Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls

Author's Note: Sincerest thanks to Pienuniek

Chapter 4

CarPOV

Alice skipped out to the parking lot to greet the boys and to prepare them for Bella. And Bella was bouncing in her bed like a kid at Christmas! As soon as the door opened she was up and out of the bed the monitors were ripped off and her IV pulled out. I gasped when she launched herself at Edward but I would never have tried to stop her. They had both been waiting too long for this reunion. The IV was out but there wasn't any blood coming from the site. And apparently she didn't feel any pain from her other injuries. As she was racing across the room I heard a resounding crack from the non-walking cast on her left leg yet she was moving like she had never been injured. The cast on her arm was still intact but the one on her leg was in bad shape. I would have to apply a walking cast later, though I suspected she wouldn't need one. But we need to keep up appearances. So I hoped she would understand.

Bella flung herself onto the floor at Edward's feet, and placed her hands on both of his knees kneeling before him leaning into his body. Edward slowly raised his head and opened his eyes. And they really were green just like when he was human. Edward even had a very slight blush to his cheeks; much like we get initially after we feed. If it hadn't been for a slight luminescence bouncing off his skin from a patch of muted sunlight where his chair sat I would swear he was human.

Edward gathered Bella into his arms as he got up from the chair her head was buried against his chest and her tears were staining the front of his shirt. Edward picked her up bridal style and carried her back to bed never taking his eyes off of her. I suggested to the family that we give them some time alone. This in turn would give us a chance to share what information we had, and for some of us to get started on research. It was clear that Bella's injuries had been healed and that both she and Edward would need some answers soon.

I turned to see my son curled up on the bed with Bella. It was obvious that they were lost in each others eyes. Their souls were in silent communication. Feelings of love and lust were rolling off them in waves. Rose had pulled the curtain and glass wall closed to Charlie's room as we left. And I made sure that the nurses knew that no one was to enter Bella's room without my permission first.

The family adjourned to my office, as usual Emmett reduced everything to its simplest form. "Okay Carlisle what the hell is going on? There is some kind of weird mojo happening here."

Then before I could answer he turned to Alice. "And Pixie please tell me that Edward is finally going to pop Bella's cherry! I may not have the emotional radar of my friend Jazz, but if we could bottle the lust pouring off those two we would have a weapon of mass destruction on our hands."

I grimaced and reached out for him but both Esme and Rose beat me to it and slapped him on the back of the head. "What? Hell I was just asking what everyone else was thinking! After all these years Edward must have the worst case of blue balls on the planet." He moved away from the next hit from Esme but walked right into Alice's.

Once we had shared the changes we had noted in both Bella and Edward it was decided that poor Jasper needed an emotional break. So he would return to the house and start researching Merged Soul Mates and since Bella was still blocking Alice she went with him. It was almost dawn and I would be on duty shortly.

Esme was going to get Edward some fresh clothes and would collect a bag of things for Bella. Then when she returned she'd try to get Edward to shower and change. After that she was going over to the Swan's house to tidy up. I could see it in her eye that she would be making plans to redecorate. It was something she'd been dying to do ever since the first time she saw the inside of the Swan residence. And my darling wife wasn't above trashing things a bit to justify a few renovations like in the kitchen. After all Bella had often openly wished that she had a kitchen like Esme's and groaned about the laundry room.

Rose and Emmett were going to patrol outside the hospital. Emmett wanted to try and contact the friendly wolves but we all felt they would get in touch with us if they needed anything. Right now our priorities were to protect Bella and Edward and find out what's happening to them. Then we had to decide how much we're going to tell Charlie Swan when he woke up. Tom said it would be three days before he would lighten up on the sedation and take him of the respirator. Maybe Bella was right that we have entered into the Twilight Zone.

EPOV

I could stay wrapped around Bella forever. And I wanted to do just that but we needed to talk and we needed answers. And I needed to get her the hell out of here! Jacob Black wasn't going to leave us alone for very long especially after he found out I'm back and with Bella again. She was lying coiled around me and I loved it. So we just laid there gazing into each other's eyes not saying a thing. We didn't have to with our connection. I could admit now that our love is eternal, but by doing so, it means I had to make some decisions. Ah no...We had to make some decisions together and that included making our dreams of forever come true.

As much as I abhorred the idea of Bella giving up her humanity I knew I could not ever lose her. So she would have to come into my world for us to be together, to make a life and an eternity together. God she's so beautiful and how I had missed her but I had no words. I leaned down to her and our lips touched, we both deepened the kiss and as our tongues met I allowed her to enter my mouth, after I carefully wrapped my teeth with my lips, and as tongues entwined the feelings became overpowering and explosive. The voices I usually heard became background noise, loud enough for me to be alert to danger but quiet enough that I could enjoy my Bella without distraction. Even with Emmett sitting in a tree not too far away trying to give me advice.

