Everything Twilight belongs to the amazing Stephanie Meyer, I'm just borrowing them.

A/N - Once again I need to apologize. Sorry, sorry, sorry for the length of time it took me to update. I'll spare you all the boring details of all the reasons why it took me forever. Thank you to all my regular readers for being so patient. Hopefully this chapter makes up for the wait. I also need to thank you for the reaction to the last chapter, it was amazing and many of the reviews were hilarious! You ladies are the best!

A million thanks to my beta, Georgia Dawgette! She was uber patient when it came to recieving bits and pieces of this chapter as I had them ready and she gave me a kick in the ass when needed. Also although she denies it, the ideas she gives me once she sees the "finished copy" are always amazing and inspire me to pretty much always add that little bit more. She's much to modest!

Also, this story is rated M for a reason, this chapter being one of those reasons.

Previously

The man was maddening! Between the plethora of emotions I was throwing off, and the lack of control I seemed to have over my physical reaction to him, there was no way he was in the dark as to what I wanted. I shouldn't have been surprised. More than once Jasper had insisted that everything we did would be at my pace. The ball was in my court, and he was no doubt waiting to see what I would do with it

JPOV

I had not missed the way Bella had reacted to my attire, or rather the lack thereof when I entered my bedroom. The sudden hitch of breath she'd drawn in, along with the acceleration of her heartbeat had not escaped my enhanced hearing. From the moment I had entered the room I'd been able to detect quite the range of emotions radiating from her...affection, nervousness, frustration, and a passionate hunger I had yet to experience so intensely from her before. What had nearly caused my undoing though, was her scent, and it had absolutely nothing to do with her blood. Bella was aroused, and although tantalizing; the scent of her blood had nothing on the musky perfume of her arousal. For once, it was not the craving for her blood that I was fighting to control, but rather my craving for her luscious body. However, I'd sworn not only to myself, but to Bella as well, that I would let her set the pace for the physical side of our relationship, a promise that was becoming more and more difficult to adhere to. My more primitive, animalistic side demanded I take what was mine, and to lay claim to my mate, while the man in me urged me to allow Bella to make the first move. If I was being honest, much of the turmoil I was experiencing at this moment was of my own making. From the moment I'd walked out of the bathroom and saw Bella perched on the edge of my bed, I had done very little to discourage her reaction to me. In fact, I'd done the exact opposite, making a point to provoke her more wanton emotions, all the while reveling in her physical and emotional reactions.

Taking a series of shallow breaths, I attempted to control my wayward body which had begun to more than react to Bella's physical and emotional responses to me. Then I heard it...the soft padding of feet crossing the carpet to where I was standing in front of my dresser. Not wanting to spook her, I stood stock still, giving off the illusion that I hadn't heard Bella approaching. Granted, it was an illusion I knew she'd see right through. Bella had spent enough time around my kind to be more than aware of our heightened senses.

Hot little hands pressed against my bare lower back, but it was the excruciatingly slow sweeping motion of those same hands traveling up my back that caused me to clutch the edge of the dresser; the wood groaning and cracking under the pressure of my fingers. I barely breathed, her scent much more concentrated due to her proximity. When I felt warm puffs of her breath followed by the moist touch of her lips, it took every ounce of control that I could muster to keep from turning around so that I could make her aware of exactly what she was doing to me.

"Jazz?" Bella murmured my name in while continuing with the hot, wet pecks of her lips interspersed with gentle sweeps of her hands.

"Uh huh?" Was all I was able to force out between my clenched teeth.

"I'm ready." Her whisper would have been barely audible to human hearing.

She was ready? My mind was so addled by the very nearness of her that the full meaning of her statement failed to register completely. As a vampire, it is second nature to be able to process multiple thoughts, but such was not the case when I was being overwhelmed by everything Bella. What was it she was ready for? It was only when Bella's slim fingers slid around to caress over the tense muscles of my abdomen, then slipped lower to run gingerly along the edge of my pajama pants did a sudden dawning begin to take place.

Grasping her wandering hands in my own I pulled her in front of me, essentially trapping her between my unyielding body and the front of the large oak dresser. With my hands planted on either side of her fragile little body, I took a moment to allow my eyes to take her in, gauging her reaction to the sudden shift in our position. Bella's expressive eyes were locked on me, not an ounce of apprehension present in them. A faint blush stained her cheeks, and she'd drawn her lower lip between her teeth, something that usually signaled her nervousness. I was certain she'd be trying to push me away, albeit in vain, but rather than having her hands planted on my chest in a defensive manner she continued to coast them up and down my torso.

