Sorry for the wait, had a crazy week at work! Hope you guys enjoy this chapter, have a good end to your weekend and happy reading! xx
Chapter 22
B POV
The next morning, I got up early, wanting to get in as much Charlie time as I could before leaving. Giving Felix a quick smacking kiss, I grabbed some clothes and headed off to shower before going downstairs and cooking breakfast for my dad and I.
Dad came in mid-stretch as I was putting the bacon on a plate lined with paper towel. "Mornin Bells, smells good in here. Coffee" he sighed happily, walking over to pour himself a cup before going outside to grab the paper and taking it over to the kitchen table.
"All set for the barbecue?" he inquired, flipping to the sports section and skimming over the headlines.
"Yup, should be good dad, there's not many of us anyways just you, Billy, Jake, me, Felix, Tristan, and Jane." I listed off as I organized our food onto two plates and brought them over to the table, pouring myself a glass of apple juice and digging into my eggs and toast.
Charlie's mustache twitched a little but he said nothing, so I just shrugged and kept eating, idly wondering what Felix was up to now. Demi and Alec had already gone ahead, getting dropped off in Florida by one of the Volturi jets despite my mate's protests, Aro held firm on who would be going where. Felix had snuck out for a quick meeting with Aro and had been a little edgy since. Jane and Tristan would still be joining us in the other jet, I tried to hold back my eye roll at the ostentatious amount of money my new coven had. We'd take off after the barbecue so that by the time we landed in Florida it would be dark and we wouldn't have to worry about sunny weather.
"Well, dad," I started, making him look up at me in question. "waddaya say to a quick little father daughter fishing trip?" I asked, grinning when I saw his eyes twinkle a little.
"Really, Bells? You gonna stay in the boat this time?" He asked, turning all serious remembering the time I'd tipped out of the boat by mistake when I got lost in my book that my rod nearly flying out of my lap sent it the book careening towards the water with me flying out after it. Charlie caught no fish that day.
"Yes dad, scout's honor" I smiled back, and he nodded, jumping at the chance to fish, getting up to get changed into his fishing outfit. He'd bought one for me when I'd originally come down to Forks and I think I'd only worn it the one time.
After a short drive and lots of grunting from my dad about which things to pack and where to put them, we arrived at Harry's boat.
Dad paused, glancing wearily at the book in my hand then back to me, "Now Bells—"
"I know! Dad, I know. Don't worry, no repeats, promise" I gave him puppy dog eyes until he dropped his shoulders in defeat and untied the boat from the dock before getting in and pushing off.
We floated along for a bit until we slowed to a stop, dad nodded at me and we both took turns casting our lines in opposite directions, settling into our seats on the boat. Apparently, dad had taken to bringing out a portable stereo and plugging in headphones so he could listen to the live reports on games on the sports channel. I just smiled and leaned back, book in my hand. We sat in comfortable silence, the kind that felt like it could stretch on forever. It was then I decided that whenever I thought of my dad later in life, I would picture him—us, like this. Quiet, comfortable, Charlie's happy place.
I was on my seventh chapter when I felt a little tug on my line, followed by my rod wiggling then shooting forward. I dropped my book, lunging and catching the rod without falling out of the boat, grinning at my dad when he looked over in shock and pride.
"Dad!"
"Bells! Reel her in, kiddo, what are you waiting for!?" he laughed and gave me a frantic pat on the leg, prompting me into action. I reeled in the fish as quickly as I could, feeling it tugging back on the line and praying it wouldn't somehow break free or suddenly overpower me.
After what felt like forever from the burning in my forearms, I was able to rassle the fish out of the water and into the boat where it flopped around until Charlie lunged and caught it, took out a sharp tool and pierced the fish, killing and stilling it instantly. It wasn't a big fish compared to the catches dad and his buddies brought home, but I still held it up proudly.
"Apple didn't fall too far from the tree then, did it?" Charlie said looking mighty proud of the mid-sized carp he was stowing into the cooler, laying it on the bed of ice. We stayed out for another two hours, dad caught a few fish and tried his best not to showboat how much bigger they were than mine.
By eleven we were headed home. Charlie kept casting me almost sneaking glances that made me narrow my eyes at him suspiciously. He pulled up and turned to me, "Hey Bells I'll handle all the fishing stuff, why don't you go on in and start prepping for lunch?" he suggested, one hand on the trunk, eyes casting towards the kitchen window.
"Really, dad, it's no big deal, there's only like seven of us going," and two won't be eating, "it won't take me long at all, I'll help with bringing everything in." I started moving towards him when he shook his head, a grin spreading out under his mustache.
"Nope, go on and head in, Bells, leave your old man to his task" he insisted.
