Thank you guys so much for your continued support with this story, I'm having a blast writing it! Happy reading!

Chapter 18

F POV

"She did what!?"

"Caius, calm down, this is a good thing."

"I know that, you old fool. Isabella—"

"Bella." My mate corrected from her perch on my lap, making me smirk. How she stayed comfortable always lounging on my stone body, I'll never know.

"Yes, Bella." He huffed, then changed his tone when my answering growl reached his ears through the phone. "Would you please tell us what happened?"

Bella frowned, thinking, "well I got really mad when everything Tristan told me contradicted what the Cullens had said. The angrier I got I started to feel this kind of…heat in my body. It felt good though, kind of like power. Anyways, it felt like all this emotion and anger was bubbling up, waiting to be set free, so I just screamed. I know I felt some kind of vibration in my body, but it was so quick I barely registered it. When I opened my eyes again, everyone was just…gone."

"Yeah and I have the bruises to prove it was some powerful shit you sent out, Bells, good thing Jane grabbed on to me and braced my impact." Tristan said, glancing over at my mate with a teasing grin to ease the guilt we all knew she felt when she'd noticed the bruising along his right arm.

"Powerful shit, you say?" came Aro's voice again.

"Felix, I do believe your earlier suspicions were right" he hedged, causing everyone to look at me, and my mate to shoot me an accusing look to which I answered by dropping a kiss on her scrunched nose.

"It seems, Miss Swan that once changed you will most likely have two shields: one mental and one physical. It's extraordinary that you've been able to tap into both as a human, which means their potential after your change will be magnificent" I could practically hear the wheels turning in his ancient head as he contemplated what her powers could mean for our coven.

"Dibs!" Caius blurted out.

I laughed, but the sound came out threatening, shoulders rolling back as I pulled Bella in tighter to my chest, "my mate is no one's personal guard." My tone was final, she could maybe possibly one day come on missions, but she was not going to be following around Caius or any of the other kings.

"Brothers, honestly, the man has waited thousands of years for his mate, let them be" Marcus scolded, making Jane giggle, trying to smother the sound in Tristan's side.

"You are still coming home after her graduation though, yes? Both of our new coven member that is?" Aro asked.

"As planned. One thing to add, Aro, I told the Cullens they will have their trial in Volterra when we've returned. I would like for you to follow up with your dear friend Carlisle, I think my mate and I have seen enough of that family." I surmised, listening to his responding hum of approval.

"Yes, you are right, I will call him and let him know they are all…requested in Volterra. Oh, and Demetri?"

Dem leaned forward a little, "Master?"

"Keep tabs one their travels, wouldn't want them to wander too far and take forever to get to Italy, travel can be such a drag at times."

Dem was smirking, "Oh don't worry, I'm already on it."

"Excellent, then we will see each other in a few months. Ciao." The line disconnected and we all sat back in silence for a few moments.

Alec broke it, "this is going to be so cool! Also, we still don't really know what Tristan can do" he said, eyeing his sister's mate with a frown.

Tristan threw his hands up, "no idea, could it be the same as Bella's? I mean, gifts don't seem to effect me either, just like her."

I looked over at him and tried to move him like I was able to do with Bella. Nothing.

I looked to Jane, "my gift works on Bella, but not Tristan. I'd say something similar to Bella, but different."

She nodded, leaning up to kiss her mate on the cheek.

"Well" Bella said, eyes turning to meet mine, "I've gotta get back to Charlie's before he tries to cook dinner," she turned to me fully now, "how bout a lift, Casanova?"

I smirked, knowing the real reason why she didn't want to get up or walk. She blushed, lightly smacking my chest that was already vibrating with laughter as I stood holding her bridal style, nodding to the others before taking off.

I sat stretched out in one of the kitchen chairs while she bustled about in the kitchen, a little slower than usual but otherwise normal. Every once in a while she'd glance over at me, as if checking to be sure I was still there, following her movements with my eyes while she whipped up some chili and garlic bread.

I waited until the sound of her father's cruiser reached the driveway, standing and giving her a quick kiss before promising to come back when she went to bed.

