Chapter 72: Dancing the Night Away

As soon as Bella ended the call, a light, amused laugh escaped her. She looked up at the dark Seattle sky, shaking her head with a mischievous grin. "Oh, how I wish I could be a fly on the wall at that book club right now." She turned to Edward, who stood beside her, his smile catching the glimmer of the streetlights. "Did you hear all that?"

He nodded, his grin widening. "Every word."

She sighed. "I really hope more people don't share… the opinion of whoever that was. I don't mind people wondering where I came from, but thinking I'm from up there…" She lifted a finger, pointing toward the heavens with a wry smile. "That's a bit much."

Edward chuckled, stepping closer, his gaze warm as he looked down at her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her in, their breath mingling in the cool night air. Bella melted against him, resting her head on his shoulder as they swayed slightly.

His voice dropped to a soft whisper. "I don't know," he murmured. "I thought you looked like an angel, too… when you tore that door off my cell and stepped inside."

They continued to sway in a gentle rhythm, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's arms. The world around them faded as Bella looked up, her eyes meeting Edward's with a spark of mischief. "We have the whole night, you know. It's barely an hour to Forks in the morning, so… what would you like to do?"

Edward paused, thoughtful. He could feel the warmth of her body pressed against him, her curves fitting against him as if she were made for him alone. Every inch of her seemed to call to him, and he knew exactly what he wanted. The thoughts swirling through his mind were intoxicating. But knowing they'd be visiting her father tomorrow made him pause. He wanted to do things the right way, to ask for her father's blessing and to make his intentions clear. He wasn't sure if such gestures were still the norm, but he believed some traditions should endure regardless of the decade.

Instead, he answered without words, leaning down and pressing his lips softly to hers, savoring the moment. Her lips were soft and inviting, tasting irresistibly sweet, each brush of their mouths only intensifying the pull between them. Bella wasn't making it easy for him; he felt her body press against his, her gentle movements deliberate, and every touch unraveled a bit of his control. Her fingers tangled in his hair, pulling him closer, and the need to give in surged within him. But he held fast, his resolve just strong enough.

Finally, he pulled back just enough to meet her gaze, his forehead resting lightly against hers, the cool night air wrapping around them. "How about we go dancing?" he murmured, his voice low and inviting. "It's only eight; I'm sure we can find a dance hall open somewhere in the city."

Bella smiled, a glimmer of amusement in her eyes. Edward had adjusted so easily that sometimes she forgot he was still a man out of time. "I hate to break it to you, but dance halls aren't really a thing anymore," she replied, her tone playful. "That ballroom you took me to in Paris was actually something very special and unique. Nowadays, humans our age go to places called clubs." She chuckled, her hand resting against his chest. "I'd love to take you, but I should warn you, you might find it a little jarring."

Intrigued by Bella's words, Edward wondered just what kind of experience modern-day dancing could be. He lifted her hand from his chest, intertwining his fingers with hers, and smiled down at her. "I'd like to try. I want to learn to fit into this world with you, but how unusual could it be? Dancing is dancing, right?"

Bella's eyes sparkled, loving Edward's eagerness to explore the world. She nodded, smiling up at him as she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. "Alright, Mr. Masen, you asked for it," she teased, tapping on her screen. "Ah, we're in luck. There's a club about seven miles from here," she said, her fingers finding the best route. She looked up at him, her eyes bright. "And even better, it's right near the Space Needle. We can do a little sightseeing on the way."

Edward nodded, leaning in close until his mouth was right next to Bella's ear. He whispered, "Lead the way," then gently nipped her earlobe. A soft, involuntary moan escaped her lips, and he pulled back with a wide grin, watching her eyes go momentarily spellbound. She blinked, shaking off the effect as she slipped her hand into his, their fingers intertwining with natural ease. With a subtle nod, she motioned toward their path, and together, hand in hand, they set off into the night.

Edward tilted his head, gazing up at the towering structure before them, his expression a mix of intrigue and mild bafflement. With its thin, spindly body and wide, circular top, it didn't resemble anything he had ever seen. "So… they call it the Space Needle?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone. "It hardly looks like a building at all."

Bella followed his gaze, a smile forming as she took in the iconic structure. "Yeah, that's its name. I think the idea was that the top sort of resembled the saucers humans used to imagine aliens flew in. Flying saucers," she added, nudging him lightly. "You missed quite the space craze in the fifties, I think."

