I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

CH. 14

I laid on my bed with my hands behind my head staring at the ceiling. The light from the moon filled my room as I replayed things from earlier tonight.

After Bella recovered from passing out, she acted almost like a robot without showing any reaction; I was really concerned about her, but she didn't want to talk about it. She spent the afternoon doing something quietly with Masen as Jasper and I checked the perimeter of the house, and set up some security cameras that Emmett had picked up. I filled him in on our call with the FBI as we worked. He was as disgusted with Tanya as I was. He also pointed out to me that if Bella went into witness protection there was a good chance that I would be separated from her and Masen.

"Edward," Bella's soft voice called from the bathroom doorway.

I sat up resting my arms on my knees. "Everything, okay? Is Masen having another nightmare?" I asked her.

"He's fine, sleeping like a log at the moment. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have bothered you." She seemed to second guess herself for coming to me.

"You're not bothering me. What is wrong…is it about Alec?" She didn't have to say anything to confirm her fears.

I slid off the bed to walk over to her. She watched me with cautious eyes but didn't back away. I reached for her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"Everything will work out. We are going to be safe," I promised.

"I feel like a sitting duck waiting for him. He's going to try here first, I just know it. We should leave go to Canada or further like England or something." She chewed on her lower lip nervously.

"Do you have a passport?" I asked.

She shook her head frowning.

"I didn't think so. Either Kate or Peter needs to help us get them before we cross any borders. It would probably be even better if it's a good false ones, so we can hide your whereabouts as best as possible." I reached up and cupped her face. "One of the reasons we chose Forks is he may not think to look in the same place twice. We are hoping that he will think you wouldn't return here, especially after your father's death. Beside we have the home court advantage here and will be ready for him." My thumb brushed her cheek.

"You plan on him coming here, don't you? It's what you want. You're going to kill him." Her eyes looked fearful as she accused me of our real reason.

"Yes, if I have it my way. I want to kill him after everything he has done to you," I answered honestly.

"You can't, you will go to jail." She begged, tears were gathering in her eyes.

"Not if it's for our protection and in self-defense," I reassured her. My other hand came up and rested on her waist.

"What if it backfires, and he kills you first?" her voice trembled as her eyes closed then opened as a few tears started to streak down her cheeks. "Masen just got you. He can't lose you. I….I can't lose you again either," she cried.

"You're not going to lose me, love. I'm right here. I'm not that foolish young boy anymore. I will fight for the both of you." I pressed my lips to her before she could protest.

Her lips remained still at first, then slowly and lightly they moved against mine.

Her hands slid up my chest to behind my neck and they tangled themselves in the dog tag chain. My hand that was cupping her face, slid down her back and reached her waist. I lifted her, and her legs came around my waist automatically, like she was magnetically attracted to me.

I walked us slowly backwards to the bed without breaking the kiss. I hovered over her on the bed, with her hair fanned out. I broke the kiss to stare in her hooded eyes.

"Are you sure about this?" I asked, fighting the urge that I've kept at bay for four years since no one could hold a beacon to her.

"Yes, I need you," she whispered huskily. "I'm tired of fighting against it. I still love you."

"I love you, my angel." I kissed her again, and pulled off her shirt.

I felt her toes hook my boxers and pushed them down until I was able to kick them off.

I kissed down her smooth skin until I got to her lacey underwear. She lifted her hips as I slid them from her body.

"You're more beautiful than I remembered." My voice was thick with emotion as kissed her lips heatedly.

She pulled away and grasped the chain. "May I?" she asked shyly. I nodded and ducked my head so she could slip it off. I watched her take it and slip it over her own neck. She kissed the tags before dropping it so it nestled between her breasts.

My desire for her over took me and I rolled us over. I wanted to see her ride me. She slowly slid herself on to me and started to rock her hips. As she rocked, her breasts bounced, the tags and her ring glittered in the moonlight as they bounced against her milky white breasts. She started chanting my name as her head tilted back and her long hair flowed down her back touching my legs.

