Virgin Blood

Chapter 9

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Bella woke groggily from her bed, stretching her cramped limbs. She felt tired, the kind of exhaustion one has after getting too much sleep. She felt content and rested, but her body was slightly sore, like she had been laying in bed for too long. And really, she had, Bella thought as she sat up and leaned against the headboard.

How long had she been in this room? It felt like forever. She felt lazy and restless as she rose from the bed. She remembered the front of her nightgown was torn when she stood up and the scraps of fabric fell, exposing her breasts to the cool air. She blushed, remembering the night before with Edward.

She knew she should still fear him; his behavior was irrational and fickle. . . but then she remembered his handsome, boyish smile- his deep, powerful laugh.

Bella saw the dressing gown she had been given was sitting on the back of the chair Edward usually occupied, and she went and donned it over her torn nightgown, tying it securely in place.

The fire was still going in the fireplace, though it was burning low, and there was plenty of wood to build it up if she wished, but it really wasn't that cold. Bella gazed at the door and thought longingly of getting out of the cramped room and back into the sunlight. She thought about how nice it would be to simply go outdoors.

Barely hoping to dare that the door wouldn't be locked, Bella went to it half-heartedly, turning the nob in her palm, and could barely believe it when the doorknob easily turned and the door swung open.

She hesitated only briefly before walking out into the large sitting room. She remembered when she had first been brought down here to find Edward sitting here waiting for her. It felt like it was years ago.

Now, there was no sign of anyone, she was alone. She ventured to the stairs that would lead up to the main floor of the castle, but hesitated. Edward would probably be angry that she had left without his permission. The thought of arousing his anger again made her blood run cold in fear.

Bella slowly turned and went back toward the room she had just exited. Edward was being nice to her, perhaps if she sat and waited for him to come to her, he would give her permission to go outside.

Bella stopped and gazed longingly at the stairs again, though. What was she doing? Would she let this man. . . vampire. . . bully her into a meek, afraid little girl again? It was her unwillingness to be so weak and frightened that turned Bella back toward the stairs, that and the fact that since Edward wasn't around, she surmised that it was probably day light. The thought of going out into the sun was too tempting for Bella to pass by.

She cautiously walked up the stairs. She wasn't sure how she knew, but instinctively, she surmised that Edward and Jasper were the only ones who lived in the castle. She realized that Jasper might be around, but had a feeling that he wouldn't be angry if he found her. He would probably just march her back downstairs without so much as a word, or perhaps a curt, "This way."

The sunlight embraced Bella like a long-lost friend when she entered the main part of the castle. It was warm, bright and cheery, and giving her confidence, she began to explore. Most of the rooms on the main floor were well furnished, and in surprisingly good condition considering that only Jasper and Edward lived here.

As far as castles went, Cullen Castle wasn't too large. It was considered a castle because of the time when it was built. It had the natural protection of the sea and cliffs, and remnants of its original intention of a fortress hold were still visible in the large stone walls. Many more modern additions had been since added, though, making it more comfortable to live in. Bella wondered how many of those Edward was responsible for.

It was strange, being in such a large place and virtually alone. When Bella came upon a grand staircase, she bolted up the stairs, thoroughly enjoying herself. She noticed the walls up the right side of the stairs were covered in paintings.

Bella stared intently the art on the walls. The paintings were hung very close together as though they were pieces of a puzzle, going from the ceiling nearly down to the floor. There were landscapes and portraits and history paintings. Bella admired the different styles and their beauty.

Bella came to a portrait of a middle aged man, he was handsome but his face was cold. He was painted in austere, dark colors. Seeing the portrait jogged Bella's memory.

She remembered back to her first night here, when she was led into that dark, gloomy room and such a frightful night. She vaguely remembered seeing portraits there as well. There was something different about them, though. Feeling a gnawing feeling in her stomach, Bella turned and rushed back down the stairs. She had to see those portraits again.

Bella hesitated briefly outside the door where she first encountered Edward Cullen. He had been frightening and cruel that night. She was almost a little afraid to go in the room, to be overcome with memories of it, but once she did, she realized her silliness. There was absolutely nothing frightening about the room at all.

The sun was shining in the windows that had been black with darkness the last time she was in here. There wasn't a fire going now, but the room looked lived in and well taken care of.

Bella turned her attention to the reason she had come. She stared at the small portraits hanging on the wall. In the light of day, she could see them a lot more clearly, and she realized what was different about them.

The paintings along the staircase were all chosen for their expertise, done by artful and masterful painters. These little portraits here, one could not say the same about. The painter's strokes were hesitant and unsure, the blending done haphazardly, probably due to rushing, the shading was imperfect and little to no attention was given to their clothes, making their shoulders appear somewhat flat.

And still, there was a certain charm to the two portraits, that were so obviously done by the same artist. It could especially be seen in the portrait of the woman. Her eyes were smiling gently.

Bella had a feeling like these pictures were special to Edward in someway. Unlike the other paintings in the house, these weren't the type that one would save due to their value. Their only value they possessed would be that of a sentimental nature. Edward had hung them up away from any other paintings, in a place of honor.

Bella wondered who they could be. Perhaps someone from his family? From his human family? Bella stared at them for a little while longer. The more she looked at them, the more she liked them, so that by the time she was ready to leave, she would have said that she preferred them to the masterpieces in the main hall, which were pretentious and held no heart.

There was still plenty of daylight left when Bella cautiously exited through a servants' door she found at the back of the house. The air was fresh and beautiful and Bella breathed it in gratefully.

