Hi guys, next chapter for your reading pleasure. Thanks so much for all the likes and reviews, I'm so pleased with how the story is being received. This chapter covers a lot of ground regarding the relationships between the characters so as always comments are appreciated.

I have also been checking ahead and we have up to chapter 12 fully written, edited and ready to go. After that there is a gap in my draft where I need to fit in about 3 chapters but after that we have another 7-8 chapters completed. So daily updates will continue for now. Good news is I have the week off work so should have plenty of time to get some of those missing chapters down but there may be a little bit of waiting up ahead.

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"Bella?" Rose had heard the newborn return but was surprised to see her standing awkwardly in the doorway of her bedroom.

"Hi." Was all she said but the blonde could tell something was off.

"Are you done with Kate?" the brunette nodded and shuffled uncomfortably. "Are you Ok?" The newborn shrugged and the blonde became concerned. "Come here." She beckoned to Bella who entered the room and Rose came to meet her.

"I'm confused Rose," she murmured and that immediately set Rose on edge. The blonde looked the brunette over in a similar way Kate had, gently clasping Bella's chin in her fingers, paying particular attention to where her neck and shoulders met but she saw no obvious damage.

"What -?" Rose took a deep breath, sniffing at Bella's neck, she frowned and took another sniff and her eyes went dark. "What did she do to you Bella? What the fuck did she do," the blonde growled as she took in Kate's scent which was all over Bella. All fucking over her and not just from the fight, these were Kate's strong pheromones and the unmistakable scent of both vampire's arousal. Bella wouldn't meet her eyes, she was scared of upsetting Kate but also wary of Rose, she looked really pissed.

"My scar, she -."

"Are you Ok?" Rose's voice was softer than Bella had ever heard it. "Bella, did she -?"

"I don't know what she did Rose but I'm so fucking confused. I want Alice. I wanted Kate, she -."

"No, no, no!" Rose snarled and punched the wall next to Bella's head, splintering the wood and lodging her fist in the wall cavity.

"Rose, calm down," Bella tried to reason with the enraged blonde but she was furious. "What did I do? Rose, please. Tell me what's wrong?"

"Nothing Bella, nothing. I'm sorry, I'm not mad at you. Stay here I have to go." Bella looked on in confusion as the blonde strode out the door, the anger very apparent in the tense set of her body. She charged down the stairs and tracked Kate to her den.

"What the hell did you do to her? She snarled, fangs extended as she burst through the doorway, confronting Kate who was sat behind her large antique desk.

"I beat the crap out of her so she learned some respect." Kate replied glibly, finishing what she was writing before looking up.

"I'm not talking about the fucking beating," Rosalie hissed and Kate smirked at the younger blonde.

"Oh, yes." The smirk broadened. "So nice of you to share with me the fact that Alice claimed Bella. But, it was fun finding out for myself. She's very responsive, even for a newborn." Kate went back to her paperwork, effectively dismissing Rosalie, smiling to herself as she remembered the brunette's arousal and receptiveness to her touches.

"Don't touch her again or I will hurt you," Rosalie threatened her elder, that made Kate look up to meet the black eyes of the aggressive younger blonde.

"Why, jealous?" Rose roared at the comment and the direct threat had Kate sitting back in her chair as she surveyed the younger blonde but she wasn't scared. Why would she be? Rose was a child in comparison to her.

"Stay. Away. From. Her!" Rosalie snarled again and this time Kate did not ignore the threat but leapt over her desk in one fluid move, coming to a stop right in front of Rosalie.

"Or what?" She growled right back. "What are you going to do Rose?" Kate challenged. "Fight me?" The younger blonde scowled but didn't back down.

"If I have to, I will," she held her ground even with a very pissed ancient vampire in her face. "What you did was wrong, Bella has enough to deal with without you taking advantage of her." As soon as the words left Rose's mouth Kate snapped, a roar of pure rage exploding from her chest.

"How dare you!" She grabbed Rosalie by the throat and slammed her against the wall, hard enough to cause the bookcases lining the room to shake. "How dare you accuse me of that crime?" She snarled and for the first time Rose was scared as she stared down into inky black pools of anger. "How dare you?"

"She told me what you did." the younger blonde defended her actions. "She's messed up enough as it is without you playing with her," Rose spat out.

"Playing with her? Oh Rosalie, you have no idea of what I'm capable of," Kate trailed a finger down Rose's bare arm as she used her power to generate an electrical current to send a low level charge through Rosalie's body. It left the younger blonde gasping as it stimulated her in very unexpected ways. "See," Kate smirked. "Now imagine if that had been your clit." Rose growled and fought against her captor who dropped her to the ground, her legs gave way and she fell in an undignified heap.

