Bella woke to the bright sun shining in her room, rested and comfortable and smiling. She sat up, stretching her limbs. On the table next to her was a small gift, wrapped in brown paper. She picked it up, judging immediately by the feel and weight that it was a book.

Bella wasn't surprised by the gift. Over the course of the last week, Edward had been leaving her presents. There was a box of candy, hair ribbons, a book of poetry, a beautiful gold bracelet, and a set of watercolors.

If Bella had felt like the presents were Edward's way of buying her, she wouldn't have accepted them. But it didn't feel like that. It felt like Edward cared and this was his way of showing it.

She eagerly unwrapped this latest one to find a soft, leather bound book. Opening it up, she saw that all the pages were blank, and realized that he had given her a beautiful journal. Bella ran her hands over the smooth pages and put the book up to her nose to smell the leather. How could Edward have known to give her such a perfect gift?

Her mind wandered to Edward's behavior over the past week. She had been staying up longer and longer with him each night upon his request, and to her surprise, he remained acting like a gentleman. They would play chess or cards, and he would sit with her while she had midnight tea and cookies. Bella loved to hear his beautiful, deep voice read to her, and the night often ended with Bella laying on the couch in the music room while he played the piano beautifully for her until she eventually would succumb to sleep. Edward would carry her to bed.

Bella put her new journal on the nightstand and laid back down in bed. She pulled her nightgown up around her waist and started rubbing her clit. Bella missed Edward's touch, and though it was a sore second, she found herself touching pussy more and more often to relieve the desire building inside her.

Bella came, though it was nothing compared to the mind blowing orgasms the skilled vampire could induce her to. She made sure to wash herself thoroughly, remembering when Edward said he could smell sex on her. She would be horribly embarrassed if Edward knew how many times she had been doing this.

Bella lazily got dressed and made her way downstairs. In the past week, the four occupants of the castle had found themselves forming a routine.

Bella would stay up with Edward well into the morning, usually going to bed only a few hours before sunrise and consequently slept in until after noon each day. Alice and Jasper would go to bed much earlier, and therefore would spend the morning together, working around the castle, until Bella would get up and make them all lunch.

The three humans formed an easy if odd friendship, built on the mutual understanding the personal questions were to be kept to a minimum. There was no conscious decision on any of their parts that this was how it was going to be. They all seemed to just fall into it. The blame could mostly be placed on Alice's head, whose light and easily flowing conversation kept them from uncomfortable questions.

In the afternoon and evening, they would all work around the castle or mutually decide to relax in the library, reading or sewing. Jasper had only left the castle twice in that time, to go into town and get supplies.

Bella started fixing lunch, when Jasper and Alice walked into the kitchen. The boys had gotten some dresses for Alice that actually fit her. She was wearing a pale yellow with a simple cut today.

"Hello Bella," Alice said pleasantly. "The leaves are so beautiful outside, all orange and red and yellow. We should go on a walk today, the air is so fresh."

Bella smiled in response. "That sounds wonderful," Bella agreed whole heartedly. She loved the changing weather from summer to fall, the crispness in the air.

"Do you need help with anything?" Alice asked chipperly as she bounced around Bella.

Jasper silently plopped himself down on a chair and stretched his long legs out in front of him. Bella glanced over her shoulder to look at him. He was staring intently at the back of Alice's head as the girl started gathering supplies.

Bella turned back to her work. She had noticed Jasper acting weirder and weirder around Alice, though the other girl seemed completely oblivious to the fact. The expression Jasper wore when he looked at Alice, and it always seemed like the was looking at Alice, was completely unreadable. Bella figured that meant he either really, really disliked Alice, or really, really liked her. Bella was curious as to which one it was, but Jasper was always so secretive and guarded.

They ate lunch and went on their walk. Alice was right, it was beautiful outside. Bella helped with her chores, then spent the rest of the evening writing in her new journal until sunset hit and Edward woke up.

She met him in the sitting room, as she always did. Jasper and Alice usually stayed up with them at least for a little while. They even all once played a couple hands of bridge together, but the other two humans retired early tonight.

Edward kissed Bella on the forehead when he saw her.

"Thank you for the journal. I love it," Bella said shyly.

"You're welcome little one."

