A/N's: Thank you to AcrossTheSkyInStars for being an wonderful beta and beautiful friend.

Ch22 Preparation

Edward and Jasper had to leave. They needed to round up the small group of vigilantes willing to help free the other prisoners from the caves. They planned to bring them all back to Carlisle's home to form a strategy, and to rest before their mission began. We now knew what awaited us and plans were necessary, against both the inevitable and the unknown.

I still felt guilty for my childish behaviour earlier and placed my hand on Edward's sleeve to stop him from going. I needed to apologise again; he couldn't leave thinking I was selfish. I also needed him to know I was standing by my argument. I would just handle it differently next time. He paused and looked down at me, one eyebrow raised in question.

"Can I have a minute?" I asked him timidly, a faint blush heating my cheeks. The memory of my tantrum embarrassed me. He nodded and took my hand in his. His skin, as usual, was cool and felt nice against my clammy palm. He guided me to the bedroom and closed the door behind us.

I couldn't look at him. "Edward, I'm sorry for my behaviour," I began. "I just want to be with you, equal to you in every way. I hate that you always have to protect me and worry about me or that I hinder you in any way. I just think that by becoming like you, I would be safe and you could stop worrying so much."

Edward tilted my chin up with his index finger. I gazed into his eyes and noticed how dark they were becoming again. He was thirsty and would need to feed before they eventually left for the caves. Like the other men, Edward would need his strength, for we had no idea what was waiting for them there.

I noticed they were rimmed with the evidence of his last meal. The golden brown hue had faded to an almond tone, tinting only the very edges of his iris. I liked his eyes dark. It reminded me of our first days together in the cells, when he had struggled so openly to stay away from me. My stomach tightened at the memory of his need. I should've been afraid of that danger, but instead of fear all I felt was aroused by him.

"Bella," he bent slowly and kissed the tip of my nose, "do you honestly believe that I would ever stop worrying about you? It doesn't matter to me what form you may or may not take, you are my everything and I will always cherish that dearly. You'll always come before anyone else, including myself. I love you."

"I understand all that." I smiled at him. "But I don't agree with it and I won't ever stop trying to convince you."

Edward smiled too. "I forgive you."

"You do?"

"Yes. I'd forgive you anything."

"You give me too much, I don't deserve you."

Edward bent again, but this time his lips touched mine. It was soft at first, but as soon as the scent of his skin swept over me I couldn't resist curling my arms around his neck and pulling him closer, deepening the kiss till I struggled to breathe. Edward pulled away and I gazed up at him with hooded eyes. It heightened my passion to see his eyes reflecting the same desires.

"It is I who don't deserve you," he whispered, gathering me up in his arms. "I have to go." His words were tinged with sadness and I reciprocated. I hated being apart from him, no matter what the reason may be.

"Can I come with you?"

"I won't be long."

"I know, I meant when you go to the caves?"

"I'd feel better if you stayed here."

"I only feel safe with you."

He pulled away and tucked a tendril of hair behind my ear. "I'll be back soon. Then we'll go – together."

I flung myself at him, and laughing, he picked me up and crushed me to his chest. I gasped at his strength but didn't want him to let go. "I love you," he murmured and I squeezed him back with all my might; no doubt it felt like a fly hitting a wall, but the sincerity was the same.

"I love you too," I sighed.

Edward finally put me down and I watched with sad eyes as he left the room.

Mary Alice and Hale were having their own moment beside the fireplace. He towered over her petite frame, his head bowed as he gazed into her eyes. Mary Alice's hands were clutching at his lapels, and Hale's were either side of her face.

They neither spoke nor moved, just merely stared at each other; so much meaning conveyed in one simplistic look.

A few more moments passed before Hale tucked his hands under her arms and lifted till her face was level with his own. They grinned at each then hugged before he placed her back on the floor.

Mary Alice and I stood waving them off from the doorway. A group of women waited awkwardly by the fence and allowed the men to leave before approaching. I didn't know what to expect, maybe trouble, so what they said next surprised me.

"Hi Mary Alice," the women greeted my friend and looked curiously at me before continuing. "We want to prepare a feast for the guards. They have a lot to do and this is all we can do to help."

