Since Rosalie has become human, a few of the Cullens wished to remain close to the castle, although most of them have left. There was only Emmett, Rosalie's distraught mate and the two vampires from the Cullen coven that agreed to my father's terms, to join his guard. Edward and the small, pixie-like woman, named Alice. I did notice from time to time her mate, Jasper, lingering in the area and at times sneaking in to see her. I'm sure my father would be more than delighted to collect Jasper as well. I could see it happening. It was just a matter of time. He wouldn't be able to leave Alice behind.
The remaining Cullens received lodging on the outskirts of the castle, in a small stone structure, it had a dungeon-like appearance. Cold and dark. Very uninviting. This building only had one-way in and out, which was a long corridor that connected to the main castle. It was poorly lit and had a very unpleasant smell. It hasn't been used in hundreds of years, so upkeep wasn't quite up to par.
Felix remained in front of me as we walked the length of the corridor. His watchful gaze gave me reassurance. As long as we made this quick, my father would never know. As long as he didn't come into contact with Felix. Which was a pretty unlikely idea. Still. I had to do this. This wasn't about my father, this was about me. For once, I was taking my fate into my own hands. And it felt good. It felt right.
As we made it to the large stone door, Felix turned to me with a doubtful glint in his crimson eyes. "Are you sure you want to do this? You know he would never make a suitable mate…"
I gave Felix my past annoyed expression. "I don't think I asked for your opinion, did I?"
Felix smirked, letting his shoulders rise and fall. "It was worth a shot, but I should have known you were going to say something like that." His massive arm went to the door, but before he could push it open, the door creaked open slowly.
Edward appeared in the doorway, looking dazzling. Breath-taking. The moonlight danced through the windows of the corridor, illuminating his soft features. Beautiful. But the look on his face had my stomach in knots. He didn't look pleased. Not in the slightest. I had hoped that he was as eager to see me as I was to see him. Perhaps I had been wrong about that.
Before my heart could break any further, his golden orbs captured me and a crooked smile appeared on his face. I could have jumped into his arms out of pure joy and relief. But I decided to remain composed. Any kind of public display in that manner would have hurt Felix. I needed to be careful with my interactions in front of these two from now on. I wanted this to be fair and mature. The goal wasn't to hurt either one of them.
"What do I owe the pleasure, princess?" Edward's voice was like velvet. So warm and comforting. I was a bit dazed, so I had been a fraction too slow with my response. Felix took notice and made a face.
"I came to ask you a question. If you would be willing to hear me out completely before making your decision, I would really appreciate that."
Edward nodded for me to continue, he took a few more steps out from the doorway, inching closer to me. Which of course brought on further distracts. His messy bronze hair. His flawless muscles, although smaller than Felix, he looked just as strong. I could get lost trying to soak in every detail of him. I wasn't sure how it was possible for a man to hold such perfection.
"I'd like to start out by saying, I am in no means a typical modern-day woman. I'm very much, old-fashioned. I'm not really educated on how the times have changed in the world. So please don't be offended by what I'm about to ask you."
Edward raised a brow, before his face seemed to shift into a look of concentration. His eyes peered through me. As if he was looking through a window, that led right into my very soul. I felt something catch in my throat. My lips parted to speak, but no words came out. He waited patiently for me to speak. Even though I'm sure he had just taken a peek inside of my thoughts. He already knew what I was about to ask. He wanted to hear the words.
I could faintly detect Felix shifting his weight back and forth, he was getting impatient. I knew that I had to make this quick.
"U-um, I have feelings for you. Strong feelings. And I'd like to explore those feelings." I paused, watching as Edward's face lit up. But only for a moment. His eyes flickered to Felix now, bitterness and resentment bounced between the both of them now. The tension was slowly rising. Felix glared menacingly in Edward's direction. His arm came out, wrapping around my waist. He pulled me up against his chest. I could feel his entire body trembling as he snarled at Edward.
"Don't get any ideas Cullen," Felix growled.
"I'm not interested in hearing anything you have to say," Edward said, remaining calm, but I could see him struggling to remain that way. His hands were balled into fists to his sides. There was a dark frown plastered to his face.
"Like I was saying," I interjected quickly. "I hold very similar feelings for Felix. And I wish to explore my feelings for him as well. I know what I'm asking for is… selfish… possibly despicable, but I have to ask you anyway."
Both Edward and Felix were now watching me intently. Neither one of them spoke. Again I felt a bit choked-up. Just the idea of having both these men in my life in such a way… it made me feel dirty. This didn't seem to be fair. Could it really be okay to ask this of them?
"I'd like to date the both of you, openly. Just until I know without a shadow of a doubt, who I would like to spend the remainder of my lifetime with. This is a lot to ask for, I understand that. And you don't have to agree to this at all."