"Are you sure?" My eyes bored into hers. I kept my tone gentle, soothing even. The last thing I wanted Bella to feel because of my need for confirmation was rejection. I leaned my lower body into the soft cradle of her hips. I wanted Bella to feel the physical proof of my desire for her, not only to stave off any deluded sense of rejection over my question, but so that she would be fully aware of what she was agreeing to.

Bella audibly gasped, her eyes widening slightly at the contact of my body against hers.

"Bella?" I questioned.

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life." Bella nodded her head as she spoke, her gaze never wavering from mine. "I. Want. You. Jasper."

She had given me all the confirmation I needed. A surprised squeal escaped from Bella's mouth when I suddenly and effortlessly lifted her into my arms, and proceeded to stalk across my room toward the ridiculously large bed for which I was now beyond grateful I'd purchased.

BPOV

"I. Want. You. Jasper."

I'm not entirely sure what I was expecting to happen when I said those four words. I'm pretty sure though, that I hadn't expected Jasper to lift me into his arms as though I weighed nothing at all, and start in the direction of his bed. I had all but convinced myself that it would take much, much more to convince him of what I wanted, considering his protective tendencies. It was almost too easy.

Stop Bella! I silently scolded myself. I would not over think this. I wanted this man more than anything in the world, and by some miracle he wanted me as well. I would not spoil this with my insecurities, ones I had no reason to feel. Jasper had been more than forthcoming about his feelings, and well, his desire for me. Especially considering his little, or rather not so little move against the dresser. I thought for certain that I was going to completely combust when he'd leaned his hips into mine, his prominent erection had been beyond evident. Heat swirled low in my belly, and breathing had become something that took a concerted effort.

When Jasper had literally swept me off of my feet and into his powerful arms I'd let out the most mortifying squeal. With less awkwardness that I felt, I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face against his solid chest, hoping to hide the blush that was a bi-product of my very un-sexy squeal. I didn't have to see Jasper's face to know that he was more than amused by my reaction. I was fairly certain that the giddiness I was experiencing wasn't entirely my own.

After setting me against the mound of pillows in the middle of his bed, Jasper stretched out beside me lying on his side, his elbow bent and head resting in his hand. The expression on his face as he gazed down on me was intense, and I waited, barely breathing for him to say or do...something. I could feel my heart beating a steady rhythm in my chest; set all the more aflutter knowing that he could hear it as clearly as I could feel it. Was I nervous? Most definitely! This was a huge step in our relationship, but one that I had absolutely no doubts I wanted to take. As inappropriate a time as it could be to have thoughts of Edward, I couldn't help but reflect that I'd never felt like this with him. There was an intensity, a fire between Jasper and I that had been lacking with Edward. Shaking my head, I forced all thoughts of Edward from my mind, wanting instead to focus on the man beside me. The man that I was more than ready to give myself to completely and, in a way that I had never belonged to anyone else.

JPOV

She was perfection. With my head propped on my elbow, I couldn't keep myself from staring down at her. I could feel her nervousness, and clearly hear the rapid beat of her heart, how I loved that sound. Now, I could honestly understand why Edward had been so drawn, and frankly nearly obsessed with its steady beat. Neither of us said a word, even though we were unable to tear our eyes away from the other. Slowly, so as not to startle her, I cupped her face in my hand, her warmth being absorbed by my cold skin. Bella's lips parted just slightly, as I swept my thumb over her plump and very inviting lower lip.

"So beautiful." I whispered, finally breaking the silence that had encased us.

A blush crept up her cheeks, staining her fair skin a deep rose color. Bella's innocent reaction only served to increase my need for her. How she could not see for herself just how very desirable she is, was beyond me. Only the fact that she was so fragile, was enabling me to keep my nearly raging libido in check. I'd had my fair share of women, but never like this. Never with a human whose life I held in such high regard, and never with someone I loved to the point of distraction. In so many ways this would be as much my first time, as hers.

Moving my thumb from her lips, across her jaw, down the creamy slope of her throat I watched as her eyes fluttered shut, and a soft sigh escaped from between her lips. Almost reverently, I caressed the skin just above the fabric of her shirt before slipping the thin straps off of her shoulders and replacing my hands with my lips. Her skin was so soft, and she smelled absolutely delectable. My need for her increased exponentially when I felt the increase in Bella's arousal coupled with the hot touch of her hands sweeping up over the bare skin of my back as I interspersed kisses with gentle flicks of my tongue against her skin.

