Chapter 19

(I do not own anything. Please Read and Review.)

I stood before the door and the others appear behind me. I gathered from their thoughts they'd not been living here. In fact Jasper had gotten them a cabin on the outskirts of town and that's where the three of them had been staying. I take this all in and knock on the door. Which felt rather odd but this was no longer my home.

Rosalie opens the door but rolls her eyes. She stares me down and calls to Carlisle. He descends from the stairs and tilts his head ever so slightly.

"So you've returned?" He remarks and looks upon the others behind me as well.

However his thoughts deemed to be completely foolish. He assumed we were there to grovel. To take him back as our master. This groveling he pictured to be mainly of me, he knew I'd never want to take on the responsibility of a coven. Hence, the smile of broad vanity that crossed his lips, he was highly mistaken. He motions his hand for us to step inside.

(And here we go)... Emmett thought as we stepped inside.

(Come on Edward you're our true master now)… Jasper's

(I believe in you Edward we have your back. If not for us or yourself stand up to him for Bella's sake)… Alice's

I take in their thoughts as we each take a seat. We eye one another off and on. Carlisle pulls Rosalie into his lap.

(Go on now let's hear it. Beg Edward. You can't hold this coven on your own and you know it. You need me!)

My jaw clenches at his thoughts. I saw where he had indeed saved Bella. He dived into the water and gathered her before she drowned. Yet there was hesitation behind it. Part of him thought about letting her die, as he saw her fall in. He stood there indecisive as the seas swallowed her whole. Carlisle thought my future bride to be as weak, idiotic, and imprudent at that point. He couldn't understand why she'd self-destruct over what he considered ridiculous. He'd taken the blame upon her for my "rebellion". Yet sadly he did still had somewhat compassion. He cared about each of us even Bella. Carlisle however was too consumed by his own beliefs. He'd been a vampire for so long that anything humanity was damn near gone. Which made me wonder often how he could work in the field he had as doctor. It wasn't so much that he didn't care about humans. He did. In fact he felt we were to protect them. However that being noted he also felt we as vampires were superior to them. They were beneath us and they were disposable if posed a threat. Carlisle was so fucked up in his ways that even though he actually had grown attached to Bella, even she was below each of us. If need be her life wasn't that important.

I turn to Rosalie at these thoughts, she too human when he'd fallen for her. Yet he thought so little of Bella when it came to her survival. All he truly concerned himself with was his own selfish desires. How can you run a coven if that's all you concern yourself with? Shouldn't your thoughts to go each member and their necessities? We are his progenies are we not? Yet he thought so little of our needs and feelings. If Carlisle wanted something however nothing truly held him back. He speaks so vile of the Volturi but honestly was he that different? Perhaps this is something that he'd rather picked up during his time with them a while ago. Yet I'd not understood it simply because that was before any of us progenies ever came into the picture.

He'd cared for Bella as she'd gotten ill after her icy cold plunge. He put her by the fireplace, had Rosalie change her into some dry clothes. Carlisle even called Charlie and made an excuse about how she was visiting Alice during her stay. The one thing though that hit as I read this was he'd done rather for me and not so much Bella.

In Carlisle's thoughts I was the closest thing he'd ever have to a true son. He'd felt some guilt but not enough to pin any true blame within himself. He was too close to the picture to realize just how things truly were. He'd lost the four of us yet still he insisted on making this about Bella, about my weaknesses and he actually considered me to be the one being selfish. I'd apparently let down the entire coven over this one silly human girl.

He also sought out to punish me once I accepted his rein again. Carlisle truly was the king of fools. I lean back once I'm done vanquishing his mind. I have myself a good laugh and shake my head. I take out a cigarette and light it in his treasurable house. He narrows his eyes.

"Edward…" He harshly warns.

I light it anyway take the longest of drags. I rise to my feet and pace around as I finish my cigarette. Once I'm done I put it out and drop it into one of his expensive vases. I welcome myself to the piano and strum a few keys. This was a gift from him many years ago. He'd seen me eyeing it it was silk black like my mother's. Carlisle use to listen to me play for hours. He never knew I could play. In fact he began to make request often enough when we had guest. I'd yet to play for Bella I think to myself. Jasper cuts me an odd glance but I continue. I start off slow feeling slightly overwrought as I continue my notes. They become more rapid and dramatic. But I slow down again as I begin to talk.