I didn't want to go far, now that I'd just gotten her back, the weight of the past weeks was making it hard to focus on anything other than how long I had to wait until I could be close to her again.

I tuned into her conversation with her father to help pass the time and ease the knot in my stomach.

"Tastes great Bells, I put the fish in the fridge, figured Jake and Billy could come for dinner tomorrow and have it with us."

"Of course dad, I hope you caught a lot though because Jake's a bottomless pit," she giggled, "oh and good news! I got my memories back." She claimed happily.

"Oh Bells, honey, that's so great. When'd that happen? Anything to do with those Cullens…do I need to give Edwin another talk?" I smirked; it would certainly be entertaining to have the human law after them as well…

"No, no Dad. I think they're leaving again, I don't really know why but I'm more than okay with it. My memories came back overnight, I woke up this morning and it was like I'd had a brain software update and downloaded them all. I'm sorry I keep worrying you, hopefully that will be the last time!"

Her tone changed, "Hey dad? I was wondering, Jane's family from Italy is visiting her to see how she's doing and where she's living. Could we have them over when they visit? I think it's just her brothers and older cousin, they might be interested in also doing some studying abroad and I thought it would be nice to welcome them."

I cocked my head, wondering what she was up to. Part of me was apprehensive about meeting her father, even though he wouldn't know what his daughter is to me, and it wouldn't really matter what he thought of me, I still wanted things to go well for Bella's sake.

"That sounds like a very nice thing to do, kiddo. I'm all for it, I hope they speak English though because the only Italian in our family was Rene's mother, and despite your mom knowing a few words here and there, I never picked up a thing from her."

"Don't worry dad, I've talked to them online with Jane a few times, they're English is really good."

"Bells, I also wanted to ask, and no pressure, but have you thought about what you want to do next year? I know you're working really hard to get your grades back up and that you got accepted to a few different colleges." I pursed my lips, we needed to talk about what she was going to tell Charlie when she left, because she wouldn't be coming back.

"You know, dad, I'm not entirely sure yet but I'm hoping to figure it all out this week. I've got a couple things up in the air and I'm just waiting for them to…confirm." She paused, making me frown.

"Sure Bells, just let your old man know when you've made a decision. You're always welcome here, but I wouldn't blame you for wanting to see the world."

"Thanks dad," I listened as she went and washed up, packing away the leftover chili in the fridge before going up for a shower.

I waited as night fell, then once I heard Charlie's first snore, I let myself back in through the back door and up to her room, seeing a soft glow coming from under her door. I opened it to see her curled up, reading some romance novel with a cracked spine. Without looking up, she held out a hand to me, wiggling her fingers when I didn't immediately respond.

I slid in behind her and grasping her hips, moved her to sit between my legs, back against my chest, head nestled against a pillow I'd wedged between us.

We sat like that for a while, I ran my hands in a path up her arms, behind her neck, then down her back., feeling her slowly melt into me.

Eventually she closed her book with a sigh and leaned back into me with her eyes closed.

"Bella," I murmured, "what confirmation are you waiting on?"

She stiffened a little, peeking up at me, "of course you heard" she muttered, turning more to look at me square on before dropping her hands and fidgeting with the edge of the duvet.

"Hey" I prompted, lifting her small chin in my hand so her big brown eyes were back on my red ones, "what is it?"

She sighed, biting her lip, "I just—I still feel so guilty, and I keep waiting for you to, I don't know, change your mind about me. I know I'd still come to Volterra and be part of the guard and stuff, but I just don't know what I'd do if—"

"Isabella" I groaned in frustration, "you're mine. Nothing will change that. No one will ruin what I feel for you. You will come to Volterra with me, you will not become just part of the guard." I hissed out, pissed off that she'd even consider the possibility that I'd not want her. "Mine" I repeated, sealing my declaration with a short but rough kiss to her rosy, pouty lips.

I slid down the bed and pulled her on top of me, hands running up the soft skin of her back under her shirt, making her moan and curl her body tighter to mine. It was going to be a long week if she kept rubbing her body along mine like a cat.