"Please Jasper." Bella murmured, as I shifted my attention to the sliver of exposed skin between the hem of her shirt and the waistband of her pajama pants. I couldn't help the triumphant feeling or the groan that escaped me when Bella's midsection rose off of the mattress when I ran my tongue around the tiny indentation of her navel.

"Patience darlin'" I urged, even though I was hanging onto my own control by a very thin thread. Bella's every reaction to the way I touched and kissed her body called to me. The increased speed of her pulse, the feelings of lust and want she was emitting, and her scent...the tantalizing aroma that was a tell tale sign of how wet she'd become for me. She was ready for me, but I was in no way finished with my explorations of her luscious little body. I had every intention of taking my time and making this experience something she would never forget.

Slipping my hands under the hem of Bella's shirt I slid the material up, baring her to me, inch by glorious inch. Sensing no hesitancy from her, I proceeded to remove the thin piece of material completely. Raising my eyes to hers, I wasn't surprised to see a slight blush gracing her delicate features, although I was fairly certain it was not due to embarrassment or shyness. The look in Bella's eyes was of pure, unadulterated, desire.

Dipping my head, I sought out Bella's mouth, my tongue tracing her lower lips before ever so gently sucking it between mine. A low growl of passion rumbled up from my chest, as Bella's delicate fingers tangled in my hair while she angled her head and met my kisses with equal fervor.

Every emotion radiating from the beauty in my arms urged me to lose myself in her, but it was the feelings of affection that succeeded in harnessing the demon within, allowing the man in me to take the lead. Always cognizant of my strength when touching Bella, I cupped a pale breast in my hand and proceeded to sweep my thumb over the pebbling nipple. Bella's kisses became more frantic, and heated as I continued with my gentle ministrations.

"Jasper please..." She moaned once again when I began to trail kisses from her mouth, to her chin, down the slope of her throat and over the taut skin of her collar bone.

"What is it you want darlin'? I asked, my voice sounding gravely even to my own ears.

"Y-y-your mouth..." Bella whispered throatily.

"And where do you want my mouth Bella?" The spike I felt in the level of lust she was emitting fuelled me on as I whispered the words in her ear, allowing my cool breath to tickle across her skin.

"Jasper..." She sighed, the telltale blush staining her cheeks. I could sense her embarrassment which only accentuated her innocence.

"Here?" I asked with a slight chuckle, as I kissed the underside of one breast as she watched my movements with hooded eyes. A slight shake of her head giving me my answer.

"Hmmm, here? I moved my mouth to the valley between her breasts as I teased her with just the tip of my tongue. My inquiry was met with a more forceful shake of her head.

"Then how about here?" I purred, then swiped my tongue over one pert nipple before drawing it completely into my mouth.

"Yessss..." Bella hissed as I moved my head back and forth paying equal attention to both of her breasts. At once I was caught up in the taste and smell of her. She was exquisite.

I felt her warm fingers inch hesitantly across the waistband of my pajama pants. Looking up from where my attention was currently fixated I watched for a brief moment as her eyes followed the path of her fingers. Threading my fingers through hers, I raised her arm above her head to rest on the pile of pillows beneath her while shaking my head when her eyes met mine.

"Jazz...but..." Her voice was laced with confusion.

"Sweetheart I want this to be about you. I want to take my time, and make this special for you, for us. If your hands keep wandering you're going to make that extremely difficult for me." I smirked at the blush that once again graced her cheeks.

"But I want to touch you." Bella continued from where I'd interrupted, her plump lips in an alluring pout.

I wasn't sure I could feel more aroused, more at the edge of losing all semblance of self control until Bella's admission, sighed from between her pouty lips illiceted images of her tiny, delicate, warm hands...I had to suppress the groan threatening to burst forth from deep in my chest. There was though, only one thing I craved more than her touch. I wanted to create a frenzy, unleash a passion in her she'd never before experienced with anyone else.

"And you will darlin'. But my kind is selfish by nature and I'm feeling particularly selfish right now. What I want is to see you let go completely in my arms." I whispered the words in her ear as my hands traveled down to run my finger along the waistband of her pants, similar to what she had attempted. Her sharp intake of breath was all the assurance I needed that she wasn't about to argue.

