Mail Order Bride

A/N Holy Cow, you people are smart! Without further ado, here is the next chapter.

Disclaimer: Again, not my characters.

Chapter 21

Bella stood outside of the same building she had seen Edward enter just days ago. Glancing to her side, she saw Edward smile at her. Bella smiled slightly, and braced herself as the door opened.

"Edward! Darling, how wonderful to see you!" a taller, blonde woman practically purred. She draped herself around Edward, causing Bella's eyes to widen in shock. This woman was nearly as tall as Edward! Edward chuckled and stepped back from her embrace. His arm wrapped around Bella.

"Bella, this bundle of energy is Kate Denali. Kate, this is Bella, my wife," Edward said, making the introductions. Kate stepped forward and hugged Bella tightly. Bella froze, not expecting that.

"Bella means "beautiful" in French. Did you know that, ma cheri?" Kate said, directing her question to Edward.

"Yes, I was aware of that. She is aptly named at least," Edward responded with a chuckle. Kate looked at him closely. So, he has fallen in love with her. And, I'd bet he doesn't even realize it.

"Come in, darling children. The party is swinging, and the music is lively. Come, come!"Kate said, grabbing them both. Once they were inside, the butler took their coats. Bella nervously brushed her dress down. She had chosen to wear a slightly low cut blue dress. Edward's eyes had almost popped out of his head when she came down the stairs wearing it. His mouth had watered seeing her cleavage exposed.

Kate now looked at that same dress. "My darling, you look exquisite! That is such a lovely color on you. My goodness, I imagine Edward here must beat the men off of you with a stick," Kate gushed.

Bella blushed and looked down. Beside her, Edward pulled at his collar. Kate noticed both reactions. "Ah, ma petit, I have embarrassed you. I am so terribly sorry. Please, forgive me." She looked so sincere, Bella could not help liking this woman.

"It's alright. Thank you for the compliment," Bella told her quietly. Edward smiled and kissed Bella lightly on the forehead. "I keep telling her she should only wear blue. The color suits her," Edward also put in.

"Oui, it does indeed. It is a beautiful color, and you wear it very well," Kate smiled at Bella. Edward pulled Bella away from Kate, and headed toward the center of the room. The room was fairly bursting with people. Everyone was talking loudly, and several smiled at Edward as they passed. He nodded and pulled Bella tighter against his side. A large gentleman stepped into their path.

"Edward! My, how much you have grown up. I remember when you would come into the office with your father as a child. Oh, your mother would get so mad at him," the gentleman said.

"Mr. Volturi! So nice to see you again," Edward returned, shaking his hand.

"Please! You make me feel old now. Marcus, please. And who is this lovely young woman?" Marcus said, seeing Bella for the first time.

Marcus, this is my wife, Bella. Bella, this is Marcus Volturi. He and my father have worked together for more years than I have been alive," Edward told Bella with a laugh. Marcus took her hand and brought it to his lips to kiss.

"She is a beauty. Edward, you hold onto her," Marcus commented.

"I will, Marcus. Have no fear," Edward said, giving Bella a gentle squeeze around her waist.

"Mr. Volturi…Marcus. It is a pleasure to meet you," Bella smiled at Marcus. Just as Marcus bid them farewell, another man took his place.

"Edward Cullen! My word, it has been far too long. You finally decided to come out and socialize again?" he asked, curiosity strong in his tone.

"Yes, well Kate's parties are definitely the place to do just that. Bella, meet Alec Frank. We were school mates. Alec, my wife, Bella," Edward said. Alec assessed Bella boldly.

"Just my luck. You always did know how to get the pretty ones. Oh well. Better luck next time," Alec said, before bowing slightly and disappearing into the crowd. Edward chuckled. "Always did know how to make a fast exit."

"Edward?" Bella asked quietly. He faced her, concern on his face.

"What is it, my Bella? Is this too much? Would you rather go back home?" Edward asked, rubbing his hands on her shoulders. Bella shook her head.

"No, no. It's not that. I am curious about Kate. Is she married?"

Edward nearly roared with laughter. "Kate? Married! No, she is not. She lost her parents about 6 years ago. They left her everything, including the house and all their money. Kate is extremely well off."

"Oh, I see. I didn't mean to pry. Forgive me," Bella demured. Edward pulled her toward him. He gave her a passionate kiss. Bella felt ready to faint when he finally pulled away.

"You could never pry. Kate and I have been friends since we were children. Her father and mine had been friends since they were boys. So, naturally, Alice and I would come over for play dates."

"How wonderful. It sounds as though you had a lovely childhood," Bella replied. Edward got a distant look on his face. "It was and it wasn't," he answered cryptically.