I walked up the porch and raised my brows when I noticed the door was unlocked. Slowly, hesitantly I pushed open the door, unsure as to what Charlie had been planning. I was assaulted by the smell of muffins, making me get misty eyed as I pushed into the house, going to the kitchen.
"Em, Kim!" I gasped, launching myself at them.
They giggled, catching me and swaying a little as we embraced, "you thought we were gonna miss out on our girl's last day in town? Nuhuh hun, now get to cooking because those wolves are going to be starving!" Emily joked, making me get all giddy.
Not only were they here, but they were going to put up with being around red eyed vampires just to see me off.
"Hey! No tears at the barbecue." Jake called sternly from behind me, I turned to see him walking in, fishing cooler in hand. He placed a kiss on my head "heard you finally caught one big enough to eat, good job squirt" he teased and then continued out back with our haul of the day, evidently bringing it out to descale and barbecue.
"When?" I asked, still biting my lip to keep calm.
"Charlie called Sam and Emily's last week, it was so hard not saying anything at the bonfire but we're all here, well, except Leah, but Sue's coming. Em made sure to invite her even though Charlie didn't request it" Kim said, winking at me.
I smiled, happy to see my dad had his own wing women down in La Push to make sure he did more than watch sports, fish, work, and drink beer. I knew with Sue's cooking he'd probably need to start doing more exercise or less desk duty at the station, but I'd leave that nagging for Sue.
I joined in with my sisters, cooking up a storm as usual. They'd done the baking while I was out with Charlie, so all that was left was the cooking portion. Thankfully, the guys would easily be able to eat Jane and Felix's portions so once again Tristan would be saved from overstuffing himself.
We talked and laughed, I told them bits of prom night, choosing to leave out the attack; it didn't make sense to worry them all before leaving, this wasn't their fight after all. I noticed Emily rub a hand over her stomach absent mindedly and then suddenly I felt a wave of heat as the some of the guys came in hollering and joking around. Seth kissed my cheek, Quil twirled me around, Embry gave me a long hug and Jared ruffled my hair. Sam and Paul came in last with the former making a beeline for Em, kissing her soundly and then cradling her flat stomach in his large hands. Paul came up and slung an arm over my shoulder, "Hey, leech lover" he noticed where I was looking, an odd look crossing his face before he said, "first pack baby, Sam's been filling our heads with sonograms and fuckin cooing over shit. We're happy for them though" he grinned, walking over to gently hug the pack mother and pat Kim on the head.
I felt a small pang run through me; I'd never honestly considered motherhood. When I was with Edward it never crossed my mind, but now watching Sam and Emily share a secret smile about the love they were growing together, I couldn't help but wonder what my life would've have been like if Felix were human and we could have a little brown haired, green eyed toddler running around. I'd take off time from work to bake and watch our little ones, and Felix would come home and scoop them up in one strong arm and—" I shook myself, not gonna happen. With one more glance at the expecting couple, I turned and nearly smacked into my own mate. He looked past me and then back, peering into my eyes, searching.
I just shrugged and slipped my arms around his waist, knowing that nothing, no sacrifice, could change my mind about spending forever with my soul mate. Felix nodded at Sam over my head, who held Em a little tighter, but also nodded back. I had a feeling the coloured contacts were helping the wolves a little despite the smell of my coven.
We made our way outside where I saw Tristan arm wrestling with Jared, losing in seconds. Jane cracked up beside Kim, the girls sharing a look and shaking their heads. I smiled as I watched my two families bond, Charlie and Billy joking around by the grill while dad poked around at some chicken and sausages.
Before I knew it, plates were passed around and we all dug in, I caught Jane sliding bites off onto both Tristan and Jared's plates while Felix simply dumped his food on top of Jake's already heaping portion.
"Gotta bulk up, pup" he winked at my friend's grunt of surprise, who was now eyeing the challenge the mountain of food presented.
Paul howled with laughter a that, "Hey Bells, never thought I'd say it, but this icicle ain't so bad, chick." My 'icicle' grunted, pressing a kiss to my hair and wrinkling his nose before muttering about me taking a shower the second we get on the plane. That brought on a whole new round of chuckles from the pack.
Not long after the food was eaten and plates were cleared away, I spotted Felix talking with my dad, he looked rather relaxed as they shook hands, so I smiled and met them over where Billy and Sue were sitting as they returned to Charlie's spot.
I walked over to my dad after he'd sat down and leaned over to wrap my arms around him. "Thanks for setting this up dad, love you" I smiled, giving him a loud kiss on the cheek which brought out the blush I was always teased for, damn genetics.
"Ya, ya, just don't forget to call your old man once you've settled down out there, maybe send back some home style Italian recipes for us to try back home." He responded gruffly, trying to hide his own emotions at saying goodbye so soon. I gave him another squeeze before hugging Billy and then wrapping my arms around Sue.