BPOV

The feelings and sensations this man could evoke from me were mind boggling. Jasper's voice, gruffer and possibly even deeper than usual, his scent, the natural fragrance that was more provocative than anything you'd ever find in a bottle. His touch, every time Jasper's fingers or lips made contact with my over sensitized skin it was as though tiny flames were licking at my body, consuming me and creating a burning need for him.

In between wandering hands and a mixture of lingering and teasing kisses what was left of our clothing was discarded, leaving no barriers between the warm softness of my body and the cool hardness of his. Being uncharacteristically bold, I swept my eyes up and down Jasper's gloriously nude form beside me. Broad shoulders, long limbs, lithe muscles rippling under fair skin; the only possible imperfection being the scars that marked him, and yet I didn't...couldn't see them that way. Even they were strangely perfect, only adding to Jasper's allure rather than detracting from it. Rippling abs, leading to the delectable V of his hips and the most intimate area of his body...long and thick and as captivatingly striking as the rest of him. I reveled in his beauty, and not for the first time I had to wonder why me? Why would someone like him...beautiful, powerful, immortal, want someone like me...plain, broken, and human?

"Stop Bella." Jasper's voice was gentle, yet his words a command. "No insecurities allowed in here." He tipped my face up so that we were eye to eye.

Damn him, and his ability to read every nuance of what I'm feeling. Rather than spew off all the obvious reasons for said insecurities, I chose the path of least resistance, avoidance. Closing my eyes I sucked my lower lip between my teeth and proceeded to nibble on the plump flesh nervously, hoping Jasper would let it go and just touch me again. Touch me he did, one cold digit tenderly coaxing my lip from between the nervous clamp of my teeth.

"Baby, look at me." He pleaded and I was powerless to deny him. "What is causing this anxiousness? The self doubt that's pouring off of you?"

"N-nothing." I mumbled as I pulled myself up so that I could sit, knees bent and wrap my arms around them.

"Tell me Bella, please." Jasper's voice was pained, and the expression on his face one of confusion, and hurt. Hurt?

"You, Jasper you're just so...so...so everything. It's always the same Jazz." My voice rose an octave in my frustration of having to explain this to him. These bouts of insecurity infuriated me. The other morning I'd felt so much confidence in his presence yet now I only felt unbelievably inferior. Besides, how could he not see how heavily tipped the scales were in his favor? "You, your kind, all so beautifully perfect, strong and powerful, immortal. Seeing you like this..." I gestured to the length of his body with my hand, "It reinforces how I will never measure up." My voice had trailed off until it was barely a whisper.

"Are you serious?" His tone was incredulous as he propped himself up further on the mountain of pillows, running his hands through his mass of blonde curls. The spark ignited once again in my belly at the sight of him, unabashed by his nudity, biceps bulging every time his fingers flexed through his hair.

Jasper ceased the motion of his fingers and peered around his arms at me, a smirk alight on his face. I felt the heat of embarrassment hot on my face.

"Stupid empath." I muttered under my breath, mortified once again that he knew without me saying or doing anything how my body reacted to just the sight of him.

"Oh my sweet, beautiful, oblivious Bella." Jasper chuckled. "How is it that you cannot see yourself the way I see you?"

I merely shrugged my shoulders, but said nothing.

"You Bella, are exquisite. A mixture of beauty, strength, intelligence and the kindest heart I've ever known." The weight of the bed shifted as he moved closer to where I sat curled in on myself. "Yet you continue to see yourself as plain, ordinary even, when you are anything but. I will tell you as many times as it takes for you to believe me."

One icy finger ran down the center of my back, causing a shiver to course through my body. It was not the coolness of his touch that triggered the response but rather the ecstasy just one touch from Jasper was able to elicit.

"Come back to me." He implored. "Let me tell you, show you, exactly what you do to me Bella."

I could deny him nothing, and with very little hesitation I moved back into his arms. Immediately he buried his face in my hair.

"You are my weakness Bella, but only in the best possible way. One look at you and I'm powerless, you completely own me." Jasper's words were only slightly muffled by the veil of my hair where he'd kept his face buried as he inhaled deeply. "Your skin, so soft, so warm and when you blush...god." His groan was almost primal as his hands ghosted over my body. "I want you like I've never wanted another, and not just your body, but your mind, your heart...all of you. I'm not even sure you realize the gift you're giving me."

I looked at him questioningly, confused by his words. What gift could I possibly give him, when he'd already given me so much. He'd given me back the ability to love, to feel. I could never repay that.