"They need to keep their energy up," an elderly lady towards the back piped up. She looked at me and smiled, her fellow women all nodded in earnest. She gestured behind them to several carts sitting at the end of the garden path. They were each filled with flour, potatoes, vegetables and one was piled high with deer, chicken, and boar.

Mary Alice smiled and went outside with them to help prepare a pit for the fire. Her kitchen was too small for the amount of food these generous women had brought with them. I offered to help but was shooed away to rest.

"But I want to help," I protested.

"You can help by restoring your strength, my love." The elderly lady patted my hand. "We need you for what's to come." I looked at her with shock, she seemed familiar to me, but unless she had visited the cells, I had no idea how I could possibly know her.

"What's to come?" I echoed. She glanced behind her, and when she was sure no eavesdroppers were a threat, she whispered under her breath.

"You have a special gift, my dear, and you will be one of our greatest weapons against our common enemy."

"How did you know?" I asked; my own voice was quiet. I was horrified by her knowledge; this may put me in even more danger with the villagers if the truth about my gift was widely known. I narrowed my eyes and tried to place her; she knew so much.

"You'll learn to recognise your own kind in time, my dear." She winked at me, then patting my hand again; she walked back towards her group. I watched her help the other women with their preparations, but when she didn't turn to face me again, I stepped inside and closed the door, pondering her words. Had she just admitted she was also a witch? I was too afraid to question her.

Carlisle had stayed to watch over the house in the absence of Edward and Hale. He lifted Ava from the floor where she'd been playing and took her to bed. Mary Alice came back inside and stoked the fire. She had flour and yeast with her and as she set about baking bread, she hummed a tune to herself. She seemed incredibly happy.

"Mary Alice." I pulled a chair out from under the table and sat facing her.

"Yes." She glanced over her shoulder at me but continued with her chores.

"I want to practise some more magic, from the book. Would you help me?"

Mary Alice stopped. She wiped her hands on her apron and grinned, running at me, she flung her arms around my neck and squeezed.

"I thought you'd never ask!"

"You're happy to help me then?" I was confused and pleased by her reaction.

"Of course, I thought you'd given up. You haven't touched the book in days."

"So much has happened," I told her. "Laurent, James, his disappearance; so many things."

"Not to mention you getting hurt," Mary Alice injected.

I nodded. The memory of the knife slicing into me was still very fresh in my mind. Each time I imagined it, I could almost feel it again. The cold metal, the warmth of my blood as it oozed out onto the blade, the agonising slice as my skin surrendered to the sharpened steel – I shuddered and wrapped my arms around myself. Mary Alice noticed and ran back to my side, hugging me too.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"No, it's ok, Mary Alice, I promise. It's still so vivid, but those images will pass, I hope. I'm here, I'm alive; that's all that matters really."

She nodded eagerly.

"What time do we leave?" I rubbed her hand which was clutching at my shoulder.

"Soon," she murmured.

"You sound afraid."

"I am – a little." She paused.

"The shape shifters are looking for him," I whispered, assuming her fear lay in the belief that James was close by and still a danger to us.

"It's not him," she shivered.

"Then what is it?" I pulled her round to face me. I knew there were so many things that threatened to hurt us, I could only guess at the ones that haunted her. She knelt on the floor and rested her head on my knees. I stroked her hair in an aim to soothe her fears.

"What if we're too late?" Her voice was barely a whisper, breaking on the last word as tears spilled forth. I felt dreadful for stealing away her happiness from moments before.

I pushed myself off the chair and sat in front of her. "Too late?"

"What if he's already given the command? What if he was telling the truth and he only had to disappear for his instruction to be followed? We could get down there and find them all massacred, Isabella." Her voice broke as she spoke my name.

"Oh Mary Alice," I cooed, pulling her into an embrace. She shuddered as she cried and I let her, the tears soaking the material of my dress.

"Why can't they just go now? Why do they have to plan and –"

"Mary Alice, you can't expect them to go there unprepared. They need to make a strategy, to ensure they're ready for the worst case scenario, to be strong and well fed – these plans seem like time wasters to us, but these men are trained and are fighters and they know what they need to do."

"If they know and they're trained, then why can't they just go now?"

