Chapter 66: A Flight to Remember
Bella stood on the curb of the bustling departure terminal, the scent of exhaust and the hum of countless voices swirling around her. She waved as Jean Paul's car disappeared down the busy road, the sleek black Mercedes gleaming in the midday sun. The heavily tinted windows reflected the bright light, casting glimmers off the polished surface until it vanished into the throng of vehicles.
The warmth of the sun felt muted against the cool breeze that swept between travelers hurrying to catch their flights. A smile tugged at Bella's lips as she reflected on their visit—it had been brief but filled with memories she would remember forever. She turned her gaze upward, finding Edward standing beside her, and couldn't help the surge of happiness that welled up inside her. He looked a thousand times better than when they had first met, healthier, more vibrant, and filled with a newfound confidence that made her heart swell.
He stood relaxed in a crisp white button-down shirt and fitted blue jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. Bella's thoughts wandered to their upcoming journey. Even the thought of air travel—something she typically disliked—seemed exciting now. After all, any adventure with Edward was one she'd savor.
Her playful grin widened as she glanced up at him. "I'm glad I got the chance to spend some time with my mom." The warmth in her voice was unmistakable. "And that you got to meet her and Jean Paul." A stronger breeze tugged several strands of her hair loose across her cheek. Without hesitation, Edward reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against her skin as he tucked the wayward strands back behind her ear. The simple gesture sent a ripple of warmth through her—a small but intimate gesture that spoke to the deepening connection between them. One Bella hoped to explore even further during their trip.
She met Edward's gaze, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "Now be honest with me—was my mom everything I made her out to be?" Her tone was teasing, daring him to answer truthfully. She wanted to see if he'd be bold enough to give her his real opinion, no filter, no holding back.
Edward chuckled softly, the sound light and warm. "Oh yeah. She was everything you said, and more. I don't think my brain was functioning properly when she started describing her 'superpower.'" His laughter was contagious, and Bella found herself laughing with him, the sound of their amusement mingling with the distant bustle of the airport.
Without thinking, she leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist in a light embrace. His warmth seeped into her, a comforting presence she had grown increasingly attached to over the past weeks. Bella looked up into Edward's eyes, catching the affectionate smile he wore as he gazed down at her.
"Well, imagine eighteen years of that," Bella teased, her voice filled with fondness. "She certainly didn't make life boring when I was growing up."
Edward grinned, shaking his head in mock disbelief, while Bella shifted slightly, lifting his hand between her own. She absentmindedly began rubbing his hand, feeling the smoothness of his skin, relishing the sensation. The simple touch, though innocent enough, carried an intimacy that made the world around them fade, if only for a second.
Edward raised an eyebrow, amused by the gesture. "What are you doing?" he asked softly, though he secretly hoped she wouldn't stop.
Bella smirked up at him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Nothing," the playful tone in her voice clear. "Just enjoying myself…"
She glanced toward the bustling airport entrance, her mood shifting as she sighed. "But I guess we do have to go inside," she added, her tone more resigned. "Are you ready to experience the joys of air travel? And let's not forget about airport security—it's truly your lucky day."
Edward couldn't help but stare in awe as they stepped inside the airport. The sheer size, the flow of people moving in every direction, and the mechanical hum of modern travel surrounded him. He had never flown before, and everything was utterly foreign to him. His gaze darted from one thing to another; there seemed to be endless lines of people everywhere, all heading toward unknown destinations. It was overwhelming.
They had already waited in line for what felt like ages to get their tickets, but now Edward found himself confused once again as he observed the people in front of them approaching what appeared to be some sort of doorway. Each person stepped through the frame, and just like that, they continued on their way, free to go. He couldn't fathom why any of this was happening. What was the purpose of this doorway?
Edward glanced at Bella, his confusion evident, but she simply smiled at him, amusement twinkling in her eyes. He could tell she was enjoying his bewilderment.
As they neared the checkpoint, Edward's confusion only grew. People ahead of them were beginning to undress. He blinked in disbelief, casting an uncertain look at Bella. Before he could ask, she leaned in, her voice barely a whisper that only he could hear.
"Just take off your shoes and belt and put them in the bucket. Then place your backpack on the conveyor belt. They're scanning for bombs or anything dangerous. I'll explain it all later."