"Watch out for him for me?" I murmured, feeling her head bob against my shoulder. She had a soft smile when she pulled back, brushing her thumbs under my eyes.
"I see the love between you and your…forever. Some things are worth everything" she smiled, her words making me tear up again as I nodded in understanding and thanks before squeezing her hands and heading back over to the pack.
My eyes met with my mate's and he tossed me a soft look, I remembered right then that he could now feel a lot of my emotions. We were probably going to have to discuss my baby reaction earlier in the kitchen…
I smiled back and then skipped over to Sam, pulling him and Emily into a hug, "congrats guys, you better be video chatting me the second that baby makes it into the world and my girl here isn't all doped up on drugs." They laughed, placing a kiss on either cheek.
"Of course, auntie Bella," Em promised, shooting me a wink.
I got passed around again just like at the bonfire getting squeezes, hearing jokes at my expense, blushing a lot at some of the suggestive banter. I was shocked Felix had been able to go this long without growling, but I knew it had to be our emotional tie, knowing there was no danger physical or romantically. Though I did see a rather satisfied smirk adorn his face when he'd slammed Paul's fist into the tree stump they'd all been arm wrestling on.
One last pair of warm arms banded around my waist, "Bells" he murmured into my hair, taking what we knew was one last whiff of my human scent before I was changed forever.
"Jake…you know you're always welcome to come visit if you want. That goes for the whole pack, I know certain vampires who are very…interested in your physique" I giggled hearing a few snickers and remarks from the guys.
He rolled his eyes, "Sure thing, honey. I know I always said you were important to me until your heart stopped beating but I know now that's not the truth, it could never be. You're my sister Bells, the only one who really gets me and isn't always a pain in my ass" he grinned, "just be safe, let gigantor take care of you, try not to be too independent. It doesn't make you weak to open up to those who love you" he pressed, giving me a stern look that softened when I smiled.
"I know Jake, and you have to start giving those girls a chance. I don't wanna hear that you're still a bachelor batting girls away like flies and comparing notes with Lahote" I snarked back, hearing a sound of protest come from LaPush's resident serial 'dater'.
I sighed, "love you Jake, always."
He grinned, "love you forever, sis" then tossed me, making my breath catch until I was caught in a much colder pair of arms, a light oof puffing out of my lungs.
Tristan and Jane were waiting by his car that was packed up with some of our things, the rest were already on the jet, but luckily, we didn't have much. I smiled through my tears, waving back at my family as we slipped into the backseat, my mate's hand clasped around mine, rubbing soothing circles along my knuckles as Tristan backed out of my dad's driveway. I also felt a pang about leaving behind our cabin but had a feeling that one day we'd come back and stay there for a while, just the two of us.
Felix leaned over, huffing a little, "Everyone showers. Jet's got two suites."
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As planned, it was dark when we touched down in Jacksonville, Florida. Our rental was nearby and we hopped in, Felix and I up front this time so he could drive while Tristan napped. Jane didn't care much for driving, claiming she was likely to cause accidents by glaring at shitty drivers and 'accidentally' using her gift on them. Couldn't argue with that.
Mom and Phil's house was nice, long driveway, two car garage, looking to have probably more bedrooms than necessary. They'd been house hunting for a new spot when I moved in with Charlie and she had yet to give me a full tour on video chat so it was the first time I was seeing their place and it was so opposite to Charlie's that I chuckled a little as we walked up to the door. Phil's new coaching contract must have had one hell of a raise.
Before I could knock, it swung open and I was surrounded by my mother's scent of lavender and the sea, probably from spending time on the shore that could be reached from a path leading down to the water in their backyard.
"Damn" I heard Tristan mutter then curse as Jane most likely inflicted some type of harm on him.
"Oh, my baby! My little explorer's come home for a little layover on her journey to Europe! I'm so happy to see you, Bella!" She exclaimed before stepping back and appraising the others I had with me. Demi and Alec would be nearby if we needed them but otherwise only the four of us would be staying with my mom and stepfather. Angela would be with them making me wonder how well she was putting up with them, especially considering their strained relationship with Felix. I sighed, idly wishing I could be a fly on the wall wherever they were and sent a silent prayer up to whoever that Angela be able to put up with them until we could all regroup in Volterra.
Rene's eyes took in Felix's massive body, getting the same look most people wore: a cross between awe and fear, as if unsure how to react to the imposing man before them. However, it didn't last long, and I swore I saw my unshakable mate's eyes widen a small fraction as my mother launched herself at him.
"You must be Felix! The Italian stallion who's swept my baby off her feet and away from that sickly looking boy, though with a little more sun and maybe some greens in his diet…anyways look at you! Do they all grow this big out there!?" She cried, ushering us in.
"Mom!" I yelled, blushing and trying to pry her away from my now flustered mate who wasn't used to being approached so openly and brazenly by someone other than myself.