"Mary Alice –"

"I feel like I'm going crazy," she mumbled, wiping her face on her skirt. "My mother is my best friend. She always talked to me like I was her equal, even when I was a child. I loved every minute that I spent with her. She's beautiful, funny, and so wise, Isabella. She has this amazing ability to see the good in every one, she'd even go as far as telling us James was a nice man!"

We both laughed between tears at her words. "She would tell me to try to empathise with him, that he's just misunderstood. But I can't feel anything but hatred for that man. I miss her so much and I'm so scared that when we get there –" Mary Alice left the remainder of her sentence unspoken, the implication of her meaning was loud and clear.

"I know," I hushed her, stroking her hair again. "It seems so plausible to us to just rush there now and free them. But we know James was a clever man, and despite the fact that he also lied, a lot, we can't take a chance, not on anyone. This is the best way."

She nodded beneath my hand. "Come on," I urged her, "there's bread to bake." She sniffed and nodded again, sitting up and wiping her face with her apron. It had coal on the material which transferred to her cheeks, in streaks. I laughed and pulled her with me to the cauldron of water simmering by the hearth. I dipped in a clean cloth, wrung out the excess water and wiped her face clear; no more tears, no more dirt.

She smiled and reached for me. "You're my best friend too, you know," she said. I squeezed her hand in response and returned her smile. Mary Alice stood and proceeded to bake the bread. I watched her for a while as she shaped the dough, and soon after, the delicious mouth watering aromas of several loaves baking slowly filled the kitchen.

I left her to it and went into the bedroom to retrieve my book. There was still so much to learn. I turned back to the very beginning. I had skimmed pages before, but today I wanted to read as thoroughly as time permitted. Under the first leaf there was a page titled 'The Wiccan Rede.' It was written poetically but after only a few lines I recognised it as a type of 'law'. The words indicated the belief that what you cast will be re-directed elsewhere, possibly threefold; therefore, no spell should ever be cast in earnest.

Bide the Wiccan Law ye must,
In perfect love, in perfect trust.

Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfil:
An ye harm none, do as ye will.

And ever mind the Rule of Three:
What ye send out comes back to thee.

Follow this with mind and heart, And merry ye meet, and merry ye part

I read the lines over and over again, conveying their meaning to memory, and promising myself I would not take the power I owned lightly. I turned the pages one by one, reading over the title of the spell, the meaning behind its casting, and the notes left by my mother.

Half way through, past the healing spells, I found another that caught my eye. It was hinting at the manipulation of the weather. I was astounded and read on with interest. The explanation stated that controlling the elements was somewhat limited by nature, for example, it would be impossible to make it snow in summer. The poetic law I had found at the beginning was brought back to my attention; that events manipulated by spells promised threefold in return. No blizzards should be cast for devastation would surely ensure.

My mother wrote: "Isabella, the Rede prevents you from causing natural disasters like tornadoes or floods. The threefold repayment you would receive from such an action would not be something you would want to deal with. But that doesn't mean you can't have some influence on the elements."

She outlined that the best weather alterations were actually the subtle ones, to stop rain or bring on a light drizzle, or bring on snow on a cold day. She kept outlining the warnings as she wrote, as if trying in text to make me understand that none of this was to be taken lightly. I had a power that I did not yet understand, I needed to be careful. I appreciated her caution, and for a moment, I sincerely missed the mother I had never known.

The other spells had detailed supplies required as well as instruction, but this one only asked for me to go outside and raise my hands toward the sky, speaking aloud. I was too afraid to try such castings in front of the women preparing the guards banquet, but curiosity beckoned me and so I took the book and made my way to the back garden, standing in the grass close to the place I'd first seen the wolf.

I placed the book at my feet and looked up at the sky. It was darkening with the threat of a storm, brooding clouds passing by quickly, looking thick and heavy with the rain it needed to release.

I read the lines regarding prevention and memorised them as best I could. With one last glance around me to ensure no witnesses were about, I looked up at the heavens and held my arms aloft.

"God and Goddesses of power, God and Goddesses of might, I bid thee now, stop this plight. Stop this rain, we need no more. Let it fall today, nevermore."