Edward frowned. Bombs? The very idea seemed absurd, but he followed Bella's lead, mimicking what the others were doing. He slipped off his shoes and belt, placing them in the plastic tray before setting his backpack on the conveyor. He stepped toward the doorway, which still didn't make much sense to him.
As he passed through, nothing happened. There was no sensation, and he didn't feel any different. He was about to collect his things when a short woman in a uniform stepped up to him, her expression neutral but firm.
"Random check, sir," she announced, holding up a small handheld device. "Would you please step over here?"
Edward's instincts flared—had he done something wrong? He glanced at Bella, feeling out of place and unsure, but she gave him the faintest nod of reassurance as she passed through the doorway without issue.
The woman gestured for Edward to step aside, and he complied. "Please hold out your arms and spread your legs," she instructed, her tone professional but direct.
He followed her instructions, holding his arms out wide and spreading his legs. To his surprise, the woman began patting him down, her hands pressing against his chest, sides, and back. Edward stiffened, unaccustomed to being touched like this by a stranger, and his confusion deepened when she crouched down to pat his legs. But it wasn't until she quickly squeezed his backside that he jumped, startled by the unexpected action. He could hear Bella's soft giggles from across the way.
The woman, seemingly unfazed by his reaction, gave a small smile and nodded. "Thank you, sir. You can collect your belongings." Edward noticed her heartbeat had quickened, and she seemed somewhat flustered as she had thanked him.
Edward wasted no time heading back to the tray, quickly pulling on his shoes and fastening his belt. He felt slightly rattled by the whole experience, but Bella was already waiting for him, her grin wide as she watched him recover from the ordeal.
"Welcome to the joys of modern air travel," Bella's eyes gleamed with amusement as she spoke.
"What were they looking for?" Edward asked, glancing back toward the woman. He couldn't help but notice that no one else seemed to be getting the same treatment he had just experienced.
Bella smirked, leaning in closer with a playful glint in her eye. "Well, they call it a 'random' search, but I have a feeling that woman just wanted an excuse to feel you up," her voice dropped to a low, teasing tone. "And honestly… who could blame her?"
Edward chuckled softly, enjoying the mischievous look she was giving him, but her expression shifted slightly as she continued.
"I once got one of those 'special' random searches," her tone grew more serious, the lightness in her voice fading. "From a really creepy guy who definitely copped a feel."
Edward's smile faded as he caught the change in her demeanor. There was no humor in her voice now, only the sharp edge of a memory that clearly still bothered her.
She glanced at him, her eyes darkening for just a moment. "Let's just say… he was lucky I wasn't hungry that day."
But just as quickly, Bella's mood shifted again. A playful smile reappeared on her lips as she nodded toward the bustling terminal ahead. "Come on, our gate's this way. The hard part's over," she said, brushing the moment away as if it had never happened.
Eventually, they found their gate and settled into the seats, the bustling noise of the terminal providing a low hum around them. The large windows nearby gave them a clear view of the planes lining the runway, each one seemingly waiting for its turn to take off into the clear sky. Bella shifted slightly in her seat, glancing at Edward with a curious smile.
"I know you've never flown before, but I'm not exactly sure when air travel really became a thing. Did they even have passenger planes like this back in 1929?" she asked, her eyes flicking toward the planes outside. She guessed it hadn't been too common until later, maybe a decade or two after that, but she wasn't sure.
Edward thought for a moment, his gaze drifting out toward the runway as memories stirred. "Well, planes existed back then, of course, but it was still the early days of air travel. It wasn't really a common thing for people to fly like this. I had only just started hearing about regular folks taking planes for travel maybe a year or so before the Volturi came for me," he answered, his voice reflective, a shadow of those distant memories creeping into his tone.
He paused for a second, his expression shifting slightly, as if reflecting on just how much had changed. His life had been different back then—simpler, more naive in a way. Now, with the weight of what had happened behind him, he had a sharper understanding of how precious life and freedom really were. He had no plans to waste another moment.
