A/N's: My apologies for the delay, it was FFN fail!! I tried all weekend and eventually got it loaded but then it failed again. It appears it sent out alerts to the upload but yet again, nothing else worked! I've taken it off and re-loaded the chapter, so this time your alert is genuine!! How frustrating has this been? But thank the heavens it's working now so here it is! Thank you to all those who pm'd me with concern for the invisible chapter, I hope the wait was worth it for you, on a positive note, it means less time to wait till Saturday's update, eh? lol
The songs I played to help write this chapter are "Just one year of Love" by Queen and "Who wants to live forever" both are from the Highlander soundtrack and Robert Pattinson's "Let me sign" which also played a huge part in helping me write the previous chapter, too.
AcrossTheSkyInStars, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being my Beta and allowing me vent, and bounce ideas of you. Between you and awesome photos of Rob, I was able to find my muse!
I hope people take the time to check out your Fic "Forgive me, please", it deserves more recognition than its currently receiving.
Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer had the dream and we all have the fantasy!
Ch8 Instinct
His mouth was tilted into a half smile.
He swung his legs over the side of the table and purred "More," dragging the word out into a whisper.
I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and watched as Edward stood, towering above me, licking the bloody residue from the corners of his mouth.
On one side the trickle had reached his chin, and for the first time since I had known him, Edward truly looked like a Vampire.
I stepped back, my eyes wide.
His skin looked less translucent and his hair stood in wild disarray around his head, dishevelled and so sexy. His eyes were crinkled slightly and his smile was nothing short of naughty.
He looked stunning and I was literally stunned.
As he stepped away from the table, the tubes fell from his arms, falling in a heap on the floor. I watched as the gaping wounds on his chest faded into thin lines before becoming completely invisible.
Lifting his finger to his chin he swept up the bloody trail like it was gravy, then watching me carefully he hesitated before putting his finger in his mouth and closing his red, rimmed eyes he licked it clean and sighed.
"I want more," he murmured and I felt my legs go weak. I was transfixed. Vampires had their weapons, not guns or knives to defend themselves, but charm and panache to hypnotise and pull in their unsuspecting prey. I watched him, and I wanted him, it was a struggle to resist the draw.
"You're so delectable," he smiled, drawing back his lips and exposing his teeth. As his tongue flicked out to touch the tip of one I began to feel more than desire – I felt fear.
What had I done?
How could I have been so careless?
He was a Vampire. He craved my blood and I had fed him, willingly, and now he was acting on baser instincts.
I was in turmoil; I wanted him and I had wanted to save him knowing it would be dangerous; loving Edward would always be dangerous, only now – I was scared.
Watching him lick his lips, the very lips I had tasted with my own tongue, I shuddered with a combination of lust and fear.
I glanced over my shoulder at the door, the one and only exit, and prayed Carlisle was on his way back – although what he could do to save me, I had no idea.
Looking over at Edward, I trembled. He stood just three steps away from me; a devilish smile played his lips. I remembered kissing those lips, pressing myself into his chest and feeling so safe in his arms.
Edward looked behind me at the door, and tilting his head, he listened.
It took a moment longer for the echo to reach my ears but when it did I was sure it was the clacking of footsteps descending the staircase.
Carlisle
What would Edward do when he saw him? Would he feel enraged at the man who had rendered him weak and drained? Suddenly I was no longer afraid for myself, I was scared for Carlisle. Despite his bad judgement and feeble excuses, he had a daughter, Mary Alice, and she needed him.
I had no one.
Turning towards the door I moved as quickly as I could, my intention to close it, locking Edward and I inside, but I wasn't fast enough.
In a blur Edward was before me, the door slamming shut and his back leaning against its frame. His hands were behind him as he crossed his legs at the ankles, watching me with a look of hunger in his burgundy stare. He inhaled deeply through his nose and then released it out through his mouth, and as he blew the air right at me, the sweet scent of his breath made me dizzy.
The footsteps were getting louder but still too far away. Edward turned his head and listened to the echoes.
I regained some clarity and tried to speak to him.
"Edward," I started, but his head snapped round. His eyes blazed and before I could say anymore he pounced at me, knocking me backwards into the table.
