The chapter we've all been waiting for, The Mating Ceremony!

Thank you to Pienuniek for all your hard work, and for Chandra for yours. This chapter is not beta'd but I will upload it when I have one.

SM owns Twilight, we just enjoy keeping them around longer.

I'll let you get on with it.

Chapter 15 – Mated

Awakening the next day, was like coming up from under water. My body and mind were not quite ready to awaken, but because Bella was waking up so did I. It was a heavy sensation, but I was also free of a weight I did not know I was carrying.

Rolling, I gathered Bella up in my arms wanting just a few more minutes. Wanting to just be, for a bit longer.

Little fingers walked up my chest, around my neck and wound themselves into my hair. Rubbing, scratching and massaging my head. It relaxed me so much that I started purring.

'Good morning, my love.' Bella thought to me. 'How are you feeling this morning?'

"Hmmm," I hummed quietly. "I feel weighed down and free of a weight at the same time. Why would that be?"

'The most likely cause of that would be because you had an emotional breakdown yesterday. That would be the weight you feel, it'll wear off as you go through the day. You feel free due to your epiphany about family.' Bella thought. 'You are loved and wanted for who you are, not what you can do. The connection you feel to your parents was always there, but more so since you've been interacting with them.

'The connection to me is obvious.' She giggled. 'To my family because they have no expectations of you, but to be you.'

"What about my connections to the Cullen's?" I asked. I needed to know.

'Hmm, you have a connection to them. That's true. But over the years that connection has waned, not all of them, but some. You used to have a strong bond with Carlisle...'

"Yes." I interrupted. "But over the last few years I've felt," I struggled for words. "Stifled. I think is the word I'm looking for. Playing a part has become… hard for me. I love them but the charade has grown tiresome. I don't want that anymore."

'I suppose that is what happens when people always expect something of us. Be it protection, detection, or to play a role that is not ours to play. You were made the fourth Volturi brother decades ago, that is who you are supposed to be, your body and mind accepted that. So in essence you have been suppressing yourself and that would weigh on anyone. Without those ties on you, you can be who you should have been.' Bella explains. 'Plus the ties with your adoptive family come with expectations, those would wear on anyone. Whereas we want you as you are, no expectations necessary.'

I lay there with Bella in my arms, thinking about all we have talked about and realizing she was right. About everything. Laying like that also reminded my body of what would be taking place in a couple of days and I needed to talk to her about that as well. Just because I hadn't felt it didn't mean it wasn't there.

"Bella?" I asked quietly, feeling like I could blush with what I wanted to talk about.

"Yes Edward?" She answered just as quietly.

"There's something I wanted to talk to you about before the Mating Ceremony on Saturday."

"Oooookay?" She asked.

"Well it's something rather delicate. I mean I know it's our first time as a couple, but also our first times at all…" I trailed off not quite sure how to go about this. "I… uh… also know that…" Gods why was this so hard?

'What is it that you're trying to ask Edward? We can talk about anything.' She thought.

"I know we can, Angel." She smiled at that. "Just, this is a sensitive subject." I sighed, best to dive right in so to speak. "On earth a girls first time might be…uh…painful. Because they have this thin layer of skin covering their…" I waved at the general direction of Bella's beautiful pussy.

I could feel Bella shake with the beginnings of laughter next to me, I didn't know what was so funny about this conversation. I didn't want to hurt her.

I felt Bella stifle a snort before she answered me. 'Yes Edward. It's called a hymen, I know about it.'

I sighed. "Okay good. It's just I don't want to…uh hurt you Bella. It makes me sick to my core to do that to you, when I'm only supposed to be bringing you pleasure…"

Bella burst into peals of laughter. I still didn't see what was so funny.

After a few minutes Bella calmed a little, to where she was only letting out giggles.

"Uh Edward," She giggled again. "How many times have you been down there…" She gestured like I had, "and you hadn't noticed anything?"

"Um…" I ducked my head, a little embarrassed. "I don't know how many times I've been there." I chuckled a little as she giggled while I indicated again to her pussy. "I've lost count to be perfectly honest."