Bella noticed the subtle change in his demeanor and hesitated for a second, unsure if she was treading too close to a painful memory. "If you don't feel like talking about it, let me know and I'll drop it," she offered gently, but her curiosity lingered. "But how did the Volturi even take you to Volterra? I mean, when they took me, they had this ridiculously luxurious private jet. Now that I think about it… I wonder what's going to happen to it. I guess the new leaders will inherit the jet along with the castle."
A faint smile tugged at Edward's lips, and he reached over, brushing his fingers softly across Bella's hand. The simple act seemed to center him, the tension easing from his frame. "No, I don't mind talking about it," he reassured her, his voice quiet but steady. "For me, it was different—they took a boat... a very slow boat."
He let out a small breath, the memory flickering behind his eyes. "I still had my power back then, so even though Alec used his gift to completely rob me of my senses, I could still hear the thoughts of everyone around me. I knew what was happening. They stuffed me in a steamer trunk, and I spent about three weeks locked inside while Alec stayed nearby to keep me sedated."
Bella's eyes widened slightly at the thought, her fingers instinctively tightening around his in a comforting grip. The idea of Edward trapped like that for so long made her stomach twist.
"At least they didn't dismember me," Edward added with a bitter chuckle. "I'm sure that was only because Aro was hoping to recruit me. I was furious back then—enraged after what they did to Mindy. If I hadn't been sedated, I know I would've tried to fight them to the death."
There was a brief silence, heavy with the weight of the past. Bella could feel the intensity behind Edward's words, the anger that had once consumed him now tempered but still simmering beneath the surface. She tightened her grip on his hand, her touch both grounding and comforting. "I hear you," her voice steady and sure. "There's nothing I can say to undo what they did to you, but I can promise you this—they got exactly what they deserved. They're gone now, and they can't hurt anyone else."
Edward's eyes darkened at her words, a mix of curiosity and unease settling over him. Bella had never fully explained what happened to his abductors. His voice dropped as he asked, "What happened to Alec, Felix, and Demetri?" He practically spat Demetri's name, as if it left a bitter taste on his tongue.
A smile tugged at the corners of Bella's mouth—more of a smirk than anything. "Alec went first," she answered matter-of-factly. "I immolated him almost immediately, along with his sister. That started the chaos. The throne room just… erupted. Most of the guards didn't know what to do, but Felix—he charged at me."
She paused, her eyes narrowing as she recalled the moment. "I charged to meet him, and as I moved, I sliced off his arms and legs while he was coming at me. By the time I reached him, it was just a matter of tearing off his giant head." The words fell from her lips so calmly, so decisively, as if she were recounting the weather. But beneath the surface, there was a fierceness—a burning sense of justice.
Edward's mind struggled to reconcile the Bella he knew with the image of her in battle, dismantling those who had terrorized him. But as she continued, he felt a quiet, growing respect for what she'd done—for accomplishing what others never could. When she reached Demetri, though, he couldn't suppress the flicker of anticipation. Out of all of them, Demetri had left the deepest scar.
Bella's smirk widened as she began, her voice taking on a dark edge. "As for Demetri… well, he was smarter than Felix, I'll give him that. He must've figured out pretty quickly that he didn't stand a chance against me, at least not power-wise. So, he tried a different approach—goading me, trying to rile me up, hoping I'd get careless and drop my guard. He actually challenged me to a fight."
Her eyes gleamed with a mixture of amusement and cold satisfaction as she continued. "He'd already pissed me off during the flight to Italy, so I was more than happy to take the opportunity to put him in his place. But don't get me wrong—he didn't get to me. I wasn't about to give him a fair fight. I'm not an idiot." She leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper, as if sharing a secret. "I kept my shield up the entire time, so even if he did manage to land a hit, it wouldn't have fazed me."
Bella paused, her smile widening as the memory played out in her mind. "But it never even got that far. The truth is, it wasn't a contest. I destroyed him—utterly. And judging by the smile on your face, I think you'll be glad to know I made sure to taunt him back while I gave him the beatdown of his life."
Her eyes locked with Edward's, the dark amusement in her voice fading into something more resolute. "And in the end," she finished, her tone firm, "I tore his head off."
She paused, as if letting the weight of her words settle. It had all happened so fast, just a few minutes of pure chaos, but those minutes had changed the world of vampires forever.