Edward considered her words, taking in the way the lights glowed around the circular top, casting an almost otherworldly glow against the night sky. "I suppose I can picture aliens flying around in something like that," he murmured, nodding thoughtfully. "There's something about it that feels… futuristic, I suppose." His gaze shifted back to her, his eyes intent. "So... many people have been calling Starshield an alien… does that bother you? Or maybe the bigger question is… do you believe in aliens, Bella?"

Bella laughed softly, though his question caught her a bit off guard, and she glanced back at the Space Needle thoughtfully. The lights from the structure cast a faint glow over the misty drizzle hanging in the air, the night sky a hazy backdrop. She took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Personally, I'd rather not have people thinking of me as an alien… although I guess it's probably better than the truth." She shrugged with a smirk, then tilted her head, considering. "I suppose if I could choose, I'd prefer they see me as some kind of human mutant. I mean, that's kind of what we are, in a way," she added, nodding to herself.

Her gaze softened, moving from the structure back to Edward, a spark of wonder in her eyes as she continued. "As for life out there… I do think there's got to be something. The universe is just too massive, too intricate, for us to be the only ones here. When you think about all the galaxies, all the stars… it's hard to believe Earth would be the only place where life happened." She paused, a thoughtful smile crossing her lips. "But as for aliens visiting Earth? I'm not so sure. If they're out there, I think they're probably a lot further away than we can even imagine." She met his gaze, her expression curious. "What about you?"

Edward didn't hesitate. After ninety-plus years of solitude, he'd had ample time to reflect on nearly every subject, forming opinions—rightly or wrongly—on each one. "I do," he replied steadily. "Back in the twenties, we knew so little; I imagined aliens might be somewhere nearby, on Mars or Venus… maybe even Jupiter." His gaze drifted upward, as though he could see beyond the glittering lights of Seattle. "But after catching up on what we know now through the internet, I'd have to agree with you. Aliens are probably out there, but they're likely in a galaxy far, far away."

At his choice of words, Bella let out a soft giggle. She was pretty sure Edward had never even heard of Star Wars. He looked at her, puzzled, and she quickly composed herself, nodding for him to continue.

Edward smiled, curious about what he'd said to amuse her, but he focused back on the Space Needle. The thought of an object like that descending from the sky and touching down beside them stirred his imagination, bringing up memories of his own writing, particularly a novel he'd finished a long time ago, decades before Bella had even been born. "Actually," he added, a touch of excitement flickering in his eyes, "one of the novels I developed is about aliens."

Bella's eyes brightened with intrigue. "Really? You wrote a novel that includes aliens? I didn't realize you were holding out on me," she teased, giving his arm a playful squeeze. "Alright, don't stop there. Give me a little more—just a broad outline, though. No spoilers! I want to be surprised when I get to read the real thing after you publish it someday."

Edward grinned, feeling a thrill at finally sharing one of the stories he was most proud of. "Well, it's called The Violet Skies of Hilldrum. It starts just after the Great War, in a small town in Illinois. A teenager named David stumbles upon a crashed ship on his family's farm and finds a wounded alien named Reziel. Though they can't communicate at first, they quickly become friends. When Reziel learns that his home planet, Hilldrum, is under attack, David insists on joining him, despite the danger. Together, they embark on a mission that takes them across our solar system, visiting many strange and beautiful worlds."

Bella could feel Edward's excitement radiating as he spoke, and it resonated with her; she knew just how special it was to feel that way about something. "That sounds like it'll be an incredible story," she said, her tone warm and sincere. She took a beat, then added playfully, "Well then… are you ready to embark on a mission that'll take us across four whole city blocks, where I guarantee you'll see one of the strangest places you're ever likely to go?"

"Absolutely," Edward replied, his tone brimming with curiosity as he and Bella began their walk to the club. They'd barely crossed the third block when he noticed a strange, pulsing noise growing louder with each step. It wasn't quite like any music he'd ever heard—more a thumping, rhythmic bass that seemed to make the pavement hum. As they rounded the corner, Edward's gaze fell on a long line of people waiting outside a nondescript building, a neon sign glowing brightly above the entrance with the name Lucky Mix.