"I cannot describe to you what it means that I will be the first, the only..." Jasper paused as he shifted so that once again we were side by side, his large frame dwarfing mine as he leaned over me.

"To touch you..."

His hands were everywhere, yet tender in their exploration. Across my breasts, his thumbs ever so softly teasing my quickly hardening nipples. The ache low in my body growing with every sweep of his thumbs, it was the most exquisite torture.

"Like this..."

His cool caresses trailed lower, and I whimpered at the loss of the tender strokes that had mildly relieved the ache and throb coursing through me. Whimpers turned to almost wanton pants I could not control as I fisted my hands tightly in the sheets when he parted my legs and trailed his fingertips up my inner thighs. He inched closer, and closer to where I most desired to feel him.

"Where only I have ever been."

Memories of the first night I'd stayed here with him floated through my mind, reminding me of the pleasure that awaited me as Jasper's fingers tenderly parted my folds, spreading the moisture from my opening up to the swollen, sensitive nub of flesh that throbbed mercilessly.

"So wet for me." Jasper groaned almost breathlessly, "Only me."

His mouth crashed against mine. This kiss was different from any other we'd shared. There was almost a desperation to it. His fingers were relentless between my thighs, stroking, dipping one then two inside of me. I was powerless to do anything but dig my nails into the unyielding flesh of his back while I writhed beneath him. Pants turned to moans as I lost the tenuous grip I'd had on controlling my reactions to Jasper.

"Only you Jasper, it will always only be for you." I gasped when he broke the kiss to allow me to breathe.

"I love you Bella." His entire demeanor changed, the desperation I'd sensed erased as quickly as it had appeared. "I need you to know that if you give me the gift of your innocence, if I claim you...I will never let you go, ever." His eyes, so dark with the emotions coursing through the room, bored into mine.

"I'll never want you to let me go." My mind was clear, my insecurities squelched for the time being. "I only ever want to belong to you."

My inner voice, that I could never seem to completely silence, reminded me of the perks of Jasper being an empath. Words were not really a requirement when he could ensure that I felt everything he was feeling. And felt it I had, every ounce of love, desire, want, the overwhelming entirety of what he'd tried so many times to explain to me, but I'd been hesitant to believe. To a degree, I still could not wrap my head around the why, but I would not, could not question his sincerity any longer. To some, Jasper declaring that he wanted to claim me, to never let me go would seem archaic and extreme, but it fit us perfectly. I would belong to him alone, just as he would belong only to me. An unbreakable tie, a bond, would be forged that had the potential to catapult us to a whole other level of commitment. A concept that I found both exhilarating and petrifying.

JPOV

"I only ever want to belong to you."

Belong to me, Bella would be mine as much as I was already hers. I felt like the worst kind of bastard for thinking it, and if I was being brutally honest, reveling in the fact that once we took this step, Edward would have no claim on Bella. She would be mated with me. The chauvinistic nature of these thoughts would have disturbed me, had it not been for the fact that she would also own a part of me that could never belong to another. Although it no longer beat, my heart would belong to her for eternity.

Saving these musings for later, I refocused my thoughts on Bella's warm, pliant body beneath me. The silken feel of her wet folds, the heat and softness that encased my fingers as I rhythmically stroked in and out, while my thumb strummed across her engorged nub.

"There will be pain darlin'" I watched Bella's face for her reaction, preparing myself to stop at even the hint of hesitation on her part.

"I know." She nodded, anticipation and desire warring with nervousness dominating her emotions.

I would use every ounce of my ability to ease it for her, wishing for her only to feel pleasure rather than the discomfort or pain that would accompany the loss of her virginity. Concentrating, I centered every feeling of desire, lust and wanton need that she provoked in me, and projected them back to her. Bella's heart rate quickened, her breathy moans increased in frequency, her pupils dilated to the point that her eyes appeared black rather than their typical chocolate brown. Her rose tipped nipples stood on end, and the wetness coating my fingers increased exponentially while she writhed uncontrollably below me.

"Jazz...w-w-what are you doing to me?" She struggled to get the words past her clenched teeth.

"Don't fight it baby, let go." I urged while I settled myself between the milky white of her thighs. Poised at her entrance I stroked over her slick wetness with the engorged head of my erection, watching, waiting while positioning Bella's slim hips to accept me.

"Ohhh..." A sharp cry erupted from Bella, "Jasper!" She panted heavily, her eyes rolling up before fluttering closed.

