*** This story contains some mild language, suspense, romance, and some frightening images and situations—13 and older, please.

**OTM note: I added almost 300 words to chapter 56 (5/8/09) and edited. You might want to reread that chapter before going on to read this one—chapter 57.

In the Grip of Twilight

By:

Olivia Tannis Moore

Chapter Fifty Seven:

Liquid Topaz

Edward pinched the front of his tee shirt and pulled it away from his chest; His eyebrows rose as he studied the wet patterns of my tears. "Carlisle?" he called hesitantly.

I reached up and wiped my cheek, and then stared at the glistening, amber-tinged tears, confused, and more than a little embarrassed.

Carlisle handed his suitcase to Jasper and strode over to us. He flicked his finger across the wet portion of Edward's shirt and then held it to his nose. Then he lightly touched the tip of his tongue, tasting the liquid.

His eyes widened in recognition and he snorted softly. "How unusual…venom, salt, and water…"

Panic filled me. "Am I leaking Edward's venom out?"

The corners of Carlisle's mouth tweaked with suppressed humor. "I'm afraid it's a great deal harder to get rid of than that. The human and vampire aspects are merging—this is just part of the process, I would guess."

From over my shoulder, Alice's chime-like voice rang in my ears. "Oh, Bella…I'm so jealous!"

Rosalie looped her hand through the crook of Emmett's arm. "I certainly wouldn't mind being able to do that." She gazed slyly from the corner of her eye at her husband and winked.

"Well, it does seem different…but I'm just glad it's not harmful," Esme said. "Will it last, dear?"

Carlisle shrugged his shoulders. "I really don't know what else to tell you other than that. It may or may not be permanent. We'll have to wait and see."

Edward leaned over and gently smoothed the wetness from the corner of my eye, gazing at the liquid in awe. Then, he looked at me with the most tender expression. "I knew it was there…but it's quite different seeing it…like this," he whispered.

My eyes misted again. He didn't have to say a single word. I understood perfectly the intimate connection we were experiencing—it raced through my veins electrifying every nerve in my body, just as it had that fateful night when Edward's venom had transformed me.

I reached up and brushed my lips against his, but when the heat of my mouth met the cool softness of his lips, something within me stirred, and then trembled. Edward's eyes flew open wide, and I knew he'd felt something too. "Whoa," he said under his breath.

I nodded in agreement. "I was kind of disappointed when I found out we couldn't talk with each other…you know, in our minds. But this…this might be nice. It's like your venom reacts to our emotions toward one another. I felt it that night when I first began the transformation."

I flushed, suddenly remembering that we weren't alone. And with their sensitive hearing, we were surely overheard.

There was a shuffle and a stomp as Elena's agitated and nasal voice rang in the air.

"Come on, guests, I've got to show you to your rooms…and I'm not going to stand around and watch that display."

"Elena," Esme said frowning. "We haven't seen Bella in a while, of course we're happy to see her."

"Some are happier than others," Elena retorted.

Emmett set Elena's bright red suitcase on the ground. "You know, I've had about enough…you can carry your own suitcase…I'll go find Daddy Volturi myself and ask him where our rooms are---and while I'm at it, I think I'll tell him what a rotten little brat he has for a daughter."

"Emmett…" Rosalie started to say, but then had to press her lips together to keep from smiling.

Elena froze. "You wouldn't…"

"Wouldn't he…" Edward snorted.

I wasn't the only one that fought back a giggle at Edward's remark.

Elena sighed as she walked over and picked up her suitcase from the ground. "Would you please follow me?"

"One second, Elena," Carlisle called out as he bent to hug me. "Glad you're back with us," he told me.

"Me, too," I answered. "I'd like us all to get together tomorrow morning—somewhere safe—I have a lot to tell you."

Carlisle nodded. "Absolutely. We all have a lot to discuss."

Rosalie stepped up and surprised me with a tight hug. "I'm glad you're alright," she said. "We all worried about you."

I smiled at her. "Thanks."

Emmett hugged me in the same fashion. "See you tomorrow, Bella."

Jasper stepped around and I put my hand out teasingly. "Are you sure I'm safe now?"

He grinned deviously, "I'll say…the only thing I smell is Edward all over you. Blah."

I laughed as Edward pushed him in the chest with his open hand. "Just for that, no hug for you," he said with a grin.

"Boys, boys…" Esme sighed, slipping between the two to kiss my cheek. "I'll see you in the morning, dear." She paused for a moment, holding my gaze. "For what it's worth, I like the changes—you look radiant."

Alice held back for last. She hugged me and kissed my cheek. Then her eyes wandered my face. "You look beautiful. I can't exactly describe it…you look fragile and tragic, like Persephone…well, just like I would imagine her to be.

I remembered my Greek Mythology all too well: Persephone, daughter of Demeter and Zeus. She was kidnapped by Hades and taken down to the underworld as his bride. She was returned later, but was changed forever by her experiences in that dark place.

I tried not to shudder. Alice had obviously meant it as a compliment. "Thank you, Alice."

"I'll see you in the morning," she smiled. Then she turned. "Okay, Elena, lead the way."

Edward wrapped his arms and around me and squeezed gently. Over my head he called out, "Oh, Elena…I imagine rooms will be scarce with everyone coming in at once, so you can give Jasper and Alice my room. I'll be staying with Bella."

I couldn't see her expression, but I heard her long exaggerated huff as she led the Cullens into the alleyway.

I smiled, tilting my head up to look at Edward. "That's convenient, because I have something I want to show you—and a million things to tell you." I grinned mischievously. "You're not the only one with surprises."

***

(I had to change the wording on the previous chapter. Bella's tears weren't meant to be a plot twist, but to show the merging process of human and vampire. I meant it as just a lovable quirk—she's not leaking gold from her eyes. *grin* Thanks for reading—and have a great weekend. OTM)