I cried out as the edge connected with my back and instinctively I tried to sit up, but Edward stood over me, his hands on either side of my shoulders. I tried to press my own hands against his chest, but it was useless. He was already too strong for me.
I was both amazed and terrified by him. I'd given him barely enough to quench his thirst but his once broken and empty body was now pumping energy back into his frame, and I could feel all of his strength as he hovered over me.
He growled and I froze, aware that with the slightest movement, he could snap me in two.
He was watching me with such intensity, the burning need in his eyes so apparent, it left me breathless. I stared back at him and realised as he smiled at me, that I was no longer looking at a man.
His every need and every desire was blood. He had tasted only a small amount and it had done him good. His first instinct was to feed and as I stared up at my Vampire, I knew he did not see me, Bella, beneath him, just nourishment.
If I wanted to make it out of this room alive, I had to shake him out of this stupor. But I'd already spoken his name and he'd attacked; my hands were on his chest and yet his head still descended closer to my throat.
One goal, one aim; blood
His proximity made it so hard for me to think and as I watched him lick his teeth and swallow, I forgot what it was I needed to do. My breath shuddered as he lowered his head till his lips grazed my skin.
Outside the closed door Carlisle's footsteps hesitated, for when he'd left, the door was open.
Edward pressed down above my pulse point and I felt its beat picked up as adrenaline coursed through me; fear, excitement, my own desires. I swallowed and turned my head towards the door, offering myself to him, unwavering.
Edward's intuition was to feed. Mine was to surrender. Had I not wanted this all along?
Carlisle tried the handle.
Edward's tongue flicked out and swept around the area of skin under his open mouth.
Carlisle banged on the door.
I closed my eyes and waited as Edward moved his hands from beside my head to slip them under my shoulders and gently lift me. I let my head fall back exposing more flesh to his hungry lips.
"Open the door!" Carlisle called out as he pounded the iron entrance with his fists.
But Edward's response was to raise his head, and with one hand stroke the designated area he wanted to penetrate with his fangs.
His lips curled back over his teeth and he swooped.
Carlisle banged again, this time calling my name. "Isabella?"
I heard a hiss then felt my back hit the table, cold air blowing over me as the pressure above my chest disappeared.
Edward was gone.
I lay still for a moment, not daring to move as Carlisle's shouts and beating fists on the door got louder and more insistent.
"Isabella! Open the door. Let me in."
Sitting up I scanned the room. Pressed against the far corner was Edward, his back to the wall, hands behind him, just like when he'd closed the door. Only this time Edward's stare was not hooded and hungry, it was wide and astounded.
"Isabella!" Carlisle called.
"Bella," Edward whispered as recognition dawned. Turning his back to me he buried his face in his hands and slid down the wall.
"Isabella!" Carlisle sounded frantic, so pushing myself off the table I stumbled to the door and unlocked it from the inside, letting him in. He immediately grabbed my shoulders and checked for any visible signs of attack.
"What happened? Why is the door closed? Where's Edward?"
I nodded in Edward's direction and took hold of the door to steady myself as Carlisle rushed over to check on him too.
I could hear Carlisle muttering as he lifted Edward's face. I stepped around the door. The room was starting to feel oppressive and I welcomed the chilly air in the corridor as it filtered through to where I was standing. At the foot of the stairs was a deer, its carcass limp; Carlisle's attempt at feeding Edward.
"Don't leave," Edward begged me softly.
Without turning, I shook my head, "I wasn't –"
"Did I –" he swallowed nervously, "hurt you?"
I shook my head then stopped as the dull ache at the base of my spine reminded me of its presence.
"I'm so sorry." His voice sounded muffled and I turned to see him bury his head in his hands again. Carlisle sat next to him, a protective hand on his shoulder.
The simple gesture infuriated me.
I stepped forward and hissed at Carlisle, "Get away from him!"
The both looked up and over at me, surprise and confusion etched on their faces.
"I said get away from him."
"Bella?"
Carlisle stood and moved aside as I stepped in front of Edward, shielding him from Carlisle; the irony of the situation momentarily lost on me.
