Disclaimer: Stephanie Meyers owns Twilight. I do not. I do however, own my 'gang'.

A/N: Also thanks to my awesome Beta, Blueboarderchick.

Thank you to my reviewers.

Chapter 22

During the entire plane flight to Alaska, I was anxious about introducing the gang to the Cullens. I prayed everyone would get along but more importantly I hoped Edward would try to keep his over protectiveness under control. Assuming Alice's vision had already tipped him off about my attack, I knew he would be waiting to discuss it with me.

As our plane landed in the Anchorage Airport, Liz turned to me, "So are you nervous?"

I tried to put on a brave face while I fidgeted with my jacket. "Me nervous? What do I have to be nervous about?" I replied nonchalantly.

Liz wasn't buying my false bravado. "Because this is your first time seeing Edward since you guys broke up. Not to mention the fact that he's still in love with you."

I sighed in defeat. "I'm a little edgy about it. Yes." I didn't know why I even tried to hide my feelings from Liz. She always had the uncanny ability to know exactly what I was feeling. "But I'm sure it'll be fine."

Finally out of the plane, we able to stretch our legs as we strolled through the airport. As we collected our luggage at the baggage carousel, I scanned the terminal looking for Alice. She was supposed to be our ride to the Cullen house. I was surprised she'd managed to convince Edward to wait at home for my arrival but somehow she did.

Through the crowd, I spotted Alice running toward me. For appearances sake, she managed to keep her steps as slow as possible. Even though I knew she secretly wanted to tackle me to the ground. Gracefully maneuvering herself between the crowds of people that separated us, she grabbed me in a tight hug.

"Bella!" Her musical voice tinkled in my ear. "I missed you so much!"

Blinking back the tears of happiness, I hugged her, "It's so good to see you, Alice. I missed you too." I didn't realize just how much I'd missed her.

Suddenly, Zach's voice broke into our little reunion and I was reminded of the people observing us. "Well, well. I sure would like to meet your friend there, Izzy."

Laughing at Zach flirting, I pulled away and Alice smiled at him. "Let me guess. This must be Zach." She extended her hand.

"And you must be the gorgeous Alice. Nice to meet you." Shaking her hand he shot her his signature mega watt smile.

I rolled my eyes at his shameless flirting. "Hey, back off. She's married."

Alice laughed as Zach's smile dimmed. Poor guy. I turned to introduce the others. "This is Liz and Ryan."

Ryan offered Alice a small smile and waved hello while Alice and Liz stared at each other. Green eyes met amber eyes as they seemed to be sizing each other up.

However, the tense moment was broken when they both smiled. I released a breath I didn't know I was holding in when Alice gushed, "Oh my God. I love your cashmere sweater. Cream and brown are great colors on you."

Liz smoothed down her sweater and smiled, "I know, right? But your boots are to die for. Where did you get them?" Then they both rattled on about fashion until Alice gestured to me in my skinny jeans and red cashmere sweater.

I blushed when I heard Alice say, "I suppose I have you to thank for Bella's newfound fashion sense. How on earth did you manage to pull that off?"

Liz rolled her eyes and grinned. "At times, I had to wrestle her into a few outfits."

Alice giggled evilly, "If I'd only known it was that simple, I would have tried that years ago."

I smiled nervously at the duo, then I remembered I still hadn't introduced one other person. I turned to Taylor and was surprised to see him looking at me with a small smile on his lips. Biting my lip with embarrassment, I introduced him, "And this is Taylor."

Alice marched over to stand directly in front of him. As she peered up at Taylor, he stared back with amusement dancing in his eyes. Apparently satisfied with whatever, she saw she beamed. "It's nice to meet you, Taylor."

He shook her hand and smiled, "Likewise."

Clapping her hands together, Alice chirped, "Okay. Let's get you guys to the house before nightfall."

And with that we were off. As we walked through the airport's exit doors, I shivered slightly as a cold breeze blew. I couldn't wait to get to the house to warm up a bit. Alice led us over to a silver Lexus a few cars down. The color immediately made me think of Edward's Volvo and I turned to her, "Let me guess. Edward's car, right?"

She chuckled, "You know him so well, Bella."

We climbed into the car and Alice drove us to the house all the while chattering excitedly about what she had planned for us. The guys groaned as Alice and Liz talked about the latest fashion trends and shopping. I was happy they'd hit it off. Maybe Liz would even be able to keep Alice from going 'Bella Barbie' on me.

As the car neared the Cullen mansion, I heard Liz whistle in appreciation. Even I had to admit the house was beautiful. This mansion wasn't like their previous home, with its glass walls and modern architecture. The nineteenth century mansion was situated on a hill and set against a snow covered, mountain backdrop.

I looked toward the sky as we alighted from the car. The sun was just about to set as light snow dusted us all. As Alice led us through the entrance foyer and into the living room, I admired their antiquarian furniture and thick, rich carpet covered floors. The environment felt warm and inviting.

Upon my arrival in the living room, I was warped in Emmett's trademark bear hug.

"Bella! I've missed you!"

Laughing as he spun me around, I hugged him back. "I missed you too, Emmett."