She laughed aloud again, while I chuckled at her reaction. I was a little more relaxed now.

"Well that's good then." She huffed out. "But did you notice anything Edward?" She asked in all seriousness.

"I did Bella. There didn't seem to be a hymen across your entrance."

She nodded. "That's because we angels don't have them. At all. We are created to be perfect in body. We are only supposed to be with our mates. Unfortunately, like humans we are given free will, and not all of the Angels are good to the core like the ones you've met. You remember the story of Granma?"

It was my turn to nod. "Yes. She was supposed to be mated to someone on earth, because she's an earth angel, but ended up married to Balail who was a not so nice angel."

"Yes. She was able to have my grandfather Amos, but I'm sure it wasn't an experience she enjoyed. Like humans with free will, that can sometimes have far reaching consequences, in the hands of some." Bella finished.

Well, that would explain a lot. I thought. No wonder poor Didy was so quiet and shy. He had to have been rough with her.

"But back to the point. Without this hymen that humans have, means that you cannot hurt me in the way you fear Edward. Saturday night will be all about our pleasure." She purred in my ear.

"Oh god Bella." I growled, grabbing her up and kissing her with everything that I had. "You make me so hard. I can't wait to have you Saturday."

'It's gods baby.' She chastised silently. 'And me either, we can work on a few more of these kinks.' she thought with a wink.

She knew what she was doing to me and I loved every minute of it.

We continued kissing and groping until Renee called us down for breakfast and going shopping for our mating outfits.

~*~HS~*~

"So Edward, are you ready for Saturday?" Renee enquired.

"More than I can articulate. I've been waiting all my life for this day to come. My Bella is my everything." I sigh.

I could see Renee smile out of the corner of my eye. "I know that Edward. I can see that every time you look at her. It makes me proud to see it. I'm glad that my sweet little Bella will live on for many, many years to come. She'll have many lifetimes to live and love with you and your children." She gushed. "And what beautiful grandbabies they will be, I cannot wait."

I laughed at her. Though she was right, our babies were going to be beautiful, especially with Bella as their mother.

"So what are you looking for, for Bella to wear on Saturday? How would you describe it?" Renee asked.

I thought about it. "I want something elegant and beautiful, exactly like Bella. Something that stands out but isn't ostentatious. She'll have the big wedding in Volterra, so something simpler and more intimate."

Renee nodded. Thinking about it. "I think I have the right place to get something like that."

Leading me into the business district of town, where all the clothing shops were. We walked into one that was a little more elegant and sophisticated than the others.

"Ah Renee, is this the handsome thing getting mated to young Bella this Saturday?" The shop owner asked.

"Laureen, hello. And yes this is Edward Masen, Bella's mate. He's here to pick out a dress for Bella to wear on Saturday."

"Hello Edward. Welcome to Eden and congratulations on your mating. What kind of dress are you looking for, for Bella?" Laureen asked.

"I was just telling Renee, something simple but elegant because we'll have to have a big Earth wedding as well. I would like it summery and light please."

"Okay, I think I have a few that will work." With that Laureen walked off to have a look around her shop.

She brought back a rack of them, placing a mannequin in the back, on a pedestal for her and Renee to put the dresses on. After going through several, I came across one that really stood out for its simplicity.

It was a summer dress made of white shimmery material with a lace overlay coming down to mid-thigh. From the waist of the dress was a gauzy skirt that reached down to the ground, it had a slit over the left leg and a small train at the back. It was elegant and simply perfect for my earth angel, highlighting the best parts of her while leaving her back free to release her wings. I wanted them out for our mating ceremony.

"This. This is the one. I can see her in it and she will be stunning." I was awed just looking at it and imagining her in it.

"Yes Edward you're right. She will be stunning." Renee agreed. "Are you wanting a veil or a headpiece?"

I couldn't see this dress with a veil, it would detract from the beauty of her in it. This needed a simple headpiece and her hair down in a messy do with the sides pulled back.

"Definitely a headpiece. Simple white flowers with some greenery. I want her hair down but with the sides pulled back." I stated.