Edward placed his hand possessively on her waist, growing increasingly bolder with the amount of contact he let himself have with her. He rubbed his thumb gently over the fabric of her dress. Bella didn't mind the contact really. The only trouble was that she had to fight herself from purring like a contented cat under his attentions.

"Where are our friends tonight?" Edward asked, sitting down next to her.

"They went to bed early," Bella stared down at her feet, suddenly shy.

"Mhhm. And what did you all do today that has gotten them so worn out?" his voice was gently teasing.

Bella shrugged. "I don't know, nothing special really. We all went on a walk today. The leaves are so beautiful and the air is so fresh. It was lovely. I really love the fall."

Edward was silent for a moment.

"You really like to be outdoors, don't you?"

Bella shrugged. "I guess I do. I never really thought about it before, or appreciated it, since I went outside everyday. But after being cooped up inside for so long, I realized how much I missed the fresh air."

Edward was quiet again, and Bella suddenly felt guilty for bringing it up, for reminding him that he was the reason she had been trapped inside for weeks on end. Edward didn't say anything about it, though, instead changing the subject.

"Let's go outside for a walk now. How does that sound?" he suggested suddenly.

Bella was still getting used to him asking her for her opinion. "But it's dark out," she protested.

Edward chuckled. "I can see fine."

"But I can't."

"Then I'll just have to see for the both of us. Come on, you might even enjoy it."

Well why not? Bella thought, before nodding in agreement. Edward smiled so eagerly at her that Bella had to resist the urge to giggle at him.

"Let's get your coat. It's cold out there." Edward held her hand as he led her out of the sitting room. Her coat was hanging on the rack by the front door, and Edward held it open for her while she slipped her arms into it. While she was buttoning it up, Edward slipped a knit hat onto her head, tucking her hair carefully behind her ears. He didn't add any extra clothing for himself, and of course he didn't need it.

Bella was surprised by just how dark it was that night, once they left he dim light of the gas lamps behind. There was no moon to be seen at all, and the clouds obscured all but the brightest of the stars. Bella shivered as they walked away from the castle.

She gripped the large hand she was holding tighter. "Edward, I can't see anything," she complained. It was close to pitch black.

Edward let go of her hand, but before she could panic, she felt both his large hands on her waist and his body pressed comfortingly close behind her. "Don't worry, I won't let you walk into any trees." His voice sounded amused.

"Okay," Bella agreed, trusting him. "Which way?"

"You choose."

"But I can't see," Bella whined, and Edward chuckled, pressing a kiss to her head that was obscured by her soft hat.

"Then guess."

Bella sighed and started walking forward. Because she couldn't see, her hands nervously went out in front of her, feeling the air before she stepped. She went at a cautiously slow speed.

Bella wasn't terribly afraid of the dark, but that didn't mean she liked it either. It was nerve wracking to be unable to see what was two inches from her face. Her heart was beating a little faster than usual. The only reason she wasn't freaking out was that Edward was right behind her the whole time, his hands firmly at her waist, following each of her slow steps dutifully.

They walked for a good five minutes like that. Bella was starting to feel frustrated. Her body was wound up tight and she was becoming a nervous wreck from her lack of vision.

She sighed deeply. "I think I enjoy hiking in the day much more," she complained.

Edward spoke quietly behind her. "Unfortunately, I cannot join you then."

Bella wasn't really sure what to make of his words. He sounded almost regretful, and for the first time, Bella wondered if he was sorry he couldn't come out in the sun. She felt bad that she hadn't thought about it before, but of course he would miss thy daylight. If she were him, she would miss it. It was just that Edward never talked about it.

Then she wondered if Edward felt left out about the time she, Alice, and Jasper spent together. The idea didn't seem to fit with the demanding, ruthless vampire she had come to know, but hadn't Edward been revealing a different side of himself in the past week?

"The night can be quite beautiful as well, Bella," he whispered in her ear, "Dark and seductive."

"Dangerous," Bella added.

"I'll protect you," Edward said as he wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her against him.

Bella turned around in his embrace. "And what if it is you who is the danger?" Bella asked his chest, her voice teasing rather than afraid, making Edward smile.

He bent down and grazed his teeth gently against her neck, letting her feel his fangs. Bella shivered as goosebumps ran down her arms. Her pussy tingled in appreciation.

"I won't hurt you, Bella," he assured her.