Rose soon took the initiative and distracted him instead but said the strangest thing to me first. "Thanks little brother, she's perfect." Now I was confused thanks for what and who was perfect? At that point Bella pushed me back onto the bed and straddled me and I couldn't care less what Rose or Emmett had to say. Bella had my full and undivided attention.

We talked a bit, kissed a lot and I mean deep open mouthed kisses and we cuddled close to each other the whole time. Except for once when I pulled back to look at her beautiful face and into her deep and soulful brown eyes, they had reverted from gold after our first kiss. As much as I was enjoying myself I had to speak. I had so much to apologize for so I started by holding her close to my chest, I didn't want to see the hurt and pain in her eyes. "Bella, I'm sorry..."

Bella sighed pushed me away and sat up and momentarily placed her fingers against my lips to stop me, then she dropped her hands to her lap. "No Edward, we aren't going there. You told me in our shared dream that there were some things we would just have to let go, remember? So I'm going to say this only once and then we will never speak of it again, we were both wrong. We both made mistakes and we both assumed way too much. And we weren't honest with each other about a lot of things. So we need to promise each other that from now on we hide nothing. That we'll talk everything over and that we'll make all decisions together. So we will protect each other and our families together. And when we are afraid or we disagree we will listen to each other and ask for help from the others when we need it. But from now on we stand by each other and no one comes between us."

She paused and looked up at me smiling but then her eyes brimmed with tears. "Edward...what I did to you...the way I treated you and the way I allowed Jacob to manipulate us both was unforgivable." she was talking so fast I was afraid she would run out of breath, and she was twisting her hands so hard that I thought she'd rub them raw and draw blood.

I reached out and took her hands in mine and smashed my lips to hers, she squeaked and leaned into me. When I realized she needed to breathe I leaned back a bit and began kissing along her neck and between kisses I said "Bella, Bella, my sweet girl... my love. I understand... and I agree with you... we've both made mistakes. But you're wrong if you think that anything you did was unforgivable. We can't move forward without forgiving ourselves as well as each other. And I think we need to talk about what went on while we were apart. I know it was painful for both of us. I would rather not relive that time. But I think we have to understand what we both went through so we don't make the same mistakes again. That means we have to be open and honest holding nothing back. But let me say this first if you can forgive me for all the asinine things I did to you. Then I can certainly forgive you for anything you think you did wrong. But I want you to know that I never stopped loving you that I always loved you despite anything Jacob or I may have said or done. I let Black push my buttons and I reacted the way I did because I never thought I deserved you."

Bella was shaking her head and squeezing my hands when she opened her luscious lips but I stopped her before she could say anything. "Wait before you try to stop me you have to know that Alice, Esme and Rosalie made me see I was wrong. Those three women were relentless. I only ever answered one message from Esme, otherwise I never answered any of their calls or texts. But there was never a day or hour that went by that I didn't get an update on what an ass I was. Carlisle even got into the action occasionally though he was much kinder than my mother and sisters." She giggled, and hid her mouth behind her hand looking thoroughly amused. I had a sneaking suspicion that she knew all about their plan to wear me down. I cocked an eyebrow at her and told her: "The worst were the letters."

She tipped her head to the side and look at me surprised. "What letters Edward? Did they write to you as well?"

I laughed it seems she didn't know about my brothers plan to 'get Edward home'. "Yes letters came from Jasper and Emmett copious pages and pages of threats, entreaties and plans to kidnap me. Emmett's favourite plan was tearing me into pieces and handing me over to you for reassembly. Jasper was more subtle and approached the subject by trying to use logic at first. Then he resorted to cheesy love stories, poems and music lyrics. If I hadn't been such a pathetic mess it would actually have been hilarious. But they each wanted me to believe that the others had no idea what they were doing. In the end it was my own need, and selfish desires that won out. I was already heading to the airport when I got Alice's message about the...about your ... fall. I was already coming for you because I just couldn't live another hour without you."

BPOV

Edward really was a mess his eyes while still slightly green but they were getting darker every minute a hungry vampire kind of dark. The circles under his eyes where a deep purple I knew he would need to hunt and soon. Looking into the monitor at my bedside I could see that my own eyes were also darker. They had returned to my usual chocolate brown. I was starting to feel sleepy, it had been a very long and emotional day. I needed to sleep and Edward needed to hunt.

Carlisle came back into the room with Emmett and Rose he looked at me and smiled then he turned to Edward. "Son, you need to hunt. Rose and Emmett are going with you." Edward opened his mouth but Carlisle held up his hand. "Don't give me that look. We still don't know what happened with the packs or Sam and Jacob. Jasper and Alice are back and will stay here. And your mother is talking with Renee right now. By the way she brought you a change of clothes and suggests that you shower and change after you hunt."

Emmett had perked up with the talk of hunting. "Sorry bro no delivery menu for you." We all just stared at him. Sometimes I don't know what goes through Emmett's brain. He isn't stupid but he definitely likes being the class clown.

Alice asked if he ever thought before he spoke Rose said: "No".