Laureen nodded and bustled off to find what I had suggested. What she brought back was stunning. Like I suggested, simple white flowers wrapped around in a crown interwoven with green and brown supple branches. The green branches with the flowers attached flowed down through the hair ending at shoulder blade length. It was perfect.

"Yes, Laureen, you are a genius. This is perfect for what I had in mind." I gushed now giving her a kiss on the cheek, making her blush. "Thank you. Bella is going to be beyond words."

The ladies were happy. Renee paid for the dress and headpiece, much to my consternation, as I didn't have any angel money yet. I'd have to do something about that.

"It is an earth tradition to go on a trip after marriage, is it not?" Renee asked on our walk back.

"Yes. It's called a honeymoon, the bride and groom go off and have time to themselves to uh…" I stopped, choking on the words.

"Mate?" Renee giggled.

I chuckled. "In a sense yes. But it's also to go and see places that you have never been before."

"Hmm." She hummed. "Have you thought about where to take Bella after the Mating Ceremony?"

"Is this something that you do here? I don't want to break tradition." I asked concerned.

"No Edward, it isn't something that has been done here before. Although sometimes it's nice to make new traditions. I think with what has been happening here, it would be a good idea." Renee remarked quietly.

Thinking about it, I agreed that she might be right, and I did promise Bella that I would take her to Volterra to meet her great grandmother. Italy is beautiful this time of year.

"Is there somewhere Bella has wanted to go? I'm thinking of taking her to Italy and reunite her with Didy. I would like to have some time to ourselves though."

"There is one place Bella has longed to go. Though it was rumored to have been destroyed by an earthquake reported on your world. That may or may not be true." Renee hinted. "Have a think about it before coming to me. If you get it right I'll help you get there. It's ancient, I'll give you that one for free." She giggled.

Leaving me with that we walked back to the house in silence. There were many places that had been destroyed by earthquakes such as Machu Picchu, Atlantis and possibly Troy. The one though, that I had wished I was alive to see was The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. I wondered if it was the same for Bella.

I hadn't realized I'd stopped walking, or closed my eyes, until I'd opened them and Renee was ahead of me.

"Renee, wait up!" I called, running a little to catch her. "I always wanted to explore The Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Bella wouldn't want to go there would she? I thought it was destroyed?"

Renee sighed. "Unfortunately Mikail had to hide the gardens, and yes that's where Bella has longed to visit. I'm sure that has something to do with her Earth Angel makeup. The gardens were hidden because you humans have a terrible habit of ruining things." She teased with a wink. "People were excavating, looking for the evidence of lost tribes, and they were ruining it. If you would like to go there I can explain how to. Bella would love it and I think you guys would enjoy some privacy away from everything and everyone."

I nodded eagerly, getting a laugh from her. "Okay. There is a hidden entrance in Ancient Babylon. Located near the government buildings is a door that seems to go nowhere, because once opened it goes to a dead end. You have to play a musical code at the wall, which I will give you before you leave and it will open up the hidden path. Once through you'll have to run for miles because it's actually located near the Assyrian capital Ninevah. Once you cross a certain point the 'magic doorway', if you will, it'll become clear, like a mirage settling."

"Have you been there?" I asked.

"No I haven't, but I do hear it's beautiful, you'll have to let me know." She winked walking away again.

~*~HS~*~

When Bella came home later I was packing a bag for us to take away with us. She was excited to hear that we were going somewhere after our ceremony, but pouted when I wouldn't tell her where.

"Please Edward? I'll make it worth your while…" She trailed off, running her finger down my arm and leaving me wondering what she would do.

I shook my head at her, laughing at her attempt. "No Bella. Let me surprise you sweet girl. Please?"

She looked at me, seeing that it was really important. "Okay, my love. I'll let you surprise me. Thank you for doing this, there isn't usually one after a mating ceremony."

"I know Renee told me before. She also hinted that maybe it was time for a change." I chuckled.

"I agree." Bella whispered before kissing me stupid. "I can't wait until Saturday."