He set me down and I saw Rosalie standing next to him, looking stunning as usual. "It's good to see you, Bella." She surprised me, as I was given a brief hug. It was the warmest greeting I'd ever received from her and it was a bit overwhelming.

As I pulled away from her smiling, I was washed in Jasper's calming power. He approached as Rosalie stepped away. "Nice to see you're in one piece, Bella." Jasper drawled, casually throwing an arm around my shoulder.

Knowing he was referring to my incident, I winced. I would have a lot of explaining to do. "Thanks, Jasper."

Carlisle and Esme were the next to approach me. Esme smiled warmly, eyes full of love and understanding as she hugged me. "You look so radiant and happy, Bella." Blushing, I mumbled my thanks.

Carlisle smiled and opened up his arms, welcoming me into his embrace. "We're all so pleased you decided to visit, Bella." I ducked my head feeling a little ashamed that I'd neglected to come earlier. Like a child to a parent, I walked into his arms and hugged him. Being with the Cullens again was almost enough to make me regret my decision to stay human. Almost.

As my eyes scanned the room for Edward's presence, Alice decided to use that moment to introduce the gang to the Cullens. I found him standing by the fire place observing me intently.

With my heart hammering away in my chest, I wondered how I could feel so many emotions at once. The feelings of love, sadness and longing fought with each other. Instinctively, I closed the distance between us until I stood three feet away from him. His topaz eyes bore into me with such intensity, making me feel like I was the most important thing in his world. At that moment I realized just how much I'd missed that feeling.

His name fell from my lips. "Edward." Nothing about him had changed. He had the same bronze hair and broody expression. Edward was just as beautiful as I remembered.

"Bella…" He reverently whispered my name and all the irritation I'd previously felt about being forced to come to him, melted away.

My skin tingled as he gathered me in his cold hard embrace and I couldn't help but cling to him. After all this time, I still loved Edward Cullen. But now I was wise enough to know that, like my love for Jacob, it just wasn't meant to be.

He inhaled my scent and mumbled, "It's been much too long, Bella. I've missed you so." His arms gathered me closer to him, holding me as tightly as he dared. I closed my eyes and allowed myself to sink further into his grasp.

"I missed you too, Edward." As I pulled away to look up at his face, his hands slid from my back and came to rest on my arms. Smiling my favorite crooked smile, his eyes shone with nothing but pure adoration. With my hands pressed to his chest, I beamed back at him.

Suddenly, he smile faded and he frowned. His eyes snapped to look at something over my shoulder and I swiveled my head to see what it was. I felt surprised and a little embarrassed to see that my reunion with Edward was being watched by everyone. The Cullens observed us with small smiles on their faces but the countenances of the gang bothered me the most.

Ryan and Zach looked concerned and Liz looked as though she was trying to figure out just how over Edward I truly was. Taylor's green eyes blazed as he unflinchingly met Edward's gaze. As I turned my attention back to Edward, his grip tightened painfully on my arm and he met my eyes with questions in his own.

I winced as another pain shot through my arm. Knowing he would still be able to hear me, I whispered, "Edward… please… my arm."

Edward's eyes were immediately filled with remorse as he released me from his grip. Emmett saved us from any awkwardness that surely would have followed, as he slung an arm around my shoulder. "Hey, Edward, quit hogging Bella. She's here to see us all, not just you." His booming voice joked.

I smiled gratefully at him, knowing his attempt to lighten the mood was for the benefit of my friends. A glance at Edward confirmed that he and Taylor were still staring at each other. I wondered what he'd read in Taylor's mind to make him react like he did and I made a mental note to ask him about it as soon as we had some time alone.

Carlisle smiled faintly, "Alice will show you all to your rooms now. Go ahead and freshen up. Dinner will be ready shortly."

I followed behind as Alice led everyone out of the living room. As we made our way up the winding staircase, Liz fell into step with me and whispered, "Do you want to tell me what that was about?"

Knowing full well that Alice would hear whatever I said, I replied, "Later." Liz nodded and left it at that.

Having showed me to my room, Alice left to show the others theirs a few doors down. Dragging my luggage into my room, I had to pause for a moment to take in the winsomeness of the room. The room contained a king sized four-poster bed with a fluffy duvet, matching oak night tables on each side of the bed, a large antique wardrobe, an oak dresser and an elegant chaise lounge. Embodying the allure and charm of an era long passed, the room was beautiful.

Just as I'd finished packing away my clothes, Liz burst through my door. Rolling my eyes, I quipped, "Thanks for knocking, Liz."

Liz placed a hand on her hip and stared me down, "Don't get smart with me, Izzy. It's later and I want to know what the hell that was about. You two looked like you are still very much in love."

I sighed in defeat and shuffled my way over to the bed. I knew Edward and my reaction to one another would look awfully strange to someone who didn't know us. It must have raised a lot of questions the minds of my friends. Sitting down on the bed, I gestured for Liz to join me. "Liz, there are a few things I should explain to you. I know we looked a little friendly but-."

Liz cut me off with an incredulous look. "A little friendly? The way you touched each other… the way he looked at you… Tell me the truth, Izzy. Do you still love him?"