"How could you be so hypocritical?"
"Isabella –" Carlisle started but I interrupted him.
"You bring him here and drain him and then make out that you're concerned! You," I pointed at him, "You cut his skin and insert tubes – I don't care what your reasons are, you're nothing but a monster!"
"Bella, Carlisle didn't cut me."
I stopped my rampage and lowered my hand. Edward had stood up and was directly behind me, the coolness of his body penetrating my clothes.
I was so aware of him.
"What?"
"Carlisle didn't cut me."
"Then who did?"
I turned to look at him, waiting for an answer.
"A Vampire's skin is practically impenetrable. There are only two things capable; the teeth of a werewolf and the teeth of another Vampire. Carlisle couldn't have cut me."
"You bit yourself?" I asked, incredulous.
He nodded.
"But why?"
"So he could do this," Edward gestured to the tubes lying on the floor beside the grates.
"I don't understand," I admitted.
"I'm not a monster –"
"I meant Carlisle –" I tried to explain but Edward reached out and rubbed my arm, silently asking me to listen.
"I'm not a monster, Bella, I never wanted to be and since my very first feed, I've been able to abstain from human blood, until recently. I can help James I just don't want to, but he has someone I care about and every day it gets harder and harder to stay strong."
I had come to care for Edward too, believing him to be alone like me was one of the reasons we were drawn to each other. Two lost souls looking to belong.
"She needs me, more than anyone else ever has and despite my intentions to be good, it doesn't make me honourable."
It appeared I was wrong, Edward wasn't alone. "She?" I felt a prickle of jealousy.
He stared at me for the longest moment, as if deciding on what to tell me. Taking a deep breath he finally answered. "She's my family."
"But I thought your family had died, a long time ago."
Edward's fist clenched at his side and I noticed he was shaking.
"You need to feed, Edward," Carlisle had noticed too.
Edward started to shake his head but Carlisle made for the door and pulled the deer inside. Looking over at me for permission to approach, Carlisle placed the carcass at Edward's feet.
"It's from the kitchens."
He turned his head away, fighting to remain composed.
"You need to feed, Edward."
"I need to die!" He stated.
"I shook my head again, "I don't believe that. That's why I saved you."
"And who said I wanted to be saved?"
"Edward!" I placed my hands on his arms and tried to shake him gently, it was pointless as he barely moved. "Please don't say things like that, ever."
"It's the only way."
Edward sat down and I crouched next to him. His knees were raised and his elbows planted on them to cradle his head. The hungry Vampire was gone and left in its place was a broken man.
"Why is it the only way? Why can't you fight?"
"James, he has –" Edward's voice broke as his whole body trembled. Carlisle interceded.
"Edward, feed. We'll talk later but right now you need to give your body what it craves. Drink your fill and then we'll talk."
Edward started to object again but Carlisle had heard enough. "Edward, look at me." Edward raised his head and frowned at Carlisle. "There are people here who care about you," his glance jumped to me then back again. "And I can't do this to you again, Edward, please don't ask it off me."
"It's the only way."
"No, there is another option but it means you have to feed and you have to become strong." Carlisle picked up the deer and offered it Edward. "Eat and we'll talk, I promise."
Slowly he reached out and took it. "You need to leave," he said softly, and Carlisle nodded, pulling me towards to the door.
"I want to stay."
"Edward needs us to leave, Isabella." Bending he whispered in my ear, "It's not safe for us to stay." I knew Edward could hear him and that Carlisle whispered out of courtesy. I wondered if I had been wrong about him. He always showed compassion and empathy and the fact that he felt guilt at hurting Edward made me reconsider his intentions. Family was important and if you were to fight for anyone, it should be kin. But I wasn't ready to forgive him for hurting Edward. Not yet.
Nodding I let Carlisle lead me to the door, closing it behind us we left Edward to his meal.
"Do you know Edward's family, Carlisle?"
He nodded. "Yes, but it's not my place to say."
"I thought Edward was all alone in this world, like me."
