CHAPTER 38 - HIKING

Andrew Belle – In My Veins

Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out
Oh, you're all I taste
At night inside of my mouth
Oh, you run away
'Cause I am not what you found
Oh, you're in my veins
And I cannot get you out

A/N: Hope you're all having a great week. Got a few snow days at the moment so I'm over the moon. Anyway, thank you to all the reviews. Hope you enjoy this update.

We had been driving for a while and I had cuddled up into the chair and watched him manoeuvre the car. Every move that he made seemed to add to my fascination and I had been so enthralled with him that I had not realised where he was driving until now.

"This is not the way to my house, is it?" my forced chuckle was laced with my fear as my frantic eyes watched as the forest whipped past us.

I could not help the fear that was triggered when I took in the strange surroundings that were unfamiliar to me. Knowing this was what drove my knee to begin it's rapid bouncing. Edward only made me jump further when he placed his hand onto my knee but I found reason and was able to relax under his calming touch.

Once I found reason, I also found that I was disgusted with myself for doubting him but for the past few years, I had taught myself not to trust anyone.

This only reminded me of my wish of not wanting to be so broken – maybe then I would be worthy of someone as deserving as Edward Cullen.

Edward deserved more than a broken toy. He deserved someone that could give themselves to him and give their complete trust to him. He couldn't care for someone as damaged as me – no one could.

"I thought I would take you to a special place of mine" he removed me from the shadowed thoughts wit the unease within his tone. I looked towards him in question of the unexpected shyness that lowered his words. I caught how his eyes would occasionally peek at me, probably gauging my reaction so I decided to stay calm and hope that he too would relax from his rigid posture.

Keeping myself emotionless, I tranquilly asked, "Where?"

Neither of us could miss the excitement in my voice which was due to the prospect knowing that he trusted me enough to take me to a place that was his.

Finally his blank expression fell as a relived smile tugged up the corner of his lips and he cryptically murmured, "Just a place tucked away into the woods" after he answered, the car began to slow down as he steered the car off the road and onto the side that was closer to the crowding trees. "It is a bit of a hike though" he added.

When the engine died and he pulled out the key, I remained still and decided to breach out. Fluttering my eyelids closed, I placed my palms onto my thighs before releasing my mind so it could connect with the forest outside.

The earth's energy was strong and compelling and my senses were alert, picking up the different sounds within the awakened forest. Slow padding of deer's hooves…quivering of the braches…low whistling of the breeze…drumming of a bird's heartbeat…each swift flap of its wing as it soared across the afternoon sk-

"Someone's eager" Edward's husky tone shook me away from my trance and I opened my eyes to find that I was already outside. Spinning around, I found that the parked Volvo was about two metres away from us which meant that I had unconsciously let myself out and began to follow the energy that led me.

Not wanting to risk him thinking I was insane, I simply shrugged, "Guess I am" forcing a smile as I clutched the – well his jacket closer to me and wanting it to completely envelop me.

Edward wasn't going to let it go because he peered down at me with a puzzled look, "You seemed to be in some kind of…" he paused seeming lost for words before finally concluding, "trance?"

No longer wanting to hide from him, I sighed, "Having the power of elemental manipulation means that every time I am close to one of the elements, I sort of…lose control over myself" voicing the heavy words helped in lifting another burden. It was nice to talk to someone about this, "It may be a force of habit but I began to reach out-" breaking off when I wasn't sure how to explain this without making a fool of myself, "well, more like I was trying to connect with the earth"

He seemed struck speechless for a few seconds and his intense gaze bore into mine and I wondered what he could possibly be thinking at that moment and it was like he was reading my mind because he unexpectedly answered my thoughts, "You are an amazing creature" an infectious grin on his face.

With a blush rising to my cheek, I ignored my embarrassment and reached down to entwine my fingers with his, "I could say the same" murmuring my reply and I was proved wrong in thinking he couldn't possibly be any happier that he seemed to be in that moment.

Something was then decided within his thoughts because he now had determination hardening his eyes as he tugged onto my hand, "Come on" he urged and I complied, secretly knowing that I would follow him anyway he wanted to go.

-XxxxX-

We had been hiking through the forest - taking our time with each step that we took. I mean - sure we could have used our natural speed but it was nice to prolong our time together because we had spent the past two hours exchanging stories, teasing each other and learning more about each other.

He had quizzed me on every aspect of my life but was thankfully had been kind enough to not mention my period in Italy. Instead he asked me of my childhood memories, my parents, my friends and had almost gone into shock when I told him that I had once met with Columbus and that I had also walked with Geoffrey Chaucer or the fact that I knew William Shakespeare when he was no more than a mere age of seven. My stories seemed to enthral him as he listened with piqued interest and did not dare to interrupt. It was nice knowing that he cared enough to listen.