Edward absorbed her words, processing the brutal finality of it all. The images of his tormentors falling by Bella's hand played out in his mind, and for the first time, he felt a sense of closure he hadn't known he needed. He looked down at their joined hands and gave hers a firm, appreciative squeeze. "Thank you, Bella," his voice thick with emotion. "Hearing what happened… it makes it feel real. Final."
Their eyes met, and in that shared moment of understanding, Edward knew one thing for certain: Bella hadn't just fought for her freedom—she had fought for his too.
As they sat quietly, lost in thought about the horrors the Volturi were responsible for, the voice of the flight attendant over the loudspeaker interrupted their reverie, announcing the boarding of first-class passengers. Bella stood, pulling out their tickets with a small smile. "My mom convinced me to get us first-class seats," she explained, glancing at Edward. "She said since it's your first flight, I should make it special for you. Honestly, I usually fly coach, so this will be a treat for me too. Come on, I think you'll enjoy this."
Edward followed her as they made their way to the door leading to the plane. The long, sloping walkway ahead seemed to stretch forever, heightening his anticipation of what was to come. He couldn't help but wonder what the experience of flying would actually be like. His sharp senses were already picking up unfamiliar sounds—distant mechanical noises and the low hum of engines—and there was a strange scent in the air that he couldn't quite place.
As they neared the entrance to the plane, the towering metal door loomed ahead. A woman, polished and professional, greeted them with a warm smile as they stepped inside. Edward offered a polite nod, but his attention was quickly drawn toward the cockpit, where the door had been left ajar. His eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of the control panels—thousands of buttons, switches, blinking lights, and levers. He marveled at the thought of anyone being able to control something this enormous, let alone fly it across the Atlantic.
His nerves began to hum with a subtle tension, though he kept it hidden well. Even knowing he was practically indestructible, there was something unnerving about being confined to a metal tube hurtling through the sky. Still, he trusted Bella, who had assured him that air travel was safe.
Their seats turned out to be right at the front, labeled 3B and 3C. Bella had explained this was the first-class section, and it was far better than the seats behind the curtain that blocked their view of the rest of the plane. The seats themselves looked plush and inviting, with a luxurious softness that promised comfort for the long flight ahead.
Bella glanced at him with a curious smile. "We've got the middle and window seats. Would you like the window? You'll have a great view as we take off—it's incredible watching everything shrink below as we soar into the clouds."
Edward returned her smile, grateful for the offer. "Thanks. That does sound interesting." He slipped into the window seat, settling in as he took in his surroundings.
The space felt surprisingly intimate despite the size of the plane. A small television screen was embedded in the seatback in front of him, flashing a welcome message. His gaze shifted toward the window, and looking back, he could see the massive wing stretching out, dominating the view. He marveled at the sheer scale of the aircraft—it was far larger than anything he had ever imagined during his time in captivity. Those fleeting fantasies hadn't come close to capturing the reality of this immense machine that would soon lift them into the skies.
As he leaned back, still absorbing the unfamiliar atmosphere, a soft hum of anticipation settled over him. This was it—his first flight, his first real taste of modern travel. He glanced over at Bella, who was watching him with a mix of amusement and warmth, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
Edward was just about to ask Bella a few questions when a figure flopped down heavily into the seat on the other side of her.
"Well, hello there, beautiful…" the man drawled, his voice thick with unwelcome familiarity.
Bella, ever polite, offered a small, tight smile. "Hello." Her tone was civil, though her eyes immediately flickered back to Edward, hoping to redirect the conversation. But the stranger wasn't done.
"Are you a model or something?" the man continued, his gaze drifting blatantly toward Bella's chest. "I swear I've seen you before. Do you do commercials? Something on TV, maybe?"
Edward's attention snapped to the man. Leaning forward slightly, he took in the sight of the stranger. The man looked entirely out of place. His jeans were tattered and worn, frayed around the knees and shredded along the thighs—why he hadn't bought a new pair was beyond him. He wore a black t-shirt emblazoned with a faded, cracked logo that read NC-17, a phrase that meant nothing to him.
The man's hair hung in messy, unkempt waves, a muddled blend of blonde and brown. His scruffy stubble suggested he had skipped a shave—or three. A heavy cloud of musky cologne hung around him, doing little to mask the smell of sweat. Edward's eyes narrowed in quiet disapproval at the way the man leered at Bella.