"You're not alone, Isabella." He moved closer and took my hand. "I know you hate me right now and don't agree with my motives, and I hold you in high esteem for that, Isabella, but I want you to know, that I will always be here for you. If my Mary Alice were to ever be in need I would hope that she could find someone to rely on too. Your father must be very worried."
I watched his thumb stroke the back of my hand and tears prickle my eyes. "I haven't seen my father in years, Carlisle. He has no idea where I am, or what's become of me. I don't even know if he's still alive. I miss him every day."
Carlisle squeezed my hand gently; I appreciated the comfort but longed to be back in the room. I needed answers.
Eventually, Edward tapped the inside of the door, letting us know he was done. I wasn't sure what I'd find when we went back inside, half expecting the carcass to be ripped in two, entrails littering the floor, but it appeared Vampires were tidy eaters. The body lay empty but intact. The only evidence of anything sinister was two small puncture wounds on its upper flank.
Edward had stepped behind the table, leaving the deer in the centre of the room. Carlisle stopped me from walking in any further.
"Is it safe?" I realised Carlisle was questioning Edward's control. He nodded his head and Carlisle stepped away from the door and moved the deer to a corner.
I looked over at Edward, he seemed – different. I wasn't sure what had changed for it didn't appear to be physical. His entire demeanour had lifted and even though he had placed an object between us, Edward now seemed – confident.
If I had thought him sexy before, this Edward was breathtaking.
"What did you do to me?" He asked, shaking his head. I didn't reply, assuming he was talking to Carlisle.
"Bella?" He asked me again.
I looked from Carlisle to Edward, "I – fed you Edward. I gave you blood."
"No," he shook his head, "You didn't give me blood you gave me your blood!"
"What's the difference?"
"When you fed me, I assumed it was animal blood, Bella, it wasn't until you were out of the room that I realised you're inside me now." He pressed his hand to his chest. "I can feel you coursing through my veins and it was exactly what my body needed and for that I thank you," his face softened, "but you do realise you've ruined me for life?"
I frowned at him, not understanding. He indicated the deer. "Usually one of my favourites but tonight, it was – lacking."
I smiled at his bizarre attempt at humour.
"You shouldn't have done it, Bella. I could've killed you." His tone was serious again.
"But you didn't."
"Only because of Carlisle!" He shook his head at me. "God knows, Bella, if Carlisle hadn't called your name when he did, you – you would be –" Edward looked away, struggling to finish his sentence.
"I have been a Vampire for a hundred years and in most of that time, I have abstained from drinking human blood. I came here and despite what James threw at me, I still had my will power. He tried to tempt me with human blood, Bella, and then he tried with animals and I never gave in because nothing could tempt me. But from the first moment I saw you, I wanted you. Your blood, it sang to me." He dropped his voice lower and I stepped forward, wanting to close the distance between us.
"I had nothing but my self control and with you, I struggled. You awakened something in me I thought had died, a very long time ago." He stepped around the table and walked towards me.
"Your instincts," I volunteered.
"No Bella my humanity and until today my mortality,"
"But you're immortal."
He nodded, walking slowly towards me. I could see Carlisle shifting from foot to foot in my peripheral, his concern for my safety not easing with Edward's appetite.
Edward stopped inches from me, and lifting his hand he caressed my cheek with his knuckles. "Yes, but I no longer want to be. I want to be human and weak and able to be near you and hold you without hurting you. I desire your blood, Bella but I also desire your body. You know that."
I blushed at the memory of our last morning together and nodded.
"I like feeling you inside me," he murmured, running his hand over his torso; I watched with hungry eyes and licked my lips. "I feel closer to you, connected somehow. I'm so sorry that my first instinct was to kill you. You will never know how much that hurt me. If I'd been successful, I would've died inside, all over again."
It was my turn to reach out and stroke Edward's face. "If you had turned me, we could be together. Forever,"
"Only if I'd stopped,"
"Do you feel out of control now?"
Edward paused then shook his head. "No, I want you, yes, but only in one capacity."
Before I could ask, he slipped his hand behind my head and tugged me closer, dipping his head so his lips could claim mine. It was gentle and probing and he tasted so sweet, I moaned against his lips.