I wanted to ask about his childhood and his upbringing but never gave me the chance because he then began to question what I liked and what I didn't like. He asked about my favourite place and I told him it was England because of the landscapes. He then asked about my favourite colour to which I informed him was cerulean and he laughed at how specific I was. He asked of my favourite food – pancakes; favourite book – couldn't choose because I had read far too many in my lifetime. He then asked about my favourite movie and I admitted that I hadn't really watched any which evidently put an end to that conversation.

I didn't blame him for his question – it was a mistake that anybody could have made and I was only annoyed with myself for causing him to become distressed.

Wanting to get rid of the frown lines being formed onto his forehead, I changed the subject, "You know…" my voice seemed to work because he snapped his head up and cast a fleeting glance towards me so I felt encouraged to continue, "I have read news stories and seen movies about situations like these"

He faltered, deliberating something before inclining his head towards me, "What situation?"

Happy that I was able to remove him from his guilt, I continued, "You know…the boy tells the girl to go to follow him into the forest…" trailing off when I saw the understanding flood him.

"Well I am not just a guy…" he stopped walking, causing me to lose my balance when trying not to crash into him but he was quick to hold me in place. His arm was now wrapped around my waist and a smirk was on his lips as he leaned in close, "…and you are not just a girl" a twinkle in his topaz eyes before the smirk was stretched into an amused smile, "And I would be extremely idiotic to try anything after witnessing what you can do with fire" he finished and I returned the smile.

Once we started walking through the forest again, I couldn't help but blurt out, "Are we almost there?" my anticipation for what he was about to show me had unfortunately brought my impatience.

He chuckled, "Actually yes" he then began to push through several trees that were particular more closed in that the rest. His hold on my hand, tightening as we delved further into the darker part of the forest. In any other case, I would have been scared but I found solace knowing that he was holding on to me.

As we pushed through, I caught sight of the luminous glow that grew more profound with each step that we took, "Is that…?" I murmured but my question was left unanswered but he did squeeze my hand. I took that as a confirmation and found that I had now picked up some speed and quickened my pace, taking larger strides so that I was now in front of Edward. He was no longer leading me because I was the one now pulling him along.

Pushing through the forest, my hold on Edward's hand broke as I stumbled into a completely different world to the darkness that had once engulfed us.

The clearing, although small was populated with hundreds of different wildflowers all scattered but the aroma blended was so intoxicating that it overwhelmed my senses. Soft white bearded heaths, blue flaxes but it was largely composed of the purple lupins that filled the meadow. A few butterflies danced around the clearing and their different colored wings were glistening under the bright sun rays that fell onto the open space.

Still mesmerized, I numbly stalked through the velvet grass and felt as each blade gently grazed my thighs. Allowing my hands to fall by my side, I let my fingers brush through the flowers and the grass beneath me while breathing in the air but something hit me and I knew that something was missing.

Edward.

I felt at lost without his touch and I spun around with the determination of fixing that but was staggered when I caught how he was awkwardly standing under a large tree's shade. His eyes were not on me but were warily fixated onto the sun above us and I finally understood what he was worried about.

Taking a step towards him, his stare flashed towards me and a fear crashed into his eyes as he took a step back. The shame written on his face only distressed me further so I stopped where I was and called out to him, "Don't hide" using the words that he had once used on me, "You don't have to hide from me" I promised.

He continued to read me, watching me carefully before taking a hesitant step forwards but then stopped and squeezed his eyes shut. His jaw clenched and his hand clenched into a fist as he fought with himself.

He needed me…

Flashing before him, I gently trailed my fingers up his cheek which made him snap his eyes open in surprise as he had not expected my forwardness. Still feeling brazen, I slid my fingers down to his hand and pried open his fist in order for me to entwine our fingers together.

Taking a step back, I was slow when pulling him with me out of the shadows. My touch seemed to have a similar effect because he was calmer now and had his eyes trained onto me as he complied to what I wanted.

With one more step, we were both under the sun and I gasped.

Seeing Edward under the sun was a completely new experience and I don't think I could handle keeping away from him anymore. Like any other vampire, his pale white skin now glittered like a crystal. Every inch of his skin that was now exposed to the sun, sparkled as the bright sunrays were reflected on his scintillating skin. Even though I had seen this before, I never thought anything of it but with Edward, every other vampire paled to his radiance.

I found his eyes which were still trained onto mine as he gauged my reaction, probably expecting me to run but there was no turning back for me anymore – only moving forwards. Tracing his cheek lightly with my fingertips, I wistfully sighed, "álainn"

"I hope that's a positive thing?" his smile faltered.

I moved my fingers up to smooth out the creases on his forehead, my eyes never leaving his as I replied, "That was Irish for beautiful" once the words left my mouth and I saw how his eyebrows shot up, I felt the expected embarrassment wash through me so I took a step away from him and turned to the meadow. "Just like this place" I whispered, back being awestruck although it had no comparison to Edward. "This is really beautiful" I murmured, knowing that it meant a lot to him but I still wondered why he would share it with me.