"Sleep, kitten, I'll be here, always." I vowed, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

As she slept peacefully, I found it difficult not to think about what the Cullens had been planning; practically controlling my mate and using her to take down her own coven. If she'd regained her memories after she'd have been devastated. If she could really do what I suspected after her change, she'd make the perfect offense and defense. I growled at the thought of my Bella being used as both a sword and shield for selfish power-hungry morons.

Small soft hands blindly smacking over my face cutting off my growl, my lips quirking in amusement when she tried to soothe me, even in her sleep, in tune with my emotions.

"Big Italian noodle" she mumbled, one hand curling by her own cheek, the other fisting in my shirt.

I frowned, it seemed all of her memories were back, even the unacceptable ones.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

B POV

I woke up and turned over, smiling when my eyes locked onto a fresh pastry on my bedside table and a note…that just said Eat. I tried not to laugh, thoughtful but blunt, that big scary vampire of mine.

I went and brushed my teeth, got dressed, and munched on my breakfast while I sent him a message.

Thanks for the food, I ate it.

His response came in as I brought the plate downstairs, washing it off.

Good. Your body needs fuel so it can heal…

I blushed, wondering why he wasn't with me when I woke up, only to hear Charlie let out a few curse words from the front porch.

"Dad?" I called out, catching him fiddling around with the barbecue that he must've dragged out of the garage this morning.

"Morning, Bells! I thought it was a good day to fire up the old grill for the guys. I think we both forgot you've got a shift at Newton's tonight, so I called up Billy. He and Jake are coming over for lunch instead of dinner if that's alright with you" he said, hand rubbing the back of his neck.

"Yeah dad that's great! You're right, I did forget with the Cullens leaving again suddenly and all that. I'll go prep the fish and cut up some potatoes for homemade fries." I offered, slipping back inside and into the kitchen.

I turned on the radio, swaying a little as I listened to some old country music filtering thorough its old speakers. Charlie had switched it to this station and the old thing seemed to only be able to play the one channel now.

I went about prepping the fish, getting all the bones out and cutting of the pieces into sizes that were easier to grill. Normally, Charlie wanted them fried, but I guess today he wanted to show off his skill on the old barbecue, and who was I to ruin his fun? I cut up the potatoes as well and started getting them ready for the fryer—one of Charlie's few appliances and my least favourite.

I'd finished portioning and seasoning the fish when big, tanned arms reached over me, grabbing the large tray of fish. Jake dropped a quick kiss on my cheek, "Excellent work, Bells, keep up this up and you'll be back in the first chapter of my good books in no time" he teased, taking the fish out to where I could see Charlie and now Billy talking with beers in their hands as the grill heated up.

I just shook my head, small smile breaking through at his jovial attitude. I finished frying the fries, try to get as much of the excess oil off as possible, old man didn't need all this grease with the stress my life had caused him.

I'd decided to make a little dessert as well and was just putting the caramel apple pie I'd thrown together in the oven when the guys all came back in with the fish.

"How'd it go out there?" I asked, wiping my hand son a dish towel.

Charlie was sporting a large grin, "great, Bells! You did a great job with the prep too, Billy you should see how well my baby girl can debone and even descale a fish, for someone so clumsy, she's got wicked knife skills," he said the last part a little lower as if warning the father and son duo not to piss me off.

I grimaced, "thank, dad. I guess. Anyways, fries are done too so let's take it all in the living room and dig in!"

"Say" Jake said, sniffing the air with a twinkle in his eye, "do I detect a hint of pie coming from the oven, Bells?" he looked so hopeful I didn't have it in me to lie.

"Caramelized apple pie, Jake, made it just for you…and our dads" I tacked on when I saw their faces fall.

"Oh shit, best Sunday lunch ever!" Jake exclaimed, punching one fist into the air in triumph as he bent over to start piling fish and chips onto his plate.

Charlie's eyes went wide, "Geez, son, I always somehow forget how…hearty your appetite is. Good thing we caught a lot of fish out there" he said, eyeing the mound of food Jake had already started shoveling into his mouth.

"You know me, Chief, still a growing boy" he gave Charlie a wide grin before stuffing a bunch of fries into his mouth.

As we talked and ate the food, I tried to soak in this time with them, knowing I wouldn't have too many opportunities left to see them like this.

