Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyer owns Twilight, but not Merged Souls

Author's Note: Thanks Pienuniek.

Chapter 5

BPOV

"Edward darling, if you don't fuck me right now I will hurt you...so quit teasing me! And honey I know it will hurt. I took Biology and sex education just like you . But I know what you're afraid of and you won't hurt me, Edward you could never hurt me. Remember you mentioned that something of yours was a weapon ready to explode? Well so am I! I'm primed and ready and your huge dick is on my firing pin so let me have it!"

I probably could have put that much nicer but Edward had me wound up so tight that I thought I would die. Besides I wanted no room for him to misunderstand me. And the man did not disappoint. Without any further discussion he thrust his hips forward and burst my hymen. I felt the initial pain and I did worry about how he would react to the scent of my blood. When he didn't move I looked up at him but all I saw was the most beautiful and sexy face in the world! His eyes were half closed and he wore a smile that would melt the sun. Then he bent down and kissed me chastely saying: "Bella my love, you will definitely be the death of me. But you are my forever!"

He then began to gently rock his hips back and forth and I matched his rhythm. The intensity built in the pit of my stomach. We became more fevered in our love making and a fire burned deep inside me as he increased the pace and depth of each stroke. I brought my legs up to encircle his waist changing the angle and increasing the depth of his penetration.

Edward was making these low throaty noises that resonated throughout my body, it almost sounded like he was purring. My hands moved in circles from his hair to his shoulders and back again. I wanted to see him come but I was so lost in the feel of him inside me that I couldn't keep my eyes open. I felt like I couldn't handle any more. But I wanted more so I screamed: "Harder!" and then: "Faster!" And with each request he complied. I was moaning and thrashing wildly as my climax neared.

Suddenly Edward stopped again my brain was mush and I couldn't even open my eyes or make a coherent statement. All I could manage was ..."What the fuck!" Then I heard his velvet voice: "Bella you have to stop thrashing love. It's too much like prey fighting. Just try to be still for me my sweet this isn't over by a long shot." Then Edward kissed my forehead and each of my eyes before he resumed pounding into me at a less frantic pace. But he was entering me just as hard and as deep as I could possibly want him.

Edward slowed once again and pulled back and I thought he was going to pull out completely. I had been as still as I could and I wanted to scream: "NO." Then he grabbed my right leg and rested it on his shoulder and slammed back into me at a new angle causing me to arch into his thrusts. The intensity of the fire washing over me was overwhelming. I could feel the knot in my belly coil and then a burst of heat that should have burnt me to a cinder. My orgasm ripped through me like wild fire. I felt myself falling over the edge but still arching up even further to try and get even closer to Edward. Just then I felt him still and then he jerked like he'd been punched in the gut. We both froze and fell over the edge into ecstasy together. He let go of a deep sigh that touched my soul as he released his seed into me. We resumed a slow rocking rhythm until we were spent and all that was left was a feeling of overwhelming love, fulfillment and bliss.

We lay there in post coital bliss, neither of us saying anything just looking into each others eyes and gently stroking each others sides. Edward stayed firmly planted between my legs, imbedded in me to the hilt and I couldn't be happier. I loved this man with all my heart and soul and I wanted him and this feeling forever!

EPOV

I have no words for what passed between Bella and me. For almost a hundred years I have heard the sexual thoughts of my family and every random human being I've been near. Those thoughts have ranged from the over active imagination of hormone riddled prepubescent teens to the most degenerated minds I have ever encountered.

I had never expected to experience anything like those thoughts and I still hadn't. I had been totally unprepared for what I felt in Bella's arms. There was no thought, song, poem or story that could express the joy of feeling her around me, beneath me and in my mind. I will never ever forget this moment, I am happier than any man alive! And if my heart could beat it would be racing right now. The feel of me joined with her is heaven on earth. And I never wanted to leave the confines of her warmth. I needed her body and mind now just as surely as I needed blood to survive. Without any doubt I knew that I would have to claim her soul as well. I would have to make her an immortal there was no going back for us now. I wanted to weep, but not because I would steal Bella's human life. But because I finally realized that she had been right all along. She was destined to become one of us and I couldn't live if she should die.

I finally rolled over onto my back bringing Bella with me so she was draped across my chest. "Bella, I...I don't know what to say except that I love you and will until the end of time." The demanding little sex kitten that had been with me just minutes before was gone and my shy Bella was back. She looked away from me and bit her lower lip, then hid her face snuggling into my shoulder.