Bella took in the line stretching down the block, then turned back to Edward, a sly smile curving on her lips. "Alright," she said, her voice low, "I've got a trick I picked up in college back in Vegas. Just trust me, and don't mind what I'm about to do."

Before Edward could ask, Bella closed the space between them, her fingers reaching up to his shirt. Deftly, she undid the top three buttons with practiced ease, pulling the fabric apart to reveal the strong cut of his chest beneath.

Her smile widened as she took in the sight, memories flickering back to the other day in Alaska when she'd seen Edward in all his glory… well, almost all of him. The way his broad chest had heaved, the powerful flex of his biceps, the sheer strength in every inch of his body… he'd looked spectacular just after stepping out of the shower. Conveniently, she erased Tanya completely from the memory, leaving only her and Edward, locked in a heated gaze. Soon, she told herself, feeling a thrill race down her spine.

Edward raised a brow, watching her with a hint of amused curiosity, but her intensity held him in place. For a brief moment, he thought she was about to strip him down completely. And while the idea was tempting, he couldn't ignore the humans scattered around them. But when Bella moved to her own shirt, his thoughts froze. He watched, captivated, as she unbuttoned just enough to reveal the tops of her breasts, pushing them up so they filled the neckline more prominently. He couldn't tear his gaze away, her boldness leaving him spellbound. He was certain he'd never seen a more breathtaking sight.

Bella noticed the effect she was having, catching the way his gaze lingered on her with clear appreciation, and a small, delighted laugh slipped out. "Alright," she said, smirking up at him, "here's the plan: we're heading straight to the front of the line. Don't focus on the doorman—look past him, like you can't be bothered by the whole process. And definitely don't act like you're asking permission. Just move like you belong, like you've done this a thousand times before." She gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's a bit unfair, but looking the way we do sometimes works to our advantage when dealing with humans. Now, just follow my lead."

Edward walked alongside Bella, her hand lightly brushing against his as they moved toward the front of the line. At first, her stride was casual, relaxed, as it always seemed to be. But then, with each step, he noticed a subtle transformation taking place. Her posture straightened, her movements gained a sleek confidence, and there was an undeniable rhythm to the sway of her hips—a deliberate elegance that seemed almost hypnotic. By the time they reached the doorman, Bella exuded an aura that was impossible to ignore.

She stopped just short of the man, her head held high, shoulders back, radiating a quiet, commanding energy. She didn't speak, didn't even acknowledge the long line of people waiting behind them. She simply stood there, her expression cool and expectant, as though their entry was a foregone conclusion.

Edward's gaze flicked to the doorman, whose demeanor shifted almost instantly. His eyes darted down Bella's figure, there was a hunger in his eyes that lingered a little too long for Edward's taste. Finally, the doorman's eyes snapped to him. He tried to follow Bella's instructions, but he might not have done it right as the doorman's heartbeat accelerated uncontrollably, and he quickly looked down. Had he frightened him?

Without a word, the doorman stepped aside and quickly motioned them both in, his voice barely audible and cracking slightly as he muttered, "Go ahead."

Bella's lips curved into a subtle, knowing smile, but she didn't dignify the man with a response. Instead, she turned smoothly, her fingers slipping into Edward's as she led him past the velvet rope and into the dark entrance of the club. Leaning closer, she whispered softly, "Don't worry, we'll work on it."

The noise hit Edward like a freight train as they stepped into a narrow, dimly lit hallway. The muffled thrum of bass rattled through his chest, growing sharper with each step until the hallway opened into a vast, sprawling room. Edward paused just inside the entrance, his gaze sweeping across the chaotic scene before him.

The sheer size of the space was overwhelming, with a ceiling that stretched high above, dotted by colored lights pulsing to the deafening beat. The dance floor dominated the center of the club, a writhing sea of humanity. Hundreds of bodies moved together, yet there was no discernible pattern or rhythm to their movements. It didn't resemble any dancing Edward had ever known. To his eyes, it looked more like a mass of limbs flailing in every direction, with some couples pressed so closely together they seemed engaged in something far more intimate than dancing. His brows furrowed as he tried to process it all.

He glanced toward the stage, searching for the source of the sounds. Where he expected a band, there was instead a solitary man behind a strange array of equipment. The flickering lights of the machine cast eerie patterns across his face as he bobbed his head to the beat. There were no musicians, no singers—just the relentless pounding of bass and a cacophony of noise that Edward supposed passed for music, if one could even call it that.