Once all the fish and fries had been eaten, Jake and I gathered the dishes and I cut up the pie while Jake washed up what I hadn't already done. I couldn't trust him to properly portion out the slices, he'd proven himself untrustworthy in the past.

I doled out the pie, smiling at the groans of content that filled the room before eating my own portion, joining in on the sounds of approval as the flavours melted on my tongue, I'd definitely miss this.

Before long I checked the time and grimaced, "my shift starts in less than an hour, I'm going to get ready to head out" I sighed, standing up and grabbing my plate to bring into the kitchen and soak.

I went up and changed into something comfortable but warm to wear to work, grabbing my backpack so I could go over some notes and read throughout my shift before heading back downstairs.

Jake was leaning against the bottom rail, "I told Charlie and Billy I was going to see you out, I'll ride with you to work and then run back wolf style" he smirked, pushing off the rail to follow me out the front door as I called goodbye to Billy and Charlie.

"Bells I'm so glad, even though you're still going to become a blood sucking leech in a few months, that you saw through their bullshit. God I wish I could just pummel his sparkly ass myself, but I don't want to cause any conflict that could hurt my tribe…" he trailed off, still looking as if he was debating doing it anyways, consequences be damned.

"So am I Jake, and my god, I'm just so sorry for the things I said to you, the things I thought you were capable of doing. Everything was so turned around the past two weeks; not having my memories made me so vulnerable and unfortunately way too gullible" I finished, frowning as I stared through the windshield as I drove along the familiar roads.

"Bells, it's okay, really. The small royal red stopped me after our confrontation, I knew what I was going into before our chat but I wasn't expecting Cullen to have poisoned you against me so thoroughly. The small blond one convinced me they'd be able to get you back, and the big one updated us every few days so I wouldn't go completely insane wondering if you'd be okay." He looked relieved as I saw him running his eyes over me protectively out of the corner of my own.

It made me smile to think of Felix updating the wolves, knowing how much they mean to me.

"I know, Jake, thank you for giving them time to figure things out. Turns out the only other human involved was the one to get through to me the most, but Felix had already put a lot of doubts in my mind…" I trailed off, blushing as I remembered how he went about planting doubts in my mind.

Jake actually waggled his brow at me, "Oh I'm sure Gigantor had his own way of stirring the pot. As much as it pains me to say, if you're going to become a sparkling, lifeless icicle, I think he's your best shot at a decent time." My eyes watered as I pulled into the lot at Newton's, knowing how much that meant coming from my oldest friend, I turned and threw my arms around his neck.

"Thank you", I muttered into his shoulder, "thank you for understanding the best you can, I'll always have love for you Jake."

His arms squeezed me to him, "heart beat or not, you can always call us, call home, Bells, we have heaps of love for you, too." He admitted, leaning back and brushing my hair out of my face before I pecked him on the cheek and we both got out of the truck.

I waved half heartedly, and Jake waved back in kind, sunny grin stretching across his face as he jogged backwards towards the thick forest surrounding the parking lot.

I turned back around as he disappeared, walking into Newton's and smiling at Mike's mom as she started grabbing her things to leave now that I'd showed up.

"Bella dear, hello, it's good to see you. We've got a reservation no thanks to you tonight so I'm going to rush out on you" she winked as she patted my shoulder. "Need anything before I go?" she asked, as if suddenly remembering her duty as a store owner. I smiled, shaking my head, "no I'm all set! Have a good time."

She nodded, giving my shoulder one more gentle squeeze, before taking off, the bells above the door chiming as she departed.

My shift dragged. I briefly considered messaging Felix but I knew he was hunting and would probably cut things short if I seemed at all distressed or bored out of my mind. As much as I'd love the distraction, I knew I should focus on studying at least for part of my shift. I begrudgingly picked up my bag and took out my notebooks, starting with history.

The remaining hours passed quicker as I studied, and before long it was already time to lock up. No one seemed to be in the need of sporting goods or outdoor equipment today, leaving me to own devices for the entirety of my shift.

I locked up the till inside the office, and then grabbed my stuff before heading out and locking the door to the store. I was almost at my truck when a cold hand wrapped around my arm, spinning me around.