The suddenly she yawned but before drifting off to sleep she said: "You've been holding out on me mister but never again." I chuckled realizing I was wrong the sex kitten was still in residence, she was just sleepy.

My phone vibrated on the bed side table and I grabbed it before it fell off. I looked at the caller ID it was Emmett. Damn what the hell could he want! I flipped it open and said: "...This better be good."

Of course he chuckled: "That little bro is precisely what she said...get it?"

I did an eye roll and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Okay Emmett you've had your fun was there anything else?"

He was still laughing when he said. "Now, now the pixie said the deed was done and that Bella was asleep so I could call. By the way bro I'm so proud of you, today you are a man! Granted a 109 year old man, but still better late than never. So did she like it when you slipped her the salami? Ouch! Damn it Rose! I mean did you satisfy her...okay honey sorry but what did you want me to say? Good for you, Bang Up Job bro. Ouch damn it Rose, come on honey!"

Rose was obviously smacking Emmett in the head, it was her favourite target, when he came back on he said: "Hey Eddie you can't blame a guy for asking, so what was it like human to vampire? The pixie wouldn't give us any details. And all Jazz would only say that it was intense!"

I found myself pulling my hair as I gritted my teeth and whispered through my teeth: "Emmett is there a reason you called other than to critique my sex life. Which by the way is none of your business?"

"Oh yeah, the mutt is tied up in the dog house...you know the vault Esme had built in the basement for valuables. And I wanted to let you know that Rosie and I have relieved Jazz and the Pixie. Apparently you guys got Jazz wound up pretty tight and he needs to let off some steam. Like deforesting an acre with hot vampire sex kind of steam, and the Pixie thought the noise might disturb the patients." He was laughing so hard all I could do was hang up on him.

Rose then texted me to say that she understood from Alice that I had taken care of Bella's needs first and she wanted to compliment me on being the consummate gentleman and considerate mate. I have to admit I never saw that one coming, Rose and I usually just tried to irritate the hell out of each other. But before I could respond she texted again to say that she had gagged while sending the previous text even if it was true and that I shouldn't expect any others like it ever again. Now that was the sister I knew and loved. I responded back with a 'Yeah I love you too sometimes' and a winking happy face.

I decided I should get dressed just in case I was needed or a nosy nurse thought she should check on Bella. I kissed Bella on the cheek and slowly pulled out of her. I immediately felt hollow like I was lost. She wound her hand around my wrist while still asleep and pulled me forward before she whispered: "We'll never be apart again, you are my forever."

I had to chuckle she was just so damn cute even when asleep. And I really hoped that her inner sex kitten wasn't going to disappear any time soon. I had plans and things I wanted to try now that we had a whole new level of intimacy. Okay now I'm channeling my inner horny teenager, but the old Victorian was still there and rather pleased with this night's performance. I guess I really do have the multiple personality disorder Emmett's claimed I've had for decades.

I dressed quickly and listened for Carlisle's thoughts he was reading the latest Lancet medical journal in his office. Charlie was still unconscious but dreaming about fly fishing and then some woman's legs and just as I'm hoping he doesn't get any further along with the legs he swings back to fly fishing thank god. Emmett and Rose were discussing some modifications she wanted to make to the Jeep for off road driving. And as I understand it Alice and Jasper were tearing up the forest somewhere. So that would leave Esme at home minding the dog.

Just then my phone rang it was Esme. "Oh Edward, I just heard from Alice. I'm so happy for you."

God I should have known, why not just put in on the six o'clock news! "Mom, look, I really don't want to discuss the details of my sex life with the person that for all intents and purposes has been my mother for the last 90 years."

"Edward, I would never want to do that either son. But I was sitting here thinking about you and Bella being together again and your bond. Then when I heard from Alice that you consummated your relationship...well it just makes me so happy for you both. After all there has been far too much unhappiness for both of you lately. Well goodbye honey. Jasper and Alice just came in so I'll let you go and see you tomorrow."

Damn I guess everyone knows, but at least Alice wasn't sharing details. However that means I'll have to deal with Emmett before he says anything to Bella or she'll be mortified.