"Oh Bella, dear, hush. I've read his aura, I'm just trying to get to know my handsome future son-in-law before he sweeps you off across the world where I'm sure you'll never want to leave after you've seen and tasted everything over there." She sighed wistfully as Phil came around the corner, pausing mid step when he spotted Felix.
"Shit. Sorry, umm, hi, Phil, Bella's stepdad" he stuttered out, reaching forward to shake hands with the giant beside me.
"Hey mom!" I snapped, pulling her attention away from my mate who shot me a grateful look, "don't forget my friends…over here…your other guests." I rolled my eyes, motioning to them as they were still trying to contain their laughter. "Jane and Tristan, Jane's also from Italy and Tristan's coming along too."
"Another perfectly matched set of auras, wow! Amazing! And another big lad, you girls sure know how to pick em!" She winked at us making me groan and Phil shake his head in embarrassment as he shook hands with my friends and welcomed them into their home.
"Jane and Tristan are going to go crash, but we'll stay up a little to catch up mom" I offered, ignoring the look of betrayal my mate shot me. This was my last time seeing my mom in person, he'd have to deal with it.
Mom made me some tea, Felix declined and said it made him nauseous, instead opting for a glass of water which we both knew he'd never touch. She settled into their sofa and Phil paused before sitting, casting a glance to Felix.
"Wanna go watch a recording of tonight's game?" he offered a lifeline and my mate took it, shooting out of his seat and following my stepdad off to the 'entertainment room'. Mom rolled her eyes and I giggled.
"Alright then, now we can have a girls chat anyways" she smiled, and I returned it even though I knew my man would still be able to hear every word we'd say with perfect clarity.
"So, how'd you meet?" she asked.
I smiled, remembering the story we'd agreed on, "through Jane. She came to Forks on exchange –don't ask why Forks it's a long story – and some of her family including Felix came out to visit a while back. We hit it off instantly and kept talking long distance. When he came back with the rest of their family for our graduation, we decided to make things official." I shrugged, but bit my lip as my mom hummed, processing.
Then her eyes grew serious, "Are you being safe, Bella Marie?" she questioned, continuing as I tried to stutter out an answer, "I've seen the way you're bodies are in tune with one another, and I know my daughter" she accused, raising a brow in challenge.
I huffed, "yes mom, I'm being safe" I said begrudgingly, knowing Felix's whole forever frozen thing included every part of his body.
"Good," she sighed, "though I do want to be a grandma one day, imagine those bright green eyes and your cute little nose on a baby…someday" she smiled wistfully and I felt that pang again. I knew it was irrational and maybe it was because I'd gotten my period yesterday, but I couldn't help but picture that baby again, our baby, that would never exist. A week from now I'd be just like my mate, forever frozen in my current state, something I was yearning for, but I also couldn't help but mourn the loss of motherhood, finally understanding Rosalie for the first time despite my young age.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, grasping my mom's hand in mine, "someday" I mouthed back, not wanting to even breathe the words. I didn't need Felix feeling guiltier than I could already sense through our bond.
We relaxed back into lighter topics; mom asked about the program and where we'd be staying, I asked about work and how Phil's job was going. Rene had started a candle making business that was actually doing really well, she used sand from the beach to make intricate moulds around the wax making them the perfect souvenirs and gifts.
It was nice to see her so happy and free, and I had a feeling she and Phil were trying for the same miracle Sam and Emily were so excited about. Based on the fact that she seemed more mellow and was drinking tea in place of her usual wine, which was unheard of for Rene Dwyer, I had a sneaking suspicion her younger husband had talked her into having another kid—their first. The thought made me happy, knowing that both my parents had people to love and exciting things going on in their lives.
It was close to midnight when I felt myself being lifted up off the couch, eyes peeling back to see Phil picking my mom up off the couch as well, her head rolling onto his shoulder. Phil and Felix had taken our bags to our room, so he knew the way, nodding goodnight to my stepdad and carrying me through the large house until I heard a door open and then shut with a soft click.
I burrowed into his chest and then protested as he pulled away to set me in the middle of the plush bed. He chuckled, lips on my forehead, "not yet".
I felt him slowly peeling away my clothes, before he sunk into the bed and resituated me on top of him, taking out that coveted heated blanket to surround my body in a warmth that began pulling me back to sleep.
But his hushed words made my eyes snap open, "Are you happy, Bella?"
For the first time, he sounded unsure of us, of where we—no, of where I stood on our relationship. I pushed off his chest, looking into his now red eyes glinting in the darkness.
I traced his features, smiling softly when he pressed his lips to my fingers. "You, Felix Volturi, make me so damn happy, sometimes I feel like my chest is too tight because I'm just full of love, life, and happiness. We've had a rough time, nothing's been that easy for us, but I've seen glimpses of what our forever will look like, and I want it almost as much as I want you. Because you're all I want."