It momentarily crossed my mind that the amber nectar I was taking from his mouth was the deer's blood which had coated his tongue and nourished his body. But it didn't matter anymore; Edward was strong again and I was in his arms, desperate to be closer. It had been days since he'd touched me without the barrier of bars in our way. I clung to him, pulling him in tighter but he ended the kiss.
I whimpered as he kissed across my jaw and down the curve of my neck.
Carlisle cleared his throat and stepped forward, placing a hand on Edward's shoulder.
Edward pulled away but kept his arms around my waist. I stared at him with hooded eyes and cursed Carlisle for the tenth time that day.
"I appreciate your concern, Carlisle, but I am full and in perfect control." Edward told him.
"Just to be safe –" Carlisle said. "Besides, we need to talk."
"Of course," Edward let go and indicated I should sit. He was capable of standing for long hours with no strain but I was human and therefore weaker. I lifted myself up onto the table and waited for him to continue.
"Bella, this whole sordid mess began a long time ago and ends here, with us now, in this room. I want to tell you everything because it will give us a chance. I don't understand why it's changed for me, but before today I wanted to give in, I wanted to render myself useless in James's wicked games, but now, I want to fight!"
I smiled at him. I had fallen for a broken man and awoken in him a fighter. Whatever happened next was up to fate.
"As you know, I left my family to work for Marcus and that's when I – became what I am. I searched for my creator and for answers, and in that time, I decided I didn't want to succumb to the true lifestyle of a Vampire. I won't lie to you; I did feed off humans, but only at first. There must've been some compassion left in me, for the guilt of taking another life made me question my existence. I found other Vampire's who told me I had a gift." Edward tapped his head to indicate his mind reading ability. I nodded to show I understood and he continued with his story. "They also told me I wasn't like other newborns and that compassion was unusual in our kind. I left them behind and came back here; it had always been my home before.
"And I've lived here peacefully for years until James, somehow, learnt of my existence. I knew I was being hunted, I found it amusing, actually. But one night I heard a confrontation between James and one of his guards."
I held my breath, eager for him to tell me more. I knew this had to do with Emmett and I had waited to hear his truth. I was anxious that he would admit to murdering him. If he did, would it make any difference? Would I care? Would my feelings for him change? And if not, what type of person did that make me?
"The guards name was Emmett and James told him he needed bait. He took out a knife and stabbed him. Emmett fell to his knees but he didn't die, Bella. He was injured and bleeding, suffering and begging for help. James just stood and mocked him." Edward took my hand and studied his fingers entwining with my own.
"Then James said something that changed everything."
"What was it?"
"He said that Emmett was my family and that should entice me from my hiding place.
"I waited, for the longest time for them to leave and eventually they did. I went to him Bella and he was so scared. He told me about his wife and daughter and begged me to help him. I told him there was nothing I could do. But he persisted, telling me about James's plans and as I looked at him, I saw remnants of myself in that man. I didn't know if James had spoken the truth but could I really take a chance? In a moment of compassion, I bit him. He lay changing on the forest floor and James came back."
"They never really left did they?" I asked.
Edward shook his head. "James knew I couldn't leave Emmett dying alone in the woods, and of course, the fact that he was family to me only made his plan more certain. But they didn't return alone. They had a hostage, more bait. They had Ava."
"Emmett's daughter!"
"Yes. James knew I couldn't fight back, not with a child close by. I was trapped, and as they held me, chained and bound, they took their baronets and twenty men attacked Emmett. They stabbed him over and over whilst Ava cried for her Daddy."
I bit my lip as I listened to him, the tears burning behind my eyes. Carlisle cursed under his breath, and turning away I saw him swipe at his cheeks and knew it tormented him too. In my mind all I could picture was a child reaching out to her father as a squadron of guards massacred him in cold blood.
It was truly awful.
"They led us back to the prison and instead of returning Ava to her mother James told Rosalie a twisted tale of Emmett's demise. Ava couldn't back up his story nor could she dispute it. She was four years old, Bella, and as I watched them take her away, I knew she would never be the same again.
"If you could hear the things she was – thinking –" Edward swallowed, emotion making him pause. "It was nothing compared to the things Emmett had been thinking but it was horrific none the less."