I spent the most of the night just watching my angel sleep. At 4:00 am she got restless and started calling out my name with so much pain and despair. I thought I knew what she was dreaming about after all I had caused that unbelievable pain. I debated about waking her but Bella had once told me that her dreams had a way of helping her work things out in her mind so I let her sleep. But I did I climb back onto the bed whispering quietly into her ear and wrapping her in my arms. Telling her I was here and that I would never leave her again.

When Bella relaxed the horny teenager came to life. And I can't believe it but I ended up whispering to her the things he wanted to do with her and to her. She turned and cuddled into my chest, sighed and then smiled returning to a deeper sleep. I wondered again about her dream and why was she so sad. Maybe I'm the not the only one responsible for bad dreams. But what did I do by leaving her to Jacob Black? And what had Jacob Black done while I was gone? I would find out and he would pay!

Bella and I still needed to talk. We needed to be sure that we both shared everything. This would be tough for me as I tended to hold back on unpleasant things, things that I thought would cause her pain. But I had promised her to be open and honest and I would live up to that promise.

At 6:00 am Carlisle came by and Bella awakened when I unlocked the door to let him in. She pulled the sheets up around herself and listened to Carlisle describe Charlie's current condition. He was out of danger but would remain heavily sedated for a few days. Bella really wanted to go home but Carlisle said that she would have to remain at least a couple of days. He thought it would be better if Charlie woke up seeing Bella was still a patient since he had witnessed what had happened to her. And I agreed despite my usually inclination to give Bella whatever she wanted. Yeah that was something else we would need to discuss how we manipulate each other.

Around 10:00 am Alice and Esme appeared with flowers, balloons, and a stuffed blue teddy bear wearing a tee shirt that said 'Eddie' that was of course came from Emmett. They also brought what Alice considered the appropriate pyjamas, robe and slippers and a few of Bella's books from her room. Bella was extremely grateful, except I think she would have preferred her old sweats to the silk pyjama pants and camisole. I on the other hand fully appreciated what they would look like on Bella's very hot body.

I glared at the annoying bear and of course Bella caught the look and said "Oh Edward, I think he's cute, but he'll never take your place."

Esme shooed us out so they could help Bella get showered and dressed. But before I left Alice had a vision. I watched my sister and could see into her mind. "Your're getting a clearer signal now!" she smirked at me, stuck out her tongue and nodded.

Then she turned to Bella. "Bella Carlisle is right, Charlie needs to see that you're still here as a patient. But we need to move you out of the ICU and into a private room. It would afford you and Edward more privacy and it will be easier for us to watch you and harder for certain people to get in. Oh and Bella don't even think about trying to sneak out. I see you clearer now than I ever have. That is until you figure out how to block me again. But if you really want a burger and shake just ask I'll get you one. Besides leaving the hospital in PJ's would look suspicious and just tacky."

BPOV

Alice convinced Edward to go home to shower and change his clothes. In the confusion over the mutt attacking Alice and me he had never taken a shower or changed into the clothes that Esme had brought. And he was still a little woodsy smelling from his hunting trip. By the time he got back to my room I had showered and changed as well and had been moved to the private room right beside Carlisle's office and two doors down from the nurses' station and it was also away from both stairwells and the elevators. Everyone would have to go pass Carlisle's office and the nurses' station to get to me or even leave with me.

Renee and I had our Skype conversation and I assured her that I was doing well and so was Charlie. She told me that she had gotten a strange call from Jacob Black accusing the Cullen's of causing Charlie's and my injuries and that they couldn't be trusted. Renee didn't know Jake well but she didn't like his demanding tone and when she asked him any questions he told her to shut up and just do what she was told. He told her that we were engaged and he wanted Carlisle off my case. But he didn't have any legal standing to make it happen so he wanted Renee to do it. Then he threatened that he would hurt me if she didn't and hung up.

Carlisle, Esme and Edward reassured her that I was in no danger from Jacob Black. Carlisle told her that Jacob had developed an unhealthy obsession with me, but that private security was in place courtesy of the Cullen's. And he told her that Billy was aware of how erratic his son was behaving. He even hinted that drugs may be involved. Renee of course jumped on that as the only reasonable excuse for his tone with her.

Mom wanted me to come to stay with her when I was discharged. But I told her now that Edward was back I wouldn't leave him. She wasn't as surprised as I thought she would be, in fact she asked me when the wedding was going to be.