He brushed my hair back, "but am I all you need? Today with the Alpha wolf and his pregnant mate, and then again with your mother—" he stopped when I pressed my fingers to his lips again, a pained look on his face as he moved my fingers and whispered softly, "I wish I could give you that."
I started shaking my head wanting to argue but was overwhelmed by my own emotions, leaning down and crying, letting out the sorrow over what could've been and the fact that that adorable green-eyed baby would never toddle around, taking after his daddy but chattering away like his mommy. I felt his sorrow join mine through our bond and clutched him tighter as we both allowed our feelings to wash over us. I didn't want to be like Rosalie and resent Felix or my immortal life, I would find a way to fill that void and experience life with the love of my life, of my forever.
I must've passed out at some point, because when my eyes peeled back it was morning. The clouds were thankfully a permanent fixture in the sky, easing any worries over my mom and Phil catching my boyfriend and Jane sparkling around the house.
I looked up at Felix, feeling his eyes on me now that I was awake, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I felt serene after letting everything out, it was cathartic and also helped me grieve the possibilities I was leaving behind. He cupped my face with his large hands, "I love you" he whispered, sealing his words with a kiss that made my heart ache and my toes curl.
"Love you most" I replied cheekily, pulling away and seeing his smirk peek out, "we'll figure out other ways to fill our life, Felix, as long as I have you and our crazy coven of a family, we will be more than okay" he gave me another kiss before we got up and dressed for the day.
I could still feel the emotional strain that distancing himself from his brothers was causing on my mate and made a mental note to talk to him more about it later, I didn't want to go through my change without having everyone from our little group on good terms again.
I smelled waffles and bacon as I went down the stairs biting my lip in trepidation as I slowed, remembering that I'd now be tackling mine and Jane's portions just as Tristan would be doing for Felix. Thank god I was hungry today and had skipped dinner last night.
Phil had cooked, which explained why nothing was burnt or ordered off a menu in a haste. I slathered butter and cinnamon sugar all over my waffles, wanting to fully enjoy my last days ingesting human food. Felix wrinkled his nose and Jane made a slight gagging movement when mom and Phil weren't looking. We also took that moment to exchange plates, hoping the conversation would keep my parents from noticing any differences. Round two here I come.
Phil offered to take the guys to the batting cages, and when Tristan's eyes lit up Felix forced a smile and agreed to go along. I tossed him a sympathetic look as I was dragged off to go to the mall with Rene and an annoyed Jane. "You're the best sister a girl could ask for" I whispered, buttering her up.
She simply rolled her eyes, "you're a pain but I wouldn't want you any other way, sis" she winked then slid into the back of my mom's jeep. Mom chattered away about how we must have brought the shitty Forks weather with us because it'd been sunny all month, up until this week where it was supposed to be overcast with showers for the next five days. I shrugged, once again thanking the weather for being on our side this week.
We strolled around the local mall for a while, until my mom tugged me into a bikini and lingerie store, ignoring my head to toe blush and Jane's tinkering laughter.
"Live a little! It may be cloudy, but you can hit the beach later or something" mom said. Jane stiffened a little, making me wonder if she had an aversion to the smell of salt water too, I snorted at the thought, making her glance at me curiously. I just shook my head as if to say it wasn't important before turning to the rack of embarrassingly revealing bikinis. Old Bella would've crawled under a rock and died at the mere thought of wearing one, but with the thought of my mate's reaction and feeling like we needed a little fun after the heavy couple days we'd had, I skimmed through them, looking for one I knew would put that promising glint in his eye. Jane lightly bumped her hip with mine, joining in on the fun. We laughed and tried on different bikinis, my mom sitting in a chair and giving open commentary on our choices, not holding back. "Not revealing enough, colour's dull, doesn't match your personality, come on Bella sexy not stuffy!"
We were breaking down into fits of giggles by the end, but Jane finally settled on the strapless gold bikini I'd shoved at her that left very little to the imagination with the G-string bottoms. I went with one Jane had picked out, a white bikini with a subtle shimmer to it with spaghetti straps and two small triangles that barely covered my boobs. The bottoms were the same as hers, my ass was on display, but I decided to hell with it, Felix would probably rip it all to shreds anyways. We purchased matching cover ups and left the mall with my mom, stopping on the way home to grab some takeout which Jane stealthily tossed out the window when my mom wasn't looking, claiming to have scarfed it all down.
When we got back, the guys were already home, playing pool in the basement with Phil. We all greeted our partners as we came in. Felix pecked my upturned lips, smiling softly at me before Rene came over.
"All right, young man, come with me. It's time I have a nice chat with the man who will be taking care of my baby girl while she's off living in a foreign country." She ordered, motioning for him to follow as they went off towards the back patio.