Edward slowly shook his head, a small smile pulled the corner of his lips upward. "If this is what will make you happy, I accept. These are modern times and the notion of being in love with more than one person makes things complicated. You have every right to decide how to work through this. I won't be going anywhere."
His words filled me with relief. My shoulders dropped as I let out a shaky breath. This was a first for me. My first epic love story. I didn't know where this new adventure would take me. But it was exciting. I still had some lingering worries and a feeling of guilt.
"Well isn't that wonderful," Felix muttered sarcastically. "Just don't get too confident Cullen. I've known Bella for a very long time. Not to mention our sexual relationship." His tone turned smug.
I glared at Felix, embarrassed. "Felix, not even remotely appropriate right now."
Felix shrugged his shoulders, keeping a smirk on his face as he watched Edward's frustration grow.
Edward cleared his throat, appearing to ignore Felix's attempts at getting under his skin. "Relationships aren't just about sex. There is so much more. And I'll be the one to show her that."
Felix growled, pulling me closer to his chest. "Hear that, the little virgin plans on holding out on you. I've basically already won, why even bother. What do you say Bella?"
It's true, I do highly regard sex. I know that I shouldn't. But it was something that I had to factor into this relationship. I didn't want to sound like that kind of woman, but I had to stay true to my feelings. I couldn't truly be completely happy in this long existence of mine, with unsatisfying sex.
Edward glared coldly towards Felix. "I said nothing of the sort," He now eyed me with a hint of nervousness. "I-I mean if it would be something you are interested in… exploring that… I'd be… more than willing."
I don't think I've ever seen Edward so rattled. Talking about sex and becoming intimate seemed to make him anxious. I'm assuming Felix was right, he must be a virgin. That didn't bother me in the slightest. It would just be something we would get to work though together. It was actually a bit thrilling to think that. But I remained stoic. Even though I'm sure Edward was already aware of what I was thinking.
"I think that's enough chit-chat for the night. Let's get you back to your room. Before your father returns and kills me and Edward both." Felix grumbled, lightly stroking my back. The feeling was comforting. I struggled not to react.
"Alright," I nodded with some reluctance, before nodding to Edward one more time. "Good night… Edward."
"Good night," He responded with a delighted grin. I watched as he retreated back behind the stone door, closing it behind him. Felix escorted us back towards the main castle. My mind was buzzing with thoughts of what the future would hold. I was distracted. Even more so than I had thought. I hadn't even realized that we had made it back to the tower and up to my room. Felix had paused at the door, just watching me quietly.
"Are you alright?" He wondered, letting his hand gently stroke my cheek.
"I'm okay, just a lot on my mind."
He nodded, smirking a bit. "Would you like a little distraction? I could think of a few ways to relieve some of that tension?" His lips came to my neck, leaving tender kisses against my skin. I felt my body melt into him as my eyes closed.
In seconds he pulled me up into his arms, and had my back against the door to my room. My legs went around his waist. I felt his erection pressing against my panties. I gripped tightly to his shoulders, letting out a soft groan as his lips met mine. I wanted him desperately.
But I felt Felix's body go tense, he paused in his actions, slowly pulling his mouth off of mine. He rested his forehead against mine, breathing unsteadily. He sighed heavily with an annoyed look.
"Sounds like Aro made it back with Corin… As much as I'd love to continue… I better get back down to the barracks. I don't want Alec to get in too much trouble here… But I promise, I will be back."
I nodded, slowly peeling myself off of him. I couldn't stop from pouting. The disappointment was almost soul crushing. The tension in my body was at an all time high. I hoped that he meant what he said. That he would return.
Like Felix said, I could hear my father walking around the castle, he was grumbling profanities under his breath. He probably would be in an even worse mood when he realizes that Sulpicia has left. It was going to be a long night. I'm sure I wouldn't be seeing Felix or Edward for the rest of the night. My father would most likely be sending his guard out to either kill or retreive Sulpicia. Those were the only options for her. Especially since she knew of my abilities.
"Good night, Felix." I sighed as I tried to remain my composure.
He leaned in, capturing my lips one more time, before turning away. "Good night princess." And just as I had been dreading, I was left completely alone to my thoughts.
I made my way into my room and shut the door behind me. It had been such an eventful night I decided to wind myself down by doing a bit of painting. I hadn't touched my easel in a while. Painting usually puts me at ease.
Slowly I swept across the room to where my last painting sat. It was left unfinished. It began as an empty city, only of streets and buildings without any details. No people. It was lifeless. Cold. Boring. But now I feel the need to finish this. Bring life to the picture. The people, lights, the little details. I wanted this painting to represent the new world I would be stepping into.
Sorry it took so long to update this story. I had an awful case of writer's block. But I've slowly begun getting some inspiration. Thanks for reading! Leave a review if you are enjoying the plot of this story? Should she pick Edward? Or Felix?