Esme had already given me the heads up on this but still hearing her ask me was shocking, so when I didn't say anything she said: "Oh sweetie it was pretty obvious when you were here with Edward last year, that both of you were headed in that direction. You both seem to know what you want, and I never doubted it would always be Edward for you. I remember telling Charlie that when he called to tell me how upset you had been when Edward left. I knew that the separation would only make your feelings for him grow stronger. Of course your father thought I was crazy, and said you and Jake were really tight. I tried to tell him that you had said you only thought of Jake as a brother and nothing else. But honey your Dad only saw what he wanted. From the time Jake was born he and Billy schemed like old women planning for the future that you and Jake would have together. Despite Sara and I both telling them it would never happen. Then Sara died and it just got worse and your dad and I divorced. I thought that dream would have died as well but it seems I was wrong. I should have warned you that Billy and your Dad would try to push you two together. But honey don't be too hard on your Dad he loves you sweetie. Honey I know without a doubt that Edward is your soul mate. It's so obvious. That man will always put your needs before his own and he will spend the rest of his life making you happy, because it makes him happy. You can see it in his eyes. Remember baby the eyes are the windows to the soul. And Edward's soul is deep and devoted only to you."

"Edward dear I imagine you're standing there just out of sight with your mouth open, well close it son. Just make sure that once you finally ask my daughter to marry you, that you give us enough time before the wedding for Phil to heal and for Alice to find me the perfect dress. Oh and Bella all those awful things I've said about marriage over years, that was just me talking out loud to myself. I always hoped you wouldn't let me make any hair brained matrimonial mistakes. But it was never aimed at you. Listen kids, I love you both and when Charlie wakes up I'll handle him. In the mean time baby, love your man with all your heart. Esme dear, call me, we should probably start talking wedding plans. It's better to get an early start. Bella is not the most patient person when she makes up her mind to do something. And I imagine she'll want as little to do with the planning as possible, knowing her. But you, me, Alice and Rose should be able to put together the perfect wedding. Bye honey. I'm so glad that your alright and that you and Edward are together again, talk to you soon."

I don't think I've ever seen any of the Cullen's at a loss for words until now. Then Alice squealed and we all jumped. "I can see the perfect dress, Bella! Oh my god Esme we have so much to discuss." They in turn called Rose at home and started to whisper in vampire speak over the phone. Carlisle was just shaking his head as he checked my casts and we debated about putting me into splints after all since I didn't technically need the casts or splints.

When I turned to the gorgeous man that is my future he had the most perfect crooked grin on his face, and his eyes were so full of love. But he had one nervous hand running through his hair and this in turn made me nervous. So I tried to reassure him that he was under no obligation. "Edward, my Mom has no internal filter what she thinks is what she says. I don't want you to feel pressured..." but he shushed me, kissed me, and laughed. Then pulled out a little antique black box and said. "Well since my cover seems to have been blown I might as well go ahead since I have this on me anyway. Bella I was going to wait till tonight I was having dinner catered for you from that little Italian restaurant in Port Angeles where we had our first date. And the flowers aren't here yet. But like you said last night the only perfect place is here with you and that the surroundings are meaningless."

He dropped to one knee just as the door opened and the nurse came in with a huge bouquet of freesia, lilacs and pale peach roses. "Isabella Marie Swan, I have waited an eternity for you and you are all that I will ever want. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in the world? Will you share my life and be with me forever?"

This was more than just a marriage proposal, this was a promise to bring me into his world to make me an immortal, to truly share forever with him. I know how hard that part was for Edward, to finally give in and admit that it was the only way for us to be truly happy. God I loved this man! He was still waiting on one knee surrounded by an audience as the other nurses on the floor had rushed to the doorway to see this romantic god profess his love for me. I know he wouldn't have normally done it this way. The old Edward was all about the perfect plan and the grand gesture. But there was nothing normal about us and we had both changed. I thought of all kinds of sweet, sappy and even sarcastic things to say but in the end I said the one word that would make him the happiest I said "Yes." With that the most beautiful ring I have ever seen was place on my left ring finger. Edward was beyond happy. He kissed each finger on my left hand then he stood up and took me into his arms. The ring had been his mother's engagement ring, and it was made of a delicate fairy web of gold weaving in around three arching rows of perfect white diamonds mounted on narrow gold band.

