A/N: Reviews as always were amazing. Here's the next chapter, so read, review and of course ENJOY!

CHAPTER TWELVE

Bella

The following morning I wasn't surprised when I headed down the stairs only to come face to face with Charlie, his arms crossing his chest as he raised a brow in question.

"What?" I walked past him to turn on the kettle.

"So," he started. "Do I need to load up my shotgun?"

I rolled my eyes at his serious tone.

"Edward was the perfect gentleman, Charlie" I sighed honestly. "He didn't even kiss me, brought me home well before I said I could stay out till and walked me to my door."

"So I don't need to shoot him then?"

I turned around, staring at him. "No."

He nodded. "I'm pleased. I would hate to get on the bad side of his father, I see him enough as it is."

That caught my attention. "What do you mean?"

He shrugged. "Whenever I take in a perp and they need medical attention then Carlisle always seems to be on shift, I doubt any other the other attending what anything to do with the criminal."

"But don't doctors have to take some sort of oath which means they have to?" I frowned.

Charlie shrugged, taking a seat at the kitchen table before pulling out a newspaper.

Taking the hint that our morning conversation was over I ran my fingers through my hair, glancing outside the window only to take note that Edward's car wasn't in view.

Looks like I was taking my truck today.

Grabbing my coat I bid Charlie a goodbye only to get a grunt in acknowledgement. I rolled my eyes, expecting nothing less. Making my way over to my 'baby' I had just slipped the keys into the lock when I heard the short beep of a horn causing me to jump.

"Edward?"

Looking around I caught sight of the familiar Volvo, and a quick glance at my watch told me that I was in fact earlier than usual.

"I was going to give you a lift, Bella" he held his car door open for me. "Unless you wish to take your truck?"

I shook my head, not about to deny spending more time with him if it was possible. I liked my truck, but I liked spending time with Edward more.

Slipping into the silver car I leaned over the console to peck him on the cheek once he had slid into the driver's seat, Edward's' previously tense from relaxing almost instantly as he leaned into my touch.

Though I wasn't so naïve and unobservant not to notice that something was bothering him.

"What's wrong?" I asked softly. "Remember you told me you would never lie to me," I reminded him when I felt as if he was going to give me a lack of answer, or at least a vague one.

He sighed exasperated at my comment, knowing I had caught him.

"I am still slightly…tense, because of yesterday" he admitted after a few moments.

I frowned, reaching over to place my hand on this jean glad thigh. He was wearing all black today. He looked hot and every bit the predator I knew him to be.

"I thought that was over and done with."

He scoffed, fingers tightening on their hold of the wheel. It remaindered me of our first date, though whether him saving me from being gang raped and then taking me out to eat food which I never consumed was a date I didn't know.

"I doubt it is over, Bella" he looked at me. "You forget that I can read James mind very clearly, and I doubt he has any intentions to simply letting this go," he ended in a growl.

I stared quietly. "I don't understand…."

"He wants you, Bella!" Edward snapped causing me to flinch away. "I apologise," he seemed to get himself under control. "I do not mean to take my frustrations out on you-"

"It's ok," I looked out the window.

He shook his head out of the corner of my eye. "No, no it isn't. There isn't a scenario which would warrant me shouting at you, Bella."

I didn't know what to say to that, not knowing whether it was incredibly sweet or that he was feeling too protective over me, preventing me from knowing what was going on when the entire situation was because of me.

I looked at him. "So…you think he'll come after me? What about Charlie, I-"

"He has no interest in your father, Bella. Just you," his jaw clenched tighter. "I won't let him get near enough to touch you, he'll be dead before he can get within a yard of you" he promised.

I didn't doubt him. Not for a second.

Arriving at school, I couldn't help but notice how Edward constantly kept up the physical contact with me, even more so than usual. Not that I was complaining, because I wasn't, but it was hard not to blush when cool fingers played with my hair, the palms of my hand and my burning cheeks.

He was slowly killing me.

And he knew it.

I was aware that the main reasoning behind his constant touches was to ground himself that I was safely by his side, and I didn't have a problem with that in the slightest. As far as I was concerned it worked both ways, and if his constant touches made me feel safe than I wasn't going to be complaining any time soon.

It was worth it.

A hundred times over.

Walking into biology I was to in tuned to Edward that I jumped when I felt a hand grab my fist, spinning around and reluctantly breaking eye contact with Edward only to come face to face with a pissed off Lauren. I could tell by her expression alone that she thought she had covered her attitude well, but in actual fact she was one of those people who were just easy to read.