I whispered the words at first because I was unsure of how loud I needed to be. When I spoke the last word, I felt the light splatter of rain hit my upturned face, and I decided to try again, but with more volume.

I lifted my hands and spoke more clearly. I tried to inject confidence in my voice and closed my eyes.

The rain fell heavier and I lowered my hands, dejected.

"Try commanding rather than requesting, dear." I whirled around to see the elderly lady watching me from the side of the house. She stepped carefully into the garden and over to my side.

"Commanding?" I asked.

She nodded. "You're being too polite, give it some passion. Those men need their food and the rain is putting a damper on the festivities." I giggled at her phrasing. The feast was for stamina and strength but she regarded their banquet as something of a celebration.

"Again," she instructed. "With decree!"

I nodded and stood in the centre of the garden, my arms outstretched again and my head held high. I faced the clouds and felt the sting as the cold November rain pelted down faster and faster. I began to speak, the words sounding too loud to me, but I ignored my embarrassment and demanded the rain to stop. I felt it in my gut, I wanted it to stop. I craved the feel of sunlight on my face, not the shadow of clouds across the sky. I kept my eyes open until the last word was uttered, and seconds later, before I had chance to lower my arms, the clouds suddenly parted and a slither of a golden ray spread down from its peephole, its beacon falling into the garden where we stood. I looked at the old lady and grinned. She returned my smile, hers less toothy than mine, and we clutched each other's hands as the breeze gently swept in, moving the blackened clouds across the sky until only the blue azure was visible.

"I did it!" I whispered. "I really did it."

"Yes you did." The lady laughed. "I never doubted you for a moment."

"Who are you?" I asked my smile still in place. She had been kind and I felt I could trust her. "I feel like I know you."

"Indeed you do," she chuckled. "But in another form, perhaps."

"Form?"

Before I could question her again, she swept her hand over face, from chin to forehead, and as her palm moved slowly across her features, they changed. The wrinkles adorning her neck and cheeks vanished and her skin became smooth and creamy. Her lips, puckered together with lines, became full and soft, her teeth white and plentiful. Her eyes widened and the laughter lines creasing their edges faded, until the deep blue iris of eyes the colour of violets stared back at me, her lashes thick and dark.

I stared incredulous as the real beauty of the woman before me transformed the frailty of the lady she was.

"Irina?" I whispered.

She nodded, smiling, and held out her arms where I rushed inside their safety and held my aunt tightly.

"What are you doing here?" I cried.

"I followed Charlie. He was gone for weeks and I was so afraid for you both, Bella. I had to come. But I got lost and learnt of this place from a tribe in the forest. I mentioned your name and they said they knew of you and led me here. I had to take on a guise because I knew you were a prisoner and accused of witchcraft.

"I was shocked because I didn't know you had finally learnt of your heritage. It was easier to be pretend to be a weary traveller and find accommodations in return for chores. These people were very kind to me." Irina gestured to the house and the women hidden by its walls.

"I'm so glad you're here," I told her. She had been the closest thing to a mother to me, helping Charlie raise me and teaching me about life. I had missed her terribly.

"How did you do that?" I asked her.

She knew I meant her guise as an elderly lady. "It's not hard, and surprisingly, it's more about persona than magic."

"What do you mean?"

"If I carry myself as a frail old woman, and wear clothes that depict me as such, will you and everyone else then see a young beautiful woman, or will you see an old lady, with a face weathering the difficulties of life?"

"It's a trick then?"

"Yes, of sorts."

"But you had wrinkles, I saw them."

Irina pretended to look offended than laughed. "I cast an illusionist spell, Bella. I wanted you to see an old woman and that's what you saw. Every person out there who looked at me probably saw something a little different, but also the same thing; a pensioner. It wasn't until I wanted you to see the real me that you were able too."

"James mentioned something like this when he first took me prisoner. He said I could be an old woman in the guise of a beautiful temptress. I didn't know who I was back then so thought his words crazy. You have to teach me."

"I will, now you know about who you are." Irina looked down at the book still lying in the grass at my feet. "The Book of Shadows," she sighed.

I nodded. "Charlie had it with him."

"And where is your father?" Irina looked concerned. She hadn't seen him in months and knew nothing of his health or safety.