But Emmett answered her right after: "The problem little sis is my humour is just under appreciated in the current negative climate."

It just hit me that Carlisle had said Esme was talking to Renee. "Ah Carlisle did you say Esme was talking to Renee?"

Carlisle looked like he had just swallowed some nasty human food" I'm Sorry Bella but with both you and Charlie out of it I could only push the implied consent issue with the hospital administration so far. We need to have legal authorization for any further care. Renee has a power of attorney for Charlie if he is ever incapacitated if you are not available or unable to make decisions. I'm afraid your mother may be debating about coming to Forks. But apparently Phil broke his leg demonstrating base stealing and she's reluctant to leave him alone. Esme is arranging for her to talk to you and your Dad once he's awake while you're both in the hospital via Skype."

I could tell from the look on his face that Carlisle thought my mother was being very selfish. But that was just Renee's way. Whatever was the most visible problem is the one she would take care of. She could see Phil's need he was at home and needed her help. Charlie and I were in a hospital being cared for. So if she came to Forks she would just be sitting around not needed. She knew that the Cullen's would be there for us. In truth I'm thankful for her whacked out way of thinking right now at least she'll be safe and away from all the craziness here. But if Renee was talking to Esme the conversation was bound to drift to Edward.

Just then Esme came in with a huge smile on her face. "That went well!"

I turned to her "Ah what went well Esme?"

"Oh your Mom will be able to talk to you any time you want while she's home with Phil for the next few weeks." Then Esme got this very worried look on her face and blurted out the rest "And she tookthenewsaboutEdward very well."

I shook my head. "Pardon me but what did you say she took very well?"

"Oh Bella darling I told her that you and Edward were back together it was out of my mouth before I could think. It's just that I'm so happy for both of you!"

I stared at her not really being able to think of what to say except. "Well maybe I should thank you. I didn't know how I was going to bring that up. She was pretty upset...you know...before."

Edward leaned down and kissed me. "It's okay love she had every right to be angry with me. I'd hurt her daughter."

Then Esme cleared her throat. "Well then there is one thing you may want to think about before you talk to her." Esme looked really uncomfortable. "After I explained that you were together again and more in love than ever. She said she wasn't the least bit surprised and wanted to know when I thought the wedding would be. Bella she was really excited and hoped you would let us plan the wedding because she knew you would hate all the attention. She actually said Bella is the kind of person that would say just dress me and point me in the right direction."

My mouth must have been hanging open a mile because the man sitting on my bed with me almost fell off laughing while looking at me. All the years and the lectures about marriage and now Renee was hoping for what a June wedding? Edward had stopped laughing and had a very serious look on his face. That scared me. He only gets that's look when he's planning something and something that is usually very expensive. I shuddered and just cocked an eyebrow at him, all he did was smile.

Emmett piped up: "Damn Pixie it looks like Edward and Bella can have silent conversations too. Hey Ed, are you ready to roll, cause I'm getting a might peckish over here." Edward just rolled his eyes and Em rephrased it: "Can we please get going and grab something to eat?"

CarPOV

Bella seemed hesitant to send Edward off and he wouldn't leave without her saying it was okay. I told her that I needed to replace the broken cast and we could do it while Edward was gone. She stared at Edward and then looked at me stuttering: "But ... I'm okay, you saw me get out of bed. I'm fine! I need you to take these casts off. I can't stay here what if ..." She looked panic stricken at Edward then back at me, "What if he...Jacob comes here looking for me. I can't endanger the family and the people in the hospital. Carlisle I don't want to be here just waiting for him to walk through that door."

I reached out and touched her hand. "Bella no one is going to get past us that you don't want to see. And even though you appear to be healed completely the hospital staff aren't going to believe it. At least give me a couple of days please to document that your injuries were not as bad as we initially thought. Fortunately I'm the only doctor that treated you and your MRI was clear so I should be able to get you out of here soon. But the casts will have to stay on for the time being." Bella sighed and looked to Edward he just nodded whether in agreement with me or her I don't know.

"Edward you better go son and the sooner the better. But don't come back until you're fully sated."

I could see he was reluctant but Bella pushed at him saying: "go Edward, then you can listen to me sleep talk when you get back. I bet you've missed that."

That girl knew my son so well and despite the fact she was terrified to let him go she was prepared to push him out the door herself. Edward then leaned down and kissed Bella with a passion I've never seen in him and she responded in like. To say the least I felt like I shouldn't be watching this. So I turned and saw that the rest of my family felt the same way we were all looking at our feet or the wall.

Bella and Edward couldn't have cared less that we were there. I couldn't help but wonder what had transformed my shy Victorian son and his bashful mate to be so openly affectionate. I looked to Emmett again to see if he would find his tongue and start teasing them. But the look on his face was one of awe and extreme happiness and he didn't say a word.

Alice however decided to expedite Edward's hunt by clearing her throat several times very loudly and finally she resorted to telling them both: "Knock it off!" This led us all to break out laughing. Then with one quick kiss Edward left with a promise to return soon.