"Uh…hey Lauren…" what did she want?

Hearing Edward's light snort it didn't take more than a few seconds to realise that whatever it was it was on her mind right there and then, and whatever it was according to Edward wasn't going to sit well with me.

It was kind of nice, having a slight warning so I could prepare myself. I may not be a confident and out-going person by any means, but I found when it concerned Edward I wasn't myself in any sense. He brought out a protective and almost possessive side of me, a side of me which seemed to flare up in jealously at even the slightest look sent his way.

The fact I knew it wouldn't be going anywhere was the only thing keeping me calm, but I had a feeling Lauren wasn't about to give up any time soon on getting my man.

I sighed at my own thoughts, still getting used to the new mind-set since meeting Edward.

And did she really have to confront me when we were barely two steps into the room?

I watched in front of me as her features seemed to forcibly relax into what I guessed was meant to be a happy expression. I frowned.

"We're in fours today, so me and Jessica thought it would be fun if we all grouped up," she grinned.

I stared at her, huh?

"Jessica!" she squealed causing me to wince. "They said yes, bring your stuff over!"

Looking up at Edward I saw him shrug, a slightly annoyed expression on his face features before he gently led me over to our desk. It wasn't until he helped me sit down that I realised that the room had been reorganised so that we were in groups of four.

Lovely...

"What's she thinking about?" I leaned over to whisper in his ear, smiling at the light shiver which seemed to run through him.

At least I seemed to affect him just as much as his presence alone affected me.

"You don't want to know, Love."

I smiled despite myself at the affection nickname.

"Is it about me?" he shrugged. "You?" he shrugged again.

Bitch.

It didn't take long for the both of them to hurriedly sit in front of us, both shooting flirtatious looks at Edward causing me to frown.

"How's it going with Mike, Jessica?" I watched her sober up. Good.

"Oh," she smiled. "Great actually. He's really sweet and always seems to have time for me. What about you and Edward, are you two dating?"

"We are," Edward answered smoothly, his hand pressed gently on my jean clad thigh. I smiled up at him, getting a similar look in return.

The both of them seemed shocked that he had actually answered, but if anything it only seemed to encourage them to ask more questions.

"So Eddie-"

"Edward!" he snapped causing Lauren to flinch. I fought back a snigger, though a part of me was curious as to how he would react if I called him by that dreaded nickname. Mm…something to think about.

"Oh, right…" she stuttered in reply. "Urm…what made you say yes to Bella?"

I stared at her confused; relieved that at least Edward seemed to understand where she was going with it. Then again he did have the advantage of being able to know her next thought before she had even processed it.

"I didn't. I asked her out," he concluded.

Oh, I thought. Did she think I had been the one to approach him and ask him to date me? Why would you just assume something that? Wasn't it usually the bloke who asked the girl in any case?

I sighed, rolling my eyes at both of their wide eyed looks.

"You did?" Jessica asked shocked. "But, but why?"

Ok, I knew I wasn't the hottest girl who ever lived but still…ouch. It wasn't like I was openly calling her a slut for trying to flirt with Edward when she had her own boyfriend, and yet she had just blatantly told me I wasn't good enough to my face.

Who does that?

"Wow, Jessica" I shook my head.

"What?"

I looked at her. "How can you just ask someone that?"

She shrugged. "I don't know why you're getting so defensive; it was only a question, Bella."

Feeling Edward's arm wrap around my shoulders I sighed in content as he pulled me close, all other negative emotions leaning me at the physical contact.

"Ignore her, Love" he purred. "She is just jealous; she does not have your class."

I smiled while Jessica spluttered out some sort of reply. "I have a boyfriend!"

"Then why is he sitting on another table and not with you? He wanted to, you said no."

Wow, who knew Edward had it in him I thought with a smirk.

Jessica was speechless, mouth agape before she shook herself out of it and flicked her hair over her shoulder. She didn't comment, and I wasn't surprised that she didn't.

As Mr Banner was walking around placing blocks of wood on the table, a sheet covering whatever was sitting on it; Edward leaned over to whisper in my ear.

"What are your views on dissection?"

Ignoring both Lauren and Jessica I turned to face him, confused at first before it clicked into place. "Dissection?" I kept my voice low.

He nodded.

"What kind of dissection?" now that was something that I hadn't done at my previous school, the teacher too squeamish to even consider such a practical experiment.

"Cows heart," he told me bluntly.