"Me either, love. But for now, let's spend some time with the family."

And we did just that.

~*~HS~*~

Waking up Saturday morning was easy. Bella and I were so excited that we were finally having our mating ceremony, that we were up before everyone else.

"Edward before we go downstairs, I'd like to give you a mating gift please?" Bella asked ever so softly.

I'm very glad for two things this morning, one; that we weren't separated during the night. Apparently that is a silly earth tradition, as there is no such thing as jinxing the ceremony here in Eden. And two; Charlie snuck me away yesterday to tell me about the mating gift. Nobody else had thought about the fact that I didn't know.

"Of course love. I have one for you too." I replied as we each reached under a pillow in our bed to get the boxes.

We both laughed at the fact that we hid ours in a similar place before giving each other a sweet, lingering kiss, and swapping presents.

I let Bella open hers first.

I had gotten Bella an Angel Wings bracelet, made of the same material as her Angel Blade. In the center was a heart with a natural purple gemstone that was only available in Eden and very rare – I was going to owe Charlie for a lifetime for getting this for me. On either side of the heart was an angel wing that flowed out to the delicate chain, that wrapped around to the clasp at the back.

When she opened it, she gasped covering her mouth with her hand before looking back to me with tears in her eyes.

'Oh Edward.' Her thoughts even managing to sound choked up. 'I can't believe that you got this… it's so beautiful and rare.' She commented as she ran her fingers over the gemstone.

Holding out her wrist and the gift she thought to me, 'Please put it on. I love it.'

I took the bracelet out of the box and clasped it around her wrist, kissing it softly when I was done.

"It looks beautiful on you Angel." I murmured.

"I love you." She whispered. "Open yours."

I picked mine back up opening it up to find a cuff made of the same metal, with the same heart and wings engraving as my leather one. The difference between the two, besides the fact that it was all metal, was that the heart was red and the angel wings were a brilliant blue.

I was admittedly confused and Bella saw that. "Now that you have the Phantom Blade Brace you can't wear two different cuffs for your sleeping and cloaking anymore. I had this one specially made. The Red heart is the one that enables you to sleep, only now with the thought technology that you made up, we managed to have the tears activate when you think about it. So if you want a nap during the day, you'll be able to have one.

"The Blue wings work on the same principal only that is your cloaking ability. All you'll need to do is think about it and you'll be cloaked. Much easier than two or taking one off all the time." Bella explained.

"Thank you love. This is a brilliant idea and it looks fantastic too." I told her removing the sleeping cuff I had on and replacing it with the new one.

"You're welcome Edward. Now everyone should be up, let's go have some breakfast with the family and spend some time together before we start to get ready after lunch."

We'd had a wonderful morning, filled with family and laughter before sitting down for lunch together. After we finished eating lunch, Bella gave me one last sweet kiss before going off with Mikail, Alison and Renee to get ready. I followed not long behind them to get ready myself. Charlie, Seth, Amos and Samail were getting ready in another part of the house.

Getting upstairs I went to have a shower before wandering back to our room. On the bed I found an emerald green dress shirt, cream dress pants and underwear. There was also a request, that made me laugh.

Dear Edward,

I cannot wait to complete our ceremony this afternoon.

Please wear these that I have chosen for you, only I request that you roll up the sleeves to your forearms, have it untucked and leave the top couple of buttons undone.

Momma and I decided that we would be foregoing shoes as the grass is heavenly on bare feet. In fact all the guests will be without shoes too.

I'll meet you at the bottom of the stairs.

I love you.

Bella

Well who was I to deny my girl. Donning the shirt and pants I rolled up the sleeves. This was going to be a much more relaxed affair than the royal one we'd have to have later, and I was going to love every minute of it. I ran my fingers through my hair declaring it done, because I couldn't do anything with it anyway. After that I made my way down stairs.

Waiting at the bottom, I was getting impatient. I'd been waiting my whole life for this moment. I was startled out of my pacing by Alison placing her hand on my arm.

"Sorry Edward. I didn't mean to alarm you." She apologized.