His gaze shifted to the sides of the room, where a long bar stretched along one wall, teeming with people shouting their orders to harried bartenders. Beyond the bar, clusters of tables were filled with groups laughing and talking loudly—or at least trying to. Against the far wall, Edward noticed a staircase winding up to a second level, where more tables overlooked the dance floor below.

Bella had stopped beside him, her lips curving into a small smile as she watched him absorb the scene. She didn't need to ask what he was thinking—his expression, equal parts confusion and disbelief, spoke volumes. But she wanted to hear what he thought of the place. Nudging his arm gently, she leaned closer to be heard over the racket. "So… what do you think?"

Edward tore his gaze from the dance floor to look at her, his expression half-incredulous. "It's so loud," he said, his voice rising to carry over the noise. "How can humans hear anything, let alone have a conversation?"

Bella laughed softly, enjoying his reaction. "They can't," she replied, leaning closer so her words wouldn't get lost in the noise. "They're not here to talk. Mostly, they come to get wasted…" She saw Edward's brows furrow. "Intoxicated," she amended, "and to hook up… I mean, find a willing dance partner." She could practically see his mind spinning as he took it all in.

Edward's eyes swept back over the writhing crowd, his mind working to piece it all together. He focused in on a few of the dancers, only to discover that a young couple on closer inspection—were actually two women… and they were dancing very provocatively, their movements blurring the lines between dancing and something much more suggestive. To his astonishment, they began kissing. His eyes widened, surprised not just by the intimacy but by the casual way they went about it. Society had certainly changed. The reckless abandon of it all was staggering, as he spotted more couples similarly lost in each other on the dance floor. He glanced at Bella, a sly smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"So," he said, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned in close, "would you like to go to the dance floor… and hook up?"

Bella's laughter was warm and inviting, a sound that cut through the pulsing noise as she took Edward's hand, leading him confidently to the center of the dance floor. The lights cast shifting patterns across their faces, and Edward's gaze remained fixed on her as she turned to face him, her eyes glinting with a challenge that sent his thoughts racing. She pressed her body close, one hand finding his waist as she began to sway her hips, guiding him to match her rhythm. Her movements were fluid, seductive, and Edward found himself surrendering to her lead, relaxing and letting the beat pulse through him as he moved in sync with her.

Bella's hands traveled up his chest, her fingers tracing a path that left his skin tingling beneath the fabric. The music faded into a background thrum as they lost themselves in each other. His hands slid to her hips, feeling the subtle strength beneath her curves, and Bella grinned, clearly pleased with his newfound ease. Her hands roamed freely, her fingertips grazing his arms, shoulders, and back, pulling him closer until their bodies pressed firmly together. They danced this way, touching and exploring, the hours slipping away in a haze of music, movement, and heat.

For Edward, it was intoxicating. The music was foreign to him, and he found the rhythm strange and unnatural, but Bella's presence made everything else irrelevant. Her body was a force he couldn't resist. His hands found her hips again, holding her as she turned and leaned back against him, pressing her backside against his crotch. She moved slowly at first, swaying her hips in a way that sent a shiver down his spine. Then, to his delight, she began to grind against him, her movements purposeful, coaxing him into a rhythm that was both tantalizing and intense.

Edward's eyes widened as Bella's body moved with raw, uninhibited sensuality. Her hips rolled against him, and he felt a surge of arousal he couldn't ignore. His body responded instinctively, pressing against her as he followed her lead, the heat between them growing with each beat of the music. He knew she could feel him, and the knowledge only seemed to embolden her, pushing her movements to a more fervent pace.

Bella felt the unmistakable hardness of Edward's erection pressing against her, a thrilling reminder of the effect she was having on him. She leaned further back, letting him feel the full weight of her body as she continued to grind against him, each movement more deliberate, more heated. The feeling of him so close, and so... hard, only spurred her on. Her breaths came quicker, and she found herself getting lost in the raw, electric energy passing between them. It was heady, powerful, and she struggled to keep her own speed in check, ensuring her movements remained human in pace and control, despite the growing desire building up within her.

It was just past midnight, and Bella was completely lost in the rhythm, moving in perfect harmony with Edward. He had started the night a bit stiff, hesitant with something so foreign to anything he had ever known, but now he moved with ease, leading her confidently. Their bodies found a rhythm that felt both timeless and deeply familiar, as though they had been dancing together forever—two parts of a whole, naturally attuned to each other.