"Oh," I spoke flatly before a thought came to mind. "Does it bother you?" I knew it was part of an animal, but I also knew it wasn't like he actually consumed the whole animal, just the blood element.

He chuckled, amused. "No, there is no blood and even if there was it does not smell half as appealing when it has been sitting around for days," he wrinkled his nose.

Ew!

"So class," Mr Banner spoke cheerfully. "I have a very special surprise for you today! No more opinions, so after three I want you to remove your clothes-"

"Ohh, I want to!" Lauren giggled as she held onto the corner.

I shifted back a little. I may not know her well but I was able to guess that she wasn't exactly going to be cooing and smiling when she was presented with an animal organ she was expected to cut up.

"Three, two, one…and remove!"

The shriek that came from Lauren was expected, the vomit however wasn't.

"Thanks," I pressed myself closer to Edward as we stood by the door like the rest of the class. Turns out Lauren was close enough that if Edward hadn't pulled me away I would have been covered.

I was extremely grateful.

The plus side, however, was that because of the…uh…mess….it meant that class was cancelled. I didn't protest, I may enjoy learning but when Edward whispered whether I wanted to go sit outside with him since while it was a crap day the grass wasn't damp, I couldn't have been happier.

Quality time with Edward, hell yes!

The next minute we were sitting crossed legged near the border of the woods, Edward staring at me intently at I mirrored his expression of absolute affection.

"I would like for you to come around mine after school, Love" he admitted.

I nodded eagerly, as far as I was concerned he didn't even need to ask. I wasn't about to ever tell him no in that regard.

"You have more questions?" his lips quirked.

I mock sighed. "How is it you can read me so well and I'm still just starting to figure you out?"

His lips quirked. "I am able to pick up on minor movements and emotions, Bella. For example, when you are nervous you fiddle and play with your hands. When you are angry your eyes darken just slightly in colour. When you are embarrassed, of course you blush, and-"

"Ok, ok, I get it" I sighed dramatically. "You are the master when it comes to reading people."

He laughed. "The more sensitive vision helps somewhat."

I didn't disagree.

"So," I picked nervously at a blade of grass, ignoring the chuckle which feel from his lips.

"You can ask me anything, Love. I would not refuse you," he must have picked up on my hesitation.

Ok, well he asked for it…

"When you first, uh…woke up?" he nodded. "How'd you react to your gift? Can you like, switch it off or-"

He snorted, shaking his head. "If Carlisle was human I would have probably given him a heart attack with how I reacted."

I laughed. "Really?"

He nodded sheepishly. "I didn't understand why I was hearing him speaking yet not being able to see his lips moving. I was thankful that as soon as he changed me he had taken me somewhere in the middle of nowhere. The first time I was out in public around so many people, well I wasn't at my best, let's just say that."

I winced in sympathy.

"But you can control it now, right?" I tried to lighten the seriousness.

He nodded. "Of course, however, you are still the exception."

I grinned at his disgruntled look.

"Is it really that frustrating that you can't get into my head?"

He looked at me. "You have no idea."

I laughed, shifting closer so I could lean against him. I was quiet for a few moments until another question filtered through my mind.

Pulling back I looked up at him, only to see him staring at me curiously. "When did you realise we were mates?"

His eyes widened. "Well, that was unexpected."

I shrugged.

"As a vampire we feel a…pull…which lets our animal side know that our mate is near," he frowned. "I knew from the moment you stepped foot in Forks that I needed to find you, the good weather on your first day at school was a stroke of bad luck."

I sighed, leaning so my back rested against the ground. Looking up at Edward I saw him smiling down at me, his lips curved into that crooked grin of his I adored so much.

"If I asked you to kiss me, would I be pushing your control?" I asked hopefully, biting on my bottom lip.

He stared at me for a few moments, eyes raking up and down my form before he seemed to brace himself.

"You know," I smiled. "I don't know how I feel about the fact you have to mentally prepare yourself when you kiss me," I teased.

He shrugged. "It's that or I'll end up not being able to control myself and the both of us will later regret it."

He had a point.

"Is that a yes, then?" I grinned.

The next thing I knew Edward was hovering over my, his knees resting near my thighs and his arms behind my head. I stuttered in a breath, my natural reaction of flushing brightly causing him to smile as he leaned down slowly to brush his nose against my burning cheeks.

"Are you going to be a good girl and stay still?" he murmured against my skin.

I sucked in a breath, nodding earlier as my eyes raked over his flawless skin and bright eyes.