Edward…Edward…Edward… "Daddy!"

I woke up with a start. Masen was sitting on top of my chest looking down at me with a huge smile. My morning wood instantly deflated. I touched my chest and found my tags still there, it had all been a dream.

"Daddy, wake up." He bounced slightly.

"Masen," Bella hissed quietly from the doorway. "I told you not to wake him."

"It's okay." I yawned. "What's up, little buddy."

"I wanted be the first to say happy birthday. Happy Birthday, Daddy and Happy Daddy's day too." Masen slid off me and bounced on the bed.

"Thank you," I caught his bouncing form and gave him a hug. I swear the kid was part frog himself.

"We are going to make you breakfast," he announced as he wiggled to get free.

"Good I'm hungry as bear. I was about to eat you up." I blew a raspberry on his belly. He squirmed and giggled some more.

"Stop, I gotta go potty," he pleaded.

I let go immediately and he jumped off the bed and ran for the bathroom.

"Whoops!" I gave Bella a bashful smile that I almost caused him to have an accident.

"Don't worry about it." She smiled back. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you, I completely forgot about it myself." I grinned.

"I'm sorry he woke you. He was supposed to go wake up Uncle Jasper and Auntie Alice," she said the second part louder for him to hear. Masen reappeared in the doorway.

"I did. Uncle Japer wasn't in his room. I found him though, he was hiding in Auntie Alice's bed, under the covers." He grinned.

I choked back a laugh and Bella looked a bit horrified.

"And where was Auntie Alice?" I dared to ask, I couldn't help a chuckle that escaped me when Bella glared at me.

"She was in bed too. She said they were playing hide and seek. She said we could play outside after breakfast, if it was okay. Do you like hide and seek?" he asked innocently.

"I do. Maybe we can all play." I agreed. I shifted to the side of the bed and placed my feet on the floor and stretched with my arms over my head. I felt Bella's eyes on me, so I may have flexed my muscles in my abs and my arms a bit more than I had to.

"Mommy, can we started making daddy's special breakfast now?"

She broke her stare and glanced down at him. Her cheeks were a bit flushed.

"Sure, let's go." she disappeared quickly.

LB

After my shower I joined them downstairs in the kitchen. When I spotted two sheepish looking people, I got an idea. I went over and made a point of checking the lock on the pantry door.

"Yup, that's another lock that works. Just checking the locks in all the rooms. How's the lock on your door, Alice?" I asked.

I heard Bella snicker from the stove. Alice and Jasper both turned bright red.

"Works great," she squeaked out.

"Oh good, I just wanted to double check for the future in case you needed to use it." I hinted.

She nodded looking embarrassed.

"You know, it's not like it's never happened to you," Jasper accused.

"I have no idea what you are talking about." I shrugged taking a seat at the table. Okay so I lied.

Bella and I were getting hot and heavy on her bed when we were interrupted by someone pounding up the steps. We pulled apart while she gave me an alarmed look.

"What's he doing home?" she whispered.

I shrugged and rolled off the bed and quickly under just before there was knock on her door.

"Come in," Bella sounded nervous.

The door opened and I heard Charlie come in.

"Hi, Daddy, what are you doing home so early?" Bella asked.

I cringed because she never called him daddy. He was going to figure out that she was hiding me.

I felt the bed dip as Charlie sat on it. I stuffed my fist in my mouth so my breathing wouldn't be too loud.

"Just stopping in before you head to bed. Are you feeling okay? You look a little flushed."

"I'm fine. It's just warm in here," Bella answered quickly.

"Okay," all of the sudden the bed started moving and squishing me slightly as Charlie bounced on it.

"What are you doing?" Bella asked.

"Your bed is getting squeaky. Can you hear that?" He asked.

Shit! We've been caught was my immediate thought.

"No," Bella lied.

"Here you jumped on it." His weight was lifted off the mattress.