I had no trouble convincing Bella after applying the new walking cast that she should try to sleep while Edward was gone. Alice would stay with her while Jasper patrolled outside the hospital. And I was going to follow up with Dr. Stanley and see how Charlie was doing. Esme met me outside Bella's room. Everything would be in place tomorrow morning for Bella and Renee to talk. So Esme walked with me down the hall to Dr. Stanley's office talking about her plans for the Swan house. All I could do was chuckle I loved my mate beyond reason and she was a loving and talented woman. And next to me and the children she loved a chance to renovate more than anything. She left me outside Tom's door and went to talk to the nurses behind the desk. I knocked and Tom quickly called me to come in. I put my head around the door ready to ask about Charlie. But I stopped short when I found Tom wasn't alone.

Billy Black was sitting in front of Tom waving a piece of paper in his face claiming he had power of attorney for Bella and Charlie Swan. And that he would not tolerate Carlisle Cullen caring for either one of them. Tom looked really nervous when he looked at me and seemed to be pleading with me to take care of this. I smiled and came into the room. Billy Black spun around in his chair and tried to stare me down.

I was never so glad as to be able to tell him that Renee had already approved me as Charlie and Bella's doctor even though Bella was legally an adult and could make her own decisions. And even if that wasn't the case Renee was still her parent and a legal next of kin which superseded Billie's document. Plus even as an ex wife her Power of Attorney for Charlie was more recent and would have more weight with hospital administration or the courts. And now that Bella was awake and in full possession of her faculties, she was Charlie's daughter and his legal next of kin, once again making his document worthless at this point. Tom smiled his gratitude at me and excused himself to go make rounds. I promised I'd catch up with him in the ICU and go over Charlie's condition.

Billy Black looked like steam was ready to come out his ears when he turned to leave. I moved to open the door for him as he glared up at me and he said. "This isn't over Cullen, Bella Swan is my son's imprint and he will claim her. She will not be able to deny him!"

I shook my head and stepped in front of Billy blocking the door before he could leave. "Mr. Black if you're taking Jacob's word that Bella is his imprint I suggest you check with others that have truly imprinted like Sam Uley or any of the other imprinted pack members. Or at least those that aren't afraid of your son."

He was like a statue; nothing I said seem to register with him he was so angry. He had to know Jacob was out of control. I sighed and shook my head looking down at him. "Billy, Jacob is obsessed with Bella but he hasn't imprinted on her. He has tried to manipulate both Charlie and Bella but he doesn't love her. He just wants to possess her and take her away from the one that does truly love her."

Billy was still glaring at me but didn't deny anything so I continued: "You have been a friend to Charlie Swan for a long time so you need to know that it was Jacob that hurt Charlie." Billy's eyes became huge but his frown was still in place and his brow was furrowed. Just for a second I saw fear and disbelief in his eyes so I continued: "Granted it was in the heat of the moment and Jacob was not in control. But Billy Charlie knows now what Jacob is. And what he's done to Bella. You know that he wouldn't want you to help Jacob destroy Bella's happiness. And I think you know more than you'll admit. Billy, Jacob is out of control did he tell you that some of the pack members have deserted him? And that those that are left are not happy with his obsession over Bella? He's headed for trouble Billy he needs guidance. He's a boy pretending to be a man and he's lost his way." Billy looked at me with the stoic face of a tribal leader he was an intelligent man but he was blind when it came to his son. Or was he?

Billy broke eye contact, and looked at his hands. "You're right Cullen. I never believed that Bella was Jake's imprint. But Jake is all I have my wife is dead and the girls don't want to come home. He's my legacy what am I supposed to do? He could be a great leader for his people but he obsesses over Bella and how to destroy your son! Charlie and I have always thought that Jacob and Bella would be together. Even after Bella met your son I kept telling Charlie and Jacob that your son would leave her, that he wouldn't stick around, that it was just a teenage crush. And I was right he did leave her, so he can't possibly love her like Jake does. Damn you people aren't even human! You can't possibly feel the way we do or want the same things we do. You can't even have children or families!"

I knelt down to be at eye level with Billy and place my hand on his arm. "In our world there is no love that is deeper or a bond that is stronger than what Edward and Bella share. Yes he left when he thought it would be better for Bella not to be part of our world, that it was too dangerous for her. And he listened to the lies your son told him and believed what his eyes only partly revealed to him. Bella did not love your son like that. She did love him as a sister would a brother but nothing more. It was never more than that of a doting big sister and he used that to manipulate her. But Edward came to believe that Jacob was right that he was merely a passing infatuation to Bella, even though deep down Edward knew better."