"Bella—my god, you reek of the mutt, have you not listened to a word I said?!" He bellowed, golden eyes nearly black as they narrowed, hand tightening on my upper arms to a point where I whimpered.

It was as if he was waiting for an obvious sign of my discomfort because the next thing I knew my ex boyfriend was whisked away and reappeared a few yards away, neck clasped in the large hand of my mate whose head was cocked to the side as he studied the veggie vamp with unforgiving and calculated eyes.

As much as I wanted Edward out of my life, this was too sudden, and a bruised arm was no where near just cause to possibly have all the other Cullens die trying to avenge his latest act of idiocy.

Felix seemed to be thinking the same thing, instead of ripping his head from his body, Felix turned them both towards me, "Next time you see my mate she'll be indestructible, and will deliver your personal verdict." He hissed and then pulled the younger vampire closer and said something to him that I couldn't hear, but it caused Edward's eyes to widen in pure fear.

My mate flung my attacker away with a wry grin before looking to me, "Truck" he said.

I forced my shocked limbs into action, opening the driver's side of my truck to see him sat there, still obviously fuming. I crossed my arms over my chest, "you're too chaotic too drive, scootch." I demanded, seeing his lips quirk a little despite his mood when I threw his own words back at him.

"Never too chaotic to prioritize you," he murmured, lifting me up and over him, plopping me down on the passenger side of the truck, chuckling a little at my indignant frown.

"Smell like dog too" he commented, nose wrinkling.

"Good." I said, sitting back, wanting to enjoy his discomfort until I realized how wound up he still was.

"Hey, pull over a second?" I pleaded, waiting as he gave in and slowed down, steering over to the shoulder of the road.

I scooted closer and smushed my face into his shoulder while cupping the side of his face with my hand, then trailing my fingers down his neck to settle over his inactive heart.

"I'm okay, he didn't get me," I whispered.

"Show me your arm," he demanded, and I sighed, pulling off my jacket and hesitating. I pulled up half of my shirt to my shoulder so he could see the mark blossoming along my pale skin, not comfortable enough to sit in the cab of my truck in my bra.

He sucked in a breath, pushing out a growl, "should've ripped off a piece of him, only need one leg" he mused, as his eyes and fingers followed the angry red marks, the coolness of his fingers soothing the slight ache.

"I'm okay" I repeated, slowly pulling back and fixing my top. "Let's go home, I can shower off the wolf stink and then we can hangout in bed...just hangout."

"So long as you don't try to seduce me" he winked, and I idly wondered if there would ever be a time I wouldn't blush at his suggestive looks and remarks before my change.

The rest of the ride back was less daunting, I sat with my head leaned into his side as he drove with one hand, the other sitting on my thigh, thumb rubbing slow and soft comforting circles that I could feel a little too well through my jeans.

When I got home, I told Charlie I was tired out from the huge lunch and then cramming during my shift, so I was going to shower and go to bed early. He grunted back at me in acknowledgement to which I surprised us both by kissing his cheek then making my way up the stairs.

In the shower, I scrubbed my skin nearly raw, careful around the tender spot on my arm. I used extra shampoo, trying to saturate myself in the scent before getting out, toweling off, and changing into some pyjamas.

When I entered my room he was already stretched out on the bed, soft smile he reserved just for me on his face as I grinned and scampered over to him, nearly tripping over my bag that I'd tossed in on my way to the shower.

His grin widened, flashing me those dimples I loved so much as I clambered up the bed and wrapped myself around his large frame.

"Not funny" I mumbled; voice muffled by his side.

"Disagree" he teased, pulling up a blanket I didn't recognize over our bodies.

I paused as I started to feel over heated, pressing closer to Felix's cold body. I looked up curiously, catching his knowing grin, "heated blanket?" I guessed.

"Jane's very smart…don't tell her I said that." He grimaced, obviously wanting to avoid the I told you so's he knew he'd be getting from his smallest coven mate.

"Well," I hedged with my own devious grin, "it seems the blanket is making me too hot so I might need a little more direct contact with something colder".