"Tell me Carlisle did you deem Rosalie worthless as well? She too led a torturous human existence before she was reborn. Do you remember?" I continue to strum soft melodramatic notes.

I smile amongst myself as I hear the slight growl escape his lips.

"You were a vampire were you not? I mean why didn't you put a stop to it? Save her before the rape and murder ever took place." I continue to pluck away.

The flow of my words matching to the melody.

"Were you just as weak? Perhaps you secretly desired her company as vampire so you let her die?"

I quietly chuckle. His thoughts murderous at the moment but he knew he was outnumbered. He could sense the others no longer followed him but me.

"Ah, Carlisle such the memories… You and I that is…" I clench my jaw tight as I practically slam down the notes now.

"You think of me as a son…" I swallow back the anger.

"You however seem to forget I'm a mind reader. I've not come to kneel at your feet. I've not come to implore me under your wing again." I slam down the lid to the piano as I come to a finish.

"If you truly thought of our connection so deep why the hell did you FUCK ME OVER!" I take the piano and toss it out the windows. Glass shatters everywhere. I turn back to him and pen him to the wall.

"You've lost my respect, my devotion and love as your progeny! You've humiliated me enough! You're so far gone! You've not a clue! You've managed to lose everything!" He shoves me about the room and I shrug it off as I come to my feet. Alice, Jasper and Emmett stand beside me as we stare him down. Rosalie clings to his side and I growl upon this.

"All that stands by your side now is your bride and I can assure you it's because she hasn't a fucking choice! You think she stands by you out of adoration! She stands by you because it's your given command that she must! She cannot simply break away like that of your own coven. Rosalie will spend the rest of her days crawling into your lap and smiling upon you! Something you far from deserve. You might have been her savior years ago but you're not that same vampire not anymore. You've no respect for Bella because you CAN'T STAND THE FACT THAT BELLA CANNOT BE CONTROLLED AS THOUGH ONE OF YOUR OWN! YOU'RE SO BLIND TO SEEK HER A THREAT!" He starts towards me again but Jasper thrusts him back.

"IT WOULD BE WISE FOR YOU TO STAND DOWN CARLISLE!"
He's stupid enough to grab Alice pulling her hair back. The three of us hiss out.

"Carlisle!" Rosalie pleads.

"She's your progeny you bastard!" I utter furiously.

"Submit!" He demands and I laugh.

"ON YOUR KNEES EDWARD MASON CULLEN!" He forces Alice's head back and Rosalie's trying to pry him off Alice.

I grip her from his hold and put my forehead against hers.

"Go with your lord Alice." She nods and Emmett pulls her towards him checking her over.

I punch Carlisle in the gut as he comes to his knees.

"He wasn't going to hurt you Alice. He just wanted to test me a very stupid mistake." I say looking him in the eyes.

"Carlisle…" I say shaking my head.

"…This is goodbye… This is where we part. I do not tell the others what to do or how to follow. That is their choice. If they wish to stand by you I do not have a problem with that."

I turn and look to each individual.

"Bella has agreed to become my bride come graduation. At the moment she is my focus point. I do not have time to render myself upon Carlisle and the dilemma he has caused himself. Even if I had the time I've much better things to address. I wish you and Rosalie the best. Note we are not enemies but then I do not trust nor respect you enough to call you ally. We are as though merely acquaintances. "
"Edward… son…"
"You don't know how long I've waited to hear you say that. It's just too bad the timing would be at the worst timing possible. There was a period I looked upon you as a father, the moment you did not consider my feelings about Isabella Swan. That part of me was dead and gone the moment you didn't have my back."

I hug Rosalie and look her in the eyes.

"You take care."

She nods sadly. I give Carlisle one last nod and exit the house.

"Edward."

I pause at the door but do not turn around.

"I'm sorry."

I simply nod but I did not accept his apology I took exit out of his life. The three however look upon me.

"You all should head back. I've to check on Bella."

"Have you come to a decision?" Jasper calls out.

I do not answer as I continue about my way.