As Edward held me to his side our family came forward and congratulated us and marvelled at the ring. Apparently none of them except Carlisle even knew it existed. Well except of course Alice who had seen it when Edward had decided to propose. Alice took a picture on her phone of us and the ring and sent it to Renee. The nurses made excuses to come into the room one by one and I'm not sure if it was to check out the ring or my beaming fiancée. Edward was absolutely stunning in his happiness, but he was still annoyed by their thoughts. Normally I would have been so insecure with all the attention. But I knew Edward was mine and that would never change. So the best I could do to help him besides chuckle at his discomfort was to kiss him full on the mouth, deep and passionately to mark my territory. The initial look of shock on Edwards face was priceless and then he just melted into the moment like no one was around. I knew then it would always be like this for us. We were in a bubble, oblivious to the outside world.

Edward lightened the kiss, and smiled against my lips. "My love if you want to remain fully clothed in front of all these people we had better stop. It seems were you're concerned I have less than perfect control."

I blushed and stepped away from him still holding his hand and he moved behind me encircling my waist with his arms, pulling me back into him and pushing is erection into my backside. I leaned into him and whispered "Nice move Mr. Cullen you are going to be in so much trouble later." We both laughed and continued to smile as the family looked on totally stunned and speechless once again.

Carlisle had finally decided that splints would be okay for my arm and leg. But I would have to use crutches when I walked to keep up appearances. Of course Edward offered to carry me everywhere after I frowned at the crutches and while that sounded very nice it was impractical. Therefore the plan was that once the physio therapist saw me walk with the crutches up a flight of stairs and down the hall I would be discharged from the hospital. I would go home with the Cullen's and attend therapy on an outpatient basis. Great I would have to attend therapy sessions that I didn't need, to build up strength that I already had. So I would have to fake it. Seriously acting was not one of my strong points but with my medical history of broken bones requiring therapy I should be able to manage it.

Edward and I spent the rest of the day at Charlie's bedside even though he was out of it. We told him about how well I was doing and that he was getting better. We even told him about our engagement which set off the alarm on his heart monitor. But it settled back down when Edward told him how much he loved me and how he planned to care for me. What scared me was when he delved into his investment portfolio and told Charlie just how well he was able to support me.

I knew the Cullen's were rich but I had always assumed it was Carlisle's wealth. It seems that each family member is independently wealthy and Edward is second only to Carlisle in net worth. Even without over 90 years to work on his portfolio Edward would have been a trust fund baby as a human since Carlisle had been able to secure for Edward his substantial inheritance after his parents had died and he was changed.

To say I felt sick would be an understatement, yet Edward treated it all as if it were nothing. After I got over my shock about the whole money thing we moved on to my talk with Renee. I was guessing that Charlie would think of her as an ally against me getting married. So I told him of Renee's monologue on how she had expected it and was absolutely thrilled. And that set off his heart monitor alarm again. So to relieve the tension and the stress to Charlie's heart Edward eased into talking about the Mariners and the game Charlie missed the other night and he talked about what their chances were like to make the playoffs. Then he discussed of all things fishing and how he had discovered a new fly reel that he thought Charlie might like to try and perhaps they could go out together some Sunday. Now that one had my mouth hanging open but apparently fishing was something all the Cullen men enjoyed since most fish were too stupid to see them as predators.

It would seem that I have a lot to learn about my future husband and his family. When the nurse came in under the pretence to change his IV she was frowning at the rhythm strips from when his monitor had alarmed. So she suggested that he needed to rest and that maybe I should take the time to relax as well.

I looked at Edward and thought of the perfect way to relax, and from the smile on his face Mr. Cullen had the same idea. We made our way slowly back to my room because of my inability to make my crutches move at warp speed. Edward kept reaching out for me like he was going to pick me up and I kept slapping his hands to stay away. I needed to practice or I'd never get out of here. Once we got off the elevator onto my floor Edward couldn't take it any longer he grabbed the crutches tucked them under his arm and scooped me up bridal style carrying me the rest of the way. We fell laughing onto my bed and then into a deep and passionate kiss. I could kiss Edward Cullen all day, every day and die a happy woman. But being in bed and having my way with my naked fiancée was heaven. I could never get enough of naked Edward. However that apparently was not the plan as Edward unwrapped himself from me. I looked hard at him and asked in a hurt voice: "Why?"