Bella grabbed his face in her hands and pulled his head down to mouth. She gently placed a heated kiss on his lips. Edward eagerly parted his lips with his tongue and deepened the kiss, holding her close and groaning when she finally pulled away.

Panting and hugging him tightly, Bella placed her head against his chest. "I change my mind," she said quietly into the dark. "I think I prefer hiking at night."

. . .

It took all of Edward's will power not to push Bella further that night. When he had smelled her arousal, he had wanted to push her onto her back and plunge his cock into her, but had resisted the urge. He had been rewarded with her sweet and willing kiss. She had kissed him.

He did get one more gentle kiss that night before she fell asleep and he carried to bed. Patience, he kept reminding himself. Let her come to him. He tucked her in and placed a present on her nightstand, kissing her on the forehead.

. . .

.

.

Jasper trailed along behind Edward, who hadn't told him where they were going, not that that was particularly unusual. They had taken a carriage from the luxurious hotel they were staying at to a part of Paris Jasper didn't recognize.

Edward had gotten out and spoken in quick French to the driver, who had led the horses away. Now he led him a short distance down a cobblestone road, into a narrow door and up a flight of stairs.

Edward suddenly stopped and turned to Jasper, who had recently gone through a growth spurt and was close approaching Edward's height.

"Happy birthday, my boy," Edward suddenly said, grinning at him.

Jasper started in surprise, "But it's not my birthday," he protested, not knowing where this was coming from.

"When's your birthday then?" Edward asked.

"I don't know."

"Then who's to say this isn't it?" He was in a good mood. "How old are you today then? Fourteen?"

"I don't know," Jasper said again, feeling a little ashamed. Only unwanted beggar children didn't know their own birthdays, their own ages.

"You've been with me almost four years now. I'd say you were fourteen," Edward spoke with confidence, as though his word were the final word on the matter. "You're a man now, and I've got a present for you."

Jasper was certainly surprised. In the four years Jasper had been with Edward, Edward had never given him a present. He did buy all his clothes and food and gave him a place to stay, even gave him spending money of his own, but nothing like a birthday present. Jasper felt himself getting excited, wondering what it would be.

Edward opened a door and led Japer inside. Jasper was certainly surprised by what he saw. The first thing he registered were women. Not like respectable women with their collars buttoned up to their necks and their sleeves down to their wrists, but not like the one-cent whores hollering from dark alleyways either. These appeared to be a different kind of woman all together.

Some were in simple dresses, cut daringly low to reveal swells of perky bosom. Some sat with their skirts hiked up to their thighs, their shaved legs on display. They drank whiskey and smoked, smiling and laughing and flirting, their soft hair falling in curls down their backs. Jasper's dick hardened simply watching them.

A woman, beautiful and confidant walked up to Edward and spoke in rapid French, smiling a greeting. Edward used his "charming" voice that Jasper came to recognize over the years. He said something and she laughed.

She gestured to a girl sitting in the corner who Jasper hadn't noticed before. She got up and walked toward them. She was beautiful. Her dark hair lay flowing down her back and her dark eyes were mesmerizing. He could just see the enticing swell of her breasts, though the dress she wore was much less revealing than any of the other women's. It only made her that much more appetizing.

Edward said something to her in French and she giggled. She turned to Jasper and smiled charmingly at him, with just a touch of shyness. "Hello. I am Maria," she held out her hand to him and he grasped her small, delicate fingers and placed a kiss on her hand. Her accent was lilting and pretty.

She smiled and held onto his hand, leading him to another room. Jasper followed her as though in a trance.

She smiled coyly as she slid out of her dress, her breasts full and shapely, her nipples erect. Jasper didn't think it was possible for him to get any harder and he let out a groan. She had a soft brown mole on her right hip and one on the side of her breast.

She came willingly into his arms, all soft and warm and open. He was nervous, not knowing what to do. She took the lead, though, removing his clothes herself. She hadn't touched his shaft for more than a second when he came in her hand.

He blushed bright red but all she did was giggle and smile and kiss him. He was young, and his recovery time was fast. She led him to he bed and stroked his chest down to his dick. When she placed an open mouth kiss on his balls, he groaned and was hard again. He slid into her tight, willing cunt, thrusting instinctively deeper.

.

Jasper gasped and sat up in bed.