"He's fine," I smiled, clasping her hands in mine. "He's staying in the castle. I have rooms there."

"Rooms?" She asked and I realised we had so much to catch up on.

"Let's go see him and we can talk as we go," I suggested. I picked up the book and took it back inside. The whole place smelt like a kitchen should, with freshly baked bread resting on the tables, and pies cooling on the window ledge. The garden outside the front door was alive with activity, boars turning on spits held above pits of hot coals. My stomach groaned at the aromas, but as much as I felt hungry, imagining the taste made me feel nauseas. I was starting to feel troubled by my lack of appetite and made a mental note to talk to Carlisle about it another time.

I introduced Mary Alice to my aunt and they hugged as if old friends. I explained where we were going and bid Mary Alice goodbye, promising to return before Edward and Hale got back.

As we walked, I told Irina everything; all about my journey since leaving home, how I had been arrested and tortured and how James had used me in the worst way possible. I told her about Edward and how he had saved me, and how I had fallen in love with him and was fortunate that he returned the sentiment.

My eyes danced as I spoke of him, I couldn't keep the delight out of my voice; she could hear my feelings in every word I spoke.

"He must be a very special man," she mused.

"More than you realise," I ventured. Irina paused and turned me around to look at her.

"I know your keeping something back," she told me.

I nodded and swallowed. "Please don't judge him," I begged her.

Irina looked hurt and I hurried on, covering my words with the truth. "Edward is no man," I said. "He is a Vampire."

Irina stayed motionless for a moment, contemplating my words. She seemed neither shocked nor afraid and I waited patiently for her response.

"A Vampire?" She asked and as I nodded in confirmation she broke out into laughter, but she didn't sound happy; she sounded hysterical. "A Vampire? He's a Vampire!"

"Yes, Irina. What on earth...?"

"You fool," she hissed. "You can't be in love with a Vampire. He only wants to hurt you, to drain you. Their only thought is of blood!"

"Edward's not like that," I tried.

"Of coursed he is."

"No Irina, he really isn't. Right now he's forming a group of guards to go to the caves and free the other prisoners."

"Forming an army?"

"Yes. No, not a Vampire army. Irina, you're twisting my words."

"You're confused." Irina stepped forward, stroking my face, her words were meant to offer me comfort but she riled me instead. She hadn't met him and now she judged him. I shook my head, trying to stop her from talking. "He's hypnotised you, Bella. They call it 'glamour,' they lull you into a false sense of security – all he wants –"

"No. No, Irina, you don't understand. Edward isn't like that, he's kind and gentle and brave –"

"Bella," she fought to be heard as did I over her protestations. Our reunion was now marred by our disagreement. We stood close to my rooms and I feared our raised voices would rouse Charlie. I wanted his reunion with Irina to be as happy as mine was. "You must disentangle yourself from this monster –"

I covered my ears and shook my head more erratically. "Irina, Irina, no – he's not like that – he's not – he's not."

Irina gripped my hands and pulled them off my ears. "You don't understand!" I hissed at her.

"Don't I?" She venomously challenged me. Lifting her hand to her dress, she unbuttoned the bodice and drew it down, exposing the top of her breast. There, placed high on the swell, resting close to her nipple were the puncture wounds of a Vampire's bite.

I stared at the marks, disbelieving. "I understand more than you realise," she whispered. "I know what they do to you, how they make you fall, and I fell hard, Bella. I thought he loved me too, he promised me forever, and when he had drained me and left me for dead, I still wasn't convinced he had lied to me. Don't be a fool, child, and listen to me –"

"He's not like that," I whispered. "Ask anyone, ask Charlie, they'll tell you, he's kind – he's –" My words caught in my throat as I stepped back, away from her.

The door swinging open behind us stilled our argument. Irina deftly covered her breast and ran at Charlie with a smile on her face. She flung her arms around his neck as he stood in shock before relenting and wrapping his around her in return.

"Irina?"

"Oh Charlie, I'm so happy to see you."

"Irina, what are you doing here?"

They pulled apart but kept their arms around the other. Charlie guided her into his rooms and Irina followed gladly. As we stepped inside I noticed Edward and Hale were also there. Hale stood beside the fire and Edward, with his back to the window. He opened his arms for me and I rushed at him. He smiled but behind his eyes I could see he'd heard everything that had transpired in the hallway.