A wave of ecstasy hit me, its intensity causing my body to react almost painfully. I could not recall a time when I had ever been as aroused, as hard as I was at that moment. There was nothing I wanted more than to plunge into her depths, yet I held back. Bella's human frailty would be no match for the untamed force at which I could take her, if I didn't keep my wits about me. I could not lose control. The time would one day hopefully come that I could lose myself completely in her glorious body, today was not that day.

Tentatively I eased inside of her, one painfully slow and tender stroke. I gritted my teeth, a feral growl rumbling in my chest. Heat...wet, silky smooth heat. The feel of her body wrapped intimately around mine was like nothing I'd ever experienced, there were no words that could aptly describe it. Feeling her barrier, I paused.

"Bella..." I groaned. "Fucking amazing." Not exactly eloquent, but decidedly fitting.

"More, I want more Jazz. Don't stop, please." Bella gasped out, her eyes locked on mine, her tiny fingers gripping my hips, attempting to pull me closer, deeper.

Taking advantage of the orgasm that still had Bella firmly in its grasp, I pushed forward through her hymen. Joined completely, as on; I caught her mouth with my own, swallowing the slight groan of pain that she had still managed to feel through her pleasure. I ceased breathing, wary of the blood I knew would be present, Bella's blood. Holding completely still, I allowed her body time to adjust as she stretched and formed around me. It also gave me time to regroup, get my errant body under control; otherwise there was no way this would last, that I would last.

Hesitantly I took a breath. The smell of blood was present, yet faint and the venom stayed at bay. Triumphant...I could not resist the triumph I felt that I had so far kept the monster restrained.

"Are you okay?" I finally asked, peppering kisses over her face as I braced my arms on either side of her while our bodies stayed intimately joined, yet unmoving. "Did I hurt you?" I warily watched her expression, looking for signs that she was in any pain even though the emotions I could sense from her were filled with anything but.

"I'm okay, I'm better than okay." A smile tugged at her pouty, kiss swollen lips. "You can...ummmm, move...uhh if you want." Her cheeks tinted pink.

With Bella's reassurances I shifted my hips, drawing my length almost completely out, before sliding into the wet heat of her body once again. Bella answered my actions with soft moans and I was lost. Our bodies began to move together in an age old dance, giving and taking. Words were no longer necessary and the only sounds in the room were the moans and whimpers we coaxed from each other. Sweat coated Bella's body as we strained towards completion, the taste salty on my tongue as I flicked my tongue over her skin while continuing to rhythmically thrust tenderly in and out of her warm depths.

"Jazz...I'm so close, can't last." Bella's panted words broke the heavy quiet of the room.

I quickened my pace, and deepened my thrusts. My fingers sought out where we were joined, as I teased her sensitive nub and angled my thrusts so that I could repeatedly brush against the bundle of flesh knowing it would throw her over the precipice she was teetering on.

It was becoming a test of my will not to erupt inside of her. One look at the goddess writhing below me, so responsive to my body, my touch, my love for her, and I was at the edge with her. How long had I yearned for this connection with Bella, never believing it would be possible? Momentarily I was plagued with guilt for not being completely honest with Bella about how long I'd harbored less than brotherly affections for her. She had given me everything, her forgiveness, her trust, her love and now not only her body, but her innocence as well. At the very least I owed her the truth. But first, I would give her pleasure and bring her to heights no other before me had.

"Bella, cum for me baby." I gasped.

The losing battle I was waging with my body overrode any and all self recriminations, or thoughts in general. My entire focus, my whole being was Bella and the feel of her...beneath me, wrapped around me.

Her walls tightened around me like a glove, gloriously contracting and I was lost. I anticipated and prepared myself for the pooling of venom to fill my mouth, and burn my throat, but it never came. Instead I became awash in sensations no words could aptly describe. Beneath me, Bella tensed, her nails attempting to find purchase in my unrelenting skin. Crying each other's names we tumbled over the edge together as I thrust one last time, letting go deep inside her pulsing core.

"God I love you." I groaned, once I was capable of speaking. Wrapping Bella in the quilt from the bed, I turned us on our sides and pulled her into my arms.

"And I you." Bella sighed as she curled into my side, her hand flat over my chest where my no longer beating heart lies.

This, I pondered silently, must be what paradise is like. For this brief moment in time, nothing outside the cocoon surrounding us mattered. The world outside and all of the obstacles we still faced held no weight. Bella had done for me what no being or thing had ever been able to do before...for the first time in over a century I felt at peace.