A/N: Sorry! I know I have been neglecting this story but it will be finished. There is a few more chapters to go and some outtakes I had great fun writing so it doesn't just cut off randomly. Thank you for all your support. It means a lot.

I do not have a beta.

Chapter Twenty-One

Bella

He liked it if his expression was anything to go by.

It had taken only a few seconds of me walking down the stairs to catch his attention, but it was when I saw how dark and primal his eyes were as they hungrily ran over my form from head to toe that had me shivering in desire.

He looked completely primal, as if he wanted to storm over and eat me.

I doubted I would have held any complaints.

Fuck no!

"Hi," I spoke shyly, fiddling with a loose curl as they brushed against the left side of my cheek. "It isn't too much is it?" I was suddenly worried. "Alice-"

"Got it perfect," he interrupted me.

I shivered as he grew closer, feeling the coolness of his breath against my heated skin as he stopped in front of me, his eyes still raking over my form.

"You look incredible, Love" he reached up to brush the loose curls behind my ear.

The soft cool feel of his lips brushing against my cheek made me smile brightly, moving my arms to wrap gently around his neck as I buried my face against his shoulder blade. My smile only widened when I felt his own arms wrap around my waist, cautiously at first like he was afraid he would hurt me, before he tightened his grip just slightly.

I liked it, a lot.

"I hope you do not plan on leaving my side tonight, Love" he purred in my ear. "Because I have no intention of letting you go."

I giggled, I couldn't help myself. "There is no other place I would rather be."

The club New Moon in Port Angeles seemed to one of the more popular establishments if the long line outside was anything to go by, but since this was my first time experiencing such an nightlife for all I knew it was like that everywhere.

I couldn't help my mumble of, "it's going to take us ages to get in here," but I couldn't help myself. If the majority of our night was going to be standing in the cold it made me wonder whether it was worth it.

"You act as if we're going to the back of the line, Bells!" Emmett's loud boisterous laughter filled the parking lot. "Does it look like we are about to get turned down?"

He was right. Just one looked around told me that they were centre of attention, and by the way Edward's arm tightened slightly around my waist as he pulled me closer I had a feeling whatever was going through their minds he didn't approve of in the slightest.

It made me wonder just what sort of things he was subjected to hearing. We had never really discussed it in depth, but I made a mental note to bring it up sometime. I had a feeling whatever his response was it would be incredibly interesting, and it wasn't as if I could ask anyone else even if I wanted to.

"Come on!" Alice beamed, reaching to grab my hand only to be held back by a grinning Jasper.

"Now, now, Darlin'" he drawled. "Date night, remember?"

I laughed, because I highly doubted that they were able to forget anything. Photographic memory and all that.

She rolled her eyes in response. "If you say so, Jazzy."

"I do."

"Are we going in or not?" Rosalie snapped, her patience seemingly running out. "I didn't doll myself up to stand out here doing nothing!"

God, was there a time when she wasn't a stuck up bitch, I thought.

It seemed to snap everyone out of it as we made our way to the front of the line, any of my previous doubts about not getting in immediately wiped from my mind as the doorman took one look at us and waved us in without hesitation, swiftly ignoring the shouts and curses from the line.

"Shouldn't we have invited Esme and Carlisle?"

I was worried that they may get the wrong impression about not being invited which was the last thing I wanted. Hell, they were practically second parents to me and to have their feelings hurt because of me…

"Stop worrying, Love," lips pressed against my temple as we made our way to the bar. "They are savouring a house free of all of us. It is a rare occasion to have complete privacy from all of us."

It took me a few seconds to get it before I caught sight of his wiggling brows and crooked smirk. "Oh…" Sex, right…

I heard Emmett laugh as he pushed his way next to me, swinging an arm around my shoulder. "I bet there getting their grove on-"

"Emmett!" Jasper cringed. "They are like parents to us all, do you really want to put that mental image in all of our heads?" he demanded.

He shrugged before Edward cut him off. "He's already thinking about it," he shoved his brother off me. "I think he likes what he sees."

It took me a while to work out that he was teasing, because while Carlisle was a very good looking man and Esme a beautiful woman, I really didn't want to think about them having sex. Like I said, imagining your parents getting it on was a big no, no.