My hands fiddled with the hem of his shirt, and with a dramatic sigh, he removed it for me and boy did I take advantage, spreading my questing fingers over the expanse of his broad chest. He rumbled his approval at my perusal, eyes sparking with desire and content.

I went to removed my own shirt, only to be stopped by cold hands like shackles around my wrists, "let's not test me tonight, kitten" he said, with a meaningful look. I pouted, bringing out a rumble of laughter from my mate as he settled me over his body again.

"Still don't know how you could possibly find this comfortable" he mused, hands gliding under my top despite his protests to keep it on, marble fingers kneading the muscles and making me melt into his stone body.

"Donno" I mumbled, "it's like I know you're basically stone, but you feel a little…squishy on the outside," at his frown I amended my words, "not squishy, more like…pliable."

He looked thoughtful, "probably a mate thing" he surmised, before his hands picked up their swirling pattern again.

"Felix?" he hummed in response, "what should I tell my dad about my leaving after graduation?" I'd been pondering my own solutions, but wasn't sure if he'd already had a plan, because let's face it, my mate and coven mates just about always had a plan.

"Summer internship abroad" he said, "it will get extended once the company sees the value in your…abilities" he smirked, "and then we can go from there. Phone calls will be allowed." He assured at the end, making me feel a lot better about leaving.

"Hmm, okay, can I tell him this week?" I asked, starting to drift off.

"Of course" he answered, dropping a kiss on my sleepy upturned lips before I settled back down and let sleep pull me under.

The following week seemed to pass by in a flurry, now that it was May we'd started exam prep so teachers were cramming last minute lessons down our throats despite also giving us tests that week. Jake and Billy had dinner with us Thursday night, where Billy convinced Charlie to go out on the lake for the day on Saturday. I just shrugged and then asked if I could stay at Jane's for the night on Friday. He shrugged and said, "I'm just glad to hear you hanging with non-Cullens." Jake and Billy tried unsuccessfully to hide their smiles of satisfaction at that remark.

After he'd said yes, I pulled out my defaced notebook in my room, finding Lauren's number and shooting off a message. I'd recovered from last weekend's…activities and had an idea of how to make Friday night a little more enjoyable. She seemed thrilled and texted me back with a bunch of advice and things to do in preparation before offering to book for right after school.

Felix eyed me suspiciously that night, trying to gage my emotions, but I just brushed it off and gave him a smacking kiss before snuggling into my usually position and dozing off.

The following morning Jane showed up before Charlie had left for work, allowing them a chance to meet. Charlie was instantly won over, I mean Jane was the cutest thing ever when you didn't know just how deadly she was. By the end of their conversation, she'd gotten herself, Alec, Tristan, Felix , and Demetri invited over to hangout next weekend.

I asked her about how they'd eat the food but she just shook her head and said, "don't worry about it Bells" with a wink.

I'd taken the opportunity this morning to type Jane a quick note in my phone this morning, handing it to her as we pulled away form Charlie's. She smirked as she read it, "don't worry, Bells, the boys are going hunting, well except for my brother but I can just tell him to get lost." She smirked, going along what I had in store.

At lunch Lauren nearly foiled my plans by walking up to me, "OMG Bella! I'm so excited you reached out, I got us in last minute, Stacy is the best I swear, you won't be disappointed" she smirked, plopping her tray down, lips zipping up at my bright blush.

My phone buzzed and I tried not to groan as I read who had messaged me.

?

I sighed, coming up with a quick response.

Getting a hair cut, last one as a human. Lauren knows the best stylists, was gonna surprise u…

That should do it I hoped, glancing down when his reply came in.

Bring Jane.

I smiled; excitement renewed now that I knew I still had a chance at surprising my all-knowing mate.

Jane and I went to class, she snickered as she read my cover up to Felix before we sat down to take our history test.

Chemistry was surprisingly easy for once, seeing as we'd had a test last class, our teacher allowed us to watch a movie today, with the option to study for other classes quietly while it played.

Before I knew it, the bell rang and we were gathering our things. Jane met up with us and cast me a mischievous look that had her mate looking between us in alarm. "I don't think I want to know…have fun babe" he grasped her small waist, lifting her to his height so he could press a sweet kiss to her lips before setting her down and heading to his own car.