For the next couple hours, Bella met several more men and women who knew Edward. All were very welcoming and open. Bella felt her unease finally start to disappear. Edward had left Bella alone for a few moments. A chill suddenly ran down her back. Turning toward the door, Bella saw someone that she hadn't wanted to see there. "James…"

Edward had been making his way back to Bella, when Kate grabbed him. "Let's dance, hon!" she exclaimed. Edward chuckled, and pulled her into the dance. As they circled the floor, Kate smiled knowingly at Edward.

"So, what does Bella know about us? Have you told her yet?"

"That you and Tanya were sisters? No. I just told her that we've been friends since childhood."

"Why didn't you tell her?" Kate asked, bewildered. Edward shrugged.

"Didn't seem that important," Edward replied. Kate shook her head. Men..

"How is my darling niece? You really must bring her by sometime. I haven't seen her in so long," Kate whined. Edward smiled at the mention of Nessie.

"She is doing very well. Bella has worked miracles, I swear. She and Nessie are so close. Bella is a wonderful mother to her."

Kate cocked her head. "And you? Is she also a wonderful wife to you?"

"Yes, I have no complaints," Edward replied, almost stiffly. Kate caught his tone.

"Edward, my sister would want you to be happy. You know this. She would not want you to cling to her memory, keeping it wrapped so tightly around you, that no one else can get in."

"I…care about Bella. Very much. I don't treat her badly. She lacks for nothing." Almost nothing.

Kate clicked her tongue. "Bella is in love with you. Have you not seen that?"

Edward shrugged again. Honestly, he didn't want to talk about himself and Bella. Especially with Kate, of all people. Edward noticed movement by the door and stiffened bodily. Kate followed his gaze.

"What is Hunterson doing here?" Edward bit out. He watched as James mingled with several people, before something toward the back of the room caught James' eye. Edward was not at a good angle to see exactly what or who had caught his eye.

"Now, Edward. I realize that there is bad blood between the two of you, but I couldn't not invite him. That would be rude," Kate told him, trying to soothe Edward's ruffled feathers. She knew what had happened between Edward and James. Tanya had told her things, things that only sisters could share with each other.

Tanya and Edward had loved each other since childhood. It was inevitable that they would marry when they grew up. Only one person had marred that love. James Hunterson.

He had moved to Chicago about 15 years ago. The first time he laid eyes on Tanya, he was hooked. He tried repeatedly to gain her attention, but she loved Edward fiercely, as he loved her. James had apparently taken this as some sort of challenge. He tried many ways to sway Tanya toward him, but her heart remained true to Edward. And so it when on like this for the next several years.

The week before Edward and Tanya's wedding, Tanya had flown into the house, tears streaking down her face. Kate remembered that conversation all too well….

"Katie? Kate, I need to talk to you!" Tanya exclaimed. Kate came running down the stairs. When she laid eyes on her sister, she gasped loudly.

"What happened?" Tanya's dress was ripped in several places and she had some small cuts on her arms, almost as if she had been running through the woods, something they hadn't done since childhood.

Tanya gasped, trying to gain her breath. She was shaking visibly, and for the first time, Kate noticed that her lip was bleeding. Kate gently placed her handkerchief on the cut. Tanya nodded her thanks. After a few minutes, Tanya began her tale.

"I was walking along the edge of the woods, enjoying the rare sunshine for this time of year. Suddenly, I sensed I wasn't alone any longer. I turned around and James was standing there. He just stared at me like he always does. Ever since we were children, James has always scared me. He walked closer to me, and I was too scared to run."

"Hello, beautiful lady. Your protector isn't with you today, I see," James said, a smirk crossing his face.

Tanya swallowed hard. "I told him that Edward was meeting me there in a little while. He laughed and said he highly doubted that. When I asked him why he thought that, he said that he had just seen Edward in his office, and based on the amount of paperwork piled around him, he wasn't leaving anytime soon."

"I tried to be polite and leave quickly, but James grabbed me. He pulled me into the woods, away from where people could see us. When we were far enough in to satisfy him, he pulled me against him roughly. I fought, but he was too strong."

"Did he hurt you?" Kate exclaimed. Tanya's eyes dropped.

"He kissed me. He forced his tongue into my mouth. I tried to pull away, but he held me too tightly. Katie…he….he…touched me. He touched my breasts. He pulled and squeezed, and it was so painful. When I tried to pull away, he slapped me."

"Tanya, did he do anything else?"

Her voice lowered drastically. "He tried to touch me….down below. He jerked up my dress. He laughed and said that since I would be a married woman in a week, he was just going to have to sample the goods before my "husband" could."

"Did he force himself on you?" Kate was now nearly frantic. Tanya shook her head vigorously.

"No! When he started unbuttoning his trousers, I kicked him in the shin. As soon as he released me, I ran. I ran as fast as I could."

"Tanya, you have to tell Edward about this. He needs to know," Kate implored her sister.