"You like it?" he had stepped closer to me and I involuntarily leaned back which is why he was quick to bring his arms round to circle my waist. He had bowed his head so that he could rest his chin onto my shoulder. All I could think of was how happy I was to know that he was comfortable enough to act so naturally with me.

Looking back to the magnificence of the meadow, I grinned, "I love it"

He moved around me and intentionally stroked my arm, "Come" he instructed in a gentle voice and my gaze followed him as he laid down onto the grass but then propped himself up on his elbows so that he could pat the space next to him, "Sit with me" he suggested. However when I made no move to walk towards him, he gave an adorable pout and lolled his head to the side, "I don't bite"

I placed a hand on my hip and narrowed my eyes at the statement because the irony was not lost on me. He knew this because he smiled at me, "Okay, wrong thing to say" he admitted with a melodious laugh and brought himself up so he was now sitting up. "Correction - I won't bite you" he amended.

Childishly, I stretched out my pinkie, "Promise" even though he chuckled; he still looped his finger with mine and nodded in reply.

Before I could stop him, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me so that I landed down onto his front. With a laugh, I slapped his arm and rolled off his muscled chest so that I could land on the grass next to him. "I love it here" I sighed, cuddling up closer to him. "It's safe here" murmuring it more quietly.

"You are safe here" he comforted me when wrapping his arm around me and pulling me close to his side. I laid my head onto his muscled chest and enjoyed having his fingers play with my hair. "You're safe with me" he sighed again and I felt his chest rise and fall beneath me. It was calming.

I believed him.

A/N: You all want the kiss. I know that but you have to remember that Bella's boundaries have been violated and she can't exactly jump into such a big step.

cecilia4059 – I've know many Jennys in my life. Moving on - Bella has goodness in her and she tries to maintain it which is why she doesn't dwell on the bad. Plus she is fascinated by werewolves and she wants to be his friend. Then again, Bella also knows about the vampire/werewolf feud so maybe she sympathizes with Jacob. Don't worry, he won't get in the way. Thanks for the review and for reading. Hope you enjoyed this update.

Joda-Eragonsson – I'm just glad that you're still reading and you reviewed. Jake will try to get between them but it will not work. Bella may/may not end up setting him straight.

Horses-are-my-life – Back to the wonderful life of Storybrooke. I love Jorge Garcia because I was a LOST fan so I was happy to see him as the Anton. Anyway, thanks for the review and for reading.

Valentine Rain – Jacob won't be able to get between these two lovebirds. Thank you and thank you again for reading and reviewing.

Twilight Rocker 12 – If you like the BxE – hope you enjoyed this update. I agree that Jacob is a douche. Makes me so happy that you still love the story. Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Multi-Fandom-Lover123 – Tried to write up this update as quick as I could. More BxE moments coming up soon. Hope you liked this update – another chapter is coming up soon. Thanks for the awesome review and for reading. Can't believe you're saying thank you – I should be the one saying thank you for your amazing support.

jbrjaw27 – Edward still doubts that Bella cares for vampires. Edward and Bella do need a pep squad. There will be more 'communication' between the two in the next chapter. Your reviews made me laugh. I want to throw you a 'bone' but at the same time I'm putting myself in both their mindset. Bella a person who's been hurt by vampires in too many way isn't exactly going to start rushing things. All these feelings are new to the both of them so all I ask is please…be patient.

BelovedSunshine – Thank you for reading and reviewing. More intense stuff coming up soon and I hope you're ready.

IzzyPure – Appreciate your honesty – understand if you're bored but there's nothing I can do. Hopefully you'll enjoy what I have planned.

Strange thing for FootGuy to suddenly stop talking to you but at least he's talking to you again. Wait – you called him Ray. Is that his name – Ray? If it is…I like it.

Very poetic description – favourite line was "warm caramel flowed through me" – intense stuff Izzy. Also yes, I do think you should spread some hints if you're a Valentines girl. Don't give out 'over-the-top' hints. Keep it low key. Maybe ask him what he's doing for valentines – although that does sound over-the-top.

It's good that you have a friend you feel comfortable enough to share your feelings. I'm more of a lock and key type of person – take it out on my punch bag. Intense description – I'm really sorry about what you're going through but even my apology doesn't feel enough. Really sorry about what you're going through and I hope you have someone close is supporting you.

Not going to judge you for touching a mustache – I touched someone's beard and it was not a dare. Moving on to a Grown up moment: parents are hypocritical but only coz they love you. My mum's the same – got a B+ in Biology and I got so much BS from my mum, even though she got C. Anyway, just to make sure you don't break down during the week – I updated. Hope this put you at peace.

A/N: Thank you all to the incredible reviews. Reviews are better than snow days, furry blankets and hot chocolate.