Is this how many Americans dressed? Edward wondered. The man's accent was unmistakably American, but it was his casual arrogance that grated on him. The way he slouched, sprawling out in the seat with his foot propped up against the seat in front of him, made it clear he didn't care about those around him. He exuded a careless, almost entitled demeanor that rankled Edward deeply.
Bella heaved a quiet sigh, her patience already wearing thin. Just my luck, stuck next to a jerk. The man beside her was exactly the type she didn't want to deal with—leering, overly familiar, and worst of all, he seemed like a talker. All she wanted was to enjoy the flight and talk to Edward in peace.
"No, I'm not a model," Bella replied, her tone polite but firm, making it clear she wasn't interested in continuing the conversation. "If you'll excuse me, my boyfriend and I were talking." She hoped the words would be enough to shut him down.
Edward watched as the man's eyes momentarily lifted from Bella, locking onto his. "I hear you, babe," the man said, offering a sleazy grin before finally pulling a small white object from his pocket and sticking it into his ear.
Edward's attention shifted to Bella as her words sank in. Boyfriend? When did that happen? He couldn't stop the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Bella leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Sorry, it's just easier to deal with guys like this if they think I'm taken. And we're on a plane, so I can't exactly get up and leave."
Edward nodded, understanding now. She was just trying to dissuade the man from any further conversation. They both shifted in their seats, leaning toward each other, their voices hushed as they resumed their quiet conversation. They spoke about the flight, their upcoming trip to Alaska, and anything else that came to mind, the gentle hum of the airplane engines providing a steady backdrop. The space between them felt intimate, as if they were in a small bubble of privacy amidst the crowded plane, with more and more passengers filing in to fill the seats behind them.
After a while, Edward's attention was drawn to the front of the cabin as the woman who had greeted them earlier began speaking over a microphone, demonstrating emergency procedures. He watched with mild curiosity as she went through the motions—explaining about things called oxygen masks, life vests, and pointing out the emergency exits scattered throughout the plane. The thought of the plane going down was unnerving, and he couldn't help wondering how often such emergencies occurred.
Once the demonstration was over, he leaned back toward Bella, his voice low. "So, hypothetically, if the plane was going down… could you use your shield to support it and get us safely to the ground?"
Bella tilted her head, considering the question. "Probably," she said thoughtfully. "Weight doesn't seem to affect my shield, but size can be a factor. When I first discovered my ability, I struggled to even lift a small rock with it. It took years of practice to get it to the level it's at now. I don't even want to think about how much that building weighed when I held it up."
Her gaze drifted around the cabin as she gauged the size of the plane. "But yeah, I'm sure I could handle supporting the plane. That being said, you don't have to worry. The plane's going to be fine. The crew is required to go through all those procedures—it's standard. No one really listens anymore."
Edward gave her a reassuring nod, though he still found the concept intriguing. It was one thing to know Bella's power was remarkable, but the idea of her using it to catch a plummeting airplane mid-flight was almost mind-boggling. Her confidence, however, helped ease any lingering doubts, and he settled back into his seat, content to enjoy the rest of their journey.
Hours into their flight, they were soaring high above the Atlantic. Bella had been right—Edward had been captivated by the takeoff. Watching from his window as the plane accelerated down the runway, the ground beneath them slowly pulled away. He marveled as everything below became smaller and smaller until even entire neighborhoods were reduced to the size of ants.
Now, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting the cabin in a soft, dim glow as the overhead lights adjusted for the evening. Edward was engrossed in the laptop Renée had given them, researching various topics and marveling at the endless reservoir of information the internet offered. The sheer scope of it—all the world's knowledge available at the touch of a button—was astonishing. He never would have imagined such a thing possible.
But then, his heightened senses picked up the low murmur of the man's voice sitting next to Bella. Something about the tone immediately set Edward on edge. His hands stilled over the keyboard, his attention fully locked on the conversation beside him.
"Hey, babe," the man whispered, leaning in far too close to Bella, his breath reeking of alcohol as his voice dripped with unwarranted confidence. A wave of disgust rolled through Edward as he listened. "You look like the kind of girl who likes to party. I'm headed to the bathroom—got some blow on me. We could do a few lines, then maybe you could blow something else, huh? Trust me, sweetheart, I'll make it worth your while. We could have ourselves a real good time. What do you say?"
