplate that. "Then I'll change you myself."

"Okay."

Edward looked towards Alice. "You'll call Jasper?"

"Yes. They've made contact with the hybrid and they'll bring him back with them."

Wait a second. "The hybrid is coming here?"

"Yeah." Alice nodded. "We want to get as much information from him as we can."

I heard the front door open and my body immediately froze thinking it was him. Edward rubbed my back, soothing me, just as Esme walked in the room and right into Carlisle's waiting arms. My body relaxed into Edward as he breathed reassurances in my ear.

Esme smiled warmly in my direction. "I'm so glad you're okay, Bella."

"Me too."

"It was really foolish of us to leave you all alone here."

"You couldn't have known." I shrugged. "Edward got there before things got really bad."

She smiled in Edward's directions in a motherly affection. "Didn't think he would let anything happen to you." She clasped Carlisle's hand and smiled again at me. "Are you hungry, dear?"

I shook my head. "Appears I'm going to try something different."

"Bella is going to try animal blood." Edward rephrased.

"Oh. Well that should be interesting." She playfully nudged Carlisle. "What else did I miss?"

"Bella and Edward are engaged!" Alice squealed.

In response I waved my left hand again. The sunlight hit the diamond causing it to sparkle and shine. Esme jumped in joy and together she and Alice begin spurting out wedding details causing everyone to laugh. Obviously the bride and groom didn't have a say in this wedding.

Edward whispered in my ear. "We could always run off to Vegas."

Alice sent a vicious glare in his direction. "Don't even think about it."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"I can foresee your actions." She pouted.

Edward chuckled. "It's entirely Bella's decision, not mine."

Suddenly all eyes were on me. I was going to kill Edward when I got him alone. I sighed and ran the pros and cons quickly in my head. On the upside if we got married in Vegas it would be quick and painless but then I'd have to deal with the wrath of Alice.

"No Vegas."

Alice leaped over onto me, crashing out bodies onto Edward's. "We're going to have so much fun planning your wedding!"

Esme and Alice continued rambling on about dresses, flowers, guests, and linens. I owed this to Edward, a traditional wedding. Even if this was going to be Hell right in the middle of my Heaven.


"Where are you taking me? You know I could just as easily run there with you."

Edward had me blindfolded with my legs wrapped around his waist. This was ridiculous. I wanted to run. I missed running. When I ran, I felt free. And I hadn't felt free in sometime.

"Just hold on tight." Edward assured. "And don't peek!"

I felt the wind rush past my face as the familiar thrill of running began. This was something Edward and I shared. Something we were equals at, even if I was faster. Edward became a normal seventeen year old boy when he ran. He was carefree and playful, and I hoped to bring out that side of him more often. Instantly images of heated showers and breaking glass invade my mind with the familiar pooling between my thighs.

"Bella? What are you thinking about right now?"

I was grateful he couldn't see my face. "Oh, nothing."

"I can smell you." His grip on my thighs tightened. "Fuck, we need to hurry up."

"Well, why don't you tell me where were going and then we'll get there faster."

He seemed to think about it for a second before responding. "Nope. I have you just where I want you."

I nuzzled my face in his neck and nipped at it. "Then shouldn't I be facing you?"

"Huh?" I grounded my hips against him. "Oh! Patience, love."

We didn't talk for the remainder of the run. I felt Edward stop and release my legs so I could place them firmly on the ground. When I lifted my hand to remove the blindfold his hand stopped me.

"I just want you to feel, baby. Use your other senses. Let go."

Doing as he asked I inhaled through my nose. We were deep in the woods and I could smell a deep musky scent fifty yards away. My face crunched up. It didn't smell satisfying.

"What are we doing here, Edward?"

I felt his hands on my shoulders and his breath in my ear. "Hunting."

"Wh- Edward I- I can't hunt. I never had blood before. What if—"

"Carlisle and Emmett are right nearby. Nothings going to go wrong. You promised you'd try."

He was right. I had promised Edward, along with the others, that I would try hunting and training instead of becoming a full vampire. But it had only been two days and I thought we'd at least try fighting first since Victoria was our main priority.

"Why do I have to do hunting first?"

Edward sighed. "Bella even if you want to become a vampire, this is something you're going to have to learn. We might as well start now."

I pouted then inhaled again. The musky scent was getting closer. "What is that?"

"An elk."

"I don't know about this."

He stepped away from me again. "Stop over thinking and just give in. I'm here."

Edward removed the blindfold and instructed I keep my eyes shut until I was ready. I allowed the scent to take me over. Letting it overwhelm me. My body coiled, and before I could control it, it sprang in the direction of the elk. I was a predator hunting its prey. Instinct controlling my every move. The elk lifted its head from grazing, sensing my imminent arrival. But I was too quick.

I pounced on the elk, crashing it to the forest floor. Its hooves kicked against me, its antlers thrashed, but I was too strong for it. The blood pulsed beneath the artery in its neck and I dug my teeth into it. I groaned as the fresh wave of liquid made its way into my mouth. It wasn't the best tasting thing I'd ever had, but it was what my body wanted.

My body felt stronger, more rested, as every lap of fresh blood made its way down my throat. When I had drained it completely, I threw the carcass beside me and stood up. Blood had dampened my shirt and jeans, and I was sure my hair was a mess. I looked up to find Edward staring at me with hunger in his eyes.