Billy looked at my hand but did not shake it off and there were tears in his eyes. "Billy in your world the pack has imprinting. In my world there a love that is even stronger than imprinting and it's very, very rare. It actually bonds two souls irrevocably to the point that if one dies the other will seek death. That is the bond that my son and Bella share. They can never be apart now and no one will ever come between them. There is no other choice. Except for both of them to willingly accept and acknowledge their bond to each other and they did that today. Jacob cannot come between them. They will destroy him if he tries and my family will be there to protect them. You're right we cannot reproduce and have children. But our family bonds are just as strong as yours, perhaps there even stronger because we are a family by choice not by an accident of birth."

Billy acknowledge what I had to say with a nod, as he looked up at me I could see the strength of the wolf. His generation never had the catalyst to bring it to life, but it was there in his eyes and the determined set of his jaw. Then it all evaporated before my eyes and he was just an old man, crippled and discouraged. In a very quiet and broken voice he said: "I don't know where Jacob is he called and asked me to look after Bella and Charlie that your family had hurt them both and to keep you away from them. He's my son I had to believe him...even though...though Emily, Sam's girl came and told me what Jake has done to the pack, and that Sam was going to stop him. I can't lose my only son!" Then in a low whisper he said: "But I'm afraid of him ...and you would be wise to fear him as well Cullen."

I stood up patted him on the shoulder and opened the door. But before I left he told me he needed to talk to Bella. I said I would ask if she would speak to him. But it wouldn't be until tomorrow. She would want to wait until Edward could be there. I left a broken man behind the door as he started to cry. I advised the nurses at the desk that Mr. Black was distraught over his friend's accident and could they please look after him.

Jennie grabbed some Kleenex and an extra coffee cup and headed towards Dr. Stanley's office. "Sure Dr. Cullen I'll take him down to the chapel and get him a coffee. I was going on my break anyway so I can sit with him. I know he and the Chief have been friends for years." She chuckled and looked at me. "Chief Swan gave me my first parking ticket. He was dressed in his fishing gear and Mr. Black was with him that day holding his rod with a trout dangling on the end wearing hip waders. I was sixteen and it was really hard to take him seriously looking like some back woods hick." Jennie was still chuckling when she walked into the office, I heard her introduce herself to Billy by recalling the same story.

Esme was standing at the end of the desk smiling at me I shrugged and said "What?"

She shook her head at me and hooked her arm through mine as we started walking back towards Bella's room. She stopped and pulled me close to her side and hugged me saying, "Carlisle Cullen you are a kind and compassionate man and I love you. I know without a doubt that we are soul mates because I have never been happier in my existence then when I'm with you." We walked on with smiles on our faces and both of us making plans for each other later.

Just then I heard Alice call for help. As we turned the corner the foul smell of a shapeshifter hit us. I saw Jasper racing into Bella's room and there was a scream and then silence. I pushed the door open and found Alice lying on the floor cradling her severed arm. It had been ripped off below the elbow. Esme went to her right away grabbing the limb and holding it firmly in place at the elbow as Alice sobbed in agony while it healed.

Jasper had a young shapeshifter pinned against the wall next to Bella's bed. I could see that the boy was very nervous and on the verge of phasing which would not be a good thing for any of us in this enclosed space. Bella was curled up at the foot of her bed but instead of looking afraid she just looked really pissed. Then without a word she crawled to the head of the bed and rose to her knees. She reached out and grabbed the shapeshifter by the throat and held him up off the floor. Yet she looked like she was on the verge of collapse. Whatever reserves she had left from earlier were fading fast. But I wondered if she borrowing from Edward's strength again. Either way it was obvious there wasn't much left. She had started to slump forward when Jasper touched her shoulder urging her to let go. Bella had literally been choking the life out of the boy with one hand. His face was a bright red and he was struggling for a breath. She eased back and let Jasper take control of the young mutt. But Bella was fearless and remained upright even though you could see she was still on the verge of collapse. She leaned into the boy's face while she verbally abused him but it didn't last long she quickly collapsed onto the bed totally drained.

I rushed to her side but she was fine. Her breathing was a little rapidly but she had a serene smile on her face so all I could do was urge her to relax. "Yeah Carlisle I think I could use a nap now, but that was cathartic to say the least. I have never felt so powerful." And she lay back on her pillow and nodded off.

Esme and Alice came forward as Bella drifted off to sleep. I checked Alice's arm while Esme slipped off her jacket for Alice to wear it would cover the red welt at her elbow. The welt would be gone soon, but in case any staff came into the room she would need to keep it covered. Jasper and the boy were sitting on the floor now facing each other. The boy was just scared now his head was bowed and he was crying into his hands.

EPOV

I ran as fast as I could to find hunting grounds with big game. I was really weak from Bella tapping into my energy earlier. I had already been under nourished because of my time away from her. I had initially wanted to take down whatever game crossed my path. But Rose pointed out that for as weak as I was I needed large carnivores to restore my strength. And she was right it would take fewer of those to satisfy me and would in fact be faster. Two or three big cats or bears would be enough to sate me. Otherwise I would need a full herd of elk to get the same benefit. Vampire nutrition had been an interest of Rose's and was put to good use any time we had to relocate.