My answer was automatic, "Yes, Liz, I do love him." It was no use trying to deny how I felt. But I felt the need to clarify things a bit. "Liz, Edward was my first love and things have always been more than a little intense between us. Just because I called off our engagement doesn't mean the feelings are gone. The way we were, Liz, we literally could not live without each other. It all just became too much." I never wanted to feel that way about someone again. Feeling like I would kill myself if they ever left me. I would never give someone that kind of power over me again.

Liz nodded her head in understanding. "I get it now. First love can be really powerful." She paused for a moment then continued. "I have to say, Izzy. You have excellent taste in men. First Jacob, in all his chiseled Native American glory and now Edward. My God. What a gorgeous male specimen he is. As a matter of fact, all the Cullens are beautiful." She purred in appreciation.

I giggled, "Yeah, they are." I was used to their perfection but Liz was only just beginning to wrap her mind around it.

Liz flopped back on the bed and dragged me down till I lay next to her. "This house is incredible. Like something out of a fairytale."

I sighed, "It's all so perfect." Too perfect. Suddenly my mind went to the uncomfortable moment between Edward and Taylor. I wanted to know what Liz thought of it. "That was kind of… odd. The way Edward and Taylor looked at each other."

Liz frowned and bit her lip as she thought about it. "Yeah, I know what you mean. I got a weird vibe from them." I rolled my eyes when she said that. Liz really believed in her vibes and her ability to read people. But I called it woman's intuition. "Maybe they don't like each other." I hoped that wasn't true. I couldn't explain why but their getting along was important to me.

Dinner was a loud and boisterous affair, with Emmett, Ryan and Zach joking with each other and talking animatedly. Esme glowed as everyone complimented her cooking skills. The Cullens were pros at pretending to eat but every once in a while Zach would frown and his hazel colored eyes would lose focus. It was almost as if he was trying to recollect something.

Another perplexing thing was Liz and Jasper's reaction to each other. Occasionally, scowls would cross their faces and they would lean away from one another. Then Alice would shoot anxious looks at Edward and he would nod his head slightly. To be honest, it made me a little uneasy.

After dinner, the gang and I were beginning to feel the effects of jetlag. So they decided to head to bed early while I hung back to speak with the family.

Carlisle decided to delve right in to the night of my attack after we'd all taken seats in the living room. "Would you tell us what happened, Bella?" He asked gently.

And so I told them everything, about James, his attack on the other women and how I defended myself. I thought they would have been upset but to my surprise, they all held proud expressions on their faces. Especially Rosalie.

Alice took my hand in her cold ones. "I can't understand why you didn't tell us, Bella. We're your family. We would have been there for you." I knew she felt a little hurt that I didn't at least tell her.

"I know you would have, Alice. But I just felt like I needed to take care of myself for once. And to tell you the truth, I thought you might freak out if I'd told you about what almost happened."

Alice smiled at that and I knew she understood that I meant Edward would freak out.

"So he's in jail now, right? The man that attack you." Edward asked with barely concealed malice in his voice. His features were twisted in anger.

I nodded yes. Edward looked like he wanted to do bodily harm to James. I knew he was trying really hard to be supportive so I was thankful to him. Alice was right to insist on my coming to Alaska instead of letting Edward come to me. With his family around him, he handled the news of my skirmish better. I was very impressed with him. Not once did he insist I move to Alaska where he could protect me better. I suspected that I had Alice to thank for that.

"Too bad you didn't kill him, Bella. Scum like that doesn't deserve to live." Rosalie sneered and Emmett wrapped his arms around her. I remembered what Rosalie had told me about how she'd been raped and how she took revenge after her change. I didn't think Rosalie would ever fully get over what happened to her. And once again, I was grateful I wouldn't have to bear those same scars.

"All we want is to make sure you're safe. We just want you to know you can always come to us, Bella. But we're very proud of the way you protected yourself." Carlisle smiled proudly from his position next to Esme. Relief flooded my body and I sighed inwardly.

"So you're like a female Jackie Chan now." Emmett poked fun at me and I rolled my eyes.

"You know, Emmett. I should thank you. It was the taser you brought that saved me." I wanted him to know that his taser was the final nail in James' coffin.

I didn't think Emmett's smile could get any wider but it did. "See. My gift came in handy after all. And you all laughed when I brought the taser and pepper spray. Ha! Well, who's laughing now, huh?" Emmett chortled and we all laughed right along with him.

Alice saw me stifle a yawn and said, "I think we should let Bella get some sleep now." She turned to me. "You're going to need it because Rosalie and I are taking you and Liz shopping tomorrow. Yay!" Alice cheered excitedly and I couldn't help but groan which inspired another round of laughter from the group.

Feeling like a hundred year old lady, I said my goodnights to the family then went up to my room. There, I changed into my shorts and matching vest then I sank into the incredibly soft mattress and drifted off to sleep.

I didn't know I would be receiving a visitor later that night. If I had, I probably would have covered up more.

A/N: Coming up next, Bella has a late night visitor and learns some secrets about concerning those close to her.

Also, Edward does something to upset her.

Who do you think her visitor will be?

If you want your chapter before next week, you know what to do.Review!