"Dickhead," Emmett scowled as everyone else laughed. Hell, even Rosalie seemed to crack a small smile. Big shocker there.

"Then don't bring it up," was Edward's matter-of-fact reply. "You want a drink, Love?" he turned his sole attention onto me.

I flushed slightly, but figured a drink would be able to calm my nerves at least. It wasn't as if I hadn't noticed the attention my man was receiving from both other men and women. I hated it.

"Please," I decided.

It took less than a few seconds for him to grab the attention of the male bartender, the young man while having nothing on my mate was good looking in his own right. Still, there was no attraction there and I knew it was because Edward was my one and only.

"What can I get you guys?"

"Bella?"

I shrugged. I didn't go out so how was I meant to know what sort of drink to order? "Uh…something fruity?" was all that came to mind.

In the end I seemed to have ended up with some lemony concoction, something I doubted I would like but it turned out the slight acidy with whatever alcohol was in it turned out to be a delectable treat. I had to tell myself not to down it all in one, heaven forbid I made a fool out of myself in that aspect.

"Is it nice?" Alice was suddenly in my face.

I nodded, licking my lips. "Yea, aren't you guys ordering a drink?" I had noticed they had just waved off anyone who came to offer them one.

She pouted. "We can't consume it. Well, I mean we can, but unless we want to throw it up a few minutes later it really isn't worth it."

I cringed. Lovely.

"You've tried it?"

She laughed. "Nope, but Emmett did once. He said he wanted to see if the liquors had different tastes."

"And…" I was curious.

She shook her head. "They don't. Like human food does apparently we only get the sensation of putting dirt in our mouths."

As Edward led us all to a spare booth in the corner I couldn't help but wonder whether it would bother me, never being able to drink or eat human food again.

"Do you miss it?"

Alice looked at me. "Miss what?"

"Eating and stuff?"

She thought about it for a few moments before shrugging. "Not really. I mean when we go hunting different animals taste and feel different, so I suppose it really isn't that big of an issue. What about you, Jazz?" she turned to out mate.

He shrugged. "I can't really remember it, so…"

I guess that made sense, how can you miss something you can't remember?

We talked for a few more minutes about general stuff but it wasn't long until Jasper had Alice on the dance floor and Emmett had already pushed his mate into a secluded corner. Since it was just me and Edward at the table I couldn't resist staring at him, taking in his beauty with an appreciative sigh.

He had dressed smart. His tight jeans making his arse look amazing as he wore a loose green button down shirt. It made me subtly move my hand up to my mouth to check I wasn't drooling over him like some love-struck fool.

Then again, I was love struck…

"You're staring."

Edward's comment snapped me out of it and I flushed when I realised I hadn't exactly been hiding the fact that I had been indeed staring at him.

Reaching for my cocktail I took a small sip before rolling my eyes, trying to appear casual but I knew I couldn't act for shit. He knew me too well for that.

I sighed. "Do you often come to places like this?" I tried to distract him.

The corner of his lips quirked and I knew I wasn't being very subtle in my approach to change the conversation. Still, he took pity on me and didn't comment.

"No," he shook his head. "This is not usually my scene."

I breathed a sigh of relief, because it wasn't mine either. It was loud, there were too many people and being the chief of polices daughter I knew all about the risk of my drink being spiked meaning I could end up in a very bad situation. At least Edward was here, he'd probably hear it a mile away if anyone intended for any harm to come to me.

"And I gather that it is not yours either, Love."

I grinned. "Very observant."

He shrugged, giving me that crooked grin I loved so much. "You are not as hard to read as you think you are."

I scowled.

Watching Edward carefully he rose to his feet before moving to stand in front of me, bowing extravagantly with twinkling eyes which reminded me so much of the first time he had asked me to dance.

"May I have this dance, Love?" he grinned.

I couldn't help myself, my lips were curving and before I knew what was happening I had placed my smaller but equally pale hand in his as he helped me to my feet.

"I can't dance."

He smirked. "I could always make you."

I laughed brightly as he stared at me fondly, obviously remembering that night as well.

"So, dance?" he pulled me onto the dance floor as the heavy beat filled the room.