"I don't think that…." He interrupted her.

"Jump on it." He left no room for arguing.

The bed moved slightly.

"You can do better that," Charlie scoffed.

Bella bounced harder and I tried not to call out.

"Hear it now? I think we should get you a nice new twin bed this weekend." He knew, her bed was currently a Full and he had a loaded gun on him. I was dead.

"Okay," Bella agreed quickly.

"Alright, have a nice night." His voice was further away by the door. Maybe he didn't know. "Oh, Bells, I almost forgot, do you know where Edward is?"

She must have shook her head because he continued.

"If you hear from him, his parents called looking for him, he was supposed to be home a while ago," he told her.

"Okay," Bella squeaked out.

"Oh and make sure to tell Edward that I'm taking him fishing on Sunday," he told her.

"He might be busy." My poor angel tried to save me.

"Not if he knows what's good for him." I heard her door close. Once he was on the steps Bella slid off the bed and lifted up the bed skirt.

"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" she whispered.

I nodded and started to drag myself out.

"Oh, and, Edward, your mom wants you to pick up some milk on your way home!" Charlie yelled up the stairs before the front door slammed.

Bella cringed apologetically. I was fucked. Better yet, I was fish bait.

"Here, Daddy," Masen was carefully carrying a plate over to me. I took it from him and placed it front of me as he climbed into my lap.

"Look, it's a happy face pancake. Mommy makes them for my birthday all the time. I helped with eyes, nose, mouth and ears." He pointed to the plate where there was a round pancake with green grape eyes, a cherry nose, orange slices for ears, scrambled egg hair dyed a reddish-orange and a bacon mouth.

"Wow, you guys did a great job." I kissed the side of his head. Bella came over and placed the other plates of other food on the table.

"Do you need any help?" I offered.

"Nope. Todays is your birthday and Father's day, you are excused. Jasper, would you mind getting everyone some drinks, please?" she asked.

"Sure." He jumped up to help. He soon brought back the drinks everyone requested. Masen remained on my lap and ate from his own plate.

When we were done Alice and Jasper started the kitchen clean-up. Masen slid off my lap and started to pull on my hand.

"Come on, Daddy, we have presents too." He tugged with all his might trying to pull me off my chair.

"I get presents, too." I was surprised. When would they had the time for all that?

"Uh-huh. They are in the other room. Come on." Masen tugged again and I stood up so he wouldn't hurt himself pulling on me.

"Masen, maybe your daddy wants to wait to later." Bella suggested.

"Oh no, I want my presents now." I grinned at her.

She rolled her eyes at me and just smiled. "Okay." She stood up with us.

"Afterwards, I think we all should play a nice game of hide and seek." I gave Alice and Jasper a knowing look. Alice turned red and looked away. Jasper shrugged and mouthed 'What else were we supposed to tell him'.

"Alright, little buddy, lead the way." I looked down at Masen.

He pulled me into the direction of the living room. There was a small pile of gifts on the table. Bella followed us and took a seat on the chair tucking her feet under her.

I pulled the card off the top. It looked homemade with a picture that Masen's made. It looked like he attempted the letters of his name too.

"Did you make this?" I asked, he nodded. "Well, I think it's the best card I have ever gotten, thank you."

"You're welcome." Masen beamed. "Open that one first. Auntie Alice helped me."

I grabbed the present and tore the paper. It was a plaster square with two small handprints imbedded in it which had been painted green. Written under it was 'Masen age 3yrs 3 months'.

"Wow, this is great. Thank you." He smiled and grabbed the other present. It was bigger so I reached out to help him.

I tore the wrapper of what looked like a photo album. I glanced at Bella and she blushed shyly. On the cover was written: Masen Charlie Cullen.

March 9, 2005

6lbs 6oz, 20 in.

"It's a book about when I was a baby," Masen explained. I got slightly choked up as I opened the first page. There was Masen as a tiny newborn. His picture was taken while on the scale naked as a jaybird. He was so tiny. I looked at the next picture where he was screaming his head off while getting a bath.