I was making cooing noises at Jane's smitten look which made her narrow her eyes at me. Lauren popped up, "hey girls! Jane, are you coming too!?" she asked, a big smile on her face.

"Yeah but just for support, Bells is a big wuss" she snarked, causing my smile to drop into a frown. I stuck my tongue out at her as Lauren gave us the directions and we left the lot.

The salon was nice, and a lot of the staff seemed to know Lauren which didn't surprise me in the least, but I didn't comment, she'd been inexplicably nice to me since our grocery store run in with Felix…maybe it was because she thought I'd bagged an older guy, but who knew?

Two hours later we were all finished and had made an impromptu stop at a second store nearby, but this time Jane also got herself something, making me smile knowingly at her.

We thanked Lauren for her help, then went our separate ways after grabbing a quick bite to eat. Tristan's foster parents were out all the time, so he and Jane had plenty of alone time which they spent either at his place or in the cabin. Felix had claimed the bedroom off limits to anyone else, but the couches were still free game according to Jane. I tried not to think about it. Alec dry heaved, and Demetri just looked a little afraid. Safe to say, Alec went out and bought two new couches, claiming the smaller would now be dubbed as the 'gross nasty Tristan and Jane couch'. I think Tristan was blushing harder than I ever had during the whole debacle while Jane grinned in triumph.

I pulled up to the path that led to the cabin and tossed Jane my keys, grabbing my bag and slipping out of the truck, throwing a 'thanks again love you' over my shoulder as I practically skipped towards the treeline, knowing who was waiting for me just inside the dense trees.

Soon enough, stone arms snaked around my waist, twirling me around before murmuring, "ready?" at my nod, he was off, and we were inside the cabin, where I found myself stood in front of a makeshift pillow and blanket fort in front of the flat screen TV.

I grinned up at his sheepish expression, one I'd never seen on him, "what's all this?" I asked.

"Dem said modern girls like dates. You had dinner, now we can watch a movie."

I bit my lip, trying not to comment on how fucking adorable it was to see my giant commanding mate unsure over a pillow fort.

"It's perfect, why don't you pick something while I take a human moment?" I asked while I headed to the bedroom and dropped off my bag, then headed into the bathroom and used the opportunity to change.

When I emerged, he'd put on True Lies, an old classic. I smiled and joined him in the fort, noting he'd brought the heated blanket from my room at Charlie's. I sat between his spread legs, leaning my back against his chest. His arms banded around my waist and he dropped a kiss on my head before settling the blanket over us and hitting play.

I tried watching the movie, I really did. I kept having to chastise my wandering mind when I'd think about the plan I'd had for the evening. I knew if I dwelled on it too long I'd get all hot and bothered and he'd smell me. Suffice to say it was a very long movie, and the second it was over I hopped up claiming I had to pee and rush off to the bathroom.

Inside, I splashed some cold water on my face and stripped off my pyjamas, revealing the lingerie I'd picked out with Lauren and Jane. It was midnight blue with matching garters, a front clasp, and lace bodice. I bit my lip, then took a deep breath willing my nerves away.

"Bella?" he called out, sounding a little confused, most likely at my shifting emotions.

"Coming!" I called out, then blushed stupidly at my own word choice.

We'd gone and gotten waxed before the lingerie store, Lauren had sent me all the tricks to make the process as painless as possible and slipped me some Tylenol in the parking lot before we left saying I may need them. I'd gotten it all done and was anxiously anticipating his reaction to both my outfit and choice of grooming.

I pushed open the bathroom door, confidence skyrocketing when he froze, eyes going dark as he slowly licked his lips, stare perusing my body so thoroughly I could practically feel those eyes on my skin.

"Sore?" he asked, even though we both knew he could tell what my answer was going to be. He still hadn't moved besides speaking the one word, which came out strained, making me smirk.

"Not. One. Bit." I took a step forward with each word, closing part of the distance between us.

He growled low in his throat, "Isabella" then he used his gift and I flew through the air, caught up in his marble arms as he dipped his head to meet my lips.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I've been toying with the idea of whether or not I want them to have a kid, not yet completely decided so let me know what you think so far! xx