He strode towards me, his eyes never leaving mine, as I backed away. Edward simply shook his head as he ran at me and pinned me against a nearby tree. His body was a vice holding me together. Inside, I knew I could fight him off, the blood had made me even stronger, but I didn't want to.

His nose grazed my face but never actually made contact. There was a danger in his eyes that I had never before seen, and it didn't scare me. In fact, it only made this more intoxicating. His hand lifted and pulled a few leaves from my hair and then went to my chin and angled my head up towards his.

"You are mine."

Three words before his mouth claimed mine. In rushed hunger, he ripped off all my clothing, leaving me naked and bare before him. He dropped to his knees before me and picked up my leg to place it on his shoulder before he drove his head into my sex. My involuntary moan echoed across the quiet woods.


Edward peeled off his shirt and handed it to me, a shy smile on his face. I took it from him and placed it on my body. The grey material clung to me and stopped just at the tops of my thighs. It would have to do, since my clothing was in pieces all over the ground.

"Sorry."

I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Stop apologizing. That was… intense."

"I don't know what came over me." His hand went around my waist, lifting the material higher up my butt. Both his hands came to grip my ass as he pushed me even closer to his body. He was hard. I could feel him through his jeans. And all I knew at that moment was Alice needed to hurry up and plan the damn wedding.

"I'm glad it did." I reached up and pressed my lips firmly to his.

He released me slapping my ass and grabbed my hand. "Run with me?"

I nodded and we ran together, neither of us releasing the other. I let Edward lead the way since I was still a little too dazed to be navigating. The thought of walking into the house, where my family was, while only wearing only Edward's shirt and my hair looking a mess never crossed my mind. I was with Edward and that's all that mattered.

When we approached the door I released Edward's hand and began pulling on the shirt, attempting to get it to lengthen. Edward moved behind me wrapping his arms around my stomach and walked us into the house. I was giggling into his neck and planting kisses up and down his throat when I felt Edward stop abruptly.

There in the living room were all of the Cullen's and a very dark skinned man. He was dressed in the tan clothing, that of a native. His hair was jet black and rested just below his shoulders. He stood upon my entrance and eyed me suspiciously before his eyes stayed trained on my bare legs. I heard the distinct sound of heartbeat.

"Bella," Carlisle spoke, "this is Nahuel."

I blushed. "Uh, hi." I waved. "Sorry for my appearance. I'll be right back."

"Certainly. Take your time."

I heard Edward growl behind me and I took his hand to lead him up the stairs. Once there I slammed the door and pushed at his chest, scowling. I rummaged through my draws and threw on a decent pair of underwear and jeans. Edward just stood there kneading his temples.

"What?" I questioned.

"I didn't like the way he was thinking about you."

"Well I did walk in there wearing no underwear and just your shirt. How would you like him to think of me?"

He frowned. "Not like that."

I walked over to him and placed my hands on his face. He leaned into my touch and I smiled. Edward was very protective of me and it had to be difficult to hear every thought people had about your fiancé.

"I'm with you, Edward. I'm yours." I stood on my tippy-toes and kissed his lips. "No one else's."

He smiled and I knew I had him back. I wished there was a way that I could cut off his gift and ease his worry and pain. Edward had everyone's thoughts in his mind and he couldn't escape. He was forever invading people's minds unwillingly. Sure, at times it was helpful, but what about all the times like now, when it wasn't.

We walked back down stairs and I held Edward's hand. Nahuel stood up again upon my entrance and was once again staring. Edward's grip tightened on my hand and I squeezed his in reassurance. Edward released my hand and was now staring at Nahuel with fierce anger that was beginning to match my own. Who was this stranger? And why was he continuing to stare at me? The anger rose up in me in defense for Edward. I hoped more than anything that Edward could not hear his thoughts. I felt what seemed to be a band on my mind stretch as it molded around Edward.

I felt an essence that radiated my being. It was strong and powerful. Edward's face froze, as confusion crossed his features. He looked from Nahuel to me and back again.

"Can you please stop pushing your thoughts onto us?" Edward growled.

Nahuel looked guilty and shocked. "What are you talking about?"

"You keep trying to push thoughts of you and my fiancé into our minds. I don't know why it's not working…" His eyes drifted towards mine.

"That's it!" Jasper shouted. All the faces in the room looked in her direction. "Bella, before, could you tell that Edward was in emotional pain?"

I nodded. "Yeah, and now this weird aura is around him."

"And Edward, you're not feeling the effects of Nahuel's gift are you?"

"No." Edward shook his head. "I can see what he's picturing in his mind and I heard him trying to push out jealousy towards me and lust towards Bella."

"Don't you guys get it?" Jasper questioned. "Bella is a shield."

Carlisle lifted his hand to rest on his chin. "That explains why she's safe in her mind. But Jasper how is it you can effect her and Nahuel can't?"

"My gift must not radiate from the mind, Nahuel's does. He pushes images and feelings into a persons mind. Bella, of course, wouldn't receive it but when I felt that she was getting sorrow as Nahuel was pushing lust on her, it hit me. She pushed her shield out to protect Edward."

I released Edward's hand to run my fingers through my hair, a habit I obviously picked up from Edward. "I'm a shield?"

It was Carlisle who answered. "You're able to protect your mind from being penetrated, and it seems you can push it out onto others as well." He began pacing the room. "Aro's personal guard, Renata, is a shield but she can only project it by touching. You weren't touching Edward when it happened."

"What does this all mean?"

"It means, Bella," Edward whispered as he stood in front of me, "that you're stronger than you think."