Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Follow, hollow, swallow

The next semester flew by in a whirlwind of homework, tests, essays, reports and wedding planning. Actually, Alice did most of the planning, I just went along with whatever she said. Edward had more input, but he also didn't have to study as hard as me.

Jacob gave us permission to be married on First Beach, and since he was standing in as best man the other wolves didn't growl too much about it. When I asked him how he could make decisions for the entire tribe he blew me off with some kind of explanation that they were all brothers, and his imprint was my best friend, so they finally agreed. It worked until Edward called him out.

"It's because he's the alpha wolf, Bella," he said, ignoring Jacob's glare. "They have to follow him."

"I didn't lay down the law," Jacob argued. "I just told them it would mean a lot to me because it would mean a lot to you."

"No, you didn't, but would you have?" Edward asked, throwing a peanut across the aisle to Jacob, who caught it easily.

"No, not for something like this," Jacob said, shifting a sleeping Marta slightly so she could be more comfortable. "I've never done that. When Sam was in charge, he would, and it was a bitter pill to swallow. I swore to myself that I would never do that."

We were currently taking up the entire first class section of the airplane, flying the red-eye leg from Detroit to Seattle. My last final was yesterday, the last of all of us, and we were spending the summer in Washington. Well, the rest of the family was. Edward and my wedding was scheduled in two weeks, after which he would be whisking me off to who knows where for the summer.

I just hoped the Volturi guard couldn't follow us there. It was like always being on camera, never having a moment's peace with some vampire or another tailing us. I felt sorry for celebrities, having to deal with the paparazzi. There was currently one extra vampire on the plane, but he was forced to sit in coach. Alice had seen one joining us, which is why the entire first class cabin was booked. According to Edward he wasn't very comfortable, surrounded by tasty humans, and not a drop to drink. The Volturi frowned on vampires crashing planes.

We were met by my father, who finally seemed resolved to the idea of my wedding. Or as he liked to put it, "Proof that I'm growing old." When I pointed out that he was only as old as he felt he assured me that giving away his only child was making him feel very old. Oddly, Renee said it made her feel young again.

I blinked and my wedding day arrived.

"Bella," a voice called softly in my ear. "It's time to get up." What was strange was that it wasn't my usual alarm clock, Edward.

"Go away, Alice," I said, flapping my arm around the bed in search of a different cold, hard body.

"Nope. You need to stop your impression of a seal and get out of bed," she said, grabbing at my flapping arm. "I need you in the shower and in your comfy clothes in twenty minutes. We have a long day ahead of us."

When I didn't respond she pulled out her secret weapon. "You can't see Edward until you meet him in front of the altar. If you want to be late…"

"I'm up."

For the next three hours I was buffed, waxed, plucked, styled, made up and fed light food to keep up my stamina without making me bloat. Right after she told me to hollow out my cheeks so she could apply a little blush, she froze.

"Alice? What do you see?" I asked, suddenly alert from the look of terror on her face.

"They're here," she said, dropping the blush brush. Her empty gaze traveled from the wall to my face. "Everyone but the wives are coming."

"What are you…"

"Alice!" I heard Edward shout from outside the door half a second before it flew open, banging against the wall and hanging off its hinges. He rushed to her, grabbing her shoulders to turn her to him. "Why?" His voice was tormented, making the blood freeze in my veins.

Alice came out of her trance and focused on Edward. Her eyes darted to me and then back to him. "You can't be in here! It's bad luck!" she fussed, pulling on him.

I jumped to my feet and reached for them both. "Alice, what did you see?"

Edward's jaw ground. "Guests. They're coming for the wedding." He shook his head and looked over to me. I watched his eyes soften and begin to travel down my body. "I do hope you plan to change?"

I looked down and let out a laugh as I took in the incongruity of my made-up face, styled hair and sweats. "I'm fairly positive Alice has a dress for me," I said, picking up on his need to diffuse the tension. Still, my curiosity was burning a hole in my stomach. "Guests?"

"They want to see us married." He let out a long sigh. "If they see how close you are to Charlie it could be a good thing. From what Alice sees when they see that they'll back off."

"That's a good thing, isn't it?" I asked, looking from Alice to Edward.

"The wolves won't like it. Alice can't see this, but she's afraid it might start a war between them." He glanced over to Alice again and shook his head. "No, I don't think it would be fair to ask them to not be on the beach. It's their land."

"Should we talk to Jacob?" I asked. "Maybe he can discuss it with the pack?"

"I'll call," he said.

"Well, do it somewhere else. Bella has to finish getting ready," Alice said, pushing against him again. "No!"

I had no idea what she was saying no to, but I figured it out pretty quickly. In an instant I was in Edward's arms, his lips on mine, my body pressed against his in a way I was looking forward to repeating tonight with far fewer clothes.

"Edward," Alice fussed, and I tried to not giggle when he batted his hand at her to push her away. "I'll tell her where you're taking her later."

He lifted his lips from mine but still held me close, his eyes boring into mine. "Marry me?" he asked again.

"It's why we're here," I said breathily.

"I'll see you in an hour, then." He let out another sigh. "Don't let them frighten you, Bella. I doubt they'll cause trouble, it goes against their own rules."

"Promise?"

His fingers traced over my cheek. "I promise."

I wanted to write the wedding, but Aro had other plans. Sorry.