He smiled and passed his hand over my cheek, "Billy Black is coming and he's not alone. He has Paul from the pack and his daughter Rachael with him." I started to shake, Paul was one of the most temperamental members of Jacob's pack this was not going to go well. "Bella, Bella darling don't worry. Carlisle and Esme are coming they're in just in Carlisle's office. Rachel and Paul are here to help Billy determine if you are Jacob's imprint."

I stood up and began pacing. "Wait a minute they think I'm Jake's imprint where in hell did they get that idea? No, No this can't be happening! This is Jacobs doing he's trying to lay some wolfy mystical claim on me that doesn't exist!" Edward wrapped his arms around my waist and was holding me as close as he could, to stop my pacing and to prevent me from throwing things. "Edward, I can't do this." I sank down on the only couch in the room. Carlisle and Esme came in and sat on either side of me, with Edward standing behind me his hands on my shoulders.

Carlisle turned to me, "Bella I have already explained to Billy about your and Edward's connection and how irrevocable it is. And I was the one that suggested he speak to someone who had imprinted to help him see that what Jacob has told him is a lie. But I didn't know that his daughter was an imprint. Please relax. We won't let anything happen to you. Edward perhaps we can speak to them about Cody as well, that's the name of the shape shifter we currently have locked in our basement. And Edward you need to listen for any thoughts about what Jacob may be doing. Edward just nodded but he wasn't any happier about this visit then I was though he was trying to hide it.

There was no knock, Paul just came walking into my room holding the door open for Rachel to wheel Billy through. I was pissed and Edward knew it but all he could do was grip my shoulders tighter. I couldn't hold my tongue: "Thanks for knocking dog." Paul bristled and looked my way and then at Edward. He sneered just barely holding his tongue until Rachel grabbed his arm.

Billy wasted no time but instead of looking at me he focused on Edward for some reason that was beyond me. "Jacob is positive that Bella is his imprint and from his actions I would have to agree. Paul has confirmed that there is an intense need to protect the object of your imprint which is what Jacob has been doing." I noticed that Rachel bristled at the word object. "So the council has decided that Bella will come to the reserve for a period of orientation with the other imprints." By this point my blood was boiling,

Paul was grinning from ear to ear as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall. Apparently Rachel had had it, she was a well educated, independent woman. and from what Jacob had told me she would not take to it well being referred to as an object.

She stepped forward and looked at me then at Billy "Dad this is bullshit! Excuse me Bella and Mrs. Cullen. But Bella is no more Jacob's imprint than I am. Bella I'm going to ask you a few questions one OBJECT to another. Oh and Dad, we will be discussing the use of the term object later. The questions are just to make it clear to this meat head that I'm engaged to and to my father who is suffering from a severe case of denial that you are unequivocally not Jacob's imprint."

"First do you have intense erotic dreams that feel so real that tastes, touches and smells are tangible?"

"Yes."

"Who figures in those dreams?"

"There's only ever been Edward and me."

"So you never dreamed of Jacob, not even once?"

"No, not ever."

"When you are around the wolf pack do you feel like you're home, wrapped in love and warmth?"

"No."

"Do you ever feel like that?"

"Yes, when I'm with Edward or his family and of course with my mom and dad."

"Bella are you afraid of Jacob?"

"Yes, he's the only person that I'm truly afraid of!"

"Dad, Paul I love you both, even when you act like Neanderthals as in this case. But I can't stand by and let you make fools of yourselves and the tribe. I spent all my years until Mom past away watching Jacob get whatever he wanted because he was your 'Legacy.' He had the blood of a great chief running through his veins, he was the golden child. Dad he is a brat, he is a liar and he is manipulative and I'm sorry but you made him that way!"

"Anytime Mom tried to discipline him you would intervene and make it a guy thing. Didn't you ever wonder why Rebecca stays in Hawaii, it's not the cost of tickets, Dad? Rickie is doing very well in Real Estate and his surfing competitions are just for fun anymore. And why do you think I stayed on campus every holiday? If I hadn't come home after graduating I would have stayed in Seattle and got a job until I could start graduate school. It's because of Jacob, Dad! It has always been Jacob that's kept us away. He's an emotional black hole and he loves no one but himself."