I quietly sneak my way into Bella's window. She lay on her bed sound asleep. Her black boycut panties and white tank top had my mouth watering. I run a hand along her bare leg up the curves of her cheeks. Her nipples were rock hard under that tank not leaving much to the imagination. I take off my shirt and slip out of my shoes. I lay down pulling the covers over both of us. With my arm wrapped around her I pull her into me, her skin against mine as I take in her scent. I'd planned to discuss these matters once she woke.

Once the sun flows about her room she rolls over. Bella smiles and runs her fingers along my bare chest. I take them and kiss upon them. She giggles however as I take her index finger into my mouth and suck upon it.

"Hmmm."

"You're so weird."

I shrug on this. Bella crawls over me and lays her head against my chest. I run my fingers along her back. I quickly roll her over reading Charlie. He was coming up the stairs. I put my finger to my lips in a hushing matter and quickly grab my clothes. I hide out on the roof and light a smoke.

"You awake Bells?"

"Um yeah come on in."

I hear him enter the room and see through his mind him looking around.

"Don't you think you ought to be getting ready for school?"

"I was about to dad."

"Look your mother called. She's rather upset that you've haven't returned her calls or texted her back."

Bella sighs.

"Did something happen between the two of you?"

Bella shrugs and looks to her clock.

"What is it Bells?"

"She just makes me so mad."
"How so?"

"I guess her and Phil are over their honeymoon stage."

I felt bad for Charlie on his thoughts to this. He was still in love with Bella's mother. He detested this Phil guy. However he also felt Bella's mother as I did was being selfish. But it was about to be even more proven. Charlie's thoughts revealed a bit more behind the story. He'd suspicions that Renee had been unfaithful for sometime before the divorce. Part of him would always wonder if she'd been seeing Phil behind his back before she'd left and filed for divorce. He'd never say anything to Bella on the matter but there wasn't a day that went by he didn't question it. After all this time he was still hurt by this woman. He still held on to his wedding ring in fact he had worn it for a few years even after she left him. Charlie had gone out and beyond for this woman. Yet she dumped him like a pile of bricks.

"Why you say that?"
"She's been trying to get me to move back. Says she's even got me a room set up and everything."
Charlie clears his throat. As his thoughts go to how Bella had been the last few months when I'd left. I wince upon some of them. He never knew I had left though or her reasoning behind why she acted the way she had. He figured it to be some teenage phase. Though he had at one point searched her room for drugs. He was glad to see she was doing better but part of him wondered if she'd be better off with Renee. Though he hated the mere idea.

"Well how do you feel about that?"
"Come on dad she hasn't exactly gone out her way to come see me either."

I note through Charlie the sad expression on her face.

"She didn't even call to wish me a happy birthday. Yet all the sudden she wants me to drop everything I've got going for me here and move in with her and Phil."

Charlie was pissed but he did his best to put it at bay for his daughter.

"Look Bells you do whatever it is you want. You're at that age that neither your mom nor I can tell you what to choose. That's solely up to you. But I won't lie either. I really wish you'd stay here."

Bella smiles.

"That's what I want dad."

He nods and sits at the edge of her bed.

"The way I see it Bells… ya snooze… ya lose." He clears his throat on this.

"I'm sorry I really shouldn't have…" He corrects himself realizing how that sounded.

"It's ok dad I agree actually. I love mom but she can be so…" Bella refrains from finishing her statement and looks down.

"I say you at least pay her a visit. Maybe you can go down there one weekend."

She shrugs and picks at her sheets.

"Dad?"

"Yes?"

"Was that the reason you two… I mean…"

Charlie takes in a breath.

"It's ok dad I'm a big girl now I can handle it."

"Bells hun I love your mother and always will. But I love you even more. That is why I will not discuss such matters with you. I will not talk down about Phil or your mother to you out of respect. That is not my business. That is something that you must see for yourself."
She nods again.

"Have you used the scrapbook she got you?"

Her eyes widen a bit as he grabs it and flips through it. I grin even I hadn't a clue until his mind revealed it.

"Isn't this that Edward fellow?"

She blushes and reaches for the album.

"Dad!"

He continues to flip through them.