As soon as he lightly placed his hands on my hips I was lost in the moment, pressing myself as close as physically possible all the while rolling my hips back against him as his cool breath hit my neck in repetitive puffs.

"Are you ok?" I asked, suddenly concerned about him handling his blood lust.

He grunted softly before replying in barely above a whisper. "With you Bella, you seem to significantly distract me, us."

"Us?"

I felt him nod against where his chin was resting against the crown of my head. "My instincts."

"Oh...that's a good thing, right?"

She felt stupid as soon as the words fell from her mouth, of course it was a good thing! If he didn't supress his instincts then the most likely outcome would be every single human in this room being ripped apart until they existed as nothing other than a pile of blood.

Was it just her or had her thoughts taken a sudden turn for the worst?

She shook her head to clear them, it being the last thing she wanted on her mind.

Edward seemed to agree that it was a stupid question to ask, but he was far too much of a gentleman to point it out to her. It made her smile; she had really struck lucky with him.

"It is fair to say, Love, that I would have it no other way," he chuckled.

After the club Edward insisted that they made a stop at a local diner, something about the fact I hadn't eaten in a while. I didn't comment, to be honest I was starving so I wasn't about to deny getting some food into my system.

"Ugh, I can't believe we have to suffer through this crap hole" Rosaline sneered as we made our way inside.

I rolled my eyes, knowing that the three cocktails I had already consumed was making my usual lack of confidence increase ten-fold. I felt happily buzzed and the last thing I wanted was for the blonde vamp to bring me down from my high. I was happy, why couldn't she just shut up for once?

"Then leave," I clipped out as Edward held the door open for me. "Thank you," I grinned.

I felt him pause momentarily, probably out of shock that I had for once spoken out to his venom sister, before I felt his chest rumble with silent chuckles. I smiled, happy that I was amusing him.

"What did you just say?"

If I wasn't buzzed I had a feeling I probably would have peed myself out of fear at the harsh and cold tone question she sent my way. Instead, I simply slid my way into the booth before sending a careless look.

"If you don't want to be here, then leave. We came in separate cars so no one is stopping you, the fact you are here now is out of your own free will."

My tone was matter-of-fact, my attention returning to my delicious looking and amused mate as I leaned on the palm of my hand with a delighted sight.

God I loved just looking at him.

Rosaline unfortunately seemed to have it on her mind that the conversation wasn't over like I had hoped, pushing Alice out of the way much to Jaspers anger as she moved to sit in front of me.

Why hadn't she left yet?

"You need to watch yourself you little bitch!" she seethed.

"Rosaline!" Edward's snarled, careful not to draw any more attention to their booth. "Watch your tone around my mate!"

"And you shove Alice again and I will not just stand by and watch!" Jasper snipped in as well, still annoyed while Alice simply rolled her eyes, clearly used to it.

Me? I found myself loving it when Edward came to my defence. It didn't make me feel any less of a woman for him to come to my rescue, in fact it made me feel a hell of a lot desired and protected.

He could come to my defence any time he liked.

We were briefly interrupted by the nervous waitress coming to take our order, but since I was the only one eating I quickly gave her my request before she scurried off behind the counter.

"Great, now we have to sit here and smell it-"

"Again, no one is forcing you to stay!" I scowled. "I am a human, so I eat! Get over it already!"

Her shock I guessed would be a lot more satisfying if I thought I would remember any of this tomorrow. I may not have had a lot to drink, but I knew I didn't have much if any tolerance.

Maybe going out on a school night hadn't been such a good idea…

At least I got to tell Alice 'I told you so.'

Rosaline once again seemed to be rendered speechless for the few minutes it took for my burger to arrive. I had barely began to take my first bite when I yelped as a sharp heel roughly dug into my leg, just hard enough to hurt but not enough to split the skin.

"Ow," I instantly moved to cover the throbbing skin. "Why'd you do that?"

She rolled her eyes. "Oh I don't know, because I don't like you."

"Then why are you here?" I snipped out slowly through narrowed eyes. "You obviously loath my company, and to be honest I'm not exactly enjoying yours and nor do I care, so-"

"Wait," she cut me off. Flicking her blonde curls over her shoulder she stared at me with a disbelieving expression. "What do you mean you don't care?"