"I'll be good."

He smiled.

Leaning down slowly, his eyes flickering between my eyes and my lips as if to make sure I kept my word, his lips gently pressed against mine. It was the barest of touches, but for now it was enough.

Pulling away I saw his strong jaw clench slightly.

"Too much?" I asked softly, reaching up to brush my thumbs against his pale cheeks.

He shook his head, grinning down at me. "Aren't I meant to be the one who's a worry what?"

I giggled. Leaning up I quickly pecked him on the cheek, once…twice….before reaching his lips. I gave him enough time to move if it was too much, relief and excitement filtering through me when he didn't.

Keeping the kisses light and soft, both of us were fighting back smiles as we softly made out long and slow. I could tell that he could handle just touches of the lips, and however much I wanted it I didn't want to I was not about to push him further.

Winding my fingers in his hair I let them run through the incredibly soft strands, shuddering when I felt his cool hands gently run down my sides as they went up and down in both a sensual and soothing manner.

I liked it.

I liked it a lot.

That was until he broke apart with a grunt, leaving my lips both chilled and swollen as he groaned against my neck.

"What?" I ran my fingers through his hair, not being able to help myself. "Edward-"

"We are about to have company," he muttered a split second before I could hear Emmett's wolf whistling and Alice's giggles. I sighed.

"Getting some action I see, Eddie boy!" Emmett teased, Edward seeming far to mellowed out to snap at the nickname like usual.

I grinned. "Or rather he was!"

Emmett laughed. "Heya Bells, didn't think you had it in you to soften up the nun of the family," I rolled my eyes. "Aw, did we interrupt your little make-out session-"

"Why are you even here, Emmett?" Edward sighed.

He shrugged. "I'm not the one skipping periods to lip-lock."

Edward snorted, rolling off me and onto his back before pulling me close. Placing my head on his chest I once again heard that low hum which sounded so much like a purr.

"Lauren threw up in biology."

"Ew," Alice scrunched her face up in disgust.

Edward nodded, "over a sheep's brain."

"Really?" Emmett winced, looking as if someone had just kicked his puppy over and over again. "We never get to do dissections," he slumped on the ground with the rest of the Cullen's. Rosaline looked at it in distaste but that was hardly a surprise. "Our teacher never lets us do that, she's a woman-"

Smack!

Smack!

Smack!

"Ow!" Emmett yelped when he was suddenly on the receiving end of three hits. He stared at Jasper with a wide eyed shocked look, having expected it from both Alice and Rosaline, "dude, did you just hit me?"

Jasper shrugged.

"Why?"

Jasper grinned, wiggling his brows as he pulled Alice to him to kiss her on the cheek. "Just standing up for my darlin'" he winked.

Alice smiled brightly, "You are so getting some tonight," she breathed causing him to give Emmett a 'told you so' look.

He scowled. "What happened to bro code?"

"Shouldn't you be more worried about Rose's opinion of your comment?" Edward had clearly caught something going through her head, enough to worry Emmett anyway.

Emmett clearly thought as much as well. "Huh?"

Looking towards his mate even I had to admit she looked incredibly pissed off by his comment, her eyes narrowed as her arms crossed over her generous chest.

"Oh come on baby, you know I was joking" he quickly tried to backtrack.

"Yea, well you can take that jokey attitude all the way to using your right hand when you want some lovin'. I am a woman after all" she huffed.

Gracefully moving to stand she strutted off, flicking her hair over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner of the school. With an "aw shit" Emmett was quickly jogging after her, only just keeping his pace at a human enough speed not for anyone notice something was wrong.

Alice shook her head in aspiration before turning to face Jasper who didn't seem at all affected by Rosaline's storm off. "Baby," Jasper looked at her. "Promise me I will never get like that, and if do, you tell me!"

He laughed, drawling out a chuckle. Wrapping an arm around her he ruffled her hair in an affectionate manner. "I don't think I need to ever worry about that happening, darlin'" he grinned. "You are definitely no Rose."

Without Rosaline sneering at me every second of being in my presence it was nice to just spend some time with Alice and Jasper.

Closing my eyes I pressed my face further into Edward's chest, and before I knew it his scent had me lulling myself to sleep. There was just something about him that made me feel so utterly safe in his presence that when he was like this, laughing and purring it took me only seconds to drift off.

The strange thing was, before meeting him, getting to sleep wasn't an easy feat.

Funny how things changed…

Wow, over 3,500 words! That's surely worth a review, right? xx