Phil looked at me and shrugged, "you know how your mom gets, feisty woman" he smiled, waggling his brows.
"Oh yuck, Phil." I whined, making him laugh as he and Tristan picked up the game of pool again. Apparently before both humans were taking on my mate who'd already won twice in a row. Now they would actually have a fair match without competing against his super enhanced senses.
I went to the small kitchen in the basement, pausing in the hall to look at the back deck where they were talking. Felix was leaning forward on his chair, elbows resting on his knees, hands relaxed as he listened to my mom. I couldn't see her expression from the way she was sitting, but I didn't miss the way her hands started to flap around and as my mate actually grinned at her.
I pursed my lips, happy that she seemed to approve but also curious about their conversation, hoping she didn't pry too much and turn that smile into his trademark glare.
"Stop worrying, B, they're fine. She loves him almost as much as you do right now" Jane smirked, pulling me over to the sink when I shook my head at her.
When they came back, we'd picked out a movie to watch together in the living room. Mom and Phil sat together on one couch, Tristan and Jane perched in the love seat, and I snuggled into Felix's side on the oversized arm chair. I could feel weird emotions coming off my mate; somber, hesitant, a little worried. I reached over and rubbed my hand over his chest, feeling it vibrate in response to my attempt at comforting him the way he always does for me.
I leaned in and pressed my lips under his jaw, murmuring low enough that only he and Jane could hear, "stop worrying, whatever it is we'll figure it out together." I assumed he was anxious over his fight with Demi and Alec, paired with the looming threat the Cullens still posed and my impending change. It was so easy to forget the world around us sometimes when I was in my mate's arms, and I wondered if it would always be like this.
Mom dozed off partway through the film; I looked over to see Phil gazing softly at her while playing with her hair, making me smile and snuggle back into Felix who dropped a kiss to my head in response. When the movie ended Phil murmured goodnight to us all, carrying my still sleeping mother up to bed with him. It wasn't that late yet but we'd all been up pretty late last night so I wasn't surprised mom was already down for the count.
Tristan turned to Jane, "last night in Florida, how about a little late night swim? Bella, Felix, you guys up for it?" I shrugged, looking to Jane who nodded with a 'why not' look, getting up to get dressed.
She paused when she got to the door, turning back into the room, "boys grab your suits, us girls need a little…extra time getting ready" Tristan's head dropped back in exasperation, "not that long" she rolled her eyes but still gave a squeeze to her mate's hand as we continued up to our rooms.
I turned to Felix in our room, "you okay? I can tell you're thinking pretty hard about something" I prompted, making him pause.
He shook his head and muttered, "later" grabbing a pair of his swim trunks and changing into them before I could even blink, "don't be too long" he said, red gaze intent, the intensity of it making my breath catch.
Then he was gone and I changed into my own swimsuit, pulling on my coverup as Jane strolled in giving me a once over before tugging me over to the bathroom.
"Just give me five minutes Bells, sit still and let's knock our guys off their feet tonight" she grinned and started moving at vampire speed, I felt her hands in my hair, on my face, idly wondering when she'd suddenly become Heidi's apprentice but wasn't sure if that question would offend her or not so I chose to keep quiet.
"Okay" she said pulling away with a satisfied smile, "now you're ready" I smiled, turning to look at myself.
I gasped softly at the face staring out at me in the mirror, she'd curled my hair into loose waves, and added some mascara, lip gloss and subtle sparkly white eye shadow to finish off the look. I smiled at Jane, getting up and walking out together to meet up with our mates.
We reached the stairs on the back deck and I froze, there was a lit pathway lined with lantern heading down to the beach. I knew Rene and Phil didn't have all this out yesterday when we'd gone out for a stroll on the beach. I turned to ask Jane about it only to realise I was standing alone. I could feel Felix out there, waiting. I could also feel a sense of nerves and touch of excitement through our bond. Squaring my shoulders, I started barefoot down the path, noticing not far off from the shore was a small makeshift gazebo.
Under it stood the love of my existence, in a pair of fitted dress pants and a crisp, white button down shirt, smiling softly at me as I approached.
"Felix what—what's going on?" I asked, taking his outstretched hands once I was close enough to reach him.
"Bella" he sighed, "I know there's a lot of human experiences you're going to miss out on; some small and some life changing. There will never be a day that goes by where I won't be grateful you have chosen to be with me, to be like me. And so, I couldn't allow myself to turn you before giving you one more human experience."
As he finished his last sentence, he slowly knelt down, still just above my eye level while kneeling down. I'm pretty sure I forgot how to breath for a second as my mind caught up to his actions, hands flying up to cover my mouth that was hanging open in shock.