I shrugged, popping in a salted fry into my mouth as I smiled when I felt Edward's hand running up and down my thigh. He seemed unable to keep his hands off me. Not that I was complaining, not at all.

"Exactly that. I don't like you, you don't like me."

Simple, right?

Apparently not, since she seemed unable to get it in her head that I was after her approval of some sort. I almost snorted at the thought, why on earth would I care what she thought of me?

I admit at first I had indeed wanted her approval, for her to like me, she was Edward's family after all. However, it hadn't taken long for me to figure out that for her to like me that meant I would have to not only change everything about myself, but not be changed by the man I loved and adored just because she didn't like it.

I didn't crave her attention that much!

There wasn't a choice as to whether or not I would be changed or not. I knew Edward still believed that it dammed the soul, but how can it when I would be spending the rest of my eternal life in happiness?

"That's the jealousy talking."

I rolled my eyes, hardly surprised by that response.

"I'm not jealous of you, Rosaline. In fact, I think you are bitter and are as lucky as hell you found Emmett since I doubt anyone else has that kind of patience."

"Bella!" Emmett gasped at my comment.

Again I shrugged, knowing once my buzz had disappeared I wouldn't have the confidence to finally get all of this off my mind. Sober I didn't have a chance, so why not now?

I probably wouldn't remember it tomorrow anyway.

"I love you, Emmett. But I'm not dancing through hoops for her approval. I don't even want it anymore."

I grinned when I heard Jasper trying to fight back his chuckles. "What?" I wiggled my brows.

"You are so drunk," he shook his head.

I pouted. "I only had a few drinks. Personally, I believe myself to be very happily buzzed."

The conversation after that seemed to soften, there being more laughter now Rosaline was no longer sneering at me with her snippy comments simply due to the fact I could eat a burger and she couldn't.

While I knew that wasn't really the case, I continued to ask myself why she was making this such a big issue. She knew I was here to stay, that Edward was it for me and so I wasn't going anywhere, so why continue to try and make my life miserable?

Was she trying to scare me away?

Make me uncomfortable?

Cause me to leave Edward?

Because while I admit when I didn't have any booze in my system she didn't exactly make me feel like a much liked person, but never would I willingly leave Edward. He was it for me.

I mean she had Emmett, and it only took one glance as they stared at each other to know that she adored him as he adored her. She may scold him, narrow her eyes and act pissed but that what it was…an act. She was lucky to have him and everyone knew it.

So what did she have against me having that?

"Bella? Is that you?"

I frowned when I heard an all-too-familiar voice, my eyes flickering only to come face to face with Mike and Jessica who seemed to be on a date.

I sighed. If this was god punishing me for drinking then consider it a lesson learned.

Still, I smacked a fake smile on my face while digging my nails into Edward's thigh, knowing since his skin was harder than diamonds I didn't need to worry about hurting him. It was highly likely he didn't feel a thing, and I planned to take full advantage of that fact.

"Hey Bella," Jessica eyed the table enviously. "I didn't know you ate here."

I shrugged. "It was the closest food place around, Edward found it."

It seemed to the be wrong thing to say as Jessica suddenly seemed all the more interested in my mate, my eyes narrowing into slits as I fought back the urge to tell her where she could stick her extremely inappropriate eye-fucking. That was my mate she was trying to undress with her eyes!

"Are you drunk, Bella?" Mike suddenly blurted out.

Feeling Edward's own hand begin to try and tug my already short dress lower I looked up only to find out way. Mike's gaze seemed to mirror Jessica's perfectly, expect instead of eyeing each other up Mike seemed to be unable to keep his creepy gaze off me while Jessica continued to eye up my man!

What was wrong with them?

It made me wonder if they were the only couple who could so blatantly eye-fuck others in front of their lover, but then again when I really thought about it I wasn't that surprised. Mike and Jessica seemed to be together simply for the physical side of the relationship, and while I wouldn't exactly be saying no if Edward asked me if I wanted to take it that extra step that didn't mean it would change anything between us.

If anything I hoped it made our relationship stronger.

In fact, I knew it would.

Next chapter: hopefully this week.

xx