"It's fine Alison. I just want to be with Bella, and I was getting a little frazzled waiting."

"That's okay. I'm here to tell you that Renee and Mikail have already gone outside, and that Bella is about to make her way down. I'll see you out there." Giving me a kiss on the cheek, she walked out through the back of the house.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes briefly. When I opened them I looked to the top of the stairs, and there she was, looking even more beautiful than anyone ever had. My breath rushed out of me as she started down towards me. For once the sight of her wings didn't send me into any sort of lust, they made me love her more because they symbolized not just what she was, but what she was to me. With or without the wings she was My Angel.

"My gods Bella." I breathed. "You are beyond words, my stunning girl. I can't believe you're mine."

"I am yours Edward. As you are mine, and you look just as handsome as I'd pictured."

Taking her hand as she reached the bottom, I bowed slightly giving it a kiss.

"Ready to go, sweetheart?" I asked looping her arm with mine.

"Yes Edward. More than you'll ever know." She replied as she placed her head on my shoulder.

Traditionally, the father gives the bride away at a wedding ceremony, for a Mating Ceremony however, you give yourself to your mate. That means walking down the aisle together.

We walked through the house, out the back door and down the stairs, looking at all the decorations. The flowers hanging down, the log seating, the archway at the end of the aisle made to look like a heart covered in flowers and the serenading fairies flying overhead, lighting up the place.

I heard Bella gasp, looking at her I could see she was surprised. Following her gaze I looked to the end of the aisle and saw an angel I wasn't familiar with.

Sensing my confusion Bella silently explained. 'That's Michael. The first Guardian Angel and now Elder Council Member. He hasn't performed a ceremony in a millennia.'

Oh. I thought. This is a huge deal. Making me slightly nervous. I thought that Mikail would conduct the ceremony. Oh well, it doesn't matter, as long as I'm mated to Bella at the end of it.

Reaching the end of the aisle, Bella and I turned to face each other, linking hands as Michael began.

"Love is the greatest thing that we can give to one another...for love is a wondrous gift; no other can take its place, but it can take the place of all the rest. When two people entrust one another with their innermost feelings, their hearts, their lives, the bond between them strengthens and surrounds them until each becomes a part of the other. This closeness cannot be measured by time, words or circumstance. It is a wholeness of the soul, a silence, and the highest form of intimacy.

"We are gathered here today, because love gathers us and especially because love has found Isabella and Edward, and woven them together. We are gathered to remember and rejoice, to recount with one another, that it is love, always love, that leads us to our true destination and to celebrate that Isabella and Edward have finally arrived.

"This is the Mating Ceremony of Isabella and Edward. We are here to listen, with love in our hearts, and to share with them, their celebration of love."

Everyone cheered as this was a celebration and they were happy for us. Cheering sent a message to the heavens that this was right and true and nothing should try to split us.

"Edward, do you take Isabella to be your mate, in this life and for all eternity?" Michael asked.

Looking at Bella I replied in a quiet but confident voice, "I do and I always will."

"Isabella, do you take Edward to be your mate, in this life and for all eternity?" He asked of Bella.

Bella turned to look at me, giving me a somewhat wet but beaming smile. "I do and I always will."

"Before we have Bella and Edward recite their vows and exchange rings, they would like to complete a Unity of the Sands. Please follow us over to the table to witness this wondrous event."

Walking over to the table, I could see that our decorative vases were there. In the center there was a large heart shaped vase waiting for our joining sands, slightly behind were two tall heart shaped vases. Each had a different colored sand. One green, signifying Bella's Earth Angel status and the other gold, signifying my being a Vampire and my choice to abstain from a Vampires natural diet.

We waited until everyone was around us before picking up our vases, and slowly pouring them together into our one large heart vase. Mixing the colors and combining them as we were combining our lives. We'd place this on the mantel in our home here in Eden, so that we could always remember our day when we looked upon it.

After the Unity of Sands was done we walked back to the archway, standing as before.

"Now Isabella and Edward will recite their vows. They have decided to write their own. Edward, may you please go first."