"Isabella Marie Swan, you may be brave, independent, and intelligent, but you are also warm, compassionate, and giving. You balance me out and teach me how to be a better man every day. Now that I've found you, I can't imagine how I made it through life without you by my side and I hope to never live that way again. I want to share everything with you, and above all, myself. I want to grow, learn, and explore each other and see the world together," his intense gaze wavered a little as he fought a smirk, "so, kitten, will you be my wife, for forever?"
I couldn't speak, could barely breathe, I could feel his anxiety creeping in as I tried to voice the word on my tongue.
I reached out, cupping his face in my hands, "Felix Volturi, I would love nothing more. Yes!" I shouted at the end, giggling when his face broke out into a brilliant smile, scooping me up off the ground and twirling me around. He pulled back, "ti amo" he said, lifting my left hand and sliding the most beautiful oval, sparkling diamond onto my ring finger before kiss it and pulling me up against him for a kiss that had my toes curling as I clung to his frame.
"When…?" I asked, looking down at the ring.
"Aro brought it from Italy, I only trust the jewelers there too get the cut just right" he smiled, giving me another kiss.
He pulled back making me pout, "there's one more thing…" he trailed off, turning back to the gazebo. Jane stood there grinning, and Tristan stood off to the side giving me a thumbs up when I looked over.
I looked down at my white bikini and coverup before narrowing my eyes at the man in front of me, "just how long have you been planning this?"
He grinned back, "long time. Even got your parents' blessings" he finished, biting his lip when he felt the swell of emotions that rushed through me at his confession.
"You really are my soulmate" I sighed, tugging on his collar so he'd meet me for yet another quick kiss.
I pulled back, realising what was about to happen, "wait, now? You want to get married now?" I asked, brows pulling together.
He frowned back at me trying to hide his hurt, but I could still feel his reaction to my words regardless of his efforts to hide it.
"Felix" I sighed, tightening my hold on him, "we can't do this without them." I said firmly. He pursed his lips, sighing. I pressed on, "of course I want to marry you, but I can't do it without Demi, Ang, and Alec, it wouldn't be right and you know that. They're your brothers and we may be at war soon, I know you don't feel its been long enough, but I think we need to move past this—no I know we need to move past this. And besides, Angie's my Forks bestie, she should be here."
His eyes flickered between mine before he nodded solemnly, straightening to his full height he called out, "Dem get Angela, Alec come here."
Alec looked a wreck when he came into view, hesitantly walking the last few feet towards us at a human pace. I stepped out first, making his eyes widen in shock before I was pulling myself into him, giving him my hardest human squeeze as I hugged his frozen body. "It's okay Al, you weren't yourself. The real you would never hurt me. My brother is my protector." I said firmly, pulling back to look into his eyes which were shimmering with tears he'd never shed.
"B" he whimpered, pulling me back in and hugging me gently, "I—I'm so—"
I pulled back and smacked him, "snap out of it! I'm fine and I miss the annoying dingus who ticks off my mate at every turn. I miss my protective brother who's also whiny and annoying and nosy. You can make it up to me by being you again." He nodded, a soft smile on his face as he gave me one last squeeze before his eyes shifted over to my mate.
Demi arrived with Ang who looked extremely relieved that her mate was getting to hash things out with the coven mate. Dem still looked a little worse for wear but I was hoping the talk we'd had the other day had already eased some of his guilt.
"Same thing goes for you, annoying, over protective, snooping older brother of mine. Stop staying away." Dem nodded but also looked to my mate whose attention was still focused on the smaller vampire in front of him.
I turned to Felix, "We can't start this next chapter of our life without our family by our side." I urged gently.
Felix nodded, gaze still fixed on Alec, posture still looking hostile and defensive as he stared down at his coven mate.
"Not allowed anywherenear my mate unsupervised," he started, eyes finally shifting to mine before he continued, "once she is changed, maybe." I knew this was the best I could out of him for now; Dem was right when he said it would be a slow process getting Felix to accept himself and more so Alec back into his good graces.
I then found my face being tilted back, looking up into apprehensive red eyes, "that enough?"
I nodded in his hold, smiling a little as I grasped his large hand in both my smaller ones, "let's go get married" I giggled, giving it a little tug towards Jane who was grinning, eyes sparkling a little no doubt relieved to see my mate making the effort to include her twin back into our little group.
I couldn't tell you what Jane said, I know it wasn't much because in no time I was murmuring the words 'I do' after Felix and then his cool lips were on mine, hands clasping my hips to lift and settle me higher up on his body as I tried to clamber up him to get closer.
I pulled back, smiling as our family cheered and pressed my forehead against his, "I love you, Felix Volturi" I gasped breathlessly, fingers twining around the hair at the nape of his neck.
"Forever," he promised, sealing it with another heated kiss before pulling back to gaze softly into my eyes, "my wife" he all but growled and my legs tightened around his hips in response, "we'll have a very…durable honeymoon once everything's over."