Edward's anger ignited like wildfire. His jaw clenched as he fought to control the simmering rage rising inside him. The man's brazen proposition set his instincts ablaze, honing in on the threat like a predator ready to strike—how dare he speak to Bella like that? The stranger spoke as if such a lurid invitation to a woman he didn't even know might actually succeed. His eyes flicked to Bella, already preparing to intervene.
But before he could act, Bella turned toward the man, her expression icy. Her voice, sharp and clear, cut through the surrounding cabin noise like a blade. "Fuck off," she said, loud enough to draw a few curious glances from nearby passengers. "Don't talk to me again."
The man blinked, clearly taken aback by the sharpness of Bella's response. His once-confident smirk faltered, and for a brief moment, uncertainty flickered in his eyes. He hesitated, the arrogance draining from his face before he abruptly stood and quickly left his seat.
Edward, still burning with anger, tracked the man's retreating form, his muscles tense with the urge to act. But before he could rise, Bella's hand gently pressed against his leg, her fingers moving in soft, calming circles. The soothing gesture pulled his focus back to her, the tension slowly melting under her touch.
"Don't let assholes like him rile you up," Bella's voice was low but steady, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. "He should just be thankful we focus on criminals—though he was really pushing it."
She gave a small, wry smile, her eyes glinting mischievously. "Honestly, he's lucky we're on a plane. I might've made an exception for him." Her voice dropped slightly, playful but with an edge of something darker beneath the surface. "Ah, do you mind if we switch seats? I think that'll make it loud and clear that I'm not interested."
"Of course, Bella," Edward responded, his voice low and warm. They both stood, shifting positions in the narrow aisle. As Bella moved past him, Edward couldn't help but notice how close she brushed against him, her body lightly grazing his in a way that sent a flicker of heat through him. There was more than enough space for her to move freely, but the subtle closeness didn't go unnoticed. He flashed a knowing grin her way, which she met with a playful smile as they settled into their new seats.
A few minutes later, the man returned. He paused, visibly startled to find Edward in Bella's seat. His eyes widened for a second, clearly not expecting the switch. Edward, now seated beside him, didn't say a word—he didn't have to. His death glare was enough to convey his message. The man quickly averted his gaze, sitting down with a sudden stiffness, avoiding any further eye contact as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat.
Hours passed, and the once bustling cabin had quieted significantly. Midnight had come and gone, and the gentle hum of the engines filled the air as the passengers settled in for the night. The overhead lights were dimmed to a faint glow, barely illuminating the rows of seats, encouraging everyone to sleep.
Bella leaned in closer to Edward, her voice a soft whisper barely audible over the sound of the engines. "It's always best if we play along," she murmured, her breath brushing against his ear. "Just keep your eyes closed. Pretend to sleep until morning."
Edward nodded slightly and leaned back into his seat. The cool leather pressed against him as he closed his eyes, trying to relax. Though he grew more comfortable, his senses remained alert, attuned to every sound—the rustling of blankets, the shifting of bodies in their seats, the occasional whisper from a passenger, and the steady, rhythmic pulse of the aircraft's engines.
Beside him, he could feel Bella's presence, warm and steady. Though her eyes were closed like his, he could sense her clearly, the subtle rise and fall of her chest as she mimicked sleep. The cabin around them was peaceful, and Edward's mind began to wander…
Edward's eyes were closed, his mind drifting, when Bella's voice broke through his thoughts, instantly pulling his attention back to her. Her whisper was soft, yet thick with need. "I need you, Edward," she murmured, her voice heavy with desire. The words sent a jolt through him, causing his eyes to snap open.
His gaze darted around, scanning the dimly lit cabin. Everyone appeared to be asleep, undisturbed in the stillness of the night. The soft hum of the engines was the only sound filling the air. His attention quickly returned to Bella, who was watching him with an unmistakable intensity.
"Are you sure, Bella?" Edward whispered, his voice low, almost hesitant. "Right out in the open like this? What if someone sees us?"