"Did Emmett known his daughter was there?"
Edward nodded. "Yes, but only towards the end. They buried him in those woods when I could no longer hear his heart beat.
"I refused to be part of James's evil games and as you know, I managed to resist all his efforts. He keeps dangling Ava over my head like bait, but I know he won't hurt her. I can hear it in his thoughts, so until that changes, I continue to resist. But it's all become too much for me, Bella, and as I watched James turn his sordid little games around on you, I knew that if I ever had a chance of helping you both, then I had to render myself useless to him. If he couldn't use me, then maybe he would let everyone I care about go."
"Edward, I'm so sorry."
He leant in closer and pulled me into his arms as I cried. I cried for his losses, for Edward had witnessed his family die, be in it old age, natural cause or brutal murder; he'd lost them all. I wondered at his surrender and why he didn't give in to anger. James was mortal after all and could be beaten.
"Why don't you attack James?"
"He has instructed that upon his demise, if it be at my hands, then Ava is to be executed."
"But she's only a child!"
"She's all he has to protect himself, Bella."
"How do you know he was telling the truth; about Emmett being family?"
"He showed me documents, birth papers from my family. It's a long line between Emmett and me but it's there, on my sister's side. He was telling the truth."
"I can't go back up there and allow that man to touch me. We have to do something, he can't get away with this," I cried.
"I have a plan," Carlisle interrupted. Edward and I turned to him, waiting to hear his idea.
"Edward, do you still want to surrender?"
Edward looked at me, down at our entwined fingers and back up to my face again, he shook his head. "No, not now that I have something more to live for."
"Then this is what we need to do; Isabella, you will return to your cell. I will explain to James when he returns that we had to unchain you, feign sickness or something, and Edward, we will leave you here."
I made to object but Carlisle held his hand up. "We'll tell James you know about Edward's involvement with Emmett's death and that you want to see him punished. James is sick enough to take pleasure in seeing other's enjoying suffering. That will get Edward back upstairs. I'll bring you food, Edward, keep you strong and then we'll decide on the next course of action."
"I thought you said you had a plan?" I asked.
"I didn't say it was complete!" Carlisle defended himself.
Smiling Edward patted Carlisle's shoulder. "It's a start."
They shared a look between them before Edward turned back to me. "Before we set this plan in motion, could you give us time to say goodbye?"
Carlisle hesitated. "I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"I promise you Carlisle, I'm in perfect control."
Carlisle looked over at me and I eagerly nodded my head, silently begging him to leave us alone.
"I have some things to do, I'll be back as soon as possible, please –" he scratched at the back of his head "– please try to resist temptation, eh?"
I kept my gaze on Edward as Carlisle closed the door behind him. Edward un-wrapped his fingers from mine and placed his hands on either side of my face.
"Are you afraid?"
I swallowed. "No not anymore."
Edward lowered his eyes briefly then looked back at me. "I will never forgive myself for behaving like an animal, Bella."
"I forgive you."
"I won't hurt you."
"How can you be sure?"
"I told you before, something's changed." He began to stroke my cheek with his thumb. "I still want you, in my body and in my bed, only now I can feel you coursing through my veins; you're like liquid gold, coating my insides, and it's everything I need."
"I was trying to help."
"I know. I waited a year, unfed and weak, and now I can feel you putting life back in me. I feel part of you, Bella, and no matter what happens now I will always be with you."
"I want to feel a part of you too."
Without replying Edward lowered his head to my neck and tilted my head to the side. He kissed me gently on my pulse point.
"Do you trust me?" He whispered.
I nodded.
I heard him swallow, and then opening his mouth, Edward sank his teeth into my skin. The scratch of his fangs was brief. I felt a warm trickle of blood escape the side of his mouth and run down into my collarbone. The slight tugging as he sucked at the puncture wound made my stomach clench, my legs turned weak and I clung to him, surrendering to the sensation.
Who wants to live forever anyway?
As quickly as it began, Edward stopped drinking from me, and pulling away slightly, he licked at the wound.
The blood beneath the surface felt hot and the venom burnt as it sealed my skin.