As soon as Bella stepped outside, she remembered her thoughts of escape the week before. Her only plan had been to make a run for it. She still could do that now, she thought. Something stopped her though. Logically, she told herself that it was a bad idea, that she would be able to get far before nightfall anyway, so late in the day.

She thought about what the villagers would do if she showed up back in the village, still alive and breathing. The mayor would probably have a heart attack. She knew the good people of Grosbridge wouldn't hesitate to give her back to the vampire if he came to get her. After all, she was only and orphan. No one would miss her. Better her than one of their own. No, she would find no refuge there.

She knew she wouldn't be able to make it back to Brusselshire either, it being a three day trip. Even if she did, what could she do? Mother Anne was the one who had sold her in the first place. She couldn't go back to the orphanage.

There were many logical reasons Bella didn't take off running, but there were other reasons too. Deep down, Bella found that she didn't want to leave.

Bella explored the grounds, near the house, careful not to wander too far off. The view off the cliffs of the ocean took her breath away. The salty air was sweet and the sound of the waves soothing. The wind blew her hair gently around her shoulders.

As she wandered through the neglected gardens, she found herself planning what she would have done with them, apple trees here, a rose garden here. Inside the house, she also couldn't help herself from thinking about how she could liven up the place.

When she found the huge, empty ballroom with the crystal chandeliers, she was surprised to see how dark it was. She pushed back a few curtains to find large, but dirty windows. How beautiful the room would be without the dusty curtains, restored to glory.

When Bella was upstairs, she found several rooms that had nothing in them. She imagined decorating the rooms, picking out furniture and colors. She let her imagination take over and refused to think about reality. She imagined herself as lady of the house.

When she became hungry, she went to the kitchens and found some cheese and wine and bread, which she ate greedily.

Bella spent a good part of the day exploring and fantasizing. When she noticed that it was starting to get darker, signaling the sun's descent, she as well descended back into the basement and went into her little room. She didn't even realize how completely filthy her socks had become.

Edward rose for the night, going immediately to check on Bella. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at him as he walked in. He knew instantly that she had been outside, inspecting her so closely. He could tell by the fresh smell on her skin, by the flush in her cheeks.

At first he felt a twinge of anger that she had gone out without his permission, especially when Jasper wasn't even home, but that feeling was almost immediately replaced with amazement. She had come back.

She had come back of her own free will, without even trying to escape, and just sat there staring at him with a calmness that was tempered only by the slight wariness in her eyes. Of him, he realized. She was afraid of what he would do.

Edward walked immediately over to her and picked her up under the armpits, lifting her up high in the air before bringing her small frame in close to his chest.

"I hope you haven't worn yourself out today," he said simply.

"Are you angry?" Bella asked warily from where she was being held in his strong arms. He certainly didn't look angry. But better safe than sorry.

"No, little one," Edward said, still half amazed that she had come back all on her own. He could feel her deep breaths against his chest.

Edward sat Bella back down on her feet and she looked up at his face.

"Your house is quite beautiful," she complimented him sincerely.

"You're quite beautiful," Edward spoke the first thing that came into his head before he could even think about it. Edward cursed himself for his folly. He never spoke without thinking. This girl was doing strange things to him.

Bella blushed.

"There is a full moon tonight," Edward said after a pregnant pause, "I'd like you to come view it with me."

Bella nodded, stunned that it was almost as though he were asking her instead of telling her. Edward took the blanket off the bed and wrapped it around her. "It will be cool outside," he said.

He then proceeded to pick her up in his arms. Bella instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck. Edward began to walk upstairs, going at a human pace although he could have gone much faster.

"I can walk you know," Bella felt the need to say, though she wasn't really making a whole-hearted argument.

Edward just ignored her though and carried her out the front door. He walked over toward the cliffs and Bella instinctively held his shoulders a bit tighter.

The night was quite bright, as the stars filled the sky. The moon was indeed full and and shone brightly down upon them. Bella gazed up at the beautiful scene before her. Edward seemed content to just stand and hold her.

It was just too perfect. The night, the stars, the handsome man holding her close. Bella gently placed her palm on the cool skin of his cheek. She turned his head toward her. Edward felt the slight, coaxing pressure of her hand, and obligingly turned his face.

Bella used her arm around his neck to pull herself up, and pressed her warm lips to his cool ones. She was surprised by how soft they were.

The kiss was very gentle and over in seconds, as Bella pulled back to look at his handsome face. Edward didn't say anything, and he could hear Bella's heart racing in her chest. He thought his too would be beating at a faster speed than usual, if his heart were still capable of such things.

The kiss was so sweet, the woman smelled so good, the night was so perfect. Edward laid her down on the grass, the blanket cushioning her.

Edward felt himself harden. He wanted to make love to her. It was the first time in a long time that his need for sex was dominating over his desire for blood. It scared him.

Edward kissed her again, a slightly longer and deeper kiss than the first one they shared, but still more gentle than passionate. He was still in control.

Bella was staring up at him with trust and willingness in her eyes. she didn't resist when he pushed back her hair and bared her neck to him, kissing and licking it. She didn't resist when he pulled up her skirts and exposed her sex, nor when he licked her gently.

Edward was tempted to plunge his fingers into her and break her hymen, taste her virgin blood. But something stopped him. He wasn't sure why, but he didn't feel ready yet. Instead, he brought her to another mind blowing orgasm and bit the inside of her thigh, drinking her sweet blood.

Bella was fast asleep when Edward carried her back inside.