Irina knew instantly who he was and her demeanour changed again. "Charlie, what is he doing here?"

Charlie looked between us all, confused by her tone. "Edward?" He asked and Irina nodded. "He's here to help us, Irina."

"I don't trust him. You shouldn't let him anywhere near her."

"Irina!" Charlie's tone changed too. He stepped forward and touched her shoulder, beseeching her to look at him. She tore her gaze away from Edward and stared at Charlie. "I do trust him, and so does Bella, and that's all that matters!"

"But Charlie, I know of their kind –"

Charlie held his hand up to stop her. "I have known you a long time, Irina, and without you, I don't know what I would've done when Renee passed. I know you wouldn't act like this without just cause, but please, listen to me when I tell you, Edward can be trusted."

Irina glanced back over at Edward. Her eyes swept over my hand on his chest and his draped protectively around my shoulder. She looked over at Hale, who simply nodded in agreement with Charlie and then back at my father again.

"He's tricked you all," she whispered.

Edward made no move to approach her and I wondered at his hesitation. He was intently watching her as she stared back at him. I remained silent and still, knowing he could read her mind and whatever he saw in there may convey that this woman was no threat to him, not really. I just prayed she would soon come to learn that Edward was no danger to her.

They both stayed motionless for the longest time. No one else spoke, we all just watched these two very important people in our lives, as they summed up the other. Irina seemed to wrestle with her thoughts, her eyes showing a myriad of emotions and Edward struggled to not react to what he witnessed.

Her face eventually settled. The look of despair evident as she hung her head and finally broke their eye contact.

"I'm sorry," Edward whispered. It was all he said, but as Irina nodded, we realised it was enough.

I didn't know if Irina understood what had transgressed between them. I hadn't told her of his ability to read her thoughts, but in the silence they had shared, it seemed they both understood more than we had.

"What are you doing here?" I asked Edward, keeping my voice low as Charlie led Irina to the chair beside the fire.

"I came to collect your father," he replied. "His wish is to come with us,"

I didn't want my father to go to the caves but how could I argue when I myself had talked Edward into letting me tag along?

"Shall we?" Hale walked to the door and motioned for us to leave. We filed out and walked back to Carlisle's home together. Hale led the group, he was eager to see Mary Alice again.

I clutched at Edward's hand and felt saddened by the reunion with Irina. I wanted to ask Edward what he'd seen in her mind, and why he'd apologised, but I felt as though questioning him would be intrusive to them both.

As we approached Carlisle's home, the scene unfolding before us left me speechless. The garden was filled with men. They were either sitting or standing but all were eating and talking easily with each other. The ladies, who had prepared their meal, weaved between the traffic of men, serving more onto their already piled plates.

Despite the air of trepidation oozing from each of them, they chatted and appeared in high spirits. Edward led me indoors and then excused himself and went back out. He appeared again, moments later with a plate of food and placed it in front of me. I smiled at him sheepishly, and gingerly picked up a slice of apple.

My mouth felt dry and I thought of the sweet juice wetting my tongue as I nibbled the crunchy fruit, it appealed to my senses until I actually tasted it. I continued to chew while Edward watched me thoughtfully, as I struggled to gulp down my mouthful.

"Bella?" He raised an eyebrow as I held up a hand, asking him silently to wait. I finally managed to swallow past the lump blocking my throat and replaced the half eaten slice back on the plate.

"I'm sorry, I'm just not hungry," I explained.

"You haven't eaten in days," he argued. "You don't think I notice?"

"I'm not hungry," I whispered. How could I explain to him that food no longer appealed to me when I didn't really understand it myself?

Taking my hand, he led me to the bedroom. "What's wrong?" He asked, brushing my hair over my shoulder.

"I told you."

"Bella, I understand you need to eat and sleep, and as I care about you, I notice when you miss out on one of those vital requirements. But you can't eat." It was a statement.

"Edward, I don't really want to discuss my eating habits," I pressed my palm up against his chest; it was hard and still beneath my touch. I knew if he was human my hand would be feeling the steady beat of his heart.