"Fuck," he said out loud. It had been years since he had dreamed of Maria. Why now? Why were those memories coming back? It had felt so real.

He wiped his hand over his face, groaning at the memory of it. He had been such a pathetic little boy, infatuated with the girl who had taken his virginity. After that first night, he had gone back every chance he got, always asking for her. He went during the day when Edward was asleep. The whores mostly worked at night, so he was often the only male around.

He told her how beautiful she was, how much he loved her, and she had taught him a thousand ways to make love, to give pleasure. He knew she was a whore, but he didn't care. He vowed to take her away from that place.

It had been going on for months when he finally had the courage to approach Edward about it. He told him he was in love and begged him to help her. Edward had laughed and told Jasper he was so young, that the whore didn't love him.

Jasper had gotten so angry, he stormed out on Edward, telling him he was leaving him forever and to find a new lackey.

Jasper didn't knock this time. He barged into the whorehouse and went to Maria's room, even though some women tried to stop him.

Maria was on her hands and knees, a man was behind her, thrusting himself deeply into her. The sight made him sick.

Even though the man was larger than him, Jasper forcibly pushed him off her. The naked man shouted at him in French.

"What are you doing, Jasper?" Maria asked, not at all like he expected. She looked confused and a bit angry even.

"I'm here to take you away," Jasper said, spying her dress on the floor and picking it up, trying to hand it to her, though she wouldn't take it. "I'm not going to let anyone else touch you ever again."

"I thought you knew I had other clients?" Maria asked as calmly as can be, but to Jasper it was a punch in the gut. He remembered Edward saying that she didn't love him, and for the first time the thought that he could be right entered his head.

"You don't have to do this anymore," Jasper promised.

The French man was looking on confused, and he stepped forward and spoke to Maria who answered him, holding up her hand as though to halt him.

"I think you should leave," Maria said to Jasper, standing up straight and confidant, heedless of her own nudity. Gone were the coy smiles and the hint of shyness she had always had in her eyes. She spoke flat and straight. Jasper stared confused.

"I'm not leaving without you," he said with all the confidence he could muster.

"I'm not running away with you," Maria said like it was the most absurd idea she had ever heard. "Leave now, I'm busy. If you come back with more money when I'm free, I'll be happy to attend you then."

Jasper was confused. She wasn't acting like herself. Something was wrong.

"What are you talking about? I love you. And I know you love me." He stepped forward to hold her by the arms. "It's not about money between us. I haven't paid you since that first night."

Maria rolled her eyes. "Of course I get paid. Why do you think I do it? That man you were with. He pays me for you."

Jasper dropped her arms like he had been burned, but quickly recovered. "It doesn't matter," he pleaded. "I still love you. Come away with me."

Maria tried to jerk out of his arms but he wouldn't let go. The next thing he knew a fist hit him in the eye, hard. The naked man had knocked him flat on his ass. He picked him up by the collar of his shirt and hit him again, this time knocking him out.

Jasper woke up on the street. His right eye swollen shut. He walked home and the next night he and Edward left Paris. Edward never mentioned Maria again, for which Jasper was grateful.

He thought he had been in love, and he had viewed Maria's betrayal with the utmost hurt. He had thought she was acting weird that night he wanted to take her away, but looking back years later, he realized that that was the first time he had seen her when she wasn't acting. He told himself that he never really loved her. He didn't know the real her so it wasn't real love. But telling yourself something and actually feeling it are two very different things.

Jasper got out of bed, feeling restless. His mind wandered to Alice, like it so often did of late. She was so honest and real, so unlike Maria. So why did the thought of Maria conjure up thoughts of Alice. Why did thinking of Alice before falling asleep at night bring him memories of Maria?

It wasn't until he wandered out into the hall and past Alice's door that he figured out why. His heart was racing like it used to for those few months after his fourteenth birthday.

Fuck. He didn't want this. He didn't want to feel these things again. Alice was so sweet and innocent and perfect, but he didn't really know her, and she sure as hell didn't know him. They spent time together, and Jasper liked her company-the little chatterbox-but they never talked about themselves, their past.

Jasper found himself wondering more and more about her. He remembered those women in town and how one had called her a witch. It made his blood boil remembering the one saying she was glad the vampire ate her.

He shook his head and was about to turn around and go back to bed when he heard Alice cry out, sharp and loud and utterly terrified.