I don't own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

Cheryl, Noles, and Gabby, thank you for pre-reading, and April, thank you for editing. Any mistakes left are my own.

Ch. 4

BPOV

"Yes, I will. Now, what do we have to do to get you to call me Bella?"

"Isabella, is your given name," Edward responded.

"Yes, but I've only been called by it when disciplined by my father. So, whenever I hear it, I feel as if you're scolding me. I figured that someone who detests being called Eddie would understand aversions to variations of their name," I countered.

"Very well." He nodded with a small grin. "How about Princess?"

"Eww. Do I look like the princess type?" I wrinkled my nose.

He tilted his head to the side. "No. More like a kitten."

"A kitten?" I hissed.

Edward's smirk broadened. "Kitten it is."

I thought about it. It was better than Isabella; and it was of kind of cute that he had chosen a pet name that only he'd use. Perhaps I was making headway after all, maybe instead of cutesy it could eventually be sex kitten. I moved myself to his lap and nuzzled his cheek. "I could work with kitten."

He cupped my cheek and tilted my face toward his. The look in his eyes made my heart skip a beat, and I prepared for him to finally kiss me. His growl startled me before he stood then placed me on my feet. He gave an irritated glance toward the store front.

"Sorry, Kitten, we will have to continue another time. My brothers are getting restless not being able to enter. And they might do something stupid soon," he said apologetically.

"I can take care of that?" I suggested.

He chuckled and brought my hand up to his lips, kissing my inner wrist. "I think it would be more prudent to deal with them now rather than wait until later. Besides, my house would be a better place to continue to get to know each other."

"You mean your crypt?" I teased.

"You have free range to decorate it however you wish. It's now your home as well."

"Anything?" I questioned.

"As long as it doesn't look like Barbie's dream house." He pulled me along with him toward the front.

"Lucky for you I've never been fond of Barbie." I laughed along with him.

Peering through the window, were two vampires. One was the same guy, Emmett, as earlier; the new one was a tall blond. I didn't like the looks of him. I could see the scars marring his exposed skin from where I stood. He seemed dangerous and calculating, and when he caught my eyes, his narrowed. I felt him send an energy pulse my way. I instantly deflected it then took a step back behind Edward. Franklin started growling and took a step forward. Edward's head snapped around and stared at the beast.

"Isa…Kitten, what's wrong? I thought he was only supposed to come to life if your life was threatened." He didn't take his eyes off my protector.

"That blond vampire is suspicious and trying to use his powers on me. What can he do?' I asked nervously.

Edward tore his eyes off Franklin and glanced over his shoulder at me. He frowned, then turned his glare toward the window. "Jasper, cut it out, you're scaring her."

I felt the pulsing stop, so I relaxed. Franklin returned to his post and stilled.

"Jasper can sense emotions and also manipulate them. He means you no harm but was trying to get a read on the situation. He is one of the family's best fighters and loyal protectors. He won't hurt you, neither will Emmett." Edward kissed the side of my head. "Could you please open the door?"

I waved my hand and the doors unlocked. Moments later the two vampires entered. The one called Emmett entered first. He paused, and once he realized he was no longer going to be confused, he made his way in front of Franklin. He waved his hand in front of the beast and leaned closer.

"I wasn't seeing things, right? This thing moved." Emmett asked.

"She enchanted the yeti to be her protector. It comes to life when she feels threatened." Edward gave Jasper a pointed look.

Jasper frowned. "I was doing what was necessary to look out for this family. Emmett said there was a witch involved. Are you sure she's not tricking you into believing she's your mate?"

"I would never," I hissed at him.

Edward gave my hand a squeeze. "There is no faking a mating bond. You know that personally. Apologize to her."

Jasper focused on me. "My apologies, Isabella."

"I'll forgive you since you were only trying to protect Edward. But please call me Bella." I hoped at least they wouldn't be so stuck on being formal.

"You're all grown up, Bella. You lost your freckles." Emmett came over, giving me a friendly smile.

I bit my lip, trying to remember him, and he gave me a pout. "You don't remember me? I built you a tree house."

"I'm sorry, I loved the tree house," I apologized, giving him a small smile.

"She was only three when she last saw you, Emmett," Edward reminded him. "Right now, I want you two to help move her—"

"Done." I waved my hand then batted my eyes at him.

"That was easy," Emmett joked.

"Fine. Now take care of the mess you made." Edward gestured to the store.

"I'm keeping the store. I rather like it," I argued.

"We'll get you set up somewhere else that's more appropriate. Right now, this store sticks out like a sore thumb between a bridal shop and a jewelry store," Edward stated.

"I beg to differ. I talked to the bridal shop owner. For every bridal gown she sells, the bride gets a free reading. I already have done two readings today. One of them bought some items after, but the second you ran off with your negative energy," I informed him.

"You don't feel guilty taking advantage of these women?" Edward questioned.

"Not at all. It gives them hope or advice for their lives. Besides, it's a whole lot safer than the things you do," I reasoned.

Edward pinched the bridge of his nose. "Fine you can keep the store. But at least remove the vampire and werewolf display—it's ridiculous."

"It's a deal." I pressed my lips together, so I didn't laugh. I had done it to get his attention, and I knew it had worked. I waved my hand and replaced the section with books on myths and legends. "Better?"

"Much." Edward sighed, though he still didn't look on board.

"It's going to be a lot of fun with you around." Emmett chuckled.

Jasper gave me a contemplative look. "Why do you wave your hand like that?"

"To cast my spells," I said with a no duh tone.

"Other witches don't," he informed me.

"They don't?" I was confused.

All three vampires shook their heads, and I felt very self-conscious. Once again, I felt out of the loop due to the overprotective people in my life. I should have been taught how to use my magic.

"It's not like I had anyone to teach me," I defend myself.

"Try a spell without moving your hand," Edward suggested.

I bit my lip and looked around the room, trying to decide what to do. I spotted a black cat outside under the tree, who looked malnourished. I decided to give it a home. Suddenly, the cat was in the shop, slinking around my legs. I made a bowl of food appear and it started to eat.

"I did it." I was pleased with my accomplishment.

"Well done, Kitten," Edward said appraisingly. His phone chirped and he looked at it. "That's Alice. Everyone is at our house ready to meet you."

I took a deep breath and nodded in agreement. I was starting to bring down my wall and ready to trust Edward's family. Hopefully, I wasn't making the wrong decision.

A/N: So even though Bella is a strong witch, there's still some things she doesn't know.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.