"That's my virgin bath. I was probably crying 'cause they didn't give me any toys." Masen's reasoning made me chuckled as well as his use of the word virgin.

Bella giggled looking amused. I touched the picture of his feet prints which were also very tiny.

"Don't you like it? You look so sad," Masen asked as he leaned into me. He looked worried that I was upset.

"I love it. I'm just sad I missed it all when I was away." I gave him a hug. I looked over his head at Bella. 'Thank you' I mouthed to her.

She wiped a tear from her eye before she nodded.

I continued on through the book. Seeing images of Masen slowly growing up and all of his firsts. Bella neatly labeled all the picture with explanations. All the while Masen gave his explanation on things. By the end there still room for the book to continue.

I closed the book and gave Masen another hug.

"Thank you for my presents. Will you go see if Auntie Alice and Uncle Japer… I mean Jasper are ready for hide and seek?" I asked, to send him out of the room for a moment.

"Okay," he obediently ran out of the room calling out their names.

"Thank you so much. You don't know what this means to me." I thanked her profusely.

"A part of me always knew that you would want to be part of his life if you knew about him. Even though we broke up I knew you were still a good person and would be a good dad. I guess making that book gave me a small sense of hope for a better life for him," she softly said not looking at me.

Her admission that she hoped for me to come back gave me hope that having a second chance wasn't so far-fetched. I slid off the couch and knelt in front of her. I took both her hands in mine. She jumped slightly put didn't pull away. I raised them to my lips and kissed the backs of them both.

"You're an angel," I whispered locking eyes with her.

She stared back and something in her eyes flickered that she had been keeping dormant for a long time.

LB

While Masen was taking a nap Jasper and I wanted to run through a few more protocols in case of an emergency with the girls. We went outside in the backyard with the baby monitor on the deck in case Masen woke up.

"Okay, do both of you remember the security code for the panic room?" I asked.

"Yes," they both nodded.

"We want to show you some simple self-defense moves just in case," Jasper explained. "So who would like to go first?"

"I'll be all set," Alice answered.

Jasper gave her a look of disapproval.

"Alice, don't fight me on this…", and just like that Alice had Jasper on the ground by sweeping him literally off his feet. He sat up dazed as I had to turn away while laughing at him. It happened so fast I almost didn't see her do it.

"As I said, I'll be fine. I took both kickboxing and Taekwondo in New York." She grinned at Jasper who was staring at her with shocked expression. She turned and skipped over to sit in a chair on the deck.

"Okay," Jasper brushed himself off and stood up.

"Your turn." He turned to Bella.

She paled and took a quick step backwards away from Jasper towards me.v"I can't." She shook her head furiously.

"Yes, you can." Jasper took a step towards her and she looked like she was going to panic.

"Jasper, enough. Leave her alone," I ordered starting to take a step towards them.

Jasper didn't even look at me, but kept his eyes on Bella. "She has to learn to defend herself," he insisted.

"She won't need to. I'll be there. I don't plan on leaving hers or Masen's side," I argued.

"You can't promise that." Bella flinched at Jasper's retort and I clenched my jaw. "She needs do this herself."

"I can't hit you." Bella shook her head trying to back away again, but Jasper kept on stepping forward faster.

I knew what he was trying to do, but it still felt like it was too much for her to handle.

"Then you're weak just like Alec wanted."

I hissed at him for saying that to her.

"Jasper!" Alice snapped getting to her feet.

"You two stay out of this. She needs to do this without anyone protecting her," Jasper ordered. "Is that what you are, Bella? Are you weak? Are you going to just let me push you around too?"

She shook her head and tears sprang to her eyes. He was pissing her off and was starting to push her close to the edge.

"Then fight back!" he ordered.

"I can't hit you," she whispered giving up already.

"Because, you're weak," he growled.

"I'm not weak!" she yelled.