"Get up!" Kate ordered and Rose stumbled to her feet, back pressed against the wall, she was still too shaken by Kate's little demonstration to be graceful."Now sit the fuck down." Kate pointed to the chair opposite her desk and Rosalie walked over and sat down, not once taking her eyes off the still black eyed vampire.

"Now you will listen to me!" Kate growled and Rose nodded as she held still under her elder's glare. Kate bent over, resting her hands on the chair arms either side of Rosalie, effectively trapping her and intruding on the younger blonde's personal space. "We both know, from personal experience, what it is like to have your innocence taken away." Rose nodded, the revelation from her captor shocking her as Kate had never shared that with her before, she let her anger go and resolved to give Kate a chance to explain. "So to think that I would do that to Bella, to force anyone, especially a newborn under my care is unthinkable! What kind of monster do you think I am?" She snarled, both angry and hurt that Rosalie would think her capable of such an act.

"Then what did you do? I could smell your pheromones all fucking over her. Don't tell me you didn't play her?" Rose questioned, her anger gone but the need to understand remaining. Kate stepped back and surveyed the other blonde before taking a seat on the edge of her desk, sitting in silence as she swung her legs. Rose eyed her suspiciously, taking in Kate's low slung jeans, t-shirt and scruffy Converse pumps she was wearing. On face value, when she was sitting there calmly she looked like a non-threatening human, not the powerful thousand year old vampire she was.

"I wasn't told about Alice marking her, Tanya kept your little secret. I only sensed it when I was checking her over after our little tussle," Rose raised her brow at Kate's casual assessment of Bella's beating.

"Sensed? How? Did you see the mark? How do you know it was Alice that marked her." Rose dared to question.

"I saw the mark but I also knew, I can sense these things. It's a Succubus thing. " She winked at Rose who scowled at the information. The young blonde knew of the sister's history, they were not blood related but had been changed by the same vampire. A female who liked to feed after enticing humans to her bed, spawning the Succubus mythology which Tanya and later her sisters perpetuated after their 'mother's' death. It was only in relatively recent years that the coven had adopted vegetarian ways. "I was curious to see how strong the bond was so I tested it out." Kate finished with a shrug.

"You can do that? How?" Again Kate smirked and Rose knew she probably shouldn't have asked.

"Show me your neck." Kate demanded and after a moments hesitation Rose moved her long curtain of golden blonde hair aside to reveal the side of her neck and the scars that resided there. She didn't have as much scar tissue as one would expect.

"Hmmm" Kate was a little surprised at what she saw but didn't comment, she actually respected Rosalie the most out of all the Cullen's but also knew she didn't trust easily. "I won't hurt you," she whispered as Rose flinched when the vampire moved closer to her neck. "Just relax and I'll show you what I mean." Kate purred and Rose shifted, uncomfortable with anyone being this close to her. Rose gasped as Kate cupped her face with her palm, holding her still, it wasn't until until her captor's tongue licked across her scar that she felt it.

"Fuck!" Rosalie moaned as she was hit by a wave of arousal, exploding in her clit.

"Interesting," Kate pulled back and surveyed the now panting blonde. "So you're not mated to Emmett?" Rose managed to collect herself enough to throw her walls back up.

"No." She replied coolly whilst internally she battled to get her body back under control. Her relationship with Emmett was built mainly on friendship and convenience, they did sometimes indulge in the sexual side of things but they were also free to take pleasure where they wanted. It was just that Rose had high standards and hadn't indulged that often and when she did rarely allowing the other vampire to mark her.

"How -?"

"Like I said, it's a succubus thing. We can sense bonds and manipulate previous marks," Kate explained succinctly before continuing to expand on her explanation. "If we wish we can arouse our 'victims' to the point where they will allow us to do anything we want with them." Rose frowned at the implications of her words. "But, I would never do that to Bella. It's more useful when feeding on humans, they taste better when they are orgasming." The elder explained matter of factly, Rose however was shocked and sickened by the revelation. She knew the Denali's had once been human drinkers but hearing such sordid details was too much. "What?" Kate queried. "I'm not denying it was good but time changes a vampire." She shrugged and stepped back from where Rose was sat.