Bella's gaze lifted to meet his, and she found herself drawn into the warmth of his eyes. It was as if she could see into the depths of his soul. In that moment, nothing else existed—the music softened to a murmur, the crowd around them faded away, and all she saw was Edward. His smile was radiant, unguarded, and filled with a joy that mirrored her own.

A feeling stirred within her, deep and undeniable, a warmth that spread from her chest and seeped into every part of her being. She had felt things before—infatuation, curiosity, longing—but this was different. This was everything. It was as if her soul had finally found its other half, and in this moment of stillness, amidst all the noise and lights, she knew without a shadow of a doubt: she loved him. With everything she was, with every fiber of her being, she was in love with Edward. She wanted everything with him—every moment, every day, for as long as they existed.

A smile bloomed across her face, a reflection of the sheer joy and completeness filling her heart. She was elated, reveling in the rush of this profound realization, and the moment felt impossibly perfect. Yet, as magical as the night had been, she wanted to share something even more special with him—something just for them, away from the world.

Leaning in close, she brushed her lips near his ear and murmured, "Hey… want to get out of here? I think I'd like some alone time with you, and I have something special in mind that I think you'll really enjoy."

Edward felt a surge of curiosity at Bella's words, intrigued by what she might have planned. Dancing with her had been exhilarating, and while the music had left much to be desired, her company more than made up for it. But the thought of slipping away into the dead of night together was even more enticing. Just the two of them, without the noise of the crowd or the constant, relentless beat... his mind wandered to all the things they could be doing. He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "I'd like that very much. Yes, let's get out of here."

He took her hand, guiding her through the pulsing crowd and out into the cool night air. The sudden quietness was a relief; the deep thrum from the club still hummed in the background, but it was muted now. He inhaled deeply, the fresh air clearing his senses; the intoxicating aroma of so many humans inside had been enticing, though they clearly weren't on the menu. Combined with his need for Bella, it had left him feeling just a touch thirsty.

Edward looked around, taking in the calm that felt almost surreal after the chaos inside. Glancing to his left, he noticed that the line for the club had only grown longer, which left him surprised—it was past midnight. Didn't these humans need to sleep? It seemed not, as they waited, chatting animatedly, as though the night had only just begun.

As they walked side by side, arms comfortably wrapped around each other's waists, Bella rested her head against his shoulder, and he pulled her a little closer. They strolled in silence for a while, the quiet of the Seattle streets enveloping them. Finally, Bella's voice broke the stillness.

"So… I was thinking," she began, glancing up at him with a sly smile, a hint of mischief in her gaze. "How would you like to go flying with me? I've been working out the details in my head, and I think I've figured out a way to have you flying right beside me." Her eyes sparkled, not just with excitement but with something deeper—a desire to share this part of herself with him. "You won't move quite as smoothly as I do, but it'll definitely give you the same feeling of flight that I experience."

Edward's eyes lit up as he absorbed her words. The thought of flying with Bella, feeling the freedom she'd described, had fascinated him from the moment she first hinted she might take him up one day. He could picture it now: the ground shrinking beneath them as they soared, just the two of them gliding through the quiet expanse of the night sky. "I'd love to," he replied, his voice low, a smile tugging at his lips. "Where should we do this?"

Bella glanced around, scanning the street. Even though it was past midnight, a few humans lingered nearby. "We should get out of the city. The last thing we need is any humans spotting us in flight…" She paused, catching herself, and a wry grin spread across her face. "I guess I kinda already let that one out of the bag... or at least Starshield did. But still, I think Starshield should only make an appearance in an emergency. So let's slip out of the city before we start taking joyrides into the sky."

With a shared, unspoken agreement, they walked side by side through Seattle's streets. Gradually, the hum of the city faded behind them as they moved into quieter areas, their pace quickening. Once they were far from any prying eyes, they exchanged a glance, a subtle nod, and then, together, they truly picked up speed—leaving the city lights behind as they vanished into the boundless night.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter. As always, I appreciate your comments.

Recent events this past week—ones you can probably guess—got me feeling pretty down, but thankfully, after a few days, I found my writing groove again. I'm well into editing the next chapter and should have it ready soon.