But I couldn't believe how happy I felt now. Less than 24 hours ago I was the definition of deep suicidal depression and now with Bella back in my life and with our connection all I wanted to do was smile, laugh and be with her. And of course I wanted to kill Jacob Black but that could wait for a time.

I was sitting on an old log waiting for Rose the Emmett to catch up with me but I grew impatient and I stood up to go find them to get this hunt under way. When I suddenly collapsed, it was like all my energy had been drained out of me. Then I heard her in my mind "Edward I need you, now!" What the hell? Bella needed me! I needed to get back to Bella she was in trouble and I tried to get to feet and get moving. But I could barely sit up without feeling dizzy and I was on the verge of blacking out again when Emmett and Rose came through the trees dragging a freshly killed Grizzly. Both of them looked at me sitting with my head between my knees. Rose was waving her cell phone as she came towards me. "It's okay Edward we know, Carlisle just called it's all under control. Bella is sleeping now. Nothing bad happened except they caught a young shapeshifter. Bella basically bitch slapped him and then decided to take a nap."

"Hey bro Alice suggested we should bring you some take out and looky what wandered into my grasp." Emmett flung the bear in front of me. "Drink up man! You look more like death warmed over than usual." I did my best to eye roll the bastard but I just didn't have it in me. Rose was chuckling but hit him anyway as he turned to leave.

"Thanks Rose!"

"Don't mention it. But he's right Edward you look awful. There are some hikers on the other side of the lake, I could catch you one if you like." She chuckled again.

As I pulled the bear into my lap and bent over its neck I shook my head no and said "Thank you but that won't be necessary the bear is good." Too soon the bear was dry. But Emmett was back with another in short order. When that one was drained I was strong enough to run down my own food and we broke off to hunt in different directions. I would call them when I was done. I didn't want to waste any time getting back to Bella but for both our sakes I needed to make sure I was well sated.

After six hours and several hundred miles I was finally full one might even say sloshy. I called Em and Rose and then took off at break neck speed back to the hospital. I easily outdistanced them and arrived at the hospital first. I burst into Bella's room and saw the strangest thing. Bella was sitting on her bed looking across the room at Jasper who was sitting on the floor with what must be the shapeshifter considering the stench in the room and she was laughing.

She turned to me with a huge smile. "Oh Edward, I'm sorry honey if I caught you off guard earlier but it all happened so fast and I was so scared. This pip squeak..." she gestured with her chin towards the boy. "Thought he could drag me off to Jacob and earn his undying appreciation. It was strange though I could hear what he was thinking and smell him before he came into the room. So I played scared but he attacked Alice and ripped off part of her arm before Jasper got here. Esme and Carlisle reattached it and she seems to be doing fine now. But you should have seen the look on Jasper's face when I grabbed the kid by the throat. I really thought for a minute I was going to kill him. But then I got really, really weak so I just screamed at him, and ..."

I walked to her side and leaned over nuzzling my face into her hair, inhaling deeply that unforgettable strawberry and freesia scent that always relaxes and grounds me. If I were a junkie Bella would be my drug of choice. I sat on the bed with her and wrapped her in my arms. She was shaking from being so anxious and she was even waving her arms around and pointing at people. "Bella babe listen to me you have to take a deep breath and slow down hon."

"Yeah right sorry it's just that I knew you would be worried and I wanted to get it all out before I started to cry. I was so damn scared and mad, but now that your here I'm just really scared that if it had been Jacob I wouldn't be alive ...and you would be alone...and I know I'm rambling but I'm about to lose it...so just hold me Edward...please!"

I kissed Bella once on the head and then tipped her chin up and pressed my lips to hers licking her lower lip begging for her to open her mouth. When she did we both melted into the kiss and ended up reclining back onto the bed. The last thing I registered before getting lost in my Bella was our family leaving taking the mutt with them and closing the door.

After we came up for air I looked down at Bella my beautiful goddess she was radiant. She was also scared as hell, yet radiant nonetheless. As I looked down at her she was biting on her delicious lower lip. I pulled it away from her teeth and sucked it into my mouth it was heavenly. Her taste was ambrosia of the gods. Bella's blood had been the strongest pull I had ever felt in my immortal life. But once our bond was formed it was the taste of her lips and her scent that were my new addictions. The call of her blood barely taunted me anymore.

Ambrosia where the hell did that come from? Damn sometimes I surprise even myself as to how much I sounded like the Victorian everyone calls me. But they should really refer to me as an 'Edwardian' it would be the more apt description of the era into which I was born since Queen Victoria had died the January before my birth. Oh god why am I even thinking about this? See the vampire brain has too much space in which to contemplate such useless trivia. Wait a minute what is that god awful sound that Emmett was making?

Emmett for some reason was singing Lady Gaga songs in his head and believe me hearing 'Poker Face' in his baritone was doing nothing for the song. Alice was cataloguing the up and coming fall fashion shows in Europe. Esme was thinking about renovating a small cottage on our property and gutting the Swan kitchen...I wondered when Bella had agreed to that.