Nodding at Michael I started, "Our love extends beyond earth, sea, wind, and flame. It is greater than who we are and meaningless without us. It is more powerful than our past, yet the foundation for our future. It has brought us here today to become one in the eyes of our family and friends, for all days to come. Our love is the essence of our lives.

"I love you Bella, you are my life, you are my heart, and you are my soul."

Bella was starting to get teary, she'd remembered my words from when she gave me the fede ring.

"Now Isabella, recite your vows please."

She took in a deep breath letting it out slowly as she began; "This is the moment. The one I have prayed for - the one I have dreamed of. From this moment on, my life will be shared with another. I promise to you my love, my friendship, my loyalty, and all that life gives to me. We have come together as one, and nothing will ever diminish the love I have for you, nor the happiness you bring me.

"With all my heart and soul, I will love you, forever."

Now it was my turn to get choked up as I remembered her saying those words to me.

"Merril, will you please bring me the rings."

Bella had wanted to include her beloved pet, and I didn't disagree. He was supposed to land on Michael's shoulder but he had other ideas and landed on mine, causing everyone to laugh.

"Thank you Merril, you strange bird. I bless these rings with all the hopes and dreams from your family and friends, lending you their life long ideals for a happy life.

"These rings are seamless circles of joy, symbolizing the love that lives deep within this couple's heart and soul. A sign of their willingness to share life's journey with each other; and of the seamless circle of joy that surrounds them both.

"Edward, you will give this ring to Isabella, as a symbol that love lives deep within your heart and soul, that you are bound to her always, with your love, soul and heart. Place it over the other ring and clasp the hands together symbolizing that you will forever keep her heart safe in your hands."

Placing it over the ring on her finger and clasping the hands together, I recited the passage we had chosen.

"Bella, accept this ring as a symbol of the promises we have made to each other today. It is a token of my love, that lives deep within my heart. As I choose to share my life's journey with you, I pledge to you the joy of all my days.

"With this ring I commit to you my love, soul and heart."

Placing a kiss above her ring, I lowered our hands.

"Now Isabella, you will give this ring to Edward, as a symbol that love lives deep within your heart and soul, that you are bound to him always, with your love, soul and heart. Place it over the other ring and clasp the hands together symbolizing that you will forever keep his heart safe in your hands."

Bella raised my left hand and recited the passage while placing the outer part onto the inner part of my ring.

"Edward, accept this ring as a symbol of the promises we have made to each other today. It is a token of my love, that lives deep within my heart. As I choose to share my life's journey with you, I pledge to you the joy of all my days.

"With this ring I commit to you my love, soul and heart."

She too placed a kiss above my ring before lowering our hands.

"Edward and Isabella, may the Gods bless and keep you, may the sun of many days and years shine upon you, may the love you have for one another grow and hold you close.

"May the good true light within you guide your way together. May your dreams come true and when they don't, may new dreams arise.

"And long, long years from now, may you look at one another and be able to say, 'Because of you I have become the person I longed to be'." He paused knowing this was the bit we all looked forward too.

"I now pronounce you mated in the eyes of the Gods. Edward you may kiss Isabella to seal this union."

I was kissing her deeply before he was even finished, to the loud cheers, laughter and clapping of our family and friends.

We were Mated.

So what do you think? The party starts next chapter!

Rec time!

My first rec is: Meeting Her Needs by WeeKittyandTAT, FFN ID: 9518156Some so called friends invite Bella out for her birthday, and send her to a BDSM club as a prank. What happens when the owner of the club sees her? Will he be able to set aside his Dom nature? Will she ever believe she deserves to have her needs met? Will he be able to set aside his wants and desires to meet those needs, or will she find her true desire is to submit to him? AH/M

My second rec is: Singing With Lucy also by WeeKittyandTAT, FFN ID: 11312650Little Lucy Swan is turning five and her birthday wish is to sing with hot country star Edward Cullen. When her momma wins tickets to see him in concert, will little Lucy's birthday wish come true?

One long and one short. Thank you for reading!