"Sure are an awful lot of pictures of him."
"Oh my god dad please!"

He chuckles.

"Ah, Bella you're growing up too fast. I remember when you once thought boys were gross."

He grimaces however as he thinks of Jacob Black.

"As long as he treats you right."

"He does dad."

He nods and leans over kissing her forehead.

"You better get ready for school."

"I'll catch you later Bells I gotta head on out."

I peek back inside the window. She's topless now hopping into her pants.

"Hmm, that's a good look on you!"

She blushes a bit.

"Edward…"

I plop down on her bed and shrug. I keep my pervy eyes locked onto her body as she continues to get ready.

"This will be a bit different."
"What's that?"

"You're going to take me to school today."

She smiles.

"You're right that is different."
I chuckle back on this. I'd an account handed down to me from my Mason bloodline. It's been there for years never had a reason to touch it until now. And over the years it'd only gained interest. I wasn't about to take anything from the coven house even if it was mine. It was time to pull away from all that and start over.

I'd need some clothes, other general needs, a car for starters. Yes the Volvo was mine but like I said I wanted nothing to do with any of that. If I were wise I'd more than enough to make means with. It's not like vampires needed much anyway.

On the way to school I explain my situation to Bella. She doesn't interrupt she just nods every once in a while. Once I get to the conclusion I turn to her and ask her what her thoughts were.

"What will they do if they've no on to follow?"

"Honestly, Bella I'm not for certain this is all new territory. None of us have even heard of such a thing."

She nods.

"Edward, I trust in whatever decision you make."

"Bella…" I say hesitant wishing she'd just give me a straight answer.

"Edward this is your say not mine. I wouldn't be the ones leading them you would. It should really be about how you feel. I'll stand behind whatever decision you make."

"Yes but you're to be there right along side of me."

"As your bride not their master."

I nod at this in thought. Bella smiles.

"I for one think believe in you."

I press my lips together as we pull up to the parking lot, the three already awaiting us. The same thing in their minds, once again I look to Bella.

"Are you certain?"

She pecks me on the lips before exiting the car. I sigh in thought and eye the trio. I make my way over.

"Is this truly what you all wish?"

They nod.

"Why? You could be free you know?"

They do not answer but nod again looking upon one another. I look over to Bella and she just smiles but walks away heading to class.

"Very well we'll give it a shot." So fucking awkward… I found myself thinking as they follow me to the building. Yet that feeling of power grew even more within me. I could see how Carlisle let it go to his head. It's a bit overwhelming. I like I've stated before I wasn't sure if I liked it. I'd said this much to Emmett once and he said all the more reason you should be our master. "You don't want to be." Which at first made no damn sense to me. But now it rather does. Whereas Carlisle I however didn't want all the power and responsibility. I loathed the very idea of it. I didn't want to turn my friends and soon to be bride into my puppets. But that's where I became more accepting of the idea. At least with me they have more of a shot than they ever had with Carlisle.

Each of us had pulled out form any sort of financial strings with Carlisle. The four of us started over and rather than the huge house Carlisle had. We were now sharing a cabin outside of town not too far away. We each had our own room. Note the places was much smaller than we were used to it also only had one bathroom but it was ours. This had become the coven home. Jasper and I even had discussed plans to add onto it over the summer, possibly add another bathroom as well. Emmett of course couldn't pull away from his jeep so he had it. Meanwhile I was thinking about what kind of car to get. I wondered what Bella liked.

Things were changing so drastically. Yet there was that hole… I felt it within my being. The emptiness Carlisle once filled. There was a hint of sadness even within my new freedom. I'd never go back though but couldn't control the thoughts to this. We'd spent over a century together you can't help but to have some sort of bond to that. I think back to those years though and truly realize just how much he'd changed. I wondered why.

Bella's biting that damn bottom lip of hers during class. Something she does during sex, her scent carrying over practically knocking me out. I turn to her as she's taking notes. I grin and lean in as I cross my arms about my chest.

""In 2 minutes you will ask to go to the restroom. You will wait for me outside the door understood?"

She smiles shaking her head. I wondered if she'd truly do it. I didn't compel her but damn I wanted to. Once the two minutes are up she raises her hand and asked to be excused. YES! Before long I too asked to be excused.