"And it better be memorable, husband" I teased back, noting the way his eyes darkened further, pulling me in tighter.
Pausing as I remembered where we were, I looked around, noticing everyone had left. "Left the second you started climbing me like a tree" he ground me into him a little and one dark brow kicked up in question.
"Hmm" I tapped my chin, pretending to contemplate his silent offer, "go to sleep or have sex with my husband…mmm" I moaned when his lips descended on my throat, making their way up to my lips.
He paused before he pressed them to mine, "gonna say no?" he rumbled in a way that said we both knew I'd never deny him.
I answered regardless, "never" and the next thing I knew my back was pressing into a soft bed. "Phil and Rene—" marble lips back on mine silenced my worry.
"Hotel room, we both know you can't be quiet, taking you back when I'm done," he'd pulled back, leering down at me as he said the last part, making me flush with nervous excitement.
"Keeping this" he said, fingering my 'wedding outfit' with a look of reverence, that made me lean up and press a soft kiss to his lips. He followed me back down to the bed, gently untying the knots in the ties keeping my coverup on, letting it fall open. His gaze ran over me in my shimmery white bikini, as is cataloguing this exact moment so that it stay a the front of his mind forever. I'd started on the buttons of his shirt, brushing it off his shoulders while he pulled his arms out of the sleeves one at a time, flinging the shirt off somewhere behind him.
He ran one cold finger along the length of my body, making me shiver and jerk a little as goose bumps raised along my skin, "so soft, beautiful, and mine, my wife" he growled, hooking my legs up and around his lower back as he pressed into me and started kissing me with gusto, one hand sliding along my body as the other braced his weight to avoid squishing me beneath his massive frame.
His tongue pushed into my mouth and I moaned at the feel and taste of him, nails scratching down his shoulders and chest, pulling a growl from his full lips that sent vibrations thrumming across my body which arched harder into his as he continued to rile me up.
I pulled back and locked eyes with him, "Felix, I want you now, please," I gasped, pushing at his pants with my feet, trying to dig my toes underneath them for leverage to push them down over his muscular thighs.
Pants suddenly gone along with my bikini, he settled his body closer to mine, hands bringing my legs up around his hips this time before he sat up with my body plastered against his and turned so he was sitting with his back to the headboard with me. I could feel him, cool and hard as I rose up and then slowly lowered onto him, feeling him stretch me as my body did it's best to accommodate him. I stopped when I felt him bump against my cervix and I'd settled into his lap, a whoosh of air squeezing out of my lungs as my fingers gripped tightly onto his shoulders. We both paused at the feeling of completeness and my head fell back, groaning as I shifted a little and felt him rubbing against all sorts of spots.
He grunted, hands now sliding under me to lift me up before letting me slide back down him, I bit my lip to keep from crying out at the sensations, but my all knowing mate simply raised a hand and pulled my lip free, "never hold back, baby," he growled, hands coming up to clasp my shoulders, pulling me down onto him as he lifted and circled his hips, making me wail and pant. "Mmm, just like that" he groaned out his approval, hips started to thrust steadily up into me as his hands slid from my shoulders to under my ass again. I raised my head and pressed kisses along his collarbone, nipping at the base of his neck, teeth dragging along his stone flesh.
He flipped us, curling his body around mine with one hand grasping at the headboard as he continued thrusting into me at a faster pace, my feet digging into his butt as if I had the strength to shift his body into mine. He way he'd curled his upper body down to mine put his lips closer to my ear. I could hear him lowly crooning words in a foreign language that might have been Italian. The way those lips were curling around the words had my skin heating as he continued to drive into me, skin slapping together in the room that was silent apart from noises of our passionate coupling.
I could feel my orgasm approaching, and so could my mate, reaching one from where it had been tangled in my hair to snake it down between our bodies, cool fingers strumming along my clit, making me whimper and beg for more. He sped his hips up in response, chasing our peaks together. Nimble fingers pinched my bundle of nerves, sending me spiraling and triggering his own release with a low curse.
My muscles melted into the bed, fingers twining into his dark hair, scratching lightly at his scalp, making him rumble in satisfaction as he leaned up enough to where he could see my face while remaining buried inside my body.
"I love you" I said for what felt like the millionth time tonight, making him smile crookedly at me, before that smiled turned devilish as he ground into me again like he usually did as we came down.
"We have all night, kitten" he murmured, chuckling at my groan as I realized my husband was no where near finished with me, it was our wedding night after all…
My thoughts were cut short when he flipped me over, pulling my back up against his chest and I was lost again to the sensations he pulls from my body.
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We've said goodbye to most of the fam, one more farewell and then the gang's off to Italy! Hopefully Alec isn't in the dog house much longer and will Angela have power? Will Bella and Tristan also get their mates' gifts once turned? When will the Cullens launch their attack? So many questions…. ;)