"All I did was test Bella's bonds, seeing as no-one had cared to explain what had occurred, that she had been claimed by Alice. Doing so has the side effect that you just experienced." Kate paused, waiting for any comment Rosalie may have but there was none, the younger vampire staying silent as she contemplated what Kate was telling her. "It was foolish and I blame Carlisle." This time Rose nodded, she knew she was on the same page as the Denali's on that point. "Alice has made a serious error and she is not the one that will suffer for it." Again Rose nodded her agreement and Kate's respect for her grew. She knew that Rose and Alice were close but the fact that the blonde was aware of the mistakes her sister had made and did not condone them gave her extra points as far as Kate was concerned.

"So, what I did was to show Bella that she is capable of feeling desired by and aroused by someone who is not Alice. Yes, I played on her scar but my intention was never to take advantage of her, only to open her up to the possibilities." Rose was quiet as she digested her host's words, it made sense. It may not have been conventional but she did trust Kate. If she said she was not preying on Bella, then Rose believed her, especially as her host had admitted to sharing Rose's violent sexual past.

"Can you break the bond? Tanya said that it would be possible to -."

"Not without out fucking her." Kate interrupted bluntly. "And I won't do that unless she asks me and I told her that." She stated firmly. "But, damn I would love to get my hands on that gorgeous body." Rose scowled at that comment but didn't dare aggravate the now calm elder, despite her feelings of love and protection for Bella that Kate's words had wrought. "Seriously Rose, you're telling me you would turn her down if she asked?" The younger blonde growled softly but failed to answer the question, not that she would give in to Kate's teasing knowing how blasé the topic of sex was around the older vampires, but because she couldn't honestly deny that she didn't have feelings for the newborn, even if they were just of a protective nature. She was really upset with Alice and wished she had been the one -. Rose stopped that unwelcome train of thought dead.

"Whatever." Kate ignored Rose's silence, not wanting to push her guest on the topic but she knew the blonde was having issues with regards her feelings towards Bella. "So? Anything else I should know before I find out by accident?" Kate raised her brow and waited for a response from the younger vampire. Rose bit her lip as she contemplated whether she should share Bella's other sordid secret. "Rose, I know everything you have done to protect Bella and I respect that. You have shown more solidarity than Alice who is the one truly responsible for this fucked up situation. Anything else you have to tell me will be used to protect Bella, not harm her. She's young but also incredibly advanced and I sense a lot of potential there, especially with her power. I want what's best for her, not myself or my coven."

"I wish Carlisle felt the same," Rose snorted in disgust but finally allowed herself to relax in her host's presence. "But that little fucker Edward needs teaching a lesson." The younger blonde growled as she thought of her so called brother. "But it was hilarious the way Bella was tossing him around like a doll," both women smirked at the mental image her words conjured. "But too stressful for Bella, he had no respect for her. He insisted he had a right to be with her, that she should learn to love him. Fucker!" She swore again for good measure, even thinking about his possessive whining made her angry.

"It's Ok, she's safe here. Ok?" Kate soothed the irate blonde, who continued to scowl but relaxed slightly. "We will teach you both everything you need to learn to live up to your full potential. There's a lot that Carlisle hasn't been willing to share or even knows about our capabilities and as Tanya said, there will be a place for you both here, if you wish." Kate's words seemed to reassure Rose but she had no idea how the younger blonde would fit Emmett into the equation. Now she had met Bella, Kate was in agreement that both females should be offered a place with their coven.

The offer was only open to the two female vampires but she was now very confused about Rosalie's relationship with the large vampire and wondered if her dissatisfaction with Carlisle would be enough to make her leave her lover behind. Or would it be her feelings for Bella that persuaded her? All Kate knew was that Rosalie had never been encouraged to shine with the Cullen's. Not being gifted as such left her in her sibling's shadows but she knew that there was more to Rose than met the eye.

"So? What haven't you told me?" Kate reminded Rosalie of her earlier question and the younger blonde sighed and looked up to meet the now golden eyes of her host. "It can only help her Rose," Kate urged softly.

"Bella -." Rose sighed and her eyes searched the room before falling back on Kate's. "Bella tracked a human on her first hunt, she got to him before Alice could catch her. Alice stopped her from killing him at first but then it was Alice -." She took a deep breath. "Alice said she snapped, it was too much for her after taking Bella's human blood. He started to bleed and she killed him, they both fed from him." The young vampire's words shocked Kate but she took the information in silently and without comment.

"So, Alice actually managed to stop Bella from hurting the man?" Rose nodded. "You know how hard it is when you're newborn to even register what you are doing, especially when hunting? How did Bella not just kill him before Alice caught her?" Kate mused but Rose had no answers for her, just sat and waited for the older vampire to continue. "Then what happened? Is that when they fucked?"