Carlisle was thinking about the young mutt under Jasper's guard and what to do about him as he stuck his head around the door talking to me silently. 'Edward I'm sorry to interrupt but we have to talk about a few things. Visiting hours will be over soon and while I can make sure you're able to stay with Bella, the rest of the family will have to at least leave the building. So what do you think, should we take the boy home with us or let him go? I also need to talk with you and Bella about a conversation I had with Billy Black.'

Bella looked at me. "You can carry on with the silent conversation crap all you want but I can tap into it at any time. Besides the rest of the family may want to know the plan. So maybe you should just talk out loud to all of us at the same time?"

Carlisle laughed out loud and opened the door to the hallway all the way and the rest of them all filed back into the room including Jasper and the boy. Carlisle was still laughing when he said: "Oh Edward you are so going to have your hands full with this one. But she'll be good for you though, keep you on your toes."

With that we all busted out laughing, totally to the consternation of the mutt, he chose this time to find his voice and yelled at Bella. "How can you laugh with them, their monsters, don't you know that! They plan to enslave you and then suck you dry. Jacob told us that it's what they do. It's what they live for and what they'll do to all of us if we can't stop them."

Jasper shook his head and led the boy outside once again, Bella looked up at me and concern marred her perfect brow, Rose rolled her eyes and said. "If I didn't seriously doubt Black's ability to read I would say he'd been studying Hitler's Mein Kampf."

Carlisle shook his head and proceeded to tell us about his meeting with Billy Black. I could see in Carlisle's mind that Jacob has been neglecting his father's health and it was starting to take a toll on the proud counsel elder. If Billy didn't get some help soon he was going to end up hospitalized. Carlisle was going to see to it that a healthy anonymous donation to the free clinic here at the hospital provided what they needed to have a least one clinic day each week on the Reserve utilizing the indigenous personnel on staff. I could see him formulating a long term plan for a fully staffed clinic on the Reserve but that was for a later time. It was agreed that at some time Bella would speak with Billy, but not until after Charlie was awake. And until then Bella didn't want Charlie having any visitors other than me and our family.

Jasper informed us that the mutt's name was Cody and wasn't any threat himself. But neither could we just let him go back to Jacob. So he had called Sam to see what he wanted us to do but he got his voice mail and left a message and neither Leah or Seth were picking up either. He called Sue Clearwater Seth and Leah's mom but she said they hadn't been home yet today. But Seth had called to say that he and Leah were patrolling with Sam tonight. So that was it, the only members of the pack or packs that we trusted were unavailable. So it would seem that Cody was going to be a guest of the Cullen's at least until Sam contacted us.

With that decided it was hugs all around. After Alice assured Bella a thousand times that she was fine everyone left. Jasper and Emmett walked on either side of the mutt each with a hand firmly clamped on a shoulder.

I locked the door and checked the windows. I could hear Alice and Jasper sitting in a tree nearby watching the hospital. Alice was still cataloguing the fashion shows now scheduled for the winter. And Jasper was just humming to himself totally content with Alice in his arms. Finally they both looked towards Bella's room and told me to look after Bella. Alice stopped her cataloguing long enough to say. "Edward she's not as fragile as you think. You can be with her in every sense you won't break her. And you need to consummate this connection. And before any more weird ass crap happens around here, and particularly before Jacob Black rears his ugly head once again. Brother she needs you. So take your Victorian order of morals and chuck them. She wants you and I mean that in every way possible. And because if you don't, Jazzy and I may have to move to Canada to get away from the perpetual sexual tension rolling off you two! "

Alice's little speech both scared me and energized me. I turned to look at Bella she reached out her hand to me and lay back on the bed looking at me from under half closed lids. Her lips were pink and moist and her mahogany hair was fanned out behind her on the pillow begging me to run my fingers through it. I spoke to her in my mind: "You little minx, you heard her didn't you?" She nodded and I rushed to her side, as I drew near she removed her hospital gown which stopped me in my tracks. Bella has always been beautiful and there was nothing in my world more beautiful to me than Bella, but naked Bella was unbelievably breathtaking. And I felt a burn race through my veins like liquid fire.

Her skin was pale as porcelain, her breasts were perfect and all I wanted was to feel the weight of one in my hand while I suckled on her rose coloured nipples. Bella was petite and lean she had all the womanly curves a man could want. The delicate curve of her hips was enticing and her flat stomach led to an identical patch of silky mahogany hair between her legs from whence rose the glorious scent of Bella's arousal ...did I just say whence? Well even if I did, it's hard to lose the inner Victorian completely.

Bella was so uninhibited laying there just letting me ogle her. Where she'd had found her inner sex kitten I'll never know. Usually she was so shy about her body, but I wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth. I took her hand in mine and revelled in looking at her perfect body. I reached out and stroked the side of one breast it was so velvety soft and yet firm. The blush that followed my action made her even more alluring and desirable. She reached up and tugged on the hem of my shirt then biting down on her lower lip she said with a very husky voice: "Off ...it and everything else comes off Mr. Cullen."