She then directed her vitriol to Paul. "And while I'm on a roll, Paul, I love you more than my own life, but even as an imprint I still have a choice whether to be with you or not. And unless you stop supporting my brother in this ridiculous claim I will leave you and never look back. I love you, but I don't need you to survive. It's obvious that Bella and Edward have a love that defies explanation. You can't look at them and not see that they are totally devoted to each other. "

She huffed and took a deep breath smiling at Edward and I. Then she turned and scanned the room. "So you both need to apologize to these nice people, and yes I said people! You have no idea how good they really are, how much they do for everyone around them. Who do you think administers the scholarship fund I applied for? Who do you think has been trying to get the tribe to agree to an infrastructure upgrade, using native talent, sponsored by a non profit organization that is administered by a trust that they fund?"

Carlisle looked like he would pass out and Esme just smiled sweetly but nervously while Rachel continued: "It took some digging, and creative thinking but I put it all together. And when I get my law degree I want to work for them. They are an amazing family! They are not leeches, or bloodsuckers. They are vampires that survive on the blood of animals so that they can be better people. Dad do you have any idea how many from the tribe will be treated by a free clinic that's opening next month? It's being funded by Dr. Cullen or rather their family trust. A lot of those same people are already going to the hospital clinic specifically when he's on duty."

Billy grimaced and then looked furious. Don't you dare make that face, they ignore the council's boycott because he's a damn good doctor. Do you know that Mrs. Cullen saved the Indian burial grounds and totems south of the interstate from development? And she's working to have it declared a national heritage site! And every one of the other Cullen's either donate or work anonymously for one charitable organization or another and not just here in the state of Washington but worldwide."

Wow once again information about my family that I wasn't aware of and Rachel was a real firecracker. She was just the kind of person Paul needed. Both Paul and Billy looked thoroughly chastised. However Billy recovered quicker then Paul and started to reassert Jacob's claim. Finally both Edward and I had had enough. I reached up for his hand and stood. He walked around the couch and put his arm around my shoulder and none of them missed my ring. Billy let out a hiss and Paul's eyes just about rolled out of their sockets. But Rachel stepped forward gave me a hug and kissed Edward on the cheek.

I looked long and hard at Billy and then up into Edward eyes that were liquid gold and filled with love. "Billy you have been a family friend for as long as I can remember and Jacob used to be my friend, but not any more. If he comes anywhere near me or my family and that includes all of the Cullen's, I will not be responsible for what happens. But I can guarantee you this he will not walk away a whole man. And he may even forfeit his life depending on his actions. Just so we're clear I will not be going before the council. They hold no authority over me."

I turned to Rachel and took her hand. "Rachel, thank you so much for your help today. I want you to know that Edward and I will make sure that funds will always be there for you and your children to attend school. We will even ensure that, if desired, funds will be available for you to set up in private practice as long as you intend to serve your community. It looks and sounds like the tribal leadership could use the help. Billy, I suggest that you go and visit with Charlie. He's still heavily sedated because of the damage caused by your son. If you want details as to what happened to him I suggest you ask Paul he saw the whole thing." Billy turned to look at Paul with venom in his eyes and Rachel bowed her head in shame and then they left quickly and quietly.

CarPOV

"Well that was informative. I see we'll have to talk to Jenks about how he has been covering our tracks, if this young law student could see through it so easily."

Edward chuckled and looked to me. "Carlisle don't worry, she guessed most of that based on our reactions to the little bit of information that she did have. She's very intuitive. She was just so mad at her Dad and Paul that she took a stab in the dark and basically lied. But now that we have confirmed her supposition I guess we had better set up an endowment fund for the tribe. And make sure Rachel has the people and the tools she'll need in order to make it work. We can get one of Jenks more law abiding partners to manage it until Rachel is ready." Then we all broke out laughing.

No one had asked about Cody or Jacob but I gathered from Edward's expression that there was nothing to be concerned about. "Well son did you get anything else from them?"

"Well Paul thinks Cody is with Jacob, but he hasn't any idea where that might be. Cody apparently hero worships Jacob since a cliff diving fall he had last autumn. Jacob saved his life when he couldn't make it to shore because of the undertow. And he's worried that Rachel will make good on her threat and leave him. He knows that she is a strong minded woman but he also knows better than to call her bluff."