"Prove it." He was less than a foot from her now.

It took everything in me not step in and push him away from her.

"I can't hurt you." Bella's eyes clenched shut.

"You must. Pretend I'm Alec about to hurt you."

She remained still and didn't answer.

"What about for Masen? What if Alec was about to hurt or kill him? He will Bella. He will show up and kill him. Masen will die because you're weak." Jasper came within inches of her face and hollered at her.
She finally snapped. Her eyes flew open in rage. "I'm not weak!" she screamed and her fist went flying and clocked him square in the nose. The impact made him stumbled back a few feet.

Her fists still flew at his chest pounding in her rage. He made no move to stop her blows but just let her go. She started to slow and to started to shake from head to toe.
I stepped forward and wrapped my arms around her waist pulling her away. She fought to get away from me but I held on to her.

"Bella, calm down. You're okay, so is Masen." She stopped struggling and her chest heaved up and down as she tried to calm down. I turned her around and hugged her to me swaying slightly.

"You're okay. I've got you. You're safe." I stroked her hair as she started to cry into my chest. She pulled away and wiped her eyes before looking at Jasper. His nose was bleeding from where she had packed her first punch. He wiped the blood away with a tissue out of his pocket.

"I'm so sorry, Jasper. I don't know what came over me," she whispered.

"Don't apologize," Jasper answered.

"But…" He raised a hand to stop her.

"You were defending yourself. Don't apologize for that."

"But violence isn't right. I shouldn't have hit you." Bella shook her head.

"I wanted you to hit me. I was asking for it. You're right, violence isn't always the answer, but if it comes down to your life and Masen's then you can't be afraid to fight back. So if you have to hit, kick, or shoot Alec to do so then you can't be afraid to do it," he retorted, then softened his voice. "You know that I was just calling you weak just to get you upset. I don't think you're weak. I know you have it in you, darlin', to fight back and kick Alec's ass yourself. I just want you to believe in yourself, like we do."

"I understand." She nodded before stepping away and taking a deep breath.

"I'm glad. But Edward's right. You're not going to be fighting alone, we are all going to be here too." He smiled at her.

Her smile was smaller but she nodded.

"Come on. Let's get you cleaned up before Masen sees you and asks any questions." Alice came up and grabbed Jasper's hand to lead him away. "Great right hook by the way, Bella." She winked at her. Bella's smile said she wasn't as pleased with it.

After they disappeared I turned to her. "How's your hand?"

"It hurts," she admitted flexing her fingers.

"I'm not surprised with how hard you hit him." I chuckled. "Here let me see?" I reached out my hand to see hers. She held out her hand and bit her lip as I lightly examined it.

"I don't think you broke it. Probably just a sprain, some ice and pain killers will help." I kissed it gently.

"I'm proud of you too, Bella. Jasper is right. If you need to defend your life then you do whatever it takes. I know Charlie showed you how to shoot a gun, do you think you can remember how?"

She pulled her hand away from me and cradled it against her chest. "If I must," she answered with a frown.

"Good. I hope you won't ever have to, but I'm glad," I encouraged her. She met my eyes and gave a more genuine smile, but her eyes still looked nervous.

A/N:

In case of confusion the start of the chapter was Edward's dream. So a little spurt of a lemon for those who have been wanting something. Also, Masen didn't see anything when he went to wake up his aunt and uncle.

Don't be too mad at Jasper for talking to Bella like that. He was purposely trying to push her to fight back. He means well.

Warning: Next chapter is going to hit the fan.

Thank You For Your Reviews!

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Preview Alert

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Preview:

Edward's door flew open making me jump, and Edward's arms tightened around my waist. Jasper flew into the room with a worried look. He glanced at me quickly, but made no comment about what we were doing, he turned Edward.

"The cameras just picked up two dark cars entering the driveway," he announced. "I've already called Jacob, but we've got to move. Alice is already heading for the panic room." My heart started thundering as panic set in. He found us.