"NO! Edward can NEVER find out about this. He'll hate me if he does. He'll think I encouraged James."

"You and I both know that is not true. Edward adores you. He would never hate you."

"Please, Katie. Please…don't ever tell him about this," Tanya said, sobbing.

Resigned, Kate said, "Alright. I'll never tell him."

To this day, Kate had kept that promise. Mentally shaking herself, she smiled at Edward. "Go find your wife, Edward. I'm certain she is missing you."

Edward looked around the room. He couldn't see Bella. Then, he noticed that the patio door was open. She probably stepped outside for some air. Edward smiled back at Kate. "I'm sure she's alright. I'll find her in a few minutes."

Bella watched as Edward and Kate danced, laughing and smiling the whole time. Her stomach knotted up. Why can't he be that free with me? She fought to control her jealousy. Even though she had his name, and wore his ring, she still felt like an outsider to his world. Bella tried to stifle the tears she felt in her eyes. Bella noticed the doors to the patio, and quickly opened them, stepping outside into the cool air. She rubbed her arms, wishing she had brought her coat with her. Just a few minutes. She leaned against the railing, taking deep, calming breaths.

Bella felt a presence behind her. She didn't turn around though, hoping the person would just leave her alone. The person, however, moved closer. She felt the presence almost right behind her. Wiping her eyes, she said, without turning around, "I don't mean to be rude, but I just need a few minutes alone."

The person chuckled, and Bella froze. She knew that laugh. Turning with eyes wide, she saw James standing far too close. She tried to back away, but the railing was there, stopping her. She stared at James, silently begging for Edward to come find her.

"Hello, beautiful lady. Out here all alone?" James asked, smirking at her.

"I…I was just getting ready to go back inside. Excuse me, please," she said, trying to walk around him. James sidestepped, blocking her path.

"Now, why would you want to do that? I saw your husband in there, dancing with our beautiful hostess. Now, why would he be dancing with her, when he has such an exquisite creature such as you, on his arm? It's almost cruel."

"It would be rude of him not to dance with her. It is her party, after all," Bella said, her eyes repeatedly straying to the door. James caught the movement.

"Relax, I don't bite."

"I really should find Edward. Good night, Mr. Hunterson.," Bella tried again to move around him. Once again, he parried her move, keeping himself between her and the door.

"You know, I also knew Edward's first wife. Now, she was a looker. Men lusted after her. She could bat her eyes, and 20 men would fall at her feet. But, she only had eyes for one. Much to my dismay."

"I'm truly sorry to hear that. It must be an awful feeling to love someone who doesn't return those feelings," Bella said. She understood all too well how that felt.

"Well, then. It must gladden your heart to have a man such as Edward love you so fiercely, then." When Bella gave no response, James looked her over. Ah…so it's like that. Edward was still in love with Tanya.

"You know, don't you, that Edward fell in love with Tanya when they were still children. A love like that….I'll bet that is hard to get over. But, obviously he did. He married you, so he must love you." James played on her insecurities. As he talked, he had been subtly leading her deeper into the patio, away from the door and prying eyes. Bella was too lost in thought to notice. "I mean, a beauty like you. No wonder you caught Edwards' eye. Of course, I always thought he went for the blondes more."

James words began having an effect on Bella. He was right. The only reason Edward had married her was to be a mother to Nessie. The…intimacies they shared were always started by Edward. He never took it far enough to make it a true marriage, though. But, Tanya….he had been in love with Tanya when they married. According to James, Edward had always loved Tanya. How could she honestly compete with that kind of love and utter devotion?

The short answer was….she couldn't.

"Edward is certainly a lucky man. How often do we have the love of two women in our lives? Such a pity that he can't see that," James said. Bella gaped at him. "Yes, darling Bella. I've guessed your secret."

Bella was shocked. James was more perceptive than she had realized. James used her silence to his advantage. "I'd bet that he hasn't even made you his wife yet, either."

"That is none of your business," Bella blurted out, but her crimson face gave her away. James' eyes widen.

"He hasn't, has he?" James laughed loudly. "Oh, my! This is too much. Saintly Edward. Still so in love with his dead first wife, that he can't get his dick up to fuck the second one!" Bella bristled at his coarse language. Suddenly, James got a gleam in his eye. Bella recoiled, frightened by what she saw on his face.

"Well, my dear. We can't have you not experience that, now can we." Before she could react, James had pulled her tightly against him. He smashed his lips onto hers, and forced his tongue into her mouth. Roughly, his hand grasped her breast, and Bella struggled even harder. James was so much bigger and stronger, though. Her efforts had little effect. Just when she was absolutely certain that James would force himself on to her, she heard her salvation.

"What the fuck is going on here?" Edward roared.

A/N Well, you guessed it right that James is a bad, bad man. Story is starting to wind down now. I think about 5-6 more chapters. Review!