I wasted no time. In fact I didn't even give it a second thought. So maybe the Victorian in me had finally given up and retreated. At this moment I wanted nothing more than to lose myself in Bella. I lay down beside her wrapped her in my embrace, she shivered slightly but I knew it was from desire and not the temperature of my body. What the hell! Was I contemplated being able to do this? I had fantasised about it, but for this to be happening! Was I crazy? But I wanted this to be perfect. A hospital bed just didn't seem to be right she deserved so much more. Maybe I should just get dressed and read a book while she slept...after all I could kill her!

She reached over and tipped my chin up and looked me in the eye smiling she said "I know how you think Edward. And you are not leaving or getting dressed. I'm more than ready to be yours. I want you to make love to me... NOW." She sounded so sure and once again she answered my unspoken concerns. "Edward the only perfect place that this can ever happen is in each other's arms. It doesn't make a damn bit of difference what the surroundings are. And you can't hurt me remember we are Merged Souls. It's just not possible for you to hurt me. This is right for us at this moment. Edward...make me yours...please! "

"But Bella I've never done this before!"

"Well handsome neither have I."

I'm not sure I'll be any good. I mean I hope I'll be able to satisfy you...I've heard so much about technique over the decades. But I don't know what you'll like...and I want this to be perfect for you. You know the first time is going to hurt and there's going to be blood. But not enough to bother me though..."

"Edward ...look at me...Edward stop. We both know it isn't going to be easy. But with the way we feel for each other it can't be anything but perfect. Besides my love we'll find our way together."

With those words I crashed my lips down own onto hers. Our hands and lips did a slow and agonizing exploration of each other. It was the most erotic thing I had ever envisioned. We were insatiable in our need to touch and be touched. Our kisses were deep and languorous, we weren't in any hurry. Several times I had to ask her to be still so I could reign in my desire and lust just enough to maintain my control. Our tongues warred for dominance to the sweet exchange of our sighs. As I suckled at her breast bringing the nipple to a firm peak she arched her back, and moaned then snuggled closer to me. Running her fingers through my hair she scrapped her nails across my scalp, and it was heaven!

Finally my fingers found their way up the inside of her thigh, as she opened her legs to me.

At this point I had to freeze. Her warmth and the scent of her arousal were almost my undoing. My cock was ramrod stiff and twitched against her stomach wanting entrance into her moist depths. I raised my head from Bella's breast, my eyes begging her for permission, she smiled and nodded.

I took a deep breath and never losing eye contact with her, I ventured to stroke her clit with my thumb. She gasped, then moaned as I pressed harder she rewarded me again with an even deeper throaty moan. I thought it was impossible but my cock got even harder and venom pooled in my mouth. I continued to massage her clit as she writhed under my hand and then slowly inserted one finger between her warm inviting folds and then into the depths of nirvana. She called out my name and raised her hips to meet my motion as I slowly moved in and out adding another finger.

Her groans only succeeded in making me more painfully aware of my straining erection. If I kept this up much longer I wasn't going to last. So I picked up my speed and began to curl my fingers back finding her sweet spot that sent her over the edge. I captured her scream of pleasure with my mouth and our lips and tongues danced together until she came down. Then I slid my fingers out of her.

But I just had to taste them her juices flowed over my fingers and onto my palm. After using my full tongue to clean off my palm I closed my eyes and sucked my fingers into my mouth one at a time to enjoy her nectar. She watched my every move and when I had finished she touched her tongue to my lips begging for entrance into my mouth. After wrapping my lips over my teeth I opened to her allowing her tongue to delve deep into my mouth and taste herself on me.

She was so warm and wet, primed for my entrance into her depths. I didn't think I could take it any longer. I was worried about how gentle I would need to be but in her usual fashion Bella literally took things into her own hands. She reached down between us and grabbed my engorged and painfully stiff cock and began pumping...God I thought I died! Then she looked at me with a devilish smile and I knew that one day she would be the death of me. But I had to remove her hand it was just too much. I tried not to hurt her feelings by making light of the situation. "My darling lady that is a loaded weapon that you have in your hand and I don't want it to explode all over you and the bed."

To which she replied: "Well sir I have a much better place for to put it and you can explode without fear of soiling me or the sheets."

I was done for... had she really just said that? As if to confirm it she opened her legs even wider and I positioned myself between them. I rubbed the head of my cock against her clit and her moist folds. Pre cum was steadily leaking from my tip and it took all my strength to keep from just plunging into her depths. Knowing that once I did I would never want to be anywhere else. I slowly inserted my tip into her and froze waiting for her response. She only smiled wider and her eyes were filled with lust and love.

I was as scared as hell but I wanted this more than anything. "Bella this will hurt you, you know that. But if it's too much you need to let me know so I can stop."