Bella's lips curled into a sultry smile, her eyes dark with longing. "I can't wait any longer, Edward. We've already waited too long. Don't you want me? Don't you want to see more of me?"
The raw honesty in her voice made Edward's breath catch. "More than anything." He had never spoken truer words.
"Then take me," Bella purred, her voice a seductive whisper that sent a thrill coursing through him. With that, she stood up, moving gracefully in the dim light, her movements deliberate and sensual. She turned and straddled him in his seat, her knees on either side of him, resting her weight on his lap.
Edward could only watch as Bella leaned in closer, her breath warm against his skin, sending shivers down his spine. She pressed her lips to his neck, licking and gently sucking at his skin, each touch igniting the fire already smoldering within him. Her devilish smile returned as she pulled back slightly, her gaze locking onto his with a longing that made his self-control falter. The intensity of the moment was palpable, their connection electric, leaving Edward utterly captivated by the woman before him.
"Rip off my clothes, Edward. I want you to see me," Bella whispered, her voice thick with desire, and the look in her eyes left no room for doubt. She meant every word.
Edward hesitated for only a split second before his hands gripped the fabric of her shirt. With one swift motion, he ripped it off, the sound of tearing fabric echoing through the dimly lit cabin. His breath caught in his throat as the sight before him came into full view—Bella was wearing one of the lacy, see-through undergarments they had seen in the clothing store. The delicate fabric clung to her curves, her pink nipples teasingly visible beneath the sheer material. The sight alone sent a surge of heat through Edward, his arousal growing almost painfully as Bella rocked her hips against him, her center pressing down on his hardness.
"You're not done yet, Edward," Bella purred, her voice low and seductive, her eyes smoldering with desire. "Let them out and suck to your heart's content. I know you want to." Her chest rose and fell heavily, the lace of her bra straining to contain her generous curves. Edward knew that with just a flick of his fingers, he could release them, and they would spill out into his eager gaze.
Without hesitation, he did exactly as she asked. His fingers moved deftly, freeing her breasts from the flimsy barrier, and they tumbled into view—so full, so soft, so perfectly inviting. Just as he leaned forward, his mouth inches from her nipples, ready to taste her, a soft moan broke through the heated moment. Edward froze, his body tensing.
He turned his head slowly and saw the man from earlier, the one who had propositioned Bella, now wide awake and staring at her with a hungry look in his eyes. The man's gaze was locked on Bella's exposed chest, his lecherous smirk returning.
"Come over here, honey," the man slurred, his tone thick with crude desire. "I'll show you what a real man can do."
That was too much for Edward to handle. In a flash of fury, his hand shot out, grabbing the man by the shirt and yanking him closer. His lips curled back, exposing sharp teeth as he sank them deep into the man's neck, tearing into the flesh with savage force. The sound of ripping skin was drowned out by the wet gush of blood as Edward tore out a large chunk of his throat, severing the carotid artery with brutal precision. The euphoric taste filled his mouth before he spat out the bloodied flesh.
Blood sprayed from the man's gaping wound, the crimson stream spurting violently as his heart fought its final beats. Quickly, Edward angled the man's dying body, letting the hot blood arc through the air and rain down over Bella.
Bella looked nothing short of mesmerizing. The rich, red liquid splattered across her chest, soaking into her skin. Her arms lifted gracefully, stretching wide as she embraced the sensation of the warm blood drenching her completely. She arched her back, her chest thrust forward, as the stream bathed her fully, droplets running down her curves in thin, winding rivers.
Edward hummed with deep satisfaction, his eyes locked onto her, enraptured by the sight of Bella basking in all her glory. The dying man's heart gave one last futile pulse before going still, the blood spray tapering off, leaving Bella covered in a thick, dark sheen.
His gaze was transfixed on Bella's chest, now slick with blood, heaving with each breath. With a dismissive flick, Edward tossed the lifeless man back into his seat, the body slumping awkwardly, forgotten like the trash he was. Edward's full attention returned to Bella as she slowly raised her hand, her fingers gliding sensually through the blood pooled between her breasts. She traced a single line along the curve of her chest, her movements slow and deliberate, her eyes never leaving his.