"It's not enough to change you, but enough to brand you as mine!" He murmured and I nodded, unable to speak.
He trailed his face up towards my jaw, his breath tickling as it swept over me; turning my face towards him he kissed me deeply. His tongue slid along my lips and into my mouth, delving in and touching mine before pulling away. His mouth moved over mine, wielding it to his kiss and I was foolish not to follow. I moved in time with him, tasting him with my tongue whenever he withdrew from my mouth.
It was deep and passionate, and I whimpered as the skin on my neck grew warmer and warmer with each passing second. I felt marked and it was bliss.
Pulling away from me, Edward traced his hand down his chest above his left nipple. I watched as the skin opened and after a moment a trickle of blood oozed out. The contrast between his pale skin and the blood red line was stark. I looked up at him.
"Do you trust me?" He whispered again, and as before I nodded.
With his hands never leaving my face, he guided me slowly to his chest and hesitated above the scratch.
I knew what he wanted me to do, and for a slight second, I questioned my sanity.
Moving my hands down from his shoulders, I caressed his torso and flicked his nipples with my thumbs. Edward dropped his head back as I lowered my mouth and licked at the blood. It tasted sweet and cool, and I found myself pressing against him as I gulped in more mouthfuls; his essence of life mingled with mine.
Moaning Edward stroked the back of my head as I took my turn in drinking from him.
"Enough," he said softly, pulling my head away and leaning back. I gasped as I felt him move away. Staring up at him I licked my lips before his came crashing down on mine again, and reaching beneath my legs he swept me up and cradled me in his arms.
"This act is my pledge, I can never hurt you," he sighed as his mouth found the lobe of my ear. "I'm as much a part of you as you are of me and I will never let another man touch you again."
I shook my head in agreement; I never wanted to be touched by anyone else.
"I would rather die first than see you in someone else's arms, Bella."
"As long as you took me with you," I told him as his hands found the ties of my bodice. Without pause he ripped them open, exposing my breasts to his hungry touch.
His mouth devoured me as I held myself against him, sighing as his teeth caught a nipple and gently flicked it, the sensation overtaking me. I felt myself grow wet, the warmth spreading as his fingers tugged at the dress, peeling it down my body as his lips followed its descent.
Throwing the garment to the floor, he stepped away and started to unbuckle his pants. "Open your legs for me," he commanded and I didn't need to be told twice.
Leaning back on my elbows I let my legs drop open, giving him a view of my arousal, and moaning he took his cock in his hand and stroked himself as he looked at me.
He was already hard and I watched as he moved his hand slowly up and down his length, and licking my lips I looked back up at his face.
"Do you want to taste me again?" He asked and I nodded.
Lying down I turned my head to the side as he moved to the side of the table, his dick protruding close to my mouth and taking him in my hand I licked his tip.
"Bella," Edward gasped as he clutched at the edges of the table. His body had secreted his arousal and I could taste him on my tongue, opening my mouth wider I took him inside. He was big and I couldn't fit him in, so what I couldn't taste I touched, moving my hand down to his base I wrapped my fingers around him and stroked as my head moved, up and down, taking him in and pulling him out.
The sounds of pleasure erupting from him made me ache and I wanted to feel him inside me. I pressed my legs closed and shifted my hips, trying to find some friction.
"Edward," I groaned as he let go of the table and trailed his hand down my stomach and between my thighs. He nudged my legs apart and dipped his finger into my wet folds, brushing gently against my clit. My hips bucked and I gasped, popping his dick out of my mouth as I arched my back and gave in to the wonder of his fingertips.
Moving away from my head, he walked to the bottom of the table and stood at my feet. Holding onto my ankles, he pulled me closer till my bottom was teetering on the edge. He pressed my knees open with one hand and with the other he held himself, sliding in between my lips, soaking the end of his cock with my desire.
"You feel so warm," he murmured and bending at the waist he kissed my stomach as the head of his cock pushed at my opening. He didn't enter me fully, just nudged it in and out of the lips and I whimpered, impatient to feel him.
"Edward, please," I begged and he needed no further instruction.
