A/N – Thank you, once again, for reading and reviewing my story. I've had so many amazing comments, I honestly can't begin to convey how happy they make me feel. So, all I will say is… please continue to read, and if you feel inclined, please review! Thank you. ES.

Chapter 35 – Bella

APOV

I watched Bella intently until her eye lids fluttered, and slowly closed.

I was in a complete state of bliss.

And jubilation.

The euphoric moment Bella had cried out my name… how elated I had felt.

Me.

She had cried out my name.

And she had given herself to me, freely and without restraint.

Me.

A Vampire.

We were united now.

Mentally, emotionally, and physically.

Nothing could divide us, our very souls were aligned and nobody could separate or sever our bond.

Especially Jake.

My mind wandered back to the kiss.

The way he had lent in, and claimed Bella's lips with his own.

For a split second, alarm had run through me – what if she responded to him? What if she changed her mind about me?

But as she pushed him away, I knew I would never question Bella again.

I also knew I was moments away from striking Jake with a fist that was clenched, ready to do my bidding.

How dare he kiss her…

I saw it, momentarily. Oh, I was small, but I was also strong and powerful and the image that fluttered into my mind showed me exactly what damage and hurt I could inflict on Jake…

Had Bella not composed my shaking form... I shuddered at the prospect.

So much had happened, that afternoon.

Perhaps my mind was too preoccupied with Jake, and Bella, and that kiss….

I wasn't naturally absent minded. Or easily distracted.

But I had been then.

So intent on removing Bella from Jake, I had missed the scent, missed the presence of another…

A Vampire.

Bella stirred in her sleep, as my name escaped her soft lips.

Would she have been in danger had Jake not sensed the other vampire, hiding – possibly watching the display before them? Would I still have been oblivious to the menace that lay in hiding if Jake hadn't been there?

I slowly shook my head, hoping the movement would somehow displace my thoughts and concerns.

Bella was all that mattered.

Despite my initial blindness, nothing would have hurt Bella – I simply wouldn't have allowed it to. Bella had redeemed my broken soul and saved me. Nothing would ever harm her. Nothing.

I watched as she snuggled closer to me. The warmth she was emitting comforted me liked nothing I had ever felt before. Slowly, I pulled the cover over her naked body, marvelling at her sleeping form.

She was exquisite.

She felt, looked and tasted magnificent and as she stirred again, I could feel my emotions heighted – I wanted her again….

Slowly, I tried to extract myself from her, but as I pulled away, her arms tightened on my torso.

I felt a smile appear on my face; obviously Bella had other ideas, even in slumber.

Gently, I kissed her forehead, and then her lips as she sighed and rolled her leg across me.

Heat stirred in my stomach.

This was going to be harder than I thought, my mind raced, as Bella sighed again "Alice…."

"Tease" I whispered into her ear, before snuggling down next to her.

I simply wanted Bella.

Living.

Breathing.

Safe.

As if sensing my thoughts, Bella moved her face closer to mine, her eyes still closed. I couldn't resist her as I lent across and brushed her lips with my own.

Stop it, Alice; a soft voice in my mind scolded me.

Bella needed her sleep.

But a low moan escaped her lips, and before I could move back I found myself encircles in her arms tighter than before.

And then her eyes opened.

And she spoke softly.

"Let me love you, Alice".

Bella's words caused an ache deep inside me that I hadn't felt for a lifetime.

"Bella" I heard myself moan as her tongue captured my words, my mouth, my breath…

Slowly she lifted herself, then. I followed, only to be eased by her delicate fingers back onto the bed. I felt myself swallow hard, a slight trace of venom trickling down my throat.

"How do you feel?" she asked, all previous traces of uncertainty now vanishing as she smiled above me.

"I want you." I answered, although my voice sounded hoarse.

Smiling, she settled herself on top of me.

"My turn" she whispered, as a growl escaped my lips, my attempt at gaining some form of control.

When her hand brushed against the sensitivity of my straining nipples, I felt myself buckle.

"Bella" I heard myself sigh as her lips closed over one of my aching nipples. Her mouth and tongue played until the crescendo of excitement built beyond tolerance.

I could feel myself losing control; I had to feel Bella, touch her… gently my fingers moved across her back as she continued to lick my nipple. My mind, possibly for the first time, was filled with one thing and one thing only – Bella.

"Bella, I need you" I heard myself rasp as her lips brushed across my own. I needed to feel more as my hand wandered down to the tautness of her buttocks. Squeezing gently, a smile appeared on my lips as I felt Bella moan against my tongue.

Bella soon returned the favour as her hand moved with determination downwards towards my core. I could feel her smile against my mouth as her finger reached my heat.

With another growl her name escaped my lips… "Bella…."

With more urgency, Bella's lips moved over every inch of my face and neck, kissing and tasting. Again, I cried out as she inserted another finger deep within me, rocking gently at first before thrusting deeper.

Bella was sending me into frenzy, my need burning as she looked into my eyes with that smile I loved so very much playing on her lips.

"I love you" she whispered as her expert fingers continued to caress my core.

I was spiralling out of control.

The animal urge deep within me cried out in a shout of release.

"I love you" I murmured helplessly against Bella's throat as I climaxed.

Gently Bella lifted herself upwards and looked at me again with that rueful smile.

The scent of our lovemaking filled the air. The scent of an aroused Bella almost made me cry out again.

Bella had made love to me as if I was something infinitely precious.

"You're crying" I heard her gasp, as one tear ran down my cheek.

I felt my eyes blink a few times.

No, this wasn't possible…

Bella placed a finger to my cheek and gently moved away the tear; bringing it to her lips she tasted it.

"I can't… we don't cry……" I answered, confusion playing at my mind.

"Taste" she replied, as she placed the same finger to my lips.

Salt.

It tasted like salt…

"You made me cry" I responded, my voice still bewildered.

"Did I hurt you? Did I do something wrong…." She asked, fear laced in every word.

Slowly I sat up, and kissed the tip of her finger.

"Bella Swan, you did everything right… don't you see? You make me more human… oh Bella, I love you so very much….."

Bella smiled and returned to my side, snuggling in closer to me. I could feel her warm body as her fingers encircled my own. Placing a kiss on my neck, she whispered "You're the only one I shall ever love" before her eyes closed and sleep claimed her.

Yes, I simply wanted Bella….

For eternity.