I recognised the inappropriate turn my thoughts had taken, but suddenly my body craved more than food, so I threw caution to the wind. In the morning we would leave for the caves and I wanted, no, I needed, to be with him, in body and soul.

I slowly unbuttoned his shirt, feeling bold as he watched me. In all the times Edward and I had consummated our love for each other, it had been either his move or a mutual desire that led us both. Only right now, it was all me. I slipped my hand inside once the buttons were open. His chest was solid and smooth and my palm brushed against him easily. I allowed my hand to follow the contours of his chest, down towards his pelvis and then back up so I could tug the shirt off his shoulders. I lightly danced my fingers back down and across the waistband of his trousers.

Edward sucked in his breath, as if the light touch of my warm fingers tickled him and I smiled, enjoying his reaction. His hands remained at his sides and I felt all the more aroused for the lack of contact.

The promise of his ministrations, the anticipation of his kiss; they were my aphrodisiac.

As I unfastened his trousers, I moved my face slightly forward and licked at his nipple, which was level with my eyes. I glanced up at him and the sight of his mouth slightly open with desire, floored me. I shuddered and felt my own nipples pucker as his eyes blazed with a need I completely understood.

"I know there are better moments for acts like this, Edward, but I hope you'll forgive me. I need you so much," I told him, my voice low and to my surprise, slightly husky. I was excited with the knowledge of what I was about to do.

As I pushed his trousers off his hips and down his legs, I followed their descent until I knelt on my knees, facing his erection. My hands gripped his thighs as I moved towards him. With only my lips, I tugged him gently into my mouth and felt my stomach tighten as he groaned; the heat of my mouth sheathing him, wetting him with my tongue.

I pulled his hips towards me and took him in deeper, until I could feel his tip at the back of my throat. He felt amazing and I pulled back slowly, so my lips dragged up along the length of him. I licked his tip and started my descent again.

"Bella," he groaned, his hands twitching at his sides. I didn't want him to touch me as I wasn't done with him yet.

I started to move a little faster, the slickness of my mouth had moistened him, making the motion easier each time he filled me.

I couldn't resist looking up at him, and it was worthwhile. His head was thrown back and his mouth was open as he gently thrust his hips in time with my head. I felt myself grow wet at the sight of him, he was close to coming and it thrilled me.

I caught a drop of something sweet secrete from him, and it tasted like amber nectar. I sucked harder and willed him to do it again. More drops dripped from his tip until suddenly, his hands reached out and grabbed the bed posts behind us. The gossamer curtains that trailed from the four posts, billowed softly in the breeze from the window. I felt them brush against my back and the softness added to my pleasure, my nerves heightened by the taste of him.

His hands gripped the posts tighter as I stilled my head and felt him release his sweet poison. I swallowed and moaned at the satisfaction his fluid gave me; it soothed my throat. I hadn't been able to stomach any food, but had still felt hunger reminding me that I did still needed nutrition. It never occurred to me Edward's venom would be my sustenance.

With a growl he quickly lifted me by my arms and placed me on the bed. I rolled off my back and onto my side, lifting my leg, and without hesitation Edward entered me, making me gasp with the sheer force of it. He was still erect and I was thankful he was my Vampire.

He thrust faster and harder, and I could feel every magnificent inch of him as he slid out of me and then back again. I rested my upper leg on his shoulder and the lower, I wrapped around his hips, my heel pressing into his buttocks, his cheeks flexing with each plunge.

I felt so alive and incredibly aroused. Watching him from below, I lifted my hands and cupped my breasts, kneading them softly and tugging on my tight nipples, just as his hands would've done should the position allow.

He seemed to enjoy being the voyeur and I remember the time in the cells when the bars combined with Edward's bloodlust had separated us. We'd enjoyed the sight of each other and the vivid memory recall had me moaning with delight.

I shifted one hand down between my legs, and lifting the top one, I re-positioned it so I was completely open to him and to me. My fingers found my clit easily, it was swollen and raised, peeping out from my lips like a curious bud, and the sensitivity blew my mind.

I let my head fall back as I flicked it and felt Edward's hands let go off me as he struggled to reign in his passion, afraid to bruise me.