Bella wrapped her arms around my son and pulled him down to sit on the couch with her in his lap. That's was really not a good position when Edward was trying to concentrate on other things. She was grinding her bottom into his lap so he had to grab her hips and stop her. Then he let out a deep sigh and continued. "Billy didn't think about Cody at all, he just wondered when he would hear from Jacob again. He doesn't know where he's hiding. He's worried about Bella's threat if Jacob continues to press this imprint claim. But he has no way of contacting him to warn him. He still wants to believe Jacob, but after Rachel's little speech and Bella's denial he really can't see how he can. And surprisingly enough he's going to have Rachel talk to the council about the infrastructure project proposal. He knows the tribe needs help. And Carlisle he's considering sending Rachel to talk you about a new procedure he's heard about that may help him walk again."

Bella was running her nose along Edward's jaw and she was becoming a real distraction for him the little minx. "Rachel is a truly good person and says pretty much exactly what she thinks. She really thinks Jacob is a screw up. She sees Bella in a Cinderella gown and imagines us having a huge wedding with all the bells and whistles because of our money. She obviously doesn't know Bella very well. And she does see herself working for us some day. You know she could be right because she is privy to the supernatural world and she thinks we won't have to lie to her like we do to our current legal eagles."

Edward chuckled and shook his head then kissed Bella's cheek. "Well kids I'm going to make my last rounds and then take my lovely wife home for some well earned personal time. Edward will you call your sisters and brothers and tell them to clear out of the house Mom and Dad are having a date night."

Esme smiled warmly at me and said: "What about Cody dear, someone will still have to watch him?"

"I forgot about him. Edward would you please also ask you siblings to walk the dog before we get home."

Bella and Edward both burst out laughing as Esme and I left. "Esme, I'm so proud of those two! I'm glad that our fears that I might have changed Edward at too young an age proved baseless. He showed today that he is a wise and strong man."

Esme stopped and kissed me chastely on the lips but with a perplexed look and asked "What do you mean? Edward didn't say a word to Billy."

"Exactly my dear, he's already learned to keep his mouth shut when the woman he loves has the floor." Esme smiled and smacked me across the chest. Then we kissed, linked arms and walked out of the hospital.

EPOV

"Well love if I were human I think I would need a nap after all that. How about you? Just until your mushroom ravioli arrives via Pixie delivery." Bella seemed somewhat distracted as she looked out the window and she shivered. So I placed her robe over her shoulders after kissing them both. She leaned back into my arms not saying a word. "I hope you don't mind but I invited our siblings to spend the evening? Alice and Jasper will pick up your promised dinner, and Rosalie and Emmett will join us after they feed and walk the dog."

She giggled and turned in my arms pressing her lips to my neck. "That would be perfect Edward." She stood on her tip toes to kiss me on the lips then I pulled her back down and repositioned her on my lap. And then we cuddled and just basically made out like a couple of teenagers. Until there was a light tap at the door that heralded the arrival of Pixie delivery.

Alice walked in with a soft sided thermal bag containing enough food for the Forks High Football team. Bella made her selections and Alice took the remainder out to the nurses station. Jasper came in carrying two guitars that I hadn't seen in a decade, "Hey bro they're restrung, tuned and ready to go man. What do you say, we haven't jammed in years?"

"Please tell me Emmett isn't bringing his drums!"

"Nah but he did find an electronic percussion pad or something that he's bringing apparently its lightweight and portable."

Bella had suspended eating her entree and was staring at me running through a few chords. She put down her fork closed her eyes and a lone tear slid down her cheek. I quickly put aside the guitar and kneeled before her, " Bella, love what's wrong?"

"God Edward there is so much I don't know about you. I feel like we could play 20 questions for a year and I would only scratch the surface."

I reached out and took both of her hands in mine. "Well how about this when you come home you and I have a have an Edward Cullen history lesson combined with 20 questions?"

Alice squealed: "Oh Edward that is such a good idea we can all get in on it and make it a Cullen family orientation for Bella! You know I've saved all our favourite clothes from each decade, and Esme has all of our photos and videos on DVD now."

I could see I had already lost this argument before it even started. Alice was on a roll. So I shut my mouth and just rolled my eyes glaring at Alice. "Oh come on don't be selfish Edward I'm sure Bella has tons of questions about all of us. And since she's going to be part of the family don't you think she needs to know about all of us? And not just about her steam pressed Victorian. What do you think Bella?"