"Good girl…" I wink as she giggles by the door.

I look around and open the bathroom door.

"Follow me." I take her hand and lead her into the ladies room.

Yet again I make sure we are alone. I drag her into a stall and lock the door.

"You can trust me I've done this before."

I watch her neck as she swallows and takes a step back.

"I'm going to kiss you."

Her breathing just like always picks up pace, her heart races, and she looks me in the eyes. I kiss her fervently. I unbutton her white blouse and unclasp her bra. I lift her up against the wall sucking on her breast. The memory hitting of when I first compelled her to come in here, it made me hard as hell.

I bring her back down and twirl her around. I unfasten her jeans and yank them down, animalistic like, I bend her over. I undo my pants and stroke myself a couple times taking in her beauty. Seeing her bent over like that the perfect view of her ass and lips, was wild. I slam myself inside her and find it hard to stop once I start. I'm ramming myself inside her like I was at a marathon. I just kept going.

"You like that don't you Bella?" I huskily whisper.

This girl came harder than ever! In fact it was so bad I knew I was going to have to find a way to sneak her some more clothes once we were done. That didn't stop me I kept going if anything even harder. I reached around cupping her breast. Once she rises up…

"I'm going to feed from you. Is that what you want?"

She nods and I plunge my fangs into her neck. God she tasted so good too good I came instantly as the wonderful sap entered my mouth.

"That's a good Bella."

Now that was what I had wanted to do the very first day I'd met her. Finally, I'd fulfilled that fantasy. But I knew I'd want to do it again. We both rush to get our clothes back in order. I kiss her once more before bolting out of there.

I make my way back to class. Before long Bella follows.

Lucky son of a bitch… Jasper sighs leaning back. Not only could he smell it but he could sense Bella was still aroused.

I grin in thought shaking my head. We finish our assignments.

After school I have Bella come with me to town. Where we test drove a few cars and finally picked out a black Nissan Maxima. Sure it's nothing over the top or that exciting but we also didn't have the funds we had before. Bella was happy with it that was all that mattered to me. I signed the papers that day and put down the down payment. We hit a dinner and movie later. I don't remember what movie we spent the entire time making out.

As I was walking her out the theater we ran into Seth, Embry and Leah. They had a little girl with them she couldn't have been no more than 4 or 5. She shyly hid behind Seth clinging on to his leg. Seth laughed. She was a cute little booger. She was a tiny thing with pigtails and they had her in a red jumper dress and pink jacket.

"It's just Edward he won't bite."

Bella I thought was going to choke on the bad pun. Seth winks at Bella and softly laughs. I crouch down to her level.
"Edward Cullen." I offer my hand.

She shyly reaches out shaking my hand. This little girl was Seth and Leah's cousin.

"Rachel Clearwater."

I smile.

"Well it's lovely to meet you."

"Did you see a scary movie?"

I chuckle a bit.

"Um no. Why are you going to see one?"

"NO!"

Bella laughs looking to me a certain way. To my surprise the little girl takes my hand and shows me the poster for what they're going to see.

"Oh well that looks far more interesting than what we saw."

She then walks me down and shows me another movie poster.

"That one looks scary!"

"It sure does."

"Well I'll be damned." I hear Bella softly say as she stays back with Seth and Leah.

"That's strange. She's usually very shy around other people." Seth remarks.

"Must be an Edward thing." Bella says.

I look to Bella as we make our way back.

"We better go squirt." Seth says picking her up.

"It was nice seeing you again Bella."

"You too Seth."

Bella hugs Seth and Leah as they get in line for tickets. Seth and I shake hands.

"Take care."
"You too."

Once we get in the car Bella's grinning ear to ear.

"What?"

"Oh nothing."

"Come on now what is it?"

"I think I just saw a big bad vampire turn into complete mush."

I chuckle at this.

"Bella..." I clear my throat trying to bring out the vampire she speaks of.

"You're not so tough afterall are you?!"

She continues to taunt and I turn the radio tuning her out.

"Little girls are your kryptonite!" She hollers over the radio and she starts giggling looking out the window.

I turn it up more and roll down the windows.