"Don't stop," I cooed and felt him quicken his pace. He groaned and stilled his hips, clutching at the posts either side of his head, the wood groaned in protestation but I was too far gone to care. I felt my body shudder around him.

"Look at me," he whispered, his voice insistent, urgent.

I opened my eyes and watched as he let his second orgasm claim him and mine carried on, the pulsing burst of pleasure flowed over my arms and legs, claiming my fingers and toes as I felt completely overwhelmed by the vigour of my own.

One of the posts started to crumble in his hand, the splintered wood spraying over the bed and floor, and laughing at his unbridled display of passion, I collapsed back onto the bed as Edward moved to my side, lying close and trailing his fingers over my ribs. He covered the fragments of wood with his own body, their shards too frail to pierce his impenetrable skin.

"I love you," I told him as sleep drew closer.

I felt his hand still just above my hip and I looked down to see him studying the faint scar left by James' blade.

"It's healed quickly," I acknowledged and he nodded.

"In time it will get even quicker," he murmured as he flattened his palm on my stomach. The coolness of his skin felt nice on my clammy body.

"What do you mean?" I asked him, stifling a yawn.

He smiled and deftly changed the subject. "I heard you had a breakthrough with a spell today."

I turned my head to look at him fully. "Who did you hear it from?" I was worried till I remembered only Irina had witnessed my spell and Edward had had access to her mind.

"Irina," I said.

"She's very proud of you," he told me. I couldn't help but smile at this. It pleased me to know she had regard for me, regardless of my chosen beau. "Show me something?" He asked.

"Like what?" I laughed and sat up on my elbows, swinging my legs over the side of the bed.

"Anything," he replied.

I thought for a moment then decided on a simplistic spell I'd studied before the weather spell. Just like that one, this also required no supplies except my voice. I sat up fully and cupped my hands in front of me and uttered the words three times.

"Illustro, accendo, illustro, accendo, illustro, accendo," I steadied my voice and spoke the last word quieter than the others, just as my mother's notes had guided me to do, imagining what I was casting would work.

As soon as it was quiet in the room again, the only sound my breathing, a small blue ball of light burst open in my palm. It lit up the room with a beautiful pale cerulean glow.

Edward smiled and reached out tentatively to touch the sphere. It reacted to his touch, almost fizzing and growing slightly in size until he removed his finger and it settled back into a perfect circle again.

"Amazing," he whispered.

"I hadn't tried this one yet, so you can imagine how happy I am that it worked."

Edward laughed. "How do you switch it off?"

My smile froze "I have no idea!" I admitted.

He laughed again, "Just try closing your hand," he suggested.

I nodded and clasped my hands together, completely shielding the light, casting us both back into shadow. I felt the ball grow smaller and smaller until I was confident it had disappeared altogether.

I looked at him with glee and he kissed me. His lips teasing mine open as he eased me back down onto the bed. He moved to my throat and kissed me under my ear before pulling away and holding me against his chest. I expected to feel chilled by both my nakedness and his touch, but to my surprise and delight, I only felt comfortable next to him.

"Sleep well, my love," he said softly and my drowsy mind complied as I relaxed into sweet dreams, quickly praying to the new God's and Goddess's, that the journey in the morning, be a safe and happy one.

E/N's: Thank you so much for being patient with me and allowing me my week respite. x

How many of you have seen New Moon and what did you think? I've seen it twice, both in the same day lol. I know, I know, I'm Robsessed, and I absolutely loved it!

I would also like to thank AngstGoddess003 for her recognition of my Jasper One Shot 'Last Request' on The Lazy Yet Discerning Ficster. If you didn't see the rec or haven't read my one shot, the links are on my profile. Please go read, she says such lovely things and I was so excited I was shaking! She also made me a banner which I adore. You can see this on TLYDF blog and over at my Spellbound thread (AU) on Twilighted (dot) net.

Come and say hello to me and other fellow Fic Fans on Facebook. The group is called 'FanFicAholics Anon' and when you introduce yourself on the discussion board, tell them I sent you! (Ok as I'm admin you'll be telling me but I still love to 'meet' fellow fic readers.

I love reviews by the way, just in case you didn't know :o)