Holding my hips, he thrust himself forward, sheathing himself in my wetness. I gasped with the sheer force of it, trembling as he moved himself out and then back in again.
I lifted my arms over my head and raised my feet to rest them against his chest. It opened my legs wider, tilting my hips slightly and as Edward thrust in again, he suddenly felt deeper and I felt tighter.
We groaned at the same time and I looked down at him. I could see where his body joined mine and as he thrust in and out of me I watched in awe as his stomach moved seductively between my legs. With every shift of his hips, his cock plunged into me and I couldn't get enough. I moved my own hips in time with him and felt his hands leave me to grip the table. The only part of our bodies that touched were our most intimate, and in perfect synchronicity we moved together, pushing each other closer and closer to our end.
I lifted my head and looked at him, his mouth was open and his eyes were on me. Through the faint glow of candlelight I could see the rims of his eyes glowing red, and instead of scaring me, it reminded me that Edward was mine.
I bit my lip as he moved faster, the strokes becoming shorter and I felt myself clench around him.
Edward was close as was I and lowering his head he leaned forward onto the table. I could feel his breath blowing over my pelvis and as I felt the build up of pleasure explode around him, I arched my back and called his name, reminding him that I was his.
He felt my insides grip him and as I throbbed around his cock; Edward stopped moving and came inside me. I felt each and every burst as he gripped at the edge of table and threw his head back.
We stayed exactly like that for a few minutes, just breathing and looking at each other. Eventually, Edward pulled away, and climbing onto the table he nestled behind me and pulling my back against his chest, spooned me.
As my heart rate returned to normal I started to feel sleepy, Edward's hand lifted my hair away from my shoulder and leaning in he kissed my neck.
"I love you," he whispered as he grazed his lips across my shoulder blade. My stomach clenched and slowly I turned to face him.
He was propped up on one elbow, his hand cupping his head as he gazed down at me.
"I surrendered today and felt no reason to go on, but I thank God for you, Bella, because now, I have a reason to live."
"I feel the same way," I whispered as he leant in to kiss me softly.
This kiss was so different from the others we'd just shared, this one was tender and as I felt his lips consume me, I didn't care what tomorrow would bring.
I had the love of a good man and the wrath of a Vampire on my side.
And James would be defeated.
A/N's: Please note that in Spellbound, Carlisle never changed Edward therefore Edward's surname was never Masen and Carlisle is not a Cullen.
Edward's family tree:
Edward and Elizabeth Cullen (Father & Mother) – Edward Cullen Snr died when Edward was a child
Edward Cullen (son)
Elizabeth Cullen (daughter) – Elizabeth married when she was 18 - Robert Downes (Elizabeth's husband) –
Sophie (Elizabeth & Robert's daughter)- Born when Elizabeth was 19. Elizabeth died in childbirth Robert lived till he was 67
John Smith (Sophie's husband) – They married when Sophie was 20 – They lived a long and happy life together, Sophie died aged 69 and John a year later aged 73
Joseph (Sophie & John's son) – he was born when Sophie was 21 – Joseph died in an accident aged 25
Emily (Sophie & John's daughter) – Born when Sophie was 22 – Emily married late aged 30 there is no record found of Emily's husband.
Amy (Emily's daughter) – Born when Emily was 30 – Amy never married and had a son when she was 15
Emmett (Amy's son out of wedlock) – Emmett married his childhood sweetheart when he was 20, they had a daughter, Ava 5 years later
Ava is Edward's great, great, great, great niece and Emmett his great, great, great Nephew all descended from his sister Elizabeth's side.
More A/N's: Both AcrossTheSkyInStars and I have entered the Summer of Smut competition, details can be found over on FanFiction (dot) net and Twilighted (dot) net. My entry isn't up yet as it's with my beta but Tanya's is and it's so freakin steamy! Go and check them all out and don't forget to leave reviews, they mean the world to us.
I'd love some visitors to my Spellbound Thread over at Twilighted (dot) net, it can be found under AU. I know the site can seem scary but come and say hello, share your thoughts and enjoy our Photograph of the day.
Ok.....do I have to beg? I do? Oh shoot well ok then.....please, please, please leave me a review!!