"Yes, apparently Bella initiated it. I -. At first I thought she had forced Alice, you know how strong a newborn is, especially straight after feeding."

"I do. But it was mutual?"

"Yes, Bella tried to take the blame at first. When I accused her of hurting Alice she accepted it, to protect Alice." Kate's brows rose but she didn't comment. "But Alice made sure I knew the truth, that it was mutual." A nod came from the other vampire so Rose continued. "They went to clean up and I disposed of his body. I took his Id and left him near a wolf den."

"That was sensible but I hope you've destroyed the Id?"

"I have, but not before I checked him out. It was something Bella had said that made me think. Bella said it didn't matter as he wasn't a good man. She didn't care that she had just killed and it wasn't the usual newborn bloodlust, she was completely lucid. Remarkably so."

"It seems to be what she is becoming known for, but after her first kill? A human kill? That is truly astounding." Kate added with a shake of her head as the newborn surprised her yet again.

"I know but like I said, I checked him out. He was wanted on charges of child abuse in three states." Rose's words fell heavily. "He really wasn't a good man." She paused. "Do you think she knew? Does it mean anything?" Rose queried, it was information she had been keeping to herself until now. Bella had been under enough scrutiny before and Alice had been too preoccupied with countering Bella's advances to be consulted on the anomaly.

"I don't know, it could have been a random comment but we won't know without asking her, I'll bring it up during our next session." Kate was intrigued by Rose's revelation and she would have to discuss it with Tanya and maybe her coven-mate, Eleazer, his gift was sensing other Vampire's powers. She wondered if he had ever come across a vampire with such a power or if it was simply coincidence and it had been Bella's newborn detachment to humanity rearing it's ugly head.

"Thanks Rose, I appreciate your honesty." Kate sighed, "That vampire sure has a knack for getting herself into trouble doesn't she?" She chuckled and Rosalie joined in.

"Not that much has changed, girl was always a trouble magnet," Rose agreed with a smile and it went quiet for a moment before she spoke again. "Thank you, for all of this. I'm sorry I attacked you earlier." Her apology was abrupt but Kate knew it was heartfelt, she knew an apology of any kind must have been hard for the younger vampire.

"My methods may not be what you're used to but I can assure you that they are effective." Kate smirked and Rosalie rolled her eyes.

"I don't doubt it," Rose snorted. "But I am actually interested in learning about the different bonds," she smirked and wriggled her brows suggestively. "If it was something you would consider teaching?" Rose's question was tentative as she didn't want to offend her host. Kate sat back on the desk, resting against her hands as she contemplated the blonde's request.

"It can be done, it was what was taught to us by our 'mother' although one must have a certain natural aptitude to be successful," Kate purred as she leaned forward, her eyes now dark as they locked on Rosalie's. "I wouldn't have thought you would have been interested in learning about something so intimate?" She inhaled deeply, scenting the younger vampire. "It may require some one on one lessons." It was Rosalie's turn to smirk, she knew the games the Denali sisters enjoyed to play.

"Only one on one?" She taunted, not in the least bit put off by her host's suggestiveness.

"Oh Rose," Kate pulled back, chuckling. "Only you can play the games as well as we do." Rose grinned at the compliment, she knew she was good, she just didn't allow that side of herself out to play, very often.

"I know but maybe another time. Bella needs me now." Kate accepted the words but eyed Rosalie shrewdly and Rose coolly returned her gaze before standing and going to the doorway.

"If you prove to be capable then I will teach you," Kate agreed as she surveyed the young blonde who was poised to leave. "You would be the first so it is uncertain. It may only be possible when sharing a makers bond as it is with my sisters and I." Kate explained and Rose graciously accepted the offer with a nod of her head. If there was any vampire that Kate deemed worthy of receiving the the gift bestowed upon her and her sisters by their mother then it was Rosalie. Rose ducked her head, almost shy in her acknowledgement which reinforced Kate's decision.

"But again, thank you," Rose issued Kate one of her truly genuine smiles that left the elder vampire figuratively gasping before turning and leaving the elder vampire to her thoughts.

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Next on Crimson Bonds

"I just want to be loved Rose, what's so wrong about that?" The brunette sighed as she leant a little more of her weight onto the blonde.

"Nothing Bella, nothing." Rosalie allowed her fingers to run through thick chestnut hair as Bella rested against her, the motion seemed to sooth the brunette and she relaxed slightly.