With deliberate, tantalizing slowness, Bella lifted her blood-coated finger to her lips. Her movements were measured, each second dripping with seduction. She slipped the finger between her parted lips, her tongue swirling around it as she sucked with a raw, shameless hunger. Her eyes never left Edward's, dark with desire, the gleam in them unmistakable as she indulged in the taste of the blood that covered her.
The low hum of the airplane engines faded into the background, leaving only the charged silence between them. Bella's whisper, though soft, cut through the stillness like a blade, her sultry command laced with unspoken hunger.
"Feast, Edward," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the rhythmic breathing of the sleeping passengers around them. Her eyes gleamed with a burning desire, daring him to surrender to the need that simmered between them.
That was all Edward needed to hear. With an urgency that matched the heat between them, he pulled Bella close, pressing his face between her blood-soaked breasts. Her skin was slick and warm beneath his lips, her chest rising and falling with each breath. He felt the softness of her curves against him, the weight of her breasts intoxicating as he licked at the blood coating her flesh.
The rich, warm taste on his tongue sent a surge of pleasure through him, but it paled in comparison to the raw need coursing through him for Bella. She was all he wanted. His mouth latched onto her left nipple, sucking hungrily. Bella's moans filled the air, soft and breathless, as he moved to her right nipple, licking and sucking in a rhythm that pushed them both dangerously close to the edge.
The sound of her pleasure only heightened his own, his body thrumming with desire as she ground her hips against him, the heat of her center pressing firmly into his lap. Her movements were desperate, needy, and Edward's control was unraveling quickly.
"Yes… more," Bella breathed, her voice a heady mix of need and command. "I need you in me, now, Edward."
Her words were like a match striking tinder, igniting something primal deep within him. Edward glanced down, and without hesitation, his hands found her belt, fingers moving swiftly to unbuckle it. Her body writhed against his, the urgency between them electric. He knew the rest of her clothes needed to come off—immediately.
But just as he began tugging at her waistband, an unexpected sound reached his ears...
"Edward…"
Bella's voice pierced through the haze of his thoughts. "Edward…" she called again, a soft, insistent whisper. He blinked, his eyes snapping open as reality quickly crashed around him. He was startled to see Bella sitting beside him, her expression gentle but with a hint of amusement.
For a moment, he felt disoriented. His gaze flicked to his right, and there was the rude man from earlier, still snoring quietly, his head slumped back against the seat. The contrast between the vivid intensity of his fantasy and the quiet reality of the cabin struck him hard.
"What...?" Edward rasped, his voice hoarse as he cleared his throat, still shaken by the lingering effects of the vision that had consumed him. Running a hand through his hair, he added, "What is it, Bella?"
Bella's smile widened as she leaned in closer. "I just wanted to let you know the sunrise is coming in about five minutes," she whispered, her voice soft and sweet. "I thought you might want to retake the window seat... so you could see it for yourself."
Edward glanced down, relieved to see the laptop still resting on his lap, hopefully concealing the rather painful erection that had swelled beneath it. Oh, how he wished that fantasy had been real. He couldn't deny it—Bella was everything his heart and body desired, more than anything else in the world.
"That's okay, Bella," he replied, forcing a calm smile. "I'm fine right here. It's... very relaxing just sitting next to you." His voice softened as he looked into her eyes, the weight of his feelings for her palpable.
Bella's lips curved into a sly smile as she leaned in closer, her warm breath grazing his ear. "I'm glad you're so relaxed," she whispered, her tone laced with playful intent. "Because you were looking rather hard... and stiff..." Her words were like a spark, and the heat of her breath sent a jolt through him, intensifying the pressure between his legs to the point of near agony. "Not that I'm complaining," she added with a teasing wink, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm enjoying sitting next to you too."
Edward closed his eyes, struggling to control the rising heat surging through him. Bella's teasing words, the closeness of her body, the warmth of her breath—all of it was pushing him dangerously close to the edge. No matter how hard he tried to stay composed, he knew that something between them would have to come to a head, and soon—before he burst.
I hope you've enjoyed Edward's first flight. Bella and Edward's romance is just beginning. In the next chapter, no more daydreams, no more lingering wishes or longing stares—Bella and Edward will finally share that long-awaited first kiss... and maybe even more.
As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Stay tuned—things are about to get spicy.